Blog entries

Robotics Teams from Cy-Fair Compete at Lone Star College

Scott Tran — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:18:32 +0100

Robots or at least their concept have been developing since classical times. Today, students in Cy-Fair ISD get to participate in creating, building, and competing their creations. Two teams recently competed successfully in the First Lego League robotics season at Lone Star college.

The “Elite Anti-Carbon Force” team placed 19th out of 60 teams that attended the invitational competition. Team “ATACK” won the First Lego League Inspirational Trophy at the qualifying competition. This award embodies a team that is empowered the FLL experience, displays extraordinary enthusiasm, and spirit.

Team ATACK consists of eighth-grade students Amogh Agnihotri, Tristan Craig, and Kyle Sanders, seventh-grade student Cade Cloud, and sixth-grade student Austin Sanders from Hamilton Middle School.

For more information on the First Lego League visit their homepage.

Sweet Deals Offered during Fairfield "More to Love" Sales Event

Cheryl Perry — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:03:07 +0100

February brings wonderful opportunities for new-home shoppers who can take advantage of special builder incentives during the “More To Love” sales event.

Visitors to Fairfield can tour 10 beautifully decorated models including newly opened models by Lennar, Triumph Homes and Princeton Classic Homes. The decorated models are a part of Fairfield’s impressive building program which also includes new homes priced from the $160,000s to more than $1 million by Westin Homes, Village Builders, Highland Homes, Trendmaker Homes, Triumph Homes, and Frontier Custom Builders.

In addition to touring new homes, visitors to the Fairfield Information Center will receive a free box of chocolates on any Saturday in February. The Fairfield Information Center is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The sales event, which begins February 1 and continues until February 29, includes special incentives from each of the community’s builders. Incentives vary by builder and information is available in builder sales offices.

Known for its prime location off US 290 and impressive selection of new homes, Fairfield is also heralded by residents for its master plan which includes schools and amenities designed for residents of all ages.

To visit, take US 290 west to Mason Road and turn right. The Fairfield Information Center is on the right, where additional information is available on amenities, builders and schools.

Cy-Hope Raises Money for Children in Need

Scott Tran — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:17:59 +0100

Cy-Fair ISD is the third largest non-urban school district in Texas. Cy-Hope’s mission is to raise money to support the more than 50,000 children at risk in Cy-Fair ISD.

Last year the charity was able to raise more than $13,000 for the kids by a charitable performance of Cinderella from the Foundry Performing Arts group. Cy-Hope President Larry Dierker said, “The Cinderella fundraiser is one of a series of events to benefit Cy-Hope. The money raised will be used to fund programs, such as the Backpack Program, to support and encourage students, teachers, and school administrators to help every school in Houston’s Cypress Independent School District achieve Exemplary status.”

Help rally the community to support the local, disadvantage children for a better tomorrow. Visit the Cy-Hope homepage for more information or to make a donation.

Dribble-A-Thon Raises Funds for Cy-Fair ISD Libraries

Scott Tran — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:23:58 +0100

Cy-Fair ISD has enlisted the help of the Houston Rockets in a fundraiser to benefit the school libraries. A Dribble-A-Thon will be held at the Berry Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Rd on February 18th from 12:30pm to 3pm.

This action packed, fun filled day is open to all children. The event will include several activities including dribbling courses, passing stations, a pop-a-shot, a cha-cha-slide, mingling with Rockets mascot Clutch, and much more.

According to their website, The registration fee is $25, which covers a basketball, T-shirt, certificate, and a ticket to one of three Rockets games:

Friday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves

Sunday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. vs. the Utah Jazz

Wednesday, March 14 at 7 p.m. vs. the Charlotte Bobcats

Participants will also receive a pledge form that they can use to acquire sponsors who can support each dribbler in the Dribble-A-Thon. The goal for each dribbler is to raise $50, and the entire pledge amount will be donated to Cy-Fair ISD libraries.

Pam Scott, the Director of partners in Education said, “With a successful event providing funds to our libraries, every student in our district will be positively impacted by the Dribble-A-Thon.”

Texas Exes Honor Cy Falls Educator at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center

Scott Tran — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:09:43 +0100

The University of Texas Exes, the alumni association and the university’s College of Education will will Teachers at their awards ceremony at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center on the UT campus February 24.

