November 14, 2008

USA Today This week Brad Heath, reporter from USA Today, contacted me in an effort to gain information regarding a lawsuit involving PNG graduates. The attached email from Mr. Heath includes information he has researched about the litigation. If you can recall ever receiving information in the past that indicated that PNGISD had been contacted by the TCEQ or any other environmental group regarding this issue, please let me know as soon as possible. Lamar Urbanovsky Lamar Urbanovsky has joined the firm of HOV Services, LLC/Meridian. The attached letter indicates that he is still willing to serve the district if needed. Curriculum Team Meeting The minutes from the November 10th curriculum team meeting are attached for your information. Stadium Reports The following stadium reports are attached: Varsity Football Financial Report for the PN-G vs. Central game 2008-2009 Athletic Event Pay Scale Custodians The attached email from Billy curl indicates that currently there are 20 substitute custodians on the sub list. In addition, the number of substitute custodians paid from 9/28/08 until 10/25/08 is listed by campus. Annual Financial Report The attached TEA letter was received addressing the 2006-07 district audit. LANWalton Report LANWalton has submitted the construction update report for November 14, 2008. Legislative Contacts Region V superintendents will be meeting with legislators on January 28, 2009, during a legislative breakfast in Austin (see attached document). The breakfast has been scheduled during the time period that administrators are attending the January TASA conference. Immediately following the breakfast, groups of superintendents will visit offices of the legislators at the Capital building. In addition to this activity, I will be attending the Golden Triangle Days event in Austin on March 1-3, 2009. The attached email from Debbie Plaia lists the planned events during that week. Our area legislators are scheduled to attend in order to communicate with the participants. Texas School Coalition Clayton Downing, Director of the Texas School Coalition, has provided a list of all districts that have joined the coalition for the 2008-09 school year (see attached).

Recent News The following articles are provided for your information.

1) Program means more than 1,000 wins for Rock-A-Noos coach 2) Ads running on buses 3) Summit looks at sharing services to save money 4) Cost of new high school rises 5) TASB Leadership Times November 2008

From: Heath, Brad [mailto:bheath@usatoday.com] Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 9:59 AM To: Randall, Lani Subject: Following up - 2 - D:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Templates\Normal.dot Hi Lani - I apologize for the delay in sending this; I wanted to pull together a couple more records and double-check my numbers. This is the short version of what we've learned about Port Neches: Over the past three decades or so, 30 residents of Port Neches and Groves have sued the petrochemical and rubber plants; the suits mainly allege that emissions of 1,3-butadiene and other chemicals caused them to contract cancer. Of those 30 cases, 27 of the plaintiffs attended Port Neches-Groves High School; some as recently as a decade ago, some much earlier. Most also attended elementary and middle school in the district. So far, 17 of those cases have settled; 10 are pending. Starting in the late 1980s, the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (which later became the state Commission on Environmental Quality) monitored levels of butadiene and other chemicals around the plants. In the years they've been doing monitoring, the air quality has improved markedly. But their reports frequently found concentrations of toxic chemicals that were higher than the state's safety standards. For example, the state's 1989 report found butadiene levels as much as 17 times higher than what it considers safe. During another round of monitoring in 1999, the TCEQ found butadiene levels higher than its short-term exposure limits on more than two-thirds of the days it conducted monitoring. On 45 days over six months, it found butadiene levels 20 times higher than is safety standard. The same report notes that state employees who conducted the tests reported eye irritation, dizziness, nausea, "facial numbness" and other symptoms. More recent monitoring has detected lower levels of butadiene. However, a long-term monitoring station set up on the little league field south of the high school still appears to register levels higher than the U.S. EPA's "reference concentration" for long-term exposure. I know most of this predates your time in Port Neches. But I'm curious to find out -- to the extent anyone knows -- whether anybody ever talked to the schools about this, and what your reaction is. Regards, Brad Heath USA TODAY

Minutes of District Curriculum Team Meeting November 10, 2008 8:30 a.m. – Groves Middle School

Present: Lani Randall Stacey Arnold Brenda Duhon Mary Jane Moore Tanya Davis Staci Gary

Dr. Randall Dr. Randall has asked Karen Anderson to prepare the HEB Excellence in Education Awards grant application for PN-G ISD. To assist Karen, Dr. Randall asked that the team collaborate on responses to the seven professional essay questions in the “Academic Progress and Professional Development” section of the grant. The grant application and compiled answers are attached. Dr. Randall also stated that James Green will provide the letter of support from the School Board. Brenda Duhon As technology is added district-wide, teachers must be able to integrate the latest technology applications into the curriculum. Campus Improvement Committees should add a section to the technology goal page of the Campus Improvement Plan in order to address “teacher use of the new technology equipment”. The current TTAS evaluation instrument does not address the use of technology by classroom teachers. The district will review the evaluation instrument with the intent of incorporating technology requirements that will be introduced in stages over the next few years. Brenda will review the district education plan along with campus plans and offer suggestions for needed revisions. Training possibilities include early release days worked into the 2009-2010 school calendar that would focus on technology. These ideas will be discussed with principals at the next staff meeting. Staci Gary Staci reported that at a Family Access training parents questioned how they could keep track of their students’ AR points. These points are tied to a grade in grades 4-6. In response to this inquiry, Staci and Tanya produced a form for students to track AR points, and a standard comment will be added to the Skyward progress report for teachers to fill in the students AR points at progress report time. Staci has compiled input from teachers regarding the new enVision math adoption. They have concerns and questions regarding the instructional and technology aspect of the program. These concerns will be addressed at the January in-service. Staci scheduled and attended the following:

• Coordinated curriculum grade level meetings that begin on December 1, 2008 • Scheduled district librarian meeting on November 18, 2008

Please see the attached document for a detailed outline of Staci’s duties and curriculum meeting agenda.

