Tomball ISD GT Program Newsletter
Fall 2019
We are launching our Tomball ISD Gifted and Talented Program Newsletter!
First, we want to thank our parents and community for the support they provide to their students. We know that in Tomball ISD, we really are a 'Destination District' largely in part due to the culture of collaboration that transcends across district campus boundaries because we are ALL focused on student success everywhere!
Here are our Faces and their places~
Tammy LaFountain, WCES
Website: https://wces.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=659642&type=u&pREC_ID=1041791
Sheri Mohle, NIS
It is an honor to be the GT Specialist at Northpointe Intermediate! There is no better place to teach.
A little about me: I have taught in Leander ISD, Borger ISD, and La Porte ISD. This is my fourth year at Northpointe, and I couldn't be happier. I am married to the love of my life, and we have two sons. Both of our sons were identified as Gifted and Talented in Clear Creek ISD. We have been doing GT for a long time at our house! Our oldest son, Travis, graduated Valedictorian from the University of Houston College of Architecture and works at Gensler Houston architectural firm. Our youngest son, Austin, is a senior this year at the University of Houston and is majoring in Digital Media. He is in the process of publishing his first book, which is a manual for a table top game system he has created. He is currently designing an app to help enjoy the gaming experience.
My husband and I grew up in Austin and graduated from The University of Texas at Austin. I have my Bachelor of Science in Education and my Masters in Education. In addition to being a certified Texas GT Specialist, I am a certified Texas Reading Specialist, and a certified Texas ESL Specialist. I love to read and allow my GT Students full access to my classroom library. I am definitely a book nerd! I look forward to another wonderful year at NIS!
Website: https://nis.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=626540&type=u&pREC_ID=982915
Pinky Yuskiewicz, TCES and CPJH (6th)
I grew up in Houston and attended schools in Fort Bend ISD. Later, I graduated from the University of Houston with my undergraduate degree in Education as well as my Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision. In addition to my undergraduate and master’s degree, I am certified in all subject areas grades 1-8, English Language Arts and Reading grades 4-8, English as a Second Language grades 1-8 as well as in Gifted and Talented. I was fortunate to be able to teach in Fort Bend ISD for several years before moving to Chicago where I taught 5th grade. Even though winters were extremely cold, I loved living in the “windy city”. Later, I moved to England for four years and was able to travel to many different countries giving me the opportunity to learn and appreciate the cultures of people from around the world. What an extraordinary experience, and I loved every minute!
After a few moves between Fairfax, Virginia and Dallas teaching 5th and 6th grade, my family and I finally settled back to Houston. I have two, wonderful sons, Nicholas and Alexander. Nicholas
is in 10th grade at Tomball High School, and Alexander is in the 7th grade at Creekside Park Junior High. Besides teaching and spending time with my family, I enjoy reading, cooking, traveling and photography. I am so fortunate to be the Gifted and Talented specialist at Timber Creek Elementary School and Creekside Park Junior High.
Website: https://tces.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=988888&type=u&pREC_ID=1473866
Beth Clark, RES & DPES
I am a lifelong learner and an avid reader, who is eager to challenge each student and pass on my love for learning and problem solving.
I grew up in Baytown, TX, where I participated in Goose Creek ISD's GT and honors programs through 12th grade. I attended Baylor University for undergraduate work, and Texas Tech for my Masters Degree in Science.
I have been married for 16 years to my husband Rob, who works in logistics. I have three children all from Tomball ISD, the best school district around! My step-son graduated from Tomball High School, and Texas State, and is now working in Houston. My daughter-in-law is also a TISD teacher, at Oakcrest Intermediate. My youngest daughter is in 9th grade at TMHS, where she participates in FFA raising a goat, theater, and keeps me busy with her tumbling schedule. My other daughter is a freshman at Baylor majoring in premed. I will be attending a lot of football games this fall at Baylor, including my 25th college reunion!
I love animals, and I have a golden retriever named Sassie and a toy poodle named Scarlet. If I wasn't a teacher I would be a vet. My hobbies include reading, singing, swimming and boogey boarding. I enjoy white sandy beaches each summer and would love to live on the beach someday!
Website: https://dpes.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1031289&type=u&pREC_ID=1504353
Cathy Eng, CPES
I truly enjoy working with my students and making their day a fun and educational experience. Here is my background...I graduated from the University of Houston in 1994 and in 2000 decided that what I really wanted to do was to become a teacher. I went back to school and received my alternative teaching certification and haven't looked back since. I have taught in both Cypress Fairbanks I.S.D. and Tomball I.S.D. since October 2001. I am multi-certified in Elementary Education (EE through 4th), Gifted and Talented, English as a Second Language and Generic Special Education (Pk-12th). I am married and have two sons, William and Joshua. I feel blessed to be able to meet so many wonderful families and to be a part of the lives of my students.
Website: https://cpes.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=498858&type=u&pREC_ID=728446
Angie French, TES
Mrs. French is currently supporting TES as a long-term GT Specialist substitute.
