3rd A Honor Roll
Baum, Braxton L
Bradley, Robert L
Castro Ventura, Jaiden M
Cauthon, Logan R
Clark, Cooper Z
Denton, Hazel M
Dikes, Emma C
Escobar, Sofia H
Figer, Ronin K
Fox, Adalee G
Hamrick, Kinsley E
Harris, Jakob D
Hedrick, Mckenzie L
Hernandez, Hayden J
Holland, Lainey C
Jarrett, Zariah N
Jones, Hunter L
Lewis, Malik M
Lukesh, Scarlett G
Madrigal, Aubree R
Matta, Raemi F
Mervyn, Loralei L
Munoz, Cire A
Munoz, Jayleen F
Neill, Sloane A
Perez, Naya M
Phillips, Kason W
Pitts, Skylar L
Poe, Brooklyn A
Price, Addison M
Reyes, Ezekiel E
Rodela, Nicholas E
Rodriguez, Jayden A
Segovia, Mia E
Silvas, Mary D
Tederman McComb, Kylie R
Teran, Aiden A
Thompson, Lane K
Todaro, Mia B
Ward, Richard J
Washer, Annie R
Whitmire, Braelee M
Williams, Norah J
4th A Honor Roll
Archer, Katelyn L
Bravo, Yzabel Y
Davis, Penelope L
De Guzman, Raine J
Fesser, Avis W
Jackson, Bentlee J
Mariscal Chico, Victoria R
Martinez, Cesar M
Martinez, Lorenzo R
Mears, James W
Morales, Alex
Morales, Niko
Porterfield, Alex A
Smith, Aaron J
White, Madilynn G
3rd AB Honor Roll
Adame Echibarria, Rodrigo
Balbuena, Chloe
Barron, Braxton M
Baum, Braxton L
Benavidez, Emma L
Bradley, Robert L
Brancheau, Brooks F
Byrum, Davian L
Calder, Anslee K
Canchola, Nicolas A
Casey, Braylen Z
Castaneda, Ivette F
Castanon, Valeria R
Castro Ventura, Jaiden
Castro, Lyssette
Cauthon, Logan R
Chairez, Paula R
Charlton, Skylar J
Clark, Cooper Z
Collie, Nolan D
Compean, Dominic I
Conlee, Ava G
Cooper, MaLeigha D
Crisosto Hernandez, Carlos I
De Angelo, Isabella J
Dean, Jordyn D
Dean, Lacelynn M
Delgado, Ezmeray A
Denton, Hazel M
Diaz, Angel D
Dikes, Emma C
Easley, Adam L
Escobar, Sofia H
Figer, Ronin K
Fitzroy, Landon W
Fox, Adalee G
Garcia, Victoria G
Garza, Giovanni E
Grajeda, Josiah E
Granadoz, Eli X
Haines, Alina G
Hamrick, Kinsley E
Harris, Beatrice I
Harris, Gabrielle A
Harris, Jakob D
Haynes, Jazmyn J
Head, Emerson N
Hedrick, Mckenzie L
Hernandez, Adrian I
Hernandez, Hayden J
Hernandez, Marley
Holguin, Jorge A
Holland, Lainey C
Hubbard, Benjamin V
Hunter, Gavin A
Ibarra, Alenna
Jarrett, Zariah N
Jones, Hunter L
Jones, Javisus C
Juarez, Arianna G
Keys, Brody J
Klause, Alice R
Knutson, Paxton J
Knutson, Presley R
Leach, Brighton A
Lewis, Malik M
Lilley, Paisley J
Longoria, Neydelin
Lujan, Auden D
Lukesh, Scarlett G
Madrigal, Aubree R
Matta, Raemi F
McDaniel, Briley S
Meeks, Caden A
Meharg, Kayson G
Mendoza, Diego E
Mendoza, Jailani J
Mervyn, Loralei L
Miramontes, Isaac B
Mitchell, Kaytlynn A
Monroe, Kordadrian M
Munoz, Cire A
Munoz, Jayleen
Neill, Sloane A
Olmedo, Erick
Oquendo, Mackynzie M
Ornelas, Alondra C
Padilla, Guliana R
Parker, Taryn N
Patel, Nia S
Patel, Nirvan S
Perez, Naya M
Perez, Penelope S
Perryman, EmberLynn A
Phillips, Kason W
Piland, KylaMyka L
Pitts, Skylar L
Poe, Brooklyn A
Ponce, Noah Z
Price, Addison M
Ramirez, Eric X
Ramos, Sofia A
rebecca.calder
The Pocket Change Grant began in 2009 and is funded by Education Credit Union employee donations. There are over $750,000 in grants awarded to worthy classroom projects and teachers that impact the learning environments in school districts across the Texas Panhandle. Thank you, H&H Federal Credit Union and the Education Credit Union Foundation, for supporting our teachers and helping provide incredible resources for our students!
