Fifth-graders at Bowie Elementary (from left) Kendra Gonzalez, Ja Shawn Laday, Genesis Hernandez Palma and Xavier Alaniz open a box of topper erasers donated by Walmart IDC 7042.
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Travis Elementary students are excited about the supplies their school received from Walmart IDC 7042 right before the Christmas break.
Walmart Donates Supplies to GCCISD
By: Susan Passmore
Students are always in need of school supplies, so Walmart Import Distribution Center 7042 recently donated 283,772 items to Goose Creek CISD schools through the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation. Steve Byford, Walmart general manager, and Regina Cardona, MCO manager, coordinated the efforts with Erika Foster, Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation director.
The first donation in November included topper erasers, mechanical pencils, zip binders, three-ring white binders and scissors. Highlighters and assorted notebooks comprised the second donation in December. Rafael Cantu, Goose Creek CISD warehouse manager, and the Central Receiving Department picked up the items and delivered them to campuses. All elementary schools received a pallet of topper erasers, and the other items were distributed to different campuses.
“We appreciate Walmart IDC 7042 for helping us surprise our students before the Christmas break so they were ready to start off being successful in the classroom in 2020,” Foster said.
Roger Elswick (right) of Community Toyota*Honda*KIA is truly an All Star as he presents a donation of $10,000 to ErikaFoster, GCCISD Education Foundation director, for the foundation’s All-Star Gala at Minute Maid Park September 14, 2019. Elswick will be recognized at the event as the foundation’s first Legacy Award honoree for his contributions of time and donations to help teachers and administrators enhance learning for their students. Elswick helped establish the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation in 2009, serving as its first president.
Covestro Industrial Park Baytown is recognized as an MVP Sponsor of the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation’s All-Star Gala 2019 to be held at Minute Maid Park September 14, 2019. Presenting the company’s $15,000 donation to ErikaFoster(left), GCCISD Education Foundation director, are Demetri Zervoudis (middle), senior vice president and site manager of Covestro Industrial Park Baytown, and Jennifer Walsh (right), head of communications at Covestro. Walsh serves also as vice president of development for the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation and chair of the All-Star Gala.
Thanks to BDI Resources for hitting a grand slam for education as an All-Star Sponsor for the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation’s All-Star Gala September 14, 2019, at Minute Maid Park. BDI Resources is a longtime supporter of Goose Creek CISD students, teachers and schools. Pictured are (from left) Gilbert Santana, president/CEO of BDI Resources and Foundation Board member; Erika Foster, executive director of the GCCISD Education Foundation and Sheila Crawford, executive vice president of BDI Resources.
Hotchkiss Disposal hit it out of the park as All-Star Sponsors for the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation’s All-Star Gala at Minute Maid Park September 14, 2019. The Education Foundation appreciates Hotchkiss Disposal’s generous support of GCCISD teachers and students, not only with this $10,000 donation, but also with previous donations of time, money and resources throughout the years. Pictured are (from left) Ronnie Hotchkiss, president-elect of the GCCISD Education Foundation; Erika Foster, executive director of the GCCISD Education Foundation; Daphna Hotchkiss and Sammy Hotchkiss.
Heather Betancourth (right), community and government relations representative at Chevron Phillips, presents a check for $10,000 to Erika Foster, GCCISD Education Foundation director, for the company’s All-Star sponsorship of the Education Foundation’s All-Star Gala September 14, 2019, at Minute Maid Park. Chevron Phillips is a longtime supporter of Goose Creek CISD students, staff and schools.
Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman
Erika Foster (middle), director of the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation, welcomes Community Resource Credit Union as an MVP Sponsor for the Education Foundation’s All-Star Gala at Minute Maid Park in September. Pictured are Yvonne Silva (left), senior business development officer, and David Frazier, president and CEO for CRCU.
