Estafania Martinez: Huntsville High Senior, Homecoming Queen...Star of Documentary Movie?

By now, you have probably already seen the two great stories KBTX ran about Estafania Martinez's crowning at this year's Homecoming back in September. (If not, click Huntsville Students Shake Up Homecoming Traditions &  Inspirational Homecoming Queen Crowned in Huntsville.)

Through the viewfinder- Estafania joined by friends moments after being crowned. 

What you may not know is that Huntsville High Senior and 2013 Homecoming Queen Estafania Martinez is the subject of a documentary written, directed and edited by a group of her classmates here at Huntsville High.

The crew forms a game plan before the ceremony- from left to right- Vic DeMatos (in hat) , Jomar Pueyo and Keona Wynne (both obscured by tripods), Teacher Andrew Stewart and Antoniette Williams (in blue).

As the story captured the attention and hearts at KBTX, so too did it our students, and they believe it is a story worth sharing.

Estafania is looking forward to seeing the finished product in March.

Cameraperson Keona Wynne is covering the action.

Members of Mandy Stewart's Broadcast Journalism class and The HIVE announcement team, Andrew Stewart's Advanced Audio Visual Production class, along with volunteers are helping with the production.  Daniel Arroyo and Huntsville High School Spanish teacher Mrs. Ruiz worked on the translation.

In addition to having Estafania sit for an interview, the crew taped interviews with her family, friends and teachers.

They have recorded interviews, taped the Homecoming crowning and are beginning the editing process. Their goal is to submit the finished film to the University Interscholastic League competition later this school year. We'll keep you posted!

Producer Sandra Rodriguez and Cameraperson & Editor Jomar Pueyo are both seniors in Andrew Stewart's Advanced Audio Video Production class, and are the leads on the project.

Matthew Lahey  Huntsville ISD Huntsville Independent School District

We Need You- Our 2014 Bond Proposal and an Invitation to Tour and Participate in Bond Proposal Process

Our district is inviting you!

Come tour our campuses, and come to our Proposed Bond Committee meetings.  We want and need your input!

On the tour, you can leave the driving to us and hop on the bus.

This past week we began Saturday tours of our campuses so our community members can see our facilities.  As the District considers a bond proposal to address facility needs, we want you to come and take a look for yourself.  

Tours begin at the Hawkins Administration Building at 9 a.m. located at 441 FM 2821 Road East, Huntsville, Texas, 77320. The tour is scheduled to last between 2-2.5 hours, and you can leave the driving to us and hop on the bus, or caravan in your own vehicle.  Tours scheduled for the following Saturdays:  January 18, January 25 and February 1. 

Brandon K. Scott of The Huntsville Item (in the Mance Park Middle School locker room) was on the tour, and we thank The Item for covering this critically important issue.

The tours include stops at those campuses with the most identified needs- Huntsville High School, Mance Park Middle School, Scott Johnson Elementary School and Gibbs Pre-K Center.  

Dr. Steve Johnson answers questions at the Gibbs Pre K Center.

If you can make it, please come on out.  You can see the facilities, and have the chance to speak with Superintendent Steve Johnson or Deputy Superintendent Sonny Cruse with any questions you may have.

School Board member Sam Moak (second from right) was among those on the tour.

And please keep in mind our upcoming meetings- we want you to come and join us.  

As School Board Vice President Rissie Owens put it at last Monday's community meeting, the community is the committee, which is to say that committee participation is open to all.  

The board reviewed the report, and opened up the floor for comments.

Check out our district's page devoted to the potential 2014 Bond here.

Community member Craig Bleekman shares his perspective during the last meeting.

All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.

On Thursday, January 30, we will meet at the Huntsville High School Auditorium located at 515 FM 2821 Road East, Huntsville, Texas 77320.

On Monday, February 3, we will meet at the cafeteria at Gibbs Pre K located at 1800 19th Street, Huntsville, Texas 77340.

On Monday, February 10, we will meet at the cafeteria at Huntsville Intermediate School located at  431 U.S 190, Huntsville, Texas 77340.

Matthew Lahey  Huntsville ISD Huntsville Independent School District

Western Art Show Stampedes Mance Park Middle School

If you are looking to check out some fantastic artwork, come by Mance Park Middle School between now and Thursday,  January 23rd.  The Commons has been transformed into an art gallery, where student contestants of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo sponsored Western Art Show have hung their work for all to see.

Caution- Fine Art Ahead!

Visitors can stop by anytime during school hours, with the exhibit culminating in an Artists' Reception from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m the night of Thursday, January 23rd.

Mance Park Students Anju Ali (pointing) and Allison Burtt discuss their classmates' winning artwork.

