ALAMO HEIGHTS ISD 2014 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT

ALAMO HEIGHTS ISD2014 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT An Engaging Education

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENTIt is time to celebrate the many accomplishments of 2014! Six years ago, the district embarked on an ambitious strategic plan with the help of 252 parents, staff and community members. This year marks the completion of that plan and 49 initiatives. AHISD was already one of the best schools in the U.S., but these past six years have raised the bar of excellence even further. Here are a few highlights of what our staff and parents have accomplished upon completion of the plan:

DIVERSE COURSE OFFERINGS – we have added 19 new high school courses, including, Rocketry, Astronomy, Digital Animation, Video Game Design, Yoga, Forensic Science, STEM, Classical Guitar, and Piano to name a few.

OPEN ENROLLMENT IN AP COURSES – one of the more challenging successes was making our most rigorous AP classes available to all students. Though there were some growing pains early on, the number of students earning college credit through AP exams has increased.

POST-SECONDARY SUCCESS – Having more students participating in AP courses seems to be impacting ACT scores as well. ACT scores in 2014 tied the record high of 24.1 set in 2013. AHISD students are college-ready!

WELLNESS PROGRAM – With the support of the AH School Foundation, we developed a wellness program that has been recognized as a national model in providing support and recovery for students dealing with drug or alcohol issues as well as healthy living.

CHARACTER EDUCATION – we implemented a robust Character Education program in grades PK-12 that gives our children and staff common language and expectations about important qualities like integrity, kindness and humility.

DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHER LEADERS – As perhaps the leanest district in the state administratively, the implementation of the strategic plan could not have been done without the amazing help of our teachers. One of the initiatives was to provide a leadership program for teachers, and this has been a great success. Our teachers are truly inspiring!

STUDENT VOICE – As a learning organization, we constantly seek feedback, so student and parent surveys provide an important way to increase communication for continued improvement. We also have many focus groups and student luncheons to learn more from our students and parents.

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT – we have transformed our classrooms to be more engaging, challenging and relevant though the tremendous work and collaboration of our teachers.

Our community should be proud of the shared work that has contributed to the completion of our ambitious plan. However, we can’t rest on our successes. We will create a new plan next year to take us to even greater heights!

– DR. KEVIN BROWN

RAISING THE BAR “Our community should be proud of the shared work that has contributed to the completion of our ambitious plan. However, we can’t rest on our successes. We will create a new plan next year to take us to even greater heights!”

Photo by Mark H

umphries

BRAGGING RIGHTS: • Top 5 District in Texas, H-E-B Excellence in Education

Award Finalist

• AHISD named Top School District in the Region, Reader’s Choice Award

• AHISD named Top 10 District (out of 1,024) in Texas (niche.com)

• AHHS, Top 1% of High Schools in Nation (Newsweek Magazine)

• AHJS earned an A as one of the Best Public Middle Schools, Best Academics & Most Diverse Schools in area, state, nation (niche.com)

• Woodridge & Cambridge both named to Top 7 Elementary Schools in Region (niche.com)

HOW TO REACH USWrite: Alamo Heights Independent School District

7101 BroadwaySan Antonio, Texas 78209

Call: 210-824-2483Fax: 210-822-2221Email: [email protected]: www.ahisd.netAPP: iTunes: AHISDVideo: YouTube: Alamo Heights Mules

VISIT AHISDTake a look at Alamo Heights Independent School District by arranging a visit to one of our campuses. Our administrative offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year-round to assist you. Visitors are encouraged to call two weeks in advance to schedule appointments.

VISIT AHISD ONLINEThe Alamo Heights website allows you to personalize your surfing experience! You can check out the latest news stories and events occurring in our classrooms, schools, auditoriums and playing fields, review profiles and program information that is tailored to meet your individual interests at www.ahisd.net

AHISD IS BLUE AND GOLD, AND WE ARE ALSO “GREEN.” This report is printed on FSC certified paper. Clear Visions, the print shop that printed this report, has been certified by SmartWood as a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody printer. Certification of paper mills and forests is an important step in furthering protection of the environment and protecting it for the future. Chain-of-Custody certification is the process of tracking and recording possession and transfer of wood and fiber from the forests of origin, through different stages of production, and delivery to the end user.

When you are finished reading this report, please consider recycling it in the paper collection bins outside of our AHISD campuses. These recycle bins serve as a fund raising mechanism for AHISD schools.

ON THE COVERAlamo Heights High School theater students used the skills learned in the classroom to assist in the production of the district’s 2014 Convocation ceremonies. It was truly an engaging experience as students appeared in motivational videos, managed the technical aspects of the production and managed all props and special effects. This photo was taken right after the culmination of a very successful celebration! The program and team are lead by Charlcy Nichols.

Photo by Mark Humphries

www.ahisd.net PAGE 1

DISTRICT LEADERSHIP: BOARD OF TRUSTEESLott McIlhenny, PresidentJoseph Dubrof, Vice PresidentBonnie Giddens, Secretary John Tippit, Assistant SecretaryMargaret JudsonLynn S. ThompsonMelissa Vaughan

ADMINISTRATIONDr. Kevin Brown, SuperintendentDr. Dana Bashara, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary EducationDr. Frank Alfaro, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary EducationMike Hagar, Assistant Superintendent for Business and FinanceSandra Shelton, Director of Instructional & Information TechnologyKris Holliday, Director of Special Education & Pupil ServicesGene Phillips, Director of AthleticsRichard Mallard, Director of Nutrition ServicesMax Flores, Human Resources CoordinatorPatti Pawlik-Perales,, Communications Coordinator

CAMPUS ADMINISTRATORSHigh SchoolDr. Linda Foster, PrincipalTerri Duncan, Academic DeanNorm Collins, Assistant PrincipalFrank Padilla, Assistant Principal

Junior SchoolDr. Cordell Jones, PrincipalBrea Green, Academic DeanLaura Ancira, Assistant PrincipalDavid Nungaray, Assistant Principal

Cambridge Elementary SchoolLaurel Babb, PrincipalJennifer Flores, Assistant Principal

Woodridge Elementary SchoolDebbie Garinger, PrincipalRoxanna Montes-Bazaldua, Assistant Principal

Howard Early Childhood CenterSusan Peery, PrincipalSylvia Rodriguez, Assistant Principal

Jimmie Walker, Elementary Academic Dean

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Front Row: Lynn S. Thompson, Trustee; Bonnie Giddens, Secretary; Melissa Vaughan, Trustee; Margaret Judson, Trustee. Back Row: Lott McIlhenny, President; John Tippit, Assistant Secretary; Joseph Dubrof, Vice President; and Dr. Kevin Brown, Superintendent of Schools.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: DISTRICT PROFILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 2

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS Advanced Placement Scores . . . PAGE 4 Advanced Placement Scholars . . PAGE 4 National Merit Scholars . . . . . . PAGE 6 SAT/ACT Scores . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 7 STAAR Test Results . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 9 Academic Competition . . . . . PAGE 10 Duke Talent Search . . . . . . . . PAGE 11

FINE ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 12

ATHLETICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 14

PERSONNEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 16

THE STRATEGIC PLAN IN ACTION . PAGE 18

FOUNDATION AT WORK . . . . . . . PAGE 22

PAGE 2 2014 AHISD Report

DISTRICT PROFILEAHISD PROGRAM ENROLLMENT

State Alamo Heights % % # Bilingual 17.1% 5.9% 282Career / Technology 22.2% 9.1% 436Gifted / Talented 7.6% 18.0% 866Special Education 8.5% 6.9% 334

AHISD ATTENDANCE BOUNDARIESGeographically, AHISD is one of the smallest school districts in the state, covering only 9.4 square miles. The district serves students from the communities of Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, Olmos Park, and a portion of North San Antonio.

