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Principals, teachers, and early childhood centers are all invited to apply for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, which celebrates public school professionals whose leadership and dedication inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. Individuals are eligible to win any amount between $5,000-$25,000, and districts are eligible for up to $100,000.

Over $800,000 in cash prizes and grants is awarded each year through the H-E-B- Excellence in Education Awards to deserving teachers, principals, school districts, and early childhood facilities. It is the largest monetary recognition program for educators in Texas and one of the largest in the nation. Last year, three Houston ISD employees won awards including High School for Performing & Visual Arts Principal, Dr. R. Scott Allen; Hilliard Elementary School Principal, Michael Walker; and Burbank Middle Dual Language Coordinator, Dr. Linda Velasquez.

For instructions on how to nominate an individual, school, or district, or to apply as a teacher for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, please see the following attachment and visit www.HEB.com/education. All nominations are due by December 8, 2013.

Additionally, the response to the Fall Fundraiser was tremendous. We achieved the goal we had set and are off to a great start in our fundraising initiative. Thank you also to those of you that made/collected donations as this also provided funds we had only hoped for. I have been approached by several of you that said you would like to donate, but did not get the envelope turned in with the fundraiser, please know that we will continue accepting donations. If you would like to make a donation, please make your checks payable to "WHS PTO" put it in an envelope with a note stating "Senior Donation" and include the student's name, student ID# and amount enclosed and address the envelope to: Senior Donation, ATTN: K. Brett. Please have your son/daughter turn in either to Ms. Brett in N135 or the front office. Remember, all donations are appreciated and for any donation of $300 your student will receive a free Prom Ticket and donations of $500 or more will receive 2 free Prom Tickets.

There will be a Senior Parent Meeting in late January or early February to begin planning for the spring and end of year events. The spring semester will go quickly and there are many events to prepare for, so please look for information regarding that meeting shortly after the first of the year. Have a wonderful and safe Holiday Season, and look forward to the events that will celebrate the great accomplishments these seniors have made as they begin to approach graduation. If you have any questions or would like to have your email address added to the master distribution list, please email me atjacksrl@att.net.

The first camp will be a hitting camp. The date for this camp is this Saturday, December 7, from 9 a.m. until noon. This camp is solely designed to work with the offensive approach to the game of baseball.

The second camp will be a pitching and defense camp. The date for this camp is December 14, from 9 a.m. - noon. This camp is solely designed to work with the defensive approach to the game of baseball.

I know that all fathers may not be able to attend due to work, hunting, football, etc. We understand the business of schedules and still want to be a part of your son's baseball growth. This year, we want players to attend even if their father can't. We have numerous coaches and will have plenty of people to help work with your son. Please consider this option as you prepare for these two camps. We will accept walk ups on the day of each camp.

If you have any questions, please contact Coach Barrow at mbarrow@houstonisd.org.

As much as we all love the holidays, this can be a stressful time for all of us- especially for our teens. The pressure of homework, projects, presentations, and finals can often times be overwhelming. 

Therefore, this is a very important time for parents to pay attention, monitor their teen's health, behavior, thoughts or feelings, listen carefully, learn and model stress management skills, and support involvement in clubs, sports and other pro-social activities. 

The Choices topic for December is Stress Management. During the few weeks of school this month, I will be doing various groups and classes on stress management. Every Tuesday, I have an open lunch group in Mrs. Thibodeaux's room (A216) where I cover topics such as stress management, drug and alcohol use, relationships and more. Extra credit for students in Mrs. Thibodeaux's class and credit appeal are offered. This is an open group to all students. 

For more information, click here to visit my staff page.