Cypress Falls High School teacher Janice Reed will be honored as the 2012 Outstanding Teacher. According to Reed who teaches Latin and English at Cypress Falls “The foundation of any teacher’s success is our students and the support of our colleagues,” Reed said. “Though this award came to me as a happy surprise, I share it with every student and staff member who has touched my life as a teacher.” She is one of only 10 high school and two elementary school teachers in the state to receive the award!

This award is only given to the teachers who best represent the profession.

Volunteers Needed to Teach Senior Citizens Basic Computer Skills

Scott Tran — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:40:53 +0100

The Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center is the second senior center opened by Commissioner Steve Radack of Precinct 3. This organization is in dire need of volunteers to help teach basic computer skills to local seniors ages 55 and older.

Once seniors have basic computer skills, they can send email, shop online, and participate in a technology-driven world. The seniors need the skills and knowledge to move forward. Volunteers will teach basic computer skills, email skills, Internet safety, and spreadsheet classes.

The senior center is also seeking volunteers for light phone work. Free training, networking events, and field trips are available for seniors who volunteer with the Senior Education Program. All volunteers are eligible to attend, “invitation only” events and specialized training conducted by the Senior Education Program.

To become a volunteer, call (713) 274-3250 or visit their homepage.

Girl Scout Cookie Program Kicks Off in January

Scott Tran — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 02:51:17 +0100

Cookies are not just cookies when they are Girl Scout Cookies. These cookies help send kids to camp, buy a winter coat for a needy child, they can even bring joy to our troops. Girl Scouts cookies build local communities and allow the girls to learn lessons that last a lifetime.

The Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council begin their annual cookie program on January 7th. This program has created more than $700 million in revenue for the scouts and their communities. The cookie program is also the largest girl-led business in the nation. Each box of cookies represents a girl who has learned about goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. These skills will be with them through out their life as they pursue their dreams.

Each box of cookies costs $4 and comes in eight varieties: Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Shortbread, Thanks-A-Lot, Caramel deLites, Lemonades, and Shout Outs. All varieties of Girl Scout Cookies are zero trans fat per serving. The Girl Scout Cookie Sale ends March 25.

Breakfast with Santa iPad Winner Announced

Cheryl Perry — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 03:36:26 +0100

On Saturday, December 3rd, Fairfield hosted a Breakfast with Santa event for new home shoppers. Visitors who tour at least three models received a free gingerbread house.

Gloria Taylor with ReMax Vintage (pictured with daughter Hannah and Fairfield Marketing Director Christine Draughn) won the event grand prize drawing of an Apple iPad2.

With 10 decorated models including a brand new model by Princeton Classic Homes which just opened this weekend, and new homes by top builders priced from the $150,000s to more than $1 million, Fairfield offers more selection in housing variety and amenities than ever before.

Now open daily are decorated models and available homes by Lennar, Triumph Homes, Village Builders, Westin Homes, Trendmaker Homes, Highland Homes, Frontier Custom Builders and Princeton Classic Homes.

Local Girl Scouts and the Kappa Delta Sorority Team Up for The Confidence Coalition

Ken Hooper — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:19:38 +0100

The “You Make Me Smile” balloon campaign event was recently co-hosted by Junior Girl Scout Troop 14294 and the Houston Chapter of the Kappa Delta Alumnae at the Houston Premium Outlet Mall.

These amazing young ladies passed out one hundred blue balloons with uplifting, confidence inspiring messages to female shoppers. Phrases such as “You make the world a beautiful place” was designed and produced by The Confidence Coalition to brighten the day of girls, teens, and women.

According to their website, “In 2009, Kappa Delta Sorority created the Confidence Coalition to mobilize the many organizations, companies and individuals that promote self-esteem and confidence among girls and women”. For more information visit The Confidence Coalition’s homepage.

Go Red for Women Luncheon will be Hosted by Methodist Hospital

Scott Tran — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 02:12:48 +0100

This year’s Go Red for Women luncheon will be held at the Berry Center on Monday February 13th, 2012. The CEO of Methodist Willowbrook, Beryl Ramsey and CEO of Methodist West Houston, Wayne Voss will serve as this year’s co-chairs.

Ramsey, Voss and their teams of volunteers have set a goal to raise an astonishing $200,000 to support educational programs provided by the American Heart Association and the life-saving research it funds.

