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Fort Bend – Harris Retired Educators

News and Notes

Editor: Eleanor Blain Vol. 4 Issue 7 March 1, 2017

Photo by Evelyn Smith Chili Cook Off

FBHRE members did not disappoint when it came time for a chili cook off

for the February meeting. Pictured above is Mary Crochet, Hospitality Chair,

as she guides the setup of chili and delicious side dishes for our meeting while

others decorated tables in a Western theme. Originally promoted as a

contest, those chili entries were all so good that the contest judging was

suspended. Therefore, there are no first, second, or third place winners to

announce.

Also included were line dancing, led by Evelyn Smith; bean bag toss, and washer toss, and a center for writing

letters to legislators. If you missed this meeting, you missed loads of fun and fellowship.

–Eleanor Blain

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Legislative Notes FBHRE will host the annual forum for FBISD Board of Trustees. As of now, Positions 1, 4, and 5 are on the ballot. Position 1 Incumbent Jason Burdine is opposed by L.

Angelo DeCamps. Position 4 Incumbent Kristen Tassin is opposed by Rodrigo Carreon and Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam. Position 5 Incum-bent K.P. George is opposed by Lorena Dueñas. For photos, bios, District Positions map, and dates for early voting and election day, scroll to the end of this newsletter. At our March meeting, we will submit questions for the candidates. In the past, some FBHRE members wondered where we get the questions. The answer is from you. Kathy Aaron and Eleanor Blain moderate and time the forum; however, the questions are only as good as the questions you provide. It is vital that you attend the March meeting and submit questions. You may also email questions to eleanor.blain@yahoo.com. Our public education system is under threat from the local representatives, to Governor Abbott, and to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and President Trump. Questions concerning how FBISD will react to these threats will certainly be considered. --Eleanor Blain

Note from Tim Lee You are welcome to attend TRTA Rally Day at the Capitol in Austin on March 29 even though you may not be attending the TRTA Convention. To assure that enough refreshments and handouts are available, RSVP to Carla Meuth so she can send a head count to TRTA. For a schedule of events: click here.

--Eleanor Blain

FBHRE Health and Wellness Meeting

March 9, 2017 1:00 p.m.

Exhibits, prize drawings,

and food samples! Please bring a tasty and healthy appetizer or

dessert (with no added sugar or salt)

for us to sample.

If you bring one copy of the recipe

we will make a booklet for the next meeting. —Debbie Reynolds

Message from Linda Russell

You still have time to sign up for our Galveston field trip to the Bryan Museum. Sign up at our next meeting or call or email Linda Russell. You can watch an over-view of the museum at http:// abc13.com/tag/cool-spaces/.

Museum founder. J.P. Bryan was the Grand Marshall for the Knights of Momus in the Grand Knight Parade. You may have seen him if you observed the Galveston Mardi Gras Parade on Channel 13 TV at 10:35 p.m. February 25th. Please sign up to serve on the Social Committee.

This committee plans field trips for FBHRE members.

So far, we have had some terrific fun and educational

field trips. Linda needs at least three members added

to the committee.

To serve on the committee or go on the field trip,

contact Linda Russell at lrussel4@yahoo.com or call

her at 281-499-5885 --Linda Russell

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. FBHRE Board Meeting at Dolezal Home

The FBHRE Board met at Mary Ann and Phil Dolezal’s home on February 1 to discuss the 64th Annual TRTA Convention, the budget, and losses and gains in local membership. FBHRE has five convention delegates: Carla Meuth, Evelyn Smith, Eleanor Blain, Kathy Aaron, and Cathie Ritchie. The 64th Annual TRTA Convention, to be . in Austin on March 27-29 at the Hilton on 500 E. 4th Street, will be followed by

TRTA Rally Day at the Capitol. Our members will be able to meet with sen- At the Tree: Debbie Reynolds, Kathy Aaron, Ann Thompson, Eleanor Blain. ators and representatives. If you plan to Seated: Mary Ann Dolezal, Carla Meuth, Evelyn Smith, Ann Hubner attend Rally Day, only, be at the Capitol by Middle Row: Abby Grobe, Sue Bridges, Susan Schlein, Linda Russell, Cathie 8 a.m. Wear your red shirt or the Districtd 4