Below are the 2023 recipients and their plans for the grant.
Mrs. Bailey, 3rd-grade Reading Language Arts, Crockett Elementary
“I plan to utilize the pocket change grant for my classroom and the students of Crockett Elementary. My number one goal is to ultimately start a care closet for our students to be able to have a safe space to care for their needs, with no questions asked. Whether they need help with supplies, clothing, toiletries, food, or other various needs. I would also like to utilize a part of the grant to help fund other needs of my classroom to help make it more friendly to all types of learners!”
Mrs. Boren, 4th-grade Science/History, Crockett Elementary
“I would like to graciously thank Education Credit Union for choosing me as a recipient of the Pocket Change Grant! Your generous donation will help all 4th-grade students at Crockett Elementary receive hands-on learning material. Your donation will provide the experience for our students to thrive and be successful through real-world science and social studies instruction. This donation helps provide students with appropriate educational reading material and classroom needs. Once again, thank you for the generous donation!”
Mrs. Hays, 6th-grade Science, Borger Intermediate School
“I plan on using the grant money to purchase STEM materials for our science labs. Our lab would have more hands-on materials at a variety of exploration stations that will allow students to solve real-world problems and explore with tools and systems that can translate into high interest in STEM careers in the future.”
Mrs. French, Principals of Health Science/ Anatomy & Physiology, Borger High School
“I plan to put the money towards models and/ or activities to assist the students in grasping the concept of the lessons in both my health science and anatomy classes.”
Ms. Estrada, Chemistry and Cheer Coach, Borger High School
“I plan to spend it on organization things for my students as well as spending it on more hands-on activities for my students.”
Ms. Bugg, 1st-grade, Gateway Elementary
“I will be buying a new mail center for my classroom, whiteboards, erasers, offices, and some new pocket charts. I will also purchase some new books for read-alouds, and some organizational things for my classroom. I am really excited and can't wait to get all my stuff for my kiddos.”
Mrs. McKinnis, Special Education, Paul Belton Elementary
“I am going to purchase some sensory items for my calm corner and sensory room. These items will include a safe crash pad for jumping into, a sensory compression tunnel, a new light for the sensory room, a hexagon sensory wall light, a light table, and some other sensory wall items for multi-sensory needs.”
Mr. Lewis, Theater, Borger Middle School
Mr. Lewis will be using those funds to stock much-needed theatre resources, particularly, stage make-up!
Thank you, H&H Federal Credit Union, and the Education Credit Union Foundation for supporting our teachers and helping provide incredible resources for our students!
