November 2017

CFISD Community Cheerleader Spotlight: April Kowis Thomson

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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 April Kowis Thomson, vice president of member access at the Associated Credit Union of Texas.

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

Four years.

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

I’m amazed at the passion and dedication of the CFISD staff. They inspire me to seek out one of the many opportunities to serve my community and make an impact. I enjoy the Bus Buddies program and helping with teacher appreciation and volunteering when I am called. I also love volunteering with the many events the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation puts together. The mission of the CFEF is to raise funds to increase college access for graduates of Cy-Fair ISD by awarding scholarships. With 12 high schools in the district, I know I am helping make an impact.

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

Our family is very excited about my oldest daughter, Aubrey, beginning kindergarten at Birkes Elementary next year. My mother-in-law retired from Birkes and has told Aubrey all about her new school and the great people that work there.

I believe the growth in our community is attributed to the great schools in CFISD. My business has grown as more residential developments and businesses have come up along Fry Road. Growth in our area presents Associated Credit Union of Texas more opportunities to meet the financial needs of the community.

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

Don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone. Maybe it’s an activity, a sport or speaking in front of your class. Challenge yourself and reap the reward.

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

I enjoy visiting local parks and watching my kids run and play. My kids LOVE to go to the Chick-fil-A in Towne Lake.

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: Edward Torres

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Today, we highlight Edward Torres, an area manager with CFISD’s operations department.

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

I have lived in and worked for Cypress-Fairbanks for more than 30 years.

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

I am passionate about Cypress-Fairbanks ISD because I have grown not only personally but professionally through my years. I have made lifelong friendships. Cypress-Fairbanks is passionate about their employees, so that motivated me every day to be the best I can be.

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

Cypress-Fairbanks has impacted me when I was able to see all my children go through Cy-Fair schools and prepare them for their future careers. I am grateful to work for a district that allows me to provide for my family and watch my children be products of Cy-Fair ISD.

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

To accept challenges, learn from your mistakes and show passion toward the career you choose. Always strive for the best, stay focused and become a productive citizen.

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

I like to attend high school craft shows and support local restaurants while seeing students working and being productive and making a difference in lives of others.

CFISD Classroom Cheerleader Spotlight: Allison Payne

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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 Allison Payne, second-grade math and science teacher at Moore Elementary School. Payne was also named the school’s 2016-2017 Spotlight Teacher.

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 love my Cy-Fair community. We are all one big family who helps one another and cheers each other on!

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

Cy-Fair has helped grow and mold me into the teacher I am today. I’ve had the amazing experience to work with and learn from some of the best administrators and teachers. I’ve met some of my best friends by working here in Cy-Fair. We really are one big community that supports one another!

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

Never give up! You can achieve anything you set out to do! If you can dream it, you can achieve it!

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

I love trying new restaurants, attending movies, concerts and sporting events!

CFISD Classroom Cheerleader Spotlight: Keith Nix

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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 Keith Nix, ninth-grade biology teacher and cross country and soccer coach at Cypress Park High School. Nix was also the school’s 2016-2017 Spotlight Teacher.

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

Four years.

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

Cy-Fair is a very student-centered school district that you don’t see in every district. I am a coach so have been in several districts and Cy-Fair is solely focused on its students! I am given the flexibility to teach to the style of the students, which helps me as a teacher.

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

When I got to Cy-Fair I had been a classroom teacher in other districts, but was mainly a PE teacher. So this was my first high school classroom teaching position, and when I got here I found nothing but support. I was supported in my teaching, and was even honored to be asked to help conduct a professional development seminar the first year I was in the district! But the support is the important thing. They hire the best teachers and then find a way to support them and give them what they need!

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

Soak up every bit of knowledge and experience you can while you have the chance here is Cy-Fair. You are only in school once, and it is important to be a student and a kid and have fun. But if you don’t learn from the leaders, educators, administrators and other students you really have done yourself a disservice. So many good people in and around this district, learn and gain as much as you can while you are here!

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

The community atmosphere is the best thing you see. Its not just about the sport you play, or extra curricular club you are in. Everyone is supportive. You see football players at kickball tournaments to raise money for an organization. You will see the student body president waiving flags on the sideline with their face painted. The atmosphere is amazing and its mostly done by the students!