The AHSA Board unanimously decided to endorse the HISD Bond Referendum. We felt strongly that this proposal was good for the future of the students we serve. We encourage all members to learn, act and vote on November the 6th.
New Board Members ElectedOctober 27, 2007
The membership has voted, the results have been tallied and AHSA welcomes four new board members this week. We are pleased to announce these fine additions to the board: Steven Gutierrez, Lupita Hinojosa, Linda Llorente and Isabel Palacios. Please check the Board Members page of this website to see their biographies in the near future.
AHSA Bond Rally and Reception a SuccessOctober 18, 2007
AHSA members, friends, family and co-workers gathered at the HISD Bond office on October 17th to rally support for HISD's Bond referendum. Dr. Saavedra addressed the crowd, thanking everyone for their support to date and asking for their continued support to ensure a successful bond election.
Members showed their support by making donations to the campaign, acquiring yard signs for distribution along with other bond materials. Dr. Saavedra surprised the gathered membership by pledging to match the donations made by members to the campaign, with an equal donation to AHSA's scholarship fund. Pictures of the event are available in our photo gallery.
Mentor an AHSA Award RecipientOctober 16th, 2007
If you have been looking for an easy way to get involved with the scholarship committee for AHSA, than look no further. Our scholarship recipients are first year college students and often are the first members of their family to attend college. As such, they could use a mentor to touch base with them every now and then. If you commit to being a mentor, all you have to do is contact them twice a semester and see how they are doing. You can contact them by phone or letter, whichever you prefer. Of course, the last phone call should be near the end of the year and you should encourage them to fill out an application to be a second year recipient. If you are interested, please contact imedrano@houstonisd.org to get contact information for a mentee. I hope to hear from you soon! The first semester is almost over and I bet our recipients could use some words of encouragement.
Scholarship Committee NewsOctober 16th, 2007
2006-2007 was a stellar year for awarding AHSA scholarships. Thanks to the generosity of all of our members and some of our sponsors, we were able to award seven $2,000 scholarships to graduating seniors, one second-time scholarship to a sophomore in college and one higher education scholarship to a teacher who is an aspiring administrator.
This year we already have $2,487 towards our awards. Special thanks to Mary Brown from Harcourt School Publishers, who generously sponsored our last social and to Brian Craft from VALIC who has agreed to underwrite an entire scholarship.
AHSA's Fall Reception Kicks the Year OffOctober 16th, 2007
The Association of Hispanic School Administrators held it's first event for the 2007-2008 school year, the Fall Reception and General Membership meeting. Hosted by Harcourt, the event was held at the scenic Rainbow Lodge on the bayou.
Over 100 administrators attended the event which recognized administrators new to their positions in HISD. Those that attended were treated to an amazing array of appetizers, beverages and stimulating conversations throughout the evening.
Armando Alaniz, President, called the members to order for a brief meeting. He took this opportunity to thank Richard Barajas for his many years of service to AHSA. Sandra Benavides, Patsy Cavazos and Barbara Thornhill recognized new administrators. Gasper Mir introduced Rosena Garcia, Director of CTE, who shared her vision with the crowd.
With the business portion of the meeting over, those gathered went back to networking and fundraising for scholarships. At the end of the evening, over $2400 had been raised for the scholarship fund.
Pictures of the event can be found in the picture gallery here at the website.
Gasper Mir Leaving HISD & AHSANovember 5, 2007
AHSA board member Gasper Mir has announced he will be leaving HISD and returning to the private sector. During his years of service to HISD and AHSA he made significant contributions to both organizations. HIs decision will leave great voids with both groups.
AHSA's Board of Directors would like to thank Gasper for his work and contributions. We wish him well in his new endeavor. He will be missed.
HISD Bond Proposal Approved November 7, 2007
HISD's Bond Proposal was successfully approved by the voters of Houston at the polls. AHSA would like to thank the membership for their efforts in supporting the bond referendum . The donations, walks and rallys and distribution of materials will ensure that the students we serve enjoy improved physical facilities, updated science labs in safe and secure environments.