rebecca.calder
7th Grade
Amburn Dakota
Bishop Sebastian
Braden Tyler
Broom Tavion
Bryan Easton
Chacon Mendoza Daisy
Curammeng Yuwan Yael
De La Rosa Aaliah
Drake Brooklyn
East Izabella
Fernandez Aliyah
Garcia Miclyn
Goodale Kaplan
Hernandez Elijah
Holland Leah
Holland Lexi
Ibarra Aylin
Jordan Axeley
Joyce Joshua
Ledet Zayne
Lewis Izabella
Lovato Lex
Loya Saydi
Patterson Lynnlee
Pena Mariana
Phillips Taylor
Raines Colin
Ramos Iker
Rodriguez Sophie
Rosebrugh Jaymee
Schneck Madison
Scroggs Rhett
Steger Seth
Sylvia Lucia
Tovar Valdez Kimberly
Vasquez Lunden
Williams Taraji
Yankee Kylee M
Eighth Grade
Breedlove Lila
Cervantes Victor
Farmer Easton
Holt Mollie
Kindy Brinlee
Luna Javian
Mitchell Ashton
Morales Christina
Ogans Madison
Porterfield Mason
Ramos Jessie
Reinhart Addelyn
Salinas Alexa
Stevens Joanna
rebecca.calder
4th A Honor Roll:
Allred, Rachelle N
Archer, Katelyn L
Boyd, Colton V
Bravo, Yzabel Y
Celaya, Jesus A
Davis, Penelope L
Ellis, Taylyn
De Guzman, Raine
Mariscal Chico, Victoria R
Martinez, Cesar M
Martinez, Lorenzo R
Mears, James
Morales, Alex M
Morales, Niko M
Overall, Dawson R
Porterfield, Alex A
Ramos, Margarita
Rios, Gretel V
Rodgers, Thomas D
Smith, Aaron J
3rd A Honor Roll:
Barron, Braxton M
Baum, Braxton L
Benavidez, Emma L
Brancheau, Brooks F
Castanon, Valeria R
Castro, Lyssette F
Cauthon, Logan R
Collins, Helen M
Cooper, MaLeigha D
De Angelo, Isabella J
Denton, Hazel M
Diaz, Angel D
Dikes, Emma C
Easley, Adam L
Escobar, Sofia H
Figer, Ronin K
Fox, Adalee G
Grajeda, Josiah E
Granadoz, Eli X
Hedrick, Mckenzie
Hernandez, Hayden J
Hernandez, Marley F
Holguin, Jorge A
Holland, Lainey C
Jones, Hunter L
Longoria, Neydelin F
Lujan, Auden D
McDaniel, Briley S
Mitchell, Kaytlynn A
Neill, Sloane A
Ornelas, Alondra C
Patel, Nirvan S
Phillips, Kason
Pitts, Skylar L
Poe, Brooklyn A
Price, Addison M
Ramos, Sofia A
Reed, Hudson L
Reyes, Ezekiel E
Rodela, Nicholas E
Rodriguez, Jayden A
Rodriguez, Lillyonna J
Ryytty, Davina M
Segovia, Mia E
Smith, Briggs O
Tederman McComb, Kylie R
Teran, Aiden A
Tucker, Jude R
Ward, Richard J
Washer, Annie R
Williams, Kaiser T
Williams, Norah J
4th AB Honor Roll:
Adame Echibarria, Alexander M
Adcock, Maverick C
Allred, Rachelle N
Amaro, Zamayra G
Archer, Katelyn
Benton, Nevaeh S
Bishop, Emiliano M
Boyd, Colton
Bravo, Yzabel Y
Brown, Dezirae L
Campos, Allison M
Cardenas, Hazel N
Celaya, Jesus A
Clawson, Laken T
Clement, Aaliyah D
Clements, Ivy R
Cook, Isaiah J M
Coratti, Kade E
Cosper, Emery J
Davis, Penelope L
Davis, Tinley K
Deschaines, Carter A
Ellis, Taylyn A
Fernandez, Azailey L
Fernandez, Isabella G
Fesser, Avis W
Kinzley D F
Garay, Marianna S
Garcia, Valencia D
Gibbons, Dallas M
Grajeda, Zachariah M
Hamrick, Kason W
Head, Trevin J
Holland, Camdyn L
Howell, Ashlyn H
Hudson, Kannin B
Jackson, Bentlee J
Jimenez, Julian
Jones, Jaymean J
Knight, Kristopher R
Knott, Billy R
Labra Hernandez,
Landrum, Fayth M
Mariscal Chico, Victoria R
Martinez, Alexander J
Martinez, Cesar M
Martinez, Lorenzo R
McCarty, Allie J
Mears, James W
