The Leader • Saturday, April 28, 2018 • Page 1B
Giving some pop and glamour to a pop-up
Some of the time capsule trimmings of the camper glamification project are on the owner.
Branché Boutique to move to Revive By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews. com Branché Boutique is coming up on their brick and mortar two-year anniversary – and preparing to move to a new spot in Revive’s development at 34th and Ella. Owners Lisa Buss and Emily Moore say they hope to be open in about three months. “Revive is thrilled to welcome Branché Boutique to the Ella Oaks Center,” said Monica Danna. “After serving the neighborhood and surrounding areas, the team behind Branché are ready for more space and exposure. Their unique offering of clothing and gifts are a perfect fit for the retail center.” Currently in a shop on Oak Forest Boulevard across from Haum Salon, the move puts them next to BBs Café and Re/Forme lagree fitness. Buss said they looked at the Revive center when it first opened and they were starting to dip their toe into a commercial store
Submitted Photo
Couple adds some WOW to their wheels the
By Cynthia Lescalleet For The Leader Given Kimmy’s job as a flight attendant, is it really a surprise that she is quite content and comfy in the small spaces of her pop-up camper? The recent “glamification” project was a do-it-yourself conversion – with some paint prep assistance from hubby Jason – and netted a spiffy escape-mobile. Maybe make that a time capsule. That the owner’s campsite clothes are things you might find worn by Lucille Ball,
Betty Crocker or even Anita Ekberg only enhances the vehicle’s vibe. Her cat’s eye glasses also help. Christened “Daisy” (after her grandmothers and favorite flower), the Palomino Mustang MXL camper is a 1996 model (not a 1956 one). As tricked out with retro features, however, its “glamour is timeless,” she says. “It sleeps eight (just not comfortably),” she quips. “When the roof ’s up, it feels huge.” It folds down to a 13ft. base. “She sleeps in the garage,” leaving about 3 inches of side clearance. Inside, the “efficient” layout includes a living area (with “sectional seating”), two sleeping chambers in the pull outs, and a kitchen with small sink, under counter fridge and three burner stovetop, updated with a nifty pressed metal backsplash.
One of the bench seats conceals a potty, but the owners prefer to camp in nice campgrounds with better facilities. The Colorado native’s quest for some sort of camper dates to about 2009, fueled by her nostalgia for childhood camping trips with family and some lingering outdoorswoman hankerings. “Whenever I hear ‘Rocky Mountain High’ (John Denver’s ode to Colorado), I’m always brought back to that wonderful time of my life,” according to remarks in a Do-Over email exchange. Kimmy found her camper on Craigslist, paying about $1,200. Not bad for a vacation home. The overhaul came later and cost another $1,200 or $1,300 – plus the vintage clothes worthy of the swank patio crowd in, say, mid-century Palm Springs. So far, the updated camper
Kojak’s brings back dinner By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com A few months ago, Kojak’s Fine Foods owner Mark Oster told The Leader that they were gearing up to offer a dinner service again, after Braun Enterprises purchased the center, and updated it. Now that plan is coming to fruition, in addition to other changes at the café, which is located at 1912 West 18th St. “Our project start is midMay for dinner and we’re on target for that,” said Oster. Oster said that the 2,500 square foot restaurant is getting a whole new look, with new lighting, paint, decor and new tables, which will be maple instead of laminate. “We’re adding a few more tables too,” said Oster. Something Oster is very excited about is the addition of a handmade wooden bar and counter unit with 10 seats and TVs overhead for those who want to have a beer and a glass of wine, and a quick bite to eat. “It will be both upscale and casual,” said Oster. “We’re also looking forward to having craft beer and
Photo by Traci Ling Emily Moore and Lisa Buss are excited about the new location.