AHISD BUDGET & TAXESExpenditures, Maintenance & OperationsInstruction and Rel Serv .................$26,702,745 Instruction & School Ldrshp ..............$3,059,669Support Services-Student .................$3,925,842 Admin Support Services ..................$1,759,476Support Services-Non Student ..........$4,719,972 Total District Expenditures ....... $40,167,704

State Recapture (Robin Hood) ........$25,887,354

AHISD Tax Rate .......................................$1.06 Int & Sinking Tax / $100 valuation..........$0.145 Total Taxable Property Value .....$5,873,622,235 Assessed Value per Student..............$1,233,954 Levy from AHISD Prop. Tax Rate (est.) ....$66,128,25 Current Bond Indebt .....................$101,236,054

Per Pupil Expenditure, M&O .............$7,611 (based on enrollment)

TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY (TEA) FINANCIAL INTEGRITY RATING SYSTEM OF TEXAS (FIRST):

Superior Achievement Rating


STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS African American .......................................1.5%Hispanic .................................................39.4%White .....................................................54.8%Asian/Pacific Isl. ........................................2.2%Native American ........................................0.2%Economically Disadvantaged ....................... 20.1%College-bound ............................................92%Dropout Rate .............................................0.3%Attendance Rate..........................................96%Limited English Proficient .............................4.8%

AHISD SCHOOLS AND ENROLLMENT Howard Early Childhood Center (PK and K) ... 354Woodridge Elementary ................................ 931Cambridge Elementary ................................ 807Junior School (6-8) ................................... 1,126High School (9-12) ................................... 1,549Total Enrollment ........................................ 4,764

93% 2014 GRADUATES COLLEGE-BOUND



AP & GRADUATION PROFILESADVANCE PLACEMENT (AP) SCORE COMPARISON, 2008-2014YEAR Total Tests Taken Number of AH Testers Number of AP Tests that

AH Students Scored 3 or Better

2014 957 551 7012013 1,011 567 670

2012 1,113 604 722

2011 994 567 660

2010 957 508 697

2009 875 458 630

2008 913 486 601

AP® SCHOLAR AWARDS

NUMBER OF AP TESTS TAKEN: 957551 :NUMBER OF STUDENTS TAKING AP TESTS

NUMBER OF STUDENTS EARNING 3+: 701 It is particularly noteworthy that 177 students at Alamo Heights High School have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on college-level Advanced Placement Program® (AP) Exams. To earn this recognition, students needed to take and pass at least three AP exams. High school students took AP exams in May 2014 after completing challenging college-level courses at the high school.

GRADUATION PROFILE2014 Graduating Class ..........................322Attending Four-Year College/University ......77%Attending Two-Year College ....................16%Attending College Out-of-State.................27%Undecided .............................................. 3%Entering Workforce .................................. 3%Military Service ....................................... 1%Number in 2014 graduating class does not account for summer graduates.

98% GRADUATION RATE

ALAMO HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL IS ACCREDITED BY THE TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, THE TEXAS ASSOCIATION FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION COUNSELING, THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION COUNSELING AND THE COLLEGE BOARD.

TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED TO 2014 AHHS GRADUATES:

$9,974,000A FIGURE THAT SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED

FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR

SOME UNIVERSITIES ATTENDED BY THE CLASS OF 2014: Arizona State University, Auburn University, Baylor University, Brown University, Colorado State University, Duke University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, John Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Pepperdine University, Rhodes College, Rice University, Sarah Lawrence College, Southern Methodist University, St. Edwards University, Texas A&M University, Texas State University, Texas Tech University, Trinity University, Tulane University, UCLA, University of Colorado, University of Incarnate Word, University of Mississippi, University of New Mexico, University of Oklahoma, University of Pennsylvania, University of Texas, UTSA, University of the South, Sewanee, University of Wisconsin Vanderbilt University, Wake Forest University, USC, Washington & Lee University



NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS: The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. Alamo Heights High School students who have been recognized and honored for their academic achievements by the National Merit Scholarship Program include: NATIONAL MERIT SEMI-FINALIST STUDENTS: Devon Lagueux, Laura Shub and Patricia Yoxall; NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENTS: Hannah Brown, Seguin Guerrero, Joshua Halff, Andre Hutchinson, Samantha Neally, Virginia Noble, Annalise Pasztor, Emma Russell, Gabriel Sagun, Claire Schenken, Joshua Sehres, Paris Shirley and Ellery Vaughan; NATIONAL HISPANIC SCHOLARS: Erin Deleon, Ellen Dyer, Seguin Guerrero, Andre Hutchinson, Ysabel Rose Vargas Lew, Anna Mathias, Evan Medina, Samantha Neally, Ronald Rodgers, Kent Rush and Gabriella Velasco.

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Finalists: .............. 3Semi Finalists: ................................. 3Commended: ................................. 13National Hispanic Students: ............ 11


SCORES CONTINUE TO SOAR: SAT/ACTOver the past 22 years, Alamo Heights SAT scores have increased significantly in spite of the fact that a greater percentage of students take the SAT. Admissions offices throughout the nation know that an AHISD graduate has had an excellent preparation for college work.

SAT MEAN SCORESYear Critical Reading Math Writing AHHS Avg Natl Avg # Tested (AH) 2014 547 569 529 1,645 1,497 296

ACT MEAN COMPOSITE SCORES Year Texas Avg AHHS Avg Natl Avg # Tested (AH)

2014 20.9 24.7 21.0 208

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Finalists: .............. 3Semi Finalists: ................................. 3Commended: ................................. 13National Hispanic Students: ............ 11

21.8

22.4

22.7

23.2

24.1

22.3

23

23.8

23.6

24

24.6

24.2 24.2

23.9

24.7

21 21 2120.8 20.9 20.8

20.920.8

21.221.1 21 21 21.1

20.921.1

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

AHHS

National

ACT MEAN SCORES

In 2014, ACT scores tied the record high which was set last year. ACT scores have increased over the years in spite of the fact that almost twice as many students take the test today.

24.7

21.0

2014


ANNUAL 2014 REPORT ACCOUNTABILITY SUMMARY In 2009, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 5 mandating the creation of an entirely new accountability system focused on the achievement of postsecondary readiness for all Texas public school students. As a result, accountability ratings are now based on the evaluation of four performance indexes—Student Achievement, Student Progress, Closing Performance Gaps, and Postsecondary Readiness.

The indexes include assessment results from the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing program, graduation rates, and rates of students achieving the Recommended High School Program and Distinguished Achievement (Advanced) High School Program.

HB 5 also included a local evaluation requirement that is frequently referred to as the community engagement component. The community engagement requirement is an opportunity for districts to showcase areas of excellence and success as well as recognize areas in need of improvement and set future goals valued in the community.

The statute requires each district to evaluate and designate a performance rating for the district and each of its campuses in the district based on criteria set by a local committee. The law requires that each district and each campus be assigned a rating of exemplary, recognized, acceptable, or unacceptable. The statute provides nine factors for which the district and each campus must be evaluated. Each district must use criteria set by a local committee to evaluate the districts and campuses performance under each of the first 8 categories (exemplary, recognized, acceptable, or unacceptable) and provide an answer (yes or no) for the compliance category.

OVERALL RATING FOR PERFORMANCE IN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

CATEGORY RATING

FINE ARTS ............................................................................EXEMPLARY

WELLNESS & PHYSICAL EDUCATION .....................................EXEMPLARY

COMMUNITY & PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT ............................EXEMPLARY

21ST CENTURY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ......................EXEMPLARY

SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION ..................................RECOGNIZED

DIGITAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT ....................................RECOGNIZED

DROPOUT PREVENTION ......................................................EXEMPLARY

GIFTED & TALENTED EDUCATION ........................................RECOGNIZED

COMPLIANCE .....................................................................EXEMPLARY

For a detailed of performance measures and data collected, please refer to the entire report located on the district website at ahisd.net.


CAMPUS ACCOUNTABILITY RATINGS

ALAMO HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOLOverall: Target Score Standards Met• Student Achievement• Student Progress• Closing Performance Gaps• Postsecondary Readiness (rated at HS only)Distinction: Academic Achievement in Reading/ELAAcademic Achievement in MathPostsecondary Readiness

ALAMO HEIGHTS JUNIOR SCHOOLOverall: Target Score Standards Met• Student Achievement• Student Progress• Closing Performance Gaps

CAMBRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLOverall: Target Score Standards Met• Student Achievement• Student Progress• Closing Performance Gaps

WOODRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLOverall: Target Score Standards Met• Student Achievement• Student Progress• Closing Performance Gaps

Target ScoreStandards Met

DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY RATING:


STUDENT ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS ALAMO HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOLNATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS: Semi Finalists (3): Devon Lagueux, Laura Shub and Patricia Yoxall; Commended (12): Hannah Brown, Seguin Guerrero, Joshua Halff, Andre Hutchinson, Samantha Neally, Virginia Noble, Annalise Pasztor, Emma Russell , Gabriel Sagun, Claire Schenken, Joshua Sehres and Ellery Vaughan; National Hispanic Recognition Program (11): Erin Deleon, Ellen Dyer, Seguin Guerrero, Andre Hutchinson, Ysabel Rose Vargas Lew, Anna Mathias, Evan Medina, Samantha Neally, Ronald Rodgers, Kent Rush and Gabriella Velasco

NATIONAL SPANISH EXAM: Gold (scored at or above 95%): Sarah Berton, Ian Bruesenhan; Silver (scored between 85-94%): Katy Roberts, Jocelyn Delgado; Bronze (scored from 75-84%): Megan Hamilton, Addison Nelson, Sloane Simpson, Samantha Neally; Additionally, 21 students received honorable mention for scoring between 50-74%.