Mojica, Uriel A
Montoya, Uriel R
Morales, Aaliyah J
Morales, Alex M
Morales, Niko M
Munoz, Emilia L
Murphy, Ryan M
Nelson, Gunnar S
Overall, Dawson R
Payne, Anneliese J
Perez, Abcde N
Perez, Santiago I
Pinuelas Figueroa, Julio A
Porterfield, Alex A
Quinonez, Jesus A
Ralls, Jayln E
Ramos, Margarita
Riggle, Quaid C
Rios, Brisa I
Rios, Gretel V
Rocha, Franco L
Rodgers, Thomas D
Rodriguez, Genesis J
Smith, Aaron J
Smith, River A
Stegall, Tenlee J
Sylvia, Jacob A
Tatum, Lily R
Terrazas, Anabel G
Trejo, Rayden M
Varela, Alexis M
Villegas, Levi E
Wagner, Joshua B
Wetzel, Avery D
White, Madilynn G
Wise, Evan J
Zanardi, Allys C
3rd AB Honor Roll
Adame Echibarria, Rodrigo
Balbuena, Chloe F
Barron, Braxton M
Baum, Braxton L
Baze, Atreyu D
Benavidez, Emma L
Bradley, Robert L
Brancheau, Brooks F
Broom, Alejanea K
Byrum, Davian L
Calder, Anslee K
Canchola, Nicolas A
Casey, Braylen Z
Castaneda, Ivette F
Castanon, Valeria R
Castro Ventura, Jaiden M
Castro, Lyssette
Cauthon, Logan R
Charlton, Skylar J
Chavez, Saints S
Clark, Cooper Z
Collie, Nolan D
Collins, Helen M
Compean, Dominic I
Conlee, Ava G
Cooper, MaLeigha D
Crisosto Hernandez, Carlos I
De Angelo, Isabella J
Dean, Jordyn D
Dean, Lacelynn M
Delgado, Ezmeray A
Denton, Hazel M
Diaz, Angel D
Dikes, Emma C
Easley, Adam L
Escalante, Daleyza N
Escobar, Sofia H
Felan-Eakins, Giovanni C
Figer, Ronin K
Fox, Adalee G
Garcia, Victoria G
Garza, Giovanni E
Geraldizo, Sadie L
Grajeda, Josiah E
Granadoz, Eli X
Haines, Alina G
Hamrick, Kinsley E
Harris, Beatrice I
Harris, Gabrielle A
Harris, Jakob D
Haynes, Jazmyn J
Head, Emerson N
Hedrick, Mckenzie L
Henderson, Lilly A
Hernandez, Hayden J
Hernandez, Marley F
Holguin, Jorge A
Holland, Lainey C
Hubbard, Benjamin V
Jackson, Josiah D
Jarrett, Zariah N
Jimenez, Stephanie A
Jones, Hunter L
Jones, Javisus C
Juarez, Arianna G
Kerr, Jordyn K
Keys, Brody J
Klause, Alice R
Knutson, Paxton J
Knutson, Presley R
Larson, Paizlee
Leach, Brighton A
Lewis, Malik M
Longoria, Neydelin F
Lujan, Auden D
Lukesh, Scarlett G
Madrid, Misael E
Madrigal, Aubree R
Matta, Raemi F
McDaniel, Briley S
McDonald, Owen M
Mendoza, Jailani J
Mervyn, Loralei L
Mitchell, Kaytlynn A
Monroe, Kordadrian M
Munoz, Cire A
Munoz, Jayleen F
Neill, Sloane A
Oquendo, Mackynzie M
Ornelas, Alondra C
Padilla, Guliana R
Parker, Taryn N
Patel, Nia S
Patel, Nirvan S
Payne, Clara J
Perez, Naya M
Perez, Penelope S
Perryman, EmberLynn A
Phillips, Kason W
Piland, KylaMyka L
Pitts, Skylar L
Poe, Brooklyn A
Ponce, Noah Z
Price, Addison
Ramos, Sofia A
Rangel, Jasmine I
Rector, Jasper E
Reed, Hudson L
Reyes, Ezekiel
Rodela, Nicholas E
Rodriguez, Jayden A
Rodriguez, Lillyonna
Romero-Morales, Ian J 6
Ryytty, Davina M
Saenz, Kasen
Sanchez, Iris
Santin, Jessica R
Schumacher, Cole M
Segovia, Mia E
Shuffield, Graycin B
Silvas, Mary D
Sisneros, Berklee K
Smith, Briggs O
Tederman McComb, Kylie R
Teran, Aiden A
Todaro, Mia B
Tucker, Jude R
Valdez, Adan J
Ward, Richard J
Washer, Annie R
Webb, Eva R
Whitmire, Braelee M
Williams, Kaiser T
Williams, Norah J