after doing home shows for nearly a year. They decided against the center at that time, but after the success they’ve had with their shop, they are ready to take the plunge and signed a five year lease with Revive. “At first we said we’d never do brick and mortar, See Boutique P. 2B
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has been to the Texas Renaissance Festival campgrounds and the Texas Vintage Camper Club spring rally, held earlier this month in Coldspring at Lake Livingston. The camper couple also rolls with a smaller group called PopUps of Anarchy. TRAILER TRANSFORMATION The four-month renovation from camper to “glamper” was mostly a face-lift, with retro accessories easily found at current, mostly discount, retailers. First, however, Kimmy researched camper redos, finding inspiration on the “Pop Up Princess” blog. “I wanted our renovation to stand the test of time, and our Texas climate, so I researched as much as I could
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Photo by Betsy Denson Kojak’s will still have counter service but is adding a more upscale vibe to the neighborhood favorite.
wine available.” While Kojak’s has been known for its lunch crowd because of all the businesses in the area, they have offered dinner in the past and with all the new families moving into the area, Oster is looking forward to having a dinner service again. He said he’s gotten to know Greg Gordon who is opening La Vista 101 nearby. “Our area is growing,” said Oster. “I heard someone call this strip center a destination center and I
think that’s true.” Oster said that when he was thinking of how Kojak’s should evolve, he did a lot of research on area restaurants like Dish Society, Black Walnut Cafe, and Café Express. While elements of those popular chains will be incorporated, Kojak’s will have its own imprint as a standalone business. And, the owner will be on site. “It will still be counter service,” he said. “We will still be who we are, but we See Kojak’s P. 2B
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Page 2B • Saturday, April 28, 2018 • The Leader
Campers from P. 1B so it would last,” she recalls. Her airline work schedule, with its 18-day stretches of off time, enabled her to work “whenever I got a chance.” Inside, the camper needed new paint, flooring and upholstery. And cleaning, both before and after the work to sand, tape, prime and paint. The work was both time consuming and detailed work, she says. While Jason, a transportation management exec for a major employment hub, helped with the prep work, the interior was a bit small for two adults to co-maneuver. She handled much of the work: “I’m used to working in small, tight quarters.” It’s unclear whether Kimmy’s childhood camper travel influenced her in-flight career choice or whether working onboard explains her yen for efficient space usage. She suspects it’s the latter. After all the prep and painting came the flooring update. She chose press and stick laminate in a washed stain wood pattern to cover the existing grid-style linoleum. “This was also time-consuming, but the results even impressed myself,” her narrative says. The upholstery, however, was best sent off to experts. While Kimmy has sewn, her skills -- and want-it-now patience level -- were not going to cut it on all the cushions. Their execution requires precision to avoid lumps and wrinkled in the fabric, and
Kojaks from P. 1B
Submitted Photo The sleeping, living and kitchen areas have all been cleaned, painted, refinished and spiffed up to modern design sensibilities and usage.
she’s more of a fusible bond web kind of gal these days. For a tidy turnout, she chose an automotive upholsterer. “One thing I would tell anyone about this process is not to cut any corners,” Kimmy advises. Also: * Don’t use a spray primer. She did, and it meant a lot more cleaning. * Don’t underestimate yourself. “We are capable of so much if we just give our-
selves a chance…and are forgiving of ourselves.” Daisy the glamper is just one example of the rehabbed campers enjoyed by members of the Texas Vintage Camper Club, which holds its next rally in the fall. That means there’s plenty of time to fix up one of your own to join them. To share your renovation survival tale, contact Cynthia. Lescalleet@gmail.com.
been in the restaurant business for more than 30 years, Oster has seen it all. Before coming to Kojak’s 18 years ago, he was a chef at Benjy’s in the mid 1990s and worked for Monica Pope as well. Oster also spent time in Napa Valley restaurants. He and his wife bought the business from two brothers, who in turn had bought Kojak’s from Mr. Kojak, when it used to be a high end grocer on Shepherd Drive. Oster remembers offering the specials out of a steamer in the middle of the floor, and also what the floor
paint color looked like under the tile they eventually laid. Everything old is new again, because that olive green color is part of the new design scheme too along with sky blue and a terra cotta accents. Oster was encouraged to restart the dinner service with new tenants like I Love Kickboxing and the forthcoming Sola Salon. “We’ll get more traffic,” said Oster. “There’s been nothing to draw you. There used to be a tenant here that sold funeral store caskets. “We’ve seen it all.”