CRCU Top MVP Sponsor for GCCISD Education Foundation All-Star Gala
By: Susan Passmore
The Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation is proud to announce that Community Resource Credit Union (CRCU), longtime partner with Goose Creek CISD, is a top MVP Sponsor for the All-Star Gala September 14, 2019, at Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros.
CRCU has supported the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation since its inception in 2009, not only as a donor, but also as a participant in fundraisers and events. David Frazier, president/CEO of CRCU and currently vice president of finance for the Education Foundation, was on the steering committee for the Foundation as well as the original board of directors, serving as vice president of development. He also served as Education Foundation president for two years, and sponsorships continued to grow under his leadership.
“CRCU is proud to support the GCCISD Education Foundation because of the impact these innovative teaching grants make on the campus, on the classroom, but most importantly, to the students,” Frazier said. “Our teachers generously give of their time, resources, and energy each and every day. The Education Foundation gives CRCU the opportunity to give right back to them!”
Besides supporting the GCCISD Education Foundation, CRCU provides planners for all GCCISD faculty and staff members, along with door prizes for events, including iPads for the annual back-to-school convocations and new teacher orientation week.
One of the highlights of the annual Retiree and Teacher of the Year Gala is CRCU’s presentation of an iPad to the District Elementary Teacher of the Year and the District Secondary Teacher of the Year. CRCU and Lamar Elementary just celebrated 25 years as Partners In Education through the Baytown Chamber of Commerce.
“We are so excited that Community Resource Credit Union has committed as an MVP sponsor for our All-Star Gala! We appreciate the support that CRCU provides for our school district and for the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation. All that we do for our teachers and students would not be possible without generous donors such as CRCU,” said Erika Foster, Education Foundation director.
Since 2009, the GCCISD Education Foundation has awarded 627 innovative teaching grants, totaling $1,188,756, including 10 mini grants and designated funds, to teachers throughout the district to enhance the curriculum for their students. This year, the Grant Surprise Patrol boarded buses and gave out $158,965.37 in grants.
Fulfilling the goal of recognizing teaching excellence, the Foundation has honored 150 deserving teachers, nominated by seniors as having made a difference in their lives, at the annual Students Choice Awards Banquet.
Sponsorships are still available for the All-Star Gala, but they will go quickly when the Astros Legend, who will make a guest appearance at the event, is announced. Select from MVP, All-Star, Home Run, Gold Glove and Champ sponsorships, which include tickets for the Gala. Individual tickets are $800 for a field ticket and $200 for a Diamond Club ticket ($50 discount for GCCISD employees).
Supporters who are unable to attend can donate their seats to a deserving teacher to be gifted in the donor’s name, or they can donate back the cost of the unused seats to receive an upgraded ad size (to the next sponsor level).
The All-Star Gala at Minute Maid Park is the Can’t Miss Event of the Year, with dinner, celebrity emcees, door prizes, silent auction items, field access, photo opportunities and more. Contact Erika Foster at erika.foster@gccisd.net or at 832-597-9106 to reserve your sponsorship or your tickets. Check out the website at www.gccisd.net/EducationFoundation for more information.
The Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation is taking nominations to honor businesses and individuals for their outstanding achievements and contributions to community service and improving education.
The three new awards each have a unique recognition behind them. The Education Legacy Award is a lifetime achievement designation to an individual or business that has made a profound and long-term impact on the district. The Distinguished Alumnus Award honors graduates of the district who have achieved success professionally or through philanthropy, while the Business of the Year Award recognizes a company that provides exemplary products or service to the district and goes above and beyond in their support.
“We have so many incredible people and places in our community that truly improve the lives of our youth through their charitable works – whether it’s through financial support or volunteerism sweat equity,” said Jennifer Walsh, the foundation’s vice president of development. “We want to recognize our education all stars and what better match to do it than at our All-Star Gala?”
Nominations must be entered electronically at www.bit.ly/GCCISDEdAwards by March 31 at 5 p.m. Self-nominations are accepted, but current foundation board members are ineligible for individual recognition.