Williamson, Laykin R
Yearwood, Adam B M
rebecca.calder
Names: Grade: Jocelyn Aguilar 5th Brady Brancheau 5th Mary Fox 5th Ava Martinez 5th Cole Phillips 5th Luke Beaty 6th William Brown 6th Bentley Cano 6th Angel Garcia 6th Lily Goicoechea 6th Baylee Jackson 6th Rylan McDaniel 6th Natalia Morales 6th Anders Nelson 6th Julian Rodriguez 6th Genysis Sanchez 6th Guy Schneck 6th Kooper Shelton 6th Avery Speed 6th Kaden Wheeler 6th Sawyer Saxon 6th
rebecca.calder
First Grade A Honor Roll:
Balbuena, Ryan
Banks, John
Boyd, Cameron
Bustillos, Alexa
Carrizales, Lexi
Campos, Serenity
Collie, Kendall
Constancio, Seth
Cosper, Corbin
Davenport, Tomahawk
Dikes, Marion
Dominguez, Raylaign
Escontrias, Paulina
Flores, Zayn
Garcia, Andrea
Garcia Ruger
Gacia Barraza, Sergio
Gobert, Emma
Gonzalez, Rayleigh
Griffin, Zaylee
Hedrick, Jameson
Hinojos, Kendra
Hux, Rylan
Johnson, Rory
Keys, Nash
Knight, Khaleesi
Longoria, Alonso
Lopez, Aubree
Lopez, Libby
Martinez, Angel
Martinez, Lucas
McCarty, Cole
Medina, Oliver
Mendoza, Ayden
Murry, Emily
Nomelli, Natalie
Opdenhoff, Eadelyn
Ortiz, Aria
Piedra, Kason
Pitts, Levi
Porras, Everly
Porras, Noah
Porter, Waylen
Reyes, Ezra
Robles Ramirez, Emma
Schneck, Sadie
Spiess, Zoey
Triana, Yvianna
Trillo-Marin, Dailyn
Vaquera, Yukari
Vazquez, Alexa
Walden, Tye
White, Evelyn
Second Grade A Honor Roll
Aguilar, Jacob
Almanza, Kimber
Amos, Breelyn
Arnold, Jaxon
Bell, Jacob
Beltran, Luis
Bhakta, Smera
Bookhultz, Aurora
Charlton, Grayson
Conner, Benson
Contreras, Marley
Contreras Hernandez, Joseph
Davia, Evelyn
De La Fuente, Benny
Desku, Diar
Ellis, Annabeth
Escobar, Greyson
Freeman, Lyliah
Gayton, Ciel
Gilliam, Christopher
Gloria, Jaylee
Gomez, Daniel
Gray, Parker
Griffin, Jaycob
Guerrero Munoz, Daniela
Harlan, Alann
Haynes, Jaice
Heard, Emily
Helms, Amelia
Hill, Ryleigh
Hudson, Jaxson
Ibarra, Ivan
Jacob, Kaiden
Jarett, Abriella
Jenkins, Hunter
Kerr, Jaxson
Lopez, Avery
Mariscal, Maria
Martinez, Penelope
Martinez, Shaelyn
Matteson, Alistair
McCarty, Marley
McCauley, Colt
McGee, Harley
McGraw, River
Mills, Jackson
Morales, Sofia
Munoz, Ava
Noble, Brycen
Oquendo, Isabella
Pacheco, Roberto
Parra, Jasmine
Plumley, Michael
Portillo, Ellena
Rebolloso, Elizabeth
Riggall, Michael
Rodriguez, Eliza
Rodriguez, Eva
Rodriguez, Joseph-Louis
Sandoval, Aria
Serrano, Adriel
Speed, Shiloh
Summit, MaKenzie
Thomas, Hadley
Thompson, Lynlee
Todd, Taylee
Watson, Beckham
White, Elijah
White, Sawyer
Young, Braxton
First Grade AB Honor Roll
Acker, Charlie
Alvarado Torres, Eimy
Baynes, Lorrelia
Broom, Damarcus
Charlton, Tettra
Chavez, Zayden
Clendennen, James
Fetterolf, Cooper
Garcia, Liam
Garcia, Malachi
Garcia, Rubi
Garza, Adriel
Haney, River
Hardin, Dawson
Hernandez, Luisa
Hernandez, Marylen
Hill, Ava
Hurst, Syler
Jones, Jeremiah
Lefler, Andrew
Longoria, Yelixa
Lujan, Eli
Marquez, Arianna
Mata, William
McLaughlin, Lincoln
McWilliams, Daxton
Mervyn, Robert
Montono, Kelton
Morrison, Scarlett
Nugent, Brooklyn
Oquendo, Julian
Padilla, Giovanni
Perryman, Elizabeth
Polanco, Tyson