INTEL INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FAIR: Blanca Hernandez-Uribe

STATE SCIENCE UIL COMPETITION: Ben Kurzban

REGIONAL SCIENCE BOWL: Alamo Heights High School

NATIONAL GOLD COUNCIL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD: Alamo Heights High School Student Council

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT COUNCILS SWEEPSTAKES AWARD: Alamo Heights High School Student Council

YEARBOOK AWARD: Balfour Publishing Yearbook Award

STATE UIL DISTINGUISHED MERIT AWARD: Hattie Bush, Taylor MacNaughton, Macye Marshall, Megan Spalten, Ellen Spies, Cecelia Swanson, Jillian Fuhrmann, Carrie King and Katharine Noe

THE UIL AWARD OF ACHIEVEMENT: Hiatt Becker, Jeffrey Dubrof, Cameron Kauffman, Cristina Murillo, Lane Kirstein, Ellen Dyer, Kendall Hardy, Gabi Velasco, John Villanueva, Taylor Whitlock, Robert Durbin, Richard Jackson, Richard Comeaux, Matt DeVaney, Marshall Dilling, Lito Flanagan, Austin Jaramillo, Zac Kempf, Erik Magoon, James Nittoli, Grant Sechler, Caleb Snow, Sutherland Stith, Austen Tealer, Brandon Wasson, Hunter Buescher, Wesley Sparr, Chris Jackson, True McManis, Frida De Paolo, Clint Rickabaugh, Chase Turcotte, Tommy Tyng, Sebastian Bathie, Natalie Delaney, Grant Greenblum, Pryse Heydenreich and Bart Zachry

JOURNALISM UIL: State, Headline Writing, Delaney King, 9th; Regional, Editorial Writing, Celeste Williams, 6th; Headline Writing, Delaney King, 1st; District, 1st place team honors; News Writing, Rachel Williams, 2nd, Delaney King, 4th, and Patricia Long, 5th; Feature Writing, Ellen Dyer, 1st and Annabelle Specia-Lindner, 3rd; Editorial Writing, Celeste Williams, 1st and Katherine Holmes, 6th; Headline Writing, Patricia Long, 2nd and Delaney King, 3rd

NCTE EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT LITERARY MAGAZINES: The Jabberwocky, Superior RankingDESTINATION IMAGINATION STATE TOURNAMENT: 3rd place, Alamo Heights High School, Annie Daubert, Lauren Hampton, Annie Harris, Caspin Jones and Ellery Vaughan

NATIONAL ROCKET LAUNCH: Only team in nation to build and launch two 22-foot high altitude rockets, Erick Castillon, Chase Crighton, Anne Gergen, Barrett Hardy, Daniel Henkes, Landon Jones, Amy McIntyre, Liam Moran, Marshall Noble, Jacob Roth, Allison Schaub, Fu-Anne Wang, Joey Williams, Ted Zuzula, Chris Castillanos, Aiyin Graeber, Crockett Graham, Lane Kirstein, Marielle Morris, Naomi Pringle, Pedro Sandoval, Luther Soules, Tim Tata, Riley Zander and Eddie O’Connor

NATIONAL HISPANIC INSTITUTE: Texas Ambassador Great Debate, State Title, Alamo Heights High School & San Antonio (City-Wide) Debate Team, Alyssa Bennett, Isaac Castro, Carlos Garcia, Claudeth Garcia, Anakeyla Gomez, Gabriella Herrera, Daniel Macias, Sterling Rios, Gabriella Gomez Garcia, Maria Olmos Zertuche; Lorenzo De Zavala Youth Legislative Session, Cynthia Cole, Joshua Gartrell, Melanie McDaniel, Genesis Rivera, Lilliana Sosa, Ricky Tamez, Taylor Torres, Maria Ayala; Collegiate World Series, Isabella Zertuche, Ysabel Rose Lew

NATIONAL LATIN EXAM: Gold Medalists, Samuel Becvar, Kathryn Carter, Murphy Grossett, Matthew Long, Aaron Santos, Sine Scribbick and Zoe Seay; Silver Medalists, Grant Anderson, Elizabeth Barry, Chris Castellanos, Kathleen Karam, Benita Lee, Chase Miller, Ellery Parish, Ronald Rodgers, Allen Sellers and Derek Stone

NATIONAL JUNIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE CONVENTION: Gabriela Sagun, 5th place, Acrylic/Oil; Gabriela Sagun, 8th place, Roman Life

TEXAS STATE JUNIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE CONVENTION: Lulu Alvarado-Vega, 3rd place, Poetry; Andrew Butts, 4th place, Dramatic Interpretation; Murphy Grossett, 1st place, Research Paper; Annie Daubert, 2nd place, Digital Scrapbook; McNeilly Hays, 4th place, Mythology; Benita Lee, 4th place, Latin Literature; Rebecca MacNair, 4th place, Vocabulary; Rebecca MacNair, 5th place, Mottoes; Team, 3rd Place, Lower Division

TEXAS STATE JUNIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE: Gabriela Sagun, Second Vice-President

NATIONAL SPANISH EXAM: Gold, Benjamin Kurzban and Eleanor Mix; Silver, West Bakke Catherine McNeel, Ricardo Tamez and Jessica Wellford; Bronze, Robert Allison, Valeria Cortez, Murphy Grossett, Elizabeth Long, Christopher Sanders and Natalie Young

NATIONAL CHEMISTRY EXAM: Ben Kurzban

AMERICAN CHEMICAL EXAM: Chemistry I & II, 1st Place, Ben Kurzban


TEXAS COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION ROBOTICS COMPETITION: Semifinalist, 7th place; 1st place, Connect Award Toltech Qualifier; 2nd place, Inspire Award Toltech Qualifier; and Regional Qualifiers, US First® Tech Challenge, Matthew Parker, Zane Guevara, Jon Day, Paolo Barbero, Diego Correa, Allison Calder, Josh Haff, Ben Alfonsin, Travis Kilian and Zane Witherspoon

SAN ANTONIO YOUTH FILM CONTEST CAN’T BEAT LOVE: 3rd place, Thomas Rivera and Alexandra Hardin

UIL COMPUTER SCIENCE: Richard Toback, 3rd placeMAYOR’S CYBER PATRIOT TEAM: Zane Witherspoon, Cole Keivenhoven, Addison Pruess, Liam Moran and Allison Calder

CHRISTIAN ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES VOLUNTEERISM: The ‘09 Academy has prepared at least 3999 lunches for the hungry

ALAMO HEIGHTS JUNIOR SCHOOLDUKE TALENT IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM (TIP): The Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving academically gifted and talented youth. The honorees include: Grand Recognition: Patrick Bowen and Parker Duke; State Recognition: Patrick Bowen, Aidan Bujanda-Moore, Catherine Conway, Parker Duke, Scott Hampton, Catherine Jacob, Kate Jaeckle, Matthew Lane, Renate Olson, Cameron Pfeiffer, Neal Russell, Luke Simpton, and Lucera Whitmore

NATIONAL LATIN EXAM: Gold Medalists, Shane Hargrove; Silver Medalists, John Gutierrez, Gio Schaeffer Puente, Zane Meyer and Hutcher Bryan

JUNIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE STATE COMPETITION: Connor McMunn, 3rd place, Roman History

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD: State Competition, Zane Meyer, Will Baker, Sadie Mae Bashara, Patrick Bowen, Parker Duke, Saxton Rios, Jack Villa, Matthew Giddens, Emily May, Leigha Forrest, Catherine Rhame, Payton Edwards, Ian Leech, Davis Howe and Alex Fernandez

REGION 20 ESC SPANISH SPELLING BEE: Catherine Rhame, AHJS

TEXAS MATH & SCIENCE COACHES ASSOCIATION UIL STATE COMPETITON: Emily May, Amanda Slowey, Adam Parker, Anthony Aurand, Patrick Bowen, Aidan Bujanda-

Moore, Parker Duke, Dominick Flores, Natalia Garcia, Matthew Giddens, Louis May, Saxton Rios, Cameron Pfieffer, Grant Danner, Carlos Godinez, Zane Meyer and Shane Hargove

SAN ANTONIO PUBLIC LIBRARY YOUNG PEGASUS POETRY COMPETITION: Annelise Mixson-Flores, published author

SAN ANTONIO FOOD BANK ANNUAL CAMPAIGN: Alamo Heights Junior School, donated 20,674 pounds of food

TEXAS MONTHLY & BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD YOUNG TRAILBLAZER AWARD: Estrella Hernandez, development of fitness app

TEXAS COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION STATE ROBOTICS: Alamo Heights Junior School, 7th place

CAMBRIDGE & WOODRIDGETEXAS COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION STATE ROBOTICS COMPETITION: Grace Toman and Bella Stephenson (Team-GBM, Inc.), Robot Invention, created a machine that cleaned a room, placing everything in a closet; Claudia Olson, K.C. Jacobson, Lindy Sauer and Sophia Lloyd (Team-KCLS), Robot Invention, created a machine that lifted heavy boxes and put them on the top shelf to keep people from getting hurt.