The three finalists of each award will be honored at the foundation’s All-Star Gala September 14 at Minute Maid Park from 6 to 11 p.m. which will feature a surprise Astros Legend Alumni in attendance along with other celebrity guests. Tickets and sponsorships are now available with all proceeds benefitting the foundation in its mission to support educators and innovation at Goose Creek CISD.
Nominations for the award must include basic contact information for the nominee as well as answering a few short questions about the nominee. Each award has slightly different judging criteria.
The Legacy Award recognizes significant contributions of time or donations to help enhance the learning environment for students, educators and administrators. It can also be given to an individual or company for implementing strategic initiatives focused on improving educational outcomes for students. Eligible initiatives could focus on a number of topics, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), early education, K-12, teacher training, access to technology and resources or continuing education among others. The initiative must show a commitment to improving student achievement and demonstrate measurable results.
Nominees for the Goose Creek CISD Distinguished Alumnus Award must be district graduates or individuals who attended school within the district for at least four years. This award will be given to a former student who has achieved prominence and made a significant impact on the lives of others. Nominees will be evaluated based on professional ranking and impact within their industry, achievements locally, nationally or internationally and contributions to their community.
“We have so many amazing graduates of this district that we wanted to share their achievements and spark pride in students, staff, faculty and other alumni,” Walsh said.
While the Business of the Year Award will recognize a company that provides exemplary products or service to the district, the businesses nominated also should support the district vision to empower every student with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a global community. Any company that has done business with the district over the past three years as a supplier, vendor or service provider is eligible.
The Goose Creek Education Foundation’s core mission is to enhance education for the district, which has many Title I schools with economically disadvantaged students. Goose Creek CISD is the 57th largest school district in Texas, encompasses 128 square miles and over two counties. The district serves more than 23,000 students at its 28 campuses, and employs nearly 3,000.
Since its inception in 2009, the Education Foundation has awarded more than $1 Million in innovative teaching grants and designated funds for projects to Goose Creek CISD educators and recognized 135 teachers, nominated by their students for making a difference in their lives, at the annual Students Choice Awards.
The community is encouraged to join the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation in honoring outstanding businesses and individuals by nominating them for these awards and supporting the All-Star Gala. For more information, contact Foundation Director Erika Foster at erika.foster@gccisd.net or 832-597-9106. Individuals can also follow the foundation on Facebook or Twitter or through its webpage at www.gccisd.net/EducationFoundation.
Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman
Brooke Miller (second from right) shows off the two luxury suite tickets for George Strait’s sold out show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo she won in the recent Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation raffle. More than $10,000 was raised to benefit the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation. Also pictured are Education Foundation board members (from left) Sandra Bell; Erika Foster, director and Mike Wilson. The show is Sunday, March 17, featuring George Strait, Lyle Lovett and special guest Robert Earl.
Please click here for the Grant Application. Be sure to look at the guidelines to determine eligibility.
The grants are due no later than February 15, 2019.
Please contact Erika Foster (erika.foster@gccisd.net) if you have any questions.
Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman
The Pilot Club of Baytown makes a donation to the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation. Pictured from left to right are GCCISD Education Foundation Director Erika Foster, Pilot Education Co-Chair Susan Moore-Fontenot, GCCISD Education Foundation President Laurie Terry, Pilot Education Co-Chair Jenice Coffey and Pilot Past President Susan Passmore.
Air Products donates $10,000 to the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation at the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Air Products steam methane reformer (SMR) at the Covestro LLC Baytown, Texas, Industrial Park. The GCCISD Education Foundation partners with the community to provides resources to enrich teaching, inspire learning and provide opportunities for excellence in education for all GCCISD students. Pictured are (from left) Erika Foster, GCCISD Education Foundation director; Jim Wadzinski, Education Foundation vice president of development; Dr. Klaus Schafer, Covestro chief technology officer; Ronnie Hotchkiss, Education Foundation president-elect; Marie Ffolkes, Air Products president and Randal O’Brien, GCCISD superintendent.