Rascon, Aiden
Ratzlaff, Kolton
Reynolds, Zachary
Rhoades, Gauge
Rios, Jovanni
Rodriguez, Aevian
Silvas, Porter
Snyder, Sadie
Tidwell, Remi
Torres, Remi
Torres, Adrian
Tull, Preslee
Valenzuela Lopez, Makeyla
Van Winkle, Maddyn
Villegas, Jessi
Wheless, Brair
White, Emmie
Second Grade AB Honor Roll
Aguirre, Keeleigh
Alcantar, Aiden
Allred, Tyler
Benavidez, Azalea
Boston, Brielle
Breitenstein, Karrington
Brown, Quinton
Castanon, Sophie
Chavez, Iker
Collins, Clay
Cooper, Mackenzie
Cordero, Penelope
Cummings, Ziyah
Dean, Alexandra
Escobar, Abraham
Evans, Colton
Florer, Jameis
Gonzales, Brooklyn
Gonzalez, Penelope
Granadoz, Xavier
Gray, Keegan
Haggard, Zaeley
Hammack, Anthony
Hansen, Tailee
Hays, Bret
Hearon, Jarred
Heredia, Amity
Hill, Louis
Hipolito Flores, Kayla
Juarez Garcia, Grace
Klaus, Rylee
Knight, Felix
Lefler, Thomas
Lopez, Gabriel
Lopez, Jorlett
Luna, Jayden
Macias-Reyes, Brittany
Martinez, Antonio
Martinez, Jazmin
Mata, Sariana
Medina, Ariela
Morales, Jetzel
Morris, Khira
Murphy, Kayden
Nava, Brianna
Norman, Kallie
Orona, Alonzo
Padilla Perez, Miguel
Phillips, Catelaiya
Piedra, Alijah
Piedra, Killian
Pimentel, Rogelio
Preas, Sofia
Ramos, Jennessy
Rangel, Maddox
Ratliff, Lelynn
Reyes, Tatiana
Rios, Emery
Rodriguez, Athena
Rodriguez, Micaiah
Roller, Shadyn
Sanchez, Serenity
Saucedo, Jayleen
Saxon, Samuel
Scott, Trez’niquie
Tatum, Landon
Watson, Robby
Young, Keegan
rebecca.calder
Seventh-grade
Aguilera Pamela Anna Allred Hailey Bair Xachary Baker Donella Banks Xoi Barclay Lanie Buchanan Rylee Buchanan Bryson Calder Bronx Chute Kahlyn Cole Zoey Cook Kal-El Coratti Daniel Escobar Rachel Espinoza Aiden Hanna Jordyn Hawley Rhys Henderson Eighth-grade Christopher Jones Trendon Jordan Braylee Klotz Monica Loya Mar Marquez Isabella Martinez Emma McKinney Amelia Mervyn Tyler Nomelli Atlynn Raines Hadley Reed Valeria Rios Rodriguez Rayna Josalynn Sanchez Keren Sheets Elliette Tindall Tylan Whitfield Owen Williams Amburn Dakota Sebastian Bishop Tyler Braden Tavion Broom Jueli Brown Easton Bryan Aaliyah Cervantes Daisy Chacon Mendoza Phoebe Cordell Ashley Cosper Yuwan Curammeng Emi De La Fuente Aaliah De La Rosa Jericho Dowling Brooklyn Drake Izabella East Aliyah Fernandez Kindyn Figer Carter Foster Tateum Francis Miclyn Garcia Jhalyiah Gardner Alexa Gaytan Kaplan Goodale Ivianna Harris Elijah Hernandez Garrett Hodges Leah Holland Jonah House Mason Hughes Aylin Ibarra Axeley Jordan Joshua Joyce Larsen Jasmine Zayne Ledet Izabella Lewis Lex Lovato Saydi Loya Dayana Madrid Alyssa Magana Lilah Orozco Lynnlee Patterson Mariana Pena Taylor Phillips August Piland Braleigh Powers Colin Raines Iker Ramos Sophie Rodriguez Jaymee Rosebrugh Madison Schneck Rhett Scroggs Ryan Smith Seth Steger Lucia Sylvia Madison Tremillo Lunden Vasquez Talia Wetzel Kaden Williams Kylee Yankee Yeager Addison
rebecca.calder
Borger ISD became a District of Innovation (DOI) in May of 2022, which enabled us to provide local certifications to teachers. This allowed the relief of state mandates on qualified candidates, but candidates still must meet certain criteria.
