Story by: Kami Johnston, GCCISD CTE Business and Community Partner Facilitator

Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) has named Beacon Federal Credit Union as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Partner of the Month for January. This recognition highlights Beacon’s deep commitment to student success through leadership, internship opportunities, and practical training.

Beacon Federal Credit Union has been a driving force behind the district’s Global Business Academy since its partnership began in 2014. By leading the advisory board and hosting student interns, Beacon plays a vital role in preparing students for the professional world. Their involvement ensures that the next generation of business leaders gains the skills and experience necessary to succeed in a competitive workforce.

Adelina Gomez Abshire of Beacon states, “Through these partnerships, we’ve had the privilege of mentoring students and providing them with hands-on experiences within the credit union. We’ve watched them learn everyday operations, build confidence, and develop skills that prepare them for their future.”

Senior Goose Creek Memorial Global Business Academy student Willow Benedetto, who interns with Beacon, said, “As a bank intern, you learn crucial technical skills like financial modeling, data analysis, and understanding financial statements, along with essential soft skills.” Through these meaningful opportunities, Beacon Federal Credit Union continues to prove itself as a cornerstone of student development and future workforce readiness.

Beacon’s support reaches into various programs of study, including a strong partnership with the Digital Communications Academy. This partnership provides digital communications students with a unique platform to film content and manage Beacon’s social media accounts. This collaboration gives students the chance to apply their digital skills to a professional brand, building a portfolio of work while still in high school by creating commercials and digital posts for Beacon.

Beyond the classroom, Beacon Federal Credit Union maintains a constant, supportive presence throughout GCCISD. This partnership, which began in 2010 with Ashbel Smith and Bañuelos elementary schools, has grown into a comprehensive support system for the district. From hosting job-shadowing days and attending career fairs to collaborating with the bilingual program, the team is dedicated to uplifting both students and staff.

This commitment extends to the highest levels of leadership, as Adelina Gomez Abshire, Beacon's Vice President of Business Development and Marketing, currently serves as the President of the Goose Creek Education Foundation.

Beacon is perhaps most visible in local high schools through their annual "Reality Fairs," designed to prepare students for the financial demands of the real world. To date, they have hosted over 24 Reality Fairs, impacting more than 15,000 students. By providing these diverse experiences, Beacon remains a cornerstone of the CTE program, helping students turn classroom lessons into career success. As Abshire notes, “Beacon Federal Credit Union remains committed to supporting students through scholarships, internships, financial education, and mentoring opportunities—because investing in students today helps build stronger communities tomorrow.”

It is this forward-thinking approach that makes Beacon an invaluable asset to the district, fostering a legacy of success that will benefit Baytown for generations to come.

For more information on how to partner with GCCISD CTE, visit our website, https://schools.gccisd.net/page/cte.SWC

Story by: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications

Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) is strengthening early reading outcomes by transitioning to structured literacy and recently invited educators from across the region into classrooms to showcase that work.

The district hosted a Texas Reads, Texas Leads (TXRL) literacy showcase at Stephen F. Austin Elementary, highlighting GCCISD’s shift from balanced literacy to a structured literacy model grounded in the science of reading. The event offered an inside look at classroom instruction, professional learning systems, and implementation strategies supporting early literacy success.

Texas Reads, Texas Leads is a statewide literacy initiative that supports districts through high-quality professional development, collaboration, and evidence-based instructional practices. Through the TXRL partnership, GCCISD received three years of intensive support and two years of funding for a dedicated literacy fellow, Ernestine Jackson, who has guided districtwide implementation.

“Our partnership with TXRL has strengthened our efforts to ensure all students receive early literacy instruction rooted in the science of teaching reading,” said Dr. Sara Lawrence, Associate Director of K-12 English Language Arts, K-5 Social Studies, and Library Services for GCCISD. “It’s exciting to see our youngest learners developing strong foundational literacy skills.”

