SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET AND A FRESH DESIGN AESTHETIC ARE ON THE WAY TO SUGAR LAND

Houston‐based developer Vista Equities Group has broken ground on a major expansion of University Commons, a new retail and lifestyle gateway to Sugar Land’s Telfair community off Interstate 69. Encompassing 108,000 square feet, phase II of University Commons will occupy a 12.8-acre site directly across University Blvd. from the 155,000-square-foot first phase, which is 95 percent leased and 90 percent open. Delivery of phase II is anticipated for tenant build out in December 2018.

Sought-after specialty chain Sprouts Farmers Market will anchor phase II with a 30,000-square-foot location featuring an outdoor patio to showcase fresh fruit and produce. Another first for Sugar Land is the center’s façade. While meeting the city’s design standards, it adds a new dimension by integrating wood, stone and color accents. Special approval was secured for this departure from the area’s predominantly red brick retail construction.

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FORT BEND ISD NAMES 2018 PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR

Dr. Cecilia Crear of Bush High School and Dr. Latecha Bogle of Commonwealth Elementary on being named FBISD’s 2018 Principals of the Year. They were selected by their peers in recognition of their outstanding leadership, service and dedication to their students, staff and school communities.

FBISD Superintendent Dr. Charles Dupre joined Chief of Schools Dr. Joe Rodriguez and Assistant Superintendents Mary Ellen Eidson and Dr. Kwabena Mensah in surprising the principals with the news and a bouquet of flowers at their campuses.

Bogle, the District’s Elementary Principal of the Year, has 25 years of experience in education. She served as principal of Highlands Elementary for eight years prior to taking on the leadership role at Commonwealth in 2015. Her philosophy in education centers around the fact that all students have the potential to learn and be successful in life.

“As a school leader, I believe educators should provide students with the necessary skills for life-long learning, as well as the ability to maximize their overall achievement potential,” said Bogle.

Bogle also believes it is necessary to foster an atmosphere of love, trust and learning for each one in the school’s community – whether it be students, staff and parents.

Crear, FBISD’s Secondary Principal of the Year, has more than 20 years of education experience. She has been principal at Bush for six years, and previously served as associate principal of instruction at Alief Taylor High School. Crear believes that educators must provide students with a school environment conducive to learning.

“It is our job as educators to provide an environment where students can reach their maximum potential,” said Crear. “The key to sustaining a strong environment is building genuine relationships, high expectations, and celebrating achievements.”

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STEVENSON AND OSAGIE NAMED LAMAR CISD 2018 PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR

Terry High School Principal Dr. Andree Osagie is the 2018 Secondary Principal of the Year in Lamar CISD.

Prior to becoming Terry’s principal in 2016, Osagie was the associate principal at Alief Taylor High School. His career includes time as an assistant principal in Alief, dean of students in Houston ISD and as a science teacher in both Fort Bend and Houston schools.

Thomas Elementary Principal Vickie Stevenson is the 2018 Elementary Principal of the Year in Lamar CISD.

Stevenson first became a principal in Lamar CISD at Long Elementary in 1999, then opening Thomas Elementary in 2009.

She was also a teacher and assistant principal in Houston ISD before coming to Lamar.

Both the Elementary and Secondary Principals are chosen by their peers.

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SSLW HONORS COMMUNITY WOMEN AT WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

The National Women’s History Project recognizes and celebrates the diverse and historic accomplishments of women. Because multi-cultural American women are overlooked in most mainstream approaches to U.S. history, the National Women’s History Project champions their accomplishments and leads the drive to write women back into history. Recognizing the achievements of women in all facets of life – science, community, government, literature, art, sports, medicine – has a huge impact on the develop­­ment of self-respect and new opportunities for girls and young women.

Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW) has made a lifetime commitment to effect a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Its mission is to design, implement, and evaluate educational, civic, economic, and cultural programs that build self-confidence and expand knowledge and skills to succeed in school and life. In observance of Women’s History Month, SSLW will honor six women who have made a difference in their community on Saturday, March 24, from 3-5 p.m. at Veritas Restaurant in Sugar Land. The 2018 honorees are:

 

Evelyn Peters Dean – President of Suburban Houston Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. For the past 40 years, the members of this chapter have shown a commitment to serving the Suburban Houston, Missouri City and Fort Bend County area.

Cynthia Ginyard – Fort Bend County Community Supporter. Cynthia Ginyard has worked in the Fort Bend County community for many years. She is described as a passionate leader and public servant. As a retired educator, Cynthia works to promote literacy with children.

Ammie Blahuta – President of Gigi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, a unique Down syndrome organization offering direct educational and therapeutic programs to individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.

Tran Pham Rich – President of Cookie Joe’s Dancin’ School in Sugar Land, which made a positive impact on the community by offering a place for students to dance out their frustration after Hurricane Harvey.