Photo by Susan Passmore
Steve Barron from Stuart Career Center shows his excitement at being awarded $2,100 from the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation for his grant, “Diagnoses With Thermal Imager.” He is surrounded by members of the Foundation along with Cap Roder, SCTHS principal.
View Surprise Patrol (Day 1) photos here.
View Surprise Patrol (Day 2) photos here.
Photo by Mima Trujillo
Anjali Singh, who teaches Engineer Your World in the Robert E. Lee High School STEM Academy, celebrates with students in her class, Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation members and district administrators after the Foundation funds her grant, “Engineer Your World,” with a check for $1,000.
Photo by Mima Trujillo
Jim Wadzinski (left), vice president of development of the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation, helps the Grant Surprise Patrol present Janie West, librarian at Baytown Junior School, with a check for $1,827.99 for “Changing Dreams into Reality; Virtually.”
The Foundation recently awarded more than $141,700 in innovative teaching grants to Goose Creek CISD teachers.
Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman
Judy Jirrels (third row, third from left) and her students at Alamo Elementary show their enthusiasm as she receives a grant for $728 for “Guided and Independent Reading” from the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation.
Photo by Betty Baca
Harlem Elementary teachers, encouraged by their principal Betty Baca, got creative in applying for grants from the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation and were awarded six grants, totaling $10,000. Pictured are (bottom row, left to right) Alexa Arndt, Gabiola Avena, (top row, left to right) Shelena Hickman, Angelica Cuevas, Kerri Scheu, Stephanie Stover, Bekki Bishop and Daisy Alcazar.
Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union’s team of Tim McKensie, Jarrod Brooks, Eddie Bonilla and Kevin Keltz (not pictured) won first place for their Gosh score as well as their golf score in the recent Gosh tournament at Kingwood Country Club. They are pictured with Erika Foster, Education Foundation director. The tournament was a fundraiser for the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation, and the presenting sponsor was Hotchkiss Disposal. Keltz also won Closest to the Pin.
View more GOSH Tournament photos here.
Gosh Tournament Benefits GCCISD Education Foundation
By: Susan Passmore
The course was in good shape and the fish were biting at the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation’s recent inaugural Gosh Tournament, presented by Hotchkiss Disposal at Kingwood Country Club. Gosh, a combination of fishing and playing golf consisted of three team members playing golf and one fishing on the 15 fishable holes along the course. Fish caught on a hole were subtracted from the golf score for a Gosh score.
Hotchkiss Disposal served as the Diamond sponsor, with Patients ER and Rotary Club of Baytown as Platinum sponsors. Community Toyota*Honda*Kia, R & D Farms and H & H Tractor and Lawn Supply were Gold sponsors. Silver sponsors were Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., LP; Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union; Key Truck Sales, Inc.; McGriff, Seibels & Williams; BDI Resources; Pfluger Architects; Awards and Engraving; Community Bank of Texas and ExxonMobil. Community Resource Credit Union sponsored the beverage cart, and Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital sponsored the golf carts. Twenty-one tee box sponsors contributed, and Chick-fil-A served cookies as a tent sponsor. The fundraising efforts totaled more than $44,000 for the Education Foundation.
Twenty-four teams participated, and volunteers from the Education Foundation as well as the school district and community set up silent auction items, registered the teams, shuttled fishermen to the ponds, monitored the holes and measured the fish, making sure no one got credit for “the one that got away.” Lunch was served before the event and snacks were provided before the awards ceremony.
First place for their Gosh score as well as first for their golf score was awarded to Tim McKensie, Jarrod Brooks, Eddie Bonilla and Kevin Keltz from Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union. Second place for Gosh went to Community*Toyota*KIA’s team of Stuart Lloyd, John Sparks and Jim Wadzinski. Second place for golf went to the team of Brandon Sweeney, Rick Winship, Tim Mock and Justin Graves.