2

Tanya Davis Tanya scheduled a district librarian meeting for November 18th. “Books A Million” has been contacted to present programs available to school districts. The first School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) has been scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2008. The council will be contacted for the time and date of the luncheon meeting. Textbooks

• Received and distributed the replacement textbooks from the Ike damage report • Worked with Staci on the teachers’ concerns regarding enVision math

Please see the attached document for a detailed outline of Tanya’s duties. Mary Jane Moore Request forms for field trips and guest speakers have been revised. Teachers must include the TEKS covered and lesson plans attached to the above requests. A separate form is used to respond to the request, and backup paperwork is kept on file in the instruction office. PN-G ISD has implemented the new state mandated Parenting and Paternity Awareness Curriculum. Port Neches-Groves High School has been selected to participate in a pilot program evaluation process as part of the mandated statewide impact study. This new program will be introduced to the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) on December 4, 2008. Mary Jane has reviewed and discussed the K-8 writing folders with high school ELA teachers. Discussion centered on continuing the process at the high school level. Mary Jane would like to use the folders for K-12 curriculum alignment. Please see the attached document for a detailed outline of Mary Jane’s duties. Stacey Arnold Stacey, Tanya and Staci attended the TEPSA Fall Summit on RTI. Knowledge gained at the conference confirmed that PN-G ISD is on track with the federally mandated program. Average implementation time for RTI is 5-7 years. The current 2008-2009 school year is the second year for grades K-5 and the first year for the middle school level. Great emphasis was placed on teacher training as this produces consistent data district-wide. One aspect of RTI implementation is the formation of a district team. At the conference, Tanya and Staci networked with the district RTI team from Barbers Hill ISD. On Wednesday, November 12th, Stacey, Tanya and Staci will travel to Barbers Hill to review their RTI program. Stacey, Staci and Tanya will be attending RTI training at Region V presented by Dr. Andrea Ogonosky. She is a consultant that the district might consider hiring to assist with further RTI program implementation. The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 a.m.

Curriculum Team Meeting Minutes submitted by: Mary Jarrell

November 10, 2008

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Elementary Curriculum Update

• Attended District Counselors Meeting and Title I Parent Meeting on October 15th • Attended all Family Access trainings provided by Brenda Duhon and will give abbreviated

version to Van Buren and Port Neches Elementary faculty • Attended the Skyward conference in Addison, Texas • Coded and confirmed ESL, Title, and SSI students in Skyward for PEIMS snapshot • Attended TEPSA conference in The Woodlands geared toward Response to Intervention

implementation of Tier I • Began further planning to implement and oversee RtI in our district • Contacted and scheduled meeting with Barber’s Hill ISD to discuss RtI with their district

RtI team • Visited Groves Elementary on October 28th to overview PA Series progress monitoring on 4th

and 5th grade students, concerns have been addressed with the progress monitoring piece via PASeries representative

• Visited campuses on October 29th and November 4th to observe Halloween and Election Activities students were involved with

• Planned for curriculum grade level meetings that will begin on December 1st (see tentative agenda on back)

• Met with ESL teachers to compile list of student who are eligible to take the LAT (Linguistically Accommodated Test) instead of regular TAKS

• Sent November newsletter on November 4th • Attended TEPSA Meeting in Beaumont on November 5th • Confirmed and organized planning for GT meeting to be held November 11th • Scheduled district librarian meeting and established tentative agenda for November 18th • Developed Accelerated Reader log sheet for students to address parent concerns voiced at

Family Access meetings • Followed up with enVision math presenter for the January inservice and sent her requested

items in order to help address teacher concerns

Curriculum Team Meeting November 10, 2008

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TENTATIVE-Curriculum Meeting Agenda December 2008

• DMAC Login/Reports • TAKS Representative Released Items • Educational Software Follow-up/Login Information Sheet • RtI Discussion/TEA Guidance Packet • AR Policy/Procedures • 40% Spelling (tests)/60% English (assignments) Grades Discussion • Math Adoption (Encourage Comments on six weeks forms and January Inservice

update) • PASeries Follow-up/Logins • Address Mini Conference Minutes

K – Reading Adoption Question-2009 for K-1 1st – Spelling Lists from Saxon Follow-up 2nd – no questions or issues 3rd – no questions or issues 4th – RtI Notebooks in order by skill 5th – More Interaction between campuses follow up

• Distribute Materials K – Early Literacy Match-Ups/Spaceman 1st – Connect a Sound Matching Boards 2nd – Daily Writing Prompt Flip Chart 3rd – Word of the Week Vocabulary Chart 4th – Word of the Week Vocabulary Chart 5th – Word of the Day Flip Chart

Curriculum Team Meeting November 10, 2008

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Middle School Curriculum Update:

• Trained Port Neches Middle School teachers on curriculum compacting on October 15

• Attended administrative planning meeting with Ken, Rizvan, and Tilda on October 20

• Attended counselor meeting on October 15 • Attended Title 1 Parent meeting on October 15 • Addressed needs and attended meeting concerning Thin Client computers

on October 21 • Attended Skyward Conference on October 22-24 • Attended TEPSA Fall Summit on RTI October 29-31 • Attended Parent Access trainings • Began reviewing RTI procedures and forms for implementation at the

middle school level • Visited Groves Elementary on October 28th to overview PA Series progress

monitoring on 4th and 5th grade students, concerns have been addressed with the progress monitoring piece via PASeries representative

• Attended TEPSA Meeting in Beaumont on November 5th • Worked with principals and computer lab teachers on PASeries testing • Sent out newsletter on October 27 • Worked on adding books to Middle School Novel List and discussed with

librarians the need for removing novels that are no longer being used • Updated Request Form for Adding Novels • Coded and confirmed Title 1 and SSI students in Skyward • Textbooks:

o Began textbook orders from Ike losses/damages o Distributed textbooks from principal requests

• School Health o Attended Fitnessgram TETN with test administrators on October 14 o Scheduled SHAC meeting for December 4

Curriculum Team Meeting November 10, 2008

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High School Curriculum Update November

Mary Jane Moore

Since our last meeting, these have been areas of focus:

Implementation of Parenting and Paternity Awareness Curriculum and pilot evaluation program Spanish staffing concerns, program review, and future planning DMAC Implementation Classroom walkthroughs SAT/ACT Data Review for Annual Performance Report Support for co-teachers and review of student placement procedures Curriculum meeting – English Language Arts

o Cumulative writing folders o Implementation of new ELA TEKS (2009-2010)

Issues related to construction and classroom furnishings o Value engineering o Classroom design analysis o Furniture o Technology concerns

Planning for upcoming events: o RtI Training with Andrea Oginowsky o Assessment Conference o Departmental Curriculum Meetings o Dana Center Science Teacher Training Nov. 20-21

Data analysis for Highly Qualified Teachers report Attended Skyward Conference Coordinated placement of student teachers at the high school and provided related support

Curriculum Team Meeting November 10, 2008

awards

ExcellenceinEducation

2009 District Application

ACADEMIC PROGRESS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PROFESSIONAL QUESTIONS (essays)

1. How would your collective constituents from students to janitors, community leaders toclassroom aides and board members to principals describe your district’s culture?How is your history and culture reflected in your mission and overall educationalphilosophy and integrated into continuous improvement?