AHSA Board Announces Teddy Bear Fundraiser November 20, 2007
AHSA will be sponsoring a Teddy Bear Scholarship Fundraiser this holiday season to benefit Navidad en el Barrio. AHSA members, friends and colleagues will have an opportunity to purchase a Teddy Bear for the drive with a donation to the AHSA scholarship fund. A $25 donation will result in a donation of a small teddy bear, $50 a medium and $100 donation, a large teddy bear. Your donation will do double work with a holiday gift for a child and a lifetime gift of education to a college student!
Winter Social and General Membership Meeting November 20, 2007
The next General Membership meeting will be held in combination with the Winter Social at 5:30 p.m. on December 12, 2007. The social, graciously sponsored by Houghton Mifflin, will be held at Molina's at 4720 Washington. Join your colleagues to celebrate the season, visit with new board members and share some cheer. Teddy bears may be purchased at the event for Navidad en el Barrio.
Winter Social Supports Two PurposesDecember 13, 2007
With a full house, AHSA members again showed their generous nature purchasing teddy bears to be distributed to deserving young people with donations that benefited the scholarship fund. Members enjoyed the holiday meet and greet while raising several thousand dollars to benefit college students seeking degrees in education.
For pictures of the event, be sure to visit the photo gallery at our website.
Spring Social HeldMarch 1, 2008
The Association of Hispanic School Administrators held it's Spring Social and General Membership meeting last week at Mak Chin's. The event , generously underwritten by Pearson, was a remarkable success with donations to the scholarship funds from the members, guests and corporate sponsors.
Noche de las Estrellas 2008June 6, 2008
Members, family and friends gathered Thursday, June 5th at the Westin Galleria to watch over $16,000 in scholarships be distributed to deserving students. Thanks to the generous donations of our membership, sponsors and friends, eight students will have their financial burdens lightened as they enter college this fall.
AHSA is proud to announce the following scholarship winners:
Liliana Aguilar, Chavez High School
Mayra Caballero, Austin High School
Ana Garcia, Milby High School
Joanne Coronado, Wheatley High School
Ana Cuevas, HCC AHSA Second Time Scholarship Winner
Jorge Silva, Reagan High School AIG Retirement/AHSA Scholarship Winner
Sandra Cardenas, Reagan High School Dearborn & Creggs/AHSA Scholarship Winner
Lucia Flores, McReynolds Middle School Balfour/AHSA Higher Education Recipient
Pictures of the event and scholarship recipients are available on our website in the photo gallery.
AHSA Recognizes Two LeadersJune 6, 2008
In addition to the over $16,000 in scholarships awarded at the Noche de las Estrellas banquet, AHSA also took the opportunity to recognize leaders in the field of education and shining stars in our community. This year, Oliver Luck of the Houston Dynamos was awarded the Estrella Award for his work with the Houston ISD schools. His contributions of time and programs to support our youth made him the ideal recipient.
Thelma Garza has dedicated her life to education and the Houston ISD. Rising from the ranks of teachers to supervisor, principal and Regional Superintendent, she has been a role model for adults and youth alike. AHSA recognized Thelma Garza's contributions to education and leadership with the Amigo Award. There to support Thelma were her mother, Mrs. Adelfa Parrish and former Houston ISD Superintendent, Kaye Stripling.
Photos can be found in our photo gallery at the website.
AHSA Booth at Reliant CenterAugust 3, 2008
AHSA membership should plan to drop by our booth at the Summer Leadership Institute to update membership, get a flyer for our latest upcoming event and to visit with friends. Bring a colleague, friend or associate who is interested in getting more information about our organization or wishes to obtain a membership application.