The judges visited Huntsville last week, and the Best in Show and Blue Ribbon winners work will hang in the prestigious Hayloft gallery during the Rodeo.  The organization reports that over 300,000 Texas students participate in this program that showcases the culture, history and heritage of the West.

Check Out the Mance Park Art Gallery!  (Kind of looks like the Commons :-) )

Our winners' work will not only represent Huntsville at the Rodeo's prestigious Hayloft Gallery, the student artists will attend a by-invitation-only reception and awards ceremony, receive free Carnival Packs and may have the opportunity to attend (depending on age group) an art camp at the Museum of Fine Arts Glassell Junior Art School or the Western Art Academy @ Schreiner University in Kerrville.

Mance Park Middle School Student Amanda McMillan

We caught up with a couple of Mance Park student winners yesterday, Amanda McMillan and Chloe Abbott.  They are excited about winning and looking forward the reception at the end of the month AND heading to Houston in March.

Mance Park Middle School Student Chloe Abbott

Art, Art and More Art!

Rodeo Clowns and Horses, Abstract and Realistic

Cowgirls and Teepees

Emily Gutierrez, Best in Show, Scott Johnson Elementary School

Colleen Payne, Gold Medal, Huntsville Elementary School

Amanda McMillan, Best of Show, Mance Park Middle School

Chloe Abbott, Gold Medal, Mance Park Middle School

Cristian Dominguez, Best of Show, Huntsville High School

Nate Archuleta, Gold Medal, Huntsville High School

Matthew Lahey  Huntsville ISD Huntsville Independent School District

Bullying- Not in Our House!

At Huntsville Elementary School in Huntsville, Texas, fourth graders Austin, Jacob, Justin and Robert made a video about the issue of bullying. Under the guidance of school counselor Stephanie Sanders and the help of much of the staff and faculty, they created the video below addressing what "Caring" means (the school's character word for December).

Meet the Filmmakers!

They interviewed classmates and teachers asking the following questions:

-What is bullying?

-How does it feel to be bullied?

-What does it mean to be a good friend?

-What should you do if you are bullied or if you see someone being bullied?

The video contains interviews and some acted scenes.

The filmmakers presented their video to each grade during enrichment time,
with the conversation guided by Mrs. Sanders.

Then the students participated in an activity that helped them understand the concept of caring.
These kids are drawing a picture, older grades wrote good things about a fellow student.

A helping hand for someone who fell off the slide.

Here's the video- they hope that you enjoy it, and that you find it helpful!


           

(The fourth grade team included some of their favorite songs, so there are some restrictions and you may not be able to play this video on your phone.  On a PC visiting Youtube you should have no problem.  In the event you encounter any issues, click here to go directly to YouTube.

They want to thank the students and staff interviewed for this video:  Ben, Cassia, Gregorio, Holden, James, Jazlyn, Ke'andrea, Lexi, Madison and Marshall.  Miss Fitzgerald, Mr. Lahey, Mrs.Nicks, Mrs. Sanders and Mrs.Turner

They also want to thank Mr. Baker and Mr. Hooks in our HISD Transportation Department, and the entire cafeteria staff at Huntsville Elementary School.

They want to thank Principal Nicks, Assistant Principal Turner and the everybody at Huntsville Elementary.

Matthew Lahey  Huntsville ISD Huntsville Independent School District

It's Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas!

It's Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas!

The students from our elementary schools were recently treated to a Christmas concert

at the High School, courtesy of the Hornet Symphony Band.  In the spirit of the season,
we thought we would have a little fun with our wording.  Please forgive any irregular 
meters that might appear in our version of Clement C. Moore's famous composition.

T’was the week before Christmas break, 

and all through the HHS halls

Lots of kid-creatures were stirring, 

Large, Medium, and Small.

                             

From Kinder to 4^th Grade 

they arrived all in droves,

Wearing ear muffs and jackets, 

down the halls they did rove.

To the auditorium they headed 

as they walked in a line,

All grinning and bubbly, 

with nary a whine.

Soon the children were waiting, all snug in their seats,

For sounds of heavenly music and the welcoming drumbeat.

The Mighty Hornet Band played many a holiday tune,

As the children sat enraptured, till mid-afternoon.

                                       

Soon it was time to load buses and head 

back to their schools,

The students filed on most quickly, 

following every school rule.

But I heard them exclaim 

as they rode out of sight,

Merry Christmas to all 

and to all a good night!

                                      

Merry Christmas, Y'all!

"Good" Projects! HHS Student Council spreads the Holiday Cheer.

Who wouldn’t tis the season to be jolly with students like ours at HHS?!  Last week, Student Council students put on their work boots to pass out a little Christmas spirit and show appreciation to our staff for this holiday season.