Third place for both Gosh and golf went to Patients ER Team #1, comprised of Adam Carroll, Gilbert Mena, Stephen Owens and Adam Shibley. Biggest Fish was awarded to Jerry Vige from Patients ER Team #2, and the Most Fish award went to Community Toyota*Honda*KIA’s team of Lloyd, Sparks and Wadzinski. Stuart Spears won Longest Drive and Keltz was Closest to the Pin. Winners received plaques donated by Awards and Engraving, and first place winners received fishing poles, donated by Ryan Foster.
“Special thanks to all our sponsors, golfers and volunteers. We could not have done it without you. With your support, I hope to make this an annual event that will bring the community together and raise funds for the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation so that we are able to give back to the teachers and students of Goose Creek CISD. Your participation means so much,” said Erika Foster, Education Foundation director.
The Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation supports educational excellence to enhance student achievement, to recognize exemplary staff involvement and to foster community support. Since its inception in 2009, the Education Foundation has awarded $830,000 in innovative teaching grants to Goose Creek CISD educators and recognized 120 teachers, nominated by their students for making a difference in their lives, at the annual Students Choice Awards.
To donate to the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation, please visit the website at www.gccisd.net/page/EducationFoundation.contribute or contact Erika Foster at erika.foster@gccisd.net or 281-707-3610.
Getting reading for the inaugural Gosh Tournament, presented by Hotchkiss Disposal Service and benefitting the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation, are (from left) Sammy Hotchkiss; Erika Foster, director of the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation; Randal O’Brien, Goose Creek CISD superintendent; Jim Wadzinski, Foundation vice president of development; Daphna Hotchkiss; Tracey Prothro, Foundation vice president of programs; Steve Daniele, Foundation member; Ryan Hotchkiss and Ronnie Hotchkiss, Foundation member-at-large and president-elect. “Gosh” is a combination of golf and fishing.
Gosh Tournament Benefits GCCISD Education Foundation
By Susan Passmore
A fun combination of golf and fishing, "gosh," is offered by the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation at its inaugural Gosh Tournament March 24, 2018, at the Marsh Course at Kingwood Country Club. This innovative event is presented by Hotchkiss Disposal Service. Registration and lunch begin at 11 a.m., with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. All proceeds benefit the GCCISD Education Foundation.
During the Gosh Tournament, participants play their best round, fish as they play, take the number of fish caught and subtract from their golf score, giving them a "Gosh" score. Fishing licenses will not be required, and fishing equipment will be available if needed. The Marsh Course has fishable water on 15 of the 18 holes, so one of the foursome will fish each hole while the other three play golf.
Sponsorship opportunities include Platinum Sponsor ($5,000), which allows up to two teams to play, three tee box sponsor signs, inclusion in appropriate publicity matters, an individual sponsor banner and recognition at the event. Gold Sponsors ($2,500) are provided one team entry, two tee box sponsor signs and recognition at the event. Silver Sponsors ($1,000) receive one team entry, one tee box sponsor sign and recognition at the event. Tent Sponsor ($500) will set up a 10' x 10' tent on the course, serve food and direct market to all participants. Tee Box Sponsors ($125 or two for $200) will receive a tee box sign at a hole. Team sponsorship ($500) includes two mulligans per player, lunch and on course refreshments and Individual sponsorship ($125) includes two mulligans, lunch and on course refreshments. Community Resource Credit Union has claimed the spot as Beverage Cart Sponsor ($1,500), and Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital is the Golf Cart Sponsor ($1,500) for the event.
Since its inception in 2009, the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation has awarded $830,000 - nearly a million dollars - in innovative teaching grants to teachers to enhance classroom instruction. It also has honored 120 teachers, nominated by their students, for making a difference in their lives.
