October 2017

CFISD Classroom Cheerleader Spotlight: John Skelton

cheerleader-skelton-48
As the third-largest school district in Texas and the largest employer in Northwest Harris County, Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District impacts the lives of far more than the 115,000 students and thousands of teachers, employees and administrators across 88 elementary, middle and high school campuses and special program facilities that study and work within our walls. In fact, we’re proud that as a top-rated school district, the work we do within our school system extends beyond the schools and permeates within our neighborhoods and businesses, making the greater Cypress-Fairbanks community a better place to work, live, study and play. The Cypress-Fairbanks community excels because of our CFISD cheerleaders; the individuals and businesses that invest in and support our students and community at large.

Today, we highlight John Skelton, LIFE Skills vocational training teacher at the Carlton Center and the school’s 2016-2017 Spotlight Teacher.

How long have you lived/worked in Cypress-Fairbanks?

I am starting my fourth year with CFISD.

Why are you so passionate about being a part of the Cypress-Fairbanks community?

When we decided to move to the Houston area from El Paso, Texas, my wife and I visited all the areas around Houston. We found the friendliest people in CFISD. They made my wife and me feel welcomed.

How has Cypress-Fairbanks ISD impacted you, your family or your business?

Working for CFISD has really shown me a school district that cares for its students in all aspects of their education–academics, extracurricular activities, and their physical and emotional needs.

What piece of advice would you like to give to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD students?

Trust what the educators in the district are telling you. We are here to help you grow as a person and to send you out into the world with the knowledge to be the best that you can be.

What’s your favorite thing to do, see, eat or experience in our community?

I love golf, and Cypress has some of the best. All my free time is on the golf course. My wife and I are always looking for the next best restaurant and Cypress has its share of them.

Interested in getting involved, being featured as an upcoming Cheerleader (or featuring someone who you think makes our district great) or in learning more about how Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District makes the larger Cypress-Fairbanks community a better place to work, live, study and play for all of us? Visit CFISDSpirit.com to cheer along with our team!

CFISD Classroom Cheerleader Spotlight: Tynesha Jackson

cheerleader-jackson-48

As the third-largest school district in Texas and the largest employer in Northwest Harris County, Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District impacts the lives of far more than the 115,000 students and thousands of teachers, employees and administrators across 88 elementary, middle and high school campuses and special program facilities that study and work within our walls. In fact, we’re proud that as a top-rated school district, the work we do within our school system extends beyond the schools and permeates within our neighborhoods and businesses, making the greater Cypress-Fairbanks community a better place to work, live, study and play. The Cypress-Fairbanks community excels because of our CFISD cheerleaders; the individuals and businesses that invest in and support our students and community at large.

Today, we highlight Tynesha Jackson, CFISD transportation department charter.

How long have you lived/worked in Cypress-Fairbanks?

I have lived in the Cypress-Fairbanks area for the last 20 years.

Why are you so passionate about being a part of the Cypress-Fairbanks community?

Cypress-Fairbanks offers amazing things within the community as well as the award-winning school district, which has truly fueled my passion for Cy-Fair.

How has Cypress-Fairbanks ISD impacted you, your family or your business?

My husband and I have five active boys that have been given the opportunity to find their own passion through CFISD. It has allowed them to thrive in their future endeavors. Our oldest son, Ron Jackson, graduated from Cypress Ridge High School with full academic and athletic scholarships. He signed with Concordia of Nebraska in 2012 and graduated with his bachelor’s and has become the newest graduate football coach for Concordia University. I have also been blessed to find a rewarding career within the district.

What piece of advice would you like to give to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD students?

DREAM BIG! CFISD has so much to offer. Once you discover your passion, never let your light die out!

What’s your favorite thing to do, see, eat or experience in our community?

I love spending time with my family and friends. There are countless activities that Cypress has to offer, from amazing cuisines to endless shopping and so much more!

CFISD Classroom Cheerleader Spotlight: Amy Foster-Muñoz

cheerleader-munoz-46
As the third-largest school district in Texas and the largest employer in Northwest Harris County, Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District impacts the lives of far more than the 115,000 students and thousands of teachers, employees and administrators across 88 elementary, middle and high school campuses and special program facilities that study and work within our walls. In fact, we’re proud that as a top-rated school district, the work we do within our school system extends beyond the schools and permeates within our neighborhoods and businesses, making the greater Cypress-Fairbanks community a better place to work, live, study and play. The Cypress-Fairbanks community excels because of our CFISD cheerleaders; the individuals and businesses that invest in and support our students and community at large.