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Boutique from P. 1B but when we started selling out of the Oak Forest location - in just a portion of our current space, a few hours a week - we doubled our sales,” said Moore. “[The new space] will be more foot traffic. This is the next step to grow.” Their new digs will be about 1,000 square feet, about the same size of the new space, but they will get to customize it. Also in the new shop, Buss and Moore are going to expand their inventory to include gifts and accessories such as candles, wine glass sets, and decorative trays in addition to the shoes, jewelry and
have other ideas too.” One thing Oster has spent a long time pondering is the pricing of his food. “We are going to be a fast casual restaurant with well priced food,” he said. Kojak’s will still offer breakfast and lunch, and will still do catering. They will have old favorites on the lunch menu, while adding some power bowls too. Dinner will have entrees in the $12 to $15 range, and there will be a kids menu too. “It will be kid friendly,” he said. “We want mom and dad and the kids to all come in.” Oster has plans to ramp up their coffee offerings and wants to promote their gelato sales. “We’ll sell more gelato at dinner,” he said. As someone who has
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clothes they already offer. “We’re open to what people say they need,” said Moore. They are also partnering with Oak Forest’s Monica Guerra, a personal stylist and shopper, who has a business called Fabulous Monica. “She’s helped us at market,” said Buss. “We’ll have a capsule collection of Monica’s in the new store.” Buss and Moore still do a few home shows and also do pop up events around the city. They go on quarterly buying trips to source new merchandise and have also hired two salespeople
to work in the store. Their weekly Facebook videos have helped with their sales and their visibility, and the addition of webbased ordering caters to busy women who may not have time to drop by. When asked if the retail life was what they expected, both Buss and Moore said no, but that doesn’t mean they are not enjoying it. And they are ready for their next iteration. “We look forward to going to work,” said Moore. “When something happens we roll with it.”
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The Leader • Saturday, April 28, 2018 • Page 3B
Celebrating HISD’s Teacher’s of the Year By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com Thanks to the following HISD schools in The Leader area who sent in the following information about their Teachers of the Year. Smith Elementary Ms. Diana Cifuentes Ms. Cifuentes has been teaching for 9 years. Currently, she is a secondgrade reading teacher. During her time at Katherine Smith, Ms. Cifuentes has greatly contributed to both the academics and culture of the school. In her classroom you will find engaging instruction that allows scholars to take ownership of their own learning. She has a way of meeting scholars at their individual levels and builds personal relationships that motivates and encourages them to succeed. This year, Ms. Cifuentes was faced with the challenge of being a transitional classroom for our bilingual scholars in second grade. The data shows that her scholars are learning to read and write in English at a rapid pace. Twice a week, she tutors her scholars to ensure that they leave 2nd grade reading on level. During Literacy Night, Ms. Cifuentes made her station extra special. To fit the “Passport to Literacy” theme, she constructed a jungle, complete with waterfall and monkeys. There the scholars enjoyed reading books of their choice on cushions and bean bag chairs. All this extra time, dedication and passion for teaching has made Ms. Cifuentes the perfect recipient of Teacher of the Year! Field Elementary Ms. Rebecca Ortiz Field ES’s Teacher of the Year is Ms. Rebecca Ortiz. She has been at Field for two years and she teaches third grade. Prior to coming to Field, she taught two years at Galena Park ISD. MS Ortiz is loved by her students and respected by the parents of her students. She is always willing to extend herself to help the school and her students. She supports her students by attending many of the outside of the school events her students are part of. She teaches after school tutorials as well as Saturday tutorials and the Spring Break STAAR Camp. She is always willing to help her fellow teachers and works well with all school employees. Her hobbies are traveling, baking, arts and crafts, and Triathlons. Clemente Martinez Elementary Mr. Ismael Centeno This year Clemente Martinez Elementar y chose Mr. Ismael Centeno as their Teacher of the Year. He has been with the school since 2013 after teaching at Crawford Elementary for fifteen years. At Clemente Martinez Elementary Mr. Centeno is a first grade, third grade bilingual, ESL, and GT teacher. Frank Black Middle School Mr. Justin Roberts F r a n k Black Middles School’s Teacher of the Year is Justin Roberts. Mr. Roberts is in his 4th year with Black Middle School and he teaches 7th Grade Math (Pre-AP). Mr. Roberts was chosen due to his service as a mentor teacher this year and because of his support with the growth of Black Middle School’s beginning teachers. He gave them support and helped them grow while guiding their improvements. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher who has a history of growth and high levels of student achievement. Harvard Elementary Ms. Jennifer Saner Harvard Elementar y selected Ms. Saner to be the Teacher of the Year. She was the perfect choice for this year because