"Hotchkiss Disposal Service is pleased to be able to support the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation," said Ronnie Hotchkiss, Foundation member-at-large and president-elect. "The Foundation focuses on recognizing teaching excellence as well as enriching instruction in the classrooms. This Gosh Tournament will not only be an enjoyable day, but also a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the Foundation."
Don't miss out on the fun or the opportunity to help the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation make a difference for GCCISD students, teachers and schools. To register, go to http://www.gccisd.net/page/EducationFoundation to print the registration/sponsorship for, or contact Erika Foster, Education Foundation Director, at 281-707-3610 or erica.foster@gccisd.net.
Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman
Gracie Cano (third from left) and Genoveva Cardenas (fourth from left), employees at Ross S. Sterling High School, prepare to take the mattresses, donated by Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. through the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation, home for their children. Also pictured are (from left) Jon Howerton from Mattress Firm; Sandra Bell, Education Foundation member; Ginger McKay, director of federal programs for GCCISD; Erika Foster, Education Foundation director; Ryan Foster from Envasco; Mike Salgy, Chevron Phillips training coordinator, and Rafael Cantu, GCCISD Warehouse supervisor.
Chevron Phillips Donates to Provide Mattresses
By: Susan Passmore
Through the generosity of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company’s Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, 40 area families have new queen size mattresses to replace those lost during the flooding. Donating $10,000 to the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation, Chevron Phillips Chemical designated it for mattresses to help students and their families affected by Harvey have a comfortable place to sleep.
“We are proud to partner with GCCISD on this project. The faster we can get students back to some form of normalcy, the better they will perform in school,” said Heather Betancourth, Community Relations for Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. in Baytown/Pasadena.
Erika Foster, Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation director, organized the pickup and delivery at the Goose Creek Service Center, assisted by Ginger McKay, director of federal programs, and Rafael Cantu, warehouse supervisor. Working with John Howerton from Mattress Firm’s corporate office, Foster arranged for 40 mattresses, box springs and bed frames to be delivered to the Goose Creek Service Center Saturday morning.
“When Erika told me what she wanted to do, I saw that we had over 150 of these mattresses, so we were able to offer a price that would work for 40 mattresses, box springs and frames,” Howerton said. “Mattress Firm is always looking for people who are helping other people, and we’ve donated $1 million worth of products for Harvey relief efforts.”
Mike Salgy, training coordinator at Chevron Phillips, was on hand to greet families and help with loading and delivering the items. Education Foundation members Mike Wilson and Sandra Bell also assisted with the event. David McCaa and Albert Martinez from Baytown GMC Buick delivered several mattresses to families unable to pick them up. Ryan Foster from Envasco provided breakfast for the volunteers and helped with unloading the trucks.
Goose Creek CISD had received $8,990 in monetary donations plus $200 in Wal-Mart gift cards for Harvey relief, so the district donated this to the Education Foundation to help purchase sheet sets, comforters, mattress covers and pillows to go with the mattress sets. Wal-Mart on Garth Road had the bedding ready to be picked up and donated a total of $640 toward the purchase, and Wal-Mart on Hwy. 146 contributed $100.
“This is such a relief,” said Crisalba Castrejon, a Gentry Junior employee whose children attend Crockett Elementary. “We’ve been sleeping on an air mattress. Thanks to Chevron Phillips, the Education Foundation and Mattress Firm for providing this for us.”
Foster was pleased at how smoothly everything went due to the generous donations as well as the time and effort contributed to the project by volunteers.
“Many students will be able to get a good night’s sleep thanks to Chevron Phillips $10,000 donation,” Foster said. “It was great to see the smiling faces of the families as the mattresses were being loaded onto their vehicles. Thanks to Mattress Firm for their amazing customer service, Baytown Wal-Mart for providing the bedding accessories that will keep them warm and Baytown GMC Buick for providing trucks and volunteers to deliver mattresses.”