Website: https://tes.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=499252&type=u&pREC_ID=728763
Jennifer Bull, LES
This is my 28th year in education and my 13th year in TISD as a GT Specialist.
I am married and have 3 daughters. I love spending time with my family, being involved with my church, and being involved in our family business.
I love working in Tomball with our gifted students.
At Lakewood, I serve as the UIL coordinator and Coach, DI Coordinator and IC Coach, Math and Science Olympiad Coordinator, and Math Olympiad Coach. I am also the UIL Coordinator & DI Coordinator for Tomball ISD and serve on the North Harris DI Regional board. This summer, I had the opportunity of serving as the Director of Camp Pursuit Summer Camp for GT. I’m excited to be at Lakewood and to be working at the elementary level once again!
Website: https://les.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1279038&type=u&pREC_ID=1752453
Laurie Powell, TIS
Website: https://tis.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=497935&type=u&pREC_ID=725718
Kaci Dengler, WES
Website: https://wes.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=515902&type=u&pREC_ID=766841
Stephanie Scott, CES & CPJH (6th)
Website: https://cpjhs.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1056738&type=u&pREC_ID=1522169
Cecelia Lummus, CFES
Website: https://cfes.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=529337&type=u&pREC_ID=788083
Tori Cates, OIS
Website: https://ois.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=520284&type=u&pREC_ID=1510734
Sara Rush, CPJH
Website: https://cpjhs.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1025642&type=u
Chris Penny, WWJH
Website: https://wwjhs.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1021237&type=u&pREC_ID=1513477
Kathy Donigan, TJHS
Website: https://tjhs.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=634063&type=u&pREC_ID=1247594
Kim McKinney, TSA
I’m extremely happy to be the Principal of Tomball Star Academy. I’m very passionate about education and I look forward to partnering with you to provide our students with a rigorous, engaging and high-quality high school experience. As the parent of two boys age 7 and 10, I recognize the importance of a strong home-school connection. Parents are every child’s first teacher and I believe that by working together, we can make sure that your child’s social, emotional and academic needs are met.
Before accepting the job at Tomball Star Academy, I served in a variety of teaching and educational leadership roles over the past 16 years, primarily in Tomball ISD. Some of the roles that I have held include Classroom Math Teacher and Coach, Assistant Principal and Associate Principal. My academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Texas and a Master of Education from Sam Houston State University.
My main goal is to ensure that every student is provided the highest quality of education possible in a safe and supportive learning environment. Working together as a team with our staff and parents, I am committed to helping each student achieve their very best. Every student is valued and worthy of our best effort. Thank you for the opportunity to serve your students in this role!
Website: https://tsa.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=733491&type=u&pREC_ID=1387008
Jill Hayes, TMHS
Website: https://tmhs.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1279024&type=u&pREC_ID=1773274
John Vaglienty, THS
Website: https://ths.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=307264&type=d&pREC_ID=1175050
Crystal Romero-Mueller, Director of Advanced Academics
Website: https://www.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=308230&type=d&pREC_ID=staff
Thank you Parents!
Thank you for your time to attend these opportunities.
If you would like to review the materials presented, click this link provided to our district website: https://www.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=308230&type=d&pREC_ID=1778276
TISD 2019-20 Parent Advisory Committee
A BIG Shout out to the following parents~
Candy Mejia, WCES
Erica Bachmann, CES & CPJH
Janice Waggoner, RES
Stacey McDonald, DPES
Anita Andrews, TCES
Avery Unser, TCES
Melissa Semmler, LES
Syed Monowar, OIS
Alex Leslie, CFES
Amy Austin, NIS
Krishna Lanka, WES
Ellen Wangsmo, TIS
Jamie Zwerneman, TES
Amanda Loftin, TIS
Sharon Way, TJHS
Anne Miller, WWJH
If you have any ideas for feedback that could positively impact our program, please feel free to submit them any time: https://forms.gle/Y9pp1ArD78ninHvR8
https://www.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=308230&type=d&pREC_ID=1778276
Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented Parent Resources
TAGT Student Scholarship Information
2019 TAGT Legacy Book Award Winner
GT Parent Support Groups Information
A group of connected parents using their experience in guiding gifted children can accomplish much more than parents working alone. Whether united in advocacy at the state level or simply for mutual support, establishing a Parent Support Group (PSG) strengthens the benefits gifted education can have in homes, classrooms, school districts and even at the post-secondary level.
https://www.txgifted.org/parent-support-groups
SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted):
SENG Model Parent Groups (SMPGs)~
SMPGs bring together 10-20 parents of gifted and talented children to discuss such topics as motivation, discipline, stress management, and peer mentorships. The co-facilitators of these groups are knowledgeable about parenting and educating gifted children. However, they do not attempt to give expert advice. Instead, their facilitation provides a non-judgmental and nurturing atmosphere.
https://www.sengifted.org/smpg
Kenneth Barron, Houston
Kevin Gray, Houston
Online Support Groups~