MAYOR’S FITNESS COUNCIL STUDENT AMBASSADOR: Paul Eguia

PEGASUS POETRY CONTEST: Published Poets (Spanish), Jacob Lee and Amaleah Newton

DESTINATION IMAGINATION: Global Level Competition, State Awards “The 5 DI’s Burgers and Fries,” Team Managers, Matt Till and Todd Beebe, Team Members, Maddy Till, Rylee Gustafson, Julia Beebe, Lizzie Minor and Alex Hood; “The 12 Helping Hands,” Team Managers, Shari O’Brien and Martha Coerver, Team Members, Maude O’Brien, Ruby O’Brien, Lucy Coerver, Claire Keene, Kennedy Massey and Samantha Dirk; “The Ballistic Beavers, “Team Managers, Heather and Cody Webb, and Carrie Worthen, Team Members, Duncan Webb, Emily Worthen, Curtis Benson, Jenna Drawert, Ben Seger and Brayden Jaeckle

DESTINATION IMAGINATION: State Level, “The Brainy Bunch,” Team Manager, Elizabeth Jayaram, Team Members, Naya Jayaram, Madelyn Leonard, Zander Takac, Leo Saulmon, Taylor Allison, Kathleen Benson and Robin Giles

TEXAS SCHOOL PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSOCIATION 2014 CELEBRATE TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS VIDEO CONTEST: State Finalists, Regional Champions, Emma Dolat and Lulu Bazaldua

TEXAS CAVALIER’s RIVER PARADE ART CONTEST: District 10 Winner, Theo Young; District 10 Runner-Up, Madison West

TEXAS COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION STATE ROBOTICS: Sadie Peeler, Daniel Halff and Frank Schweers

THEWATERPROJECT.ORG: Raised and Donated $1200, John Goodman’s Class

SPANISH SPELLING BEE: Issay Shields

STUDENT FINE ARTS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AHHS BandUIL SOLO AND ENSEMBLE COMPETITION: Superior Medals: Katy Roberts, Leobardo Garcia, Adam Skoff, James Hawk, Luther Soules, IV, William Alfonsin, Lauren Hampton, Alexandra Hardin, Rebecca Revilla, Ronald Rodgers and Julia Tamez

UIL STATE SOLO AND ENSEMBLE CONTEST: Superior Medals: Leobardo Garcia, Katy Roberts, Rebecca Revilla and Alexandra Hardin

UIL CONCERT AND SIGHTREADING CONTEST: Superior Rating - Sweepstakes Award; AHHS Wind Ensemble

REGION 12 BAND: All-Area Band, Advancing to audition for All-State, Sarah Berton, Bea Johnson, Hondo Bozzo, Hannah Brown and Andre Hutchinson; All-Region Band, Allison Saunders, Laura Briley, Michelle Kalbaugh, Stephanie Littlebird, Logan Miller, Addison Nelson, Emma Jarvis, Lydia Isaacs, Emma Hodgson, Sydny Christian, William King, Brock Duckers, Marsden Addis, Miriam Dutra, Alex Gates, Karoline Duran, Matt Reyna, Leo Garcia, Tom Osborne Bird, Ronald Rodgers and Lauren Hampton; All-District Band, Laura Sauter, Eliana Bennington, Madeleine Tamez, Aaron Santos, Kassya Gomez, Ali Skoff and Amy Skoff

4TH ANNUAL SARAH & ERNEST BUTLER TEXAS YOUNG COMPOSERS COMPETITION: Winning compositions have world premieres of compositions at the Texas Young Composers Concert, “Into the Light” by Jack Roberts, one of nine compositions chosen to be showcased


AHHS STUDENT PARTICIPATIONPercent of High School seniors who participated in at least one extracurricular activity or club

2014: 95%

AHHS CHOIRUIL REGIONAL SOLO AND ENSEMBLE: 33 Division I Winners; 21 Solos qualified for state; 2 Ensembles qualified for state

INAUGURAL MAJOR WORKS CONCERT: VIVALDI GLORIA WITH ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE

MADRIGAL DINNER PERFORMANCE: An annual holiday performance featuring traditional carols from medieval to renaissance periods and a dinner served by students

UIL CONCERT AND SIGHT READING COMPETITION: 5 Choirs competing; 2 Concert Division I’s; 3 Sweepstakes, straight I’s in Concert & Sight Reading

AMERICAN CHORAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION – NATIONAL HONOR CHOIR: Emily Killinger, Brenna Santos, Sam Clements and Zane Witherspoon

UIL TEXAS STATE SOLO & ENSEMBLE COMPETITION (TSSEC): “Outstanding Performer” (State Champion), Joe Whitenton; Division I Rating, Brenna Santos, Hunter Wilkins, Allie Rushing, Zane Witherspoon, Thomas Redmond, Nora Cruz, Annie Harris, Ian Salas, Tivi Kaminski, Emily Killinger, Joe Whitenton and Bella Paolucci; Ensembles, Division 1 Rating, Brenna Santos, Ale Young, Taylor Ochoa, Madison Adam, Ian Flores, Griffin Gaedke and Derek Stone; Joe Whitenton, Thomas Redmond, Zane Guevara, Andy Diaz, Sam Ivy, Zane Witherspoon and David Lindner



AHHS STRINGSUIL REGION 12 ORCHESTRA CONCERT AND SIGHTREADING CONTEST: AHHS Orchestras awarded Sweepstakes trophies for “Superior” performance in both portions of the contest, Only school in competition that earned all Superior ratings from all judges for all groups entered

REGION 12 SYMPHONY: Area, Benita Lee and Andrew Butts; Region: Benita Lee, Alexandra Krick, Andrew Butts and Presley Heikkila

AHHS ARTARTPACE YOUTH PACE TEEN ART COUNCIL: Gabby Gonzalez and Rachael Oelsen; National Art Honor Society particpants,Gabby Gonzalez, Emily Wagner, Lorelei Diener, Hugo Zheng, Oscar Escamilla, Jesus Fernandez, Miranda Roan, Angie Patel, Kira Casares, Aria Cabello, Kaitlyn Lavery, and Kelly Jackson

AHHS THEATER ARTS“Alice” Fall Performance performed by student from all aspects of the high school.

“Rumors” A Senior Directed, Full Length Show, Directed by Chrizney Roth as a part of her Senior Capstone Portfolio for Colleges and Universities.

WIMBERLEY ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL: “The Women of Lockerbie” Best Actor: Eloy Ochoa; All Star Cast: Chrizney Roth and Annie Harris; Honorable Mention-All Star Cast: Margaret Poore and Katie White

UIL ONE ACT PLAY ZONE CONTEST: Advancing Show “The Women of Lockerbie”; Best Actor: Eloy Ochoa All Star Cast: Cameron Kauffman and Chrizney Roth; Honorable Mention-All Star Cast: Katie White and Annie Harris; All Star Technician: Miguel Martinez

UIL One Act Play District Contest: Alternate Show “The

Women of Lockerbie”; Best Actress: Cameron Kauffman All Star Cast: Eloy Ochoa; Honorable Mention-All Star Cast: Chrizney Roth and Annie Harris; All Star Technician: Matilda Gonzalez

“THE ONE I WROTE FOR YOU” MOVIE PREMIERE: Supporting Actress in her first role, Cameron Kauffman

AHJS BANDPEAK MUSIC FESTIVAL: Honors Band, Superior Rating; Symphonic Winds, Superior Rating; and Symphonic Band, Excellent RatingUIL BAND CONCERT & SIGHT READING CONTEST: Honors Band, Sweepstakes; Symphonic Winds, Sweepstakes; and Symphonic Band, Division I, Superior in Sight Reading

AHJS CHOIRUIL CHORAL COMPETITION: Varsity Treble Chorus, Excellent Rating in ConcertTEXAS MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION REGION CHOIR: Travis Butts and Maggie Griffin

CAMBRIDGE & WOODRIDGE STRINGSPROGRAM ENROLLMENT: 405 Students Districtwide

Photo by Mary Candee

Photo by Mary Candee


STUDENT ATHLETICS ACCOMPLISHMENTS ALAMO HEIGHTS ISD PROVIDES AN EXEMPLARY ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS, RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY AS ONE OF THE TOP 1% OF HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE NATION FOR COLLEGE PREPARATION. HOWEVER, IT IS THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE, INCLUDING CLUBS, ATHLETICS, FINE ARTS, JROTC, LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE THAT ADDS TO THE ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE TO ENSURE OUR STUDENTS ARE WELL-ROUNDED PEOPLE. HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE TOP HONORS OF 2014. For a complete listing of student accomplishments, visit us on the web at www.ahisd.netALAMO HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL LONESTAR CUP: Alamo Heights High School is currently 10th in the state in the prestigious Lone Star Cup competition, which measures success in all UIL activities, including fine arts, academic competitions and sports.DAN COOK CUP: Alamo Heights High School earned 2nd place in the competition, only four points behind the winner. FOOTBALLBI-DISTRICT CHAMPIONSSAN ANTONIO SPORTS ALL STAR FOOTBALL GAME: Conoly Koontz, Mitchell Abramson and Dalton Banks

