Schools donate, deliver 9,000 books
A monthlong book drive effort held last spring at two district high schools resulted in approximately 9,000 books that were donated to CFISD’s brand-new Woodard Elementary School. The campus opened on Aug. 24 with classroom libraries fully stocked with reading material.
A brainstorming idea by Liz Evans, Woodard’s language arts/social studies instructional specialist, resulted in a friendly community service competition between Cypress Woods and Cypress Falls high schools, the two campuses that Woodard students will eventually feed into.
Students at both schools answered the call for their district’s 54th elementary campus, donating and collecting new and gently used books throughout the month of May.
Cypress Woods students collected nearly 8,000 books for the Woodard students.
“We would have been ecstatic with 3,000 books total,” Evans said. “When (Cypress Woods Associate Principal) Dirk (Heath) took me to the storage area where they were keeping the books this summer, I literally teared up. I was overwhelmed with the generosity.”
The Wildcats then took their giving spirit to an extra degree. Following a morning practice on Aug. 14, members of the football team loaded the books onto trucks and delivered them to each Woodard classroom.
“We feel like we are not just teaching our kids about physics or algebra,” Heath said. “We’re teaching them life skills. We continually stress the importance of giving back to the community, and what better example than reaching out to other schools in our district that are in need? We are excited for the Woodard staff and students, and we’re glad we could contribute what we did.”
When compiled with the 1,000 books delivered by Cypress Falls in July, the donations amounted to 300 books for each of Woodard’s 30 language arts teachers. Instead of purchasing books, Woodard administrators bought three additional book shelves for each teacher.
According to Evans, the reactions from Woodard staff were “wall-to-wall smiles.”
“They were so excited and thrilled to know that they’re supported from the community,” she said. “Their students will be able to read what they’re interested in. A lot of these books were new versions, the latest and greatest of what’s out there, and they’re going to help young children develop a love for reading.”
Evans, a 10-year veteran of CFISD, said the effort was evidence of the community’s cohesiveness.
“It proved the point that our district is all for kids, and we’re all for each other,” she said. “It doesn’t matter how big we are or what neighborhood you’re from. If you’re a part of CyFair, you’re a part of CyFair.”
CFISD Student of the Week: James Sowell
Cypress Ranch High School senior James Sowell, 18, lives and breathes band, whether it’s ranking among the state’s elite in woodwinds, playing with the jazz band or playing with the pep band at Mustang football games. A student of musical styles, Sowell has already been accepted to Lamar University. He hopes to pursue a career as a band director after college.
Accomplishments: Top seven on state band rosters for fourth time on three woodwinds: 2015 — No. 7 on contra bassoon (TMEA), 2014 — No. 6 on jazz tenor sax (ATSSB); 2014 — No. 6 on bassoon (ATSSB) and 2013 — No. 5 on bassoon (ATSSB); eight-time all-region band member; four-time area band member; allstate band member, plus 1st, 2nd and 4th alternate (with three instruments); nine hours of dual credit completed in 11th grade, with six more in 12th grade; TSI college readiness completed; and accepted at Lamar University, with applications pending at Texas State and University of Houston.
Favorite class: Jazz band/pep band.
Favorite things to do after class: Jazz band.
Favorite TV show: “Big Bang Theory” “It’s hilarious and nerdy.”
Favorite movie: “Blazing Saddles”
Ambition: “I want to be a band director, specializing in woodwinds jazz.”
What topics/things are you passionate about? Music styles and excellence in performance.
What three things can’t you live without?
My car, food and band.