Ritchie. Back Row: Patricia Fridye, Mary Crochet. –photo by Phil Dolezal red T shirt. We will attend the meeting in both the House and Senate Chambers. Arrive at the House Gallery at 9:30 and switch to the Senate Gallery at 10:30 a.m. Meetings with legislators will be scheduled before and after the House and Senate meetings. Only a fraction of potential members has joined a local unit. TRTA publishes an at-large list of members. We will divide the list and call prospective members. Increased membership is vital to the growth and operation of TRTA and the local units. If you know a retiree or someone who is about to retire, please contact that person and encourage him or her to join our local unit. If the person you invited joins our unit, fill out a form and enter the form into a drawing at the convention for a chance to win $100. --Eleanor Blain

Mission Glen Elementary Receives Treats from FBHRE

Wind gusts, rain, tornado warnings, and shelter in place—nothing stopped Mary Ann Dolezal from delivering Valentine’s Day treats to Mission Glen Elementary’s two faculty lounges and Valentine cards and a treat to the teachers’ boxes. Pictured on the left are Mary Ann and Melanie Blain-Tannous, MGE Counselor. Pictured on the right is a sample of the Valentine’s Day card with a chocolate inside and pencil taped to it that was placed each teacher’s mail box. Thank you, Mary Ann. --Eleanor Blain

Photos submitted by Mary Ann Dolezal

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FBHRE Members Attend Evemt

---Four of our retired teachers attended the recent Human Trafficking Community Event hosted by Fort Bend Panhellenic in conjunction with The Creative Dreams Outreach Center of Stafford. Creative Dreams is a non-profit after school arts and tutoring program for middle and high school students. Free art, dance and music lessons as well as academic tutoring are offered there.

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Joyce Erickson, Evelyn Smith, Kerri Taylor, Linda Russel and Gilda Williams

Kerri Taylor, executive director of Unbound, was an outstanding speaker on the topic of human trafficking. Hotline number to report human trafficking is 1-888-373-7888. Put this number in your phone, also your children's and grandchildren's. Call it if you see any suspicious sightings. Pictured on the right are Linda Russell with students who attend Creative Dreams and a staff member. –Linda Russell Photos submitted by Evelyn Smith

Benefit Update from Ann Hauber Many of you who shop at Kroger may have been taking advantage of a ten percent senior discount on any Kroger brand item for shoppers 59 and older. According to the Houston Chronicle, Kroger has discontinued this benefit as of February 8, so you may want to consider this information when you do your grocery shopping.

Informative/Protective Tips: ATM Use 1. Memorize your PIN, do not write it down, and do not share it with anyone. 2. Use ATMs that are in a well-lit place

and avoid using the ATM at night, if possible. 3. Check your surroundings. If you are uncomfortable with strangers standing nearby, leave. 4. Do not allow others to help you use the ATM, and shield the keypad as you enter the PIN.

5. Retrieve your card, transaction slip, and any cash when finished and press the “Cancel” key. 6. If your card gets stuck in the ATM, or if cash is not dispensed after you having keyed in a transaction, call your bank immediately. 7. Check your bank statement after a day or two and report any discrepancies. 8. Shred the transaction slip when you no longer have a use for it. 9. Report lost or stolen ATM card immediately to the

issuing bank. Keep the bank’s phone number handy.

–Eleanor Blain

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Phil Dolezal’s Texas Slaw Ingredients 1 head Cabbage ½ cup Sugar Salt (to taste) ½ cup Vinegar 1/3 cup Oil ½ tsp Celery Seed ½ tsp Mustard Seed Directions Shred cabbage finely in large bowl. Sprinkle salt to taste. Combine sugar, vinegar, oil and seasonings seeds in small saucepan. Mix well and bring to a boil. Pour hot dressing over shredded cabbage and toss lightly. Double for larger amounts of cabbage. Can be served as is or seal bowl tightly and chill overnight. Best served next day. Enjoy!