Attendees will learn tips on heart disease and stroke prevention from local experts, participate in activities, hear an inspiring story from a local survivor, and participate in a “purse-onalities” silent auction. The “purses” will include actual handbags, as well as golf bags and briefcases. This year’s auction caters to all attendees. Melissa Wilson of Fox 26 Morning News will emcee the event and Dr. Valentina Ugolini of Willowbrook Cardiovascular Associates will be the featured medical speaker.

“Go Red for Women celebrates the energy, passion and power that women can use to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke”.To become a sponsor, purchase tables and/or tickets, or for further information, contact Priscilla Luna at 713.610.5071 or email priscilla.luna@heart.org.

Go Red For Women is sponsored nationally by Macy’s and Merck & Co., Inc.

Breakfast with Santa Event in Fairfield

Cheryl Perry — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:52:08 +0100

On Saturday, December 3rd, Fairfield hosted a Breakfast with Santa event for new home shoppers. Visitors who tour at least three models received a free gingerbread house.

The Northwest Assistance Ministries Provide for Families in Need this Holiday Season

Scott Tran — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:14:17 +0100

The Northwest Assistance Ministries hosted their annual Thanksgiving distribution this past November and served over 850 individuals and families.

The families received a turkey plus all the trimmings, and a generous gift of a week’s worth of groceries. President and CEO of the Northwest Assistant Ministries, Carole Little says, “We are so grateful to all the community members who donated food, without the Northwest Assistance Ministry, these families would not have a Thanksgiving meal”.

The Northwest Assistance Ministries’ Christmas Distribution is scheduled for December 17th and 19th . The Northwest Assistance Ministry is collecting new, unwrapped toys for ages 12 and under through December 11th. Frozen turkeys are still needed. They are expecting to serve no less that 2,000 families with food and gifts this year.

Mrs. Little says, “The Northwest Assistance Ministry’s Christmas Project really brightens the holiday for Neighbors in Need. Imagine not being able to provide Christmas for your kids. Many of the families we serve face just that dilemma”.

For more information on how to participate or contribute financially visit the Northwest Assistance Ministries on their homepage.

St. Luke’s Hospital in Cypress Receives ACR Accreditation

Scott Tran — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 02:44:20 +0100

The American College of Radiology or ACR is the highest standard in Computed Tomography (CT), Mammography, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Nuclear Medicine, and Ultrasound. In St. Luke’s first year of business in Cypress they were able to earn their Accreditation from the American College of Radiology.

The ACR’s accreditation process is rigorous and involves multiple exams, protocols, modality specific physicist reports and tests to be submitted for review. Facilities must demonstrate the highest levels of image quality and dose consciousness. This stellar achievement could not have been possible with out the diligence and dedication of the imaging team.

The manager of Imaging and Diagnostics, Candice Chang said, “Everyone in the imaging department has put a lot of time and effort into providing patients with high quality imaging services and safe, comfortable procedures. Without their hard work and dedication we would not have been able to reach this goal. I am extremely proud to be part of this team. The accreditation from the American College of Radiology shows that St. Luke’s Hospital is committed to providing the highest level of image quality and patient safety.”

Rotary Club of Cypress-Fairbanks Donates $4,000 to Living Water International

Scott Tran — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:32:26 +0100

Living Water International, an international water project received a $4,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Cypress-Fairbanks. Living Water International is a faith-based not for profit organization. The organization addresses the international crisis of communities deprived of clean water, which claims more lives than all other natural disasters combined.

The faith based organization’s headquarters established in 1990 is located in Houston. They have drilled more than 6,500 wells and served more than 9.5 million people across 26 countries. Rotary Club President Justin Jenkins said, “This was a great opportunity for the club to extend beyond the great service we do in our community and help those around the world.”

The lack of basic needs like clean water propagates the cycle and culture of poverty. To learn more about Living Water International visit their homepage.

Breakfast with Santa this Weekend in Fairfield

Cheryl Perry — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:08:47 +0100

With the holiday season well underway, Fairfield by Friendswood Development is offering visitors a chance to really enjoy the season with a Breakfast With Santa event on Saturday, December 3, and where one lucky winner will have a new iPad2 for the holidays.

Santa will be on location for a limited time at the Fairfield Information Center. From 10 a.m. until noon, breakfast will be served and kids can talk to and get their picture taken with Santa. Registration forms for the iPad2 are available in the Information Center. No purchase is necessary to win.

And, visitors who tour at least three models will receive a free gingerbread house. Community maps and information are available at the Fairfield Information Center, located just past the main entrance of the community.

