Community volunteers find the cameras are focused on them at Spring ISD’s Volunteer Appreciation Reception.

HOUSTON – May 4, 2017 – Recognitions were high on the agenda at the annual Spring ISD Volunteer Appreciation Reception. About 150 volunteers and district staff members gathered at the Spring ISD Learning Center to be recognized for the hours of hard work they donated over the course of the school year.

In a room decorated with thank you posters from the district’s campuses, the volunteers were welcomed and thanked by Board of Trustees President Dr. Deborah Jensen, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rodney E. Watson and Parent Engagement Coordinator Tranita Carroll.

Deandrea Montague, a mother at Jenkins Elementary, gave a stirring speech about her volunteer work within the district and what it means to her – noting that through volunteering she has gotten to know her children’s teachers better and feels more connected to the school and the school district.

In his speech, Watson reminded the volunteers in the audience of just how large a role they play in building strong schools and helping the district reach its goals. “Over the last three years, we have seen an increase in registered volunteers, reaching nearly 3,100 volunteers in Spring ISD. This year, volunteers have donated more than 52,000 hours of service,” said Watson.

A major pillar of Spring ISD’s strategic plan EVERY CHILD 2020 commits the district to create more opportunities for partnerships with parents and community members. As a result of that plan, volunteerism has increased dramatically over the past two years. In Spring ISD, since the 2014-15 school year, volunteer hours have increased by 43 percent.

Volunteers of the Year were announced and honored for their service. They are JoAnn Aguilar, Reynolds Elementary; Shanel Watson, Beneke Elementary; Cheryl Beard, Dueitt Middle School and Dr. Deborah Jensen, Spring High School.

The four Spring ISD campuses that received Commitment to Community Engagement Awards are Reynolds Elementary, McNabb Elementary, Dueitt Middle School and Spring High School. These campuses had the highest number of volunteer hours logged for the school year.

Thomas Fagen with Keller Williams Realty received the Business Partner award, and the Community Partner Award was presented to Juan Anthony Navarro from the Texas Children’s Health Plan for their continuing commitment to Spring students.

The event was sponsored and hosted by the Spring ISD Office of Family and Community Engagement.