the 17th annual holiday craft show - edl … · comal isd,” says superintendent andrew kim....

Grandparents Day 2018 - love and laughter all aroundGrandparents Day attracts hundreds of visitors each year to campuses across Comal ISD. Mimi’s and

Papa’s, Abuelas and Abuelos, flock to the schools to have breakfast or lunch with their precious grand-children. It is a day where there are smiles all around – students, teachers, and grandparents alike. Here is just a sampling of the fun that was found on elementary campuses for Grandparents Day this year!

Going Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness MonthSeptember is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and for the second year in a row, the Comal Independent School District is going

“gold” to shed light on how the community supports, advocates and contributes to young patients and their families during diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

According to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, cancer is diagnosed each year in about 175,000 children ages 14 and under worldwide, and every day, 43 families in the United States will hear the words “your child has cancer.” While researchers are working to find cures and better treatment options, this diagnosis is overwhelming and can consume a family’s day-to-day life. From mom and dad, brother and sister, grandmother and grandfather to friends and neighbors, everyone involved in a cancer child’s life is affected, and everyone can support them in many different ways.

Schools are a great place to start when it comes to supporting a family who is dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Often, school is the foundation of the community, and that is definitely true at CISD, where the focus on family is at the forefront.

“This is personal to me,” says Superintendent Andrew Kim, who immediately gave his support of a district-wide “gold” initiative for September. “We treat each other as family, and it breaks my heart to know that one of our own is suffering. We also want to take this opportunity to provide awareness, support and engagement to childhood cancer.”

While the Comal ISD family has been affected by childhood cancer, it has, like family does, banded together. In fact, one parent’s passion for raising awareness and raising funds for research has snowballed into various fund-raising events district wide, and she hopes it continues to grow.

Rhonda Chaffin’s daughter Rachael was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in the summer of 2013 before she began the sixth grade at Spring Branch Middle School. Rachael battled the disease for almost two years, returning to school which she loved whenever she could. She passed away in April of 2015.

It was Rachael who wanted to focus on ways to help fund childhood cancer research, so she started a team, Kicking Cancer with Ray Ray, in 2014. Twelve friends and family members shaved their heads in support of St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which she discovered gives every dollar raised to childhood cancer research. Her team raised almost $6,000 that first year and followed with a larger event in March 2015 at SBMS where 20 people shaved their heads including the school’s principal, Chris Smith.

Going Gold for Childhood Cancer / continued on page 10

See page 13 for additional details on Grandparents Day photos

District constructing two new high schools, thanks to Bond 2017

Did you know two new high schools are set to open in the next few years in Comal ISD? High School #4 (pictured here) will be located at FM 3009 and Schoenthal Road in Garden Ridge. It will open in August 2020. High School #5, set to open in Aug. 2021, will be at 1400 Kinder Parkway, next to Pieper Ranch Middle School in San Antonio. Thanks to the 2017 bond, these two new high schools will help alleviate overcrowding at Canyon and Smithson Valley high schools. To learn more about the 2017 bond and high schools #4 and #5, check out: http://www.comalisd.org/pages/Comal_ISD/Bond_at_work

The 17th Annual HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOWat Hoffmann Lane Elementary

Saturday, November 10from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Vendors and shoppers welcome!The space rental fee is $40.

Come and get your holiday shopping started. For more information,

contact the school at (830) 221-2500.

2 SchooLife – October 2018 Grade Speed Parent Connection

Visit www.comalisd.org October 2018 – SchooLife 3

Indian Springscelebrates 5th year of receiving “Leader in Me” grant with pep rally

The Pieper Ranch Middle School cheer and dance teams, as well as Covey the coyote, helped bring school spirit to Indian Springs Elementary’s “Leader in Me” kickoff pep-rally on September 14. This is the fifth year Indian Springs has received the “Leader in Me” grant, which is based on Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” “Leader in Me” produces transformational results such as higher academic achievement, fewer discipline problems, and increased engagement among teachers and parents.”


SchooLife is published in partnership with the Comal Independent School District. The monthly publication, which focuses on Comal ISD students, staff and community, is designed to increase communication between district schools and parents. The opinions, statements, and claims expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily those of the district or its officials. Comal Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, or disability in providing education services, activities or programs. It is the

intent and policy of this Dis-trict to conduct its activities in compliance with all Feder-al and State laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin or disability.

Publisher.....Bill Holland

Editor.....Wendy Holland

Designer.....John Rodriguez

Exec. Director of Communications

& Govt. Relations

Steve Stanford

Comal ISD Communications Specialist

Alyssa Coker

Advertising/Sales

Kathy Smith (210) 601-4836

[email protected]

P.O. Box 436

Bulverde, TX 78163

Ph: (210) 478-9014

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E-mail photos and stories to: [email protected] [email protected]

For advertising rates and information, contact Bill Holland at 210-478-9014The deadline is the 10th of each month for information to be

included in the following month’s publication.

