HOUSTON – April 18, 2019 – More than 200 parent and community volunteers from across the district turned out Wednesday night for a special celebration to thank them for their time and support of students and schools.
“We appreciate all that you do for our students because we know that we can’t increase student achievement without parent support and community engagement,” said Tranita Carroll, the district’s parent engagement director. “We cannot thank you enough.”
The event drew district leaders, including Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Rodney E. Watson, and trustees Rhonda Newhouse, Jana Gonzales, Deborah Jensen, Justine Durant, Winford Adams Jr. and Chris Bell.
“We would be lost without all of you here,” Newhouse told the volunteers, while commending them for their selfless service to the district in its mission to educate all students.
Volunteers who turned out for the reception were treated to a dinner from Zaxby’s, ice cream from Dulcia and took home a special district-branded bag.
Enola Rabotte, a parent volunteer at Marshall Elementary School, said she volunteers at her child’s school because she enjoys being involved and giving back to the community.
“I want the kids to have the best possible experience at school,” she said, noting the volunteers often help with special events like field day or book fairs. “It brings me joy to see them happy.”
Sitting at her table was Marshall Principal Debra Broughton, who said volunteers like Rabotte help enrich the learning environment for everyone. She said they also provide a sounding board for parent issues or concerns. “They represent the community,” she said.
Not everyone at the appreciation reception on Wednesday were parents of current Spring ISD students.
Roger and Christy King volunteer at Salyers Elementary as members of their Living Water Church. With the support of their congregation, the couple said they help with a long list of initiatives at Salyers, including school supplies for teachers, backpacks of food for students, Thanksgiving meal drives and Christmas toys for needy families.
“I get a lot out of it,” said Roger King. “I love kids and relate to them well. It makes me feel good to know I’m helping.”
Superintendent Watson encouraged everyone in the room to keep on volunteering and thanked them for their work in helping to make Spring ISD a better place. “I want to say a personal thank-you for believing in your campus, believing in your principal and believing in your district,” he said.
Outstanding Volunteers 2019
Outstanding Parent Volunteers
Elementary Zone 1: Travanna Lewis from Jenkins Elementary School
Elementary Zone 2: Brandy Russell from Marshall Elementary School
Middle School: Amber Tripicchio from Claughton Middle School
High School: April Lozano from Spring High School
Outstanding Parent Organization
Elementary
Booker Elementary School PTO: Victoria Rojas, Morella Uribe, Ana Galo, Cynthia Villarreal, Yarely Puntos, Corey Grant, Maria Garcia, Miguel Moreno, Fenix Martinez, Veronica Roche, Maria Gomez and Dr. LaShone Williams.
Secondary
Roberson Middle School PTO: Kimberly Scales, Lizeth Hopper, Kenneth Levi, Andrell Price, Clarissa Price, Matilde Greene, Johnnie Williams and Dolly Hendry.
Outstanding Family and Community Engagement
Elementary Zone 1: Hirsch Elementary School
Elementary Zone 2: Marshall Elementary School
Middle School: Wells Middle School
High School: Dekaney High School
Business Partner Award
Debbie Kaschik: Linder Young Learners Academy
Community Partner Award
Carlos Rivera: Cabo Dental