AHSA Announces New Administrators ReceptionAugust 3, 2008
AHSA announces it's first event of the school year, The New Administrators Reception and General Membership meeting. The event will be held at Pagoda's on September 4th, 2008 from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. AHSA will recognize new administrators in Houston ISD and will introduce Martha Salazar-Zamora, Assistant Superintendent for School Support Services. The board would like to thank Stewart Jacobsen and Dearborn & Creggs for sponsoring this event. Be sure to drop by and celebrate the start of a new school year!
AHSA Hosts New Administrators Reception September 5, 2008
The Association of Hispanic School Administrators hosted a reception to honor HISD's new administrator's yesterday at Pagoda's. Sponsored by Stewart Jacobsen and Dearborn & Creggs, the event featured many of our newest principals, assistant principals and other administrators. Featured guest and newl member of HISD's administration, Martha Salazar-Zamora shared with those gathered her plans for Student Support Services. Also attending to greet and welcome new administrators were Regional Superintendents Thelma Garza and Cynthia Wilson as well as Deputy Superintendent Karen Garza. AHSA would like to thank all our guests and wish the new administrators great success.
AHSA Announces Fall Fundraiser October 1, 2008
Doneraki's on the Gulf Freeway will be the site for the Association of Hispanic School Administrators Fall Fundraiser and General Membership Meeting. Members and friends are encouraged to join us for networking and social opportunities as we raise monies for our scholarship fund. The event will be held October 23rd. Members will receive further details via email.
Members Gather at Doneraki'sOctober 23, 2008
Doneraki's on the Gulf Freeway was the gathering spot for AHSA's membership and friends on October 23rd. Members had an opportunity to socialize and network with other administrators from around the district while raising monies for the scholarship fund. The night was a huge success with good food, good colleagues and great donations for the scholarship fund. Pictures of the event are available in the Photo Gallery.
AHSA to Host API and Annenberg Information Session November 2008
The Association of Hispanic School Administrators is pleased to announce the Winter Scholarship Fundraiser and Social will include presentations from representatives of HISD's Aspiring Principals Institute and Annenberg's Principals Academy. AHSA will also be replicating last year's hugely successful Teddy Bear Fundraiser allowing donors to not only contribute to the Scholarship Fund but to also sponsor a Teddy Bear for a needy child, all with a single donation. The event will be held at Guadalajara's on the Southwest Freeway on December 5th. Members are encouraged to bring any aspiring administrator to this fantastic opportunity and event. More information will be available to members via email.
Crowded Social Raises Thousands for Scholarships December 5th, 2008
AHSA is pleased to announce that a jam-packed social resulted in record donations for the scholarship funds. Members and guests gathered to hear Josephine Rice of API and Scott Van Beck of Annenberg explain their programs for training aspiring principals. The audience was fully informed of the strengths of both programs and given an opportunity to get an inside view of the application processes. Members and guests demonstrated great generosity for the fundraising efforts, making donations that will afford an aspiring educator financial assistance and provide a needy child with a Christmas gift. Thank you to all who attended. Pictures of the event are available in the Photo Gallery.
New Board Members Elected January 2009
AHSA is pleased to announce the election of four new board members to fill vacancies created by recent retirements. Voter turn out was terrific with over a third of the membership casting votes. Our new board members are Justin Fuentes from Challenge Early High School, Kim Heckman from Park Place Elementary, Susan Pansmith from the East Region Office and Lindsey Pollock of Garden Oaks. We welcome them to the board and thank them for their willingness to serve.
Winter Social Has Membership Dancing! February 12, 2009
With salsa music, dancing and free lessons, AHSA most recent fundraiser had the membership and guests actively interacting and celebrating. Sponsored by Todd Watt of EdSmart, the event brought members to their feet at Cafe Adobe MarqE. The large crowd proved generous, making donations to the scholarship program in exchange for Roses for their loved ones. Members networked, danced and laughed throughout the evening while meeting new friends and learning new dance moves. A good and generous time was had by all who attended.