VOLLEYBALLREGIONAL FINALIST (First Time in School History); AREA CHAMPIONS; DISTRICT CHAMPIONS; UNDEFEATED DISTRICT SEASON; TEAM RANKED #1 IN THE STATE

SWIMMING & DIVINGGIRLS SWIMMING UIL STATE CHAMPIONS: (First time since 1973)BOYS SWIMMING UIL STATE: 7th place (Tie)BOYS WATER POLO UIL STATE: 13th placeDIVING INDIVIDUAL HONORS: Finn Scribbick, All American & 4 Time State Champion, Diving Scholarship to Cal Berkeley; Sine Scribbick, Finalist at Diving Nationals, All American & State Champion SWIMMING INDIVIDUAL

HONORS: Anelise Diener, All American 50 Freestyle, All American & State Champ in the 200 and 400 Freestyle Relays: Lauren Cuda, All American & State Champ in the 200 and 400 Freestyle Relays; Ellery Parish, All American & State Champ in the 200 and 400 Freestyle Relays; Liz Ryan, All American & State Champ in the 200 and 400 Freestyle RelaysBASEBALLGAYLORD FENLEY CLASSIC TOURNAMENT RUNNER UP; SOUTHWEST DRAGON CLASSIC TOURNAMENT RUNNER UP

SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS ALL AREA: Forrest Whitley, 1st Team27-4A ALL DISTRICT: Scott Uhl, 1st Team; Robert Schuler, 2nd Team; Forrest Whitley, 2nd TeamSOFTBALL27-4A ALL-DISTRICT: Nicole Clements,1st Team Utility; Emily Weyand, 2nd Team InfieldTRACK & CROSS COUNTRYSTATE CROSS COUNTRY MEET: 3rd at state in 3200 with a new school record 10:53; 4th at state in 1600 with a new school record 4:57; District & Area champion in 3200 & 1600, Abby Gray

NIKE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 83 out of 189 Runners, Abby Gray

NIKE SOUTH REGIONAL CROSS COUNTRY MEET: 4th Place against best from 5 states, Advances to Nationals, Abby Gray

FOOT LOCKER NATIONALS: 35th out of only the fastest 40 girls in the nation, Abby Gray

FOOT LOCKER SOUTH REGIONALS: 10th Place against 177 runners representing 177 runners from 17 states, advances to Nationals, earning coveted spot in most prestigious high school cross country event in nation, Abby Gray

BOYS SOCCERSECTIONAL FINALIST; AREA CHAMPION; BI-DISTRICT CHAMPION; CO-DISTRICT CHAMPIONS; UNDEFEATED IN DISTRICT;SECOND PLACE IN ALAMO HEIGHTS INVITATIONAL SOCCER TOURNAMENT; CHAMPION OF THE BRONZE DIVISION OF GULF COAST CLASSIC SOCCER TOURNAMENT INDIVIDUAL HONORS: Juan Pablo Olazaba, Co-Defensive Player of the Year; Robert Carter, Arturo Espin, Miseal Espin, Matt Katona, Juan Pablo Olazaba, Tom Pheulpin, First Team All-District; Adrian Cavallini, Bowen Krause, Hagen Meyer, Bernard Thompson, Second Team All-District; Daniel Benites, Ethiel Rocha, Honorable Mention All-District; Daniel Benites, Hagen Meyer, Jorge Villarreal, Adrian Cavallini, Max Mills, Matt Katona, Cuatro Rohde, Academic All-DistrictTEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SOCCER COACHES: First Team All-Region, Arturo Espin, Matt Katona, Juan Pablo Olazaba, Tom Pheulpin; First Team All-State, Tom Pheulpin; Second Team All-State, Arturo Espin, Juan Pablo Olazaba; Honorable Mention All-State, Matt Katona; Academic All-State, Adrian Cavallini, Matt Katona

STATE ALL-STAR SOCCER GAME: Arturo Espin

CORPUS CHRISTI GULF COAST CLASSIC ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM: Arturo Espin

SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS: AREA SUPER TEAM: Area Super Team, Tom Pheulpin; 4A All-Area, Juan Pablo Olazaba, Tom Pheulpin; Player of the Week, Robert Carter

NATIONAL SOCCER COACHES ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA TEAM ETHICS/ SPORTSMANSHIP BRONZE AWARD

Photos by Mary C

andee

CHEERLEADINGUCA NATIONALS: Large Varsity DII Division, Varsity Cheerleaders, 6th placeUCA SUMMER CAMP: Junior Varsity Cheerleaders, 1st place, Sideline; Varsity Cheerleaders, 2nd place, Sideline; JV, 2nd place, Timeout Cheer; Varsity, 2nd place, Timeout Cheer; JV, Champions in Extreme Routine; Varsity, 2nd place in Extreme Routine; Top Banana Winner, 5 seniors named to the All-American Team; 3 seniors asked to be on Universal Cheerleaders Association StaffDANCESHOW MAKERS OF AMERICA STATE COMPETITION: Alamo Heights Spurs Dance Team, Officer Medium Ensemble, 1st place; Judges award 90 and above, Best Showmanship, Best Choreography, Best Technique, Best Precision; Pom, 3rd place; Open (Clog), 1st place; Contemporary, 2nd place; and Hip Hop, 3rd place. The team earned 4th Over All in Medium Division. Regionals, Officer Medium Ensemble, 1st place; Judges award 90 & above, Best Showmanship (all 4), Best Choreography (all 4), Best Technique (all 4), Best Precision (all 4); Overall Entertainment in Open (clog); Hip Hop, 2nd place; Contemporary, 2nd place; Open (Clog), 1st place; Pom, 1st place; Best in class, 3rd place; and Line of Champions. The team earned 3rd Over All in Medium Division.

ALAMO HEIGHTS JUNIOR SCHOOLMIMS AWARD: Daria Britton and Marshall Voorhies

VOLLEYBALLDISTRICT CHAMPS: 7th Grade White Team POST SEASON TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS: 8th Grade Blue Team BASKETBALLDISTRICT CHAMPS (UNDEFEATED): 8th Grade White Team GOLFNORTH EAST ISD GOLF TOURNAMENT: 3rd place team, Zach Story, Cameron Pfeiffer, Saxton Rios, Austin Bray, Brandt Basso, Drew Austin, Noble Gilmour, Parker Ray, Bryce Berlint, Coby Leone and Jackson Merchant; 5th place team, Kimberley Vollmer, Payton Puhl, Hana Cole, Claire White, Libby Budenholzer, Rob Ellwood; Individual Honors, Noble Gilmour, 9th place; Zach Story and Parker Ray, 6th place; Rob Ellwood and Bryce Berlint, 5th placeFENCINGALICE B. MEMORIAL ROC FENCING COMPETITION: Olivia Krick, 1st place, Division II, 2nd place, Division ITRACK & FIELDMEET OF CHAMPIONS: 8th Grade Boys, 3rd place; 7th Grade Boys, 2nd place; 8th Grade Girls, 4th place; 7th Grade Girls, 5th place; Marshall Voorhies, Broke School Record with throw of 159 Feet; Tyler McGinnis, Set two School Records in 800 Meter and Mile Run; Team of Josh Guerra, Bailey Ulbrich, Chris Lewis and Zavier Leal, Set School Record in 400 Meter Relay; Molly Brown, Set School Record, High Jump at 5 Feet; and Addison Doerr, Set School Record in 100 Meter Dash


GIRLS SOCCERRANKED 14TH IN THE NATION; REGIONAL QUATERFINALSTS; UNDEFEATED DISTRICT CHAMPIONS ALL STATE: 1st Team, Christa Bunce, Karey Tylman and Aine Britton; 2nd Team, Emma Russell

ACADEMIC ALL-STATE & ALL-DISTRICT: Christa Bunce, Katie Weigel, Karey Tylman and Hattie Love

GOLFGOLF INDIVIDUAL HONORS: Golf Scholarship to Rice University, Mitchell Meissner

TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL GOLF SCOREBOARD: Boys team ranked 5th in state; Girls team ranked 9th in stateTENNISREGION IV-5A TEAM TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS: Varsity, 2nd placeUIL STATE 4A TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS: Solène Crawley & Marie Lutz, 2nd place, Girls Doubles; Jonah Candelario, 3rd place, Boys Singles; Henry & Sarah Adams, 3rd place, Mixed Doubles; All were named to UIL 4A All-State Tennis TeamUIL REGION IV-4A TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS: Jonah Candelario, 1st place, Boys Singles; Brittney Wilbur,1st place, Girls Singles; Solène Crawley & Marie Lutz,1st place, Girls Doubles; Henry & Sarah Adams, 1st place, Mixed Doubles; Liam Crawley, 3rd place, Boys Singles; All named to UIL Region IV-4A All-Region Tennis TeamRUGBYUNDEFEATED, 10-GAME SEASONJROTC2014-2015 ARMY JROTC ACADEMICS & LEADERSHIP BOWL: Top 50% of academic teams, ALAMO HEIGHTS JROTC ACADEMIC & LEADERSHIP TEAMS, Team 1: Prinzton Flores, Devin Pockrus, Ariana Mostasharnia, Dalton Kay, Katelyn Gartrell and Jacob Seidel; Team 2: Joey Nisiewicz, Zachary Beck, Evelyn Garcia, Alexandrina Mostasharnia, Stephanie Littlebird and Angel Lopez

Photos by Mary Candee


SPOTLIGHT ON EXCELLENCE

Each month, AHISD honors a district team member who has gone above and beyond the call of duty through the “Spotlight on Excellence” honor.

Steffanie Persyn, AHJS, January 2014; Jose Ortega, AHJS, February 2014; Alamo Heights Elementary Intervention Team: Suzanne Rea, Linda Neville, Michelle Dugie, Carol Johns, JoAnne Alverio, Roxanna Montes-Bazaldua, Patricia Gutierrez, Woodridge, Rhonda Coleman, Michael Reed, Gabby Joseph, Sherry Garner, Cambridge, Megan Massey and Carly Leech, Howard, March 2014; Patti Pawlik-Perales, April 2014; Mike Snell and Cynthia Puchalski, AHJS, May 2014; Eddie Sandoval, Transportation, June 2014; Dawn Hedgepeth and Luke Moody, AHHS, August 2014; Leti Esquivel, Howard, September 2014; Mary Cortez, October 2014; Pete Maciel and Rick Ramirez, November 2014; and Susan McDonald, AHJS, December 2014

SPOTLIGHT ON ENGAGEMENT

As a result of the implementation of our Strategic Plan, AHISD has created a new honor titled “Spotlight on Engagement.” This honor is selected by the Curriculum Department and awarded each month to showcase engaging instruction.

Elise Frierson and Debra Moczygemba, Howard, February 2014; Showcase of Engaged Learning, May 2014; 6th Grade Social Studies Teachers, Julie Little, Arturo Espin, Rachel Sadosky, and Christopher McDow, AHJS, September 2014; and Julie Draper, Cambridge, December 2014

To watch the companion video stories, search Alamo Heights Mules on YouTube.

PERSONNEL ACCOLADES

AHISD TEACHERSAVERAGE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FOR TEACHERS:14.153%: TEACHERS WHO HOLD ADVANCED DEGREES



WASHINGTON POST TOP 1% OF CHALLENGING HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE NATION: Alamo Heights High School

CHILDREN AT RISK GREATER SAN ANTONIO TOP TRADITIONAL HIGH SCHOOL: Alamo Heights High School

AFS-USA 2014 TOP SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL AWARD: Alamo Heights High School, awarded for incorporating and encouraging global education into U.S. Schools via an educational partnership. Of the more than 2,100 schools nationwide that AFS USA partners with, only 79 received this award for outstanding efforts to foster global citizenship.

HEB EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION: Cheryl Duckers: Cambridge, State Finalist, Leadership Category; Callie Griess, Howard, State Finalist, Rising Star Category; Roxanna Montes-Bazaldua, Woodridge, Semifinalist, Leadership Category; Cindy Zaldivar, Woodridge, Semifinalist, Lifetime Achievement Category

TRINITY PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING & AHISD TEACHER OF THE YEAR: Ann Veazey, Cambridge

REGION 20 EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER 2ND - 5TH GRADE ELEMENTARY DUAL LANGUAGE TEACHER OF THE YEAR: Manuelita Rodriguez, Woodridge

DISTRICT 20 TEPSAN OF THE YEAR: Dr. Dana Bashara

KENS 5 & SACU ExCEL GOLDEN APPLE AWARD: Angus McLeod, Alamo Heights High School

ROTARY TEACHERS OF EXCELLENCE: Daniel Shea, Woodridge; Erika Ganey, Cambridge; Ann Carter, Alamo Heights High School STATE, REGION & DISTRICT COACH OF THE YEAR, GIRLS DIVISION; NISCA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR, GIRLS DIVISION, TEXAS NOMINEE; SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS ALL AREA COACH OF THE YEAR, GIRLS DIVISION; STATE AND REGION COACH OF THE YEAR, BOYS DIVISION: Don Walker

500TH WIN: Bruce Fink, Boys Soccer Coach, Alamo Heights High School

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SOCCER COACHES REGION 4 COACH OF THE YEAR: Chris Sharp, Soccer, Alamo Heights High School

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SOCCER COACHES REGION 4 ASSISTANT COACH OF THE YEAR: Mary Spradley, Soccer, Alamo Heights High School

SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS ALL AREA COACH OF THE YEAR: Danny Hayes, Golf, Alamo Heights High School

COLLEGE BOARD & ADVANCED PLACEMENT: Appointed to be one of 50 teachers throughout the state of Texas to be AP Advocate: Howard Wilen, Alamo Heights High School

TEXAS COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION: Certifications, Sarah Flores, Alamo Heights High School, 21st Century Educator; Kristin Davis, AHJS, Technology/IT Director

Certification; Sharla Blakely, Alamo Heights High School, Technology/IT Director; Ann Carter, 21st Century Educator; Darlene Carbajal, AHJS, Robotics Facilitator; Joan Gerber, EDC, Mobile Devices for Children with Disabilities; Sara Womack, EDC, Mobile Devices for Children with Disabilities

SUNSHINE COTTAGE “THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!” AWARD: Dawn Hedgepeth, LCSW, Courtney Storment, AHHS

SAN ANTONIO SPURS GRANT FOR EDUCATION: Michelli Ramon, AHHS, David Nungary, AHJS

SAN ANTONIO MAYOR’S FITNESS COUNCIL: HEALTHY SCHOOLS COMMITTEE, Beth Murguia, Cambridge

KONO 101 TEACHER OF THE WEEK: Lara Prevost, Cambridge

ALAMO HEIGHTS SCHOOL FOUNDATION HEIGHTS HERO AWARD: Nick Hillman, Howard ECC; Amy Lagueux, Cambridge; JoAnne Alverio, Woodridge; Mari Flores, AHJS; Jeanette Branchizio, AHHS

ANNUAL REGION 20 DUAL LANGUAGE CONFERENCE: Presenters, Martha Flores, Imelda De Leon, Patricia Gutierrez, Daisy Rodriguez, Nancy Gonzales, Mariana Medaris, Roxanna Montes-Bazaldua

REGION 20 TECH FIESTA: Keynote Speaker, Charlotte Dolat, Woodridge

NATIONAL ORFF CONFERENCE: Presenter, Heather Klossner

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM COMPLETED AND NAMED IMAGINARIUM: Opened in April, Woodridge (Project completed with funds donated by Woodridge PTO, HEB Excellence In Education, Trinity Prize Winner, Charlotte Dolat and Scotties Trees Rock Video Contest Winner, McCoy Patterson and various volunteer hours gifted by parents and AHISD staff)

GO PUBLIC CAMPAIGN BILLBOARD FEATURED TEACHER: Cheryl Duckers, Cambridge

STRATEGIC PLANNING:


Ensuring the Tradition of Excellence for the Next 100 YearsDURING THE 2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR, OUR COMMUNITY, PARENTS, STAFF AND STUDENTS DEVELOPED THE AHISD STRATEGIC PLAN. THE PLAN CONTAINED 52 INITIATIVES. 2014 MARKS THE COMPLETION OF THAT PLAN AND 49 INITIATIVES. AS A DISTRICT AND COMMUNITY, WE CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF THIS PLAN, AND THE AMBITIOUS GOALS THAT WE SET FOR OURSELVES THAT HAVE

BEEN ACHIEVED. THERE IS MORE WORK TO BE DONE AND WE WILL CREATE A NEW PLAN, BEGINNING IN THE SPRING OF 2015.

The following pages showcase our most recent initiatives.

STRATEGY ONE: We will demand all learning be engaging, personally challenging and relevant.

STRATEGY TWO: We will aggressively confront the social and emotional issues of our community.

