Campus Chronicles - September 5, 2024
Lisa Valadez | 9/4/2024, 7 a.m.
Fort Bend ISD
The 2024 Fort Bend ISD Band Night, scheduled for October 1, will spotlight the exceptional talents of FBISD students in an evening of music and performance. The event will feature dynamic showcases from the marching bands, dance teams, and color guards of all 12 high schools within the district.
Taking place at Hall Stadium starting at 6:00 p.m., the night promises an impressive display of school spirit and musical prowess. Attendees will experience an array of vibrant performances that highlight the dedication and skill of the district’s young performers.
Community members are invited to bring their families and friends to join in celebrating the excellence and enthusiasm that define the Fort Bend ISD. This event is a perfect opportunity to witness and support the remarkable achievements of the district’s students.
Aldine ISD
Aldine ISD educators Ana Cuevas Nicasio and Bailey Steffek have been honored with prestigious awards from the Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE) after a rigorous statewide selection process. Cuevas Nicasio, who teaches at Stehlik Elementary School, has been named the 2024 TABE Elementary Bilingual Teacher of the Year, while Steffek, an educator at La Promesa, the district’s newcomer and dual language campus, has been selected as the 2024 TABE Secondary ESL Teacher of the Year.
Altagracia ‘Grace’ Delgado, executive director of multilingual services at Aldine ISD, praised the educators for their exceptional work with emergent bilingual students. “Their advocacy and high standards ensure our students receive high-quality instruction that is appropriately differentiated for their needs,” Delgado said. Both teachers have demonstrated a profound commitment to fostering bilingualism and biliteracy, with Cuevas Nicasio and Steffek each expressing deep gratitude for the recognition and the opportunity to inspire their students.
The achievements of these educators will be celebrated at the 52nd Annual TABE Conference Awards Luncheon on October 18 in Round Rock, TX, and they will be further recognized by Aldine ISD at the Board meeting on November 19. The district’s dedication to excellence in bilingual education has been highlighted by these awards, reflecting the significant impact these teachers have on their students and the broader community.
Katy ISD
Katy ISD is celebrating the exceptional contributions of a grandfather-grandson duo, Juan Macias and Brandon Macias, who are part of the district’s maintenance team. Serving 24 campuses and facilities, the pair has made a significant impact through their dedication and hard work. Juan joined Katy ISD a year ago and quickly recommended his grandson Brandon for a position. Since then, Brandon has transitioned from groundskeeper to painter, showcasing his versatility and commitment.
Their efforts have not gone unnoticed; both Juan and Brandon were recently honored with the prestigious Star Pin award, recognizing their outstanding work and dedication to the district. Katy ISD takes pride in their achievements and the positive difference they continue to make within the community.
Aldine ISD
A group of 19 students from Avalos High School, led by history teacher Michelle Palmer and supported by dedicated chaperones, embarked on an educational journey through Europe’s most iconic cities—London, Paris, and Rome—this summer. The trip, organized through EFTours, provided students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and diverse cultures of these renowned destinations. For many, it was a chance to see in person the historic sites they had only studied in textbooks.
The student travelers represented various graduating classes, showcasing the inclusive nature of the experience. Participants ranged from the Class of 2023 to the Class of 2028, with students like Karissa Díaz and Juan Solís from the Class of 2023, and younger students like Abraham Guardado from the Class of 2028, who joined his older brother Gerardo on the trip. Staff chaperones, including Cassandra Neace, and involved parents such as Verónica Granados and Jaime Rodríguez, played a crucial role in ensuring the trip’s success, providing both guidance and a sense of community throughout the journey.
This European adventure is part of Avalos High School’s ongoing commitment to experiential learning. Michelle Palmer, passionate about bringing history to life, emphasized the importance of such trips in broadening students’ perspectives. The students explored landmarks like the Colosseum in Rome, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and ancient Roman walls in London, connecting their classroom learning with real-world experiences. The trip is one of many travel opportunities offered by Avalos High School, reflecting the school's dedication to providing students with both domestic and international educational experiences.
For more info, visit aldineisd.org/ fortbendisd.com and aliefisd.net