SchooLife is published the first of each month and is available FREE to parentsof students attending schools in the Comal Independent School District. A

complimentary copy of the paper is sent home the beginning of each monthin the backpacks of students in grades K-5. Additional copies are available

inschool offices and various locations throughout the communities.

All creative concepts, designs, and layout for all advertisementsare the sole property of SchooLife and may not be reproduced in any

other publication without prior approval.

On Sept. 4, the Board of Trustees had its first board meeting for the 2018-19 school year, and recognized several groups for their accomplishments over the summer. Among those recognized were four Canyon High seniors (below, left) who graduated from Texas Boys State this summer - Ryan Dufur, Bayden Kuehler, Jacob Piner, and Frank Rubalcava. Also, district bus drivers (at left) Jan Miller and Matt Martin for their accomplishments at the State Bus Road-eo, and Superintendent Andrew Kim for being named 2018 Texas PTA Superintendent of the Year. He was presented the award by Texas PTA President Sherri Doss, below.

District students, employees recognized by Board of Trustees at first meeting of the new school year

Twenty outstanding Comal ISD 4th-8th graders participated in Education in Action’s summer 2018 Lone Star Leadership Academy camps. These young leaders were selected for the Lone Star Leadership Academy camps based on demonstrated academic success and leadership ability, an educator recommendation, and involvement in school/community activities. The participating stu-dents, representing communities across Texas, traveled to Dallas/Fort Worth (4th, 5th & 6th graders), Austin/San Antonio (5th, 6th & 7th graders), and Houston/Galveston (6th, 7th & 8th graders) to take part in the camps.

During the weeklong, overnight camps, these distinguished students developed leadership skills while learning about the great state of Texas. Participants experienced what they are learning in school through visits to notable and historically significant Texas sites. Venues included places such as the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza on the Dallas/Fort Worth program; the offices of participants’ state legislators at the Texas State Capitol, the Supreme Court of Texas, bat watching on the Lone Star Riverboat, and The Alamo on the Austin/San Antonio program; and NASA, a boat tour of Galveston Bay with a marine biologist, the San Jacinto Battleground Monument, and Moody Gardens on the Houston/Galveston program. In addition, professionals at sites visited introduced students to a wide variety of unique careers during each camp.

The Lone Star Leadership Academy experience provides a unique opportunity for outstanding students to learn about Texas leaders and what it means to be from the Lone Star State. Partici-pants discuss what they learn, complete problem solving and decision-making simulations, exercise creativity, and practice presentation skills in leadership groups. In addition, participants have fun meeting other outstanding students and making new friends while adding to their resume of academic achievements, developing leadership skills, and bringing home a wealth of information to supplement what they are learning in school.

Students that participated were:Bill Brown Elementary: Zachary Niles 5thCanyon Middle: Angelica Dixon 6th and Justin Johnson 6thGarden Ridge Elementary: Quinntin Cummings 5th, Ann Kulpa 5th, Caitlyn Mallard 5th, Emma McLendon 5th, Ryan Pee 5th, Atahliah Richardson 5th, Cali Wiatrek 5thHoffmann Lane Elementary: Maria Arenas 5th, Anna Benson 5th, Cate Ciarlone 5th,

Milo Martin-Rider 5thMorningside Elementary: Whesley Oliver 4thMountain Valley Elementary: Jacob Tuckness 5th and Hannah Tupa 5thRahe Bulverde Elementary: Isla Segovia 4thSmithson Valley Middle: Annabelle Lewis 7thStartzville Elementary: Avert Hime 5th

Twenty 4th-8th grade students participate in 2018 Lone Star Leadership Academy Camps

www.comalisd.org

With a growing need at the national, state and local level for skilled workers in the construction industry, Comal Independent School District is taking action to bolster the workforce with a newly developed pilot program called the Architecture/Construction graduation pathway.

Currently, junior and senior students at Canyon High School with an interest in construction will be working with local contractors who are willing to teach their crafts including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, concrete and general construction. CISD is partnering with the Greater New Braunfels Home Builders Association (GNBHBA) to fill this need in the community.

“I would like to create sustainable programs for all of our kids at Comal ISD,” says Superintendent Andrew Kim. “Programs which provide opportunities for them to make connections in life with what is learned in the classroom, from using math and language to critical thinking skills. This type of opportunity helps students become adaptable and involved in their community.”

CHS teacher Matt Owen is excited to begin the program, which currently has 75 students enrolled in the principles of architecture/construction classes and an additional 12 in the construction career prep internship.

“This pathway is important because we have many students who are interested in careers in these particular job fields,” Owen says. “Students will be able to receive hands-on training in a field which interests them and at the same time, accumulate credit towards graduation and earn a wage. It makes me feel good knowing that we are helping them get ahead.”

For CHS senior Adam Alcorta, 18, the internship along with the classroom curriculum which includes learning about what it takes to be a good employee is an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

“I think it is groundbreaking to have this opportunity to work while going to school and maybe discovering a career,” Alcorta says. “With so many options, I’m keeping an open mind about my future.”

The students participating in the program will interview for paid internships with 15 local companies and begin working in October, thanks to the partnership with the GNBHBA.