Today, we highlight Amy Foster-Muñoz, Goodson Middle School sixth-grade teacher, who was her campus’s Spotlight Teacher in the 2016-2017 school year.

How long have you lived/worked in Cypress-Fairbanks?

I have lived here for eight years and worked here for six years.

Why are you so passionate about being a part of the Cypress-Fairbanks community?

Cy-Fair is a wonderful dynamic and welcoming community. This is a place where people of all backgrounds come together to serve the community and each other. The people of Cy-Fair love the area and the community. CFISD in particular continues to be a leader at the state and local levels, working to provide a very wide variety of services to its students and families.

How has Cypress-Fairbanks ISD impacted you, your family or your business?

My family is very involved in CFISD. This is my sixth year as a teacher for CFISD, and I’ve had the blessings to learn so much from my fellow teachers, DIs, and principals. I have taught theatre, speech, and am now working as a sixth-grade World Cultures teacher. Last year I was honored to represent my campus (Goodson MS) as a Spotlight Teacher. I’ve received my Horizons certification, and am always awarded a wide variety of professional development opportunities. More than that, I also have two children in elementary in CFISD. I’ve gotten to see how elementary schools grow children as learners and individuals. I’ve seen the kinds of opportunities provided for them and how hard the teachers work to see them excel. Finally, my youngest two children attend the Barker ELC, an amazing and warm place that have gone above and beyond to make my children feel welcome and loved. It’s been amazing to see CFISD from these three different perspectives and to see how important the district is in the life of my family.

What piece of advice would you like to give to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD students?

Don’t fear failure. Fear of failure will hold you back more than any lack of knowledge or skill ever could. We become so caught up in keeping up the appearance of forever being smart, successful and fashionable that we sometimes hesitate to venture into new and unexplored territory. Take a risk, and remember failure is the first necessary step toward success! When you were born you didn’t know anything at all! Look at all you can do now, you would never have grown so much and come so far if fear was holding you back.

What’s your favorite thing to do, see, eat or experience in our community?

Take advantage of campus activities! Schools host book fairs, festivals, fun runs, fall markets, sporting events, family nights and so much more! I love to see the community and the school come together and spend time enjoying the sense of belonging that is so unique to this community. I love to eat at Tea for Two, Sushi Choo Choo and Skip’s Farm.

CFISD Classroom Cheerleader Spotlight: Aaron Perez

cheerleader-perez-44

Today, we highlight Aaron Perez, Cypress Springs High School junior, who plays French horn and serves as drum major for the Cypress Springs Panther marching band.

How long have you lived/worked in Cypress-Fairbanks?

Eleven years.

Why are you so passionate about being a part of the Cypress-Fairbanks community?

I am passionate about this community because of the wonderful people I get to interact with every day. Cypress-Fairbanks contains a multitude of cultures, all with their own unique ideas. I believe that having an understanding of all schools of thought grows empathy between all people, so that we may be accepting of each other and compassionate towards one another.

How has Cypress-Fairbanks ISD impacted you, your family or your business?

CFISD has been an enormous blessing to my family by not only providing a quality education for me and my brothers, but also opening many doors for us. My brothers, Yoel and Alex, are the first in our family to attend college. They were a part of the Cypress Springs High School band, just as I currently am. Being in a band in this school district has impacted me by teaching me a valuable lesson: music is not about playing the correct notes and rhythms, but it is about interpersonal connection. Music is simply a language used to tell stories or convey complex emotions that cannot be explained in words. Music should never be played for music’s sake, but rather as a medium for displaying empathy and humanity. Although I learned this lesson through music, the same concept applies to all aspects of our lives. We should always act with compassion and seek understanding.

What piece of advice would you like to give to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD students?

Intentionally seek out moments to be compassionate. It is easy to get wrapped up in the daily stresses of our lives and forget that there are others around us who need kindness.

What’s your favorite thing to do, see, eat or experience in our community?

I enjoy going to the Boardwalk at Towne Lake with my friends because it has great restaurants and beautiful scenery!