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Saturday, March 16, 2024 • Vol. 69 • No.11
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HISD Takeover Fallout: Love Elementary School announces departure of Principal Sean Tellez By Stefanie Thomas editor@theleadernews.com About a month after Love Elementary School Principal Sean Tellez took his cues from stakeholders and rejected an invitation by the Houston Independent School District to participate in its hardline New Education System (NES) reform program,
the school has announced the departure of its highly respected leader after a tenure of less than two years. A recent “D” rating in Houston ISD’s controversial grading system made Love Elementary a candidate for joining the NES program, but despite efforts by HISD officials to encourage participation through informational meetings, the
school faced immediate pushback from parents and educators. Among a list of considerations, concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on the school’s English-Spanish dual language program, the removal of the school library and librarian, and potential changes to the science lab and curriculum. After receiving assurances from HISD
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that the decision to join NES would rest with the principal and that rejecting the invitation to join the ranks of NES schools would not result in job removal, Tellez followed stakeholders’ lead and declined to participate. This decision, although supported by the community, See DEPARTURE P. 4
New Record: St. Thomas High School’s annual fundraiser nets incredible $922,415 By Stefanie Thomas editor@theleadernews.com In an impressive display of school spirit and philanthropy, St. Thomas High School has set a new school fundraising record with its 2024 Round Up student fundraiser, amassing an astonishing $922,415. Mark deTranaltes, the Vice President for Advancement at St. Thomas High School, provided insights into the remarkable success of the event, shedding light on its rich history and the herculean efforts of the students as well as the school community. The nonprofit school’s annual Round Up fundraiser is steeped in tradition, tracing its origins back to 1927, when the school’s Basilian founders sought to support students in need of financial assistance for tuition. Over the decades, the fundraiser has evolved into a cherished tradition, embodying the values of service and community that define St. Thomas High School.
Have you seen him? Alleged child molester wanted
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Police look for suspect in deadline shooting near W. 43rd St.
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Photo by Stefanie Thomas
The City of Houston proclamation declaring First Saturday Arts Market the “longest running monthly fine arts/fine craft market in the State of Texas” was obtained by artist Steve Sellers (aka Heights Santa) as a surprise for Mitchell Cohen at the 20th anniversary celebration.
First Saturday Arts Market marks 20 years with city proclamation
As one market celebrates 20 years, another one closes
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By Stefanie Thomas editor@theleadernews.com
This weekend: John Oates plays at Heights Theater Saturday
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Yale Stormwater Detention Basin at center of HCFCD virtual meeting March 21
If you live in and around the Heights, love art or are an artist yourself, if you’ve ever picked up a copy of The Leader, or stopped by the First Saturday Arts Market on 19th Street, you must know (or have heard of) Mitch Cohen. You may know that he himself is an artist, that he goes by the moniker Art Valet in print, that a funky hat you’d recognize anywhere is his trademark, and -- perhaps most importantly -- that he is the driving force behind First Saturday Arts Market. This month marks the market’s 20th anniversary. That’s 20 years of sweat (in the summer sun) and tears (of mostly laughter) Cohen has dedicated to this child of passion of his. It’s 20 years of providing a springboard to new artists, 20 years of managing vendor booths and market clean-ups, and 20 years of cultivating a tightknit community of local artists who support each other.
THE INDEX.
By Stefanie Thomas editor@theleadernews.com
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Houston Mayor John Whitmire spoke to a full house at a luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club of Houston Heights March 8, 2024, outlining his vision for Houston.
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Photo courtesy of St. Thomas High School
St. Thomas High School senior Boyd Quinlan informs Fr. Murphy that the school raised a whopping $922,415 during the Big Reveal on March 1, 2024. Although Quinlan didn’t actually participate in the skydive, he dressed the part and made it look like he did.
Mayor Whitmire outlines vision for Houston at Rotary Club of Houston Heights luncheon
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Heights artist Steve Sellers and musician Rebecca Stoll present Mitchell Cohen, founder of First Saturday Arts Market, with a city proclamation at the 20th anniversary celebration on March 2, 2024.
Flower Power About 22 years ago, Mitch Cohen was nudged to bring the arts to the streets of the Heights in a vibrant and accessible way, in the form of a monthly art market. Despite skepticism from local business owners, Cohen persisted, eventually securing a spot in the parking lot behind Kaplan’s Ben Hur, a department store on Yale Street. “None of the business owners thought it was a good idea.” Cohen remembers. “They all said, ‘No, it’s gonna take business away from us.’ But I said, ‘No, it’s gonna bring more people in. It’ll be great.’” His determination paid off when Kaplan readily agreed to host the event, without even hearing the full pitch. Cohen’s inspiration to offer flowers at the market came from a friend’s suggestion to emulate the arts and flower markets popular in Europe, and the newly minted market was aptly called
Students in the Driver’s Seat Every year, deTranaltes said, the 6-week fundraiser begins with raffle ticket sales through most of January and February before it culminates in Round Up Sunday, a vibrant carnival atmosphere featuring games, shopping booths, food stalls, and live music performances typically held on the first Sunday in March. “Round Up Sunday is organized by parents and volunteers, coordinated by a lot of adults, but the raffle is student-driven, and that’s what we think is really unique,” DeTranaltes said, highlighting the active involvement of all students, regardless of grade level, in selling tickets and contributing to the fundraising efforts. The minimum sales goal per student is $300, but there are some who collect tens of thousands of dollars.
In a recent speech delivered at a Rotary Club of Houston Heights luncheon, Mayor John Whitmire outlined his vision for Houston’s future, promising bold action and collaboration to address the city’s challenges head-on.
Whitmire spoke to a full house attended by Rotarians, dignitaries, and distinguished guests from across the city. With a wealth of experience in public service, including 10 years as a state representative and 40 years as a state senator, Whitmire brings a seasoned perspective to the helm of the city, and inspired the audience
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with his approach of working across party lines to get problems solved to the benefit of Houston. He highlighted both the city’s strengths and the pressing problems it faces. Among the key issues addressed were the challenges within the Houston Police See MAYOR WHITMIRE P. 2
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