STRATEGY THREE: We will close the achievement gap.

STRATEGY FOUR: We will create an environment where impeccable character is modeled by and

expected of each individual.

STRATEGY FIVE: We will ensure a high-performing faculty and staff to accomplish our mission.

STRATEGY SIX: We will create a culture of participation that ensures equitable access to academic

and extra-curricular activities.

Photo by AHHS Journalism Student, Hannah Williams.


FOCUSED INSTRUCTION: MEETING THE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUAL LEARNERS[Strategy THREE Example] All three elementary campuses partnered to redesign the way the three -tiered Response to Intervention (RtI) services are offered to AHISD students at Howard, Cambridge and Woodridge Elementary. The most important component of the elementary RtI framework is the quality of the of the primary prevention level (the core curriculum) where all students receive high-quality instruction that is differentiated according to individual needs and is aligned with the curriculum standards (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills-TEKS).

Thanks to the financial support of the Alamo Heights School Foundation, new universal screeners were purchased in reading and math for all elementary students which provide teachers with meaningful information regarding student needs in the areas of fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, phonemic awareness, as well as mathematical computation and mathematical concepts in grades K-5.

These tools provide screening and progress monitoring data that can be aggregated and used to compare and contrast the effectiveness of the core instruction as well as the effectiveness of different instructional strategies. Teachers are sharing the results of the beginning of the year data from the universal screeners with parents during fall conferences and will continue to monitor student progress, as screeners will be administered again at semester and in the spring. These tools provide AHISD Elementary teachers with meaningful data to help differentiate their instruction to best meet the individual needs of all learners in the classroom.

To watch the companion video story, a Spotlight on Engagement award winner in 2014, search Alamo Heights Mules on YouTube.

MENTORING MISSION SHARING TIME INSPIRES & ENGAGES STUDENTS

In early 2014, Alamo Heights ISD sought to involve our community in our district wide mentoring initiative. We recruited individuals, businesses, and organizations to serve as mentors in our schools. We realize mentoring a young person is a big commitment. However, it can also be an incredibly mutually rewarding experience.

We continue to ask for the use of your talents, your experiences and your strengths to inspire and engage students. Thirty minutes of your week can make a difference in the life of one student.LEARN MORE: ahisd.net


TEACHER LEADERS IN THE MAKING[Strategy FIVE Example] The Teacher Leadership Academy (TLA) focuses on leadership based competencies to provide emerging leaders within our district with the support and skills to develop and strengthen effective leadership skills. The Academy is designed for teachers who plan to remain in the classroom and serve their campus in leadership roles or those who transition into the practice as a campus administrator. The TLA program is designed to serve as a training opportunity to move participants beyond teacher to instructional leader; to incorporate reflective practice, which promotes professional growth; to provide interactive scenarios, vignettes,

and/or case studies to stimulate dialogue, discussion and reflection.

It is designed and aligned with PDAS Domain V. Professional Communication and VI Professional Development. It is also aligned with 2015 New Teacher Standards, Domain 6: Professional Practice Responsibilities.

The TLA is led through a partnership of the Region 20 Education Service Center (ESC). There are seven-½ day sessions offered at AHISD sites with the first sessions offered in July and August 2014.

Candidates for the TLA are nominated by campus principal.


ENGAGING EVERY STUDENT:FLEXIBILITY CURRICULUM ENRICHMENT & INTERVENTION[Strategy SIX Example] Walk into the Alamo Heights Junior School auditorium mid-morning and you may find students in a Tree or Warrior Pose, or a Full Sun Salutation. Outdoors, you may see students engaged in a photo session, while others in class may be designing rollercoasters. It is all part of the FLEXibility (FLEX) Curriculum Enrichment and Intervention program AHJS Principal Dr. Cordell

Jones hopes will excite and motivate approximately 1,130 students.

During the Spring of 2014, teachers and the Campus Site-Based Decision-Making Committee planned for FLEX, with the goal of offering students classes not typically found in a middle school setting. FLEX was implemented in the Fall and offers students more than 45 electives, including Astronomy, Robotics, Science Olympiad, yoga, and photography. “It’s really intended to be fun, creative and to allow the kids to explore things that maybe they never would of taken,” says Dr. Jones. Students take part in the classes Tuesday through Friday, while attending a multi-age advisory period on Mondays. This Advisory is designed for some school business (passing out report cards), but also for team building, character education and study skill development. Students are allowed to change their selections every three weeks by selecting six possible classes. All teachers teach the FLEX classes based on their likes, expertise, and other talents.

One of the popular sessions is yoga. Both girls and boys attend the yoga class that not only fills the auditorium stage but also spills out into the aisles. History teacher Renee Gonzalez leads the group exercise and says some of her students have enjoyed the class so much, they bought their own yoga mats. “FLEX is such a good idea. I think it’s such a great break in the day, a brain break!” FLEX

classes are scheduled after third period and before the lunches start.

The other aspect of the FLEX schedule is to help students who have been identified as needing extra assistance in math and reading because they may be performing below grade level. “Every school has some kids who struggle a bit and so we have to figure out the best way to help them,” says Dr. Jones. These students receive extra help during the FLEX period, but are provided an opportunity to ‘take breaks’ from the remediation classes and attend the regular FLEX classes. “What’s amazing is they are so motivated right now to perform at higher levels so that they can get back into the curriculum enrichment classes.”

FLEX has excited many in the student body, such as 8th grader Bryce Menchaca, who plays the guitar in the singer/songwriters class. “Whenever I go home, I can’t wait to pick up the guitar. Now I don’t have to wait to get home. I can just go to FLEX. This program can be really fun!”

Dr. Jones is now recruiting parents for the program and has asked interested parents to contact the school.

The enthusiastic Dr. Jones says the ultimate goal is to have an environment where kids love to learn. “I want kids to love coming to the Junior School. It should be a great three years for kids and our job is to make it exciting.”

To watch the companion FLEX video story, search Alamo Heights Mules on YouTube.


AS PART OF ITS COMMITMENT, THE ALAMO HEIGHTS SCHOOL FOUNDATION HAS PROVIDED $250,000 TO THE DISTRICT TO BRIDGE THE FUNDING GAP CREATED BY CUTS TO TEACHER SALARIES AND POSITIONS. THROUGH ITS ENDOWMENT, THE FOUNDATION ANTICIPATES THE SCHOOL DISTRICT’S EDUCATIONAL FUTURE THROUGH VARIOUS ENDOWED POSITIONS AND PROGRAMS SUCH AS THOSE THAT ARE LISTED.

ENDOWED FUNDSThe Foundation’s General Endowment was created in the fall of 2002 with the goal of obtaining long-term financial security for AHISD in support of the District’s programs. Currently, the General Endowment provides the annual salary for the Teacher for Academic Excellence in Science that was established in 2007 to provide distinguished students at the secondary level advanced opportunities in science education. Activities include internships in various science laboratories, independent studies, special projects, and participation in professional science conferences. Ron Malasky, AHHS Science Department Chair holds this position.

Rob Boldrick Memorial Fund was established in 1991 in memory of Rob Boldrick, 1974 Alamo Heights graduate to support teachers whose study, training, or program development will help students with a penchant for academic achievement; and those interested in careers in science, mathematics, and language arts. Two grants were funded through the 2013-2014 Rob Boldrick Award: helped fund “Laying the Foundation” and the AHHS English Department.

Glenn R. and Sally P. Ramsdell Fund was established in 2007 to fund a teaching position in English at the high school. The position of the Glenn R. and Sally P. Ramsdell Memorial Chair in English is filled with a highly creative, enthusiastic educator whose primary task is to nurture excitement among students for literary pursuits. Laura Davenport currently holds this position.

Faye Langley Cowden Chair for Elementary Education was established in 1994. Mrs. Cowden, a 1930 graduate of Alamo Heights and former teacher, established the endowment as a commitment to continued excellence in AHISD elementary schools. Charlotte Dolat currently holds this position.

The AHISD Wellness Coordinator established in 2009, is solely funded through Foundation gifts in support of providing a trained professional to coordinate a program focused on the social and emotional issues of students across all AHISD schools. Michelli Ramon serves as the District’s Wellness Coordinator.

The Caroline Gose Fund was established in memory of Caroline Gose, a 2003 Alamo Heights graduate, to support a joint student-faculty project benefiting the High School and the Alamo Heights community in the areas of journalism, theater or community service. 2014 Recipients: Interact Club’s Trip to the North Pole benefitting terminally ill children; Birthdays for Hope benefitting the residents of Haven for Hope; and Chain Reaction inspiring students to have a positive attitude, model impeccable character and promote anti- bullying awareness.

