26 Science Teachers Honored for Finding Innovative Ways to Deliver Quality Lab Experiences to Students

Baytown, TX—October 8, 2025—Margaret Cayton, science teacher at Cedar Bayou Junior School in Baytown, Texas has been named a regional winner in the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. Sponsored by Shell USA, Inc. and administered by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the competition encouraged K–12 science teachers who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited school and laboratory resources to share their approaches for a chance to win a school science lab makeover support package. Mrs. Cayton is one of 26 regional winners named, of which three grand-prize winners will be selected.

Margaret Cayton believes that science classrooms should foster an environment rich in active learning activities. This approach involves an intentional integration of hands-on labs, goal setting and analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving exercises, all aimed at enhancing student engagement. Blending these elements creates a dynamic learning atmosphere that encourages students to explore, inquire, and develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. In Mrs. Cayton’s science curriculum, she prioritizes hands-on learning through inquiry-based practices, vocabulary development, and the establishment of connections to real-life contexts as well as interdisciplinary subjects. This multifaceted approach is designed to engage students actively and support their understanding of scientific concepts. While the laboratory classroom has some glass flasks and materials, many of these items have been damaged over the years, limiting the quantity available. The current setup necessitates lab activities arranged on the counters, which restricts the available space and hinders student interaction with the materials. Facilitating collaborative group work is essential for enhancing student learning. Mrs. Cayton’s goal is to foster an inclusive classroom atmosphere where students feel comfortable seeking assistance and participating actively. Upgrading to tables that accommodate group work would allow all students to engage simultaneously, eliminating the need for turn-taking. This enhancement would also enable Mrs. Cayton to prepare labs in advance, maximizing the time available for conducting experiments during class.

“These conscientious and creative science teachers have overcome many obstacles associated with having limited resources to provide their students with high-quality lab experiences,” said Dr. Beverly DeVore-Wedding, NSTA President. “We commend these regional winners for their ingenuity and their dedication to their students.”

To enter the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge, K–12 science teachers located in select school districts near Shell assets were asked to describe their school’s current laboratory resources, explain why laboratory upgrade support is needed, and outline their approach to science education instruction using their school’s current lab facilities. A panel of science educators then reviewed and selected the top entries. The regional winners each received a school science lab makeover support package valued at $15,000 (for the elementary level) and $20,000 (for the middle and high school levels).

Mrs. Cayton now advances to the national phase of the competition, where they will have a chance to win an additional $5,000 in support to attend a future NSTA National Conference. All national winners will be honored during a special evening celebration during the conference.

For more information about the Challenge, visit the competition website at https://www.nsta.org/shell-science-lab-regional-challenge.

About NSTA

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 35,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field. For more information, visit https://www.nsta.org/, or follow NSTA on X, formerly known as Twitter; Facebook; Instagram; YouTube; and LinkedIn.

By: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications

Goose Creek CISD is proud to recognize the achievements of campuses across the district following the release of the 2024–2025 state accountability ratings. These celebrations highlight the incredible efforts of our teachers, staff, students, and families who continue to grow and achieve together.

Among the district’s strongest highlights this year are the campuses that earned an overall “A” rating. IMPACT Early College High School continues to set the bar high with an “A” rating and an academic distinction, showcasing the hard work of students who balance both high school and college coursework. Stuart Career Tech High School not only earned an “A,” but also achieved four state distinctions, reflecting the school’s innovative approach to career and technical education and its commitment to preparing students for success beyond graduation. Peter E. Hyland Empower Academy also achieved an “A” rating. This tremendous accomplishment demonstrates the dedication of its staff to creating a supportive and effective learning environment for every student. These A-rated campuses serve as shining examples of the excellence that happens every day across Goose Creek CISD.

In addition to these top-rated schools, several campuses earning a solid “B” rating also made significant strides this year. Bowie Elementary and Clark Elementary both posted an impressive 21-point growth, with Clark also earning three distinctions. Goose Creek Memorial High School and Lee High School each earned two distinctions alongside their “B” ratings, reflecting academic strength in key areas. Crockett Elementary proudly earned three distinctions, while Sterling High School earned one. These campuses reflect the progress and resilience taking place throughout the district and show that strong teaching and student dedication are driving continuous improvement.

Other campuses also demonstrated notable growth this year, including Ashbel Smith Elementary, Carver Elementary, De Zavala Elementary, Travis Elementary, and the Virtual Learning Academy. In addition, several campuses earned a distinction for success in targeted areas, including Banuelos Elementary, San Jacinto Elementary, and Highlands Junior School. Each campus recognized represents students and educators who are working hard to push forward and achieve even more in the future.

“These results are a testament to the perseverance of our students and the dedication of our staff,” said Goose Creek CISD Superintendent Dr. Randal O’Brien. “Every campus celebrated today represents progress and the collective belief in Our Giant Future.”

Goose Creek CISD congratulates all campuses for their accomplishments and thanks the community for its ongoing support as the district continues to move forward and build on this success.