Have a bachelor's degree
Be enrolled in an alternate certification program
Having a local certification gives Borger ISD an advantage in that we can hire highly qualified individuals and take them off the market before they are hired by other districts. Michael Cano, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services explains, “Before becoming a DOI, we lost out on hiring many qualified candidates because they did not have a Texas state certification. With local certification, we have been able to hire some highly qualified people before another district takes them off the market.”
One of these exceptional hires was Head Boys' Basketball Coach Mark Laird. He has taught high school in another state and coached at the college level, but he did not have his Texas teaching certificate. Through this process, Borger ISD was able to hire a great educator quickly and he can work on his state certification while making a huge impact on Borger students.
The district provides a lot of support for local certification hires, as we do all new hires, as they work through the process. Starting with New Teacher Bootcamp, teachers are provided with a good foundation. Amy Blansett, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction and DeDe Conaway, District Instructional Leader, give an overview of BISD’s instructional practices. They learn and discuss TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills), lesson planning, and best practices for each lesson, each day! Throughout the year, campuses will continue to support all teachers in these and other topics to ensure the best classroom instruction for our students.
Each local certification teacher receives an experienced mentor at their campus. They also receive coaching through campus instructional liaisons and district instructional coaches.
Another stellar hire from this year is Madia Montoya, who was hired as a Spanish instructor and cheer sponsor at Borger High School. Spanish teachers are very hard to come by, so administrators were very excited to find a qualified candidate and bring her aboard.
Madia explains more about the process, “I am currently in the PACE program for WT which is a teacher certification program. To get into this program, I had to take the PACT exam, for me since I am teaching Spanish, I had to take the LOTE Spanish EC-12. After I passed my LOTE exam, I got into the PACE program and I now have about a year to finish the modules for that certification and take the PPR exam, which is basically the last step to get an actual teacher certification.
This program has been very beneficial for me, particularly since I did not go through traditional student teaching in college. Though I do not have my certification yet, I do have a chance to get my teaching experience, take my time to get my certification without feeling rushed, and get paid as a teacher while I work on my certification, which to me has been life-changing.”