Mary Crochet’s White Chicken Chili Ingredients 1 tbs vegetable oil 1 large onion (1 cup) 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces 3 cans (14 oz each) chicken broth 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained 2 cans (4.5 oz each) Old El Paso chopped green chilies, drained 1 tsp dried oregano leaves ½ tsp ground cumin Dash ground red pepper (cayenne), if desired 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (6 oz) Chopped fresh cilantro, if desired Directions In 4 qt saucepan or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat until hot. Add onion, garlic and chicken; cook and stir until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in remaining ingredients except cheese and cilantro. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; simmer 10-15 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally. To serve, spoon chili into soup bowls. Top each serving with cheese and cilantro. --Submitted by Mary Ann Dolezal

Texas Retired Teachers Foundation

Reminder: Student scholarships have been replaced with $750 Beginning Teacher Scholarships for relatives of active TRTA members. Click on this link

to access an application. *Beginning Teacher Scholarship program assists new teachers in paying for certification tests or supplies for their first classroom. Download the application here. *Fifteen Classroom Assistance Grants are available. Download application here. --Eleanor Blain

Ongoing Projects Paul Hillis is ready at each meeting to accept your donations of 1- 2

lb. bags of flour and

sugar or monetary donations on behalf of the East Fort Bend Human Needs food pantry.

You may donate new or

gently used books, to the

Children’s Book Project.

Monetary donations are

also acceptable. Your help

with both projects is

appreciated.

Calendar of Events Mar. 1: Last day to register for a room at the Hilton in Austin for the TRTA convention. Code: TRT Mar. 9, 1-3 p.m.: Health Fair Mar. 29: TRTA Rally Day at State Capitol Apr. 13, 1-3 p.m.: FBISD Forum/Legislative Update Apr. 20: Field Trip to Galveston May 11, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Fiesta Luncheon. Bring a dish to share. *Monthly meetings are held in the Great Hall of the Sugar Land United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge, Sugar Land, TX.

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Photo Ops Photos by Evelyn Smith and Carla Meuth

Attendees enjoyed a scrumptious meal and line dancing at our February meeting.

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Fort Bend ISD 2017 Board of Trustees Election Information Position 1 Jason Burdine,

Jason Burdine, Financial Advisor with a B.S. Ed from Texas A&M, was elected to Position 1 in 2014. He currently serves as FBISD Board Vice President and Construction Liaison. He meets monthly to review District construction projects. During his term as Trustee, the FBISD Board has approved construction of six new schools, completed comprehensive district rezoning, developed

a facilities plan, and passed a $484 million-dollar bond that funds construction of the new schools, modernization of current schools, the purchase of new buses, and a district-wide technology plan, all approved by 75% of voters and with no tax increase. Sound fiscal management is a proud achievement of FBISD. The overall tax rate of $1.34 per $100 valuation has remained unchanged for six years and is the among the lowest in comparison to surrounding districts. TEA’s Financial Integrity System for 12 years has given FBISD the Superior Achievement Award, and the Comptroller’s Financial Allocation Study for Texas gave FBISD five stars. Burdine says Financial Transparency is key to success and builds trust among taxpayers. Believing that FBISD’s goal is to prepare students exceptionally well for life beyond high school, Burdine has championed the new Career and Technology Education center which will prepare students planning either to enter the work force upon graduation or to work while attending college. Students will receive training in fields specifically needed in Fort Bend as well as specific in-demand training for the general workforce. He states, “It is our duty in this great country and the great state of Texas to ensure that each child receives the best education we can provide.” A former classroom volunteer with a passion for education, Burdine believes teachers are one of the most important assets. He voted to approve starting teacher salaries of $50,500, consistently supports initiatives furthering teacher growth and development, and serves on the Teacher of the Year Committee. The Teacher of the Year program showcases talent and stimulates growth in the teaching profession. He also participates in the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Forum. Burdine and wife Andrea have lived in Fort Bend for seven years and have two children, Blake and Makayla.