Story by: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications

Goose Creek Memorial High School was recently in the spotlight as Fox Friday Football Fever broadcast live from the GCM campus, showcasing the school’s incredible spirit and pride. The pep rally-style celebration featured the GCM Patriot Band, Cheerleaders, and Dazzlers dance team, with the football coaching staff, faculty, and staff members joining in to cheer on the Patriots.

The live segment captured the energy of the GCM community, while follow-up interviews with Head Coach Jay’Mond Cleveland and senior athletes highlighted the team’s growth and goals for the remainder of the season. The Patriots are currently off to a strong 3-1 start this year.

Coach Cleveland reflected on the program’s transformation: “We have made such a remarkable change in such a short amount of time, and I credit it all to the coaching staff and the kids. They bought in from day one. We have a brand of playing with a great attitude, relentless effort, and toughness that can never be questioned,” Cleveland said. He added, “I am proud of my kids, and I love my kids. I am really happy to be here and grateful for the opportunity to lead them.”

Beyond the field, the Patriots have demonstrated excellence in the classroom and across campus. The team has excelled not only on the field but also in the classroom, where players have shown accountability and leadership.

Senior wide receiver Joshua Babin described the moment as a turning point: “It’s a momentous occasion. With a new coach and a big turnaround, this shows how far we’ve come,” Babin said. “We know we are in the toughest district in Texas, but we also know that we can compete with those teams.”

Senior offensive lineman Luis Amaya echoed the pride in being featured: “It really just feels earned. We started all this in January with a whole new coaching staff. We’ve already changed history at GCM football,” Amaya said. “Our goal is to keep getting better one game at a time, one play at a time, focusing on the small details.”

The pep rally broadcast brought together students, athletes, teachers, and staff to celebrate the Patriots’ success and highlight the growth of the GCM football program. The event showcased not only athletic achievement, but also the unity and school pride that define the Patriot community.

With district play underway, the Patriots are determined to build on their strong 3-1 start. Focused on one game at a time, the team hopes to continue its momentum and make this a season to remember for the Goose Creek Memorial community.

The video from the broadcast can be found here: www.fox26houston.com/video/1718350

Story by: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications

Goose Creek CISD, together with the Baytown Historical Society and community partners, proudly celebrated the unveiling of a Texas Historical Marker at Cedar Bayou Junior School, recognizing the school’s remarkable role in shaping local education for more than 150 years.

The dedication ceremony, held on September 30, brought together alumni, students, staff, and community members for an evening of reflection and pride. The event began with performances by the Cedar Bayou Junior School Jazz Band and Drumline, followed by remarks from Principal Dr. Roger Cardona and Goose Creek CISD Superintendent Dr. Randal O’Brien.

“Cedar Bayou has always been a campus built on collaboration and purpose,” said Dr. O’Brien. “Today’s dedication honors generations of educators and families whose commitment to learning made this community what it is today.”

The roots of education in the Cedar Bayou community date back to 1850, when the first school was established in the local Methodist church, only to be destroyed in the 1854 hurricane. In the decades that followed, dedicated educators like Mr. and Mrs. Kemp, C.C. Preston, and Linna Gaillard laid the foundation for a permanent school system. By 1876, Cedar Bayou School Community No. 5 was officially established, and classes were held in the Cedar Bayou Masonic Lodge for 35 years. In 1911, community support led to the construction of two brick schoolhouses, one of which was located on land donated by Edward Ilfrey at the site of today’s campus. Cedar Bayou Independent School District was later established in 1917 and eventually consolidated with Goose Creek ISD in 1954.

The current Cedar Bayou Junior School campus, rebuilt in 2002, continues this proud legacy, now serving nearly 1,000 students in grades 6 through 8 with a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs.

Special guests at the dedication included City of Baytown leaders, past and present Cedar Bayou Junior School staff, and Chuck Chandler of the Baytown Historical Society, who shared the school’s storied past and led the official unveiling of the marker.

“From a one-room schoolhouse to a thriving 24-acre campus, Cedar Bayou’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of education in Baytown,” said Chandler.

The new historical marker now stands as a symbol of Cedar Bayou’s deep roots and its continued commitment to student success, honoring the past while inspiring future generations.

§26.05(b) of Property Tax Code Steps Required for Adoption of Tax Rate & Budget

Entity Name: Goose Creek CISD                                                                                              Date: 10/06/25

Statement That Must be Posted on the Home Page of Any Internet Website Operated by the Taxing Unit:

This year's levy to fund maintenance and operations expenditures exceeds last year's maintenance and operations tax levy. The following statements must be included in the ordinance, resolution, or order setting this year's tax rate. The statements must be in larger type than the type used in any other portion of the document.

GCCISD ADOPTED A TAX RATE THAT WILL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS (M&O) THAN LAST YEAR'S M&O TAX RATE.

THE M&O TAX RATE WILL EFFECTIVELY BE RAISED BY 3.06% AND WILL RAISE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS ON A $100,000 HOME BY $22.10.

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