“One of our goals as an association is to find pathways to connect local kids to training, mentoring and even financial assistance in the construction industry,” says Kris Kagey, a former CISD teacher and administrator who is now general manager of Moore Supply Co. and a member of the association. “We want to help be the link with trade professions and kids.”

GNBHBA President Troy French sees the partnership with CISD as a win-win for both the students and the community.

“First of all, this program will keep some of our local youth, local, and in profitable jobs instead of leaving for opportunities in Houston or Dallas,” says French, who owns T.A. French Custom Homes. “We have a building boom here, and if we train and employ our local kids, our community benefits. This is almost a beautification project for our community. It’s a beautiful feeling to drive through

town and see a project you worked on. It gives you a great sense of pride.“Selfishly, as a general contractor, I want more skilled laborers to help fill jobs,” he continues.

“We need trained workers who are good at what they do and who are efficient. College isn’t for everyone, and I believe many kids do not realize that trades such as the ones being offered in this program are options. These are career paths with lucrative opportunities. There really is no ceiling when it comes to being a professional tradesman. The sky is the limit. You could own your own business down the road.”

CISD administrators hope this is just the first community/work partnership program of many to come. Programs such as this one benefit not only the students but the community as well. In fact, CISD currently offers programs in culinary arts, cyber patriotism, entrepreneurship, coding and various health careers.

“We are grateful for the community partnership we have with the Greater New Braunfels Home Builders Association and the businesses who are participating in this pilot program,” Kim says. “With its success, we will offer the same opportunities to our other campuses as well.”

Since the role of a public high school is to prepare and educate students for their futures, this type of pathway expands their opportunities upon graduation.

In fact, the need for skilled laborers is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States, and high school students who are looking to their futures may just find the perfect career with a little help.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that through the first quarter of 2018, employers looked to fill an average of nearly 225,000 construction jobs monthly, and the need for young trade professionals will continue to grow.

Earnings potential for today’s construction worker is at an all-time high, and job security for carpenters, masonry workers, electricians and plumbers is a sure thing.


PETSITTINGby Amanda Escobedo Pet Sitting House Sitting Dog Walking & More References Upon Request

(210) [email protected]

Canyon High students to gain construction skills thanks to new pilot program


Two new middle schools receive donations from Comal Education Foundation

The Comal Education Foundation (CEF) presented donations to Danville and Pieper Ranch middle schools during convocation to go towards needed purchases for teachers and classrooms. A big thank you to the CEF for all it does for our teachers. Mark your calendars for the annual CEF Golf Classic fundraiser coming up on November 1. Find more information here: http://www.comalisd.org/…/Comal_…/Comal_Education_Foundation

The Smithson Valley High Ranger Band and Color Guard will hold its 10th annual Fajita Dinner Fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 5 from 6-9 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Last year’s event was attended by almost 1,000 people and raised about $30,000 for the band and color guard.

The SVHS Ranger Band and Color Guard are generously supported by the Comal Indepen-dent School District; however, the SVHS Band Boosters cover additional expenses necessary to keep the commitment of excellence. Proceeds from the Fajita Dinner and Auctions go directly to the band and color guard for purchasing new instruments, maintenance of existing instruments, props, flags, private instruction for band students, supplies, equipment and materials, and registration and fees for yearly competitions and scholarship programs.

A variety of silent and live auction items – including merchandise, products, services and gift cards/certificates – will be up for bid before and during the dinner.

There are 278 students in the 2018-2019 Ranger Band and 33 in Color Guard. Each of the various sections of the band and the color guard will have a themed basket up for bid. The evening will conclude with a performance by the band.

“This is our largest fundraiser of the year,” said SVHS Band Director Matt Boening. “It’s an evening filled with good food, a great silent and live auction, and a showcase of the outstanding musical talent of our band students. All of the money raised goes directly to our programs that support these students.”

An entrée of beef and chicken fajitas will be served along with rice, beans, tortillas, dessert and choice of beverage. Meal Tickets are $10 per plate and can be purchased in advance from a band student or at the SVHS Ranger Band Spirit Booth at all home games. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

For donations of products, services, gift cards/certificates for the live or silent auction or monetary donations for the band and color guard, contact Pam Millard at (210) 332-3442 or email [email protected].