2. If we asked a large number of people in your district to list the attributes of itsoutstanding leaders, what would they say? Since excellent leadership is important at all levels in an organization, what are the pathways for development and growth that are available?

3. How do you define rigor and what do you do to ensure that it exists at all levels of instruction? How do you make decisions about when you need to innovate and then strategically evaluate and share best practices?

4. What extraordinary measures are you taking to make sure that all children in yourdistrict have the opportunity to achieve academically and to graduate? How are you tracking your results on individual campuses to ensure consistency?

5. Describe a specific initiative that your district has undertaken in the last three years toimprove achievement in an underperforming area. Include the theory behind yourinitiative, the implementation plan, challenges and successes to date, evaluationdesign and results.

6. What are your priorities in terms of spending and what process did you use to identify them? How do you define “critical need” in your budget planning process?

7. How do you involve key stakeholders, i.e. parents, teachers, business and community leaders, in District initiatives and decision making?

LETTER OF SUPPORTInclude one (1) letter of support from the following:•School Board Member

Please write your district name at the top of your letter of support and submit italong with your application.

in cooperation withTexas Association of Secondary School Principals

Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors AssociationTexas Association of School Administrators

Texas Parent Teacher Association

©2008 H-E-B Food Stores, 08-5532CS

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DISTRICT APPLICATION FORMType or clearly print your answers.

District Name:_________________________________________________________________________

ESC Region:___________________________________________________________________________

District Superintendent’s Name:__________________________________________________________

Dr. ___ Mr. ___ Mrs.___ Ms.___

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ( )____________ E-mail Address:_______________________________________________

Classification:____________Urban_________Suburban__________Rural________________________

ESC Region:________________

UIL Rating: TEA District Rating Small District (1A,2A or 3A):_________ Large District (4A or 5A):_________

Number of Schools in District:___________________________________________________________Number of schools rated as Exemplary: _____________

Recognized: __________Acceptable: ___________Low Performing: ________

Current District Enrollment: _________________

Demographic breakdown of the student population: ________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Percent of students that qualify for free or reduced lunch:____________________________________

TAKS Passage Rates for past three consecutive years : Year 1: Reading _____ English/LA ______ Science _______

Writing ______ Mathematics ______ Social Studies ______

Year 2: Reading _____ English/LA ______ Science _______Writing ______ Mathematics ______ Social Studies ______

Year 3: Reading _____ English/LA ______ Science _______Writing ______ Mathematics ______ Social Studies ______

Signature of Superintendent:__________________________________Date:_______________

awards

ExcellenceinEducation

Purpose

Created in 2002, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are designed to honor outstanding publicschool professionals and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Through this program,H-E-B seeks to pay tribute to those educators and administrators who go the extra mile each and everyday to serve their students and their communities and who inspire others to do the same.

EligibilityAll public school districts currently located in the H-E-B service area are eligible for nomination. Schooldistricts that have previously been selected as statewide winners are not eligible to reapply.

Criteria•Commitment to student achievement through innovative programs•Parental/Community involvement•Professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators

Evaluation ProcessAll written applications will be screened and scored by a team of professional readers. Regional finalists will be selected by a panel of judges comprised of educators, administrators andcommunity leaders. There are five identified regions within the H-E-B service area and one (1) large district finalist will be selected from each region. In addition, three (3) small district finalists will beselected from across the state.

Applications from the eight (8) finalists will then be reviewed by the statewide selection committee. Thecommittee will conduct on-site campus visits and personal interviews with members of the schoolboard, teachers, parents, principals, community leaders, superintendents and student leaders. The over-all statewide winners will be announced during a recognition dinner and celebration in May 2009.

AwardsThe superintendents of each of the eight (8) district regional finalists will be notified of their selectionbeginning in February. During visits from H-E-B Officials and members of the community, each superintendent will be presented with a check, $5,000 for a large district and $2,500 for a small district. In addition, each superintendent will receive an all-expense paid trip to the awards celebrationin Austin including three nights and a special reception in their honor at the luxurious Barton CreekResort & Spa.

The Large School District Winner (4A or 5A) will receive $100,000.The Small School District Winner (1A, 2A or 3A) will receive $50,000.

Application GuidelinesPlease follow the instructions below when completing your application:• Use no more than two pages (8.5” x 11”) to answer each professional question.• Use no smaller than 10 pt. type and no less than 1.5” line spacing.• Type your district name and the corresponding professional question at the top of each page.• Please retain a copy of the application for your records, as materials will not be returned.• Districts may submit additional supplemental materials designed to demonstrate student progress.• Applications must be postmarked by midnight on January 2, 2009.

Please submit your completed application and copies to:H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards6929 Airport Blvd., Suite 176Austin, TX 78752Once your application has been received, you will be notified via email.Please allow 3-5 days for processing.

City State Zip

Street

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HEB Essay Question Ideas

1. How would your collective constituents from students to janitors, community leaders to classroom aides and board members to principals describe your district’s culture?

• All listed above affect the learning environment in different ways • Some are more influential than others and in turn affect the attitude and motivations of others which overall

affects the success of students • Positive, well-rounded culture, that promotes student learning • Culture that involves parents in the learning process • Traditions are important and a way of life • Shared sense of purpose and values among staff members • Staff feel sense of responsibility for student learning • Staff work together to build a better school and district • Pride • Warm • Committed • Cooperative • Family-oriented • We know our students and employees by name, from board members to custodians • Lifelong learning, opportunities for all, productive citizenship • School spirit that permeates the entire communities of Port Neches and Groves • Regional and state reputation for rigor and academic excellence

o UIL district awards o CTE awards o Band, art, choir, etc.

