The eLeader

Website: lpisd.org
Location: 1002 San Jacinto Street, La Porte, TX, USA
Phone: 281-604-7000

Greetings, La Porte ISD Family.

Today is a great day to be a Bulldog! I was reminded this past week that La Porte is home to so many generous residents and corporations. As I visited campuses, I had the pleasure of exchanging greetings with a number of volunteers who give of their time to help our students and teachers. I also witnessed corporate and community benevolence not found elsewhere, including a $10,000 gift to our La Porte High School Robotics Program from Versa Creative by way of the Harris County Dept. of Education and the La Porte Education Foundation, and a $10,000 gift to the Foundation from La Porte High School alum and Gringo's CEO Russell Ybarra. To top it all off, the Rotary Club of La Porte provided a Chick-fil-A lunch to all staff at James H. Baker Sixth Grade Campus. Meanwhile, several companies hosted and presented to our students this past week. Wow!

I want to applaud our Board of Trustees for their decision to join more than 100 other school districts across the state in an effort to force the Texas Education Agency to scrap its latest plan to issue letter grades to school districts that are based on requirements determined after all state-mandated testing was completed last year. Such action is akin to changing the rules in the middle of the game, and our students deserve better. Thankfully, District Judge Catherine Mauzy found the districts “made a sufficient showing” that TEA shouldn’t be allowed to implement the formula without giving them the advance notice required by law — and that doing so would cause irreparable harm. That our Board of Trustees had such foresight to join this effort is proof positive that every child's success is their number one priority!

Superintendent Shout-outs

• La Porte High School's Cross Country program is among the best in Texas, and Penelope Rios added to the legacy of excellence by qualifying to compete at the UIL State Cross Country Meet. Please join me in congratulating her and wishing her well when she represents us on Nov. 3.
• Our Mighty Bulldog Marching Band and Color Guard are also among the best — and a big reason our performing arts programs are nationally recognized. Many congratulations to them for a Sweepstakes honor in the UIL Regional Marching Contest and a finals appearance in the Area Contest this weekend!
• While our varsity band was competing in Alvin, the bands from La Porte and Lomax Jr. High schools provided the musical entertainment at our Saturday football game against Crosby. Bravo, students and directors! Their performances were wonderful!
• The La Porte Jr. High 8A Volleyball Team won the District Championship this weekend with wins over Deer Park and Pearland South. This same team won the championship as seventh-graders. Congratulations!
• By now, we all know that the Bulldogs are back! Our varsity football team has secured a share of the 8-5A championship following a 7-1 district record. They enter the playoffs for the first time since 2017, and I couldn't be prouder of their quick progress.
  
  

Finally, there are safe Halloween-themed events happening around town this week, including the free Trunk-or-Treat at the Academy of Viola DeWalt High School on Monday from 5-6:30 p.m. For those of you who will be out and about in your car or trick-or-treating on Tuesday, please be safe and alert.

Have a great week!

Walter Jackson, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Congratulations, Penelope Rios, for placing seventh in the UIL Regional Cross Country Championship and qualifying to run in the UIL State Meet on Nov. 3!

According to a report from KPRC, La Porte offers some of the lowest home price points in greater Houston. View the story here.

High school students from the Engineering and Welding programs this past week embarked on an enlightening journey at the Braskem Plant in La Porte, delving deep into the world of STEM and Manufacturing, with a special focus on polymer production. During their visit, students had the opportunity to explore the facility, including manufacturing units, the Maintenance department, and the Quality Control Lab. They also gained valuable insights into diverse career opportunities, the importance of social responsibility, and even had the chance to conduct fascinating science experiments.

Heritage Elementary teachers and students used their talents to create Storybook Character Pumpkins, from Orbit to Pikachu and everything in between. Pumpkins and their corresponding book were on display at Heritage during the month of October, giving students a chance to vote on their top choice by donating their spare change to their fav pumpkin. This past Wednesday the Heritage National Honor Society and Student Council delivered the pumpkins, books and $453 to the pediatric unit at Clear Lake Regional to bring a smile to the patients and help them purchase new items for the craft and toy room.

The Bulldogs Varsity Football Team on Saturday clinched a share of the 8-5A District Championship with a convincing 43-27 win over Crosby. With a 7-1 district record, the Bulldogs enter the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Our Bi-District playoff opponent will be determined this Friday. Though La Porte's regular season has wrapped up, other teams in 8-5A and 7-5A (our first round district opponents) still have games remaining this week.

Ms. Mona Gibbs is a constant hero for Leo A. Rizzuto Elementary School. She

• Organizes Rizzuto's faculty Birthday Calendar for everyone's special day.
• All special luncheons are organized by her – La Porte vs. Deer Park, Thanksgiving, “Souper” Bowl, Chili Cook-off, and Easter, Boo Buddies in October, Ornament Exchange in December, and Secret Sweeties in February;
• Programs for all grade levels;
• Veterans Day parade;
• Rizzuto “radio station” Guess that Tune; and
• Retirement party themes (to name a few).

She is also a staple in keeping all parents involved and updated with school events. This is all in addition to providing students with amazing music and fine arts lessons.

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