Red Hot Tips for Aspiring AdministratorsFebruary 21, 2009
The Association of Hispanic School Administrators sponsored a training opportunity for aspiring administrators in HISD. Held at Challenge Early College High School on Saturday, February 21, 2009, the event was designed to provide support and tips to individuals hoping to enter educational administration in HISD. The day was focused on the interview process with sessions including mock interviews, data analysis, professional dress and resume writing. Attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions about the process, to hear hot tips and to gain insight into what the district looks for in it's leadership positions. Information was shared by current Principals, regional personnel and several of HISD's Executive Principals. Attendees are encouraged to contact any AHSA board member for further support and mentoring as they pursue their administrative careers.
Membership on the Move at Spring Social May 10, 2009
Members, friends and colleagues gathered at Isla Coqui earlier this week to enjoy first class food, networking and the ever popular salsa dance lessons. With a crowded house, members ate from a delightful array of Puerto Rican treats and beverages sponsored by Harcourt, Houghton Mifflin. Back by popular demand were free Salsa lessons and demonstrations for all. Armando Alaniz, President, updated the group on business and applauded the group for their outstanding contributions to students and the scholarship fund. The night was a big hit with many hours of networking, laughter and good food.
Noche de Estrellas Scholarship Banquet 2009June 11, 2009
Membership, family, and friends gathered this week at Westin Galleria to witness over $16,000 worth of scholarship be awarded to deserving students. AHSA with the generous support of it's membership and sponsors awarded five scholarships to graduating seniors who are planning careers in education, one second time scholarship to a student who is successfully completing college classes and to one AHSA member who is pursuing a graduate degree.
The membership was also pleased to present two outstanding leaders with awards acknowledging their contributions to the students of HISD. The Amigo Award recognizes a member of the community whose work and efforts contributes to the success of our youth. This year, AHSA was proud to recognize Constable Victor Trevino.
The Estrella award recognizes an individual within HISD whose contributions and efforts has had an immediate and positive impact on the lives of our students. AHSA is pleased to have the opportunity to recognize our retiring Superintendent Abelardo Saavedra.
We'd like to acknowledge and congratulate the following scholarship winners as well:
Susana AvilaMilby High School
Gabriela Lopez-Rogina Mt. Carmel High School
Jeanette Romo Reagan High School
Maria Tejada Reagan High School
Carmen Benitez Eastwood Academy
Ana Cuevas HCC Second Time Recipient
Brandi Cortez Austin High School Balfour Higher Education Scholarship
AHSA also celebrated the retirement of one of it's own members who has contributed much to the organization, Clyde Hough. We would like to thank our membership and sponsors for making this event possible.
AHSA Booth at Leadership Institute August 4 & 5, 2009
Members and friends are encouraged to drop by our table at Reliant Center to pick up our Save the Dates flyer, event flyer and update your membership information. Bring a friend who might be interested in joining our organization and meeting our membership. See you there!
AHSA Announces New Administrator's ReceptionAugust 6, 2009
The Association of Hispanic School Administrator's is pleased to announced they will be hosting a reception to welcome New Administrators into the profession. The reception will be held at the Westin Galleria in the Royal Suite on September 3rd, 2009 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Interim Chief Academic Officer, Thelma Garza, will address the new administrators and membership.
New Administrator's Reception September 3, 2009
AHSA hosted a reception to welcome HISD's latest administrators to their new jobs and responsibilities thanks to the generous sponsorship of our friends and supporters at Dearborn & Cregg. The packed house heard words of wisdom from our Interim Chief Academic Officer, Thelma Garza and received certificates from Regional personnel. Special guests included West Region Superintendent, Barbara Thornhill and North Region Superintendent, Cynthia Wilson.
AHSA Announces Fall Scholarship Fundraiser to Have Special Honoree October 1, 2009
The Association of Hispanic School Administrators is pleased to announce our Fall Scholarship Fundraiser to be held on October 22, 2009 at Maggiano's from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. will also a reception to welcome our new Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Terry Grier. Please mark your calendars and be sure to join us in welcoming Dr. Grier to the Houston Independent School District. We'd like to thank Harcourt, Houghton Mifflin for sponsoring this event.