Position 1 L Angelo DeCamps, Investment Banker from Richmond, TX, earned a BA in Finance and an MBA in Business Management. If elected, he wants to be sure to hold FBISD accountable for the programs they say they offer the students. He wants to offer teachers the creativity and resources needed to teach their students how to

learn and not just how to pass a test. Lastly, he wants to continue having parents involved in the decisions of FBISD and make sure they know the why behind any decisions that are being made. He states, “I truly consider it an honor to be a product of FBISD and a privilege to raise my family in this wonderful area and school district I have been a resident of Fort Bend County for over thirty years. I attended Townewest Elementary, Sugar Land Middle School, and Kempner High School and am very proud to call myself a product of FBISD. My wife and I are raising our eight children in Fort Bend and our two oldest have graduated from Travis High School. Currently we have two children at Travis, one at Bowie Middle School, and two at Oakland Elementary. I am passionate about the education of our children and have a vested interest in the success of our school district.”

(From FBISD.com)

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At Large Position 4 Shirley Rose-Gilliam, PhD, a long-time Fort Bend County resident and a 28-year veteran educator and admini-strator has a proven track record for turning around struggling schools and knows the uphill battles that some schools face when not in more affluent

areas. For 25-years she serviced Fort Bend Independent School District, where she spent 10 years as a high school teacher and another 15 years as a campus administrator. While in Fort Bend, she was tapped by the superintendent to lead the turnaround effort at Thurgood Marshall High School, a campus that successfully emerged from an academically unacceptable rating during her tenure. She also served as principal at George Bush High School and Christa McAul-iffe Middle School, both in Fort Bend ISD. She now serves as the principal of Wheatley High School, Houston ISD. Dr. Rose-Gilliam holds a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Houston, a Master of Education degree from University of Houston-Victoria, and a Doctorate of Education from Texas A&M University. Her motto “Believe in the Possibilities!” has followed her from campus to campus and now district to district! Her purpose in life is to serve others. At Large Position 4 Rodrigo Carreon, an electrician from Fresno, TX, is an

FBISD bilingual candidate who graduated from Dulles High

School class of 1987. He states:” I see FBISD eastside

needs to hire more bi-lingual administrators and principals

for each high school, middle and elementary school to

improve needed communication with parents or students. I

support books more than lap top computers for education.

FBISD Rezoning plan needs to make Hwy 6 the divided zone

between north and south. All students that live on the north

side of Hwy 6 must be zoned to all schools located on the

north of Hwy 6. This rezoning idea will help improve Marshal

HS and Willow Ridge HS that are ‘low ‘ in student capacity

and education.”

He adds, “ Make history by getting all our FBISD teachers

of government classes trained and certified to register in their

classrooms all students to vote. This will strengthen our USA

1st. Amendment Rights with higher number of voter turnout

in FBISD annual local and state elections to improve

leadership. This will help save and improve our public

schools of Texas.”

Carreon states, “Our USA First Amendment right is my top

issue for all K-12 students to learn freedom of speech to ask

questions in class and to help remind parents to come out

and vote during all FBISD annual elections and state

elections for good leadership.”

At Large Position 4 Kristen Tassin, attorney with a J.D from LSU law school, is President of FBISD Board of Trustees and serves on the Internal Audit Committee. She has helped implement several new initiatives: the Listening Tour, which allows the commu-nity to participate in roundtable discus-sions with Trustees; the Board Vision and Planning Committee, which works with