The full District of Innovation Plan can be viewed on the district website. https://cdnsm5-ss11.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_143941/File/21-22/DOI%20Final%20Plan%20May%202022.pdf
rebecca.calder
The Velma Freeman Gillespie and Zelma Freeman Root Foundation was established in 1995 by Mrs. Gillespie’s family to honor a deserving teacher at the end of each school year. Velma Freeman Gillespie and Zelma Freeman Root were twin sisters who both taught in the Borger ISD system for over twenty-five years each. Mrs. Root came to Borger in 1944. Mrs. Gillespie came to visit her from Arkansas in 1946 and never went back. Mrs. Gillespie taught in Borger Junior High School for 25 years. Mrs. Root taught at Borger High School for 26 years. Both retired in 1971. After retiring from BISD, Zelma Root taught at Frank Phillips Junior College for five years. Mrs. Gillespie had two sons, Dr. Hamp Gillespie and Dr. Mike Gillespie, who both graduated from Borger Independent School District. After Velma Gillespie passed away in October 1994, her sons wanted to honor their mother and aunt by establishing the foundation. The award is given to a deserving teacher in the academic field who possesses the following: A concern for students and the capability to inspire them
The ability and willingness to work cooperatively with colleagues
A drive to initiate activities that improve instruction for students
An ability to work effectively with different groups in the community
The desire to stay informed of current educational theories and practices
An ability and willingness to make meaningful contributions to education
Examples of innovations started in the nominees’ classrooms.
The 2022-2023 campus nominees included: Ireland Wagner, Borger High School; Veronica Davis, Paul Belton Elementary; Denise Mongold, Gateway Elementary; Cynthia Hipolito, Borger Intermediate School; Rachel Sandoval, Borger Middle School, and Cynthia Gutierrez, Crockett Elementary. This year, the Root-Gillespie Award went to Cynthia Gutierrez, a fourth-grade teacher at Crockett Elementary. She will receive $750 to spend in her classroom. Each campus nominee will receive $250 for their classroom. This is an excerpt from her nomination form, “Mrs. G, as her students so lovingly refer to her, does not work or serve for awards or accolades, but simply to inspire and impact her students and fellow teachers. The welcoming atmosphere in her room is felt as soon as you enter it and perhaps one of her greatest achievements, year after year, is the strong and genuine relationships she builds with her students. She has perfected the practices of being fair, firm and maintaining a positive relationship with students and their families. Cynthia works hard to build fortified relationships with her students. In addition to this, she holds students to high standards and is known to be tough on them at times. However, they know that she is doing it because she genuinely cares about them and wants them to succeed. The students trust her to listen to their concerns, provide them with sound advice, and offer a hug when they need one. Evidence of student appreciation is seen in their desire to refrain from any disrespect or misbehavior toward her.” Congratulations to Mrs. Gutierrez and thank you for your service!
rebecca.calder
Since 1969, the Texas Teacher of the Year Program (TOY) has honored excellence in classroom education and provided a forum to showcase many outstanding educators whose efforts and example have inspired their students, their colleagues, and the communities they serve. Texas Teacher of the Year is the highest honor that the State of Texas can bestow upon a teacher. Facilitated by the Texas Association of School Administrators, the Texas Teacher of the Year Program annually recognizes and rewards teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching. Every fall, 40 Regional Teachers of the Year are selected -- one elementary and one secondary teacher from each of Texas's 20 Education Service Center regions. Six finalists are then chosen from among the 40 semi-finalists. After an interview, the Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year and Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year are chosen from the six finalists. One is selected to represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year program. Borger ISD would like to congratulate their two District Nominees, Andrea Jack, Elementary Teacher of the Year 2023 Nominee, and Amanda Lewis, Secondary Teacher of the Year 2023 Nominee. An Administrative Committee selected Mrs. Jack and Mrs. Lewis. Mrs. Jack teaches 4th-grade math at Crockett Elementary School. Principal Jennifer Torres and Assistant Principal Ashley McLaughlin said, “Crockett Elementary has a precious resource in 4th-grade math teacher, Andrea Jack, who is a motivating team member who has seen her students and peers through challenging times, helping them all discover their passions, potential, and pride within themselves. It is with great pleasure that we nominate Mrs. Andrea Jack as Borger Independent School District’s candidate for the TASA Elementary Teacher of the Year.” Mrs. Lewis teaches ELA and is Instructional Liaison for ELA and History at Borger Middle School. Principal Brandon Harris and Assistant Principal Judy Riggle said, “Mrs. Lewis has been selected as a teacher that demonstrates outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching. This is Mrs. Lewis’s 21st year in education. For the past 15 years, she has been a vital part of BMS as a leader, a mentor, a student advocate, and an excellent teacher. Her dedication and hard work are valued by colleagues, students, and parents.”
rebecca.calder
|