of her tireless passion and dedication to her students as well as the Harvard community. She demonstrates great compassion and is gifted with helping children find their own talents and remarkable skills. This is her 6th year teaching. Heights High Schoo Mr. Mike Partridge M i k e Par tridge is Heights High School Teacher of the Year. He teaches freshman biology and serves as an instructional technology specialist at Heights High School. He enjoys teaching because of the variety of experiences, challenges, and rewards it brings. One of Mr. Partridge’s favorite activities is helping a student or colleague find a solution to a problem they encounter. Being an educator has taught Mr. Partridge the value of leaning into any experience that might lead to developing new skills or knowledge he didn’t have before, and he tries daily to impart this idea to his students and fellow colleagues. This is Mike’s 10th year teaching in HISD, and his 9th year teaching at Heights HS. Mike loves working at Heights High School. The building and people in it are like family. Some of them are actual family! Mr. Partridge’s son is a sophomore at Heights, and his wife also teaches at Heights. Mike is deeply grateful to his students, colleagues, and leadership at Heights High School for their support. He knows that any success he has had in his career can be directly attributed to the lessons learned from and with his Heights High School family. St. Pius X High School Jeff Donaruma Mr. Jeffrey G. Donaruma has been selected as the St. Pius X High School Educator of the Year. He currently serves as the Dean of Students and teaches Honors English I to ninth graders. He loves it when students disagree with him and present their ideas in an organized and logical fashion – then he often gets to learn too! He teaches his students to think critically and to write with purpose. He inspires his students to read for deeper meaning and life lessons and to look for connections to the world. His students call him amazing and a teacher who changes lives. He provides extra tutoring and his students are welcome to sit next to him in the hallway as he offers gentle suggestions for revision or just listens to their beginning ideas. Few teachers influence learning and growth as much as this remarkable teacher. Mr. Donaruma is truly an outstanding educator and a wonderful model for those in the profession of teaching and guiding students. Therefore, he has been selected as the St. Pius X High School Educator of the Year. Browning Elementary Ms. Griselda Avalos Ms. Griselda Avalos is B r o w n i n g ’s Teacher of the Year. Ms. Avalos is a second-grade dual language teacher that has been with Browning Elementary for 30 years. She began her educational career as a teacher’s assistant and pursued her dream in becoming a teacher. She is highly respected by students, staff, and community. She takes great pride in her work and is a true advocate for a viable education for all students. Ms. Avalos is a teacher leader, LPAC administrator, SDMC committee member, and is an instructional leader at the campus. She is often providing support for struggling students and promotes leadership skills daily. When Ms. Avalos is not at Browning, she enjoys spending time with her husband, and three children. Congratulations to Ms. Griselda Avalos, Browning Elementary Teacher of the Year! Travis Elementary Mrs. Mary Oliver Special Education Te a c h e r Mary Oliver is the Travis Elementar y Teacher of
the Year. Mrs. Oliver began her career teaching 4th and 5th grades at St. Matthew Lutheran School in Houston for three years. In 2002, she was hired at Travis as a 2nd grade regular education teacher, however, her career soon took a new trajectory. Mrs. Oliver currently serves as the Travis Special Education Department Chair and is a teacher for the campus TREK (Transition Ready with Essential Knowledge) program for students on the autism spectrum. Mr. Day, the principal of Travis believes Mrs. Oliver to be an exceptional teacher and campus leader who plays an integral role supporting the students, families, and teachers at Travis. She builds deep connections with her students, is attuned to their needs, and they just absolutely love and adore her. The teachers and staff often approach her for advice on best meeting the social-emotional needs of our students. She has a caring and calm temperament and a pragmatic approach to any challenge. She is an absolute treasure – respected and valued by the school family and a true blessing to the Travis community.