*We feel that is important to mention the fact that within the past three years we have had to evacuate for three different hurricanes, two of which severely impacted our district. Hurricane Rita in 2005 and Hurricane Ike just this past September placed many challenges both instructionally and structurally as buildings around the district were damaged. Overall, the collective constituents mentioned above came together and worked hard to get the district up and running again so that learning could take place. *Also, Port Neches-Groves Independent School District was the largest Recognized school district in the region based on TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) testing.

How is your history and culture reflected in your mission and overall educational philosophy and integrated into continuous improvement?

• Our mission statement assists in answering this question… From the meager beginnings of the first public school in Port Neches in 1880 to the forming of the Port Neches Common School District in 1925 and the establishing of the Port Neches Independent School District in 1945, the district has earned and maintained a tradition of excellence in education. Students and parents appreciate the educational programs offered by the district. A special spirit binds the school and the communities of Port Neches and Groves. Port Neches-Groves Independent School District is committed to excellence in education. The combined efforts of the staff, students, parents, and community will provide a learning environment that ensures opportunities for all students to pursue lifelong learning and responsible, productive citizenship. 2. If we asked a large number of people in your district to list the attributes of its outstanding leaders, what would they say?

• Determined

Curriculum Team Meeting November 10, 2008

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• Goal Oriented • Resourceful • Knowledgeable • Compassionate • Promote Student Success in all curriculum areas • Effective communication skills • Welcome change • Set high standards • Focus on student achievement • Motivational and encouraging • Innovative • Enthusiastic • Persistent • Approachable • Collaborative • Team-building • Input from all stakeholders in decision-making • Parent Access to student educational information and input from parents is valued

Since excellent leadership is important at all levels in an organization, what are the pathways for development and growth that are available?

• PNGISD supports a mentor teacher program where new teachers are assigned mentor teachers as a resource person. These mentor teachers serve as leaders for our new teachers in order support instructional practices.

• As a new administrator to the reservation the veteran administrators have been forthcoming with information in order to provide leadership and support. PNGISD’s administrators work well as a team to promote achievement around the district.

3. How do you define rigor and what do you do to ensure that it exists at all levels of instruction?

• Rigor is being thorough and regimented with the logistics of the district by having a consistent, systematic plan for each task at hand. I feel rigor and organization go hand in hand.

• Challenging academic studies and quality career/technical studies • Incorporating problem-solving activities into the daily curriculum • Raised curriculum and instructional standards • Rigor is consistency; uniform principles

• Another Definition: Teaching What Matters Most: Standards and Strategies for Raising Student Achievement by Richard W. Strong, Harvey F. Silver and Matthew J. Perini, ASCD, 2001. According to Strong, Silver, and Perini, “Rigor is the goal of helping students develop the capacity to understand content that is complex, ambiguous, provocative, and personally or emotionally challenging.”

o Couple with relevance o Vertical and horizontal teacher teams to revise and write curriculum o Data driven decisions o Leadership also listens and responds to anecdotal evidence (All evidence is considered and

reviewed when setting instructional goals.)

Curriculum Team Meeting November 10, 2008

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o Continually evaluate data from both formative and summative assessments to evaluate progress o Intentional staff development to share best practices

Mini-conference Sending teams to staff development and they come back and share

How do you make decisions about when you need to innovate and then strategically evaluate and share best practices?

• I feel innovation comes when there is a period of burn out. Ideas must then be solicited from all those involved in the change that will take place. Once implemented follow up procedures must take place.

• Curriculum mapping, benchmark testing, administrative presence in the classroom • Indicated by data when needed

4. What extraordinary measures are you taking to make sure that all children in your district have the opportunity to achieve academically and to graduate?

• PNGISD provides an outstanding number of resources and programs to ensure student achievement. The

following are examples of programs offered to benefit our students, parents and teachers… • Family Access –initiative where parents can log on to view grades, events, and other education related

information • School Fusion – individual websites where specific classroom or school information posted • DMAC – Data Management Software for Assessment and Curriculum • Co-teaching • Lab classes • Grading period for High School English Teachers • Saxon Phonics (first grade) • Waterford Computer Program (K-3) • At-risk Reading and Math Programs (4th and 5th grade) • Tutorials • Accelerated Reading Program • Peer Tutors • Special Education, Inclusion, & Content Mastery • Gifted and Talented Program • English as a Second Language (ESL) • Dyslexia Program • Speech Therapy • Counseling Services • Technology Services • Character Education • Career Awareness • Music/Physical Education • CATCH Program (K-8)

How are you tracking your results on individual campuses to ensure consistency?

• This year we have begin implementation of Response to Intervention (RtI) and have purchased programs as well as utilized other resources offered at no cost to progress monitor interventions taken place. Programs to track students include mClass at the K-3 campuses and PASeries for grades 3-8. Texas Math and Science Diagnostic Systems (TMSDS), Texas Primary Reading Inventory (TPRI), are to name a few. There are many other assessment tools utilized to monitor student progress.

Curriculum Team Meeting

November 10, 2008

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5. Describe a specific initiative that your district has undertaken in the last three years to improve achievement in an underperforming area. Include the theory behind your initiative, the implementation plan, challenges and successes to date, evaluation design and results. PNGISD has been implementing resources in order to raise science test scores. The implementation of the Region 5 science collaborative is one initiative implemented at the elementary level. Two science teachers from Port Neches Elementary applied for the program, were accepted, and then attended training on the initiative. After being trained, they then trained teachers on their campus as well as other elementary campuses in the district on effective science strategies for teaching. There is also one high school teacher who is part of the science collaborative as well. This is her second year in the program and she is mentoring teachers at the middle and high school levels. Gateway to Science was another program purchased at the elementary level to help raise TAKS science scores. This program “ is a unique program designed to introduce students to content-area knowledge and skills needed to meet the requirements of science programs and state assessments. Using picture dictionary and textbook formats, students acquire key vocabulary, concepts, and learning strategies that help boost their success in science!”

• Middle School Dana Center Courses:

Classroom Activities in Genetics to Support Student Success Participants will explore a hands-on, directed-inquiry approach designed to help students develop an understanding of core science concepts in genetics as they progress from 6th to 8th grade. Participants will: - Learn an approach and set of strategies that vertical teams can use to

examine the articulation of the grades 6–8 science TEKS. - Learn how to implement vertically aligned, TEKS-based curricular units

in genetics. - Receive a copy of the Dana Center publication Middle School Core

Science Units: TEKS-Based Activities in Genetics. Classroom Activities in Chemical and Physical Properties to Support Student Success Participants will explore a hands-on, directed-inquiry approach designed to help students develop an understanding of core science concepts in chemical and physical properties as they progress from 6th to 8th grade. Participants will:

• Learn an approach and set of strategies that vertical teams can use to examine the articulation of the grades 6–8 science TEKS.

