Campus Chronicles - March 12, 2025
Lisa Valadez | 3/10/2025, 4:46 p.m.
Klein ISD Students Collaborate on Hands-On STEM Project
A simple STEM challenge at Fox Elementary evolved into a hands-on learning experience that connected students across grade levels and disciplines within Klein ISD.
First-grade teacher Anah Steagall introduced her students to a toy engineering project through the HMH Science curriculum, encouraging them to design their own toys using various materials. Seeking to bring these designs to life, Steagall, a Klein Oak alumna, reached out to Klein Oak High School Principal Thomas Hensley for support.
High school students from multiple programs eagerly embraced the challenge:
- Fashion Design II, led by Jill Reed, created plush toys using hand-sewing techniques.
- The Robotics Program, under Daniel Mackey, 3D-printed toys based on student drawings.
- The Welding Program, led by Michael Curtin, constructed metal vehicles, including an airplane, bus, and van.
On February 4, Steagall’s first-grade students were surprised with physical versions of their toy designs. Excitement filled the room as the young students saw their creative ideas transformed into real, tangible creations.
“I really enjoyed today. It was very exciting,” said first-grader Alsi Baldwin. “My favorite part was getting my toy and meeting the person who made it. It felt like teamwork because we designed the toys, and the high school students made them real.”
The project not only reinforced STEM learning but also highlighted the power of collaboration within Klein ISD, bridging elementary creativity with high school expertise in engineering, robotics, and design.
Humble ISD Hosts Third Annual Top Hat Junior Culinary Competition
Top Hat Chef CompetitionJonathan Frey
Humble ISD recently held its third annual Top Hat Junior Culinary Competition, where middle school students showcased their culinary talents.
Students from six Humble ISD middle schools—Atascocita, Autumn Ridge, Humble, Kingwood, Riverwood, and Woodcreek—competed in four categories: appetizer, entrée, wild card, and “Rep Your School.” Using mystery ingredients, they created dishes judged by district leaders, including Superintendent Dr. Roger Brown.
Challenges included a balsamic-orange salad, an entrée featuring pepper, spinach, herbs de Provence, and ground beef, and crêpes in the wild card round.
“The purpose of this competition is to put into practice what students have learned and apply their cooking techniques on the spot,” said Summer Creek High School Culinary Instructor Chef Daniella Jenkins.
The event, organized by Humble ISD’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) Department, was supported by Summer Creek High School Advanced Culinary students, who assisted with logistics and mentored participants.
In its first year competing, Riverwood Middle School won the Grand Champion title. “The students worked hard for what they accomplished,” said Riverwood Instructor Glenda Carlos. One standout dish featured charred bell peppers stuffed with cheese, spinach, carrots, and beef.
As winners, Riverwood’s team will appear on KHOU 11’s Great Day Houston with Deborah Duncan. They also won Best Entrée. Other winners included Atascocita (Best Appetizer), Humble (Rep Your School), and Woodcreek (Best Wild Card).
Since its 2023 inception, the competition has grown in participation and audience. Jenkins hopes to expand Humble ISD’s culinary events with a Cake War competition in the fall.
Sheldon ISD Recognizes Rookie of the Year Teachers
Sheldon ISD has honored its Rookie of the Year teachers for their outstanding work as new educators in the classroom. This recognition highlights their dedication and impact on students in their first year of teaching.
The district congratulates the following recipients:
- Anthony Morris, Null Middle School
- Iliana Reyes Aguirre, Royalwood Elementary School
- Briana Hopkins, Sheldon Elementary School
- Michael Moreno, Sheldon Lake Elementary School
- Monica Vasquez, Cravens Early Childhood Academy
Sheldon ISD applauds these educators for their commitment to excellence and their positive influence on students and the school community. Houston Style also extends congratulations to these outstanding teachers for their achievements.