Sinclair Elementary Mrs. Dana Dessardo Tritico Dana Dessardo Tritico is currently a 2nd grade teacher at Sinclair Elementary and this year’s Teacher of the Year. She has taught in HISD for 12 years, with 5 of those years being part of the Sinclair “Superstar” family. Mrs. Tritico studied Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Houston, where she was president of the department’s national honor society for 2 years. Upon graduation, she worked for several non-profit organizations before landing a job at The Houston Chronicle in Human Resources. It was here where she met her husband, Matthew, and later completed an alternative certification program to pursue her dream of becoming an educator. At Sinclair, Mrs. Tritico has served as grade-level chair and math lead teacher. In her spare time, she loves supporting community events in and around Oak Forest and spending time with her family.
Crockett Elementary Ms. Idara Atai We have an amazing Teacher of the Year at Crockett. Her name is Idara Atai and she’s a third-year teacher. She has blossomed into one of our best teachers. She is so animated and enthusiastic with her students and they all adore her. She is a skilled read-aloud teacher and she has inspired students to love reading as well. We often bring other teachers in to her class to observe the amazing work she is doing with her students. She was the chairperson for our annual International Festival that included performance, food, and project displays. She is always willing to help her colleagues and has a positive and warm attitude!
Sinclair Elementary Mrs. Barbara Smith S i n c l a i r ’s Beginning Teacher of the Year goes to 5th grade math teacher, Barbara Smith. Prior to her teaching career, Mrs. Smith worked in the oil and gas industry for 14 years, both in accounting and human resources roles. She was born in Presov, Slovakia and moved to the United States at age 8, entering the public school system as when I ESL student. When She Isn’t teaching, she can be found coaching our Sinclair cheerleaders, runners, or triathletes. When asked about the Beginning Teacher of the Year award she said,” I was very humbled, as this award is voted by my peers. I am inspired and encouraged by all the wonderful teachers at Sinclair on a daily basis, so I feel that it was an award to them as well, for all they’ve done to help me be successful for our students. I am thankful to work on a campus which makes collaboration a priority!”