• Learn how to implement vertically aligned, TEKS-based curricular units in chemical and physical properties..

• Receive a copy of the Dana Center publication Middle School Core Science Units: TEKS-Based Activities in Chemical and Physical Properties.

Classroom Activities in Space Science to Support Student Success Participants will explore a hands-on, directed-inquiry approach designed to help students develop an understanding of core concepts in space science as they progress from 6th to 8th grade. Participants will:

• Learn an approach and set of strategies that vertical teams can use to examine the articulation of the grades 6–8 science TEKS.

• Learn how to implement vertically aligned, TEKS-based curricular units in space science.

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• Receive a copy of the Dana Center publication Middle School Core Science Units: TEKS-Based Activities in Space Science.

High School Dana Center Courses: Hands-On Activities for Supporting Student Success—Biology and Integrated Physics and Chemistry Participants will:

• Examine the essential science concepts for the exit-level TAKS. • Learn how to implement a series of hands-on activities that support

student success on the exit-level science TAKS. • Receive a copy of the Dana Center publication Essential Science

Concepts for Exit-Level TAKS: Hands-On Activities for Supporting Student Success. This resource comprises two modules—Biology (17 activities) and Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) (16 activities).

o The Biology module provides activities to support student understanding of the concepts found in TAKS Objective 2 (organization of living systems) and Objective 3 (interdependence of organisms and the environment).

o The IPC module provides activities to support student understanding of the concepts in TAKS Objective 4 (structures and properties of matter) and Objective 5 (motion, forces, and energy).

o The activities in both modules also include the science process skills in TAKS Objective 1 (understanding of the nature of science).

o Science Focus Grades 9-12

Port Neches-Groves ISD is working to increase rigor and support the integration of physics, chemistry, and biology concepts in science instruction. Understanding that students learn best from doing, the district has invested considerable time and monies in arranging for representatives from the Charles A. Dana Center to come to the district to work with high school science teachers in a team setting to provide two days of hands-on training. The Essential Science Concepts training not only gives teachers the opportunity to experience these activities but also provides teachers with a copy of the Dana Center resource guide, Essential Science Concepts for Exit- Level TAKS: Hands-On Activities for Supporting Student Success. Once trained, teachers will be able to integrate the concepts and activities into daily instruction, increasing rigor and relevance in science instruction.

The Dana Center provides Texas education leaders with new knowledge about teaching and learning. They are also known for supporting K–12 teachers and leaders working to implement high academic standards for all students.

In addition to the Dana Center training, high school science teachers have also implemented a new program designed to focus students on biology, chemistry, and physics concepts at the beginning of each class period. These mini-lessons called Science Starters have been aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and target Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills objectives for science.

6. What are your priorities in terms of spending and what process did you use to identify them? How do you define “critical need” in your budget planning process?

• Priorities identified by low TAKS scores • Technology-bond money

Curriculum Team Meeting November 10, 2008

Curriculum Team Meeting November 10, 2008

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7. How do you involve key stakeholders, i.e. parents, teachers, business and community leaders, in District initiatives and decision making?

• PNGISD does an excellent job involving all stakeholders. Our webmaster, Brenda Duhon, does an exceptional job with updating our district web page where parents or community members can view information on all areas of the district. It is a wonderful communication and parent involvement tool. We have parent committees for different district organizations or programs. Teachers, campus administrators, coordinators, and district directors provide newsletters to keep parents abreast of district information. PNGISD fosters committee involvement when major decisions are to be made and implemented.

• Parents, teachers, business and community leaders involved in Technology Task Force, DEIC (District Education Improvement Committee), CIC (Campus Improvement Committee), Title Parent Meetings, School Health and Advisory Committee, etc.

• Collaborative partnerships – Freshman Orientation, Project Graduation, BASF science support, etc.

PORT NECHES-GROVES INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ATHLETIC TICKET OFFICE VARSITY FOOTBALL FINANCIAL REPORT PORT NECHES-GROVES vs CENTRAL November 7, 2008 I. GAME RECEIPTS

A. Season Tickets 3,801 @ $5.00 $19,005.00 $ 19,005.00

B. Advanced Ticket Sales (PN-G) 1. Reserved 318 @ $6.00 $ 1,908.00 2. Student 137 @ $3.00 $ 411.00 3. General Admission 0 @ $6.00 $ 0.00

Sub Total $ 2,319.00

C. Advanced Ticket Sales (VISITORS) 1. Pre-Season Tickets 68 @ $5.00 $ 340.00

2. Reserved @ $ 3. General Admission 43 @ $6.00 $ 258.00 4. Student 38 @ $3.00 $ 114.00

Sub Total $ 712.00

D. Sales at Gate 1. General Admission 638 @ $6.00 $ 3,828.00 2. Reserved 151 @ $6.00 $ 906.00

Sub Total $ 4,734.00 TOTAL RECEIPTS $ 26,770.00

II. DIVISION OF RECEIPTS

A. Deductible Expenses 1. Officials fees $ 933.50 2. 20% of receipts $ 5,354.00

Total Deductible Expenses $ 6,287.50

NET RECEIPTS $ 20,482.50

B. Visiting Team Share $ 10,241.25 1. Amount retained by visitors $ 712.00 2. Check to Visiting Team $ 9,529.25

C. Port Neches-Groves Share $ 10,241.25

____________________________________________________ Prepared by Becky Romero, Athletic Ticket Sales 620 Avenue C Port Neches, TX 77651 409.722.4244, ext. 1720

From: Curl, Billy Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2008 8:46 AM To: Randall, Lani Cc: Jennings, Bonnie Subject: Custodians on the Substitute List At the Board meeting Tuesday evening, one of the board members asked how many custodians were on the sub list. The list was updated yesterday. As of today there are 20 substitute custodians on the list. BC

Construction Update Report

November 14, 2008 Stadium:

• Paving is +/- 85% complete. Press Box: • Fire sprinkler piping is being installed. • Metal studs framing on lower level beneath the 1st floor being installed. • Steel erection is +/- 95% complete. • Electrical rough-in is +/- 75% complete. • Plywood sheathing is +/- 50% complete. • Plumbing rough-in is +/- 80% complete. • Masonry is +/- 90% complete.