District administration to develop the Profile of a Graduate; and will continue working on the District Strategic plan. She assisted with the creation of a Legis-lative Liaison position to work with the administration’s Legislative Priorities and coordinate advocacy efforts during the current legislative session. She has chaired the Legislative Education Advisory Committee for one of FBISD’s state representatives. An advocate for FBISD at the state and national level, Tassin attends state and policy institutes and testified before the Senate Education Committee in 2015. In 2016 she was elected delegate for Region 4 on the Texas Association on School Board’s (TASB) Legislative Advisory Committee that developed the TASB legislative agenda. She was a presenter at the TASB Summer Institute on “Managing Risks Through Internal Audit.” An attorney with over 20 years of experience, Tassin is a natural advocate for students, teachers, and community. She has been outspoken on various subjects affecting education, including truancy, school finance, the A through F rating system, special education, and school vouchers. She is working with other school districts and organizations to build a coalition of support for education laws and policies that benefit all students who attend Texas public schools. Tassin pledges to empower students, equip teachers, and partner with parents. She helped to implement the co-teaching pilot program EDGE; an expanded literacy program; restorative discipline; and many other student-centered programs that empower struggling students to pursue futures beyond what they can imagine. She was part of the team that helped to better equip teachers by expanding professional development opportunities including providing professional development days during the school year, providing instructional coaches in schools, and restructuring the special education department to provide more support for teachers. Prior to serving on the FBISD Board, Tassin practiced Property and Special Education Law at Dry & Tassin. In 2011, she was recognized as a Texas Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers Magazine. In 2003, Mrs. Tassin and her husband, Shannon, co-founded Father’s Joy to support children with disabilities and their families. She was the founding president of a PTO. Tassin and husband Shannon have three children who attend FBISD schools.

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Position 5

Lorena Dueñas, M.Ed, is an Educational Consultant. The daughter of immigrant parents who came to the USA seeking a better life, she says, “ I learned the value of education as being the cornerstone to opening opportunities for my future. My parents instilled in me the desire to learn and grow every day in order to

reach my full potential, which I embraced in becoming an educator.” Dueñas is a former veteran FBISD bilingual classroom teacher, and presently a small business owner and entrepreneur who says it is time for our school board to reflect the community of all stakeholders. She states that she knows the value of hard work the characteristics it takes to succeed in a global market-place and understands what key traits students need to acquire to become effective leaders after gradua-tion. A long-time resident of Fort Bend and parent to two FBISD students, she feels she knows the challenges for parents and students. when faced with a rigorous curriculum, to become college and career ready. Dueñas’s passion is student learning. For more than 20 years as a public-school teacher, she led schools to success through innovative instructional programs that target the needs of all students. She states,”By clearing the obstacles. teachers can effectively do what they do best – teach our students!” She declares, “If I am honored to serve on the FBISD School Board, I will pave the way for the District of Innovation plans by holding district administrators accountable to reduce the bureaucracy that burdens teachers, lower student/ teacher ratios, and increase individualized/ personalized learning for students. FBISD needs an ‘educator for educators’ on the school board. I am up for the task and would be ready to get to work for you!”

Position 5

KP George was elected to Position 5 in 2014. He currently self-employed as a Board Certified Financial Planner and owns and manages an independent financial planning practice with six other advisors. He is a 2016 Leadership

TASB Graduate with a "Master

Trustee" designation. During George’s tenure, the Board has managed

tremendous growth in the district with no new tax rate increase. A successful bond program is underway with two schools already opened and four under construction. Fort bend ISD voters approved a $484 million-dollar bond with 74% voting in favor of it. For the first time ever, FBISD completed a district-wide feeder pattern and boundary align-ment with little or no issues and approved the CTE Center.

George successfully fought against the elimina-tion of all Academy programs. He supports the vocational training programs and teacher pay raises. In 2013 he took the lead in establishing the Hightower High School Academies’ Booster Club and served as its first president. He has also served local Indo-American groups, the Sugar Land Rotary Club, and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the FBISD Parents Advisory Team and State Elections Policy & Affairs Team for State Representative Rick Miller. Since 1999, he and his wife Sheeba (FBISD educator) have raised their three children in Sugar Land. One of his children is a recent graduate, and two are currently attending Fort Bend ISD schools. KP George is very thankful that God has given him the opportunity to live The Dream. Now, he wants to ensure that our children have the necessary tools to achieve their DREAMS, because they are our future.

On May 6, 2017 voters in Fort Bend ISD will elect trustees to Positions 1, 4, and 5.

Early voting is scheduled for April 24, 2017 - May 2, 2017.

Voters in Fort Bend ISD may vote for all positions at any polling

L location.