Love Elementary Mrs. Veloyce Dorn Love Elementary is very proud to announce that Mrs. Veloyce Dorn has been selected as the Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Dorn has been at Love Elementary for 8 of her 11-year career with the Houston Independent School District. Mrs. Dorn has served as the campus Special Education Resource teacher and the department chairperson. Her duties involve working with other teachers and staff to assure the best educational learning environment and to make sure that the school is in compliance with all district and state requirements. In an effort to provide the best opportunities for her students, Mrs. Dorn has been successful in having a variety of Donor’s Choose innovation projects funded for her classroom. The school and students are very fortunate to have her. Oak Forest Elementary Ms. Leslie Colville Oak Forest’s teacher of the year is Leslie Colville. Ms. Colville is originally from Pennsylvania and has been at Oak Forest since 1993. Her daughter, Alice, a former OFE Bobcat is currently a senior at Texas A&M in Galveston. Ms. Colville has taught all subject areas in both fourth and fifth grades and is well known at Oak Forest for her love of math and great skills in teaching it. She has a tremendous ability to figure out how students will best understand math, and many of her colleagues have benefited over the years from her wisdom and methods. Ms. Colville was chosen as Oak Forest’s teacher of the year because she is devoted to her students and has the personality, strength, and passion to change their lives. She epitomizes dedication. She comes in early and stays late. Everything she does is done to the highest standards, and she sets an excellent example for her students. Oak Forest is proud to be represented by Ms. Colville as our teacher of the year.
Clifton Middle Mrs. Natasha Essien Mrs. Essien is our Teacher of the year for Clifton Middle School. Mrs. Essien has passionately taught 7th grade Science for 3 years. She emanates an openness to every student individually, that naturally builds a long-lasting rapport. Her concerns go beyond academic content into the whole child, setting standards for their character, integrity, motivation, and their future. She is humorous, relevant, and authentic in her teaching. Mrs. Essien is highly respected by her peers on staff just as much, if not more, by the students. She has an uncompromising commitment to being present, accountable, and a team player. In addition to teaching science, and participating in all school events faithfully, she coaches the 7th grade girls’ basketball team, helping them become district champions this year! All of the above accounts for why Mrs. Essien was widely chosen as Clifton Middle School’s Teacher of the Year. Durham Elementary Mr. Marco Campos Durham Elementar y selected second grade dual language teacher Mr. Marco Campos for Teacher of the Year. He was chosen because his ever-positive attitude and kindness. Mr. Campos is consistently someone you can look up to and he’s never too busy to ask someone how they are doing. With a smile always on his face, he’s appreciated for his gentle and calm approach with his students. He is dedicated and enthusiastic about teaching, while being a positive make role model for his students. With seventeen years of experience, Mr. Campos has a strong passion to educate young minds and help them blossom into successful individuals. His greatest
strengths include inspiring and motivating students. He actively engages their eager minds by incorporating art, a variety of manipulatives, enjoyable activities, and cooperative learning projects. Parent Kirsten Loomis said of Mr. Campos, “Mr. Campos is exactly the kind of teacher you hope for when you send your child off to school. He’s loving, kind, and believes in his students. Even when he is directing traffic, he is ready with a quick smile and a wave. I couldn’t ask for more. “ Memorial Elementary Ms. Alyssa Stevenson The Memorial Elementary School Teacher of the is Ms. Alyssa Stevenson. She is a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and proud graduate of the University of Northern Iowa. Ms. Stevenson comes from a family of educators and has two sisters, on of which is a teacher also. Houston has been Ms. Stevenson’s home for the last four years. She has been a teacher in first, second, and third grade. Currently, she is the third-grade team leader and is seeking a master’s degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Saint Thomas. This year alone, Ms. Stevenson has been the chairperson of Monster Math, Writing contest, Saturday Science Camp, and Girls on the Run. Wainwright Elementary Mrs. Aileen Dizon Mrs. Aileen Dizon has been teaching for five years. She’s a 4th grade math teacher who was nominated for teacher of the year by her peers. Mrs. Dizon is an amazing math teacher who uses math workstations and interactive technology to engage her students in learning. She’s also amazing at social emotional learning and works with students individual needs to build confidence and create a positive classroom environment. This means her students are not only successful at the end of the year academically, but also socially as well. Northside High Ms. Shilpa Sarang