Princeton Classic Homes Open New Model Home in Fairfield

Cheryl Perry — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 03:40:08 +0100

Princeton Classic Homes is the newest builder in master-planned Fairfield and is celebrating the grand opening of its new model this weekend.

The new model represents one of eight new home designs now offered by Princeton Classic Homes in Fairfield’s Baker’s Ridge neighborhood. Priced from the $180,000s, the homes range in size from 2,041 to more than 3,000 square feet.

Now open daily, the Marshall design is a one-story home with more than 3,000 square feet and an optional second-floor game room/flex room that is showcased in the model. The home features a brick and stone elevation and a covered back patio.

Inside, the design includes a formal dining room overlooking the front yard and a butler’s pantry leading to the kitchen. The kitchen and breakfast room are open to the spacious family room.

A separate bedroom wing includes a private master suite with granite countertops; two large bedrooms and a full bath.

The model also gives home shoppers a preview of some of the options available from Princeton Classic Homes such as the second-floor option. Upstairs is a media room, half bath and a flex room, which is designed as a game room in the new model. Another option for the second floor is a game room, fourth bedroom and full bath.

Next door, Lennar is completing construction on two new models that will display the builder’s solar and home automation features.

Fairfield offers a total of 10 decorated models by an impressive list of builders. In addition to Princeton Classic and Lennar, Fairfield offers new homes by Triumph Homes, Village Builders, Trendmaker Homes, Highland Homes, Westin Homes and Frontier Custom Builders. New homes are priced from the $150,000s to more than $1 million.

Cypress Creek Theatre Director Selected to Hall of Fame

Scott Tran — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:42:21 +0100

Theater director Marilyn Miller from Cypress Creek High School is now part of the inaugural group for the Texas Thespians Hall of Fame. Director Miller is one of twenty professional thespians chosen for this honor. The Texas chapter is part of the International Thespian Society.

Those who are inaugurated into the Texas Thespian Hall of Fame are among the most dedicated to theater and are know for their contributions to educational theater and an enduring standard of excellence. “It has been a sincere pleasure to work with so many fantastic and dedicated theatre people over the years,” Miller says. “The Texas Thespians chapter is the largest and most accomplished in the world because of these individuals. To be named to the Hall of Fame is truly humbling and reminds me that the real ‘winners’ are the thousands of students who have been positively influenced and rewarded through the Thespian scholarships, performances, workshops and competitions.

Marilyn Miller has served as the Texas Educational Theatre Association president and her honors include Educator of the Year from the Texas Educational Theatre Association, the Texas Educational Theatre Association Founders Award and the Southwestern Bell UIL Sponsor of the Year.

Cy-Fair Girl Scouts Collects Donations for Kids Meals on Wheels

Scott Tran — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:41:22 +0100

Local Cy-Fair Girl Scout Troops 15296, 15209, and 15443 had a food drive to benefit the Kids Meals on Wheels Program of Houston. The Brownie Troop 15296 and Daisy Troop 15443 made cards and Halloween themed bags to coincide with the food donation deliveries. Troop 15296 completed the service project for their Brownie Quest Journey.

According to the Houston Food Bank, “Texas is number one in our nation for food insecurity for children. The poverty rate for individuals in 16.4%, however children under five years of age are disproportionately affected by poverty rate at 28.2%, 1.8 million children live in homes that are food insecure.”

To learn more, donate or volunteer visit Kids Meals Houston online.

Cy-Fair ISD the Largest Recognized District in the State of Texas

Cheryl Perry — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 03:13:47 +0100

For the fourth consecutive year, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD is the largest Recognized school district in Texas.

Today, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) confirmed that an appeal was granted and CFISD's accountability rating was changed to Recognized. The increase in rating came as a result of an appeal to recalculate the TAKS science passing percentage for Dean Middle School. The decision changed the campus' accountability rating to Academically Acceptable.

“It is an incredible honor to be deemed the largest Recognized district in the state of Texas for the fourth consecutive year,” said Dr. Mark Henry, superintendent of schools. “We are pleased with TEA’s decision to grant our appeal for a rating change that more accurately reflects the continual improvement and performance from all CFISD students.”

For more information, visit the district website <http://www.cfisd.net/newsmedia/press/2011/1027recognized.htm > .

Village Builders Homes for your Holidays

Cheryl Perry — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:12:41 +0100

Village Builders is offering special "seasonal savings" - ask a new home consultant today!