The showcase welcomed TXRL staff and leaders from three additional partner districts. Participants engaged in classroom walkthroughs, observed instruction in action, and took part in professional dialogue focused on early literacy systems, instructional coherence, and continuous improvement.

According to Sarah Flusche, Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction for GCCISD, the opportunity to view GCCISD’s work through the perspective of peer districts was a valuable professional learning experience.

“Meaningful literacy change grows from honest reflection, shared learning, and a clear focus on what’s best for students,” Flusche said.

Stephen F. Austin Elementary was selected as the showcase campus for its strong implementation of structured literacy practices that prioritize foundational reading skills. Classroom instruction included daily use of high-quality instructional materials and an additional instructional block for targeted small groups and personalized practice.

Principal Heather Alarcon said the event affirmed the campus’s instructional approach while fostering collaboration with educators from across the region.

“Teaching children to read is one of the most powerful ways we impact their future,” Alarcon said. “This showcase celebrated the work happening on our campus and strengthened our ability to make it even more effective for students.”

The TXRL showcase reflects GCCISD’s ongoing commitment to early literacy and its investment in instructional practices that build confident, capable readers. Through partnerships like Texas Reads, Texas Leads, the district continues to advance high-quality reading instruction that supports long-term student success.

Story by: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications

Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) proudly celebrated student excellence during its annual District Spelling Bee, where top spellers from across the district showcased their academic skills and focus.

After several competitive rounds, the winning word, “welterweight,” secured the championship title and highlighted the impressive vocabulary knowledge of this year’s finalists.

2026 GCCISD District Spelling Bee Winners:

• 1st Place: Arslan Aulakh, 8th Grade — Baytown Junior School

• 2nd Place: Hira Aulakh, 6th Grade — Cedar Bayou Junior School

• 3rd Place: Cedrianna Rocha, 4th Grade — San Jacinto Elementary School

The district extends its congratulations to all participating students, as well as to the teachers, families, and campus staff who supported and encouraged them along the way. The annual event highlights the district’s dedication to literacy and recognizing outstanding student achievement.

Story by: Kendall David, GCCISD Executive Director of Community Engagement

Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) employees once again demonstrated their strong commitment to students, families, and the community through the successful 2025–2026 United Way campaign.

GCCISD has maintained a long-standing partnership with United Way of Greater Baytown Area & Chambers County in support of services that strengthen families and improve lives for the students they serve. During this year’s campaign, 1,001 district employees collectively raised $51,614, directly supporting United Way programs that provide essential resources and support throughout the community.

To help recognize the success of the campaign, the district was honored to welcome United Way CEO Mrs. Reabold to celebrate the generosity of GCCISD employees and the campuses that led the way in participation and giving. District leaders expressed appreciation for every employee who contributed, noting that the campaign’s success reflects the service-minded spirit of GCCISD.

Pictured, from left, Joe Rodriguez, GCCISD Superintendent; Renee Stripling, Highlands Elementary campaign coordinator; Blanca Capetillo, Highlands Elementary Principal; Melissa Reabold, United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County CEO; and Jim Campisi, GCCISD School Board President. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman.

Pictured, from left, Pictured, from left, Joe Rodriguez, GCCISD Superintendent; Michelle Jackson, Robert E. Lee High School Assistant Principal; Clemencia Vigil, Robert E. Lee High School campaign coordinator; Melissa Reabold, United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County CEO; and Jim Campisi, GCCISD School Board President. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman.

Pictured, from left, Pictured, from left, Joe Rodriguez, GCCISD Superintendent; Carlaskio Smith, Pumphrey Elementary Principal; Michelle Grimes, Pumphrey Elementary campaign coordinator; Melissa Reabold, United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County CEO; and Jim Campisi, GCCISD School Board President. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman.