Ms. Shilpa Sarang was nominated by her peers for the Teacher of the year honor and was chosen by a vote of the entire faculty/ staff. She has taught 9th and 10th English (both regular and honors/Pre-AP), ESL and One Goal, which is a great class that focuses on college prep for juniors and seniors. She also works with our academic “athletes” in the UIL program and works with seniors who need an extra boost to get to the graduation finish line. Ms. Sarang is passionate advocate for Northside’s students. When the lights are off all over campus, the lights are still on in Shilpa’s room where you can find students learning, collaborating and supporting one another. On any given Saturday, Ms. Sarang is presiding over our academic “athletes” at UIL competitions. She coaches the team and brings out the best in our students whether it’s for Ready Writing, Vocabulary, Literary Criticism, Number Sense, or Calculator Skills. Ms. Sarang sees each student as a whole person and devotes herself to helping that child find the magic and resilience that lies within. She is a gift and a wonder. She’s part of the collaboration that makes our campus buzz with energy, purpose and hope. Helms Elementary Ms. Nancy Martinez Ms. Nancy Martinez has been with HISD twentytwo years and the last sixteen as an educator. She is currently a 4th Grade Dual Language Reading/Science Social Studies teacher at Helms Elementary. Mrs. Martinez is product of HISD as she herself graduated from John H. Reagan HS (now Heights HS). She received a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of HoustonDownton and has obtained a
Masters in Education Administration from Lamar University. She was chosen by her peers as 2018 Helms Elementary Teacher of the Year. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, cooking and spending time with her grandkids. This summer she will participate in the Teachers College Reading Institute at Columbia University in New York to prepare for the following school year. Hogg Middle School Ms. Melinda Carrillo Melinda Carrillo is Hogg Middle School’s Teacher of the Year. She is a 6th Grade Math Teacher and Data Tracking & Assessment Specialist. She joined the Razorback family in August of 2015, and she has been a teacher for six years. Ms. Carrillo graduated from Texas A&M University in December of 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. She received her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University in May of 2016. Ms. Carrillo was named Hogg M.S. Teacher of the Year by her peers because she collaborates with her fellow educators and community members to maximize the holistic potential of every student through relationship building and sharing of dynamic repertoire. Arabic Immersion Elementary Ms. Brittney Herzog Brittney Herzog is in her third year of teaching in HISD and her second year of teaching at the Arabic Immersion Magnet School. After graduating from the University of Houston with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2012, Brittney taught preschool and pre-k in a private school and knew right away that teaching was her calling. Ms. Herzog is currently a 2nd grade teacher at AIMS and brings energy and enthusiasm to her teaching every day. She incorporates music and movement into her daily lessons and creates whimsical classroom transformations that transport her students to another place. Students can also be found working collaboratively in flexible lounge seating options instead of traditional desks. “At the end of the day, I only hope that students will have so much fun that they don’t even realize that learning is taking place,” Ms. Herzog says. She is a firm believer in building relationships and a positive classroom community with her students. “Once students feel valued and empowered, followed by fun and engaging connections to learning, the sky is the limit for my students.” Stevens Elementary Mrs. Martin Mrs. Martin is Stevens Elementar y Teacher of the Year. As a bilingual teacher, Mrs. Martin is not only tasked with teaching students content in their native language but also students English Language development. Although this is a challenging task, she is always pushing her students to communicate and write in English. What’s impressive about Mrs. Martin is her ability to incorporate technology, specifically the SMARTboard, to develop engaging, interactive lessons that really ignites students love for learning. During her elementary school teacher internship, she had the opportunity to plan and implement a Project Based Learning which obtained an honorable mention from the Vice Dean of the University of Vigo (Spain). As part of her teaching experience, she worked for two years as ESL and elementary school teacher for the public education system in Spain. In 2013, she was given the opportunity to take part of the Visiting Teacher Program in the United States and Canada, supported by the Ministry of Education of Spain and school districts across these countries. Since then she has been employed by Houston Independent School District as an Elementary Bilingual Teacher, this being her 5th year in the district and the United States.
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Page 4B • Saturday, April 28, 2018 • The Leader