PNG High School

• Select fill continues to be placed on the new building pad. • Completed the demolition of under-building utility lines. • Completed demolition of pavements in connector area. • The underground utility tie-ins are +/- 95% complete. • Demolition work at the Planetarium continues. • Demolition of abandoned underground utilities is +/- 90% complete.

Groves Middle School

• Grade beams have been poured at building B. • Dirt is being graded for the building slab in building B. • CMU continues to be installed on Building A. • Underground plumbing is +/- 90% complete. • Underground electric is +/- 35% complete. • Grade beams are +/- 30% complete.

Port Neches Middle School

• Floor slab in Building B scheduled to be poured on November 15, 2008. • Work continues on the pilot channel in detention pond A (south pond). • Grade beams are +/- 25% complete. • Underground plumbing is +/- 35% complete. • Underground electric is +/- 60% complete.

Renovations

• The Waterproofing work at Groves Elementary is complete. We expect closeout of this project next month.

• Parsons Roofing continues the roof work at Woodcrest Elementary and West Groves Education Center. The buildings are +/- 90% complete.

• Parsons Roofing has completed the installation of the roof at Taft Elementary. • Monument Constructors is complete with the work at Van Buren Elementary.

Warranty is expected within a week. • Monument Constructors is substantially complete with the project at Port Neches

Elementary.

From: Debbie Plaia [mailto:pncoc@swbell.net] Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 2:41 PM To: Brad Burnett; Forest Barber; Andre' Wimer; Randall, Lani; Glenn Johnson; Andrea Johnson; Gail Shook; Greg Hunt; Jason Landry; Jeff Greenway; Jody Jorgenson; Kathy Buescher; Kathy Levingston; Matt Lumpkin; Molly LaHaye; Morris McCall; Randy Kimler; Shana Burton; Shane Reedy; Stefanie Fitzgerald; Terry Schwertner; Trace Hammond; Eric Sullivan Subject: Fw: Mark your calendars for GTDA 2009!  Dear Chamber Board, Please check your calendars to see if your available to go the Golden Triangle Days in Austin, March 1-3, 2009. This is a great opportunity to get involved and network at the same time. Let me know if your interested in going. I will probably make my reservations sometime next week. I will be going up on Sunday at noon, March 1st and returning on Tuesday, March 3rd afternoon. Hope to hear from you soon! Debbie Plaia ----- Original Message ----- From: Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce To: pncoc@swbell.net Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 1:12 PM Subject: Mark your calendars for GTDA 2009!

Mark your calendars!  

Golden Triangle Days in Austin  (GTDA) will be held 

 

March 1 ‐ 3, 2009

To register for the event, please visit www.GTDATX.com,  and take a minute to complete the 2009 Legislative Agenda Survey. 

  Jenny Barrett Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce 4749 Twin City Hwy., Suite 300   |   Port Arthur, TX  77642‐5839 Phone: (409) 963‐1107   |   Fax: (409) 962‐1997 www.portarthurtexas.com  

Enroll(current)

4,5462,9751700

79,9973,549

560Blackwell ISD 140

144q 2302

1,0494338717

779126,2522,787

8508,874

1999,944

TEXAS SCHOOL COALITION Member Dues Received 08-09

Beckville ISDBarbers Hill ISD

*Red indicates new member

Argyle ISD

Bridgeport ISD

Carrolton/Farmer's Branch ISD

Borden Co. ISD

*Green indicates Small Rural School Coalition

Carroll ISD

District

Alamo Heights ISDAndrews ISD

Calhoun County ISD

Austin ISD

Chisum ISD

Bushland ISD

Canadian ISD

Carthage ISD

College Station ISDComstock ISDCoppell ISD

962773

Daingerfield-Lone Star ISD 1,394Darrouzett ISD 74

282112,4211,4367234689976

23,7772,1867,866

2891,6841332

Goose Creek 20293323

Granbury ISD 683413,936

933886

95Highland ISD 216

6,293919209233545982

Guthrie ISD

Goliad ISD

Jacksboro ISD

Denver City ISDDeer Park ISD

Higgins ISD

Eanes ISD

Hunt ISD

Grapevine-C'ville ISD

Highland Park ISDHighland Park ISD (Amarillo)

Iraan-Sheffield ISD

Decatur ISD

Crane ISD

IRA ISD

Galveston ISD

Crockett Co. CSD

Frisco ISD

Forsan ISDFranklin ISD

Glasscock Co. ISD

Graford ISD

Glen Rose ISD

Ft. Stockton ISD

Hallsville ISD

Enroll(current)

TEXAS SCHOOL COALITION Member Dues Received 08-09

*Red indicates new member*Green indicates Small Rural School Coalition

District

1,2155,578

499137

Levelland ISD (Ch 42) 3005Lewisville ISD 49551

1272,0944030467175169

5,75011,940

Palacios ISD 1570473

52,997616

Point Isabel

Northwest ISD

Loop ISD

Lefors ISD

Plemons-Stinnett-Phillips CISD

Plains ISDPlano ISD

Marble Falls ISD

Montgomery ISDMiami ISD

Lovejoy ISD

Lago Vista ISDLake Travis ISD

McMullen ISD

Lapoynor ISD

McCamey ISD

1077551

4,656Prairie Valley ISD 122

1162,224

214785

Rocksprings ISD 340Round Rock ISD 39,211Round Top-Carmine ISD 225Sabine Pass ISD 248

200Santa Gertrudis ISD 350

2,243Silvells Bend ISD 63

1,00832,160

284Sterling City ISD 196

360594

Sunnyvale ISD 533Sweeny ISD 2058

1,300Texas City ISD 5839

381224329321

Pringle-Morse CISDProsper ISD

Port AransasPort Neches-Groves ISD

Whiteface CISDWink-Loving ISD

Sudan ISD

Seminole ISD

Sonora ISD

Westbrook ISDWebb CISD

Sundown ISD

Tatum ISD

Spur ISD

Reagan County ISD

Ponder ISD

Spring Branch ISD

Sands CISD

Rankin ISD

Print Version > Ads running on school buses

Pearland Journal > NewsAds running on school buses

Contractors Marvin Mayville (front) and James Irish of JAM Communications install advertisements on Pearland Independent School District buses.