Several campuses were recognized for outstanding employee participation. POINT Alternative Center earned the third-highest participation rate at 50 percent, led by Principal Bill Kimbel and United Way campaign coordinator Nancy Hockless. Clark Elementary received recognition for the second-highest participation rate at 70 percent under the leadership of Principal Kem Scheidt and campaign coordinator Michelle Schramm. Highlands Elementary achieved the highest employee participation rate at 85 percent, with leadership from Principal Blanca Capetillo and campaign coordinator Renee Stripling.

Campuses were also recognized for the highest monetary contributions within their size categories. In the small campus category, ranging from one to 85 employees, IMPACT Early College High School led contributions with a total of $2,095 under the leadership of Principal and campaign coordinator Laura Reyes. In the medium campus category, ranging from 86 to 115 employees, Pumphrey Elementary raised $3,027, led by Principal Carlaskio Smith and campaign coordinator Michelle Grimes. In the large campus category, ranging from 116 to 259 employees, Robert E. Lee High School contributed the highest amount at $5,135, with leadership from Principal Earnest Brooks and campaign coordinators Clemencia Vigil and Connie Guerrero.

GCCISD extends sincere gratitude to all employees who participated in the 2025–2026 United Way campaign. Their generosity continues to strengthen the partnership with United Way and ensures vital resources remain available to support students, families, and the greater Baytown and Chambers County communities.

Each January, Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) proudly joins school districts across Texas in honoring the dedicated individuals who serve their communities as volunteer school board members. School Board Recognition Month provides an opportunity to recognize trustees for their leadership, service, and commitment to ensuring students receive a high-quality public education.

The 2026 School Board Recognition Month theme, “Our Future Is Public,” reflects the powerful role public education plays in shaping the next generation. Through their time and expertise, GCCISD trustees guide the district's direction while investing in student success, workforce readiness, and the long-term strength of the community.

The Board of Trustees' leadership impacts nearly 24,000 students across GCCISD each day. From academic opportunities to facilities planning, safety initiatives, and student support systems, trustees help create the conditions for students to learn, grow, and thrive.

To celebrate School Board Recognition Month, campuses across the district created posters and visual displays expressing gratitude for the board’s service and dedication. These student- and staff-created tributes reflect the district's appreciation for the trustees’ commitment to public education.

In addition to campus celebrations, trustees were formally recognized through a proclamation from City of Baytown Mayor Charles Johnson, a proclamation from Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, a resolution from State Representative District 143 Honorable Ana E. Hernandez, and certificates from Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. Trustees also received a book dedication in their honor, recognizing their lasting impact on students and the community.

GCCISD extends sincere appreciation to its Board of Trustees for their dedication, leadership, and service to students, families, and the community. Their commitment to public education continues to strengthen opportunities for today’s learners while building a brighter future for generations to come.

Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) is proud to announce that four outstanding student musicians have earned recognition through the Texas All-State audition process, one of the highest honors a secondary music student can achieve in the state of Texas.

Eli Ortiz, Baritone Saxophone, Robert E. Lee High School - 1st Alternate

The following students were selected through a highly competitive audition process involving thousands of students statewide:

• Arnel Zalamea, Choir, Ross S. Sterling High School
• Meg Gregory, Choir, Robert E. Lee High School
• Seth Lewis, Tuba, Robert E. Lee High School
• Eli Ortiz, Baritone Saxophone, Robert E. Lee High School - 1st Alternate

Texas All-State musicians and alternates are selected through multiple rounds of auditions, judged by expert panels, and represent the top student performers in the state. Earning All-State or Alternate status reflects exceptional musical skill and dedication to artistic excellence.

“These students represent the very best of Goose Creek CISD Fine Arts,” said Dr. Ray Lavan, Director of Fine Arts. “Their achievement is the result of years of commitment, strong instruction, and the support of outstanding teachers, families, and campus leaders. We are incredibly proud of them.”

Students selected for All-State will perform in the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State ensembles, while alternates stand ready to represent the district at the highest level should opportunities arise.

GCCISD congratulates these students and their directors for this outstanding accomplishment and for continuing a strong tradition of excellence in Fine Arts.