Members of the Student Council on one of their treks in their mission to bring cheer.
(left to right,  Lily, Mariah and Yadira)

Council members loaded up a red & green, crepe papered cart full of sweet treats and covered every hallway of the high school, stopping to spread their cheer to staff as they passed by their classrooms, offices, and work stations.  

No Food or Drink- unless you are bringing us goodies!

“At first, teachers were asking us how much we were selling the cookies for, but we told them we brought them as gifts. They were really surprised” says senior Maria. “We were excited to be giving goodies to our wonderful, hardworking staff members.”

StuCo members actually did more than travel the hallways handing out treats. They actually donated all the items themselves. What began as a plan to give out candy canes as holiday gifts evolved into a much more elaborate venture.

All baked goods and treats were donated by the Student Council members.

Ms. Debbie Choate has serious deciding to do.

Ms. Carol Nichols is enjoying the treat.

"I am new to StuCo this year and it is a lot of hard work.  Thank goodness that I have some fantastic students involved.  We are hoping to carry on some old traditions and try and make some new ones." Ms. Stacy Godby, Student Council sponsor, notes that her students came up with the idea for this project and thought that it needed to be a big production in order to show their appreciation for their teachers. 

Their shirts say it all:  "Be the Good; Believe There is Good in the World."

This is not StuCo’s first "Good" project. Earlier in the semester, during teacher inservice, they brought goodies around to staff members preparing the building for the first day of school.

We truly appreciate our teachers and staff in Huntsville ISD, but it sure is wonderful to be shown just how much you mean to your students. We love our kids at HHS! Thanks to the Student Council for helping make HISD a great place in our community. Happy holidays indeed!

Cosmetology Students Bring the Spa to HES: An Awesome Idea that created a Couple of Awesome GIFs

Mrs. Vanessa Tindall's Cosmetology Students brought the "Spa to School" when they spent the day at Huntsville Elementary School offering Holiday Cheer...in the form of complimentary hand massage and paraffin wax treatments.

Miss Ebhamen enjoys Carolina's massage.

They created stations out of desks, dimmed the lights, played soothing music and turned on the Scentsy to bring as much of the full experience to their clients.  

Teachers and Staff came during conference times- here we have a full house.  Mrs. Bass smiles as Cosmo Two student Tanna works her magic.

Going to work.

Cosmo Two student Shiann and Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Smith share a conversation.

To the uninitiated, the paraffin wax process may look a little odd but it sure does work!

The right scent, the right music & the right lighting set the right mood.

HES Principal Koren Nicks asked Mrs. Tindall if her students would be available to visit, and Mrs. Tindall jumped at the chance to share her students' talents, spread some cheer (and get some extra practice in, too.)   The Cosmetology Salon (located at the High School) will be back open at the beginning of the year on Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. - 4:30p.m., and at 8:30 p.m. by appointment.  They also accept appointments for 7:45a.m. on Fridays.  Call them at 936-435-6134 for more information.

Cosmo Two students Rebecca and Jackie take a break.

Assistant Principal Turner says- "Thanks, I needed that!"

And now for the Automatically Awesome GIFS..!  An Auto Awesome GIF is a series of photos that are animated in a loop.  These have become very popular in the last year or two- they are all over Facebook and Tumblr, and now they have overtaken this post. :-)

We proudly present you Cosmetology Two in all their full color GIF-dom.
From Left to Right...

Top Row
Wendy (on Left, Dark Hair, Pulled Back), Maria (Long Hair, Red Blouse, Tan Jacket)
Viri (Long Dark Hair, Printed Top) Stacy (peeking from behind in back on far right)

Middle Rows 
Rebecca (far left, Red Hair & Glasses) Shiann (black necklace),
Rebecca (Glasses, Long Dark Hair)
Tanna in very center,  Kaily (just behind Tanna, with White Bow)
 Jackie (Pink shirt), Ana (striped blouse with highlights) Montoya (on Right in Blue)

Bottom Row
Tammany, MacKenzie and Lidia

At the end of the day, things got a little silly-is Cosmo 2 on a roller coaster or are they doing the wave!? 

With Google's recent photo editing upgrade in Google+ called Auto Awesome, the program will automatically create these for you when you upload a series of similar photos.  You can read all about Auto Awesome Features here.  These above are made up of 15-20 images.  

Everyone in the district has access to Google+, so you can do these, too.  Fun? Absolutely. Educational? You tell us- you or your students can get creative and share.  

You can read more about these and other photo editing features on the Google blog here and on technology website, The Verge.  The Auto Awesome features are definitely amazing, and we'll introduce you to more throughout posts in the new year.

Matthew Lahey  Huntsville ISD Huntsville Independent School District