Published: 11.10.08

Advertisements displayed on Pearland Independent School District buses are bringing additional revenue to the transportation department, according to Pearland ISD. The school district recently partnered with Alpha Media to allow local and national companies to buy advertising space on its buses. Alpha Media recruits advertisers, then installs the ads on the buses at no cost, risk or effort to the district. A percentage of all monthly advertising revenue goes to Pearland ISD. Transportation director Raul Cruz presented the first month’s revenue -- $495 -- to school board trustees at their Oct. 28 workshop. Cruz originally approached the school board this summer with the idea for generating additional revenue. “This revenue will allow the transportation department to buy larger items that fall outside our operational budget -- like a bus wash,” Cruz said. Advertisers may choose the number of buses and the routes they want for their ads. Alpha Media works closely with Pearland ISD to ensure that all ads are appropriate for public display. For more information, contact the transportation department at 281-485-3562.

Copyright © 2008 - Houston Community Newspapers Online

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2008/11/11/pearland_journal/news/11-13_pj_bus_ads.prt (1 of 2) [11/11/2008 8:48:00 AM]

Summit looks at sharing services to save money

By Erica Molina Johnson / El Paso Times

EL PASO -- In an effort to consolidate resources to save taxpayers money, about 20 regional taxing entities came together Wednesday at the first Shared Services Summit.

"I think this is a way to save money for the district, and that's what we're looking for," said Gilbert Alarcon, assistant superintendent of finance and operations for the Fabens Independent School District.

The summit was spearheaded by county Commissioner Veronica Escobar.

"When I was working in government many years ago I saw the areas where collaboration already existed and wondered why there wasn't more and I also know the realities of being a taxpayer and paying into multiple jurisdictions," she said. "Now that I am an elected official within government, I see where we have taken advantage of some opportunities, but I think we haven't given enough empowerment to the professionals who run our government to create more opportunities."

The representatives of various taxing entities were split into work groups to brainstorm about plans that could be implemented on large or small scales to share services with one another.

Larry Baskind, a lawyer who represents several school districts, told the group it might want to begin considering whether consolidation of health insurance is possible or desired.

"Maybe if we pool our resources, we'll have as much negotiating power as the big hospitals," he said.

Among the successes in shared services that were reviewed at the summit were the consolidated

tax office, the consolidation of county attorney and district attorney functions and school district purchasing items through Region 19.

Escobar said she would like the event to be annual so that taxing entities could continue to find new ways to avoid raising taxes as the community grows.

"We have to find ways to save money in some areas so that we can meet the demands in other areas," she said.

Erica Molina Johnson may be reached at emolina@elpasotimes.com; 546-6132.

Cost of new high school rises Officials say higher costs means it will take $9.7 million more to build Cedar Ridge. By Bob Banta AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF Thursday, November 13, 2008

ROUND ROCK — Rising construction costs have boosted the price tag on the district's new Cedar Ridge High School by about $9.7 million.

But school trustees say savings from previous bond projects and minor trimming of features at the new campus will allow them to build the same school they envisioned without exceeding the $267 million bond issue voters approved to pay for Cedar Ridge and other projects.

When the bond package was proposed to voters in 2006 after an 80-member citizens committee studied facility needs, the new high school, scheduled to open in August 2010, was estimated to cost $69.8 million. District staff members told the school board at a meeting last week that the cost has risen to $79.5 million.

The reasons include a 12.5 percent rise in costs for materials and labor last year, twice as high as the inflation rate in 2006 when the bond was passed, said Alan Albers, executive director of operations and facilities for the district.

Gas prices over the past year also raised the costs of diesel fuel used in heavy equipment to clear and excavate the Cedar Ridge site off Gattis School Road, Albers said.

Administrative staff said the district will still be able to build the 375,947 -square-foot campus, which will house 2,400 , students because of money that has accumulated from savings on other projects in the 2006 bond issue. They said $10.8 million is available from the 2006 bond to offset the added costs of Cedar Ridge.

The $10.8 million includes $6 million in interest earned by bond money in the 2006 package, school officials said.

Trustees studied possible trims at the new campus, including spectator seats at the campus practice field, to reduce the nearly $9.8 million in unexpected costs. Construction officials are also making a list of cost-cutting ideas they will present to the board before it meets in January or February to determine what they will spend on the new high school.

"This figure (in unanticipated costs) is scary, but I think we can explain it to the public," Trustee Glen Colby said. He said the board should be cautious about trimming costs that could harm the

appearance or function of the building. "We are talking about a facility with a lifespan of 50 to 60 years," he said.

Board President Diane Cox said that when trustees vote on the final cost of the campus early next year, it will be within the total $267 million voters approved.

"The message is that we have saved enough money on other bond projects that are not going over budget on this school," Cox said. "Cedar Ridge will be the school our committee of 80 citizens intended it to be when they made their recommendation in 2006."

bbanta@statesman.com; 246-0005

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Leadership Team Times

Two, Yes, Two ConTinuing eduCaTion announCemenTs Don’t forget that boards are now required to make two announcements about board

member continuing education credit during the year.A provision added to the Texas Education Code (TEC) last year requires that the December

board meeting minutes “reflect whether each trustee has met or is delinquent in meeting the training required to be completed as of the date of the meeting.” [TEC, §11.159(b)] It’s wise to make a verbal announcement of this information in the meeting, as well.

This announcement is in addition to—and does not substitute for—the announcement required by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC). Under TAC, the board president must make a similar announcement “at the meeting at which the call for election of board members is normally scheduled.” [19 TAC §61.1(j)] For districts with May board elections, this announcement normally comes at the February meeting.

Because board members have a full 12 months to complete the annual requirements, the December announcement is a reminder to board members about whether they need more continuing education to complete the annual requirement.

If you need additional continuing education for the year, TASB has several opportunities available in coming months: Fall Legal Seminars (November 11–22), TASA/TASB Pre-Legislative Seminar (December 5), and Winter Governance and Legal Seminar (February 19–21). Also, LTS offers a variety of continuing education topics in your district. For more information, visit LTs.tasb.org.