Friday, October 5 6:00 pm SVHS Band Fajita Dinner and Auction Night 6:45 pm STZES Carnival & Second Grade PerformanceSaturday, October 6 Rough Rider Marching Contest @ Heroes Stadium TMEA Choir Phase Auditions @ MacArthur HSSunday, October 7 4:00 pm Mid Texas Symphony @CHS PACTuesday, October 9 10:00 am Mid Texas Symphony Children’s Performance @ CHS 6:30 pm MVMS Symphonic/Honor/Jazz Concert @ MVMS 6:30 pm SVMS and SVHS Orchestra Concert @ SVHS 7:00 pm CHS Fall Choir Concert @ CHSThursday, October 11 6:30 pm MVMS Beginner Band Concert @ SVHSFriday, October 12 7:30 CLHS Theatre presents These Shining Lives 7:30 pm Various Football Games with halftime shows: Canyon High vs. Schertz ClemensCanyon Lake High vs. TaylorSmithson Valley High @ East CentralSaturday, October 13 Comal Classic Marching Contest @ CHS TMEA Region Choir Auditions @ Churchill HS 6A 7:00 pm CLHS Theatre presents These Shining LivesMonday, October 15 7:00 pm SVHS Choir Fall Concert @ SVHS 7:00 pm DMS Choir Fall Concert @ DMSTuesday, October 16 6:00 pm CHMS Choir Fall Concert @ CHMS 6:00 pm GRES 4th Grade Program @ GRESThursday, October 18 5:00 pm OCES 5th Grade Program: Spooktacular @ OCES 7:00 pm CLHS Fall Choir ConcertFriday, October 19 6:00 pm CHS Orchestra Hauntcert @ CHS

Friday, October 19 7:30 pm Various Football Games with halftime shows:Canyon High vs. East Central (Homecoming)Canyon Lake High vs. Burnet HighSmithson Valley High vs. Judson High (Jr. High Band Night)Saturday, October 20 TMEA Region Choir Auditions 4A @ Judson HS UIL Region Marching Contest @ Heroes StadiumMonday, October 22 6:30 pm CMS Choir Concert @ CMS 6:30 pm PRMS Choir Concert @ PRMSTuesday, October 23 4:00 pm CHMS Dance Chipotle Spirit Night 5:45 pm Support Services Fall Art Show 7:00 pm SVMS 7th and 8th Grade Fall Band ConcertThursday, October 25 6:30 pm PRMS Band Fall Concert 6:30 pm TPES Grade Level Performance 7:00 pm SVHS Fall PlayFriday, October 26 7:00 pm SVHS Fall Play 7:30 pm Various Football Games with halftime shows:~Canyon High @ Judson High~Canyon Lake High @ Fredericksburg High~Smithson Valley High @ Steele High (Lehnhoff Stadium)Saturday, October 27 Region 12 Treble Choir Auditions 7:00 pm SVHS Fall PlaySunday, October 28 3:00 pm CHS Choir Sings @ Rampage GameMonday, October 29 6:30 CISD Arts in Action Meeting @ Support ServicesTuesday, October 30 6:30 pm ASES Fall Concert @ ASES

Fine Arts Calendar: October 2018

10th Annual Fajita Dinner Fundraiser to benefit Smithson Valley High Ranger Band & Color Guard


Second of two new district middle schools is officially dedicated on Sept. 20Comal ISD personnel, board of trust-

ees, parents, students, and other com-munity members gathered at Danville Middle School on September 20 for the dedication of the new school. Various groups participated in this celebration, including one very special group, the original Danville School alumni.

Other participating groups included Boy Scout Troop #828, the Danville Middle School band, cheer, dance, and choir, as well as the Comal Education Foundation and Danville PTSA.

It was a successful evening and a wonderful way to not only celebrate the traditions to come, but to honor the rich history behind the Danville namesake.

Danville alumni were on hand for the dedication ceremony on Sept. 20. Attendees included, back row, from left: Sandra Sahm Reeh, Alton Rahe, Mickey Graef, Mark Friesenhahn, Sheri Sahm Logan, Alice Fey Courtney, Donna Cash Schmidt and Antoinette Hansmann Jenschke. Front row, from left: Vernell Sahm Hoffmann, Kathleen Heitkamp Hoffmann, Archie Schmidt, Jo Ann Krueger Stoepler, Mary A. Batey, Estella Fey Wiley, Antoinette Hubertus Batey, Evelyn Armke Krueger and Betty Armke Heinemeyer. Not pictured, Stephen Friesenhahn.

At right: Doing the honors for the ribbon cutting were, from left, Trustee Tim Hennessee, Danville Alumni Sandra Sahm Reeh, DMS PTSA President Denise Fox, Board Secretary Jason York, DMS principal Julie Cronkhite, and Board President Cody Mueller.

Comal Education Foundation Board Member Chris Narendorf, far right, presented a $2,500 check to, from left: Danville Assistant Principal Roy Cloe, Principal Julie Cronkhite, and AP Allison Reynolds.

Above: Several original Danville alumni are surrounded by current board members and the superintendent. Pictured are, from left, Superintendent Andrew Kim, Board Secretary Jason York, Danville Alumni Alton Rahe and Sandra Sahm Reeh, Trustee Tim Hennessee, and Board President Cody Mueller.


Strong start for Canyon High JV volleyball team

The Canyon High JV volleyball team got off to a great start this year, finishing 2nd in the Dripping Springs tournament and 3rd in the JV Tournament hosted at CHS in September. The girls are now competing in conference play.