Manuela Arroyos – CEO, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels. The program includes three types of meal services – home-delivered meals, emergency shelf-stable meals and congregate meals – and provides activities, recreation and transportation for seniors.

Lupe Uresti – Rosenberg Housing Authority Director and Treasurer for the Board of Directors of Fort Bend Hispanic Heritage Forum. As a previous mayor of Rosenberg (1992-1995), Lupe has dedicated her life to helping friends, neighbors and the community.

The history honorees event is private and sold out. For general information, contact SSLW Women in History Project Chair Serena Wright Bostic at 281-450-3619 or email [email protected].

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THREE FBISD TEACHERS NAMED HAABE TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Three Fort Bend ISD teachers have been named the 2018 FBISD Teachers of the Year for the Houston Area Association for Bilingual Education (HAABE). These honorees are bilingual and ESL teachers who make a positive impact in the classroom.

The following teachers were honored: Bilingual: Jacqueline Barbery – Mission Bend Elementary; Elementary ESL: Kayo Mitra – Sullivan Elementary; Secondary ESL: Dr. Rachel Butiko – Hodges Bend Middle School.

The finalists will be honored at the annual HAABE Teacher of the Year banquet in April, with a chance to move onto the state level competition, the Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE).

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OAKBEND MEDICAL CENTER ADDS NEW BOARD MEMBER

OakBend Medical Center is pleased to announce the addition of Abby King as the newest member of its Board of Directors.

King is a native of Wharton and is very active in the community. In addition to her new role on the Board of Directors of OakBend Medical Center, she also serves as past chairman of the Wharton Chamber of Commerce Board and as secretary of the Wharton Country Club Board. She is a member of the Advisory Board of the Boys & Girls Club of Wharton.

King is the executive director of the Mary Louise Dobson Foundation, which provides funding support for youth organizations in Wharton County, and is a managing partner of K-Mana, LLC, located in Wharton.

“OakBend is excited to have Abby King as the newest member of its Board of Directors,” expressed Joe Freudenberger, OakBend Medical Center’s CEO, “With OakBend’s expansion into Wharton, we felt it was imperative that we add a member to our board from that area. We wanted to add someone who had a pulse on the community, and Abby is a great addition.”

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ROSENBERG RAILROAD MUSEUM ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The board of directors of the Rosenberg Railroad Museum has announced the promotion of Tracy Hobdy to executive director effective March 1. Hobdy replaces Ratha Liladrie, who resigned from the museum in February.

Hobdy has been involved with the museum since 2014 when she started as a volunteer educator and developed and implemented several popular programs including Home School classes and the Boy Scout Merit badge program. In 2016, she became education coordinator where she expanded the museum’s educational opportunities and presence at community events, was instrumental in increasing attendance in classes and the number of field trips visiting the museum, assisted in planning and executing special events and fundraisers and worked with volunteers and docents. Hobdy has a Bachelor of Science degree in curriculum and instruction from Texas A & M University. She has been active in the education field for over 25 years and has served in many capacities in various community organizations.

“Ms. Hobdy’s proven track record, knowledge and dedication to the Museum make her a great fit for this key role,” stated Greg Cauthen, president of the Board. For more information and online tickets, visit rosenbergrrmuseum.org.

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FBISD’S COMMUNICATIONS TEAM EARNS 11 AWARDS IN TEXAS STAR AWARDS PROGRAM

The Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) awarded Fort Bend ISD’s Communications Team 11 awards during the 2017 TSPRA Star Awards program. Held during the association’s annual conference, the awards program recognizes Texas school districts for outstanding work in print and electronic media.

FBISD’s Communications team members to submit entries and earn awards in the 2017 TSPRA Star Awards program include: Veronica Sopher, chief communications officer; Amanda Bubela, director of external communications; Natalie Rivera, assistant director of internal communications; Kristoffer Smith, multimedia and video coordinator; and Keryn Miles, Rachel Ross, Trey Serna and Tonya Thomas, communications coordinators.

The Communications team earned six gold awards, four silver and one bronze for the following projects completed during the 2016-17 school year:

GOLD AWARDS:

• Magazine – FBISD News Magazine
• Writing (3 awards) –Congressman Pete Olson rallies support for Parks Elementary Crossing Guard; FBISD Partnerships:Enriching Students Beyond Words; FBISD’s Mission of Inclusion: Students of all learning capabilities
• Published News or Feature – Creating Worlds of Art
• Special Event – District and city officials dedicate new Spark Park at Ridgemont Elementary

SILVER AWARDS:

• Writing – Fort Bend ISD’s Profile of a Graduate
• Video General Interest/Feature Series – 2017-18 FBISD Budget Update
• e-Newsletter Internal – In the Zone electronic newsletters
• Marketing Campaign – 2017 Graduation Ceremonies

BRONZE AWARD:

• Video General Interest/Feature Story – Profile of a Graduate – Lifelong Learner – Clements Alum Astronaut Loral O’Hara

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TEXAS AG DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZES LAMAR CISD FOOD SERVICE

For the third consecutive year, the Lamar CISD Food Service Department is being honored by the Texas Department of Agriculture in the Best of Bunch Local Products Challenge. Less than 10 percent of school district in Texas reach this plateau.