How imporTanT is sCHooL design?Each day, more than 59 million students spend most of their day in one of the nation’s

120,000 school buildings. Ever wonder how building design affects student learning and attitudes? The American Architectural Foundation (AAF) has. And as a consequence, it started the Great Schools by Design program to engage educators, parents, community members, and students in far-reaching discussions of how to improve the places where children and young adults learn.

The primary vehicle for these discussions is school design institutes, where a small number of districts bring a team from each of their districts to work intensively for two days on a district building project in the early design stage with leading architects, designers, and educators from other parts of the country. The institutes have resulted in award-winning and inspiring schools across the nation.

This November, TASB and AAF will to bring Great Schools to Texas. Teams from four of the state’s largest districts—Fort Worth, Cypress-Fairbanks, North East, and Klein—will participate in a school design institute in Austin. TASB, AAF, and the Committee on Architecture in Education of the Texas Society of Architects are exploring ways to share lessons learned at the institute with other districts. Look for reports from the Institute in articles, Webinars, and session topics at TASB events in the near future.

winTer governanCe and LegaL seminar (wgLs) February 19–21, 2009, Corpus Christi

CeLebraTing eduCaTionaL opporTuniTies for sTudenTs of aLL CuLTures March 27–29, 2009, Austin

summer LeadersHip insTiTuTes (sLi) • June 11–13, 2009,

San Antonio • June 18–20, 2009, Fort Worth

Tasa/Tasb ConvenTion October 2–4, 2009, Houston

For a complete list of training and events, or to access more details on any of the information referenced in this issue, go to LTS.tasb.org.

A publication of Tasb Leadership Team services

november 2008

Nine copies of this publication will be mailed monthly to the superintendent secretary to be included in the board packets.

Training Events

Honor boards reCognized aT Tasa/Tasb ConvenTionCongratulations to all of the 2008 nominees, and hats off to Frisco ISD for being

named the 2008 Outstanding School Board. The districts nominated represent diverse populations with varied needs, yet the trustees of each board are united in their efforts in doing what is best for every child entrusted to their districts’ care. The members of each board nominated by their superintendent are listed below:

• bellville isd: Lonnie Lischka, Buck Eckermann, Ima Holmes, Norman Kiecke, Rocky, Luertge, Robert Winkelmann, Karen Winn (John Conley II, superintendent)

• frisco isd: Buddy Minett, Richard Beaver, Laura Ellison, Cindy DePaolantonio, Dan Mossakwoski, Renne Ehmke, Brenda Polk (Rick Reedy, superintendent)

• grapevine-Colleyville isd: Charlie Warner, Lisa Hall, Vicki Thomas, Nancy Coplen, Jesse Rodrigues, Vince Rosen, Freda Ward (Kay E. Waggonner, superintendent)

• pasadena isd: Marshall Kendrick, Vickie Morgan, Jerry Speer, Frank Braden, Fred Roberts, Nelda Sullivan, Carmen Orozco (Kirk Lewis, superintendent)

• rio grande City Cisd: Basilio D. Villarreal, Francisco G. Zarate, Cesar Gonzalez, Noe R. Gonzalez, Robert Gutierrez, Sylvina S. Hinojosa, Ruben Klein (Roel Gonzalez, superintendent)

Also recognized as regional honor boards were the ISDs of Buffalo, Mineola, Northside, San Elizario, and Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City.

TimeLY resourCesCheck out resources for superintendent evaluation:• APresident’sGuidetoFacilitatingSuperintendentEvaluations• ANewBoardMember’sGuidetoSuperintendentEvaluation• FocusingtheSuperintendentEvaluationInstrumentonResults• DevelopingSuperintendentPerformanceGoalsTo order these resources, see your superintendent’s secretary for the latest publication

order form included with this month’s newsletter packets.

on THe road againby Kay douglas, LTs senior consultant

Years ago, as a brand new board member, I attended NSBA’s annual conference. During that trip, I purchased HowtoBeaBetterBoardMember, which I still have. I bought the book because I recognized that nothing in my life had prepared me for my brand new role, and that I needed help to do the job. Now, as a consultant, I travel the state to work with school boards and superintendents. Although we work as a team, the team is only as strong as its weakest member. All the training in the world will not make a difference unless individual members commit to change in their own behavior to ensure the success of the team.

I frequently encourage team members to ask themselves, “If everyone were just like me, what kind of team would this be?” I recognize the bad grammar, but I can’t resist the chance to have a memorable rhyme. More importantly, it is always tempting to recognize faults of others while ignoring our own. Even when we admit faults, our own seem so small in comparison with those of others. The only behavior we can control is our own, so it is essential to take stock periodically to see how we can improve ourselves and our team. Even small changes can have an enormous effect on the communication and relationships necessary to be effective as a team.

As we approach superintendent evaluation time, I strongly encourage boards and board members to do a self-evaluation and take action on the results. Remember, TEAM is an acronym for “Together Everyone Achieves More.” Your district and community are counting on you!

Contact Us

Reminders

iTems You maY wanT To Consider for nexT monTH’s agenda• Reviewdistrictfinancial

audit.daTes/aCTiviTies To remember• winTer governanCe

and LegaL seminar (wgLs): Online registration November 10–February 13. Hotel cutoff January 23.

• CeLebraTing eduCaTionaL opporTuniTies for sTudenTs of aLL CuLTures: Program submission deadline extended through December 5.

• summer LeadersHip insTiTuTe: Program submissions accepted through January 15.

Program submission appli-cations for CEOSAC and SLI available at LTs.tasb.org.

Leadership Team Times is produced by the TASB Leadership Team Services (LTS) division. For more information about LTS and its training opportunities and services, go to LTs.tasb.org, or contact Lisa Carothers at lisa.carothers@tasb.org with questions or comments. Leadership Team Times november 2008

Coming Events Board Christmas Party @ Dr. Randall’s House ..................................................Tuesday, December 2 @ 6:30 p.m. TASA/TASB Pre-Legislative Seminar in Austin ................................................................................... December 5 Please let Bonnie know if you would like to attend. Regular Board Meeting ............................................................................................................... December 9, 7 p.m. Region 5 Law Conference .............................................................................................. January 13, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. MCM Elegante Hotel – Beaumont Please let Bonnie know if you would like to attend.