Going Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month / Continued from cover


SBMS continues raising funds for St. Baldrick’s in Rachael’s memory annually with head-shaving fun and more. This year’s SBMS Childhood Cancer Awareness Campaign was Sept. 17-21, with daily events including wearing gold on Monday, taping Coach Stephen Crisp to a wall on Tuesday, head shaving on Wednesday, gold ribbon for a cure on Thursday and caps for a cure on Friday. Proceeds from the week’s events will bewere donated to the Seth Strong Foundation and St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

“Rachael was passionate about helping find a cure for cancer,” her mom said. “She didn’t want to see any more children diagnosed with cancer. In her memory, we continue to raise funds in support of St. Baldrick’s foundation under her team name, Kicking Cancer with Ray Ray, and we work with the school district to bring more attention to childhood cancer awareness. Rachael believed that there should be just as many people and athletes wearing gold in September as there are wearing pink in October.”

As mentioned above, the Seth Strong Foundation will be receiving part of the proceeds from this year’s SBMS Childhood Cancer Awareness Campaign. This foundation was formed in honor of Seth Permenter, a 6th grader at Smithson Valley Middle School. Seth was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a malignant tumor of bone, in his left leg when he was in the fourth grade at Bill Brown Elementary.

Like Rachael and her family, Seth and his family want to help others battling childhood cancer and formed the Seth Strong Foundation this year, raising $36,000 through Seth’s second annual Mother/Son Kickball Tournament. Currently, the Foundation has provided financial support to four local CISD families battling childhood cancer and plans to offer a scholarship to a Smithson Valley High School senior who is a cancer survivor or has been affected by cancer in his/her immediate family, sibling or parent.

School is often the touchstone children with cancer, their siblings and parents need in order to move forward, and Comal ISD’s support means the world to the Permenters.

“Giving children battling cancer a safe place to learn, grow and feel ‘normal’ for part of the day, truly helps with healing and recover,” explains Sarah Permenter, Seth’s mom, and director of Comal ISD’s Bilingual/ESL Services.

While no child or family should have to battle this disease, at Comal ISD, they definitely will not do it alone. Their school community shows up to support them – even shaving a head or playing kickball to further research. Hopefully, this gives them some peace of mind and the understanding that they are part of a bigger family – the Comal ISD family. Go Gold!

Learn More. Do More.Childhood Cancer OrganizationsHere are a few organizations which focus on childhood cancer research and offer various programs in which

schools may participate to raise money for that research.Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of South Central Texas - https://www.lls.org/ Light the Night Walk, Saturday, Oct. 13, Hemisfair Park, San Antonio Students of the Year Campaign for high school studentsSt. Baldrick’s Foundation - https://www.stbaldricks.org/ Head-shaving eventsSt. Jude’s Research Hospital - https://www.stjude.org/ Math-A-Thon for K-8thSeth Strong Foundation - http://sethstrongfoundation.weebly.com/ 3rd Annual Mother/Son Kickball Tournament – May 2019


Pieper Ranch Middle School dedicationComal ISD personnel, Board of Trustees, parents, students, and other community members came

together on Monday, September 17 to celebrate the dedication of Pieper Ranch Middle School. Various groups participated in the program including Boy Scout Troop #1776, the Pieper Ranch PTSA, cheer, dance, and 8th grade choir, as well as the Comal Education Foundation. The American Legion Post 179 also presented principal Scott Hammond with an American Flag.

The program concluded with a ceremonial cutting of the purple ribbon by Julie Whitaker with the Comal Education Foundation, Pieper Ranch PTSA President Michelle Moriarty, Board Treasurer Marty Bartlett, Board Secretary Jason York, Board President Cody Mueller, former Trustee Amy Freund, current Trustee Michelle Ross, Pieper Ranch principal Scott Hammond, and Superintendent Andrew Kim.

American Legion Post 179 members- Jesse Franco, Hortencia Franco, Bob Wolff, Jay Grady, Pamela Grady, and Pete Johnson - were on hand for the celebration.

Ribbon Cutting - Julie Whitaker with the Comal Education Foundation, Pieper Ranch PTSA President Michelle Moriarty, Board Treasurer Marty Bartlett, Board Secretary Jason York, Board President Cody Mueller, former Trustee Amy Freund, current Trustee Michelle Ross, Pieper Ranch principal Scott Hammond, and Superintendent Andrew Kim.

Boy Scout Troop #1776 - Kace Magers, Gabe Kantorak, Justin Baca, Logan Polcyn, Grayson Brady, Forrest Tilger, and Colby House - participated in the dedication.

Comal Reads family literacy event once again a smash success

The second annual Comal Reads event was a hit with elementary school students and their families in September. For four weeks, eager readers followed the story of a tiny mouse, a beautiful princess, a vengeful rat, and a servant girl who longs to be a princess in “The Tale of Despereaux” by Kate DiCamillo. Families were encouraged to share photos of their story time to #comalreads18. Here is just a sampling of the fun that took place in homes and campuses across the district. It just proves that there’s nothing like a good book to bring us all together.


Grandparents Day / Continued from cover

A week before school began, seven Comal ISD teachers sat down with Texas Governor Greg Abbott for one-on-one roundtable discussions about education issues including teacher pay, early educa-tion, special education and school finance.

“It was a privilege for Comal ISD to be selected as one of three dis-tricts in the state which the governor will visit,” said Superintendent Andrew Kim, who has worked with the governor at the state level on behalf of teachers, students and parents. “This further showcased the leadership of our district by featuring just a few of our outstand-ing teachers who advocated for their profession and for students across the state. I am honored to be a part of their team. The governor left with better understanding of what today’s teachers face.”

Comal ISD Board of Trustees President Cody Mueller noticed that the teachers took full advantage of the opportunity they were given to speak with the governor not only for themselves but for teachers across the state.

“You could tell that the teachers were not just thinking about themselves or their campuses, but the entire state and what it meant to have the opportunity to have the governor’s ear directly and to talk with him about what teachers deal with on a day-to-day basis,” Mueller said. “They were knowledge-able and articulate and were able to communicate their needs to him effectively.”

The opportunity’s significance was not lost on these seven teachers, who combined have almost 70 years of classroom experience. For Lisa Cramer, Brittney Lanehart, Aimee McCarty, James Patton, Bailey Riley, Javarius Smith and Gaby Torres, the governor’s visit was truly government for the people in action; a classroom lesson on civics come to life.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to sit down with the governor who sincerely listened to us,” said Lanehart, special education team leader and head coach for the boys and girls track and cross-country teams at Smithson Valley High School.

The teachers were impressed by Gov. Abbott’s interest in their questions and their feedback on the issues being discussed and believed he left with a better understanding of how they work together.

“I think we were heard,” said Cramer, first-grade team lead teacher at Indian Springs Elementary School, “and we feel hopeful.”

For Torres, in her 13th year as a teacher and sixth with Comal ISD, the governor seemed to really pay attention to what they were saying.

“He was very down to earth, and he wanted to hear what we had to say,” Torres said. “He even took notes. We offered our opinions, and he told us how they could possibly work or why they wouldn’t work.”

While discussing teacher performance pay, Gov. Abbott began by talking about individual performance pay, but the teachers explained how individual performance pay did not accurately honor the work that they do together as teachers, as a team or, as collaborators. By the end of the discussion, he was looking at performance pay in a new light.

“I’m looking at additional state dollars for teacher pay,” Gov. Abbott said. “One of the best strate-gies to achieve that is to provide funds to administrators and have administrators develop strategies to provide incentives – instead of a state-mandated one-size-fits-all approach, it would be each separate school district’s decision.”

Church Hill Middle School Principal Jaime Alvarez-Calderon, State Senator Donna Campbell, State Representative Kyle Biedermann, Comal ISD Board of Trustees Vice President David Drastata and Trustee Marty Bartlett were also in attendance, and all agreed that pay is an important key to attracting and keeping the best teachers in the classroom.

“The bottom line is, we are meeting with a very good school district with tremendous educators,” Gov. Abbott said. “I’m leaving here today more educated as we go back to Austin and begin to hammer out some very meaningful solutions. As we move into the next legislative session, my goal is to improve our schools and improve education.

The governor praised Comal ISD for taking measures to improve school safety and for being an example for all districts in the state when it comes to efficiency.

“You have excelled at finding ways for schools to be more efficient in achieving better outcomes, and we look forward to taking the examples that you set and spreading them across the state of Texas so that there will be greater efficiencies achieved.”

For Drastata, who has served on the Board since 2009, the governor’s visit was recognition of the district’s work over the past six years.

“To me, this was a high watermark for our district. It is truly significant that he chose this district out of all the districts across the state,” Drastata said. “CISD is a shining example of what can be done when you have state finances the way they are, and whether we agree or disagree, we have managed as a school district to continue to find ways to grow in all areas, academically, extracurricular and in whatever context you want to look at.

“It is a shining example of the leadership that Mr. Kim has set and that we have continued to work aggressively to ensure that every campus has the best administrators and the best teachers, and that we are creating a positive learning environment. It was a great day for Comal ISD.”

Governor Abbott visits district, meets with teachers


October 2018 Breakfast/Lunch MenusElementary Menus Secondary Menus

*Offered daily: Choice of milk and fresh fruit. Menu subject to change due to availability of product. DID YOU KNOW: If you are eligible for Free and Reduced Lunches, you are also eligible for Free and Reduced Breakfast as part of your Free & Reduced Meal Application. Comal ISD Child Nutrition is hiring for Hill Country and In-Town. Please fill out an application in the ChildNutrition Department at Comal ISD Support Services: 1401 IH-35 North in New Braunfels, next to Canyon High School.

Oct 1-5Mon B: Breakfast Pizza or Cherry Frudel/Breakfast Classroom: Sausage Kolache L: Sweet & Sour Meatballs w/Asian Brown Rice or Steak Fingers w/Dinner Roll, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned CarrotsTue B: Bean & Cheese Taco or Pancake & Sausage on a Sticks/Breakfast Classroom: Breakfast Pizza L: Crispy Beef Tacos w/Spanish Rice or Breaded Chicken Sandwich, Seasoned Corn, Seasoned Pinto BeansWed B: Sausage & Cheese Biscuit or Chili Crispito/ Breakfast Classroom: Confetti Pancakes L: Chicken & Waffles or Mini Corn Dogs, Mixed Vegetables, Seasoned Green BeansThu B: Waffles w/Sausage or French Toast Bites/Breakfast Classroom: Chicken Biscuit L: Popcorn Chicken w/Dinner Roll or Pepperoni Pizza, Broccoli w/Cheese, Baby CarrotsFri B: Cinnamon Roll or Yogurt Fruit Cup/Breakfast Classroom: Blueberry Muffin Top w/String Cheese L: Fish Sticks w/Dinner Roll or Cheeseburger, Potato Smiles, Baby CarrotsOct 8-12Mon HOLIDAYTue B: Egg, Bacon & Cheese Taco or Sausage Kolache/Breakfast Classroom: Breakfast Pizza L: Beef Nachos or Pepperoni French Bread, Seasoned Peas & Carrots, Seasoned Refried BeansWed B: Chicken Biscuit or Cinni Minis/Breakfast Classroom: Mini Maple Pancakes L: Mashed Potato & Chicken Bowl w/Dinner Roll or Grilled Cheese w/Tomato Soup, Seasoned Corn, Seasoned Green BeansThu B: French Toast Sticks or Confetti Pancakes/Breakfast Classroom: Sausage Biscuit L: Spaghetti w/Meatballs w/Italian Breadstick or Cheese Pizza, Caesar Side Salad, Mixed VegetablesFri B: Blueberry Muffin Top w/String Cheese or Breakfast Sausage Bites/Breakfast Classroom: Cinni Minis L: Chicken Nuggets w/Dinner Roll or Cheeseburger, Tater Tots, Baby CarrotsOct 15-19Mon B: Breakfast Pizza or Cherry Frudel Bar/Breakfast Classroom: Sausage Kolache L: Orange Chicken w/Brown Fried Rice or Steak Fingers w/Dinner Roll, Steamed Broccoli, Mashed PotatoesTue B: Bean & Cheese Breakfast Taco or Pancake & Sausage on a Stick/Breakfast Classroom: Breakfast Pizza L: Bean & Cheese Chalupas w/Spanish Rice or Pizza Cheese Sticks w/Marinara Sauce, Seasoned Corn, Seasoned Pinto BeansWed B: Sausage & Cheese Biscuit or Chili Crispito/ Breakfast Classroom: Confetti Pancakes L: Tater Tot Casserole w/Pretzel or Hot Dog on a Bun, Seasoned Green Beans, Baby CarrotsThu B: Waffles w/Sausage or French Toast Bites/Breakfast Classroom: Chicken Biscuit L: Meatball Sub or Pepperoni Pizza, Mixed Vegetables, Sliced CucumbersFri B: Cinnamon Roll or Yogurt Fruit Cup/Breakfast Classroom: Blueberry Muffin Top w/String Cheese L: Chicken Rings w/Dinner Roll or Hamburger, Tater Tots, Cherry TomatoesOct 22-26Mon B: Breakfast Pizza or Texas Gingerbread Bar/ Breakfast Classroom: Pancake & Sausage on a Stick L: Sweet & Sour Meatballs w/Asian Brown Rice or Steak Fingers w/Dinner Roll, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned CarrotsTue B: Egg, Bacon & Cheese Taco or Sausage Kolache/Breakfast Classroom: Breakfast Pizza L: Crispy Beef Tacos w/Spanish Rice or Breaded Chicken Sandwich, Seasoned Corn, Seasoned Pinto BeansWed B: Chicken Biscuit or Cinni MInis/Breakfast Classroom: Mini Maple Pancakes L: Chicken & Waffles or Mini Corn Dogs, Mixed Vegetables, Seasoned Green BeansThu B: French Toast Sticks or Confetti Pancakes/ Breakfast Classroom: Sausage Biscuit L: Popcorn Chicken w/Dinner Roll or Pepperoni Pizza, Broccoli w/Cheese, Baby CarrotsFri B: Blueberry Muffin Top w/String Cheese or Breakfast Sausage Bites/Breakfast Classroom: Cinni Minis L: Fish Sticks w/Dinner Roll or Cheeseburger, Potato Smiles, Baby CarrotsOct 29-31Mon B: Breakfast Pizza or Cherry Frudel/Breakfast Classroom: Sausage Kolache L: Teriyaki Chicken w/Brown Fried Rice or Chicken Fried Chicken Sandwich, Seasoned Peas, Seasoned CarrotsTue B: Bean & Cheese Taco or Pancake & Sausage on a Stick/Breakfast Classroom: Breakfast Pizza L: Beef Nachos or Pepperoni French Bread, Seasoned Peas & Carrots, Seasoned Refried BeansWed B: Sausage & Cheese Biscuit or Chili Crispito/Breakfast Classroom: Confetti Pancakes L: Mashed Potato & Chicken Bowl w/Dinner Roll or Grilled Cheese w/Tomato Soup, Seasoned Corn, Seasoned Green Beans

Oct 1-5Mon B: Breakfast Pizza or Cherry Frudel/2nd Chance: Cinni Minis L: Teriyaki Chicken, Brown Fried Rice, Egg Roll, Glazed Carrots, Steamed BroccoliTue B: Bean & Cheese Taco or Pancake & Sausage on a Stick/2nd Chance: Banana Bread L: Build Your Own Taco, Seasoned Pinto Beans, Seasoned CornWed B: Sausage & Cheese Biscuit or Chili Crispito/ 2nd Chance: Apple Frudel L: Chicken Parmesan, Spaghetti w/Marinara, Seasoned Green Beans, Seasoned Peas & CarrotsThu B: Waffles w/Sausage or French Toast Bites/2nd Chance: Breakfast Pizza L: Mac & Cheese Bar w/Diced Ham or Hamburger Meat, Steamed Broccoli, Steamed Peas. BiscuitFri B: Cinnamon Roll or Yogurt Fruit Cup/2nd Chance: Sausage Biscuit L: Fish Tacos w/Slaw, Tater Tots, Sliced CucumbersOct 8-12Mon HOLIDAYTue B: Egg, Bacon & Cheese Taco or Sausage Kolache/2nd Chance: Zucchini Bread L: Bean & Cheese Chalupa, Spanish Rice, Seasoned Corn, Seasoned Pinto BeansWed B: Chicken Biscuit or Cinni MInis/2nd Chance: Pancake & Sausage on a Stick L: Chicken & Waffles, Seasoned Peas & Carrots, Seasoned Green BeansThu B: French Toast Sticks or Confetti Pancakes/2nd Chance: Breakfast Pizza L: Build Your Own Pasta Bar, Broccoli w/Cheese, Seasoned Mixed VegetablesFri B: Blueberry Muffin Top w/String Cheese or Breakfast Sausage Bites/2nd Chance: Chicken Biscuit L: Chicken Tenders w/Dipping Sauces, Biscuit, Tater Tots, Baby CarrotsOct 15-19Mon B: Breakfast Pizza or Cherry Frudel/2nd Chance: Cinni Minis L: General Tso’s Chicken, Brown Fried Rice, Glazed Carrots, Steamed BroccoliTue B: Bean & Cheese Taco or Pancake & Sausage on a Stick/2nd Chance: Banana Bread L: Beef Nachos, Seasoned Pinto Beans, Seasoned CornWed B: Sausage & Cheese Biscuit or Chili Crispito/ 2nd Chance: Apple Frudel L: Spaghetti w/Meatballs, Italian Breadsticks, Seasoned Mixed Vegetables, Seasoned Green BeansThu B: Waffles w/Sausage or French Toast Bites/2nd Chance: Breakfast Pizza L: Build Your Own Potato Bar w/Pulled Pork or Diced Ham, Broccoli w/Cheese, Seasoned Peas & CarrotsFri B: Cinnamon Roll or Yogurt Fruit Cup/2nd Chance: Sausage Biscuit L: Steak Fingers w/Dinner Roll, Mashed Potatoes, Baby CarrotsOct 22-26Mon B: Breakfast Pizza or Cherry Frudel/2nd Chance: Cinni Mini’s L: Sweet & Sour Chicken, Brown Fried Rice, Egg Roll, Glazed Carrots, Steamed BroccoliTue B: Egg, Bacon & Cheese Taco or Sausage Kolache/2nd Chance: Zucchini Bread L: Cheese Enchilada, Seasoned Corn, Seasoned Refried BeansWed B: Chicken Biscuit or Cinni Minis/2nd Chance: Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick L: Chicken Fried Steak, Dinner Roll, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Green BeansThu B: French Toast Sticks or Confetti Pancakes/ 2nd Chance: Breakfast Pizza L: Build Your Own Burrito Bowl w/Cilantro Lime Rice, Seasoned Corn, Seasoned Pinto BeansFri B: Blueberry Muffin Top w/String Cheese or Breakfast Sausage Bites/2nd Chance: Chicken Biscuit L: Chicken Tenders w/Dipping Sauces, Biscuit, Tater Tots, Seasoned Mixed VegetablesOct 29-31Mon B: Breakfast Pizza or Cherry Frudel/2nd Chance: Cinni Minis L: Teriyaki Chicken, Brown Fried Rice, Egg Roll, Glazed Carrots, Steamed BroccoliTue B: Bean & Cheese Taco or Pancake & Sausage on a Stick/2nd Chance: Banana Bread L: Build Your Own Taco, Spanish Rice, Seasoned Pinto Beans, Seasoned CornWed B: Sausage & Cheese Biscuit or Chili Crispito/ 2nd Chance: Apple Frudel L: Chicken Parmesan, Spaghetti w/Marinara, Seasoned Green Beans, Seasoned Peas & Carrots

the 17th annual holiday craft show - edl … · comal isd,” says superintendent andrew kim....

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