The recognition is based on Lamar CISD’s Food Services Department efforts to serve Texas products in the District’s cafeterias.

Matt Antignolo is the director of Food Services in Lamar CISD.

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• JEWEL LINCOLN JOINS HOUSTON METHODIST PRIMARY CARE GROUP IN SIENNA PLANTATION

Houston Methodist Primary Care Group has welcomed Dr. Jewel Lincoln, now one of five primary care physicians seeing patients in Missouri City at 8330 Hwy. 6, Suite 110. Lincoln joins a team of board-certified family medicine and sports medicine physicians providing quality health care in the Sienna Plantation and surrounding communities.

Lincoln specializes in prevention and wellness as well as the diagnosis and management of chronic and acute illnesses. Her expertise includes providing care for the entire family, specifically for both women and children. She earned her medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center before completing her family medicine residency in Waco. Lincoln is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Family Medicine Physicians.

“My mission is to partner with patients to help them achieve their goals in a compassionate and comfortable environment,” Lincoln said. “Now that I am a part of Houston Methodist Primary Care Group, I’m excited to foster new, long-term relationships with patients.” Call 281-930-6639 or visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lincoln

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FBISD NAMES NEW ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT CORNERSTONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Fort Bend ISD recently announced that Kellie Issac will join Cornerstone Elementary as the new assistant principal. She brings a wealth of experience and recently was assistant director for the Extended Learning Department in FBISD.

Issac began her career in FBISD as an aquatic science and biology teacher at Austin High School in 1996, and later served as the lead counselor for Austin and Travis High School. From 2013-2016, she was the assistant principal at Crockett Middle School.

Issac earned her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Houston. She holds a master of education in counseling from the University of Houston – Victoria, and a bachelor of science from Texas State University. She has numerous honors and awards, and specialized training in restorative discipline, along with crisis and suicide prevention.

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CULLINAN PARK CONSERVANCY ANNOUNCES 2018 OFFICERS

Cullinan Park Conservancy (CPC) has announced the officers of the Board of Directors for 2018. Gary Tuma, retired CEO of Smart Financial Credit Union, will lead the Conservancy in his second term as president. Tuma has been a Cullinan Park goer for years and brings a strong financial and community background to the organization. Susie Goff was elected vice president. Goff was secretary in 2017, as well as marketing committee chairperson and a key volunteer for the Conservancy’s inaugural fundraising luncheon in October. Goff is an involved Sugar Land resident who feels the Park is “a jewel just waiting to happen!” Mary Von Tungeln was elected secretary of the Board. Von Tungeln has been active in the Planning Committee for CPC and is a 27-year resident of Sugar Land. Having served on the Sugar Land City Council, numerous boards, commissions and task forces, she has a passion for preserving green spaces and parks for the community. Robert Richter was re-elected treasurer for a second year. Richter is a municipal court judge in Missouri City living in Houston. He still makes time to be active in other parks and conservation organizations as well as the Conservancy.

Visitors to the 754-acre Joseph S. and Lucie H. Cullinan Park in Sugar Land will find a huge variety of flora and fauna, as well as trails. The Conservancy works to enhance the natural beauty of the Park for all by raising funds for capital improvements.

For more information, call 281-616-7860, visit cullinanparkconservancy.org or email [email protected].

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RANDLE NAMED TO STATEWIDE P-TECH ADVISORY COUNCIL

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus appointed Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Thomas Randle to the P-TECH Advisory Council on Feb. 13. The representatives of education and industry who serve on the Advisory Council will make recommendations to the Commissioner of Education for the Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) program.

Under the program, which the Legislature created last year, public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools will be able to apply for the P-TECH designation. P-TECH high schools will offer an open-enrollment program that gives students the opportunity to combine high school and post-secondary courses, as well as internships, apprenticeships or other job training programs. Within six years, students in a P-TECH school will be able to earn a high school diploma, an associate degree or other certificate or industry certification. The students will also complete job training.

“P-TECH Early College High Schools will provide students with the education and hands-on training they need to succeed in education and beyond,” Straus said. “This initiative will also help strengthen the Texas workforce, making our state even more attractive to prospective employers. Our appoin­tees to the Advisory Council have a lot of expertise to share, and I’m grateful that they have stepped forward to serve.”

The Advisory Council will make recommendations to the Commissioner of Education on the establishment and administration of the P-TECH program, as well as develop specific criteria for a campus to receive the P-TECH designation.

The Advisory Council is composed of members appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House.