The Graham Ladenshohn Memorial Lecture Series was established in 1991, in memory of Graham Ladensohn, who loved his teachers. The Graham Ladensohn Memorial Lecture Series brings inspirational and educational speakers to the Alamo Heights Independent School District for faculty and the community. 2014 Lecturer: Dr. Art Markman

The Martha Spoor Young Writers Fund was established in honor of Martha Spoor, a 1987 graduate of AHHS and an English teacher for 14 years at Alamo Heights Junior School. Her goal was to instill in young people the ability to express themselves in their writing through the use of critical thinking and creativity. The fund supports a week long summer writing workshop for 7th and 8th graders in the district.

The Charles Urschel Guenther Theater Arts Fund was established in 2008 in memory of Charles Guenther, a 1983 graduate who loved providing technical assistance for AHHS dramatic productions. The fund assists the high school Theater Arts Department with its theatrical productions.

The Ida M. Kennedy Fund was established in memory of Mrs. Kennedy, a math teacher at Alamo Heights Junior School. She is remembered for her ability to inspire her students, individualize her curriculum, and encourage academic excellence for her students. She provided additional leadership by sponsoring the National Junior Honor Society.


The Johnnie Eng Fund was established upon his retirement in 2003 to honor the impact Mr. Eng had on the lives of his students and colleagues. As a result of the Johnnie Eng Fund, English teachers from AHHS attend “Laying the Foundation” training to increase rigor for grade level English classes. Teachers attend this training during the summer in order to better prepare their students for AP and EOC test taking.

Paul A. Foerster Math Fund was established in 2011 in support of Paul Foerster’s 50 years of teaching at Alamo Heights High School. These funds will provide support to the math teachers for professional development, memberships, speakers, training and release time for mentoring.

The Shine Bright Fund was established in 2011 in memory of Sarah Chidgey Hughes, an elementary school teacher, and in honor of her mother, Denise Chidgey, who taught for over 30 years at Woodridge. When the fund matures, it will be used to support instruction and inspire teachers

The Reid Hallman Kelley Memorial Fund was established in 2014 in memory of Reid Hallman Kelley, a seventh grader at Alamo Heights Junior School, who passed away in September 2013. Reid, a bright and dedicated student, had a particular interest in science and technology, and aspired to someday study engineering. The fund will be used to enrich opportunities for students at AHJS to achieve academic excellence in science to help improve facilities and equipment of the science classrooms, and to support training and education of the AHJS science teachers.

THE ALAMO HEIGHTS SCHOOL FOUNDATION HAS ITS ORIGIN IN THE CREATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS. FOR THE 2013-2014 ACADEMIC YEAR, $36,050 WAS AWARDED IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO AHHS GRADUATES.

SCHOLARSHIPSThe Bob Ware Memorial Scholarship was established in 1975 to award scholarships to AHISD seniors whose achievements are above expectations and are involved in extra-curricular activities at AHHS. 2014 Recipient: Taylor Puhl

The Oma E. Vordenbaum Scholarship was established in 1977 for AHHS graduating seniors who seek higher education. Recipients exemplify many of the qualities that Mrs. Vordenbaum modeled and valued in others, including intellectual curiosity, a love of learning, perseverance and purposefulness, sincerity, trustworthiness, unselfishness, neatness in work and appearance, and respect for others. 2014 Recipients: Joshua Armstrong and Gabrielle Gonzalez

The W. W. and Anna May Campbell Scholarship was established in 1985 to provide scholarships for AHHS graduates who plan to attend state or other publicly supported schools and who are sophomores or above in class standing. Recipients of the Campbell Scholarships are selected based on scholastic ability and financial need. 2014 Recipients: Dakota Bowen, Abigail Gay, Austin Henderson, Kathleen Johnson, Greyson Kale, Mitchell Katona, Jonathan Meyer, Jemma Miller, Chelsey Monroe, Laura Moreno-Vasquez, Nicole Nations, Susannah Payne, Audrey Stipe, and Victoria Young


THE FOUNDATION’S MOST EXCITING AND FUN EVENT IS THE PRIZE POSSE THAT RIDES EVERY NOVEMBER TO AWARD GRANTS TO AHISD TEACHERS FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS, MATERIALS, BOOKS AND OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL NEEDS.

2013-2014 AHSF GRANTS TO EDUCATORSAlamo Heights High School:Aeroscience StudiesMath iPadsAquatic ResearchRadiation and Nuclear ChemistryAmp it Up!Teaching Proficiency through Reading and StorytellingDarkroom EquipmentPhysics SMART Board “The Princess of Ethilaania”

Alamo Heights Junior School:Smartboard for Social StudiesMini Screen – BIG impactiPads for MathMonitoring the Student’s ScreenSupplying the Science LabsTI 84 Graphing CalculatorsiPads for Dyslexia

Cambridge Elementary:Google ChromebooksGrowing a Generation of ReadersiLearn with iEarn.orgSensory LabIstationSpanish Audio LibraryInteractive Music Classroom Rugs


Woodridge Elementary:More Magnificent Mentor TextsGetting our Hands on HistoryShow Me the Science1:1 AccessLearning to Read with Confidence: Start-to-FinishIstationStand Up for LearningExemplary ScienceReading is Key

Howard Early Childhood Center:Cutting EdgeInquiring Minds Need to KnowHEB Istation

All Campuses:e-Volve for our 21st Century e-ReadersEngage Me…@HomeiPad Microscopes (Howard and Woodridge)

2013-2014 FOUNDATION GIFTS OF SUPPORT TO AHISD

Grant for Teacher Salaries.......................................................$250,000Grants to Educators ................................................................$150,993AHISD Wellness Program ..........................................................$75,000Glen R. and Sally P. Ramsdell Chair in English ............................$72,444Teacher for Academic Excellence in Science ................................$50,000Faye Langley Cowden Chair for Elementary Education ................$12,000Heights Heroes...........................................................................$2,500Other Endowed Funds ...............................................................$25,287Additional Grants .....................................................................$55,000Scholarships .............................................................................$36,050 TOTAL ................ $729,274

CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM INITIATIVESThe Alamo Heights Child Nutrition Program provides healthy breakfast and lunch options for students in Alamo Heights’ schools. The team strives to keep fresh and healthy options with variety and choice as a top priority for students. The program is managed by Southwest Foodservice Excellence, a leader in the industry; recognized for their innovative practices. In 2014, the Child Nutrition program implemented the following:

• House smoked meats for catering and school lunches

• Digital signage that includes: nutrition education, monthly breakfast and lunch menus, healthy snack options, fun videos for the students to watch as they transition through the line.

• New concepts rolled out this year included: made to order Omelet Stations and Belgian Waffle Stations at Alamo Heights Junior School and Alamo Heights High School, handcrafted Smoke House BBQ, made to order authentic, street tacos and a made to order pasta station.

• Nutritional initiatives and education included: a Food-a-Palooza nutrition information event at Cambridge Elementary featuring fruits from around the world and how to incorporate vegetables into a smoothie, Roving Chefs at all elementary schools, showing kids how to cook healthy foods at home, sharing the implementation of the newest Smart Snack regulations that require all snack foods to meet strict health and nutrition regulations that must be followed to be offered to the kids in schools, meeting with principals, parents, and teachers to give them a better understanding of how child nutrition works for the district.

• Continuing to make great, tasty and nutritious foods for students at all schools.

• Working within the guidelines to offer new, more healthy and nutritious options on the main line and in the snack areas.


SOLAR POWER REDUCING COSTS, SAVING MONEYAlamo Heights ISD is on track to save thousands of dollars a year by reducing its utility costs. All campuses in the district, including its maintenance building, are now fitted with solar panels. Monthly utility bills will be reduced by the amount of solar power the building uses instead of buying it from CPS Energy. “That will save the district approximately $39,000 annually,” says Mike Hagar, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance.

The renewable energy initiative began in 2010 when AHISD applied for CPS Energy’s Solartricity, a unique program meant to attract businesses to produce power. The difference is these selected businesses, in turn, sell the produced energy back to CPS at .27 cents per kilowatt, which is three times what the district pays in utility costs. The district was one of 10 recipients awarded the project. “We installed 500 kilowatts of solar arrays on our high school and Woodridge Elementary. That project was completed 2 years ago and it has generated approximately $235,000 annually for the school district,” says Hagar. The district is currently in a 20-year contract to sell its power to CPS.

Since the completion of Solartricity, the district wanted to continue its energy saving efforts by adding solar panels to its remaining campuses: Howard Early Childhood Center; Cambridge Elementary; Alamo Heights Junior School; Robbins Academy; and its maintenance building on Rittiman Road. Hagar says the additional panels cost $1 million but CPS rebates on solar helped offset the price, “CPS will rebate back to the district approximately $400,000 this year which will help in our general fund.”


ALAMO HE IGHTS I SD7101 B roadwaySan An ton io , TX 78209

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Documents

ALAMO HEIGHTS ISD 2014 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT