Q. We’ve been hearing information about the national vaping epidemic. What is a vape, or electronic cigarette?

A. The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines electronic cigarettes (also called e-cigarettes, vapes or Juuls) as battery-operated devices designed to deliver nicotine with flavorings and other chemicals to users in vapor instead of smoke. These devices have a heating element that vaporizes the liquid nicotine contained within the cartridge. Vaping devices come in all shapes and sizes, and many are designed so they are not recognized in a search. They may look like a flash drive, a pen, or even candy. Vape pens and other e-cigarette devices are incredibly easy to conceal. Unless a parent knows what they’re looking for, they may not realize that their child even owns one.

Q. We understand that Brenham ISD is offering a free special presentation for parents and community members. Tell us about that event.

A. Brenham ISD has partnered with the Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library to bring nationally recognized expert Timothy Shoemaker to our parents and community. The Brenham community is invited to join us on Wednesday, February 19 from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library to learn about the dangers of vaping and how we can keep our children safe. Timothy Shoemaker’s presentation “Save Your Breath” has been delivered in over a dozen states, to more than 500,000 audience members. Admission is free, but seating is limited. We ask you to please visit brenhamisd.net to reserve your seat.

Q. This isn’t the only measure BISD is taking to fight the vaping epidemic. What other steps has BISD taken?

A. We have launched a district-wide anti-vaping campaign that started with a letter from me to our district parents on Monday, January 27 expressing my concern and personally inviting them to join us in this fight. Our board of trustees also adopted a resolution formally stating their concern for our students and publicly supporting our anti-vaping measures. We have developed a parent information webpage that can be found under the parent information tab on our district website and our students will soon be seeing anti-vaping posters on each campus. Additionally, Timothy Shoemaker will also be presenting special student sessions at Brenham Middle School, Brenham Junior High and Brenham High School on Wednesday, February 19 during the school day.

Q. Is vaping addictive?

A. Absolutely. According to the American Lung Association, there is a misconception that vapes are just flavors and steam. That is not true. Vaping is highly addictive. In fact, one JUUL pod can contain as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes or about one pack of cigarettes. Vape pods can also contain toxins and carcinogens, including formaldehyde, propylene glycol and acrolein, which can cause irreversible lung damage. And because vaping is new, we’re still uncovering its long-term health effects.

Q. What else can parents do to keep their children safe?

A. Look for opportunities to start a conversation with your child. Be patient and ready to listen, but know the facts so you can answer their questions. If you have specific concerns, please reach out to a campus administrator or use our Safe2SpeakUp online reporting tool which can be found under Parent Information on the Brenham ISD website.

Q. What’s happening at Brenham Middle School?

A. February and March are packed with activities. In February, we are celebrating Black History Month with a program and activities in our library. Fifth grade has Practice STAAR and sixth grade will take their 9-week assessment soon. We will continue house check-ins and house rewards, and we have clubs once a month after school. In March, fifth grade has Outdoor Classroom and of course Spring Break!

Q. How is Brenham Middle School celebrating Black History Month?

A. This year fifth and sixth-grade students will learn about Black Heritage through various books in the library, as well as with special guest readers. Students will start the month with a book called Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes. On February 21 our campus will have a Black History program.

Q. Tell us about Outdoor Classroom.

A. Outdoor Classroom for fifth grade is held at Nails Creek in Somerville. It is an opportunity for our fifth graders to learn about nature. This year students will identify aquatic invertebrates, dissect owl pellets, and identify bird adaptations. Fifth-grade students attend Outdoor Classroom either March 3rd or March 5th. Parents will receive information in the coming weeks.

Q. What are some of the clubs available to students at Brenham Middle School?

A. Once a month, BMS teachers host a club after school. Because the clubs are held after school, students had to sign up at the beginning of the school year. Some of our clubs are sports-related and some are academic, but they are designed for fun. Our clubs include a running club, book club, girls in science, Rubik’s cube, and kindness club, just to name a few.

Q. What are your house updates?

A. As you know, BMS is participating in a house system this year. House leaders meet with the members of their house twice a month to go over student goals and discuss house activities. At the moment, the green house leads in points followed closely by the pink and purple houses, but all 7 houses are very close in points. We are currently in the midst of a House Reading Challenge. For every Reading Plus Combo a student earns in the month of February, he/she earns a point for their house. The house with the most points at the end of February wins a reward.

with BHS students Isabelle Flores and Megan Neisig

Q. Describe what a certified clinical medical assistant, or CCMA, does.

A. We get to do things like giving injections, taking vital signs, operating EKGs and interpreting them, and eventually, we’ll begin phlebotomy. We’re doing all of this while only being 16, 17 or 18 years old. It’s an amazing experience!

Q. What are some things that students in the BHS CCMA program get to do?

A. We are able to get in so much practice. We recently performed a health screening where we got teachers and parents to show up so we could take their vital signs. We also have the opportunity to go to the nursing home and take vital signs there. We have also given a few vaccines to their residents.

Q. What has been the best experience so far?

A. Definitely the injections! We haven’t even gotten to phlebotomy yet but the injections are so much fun. Some people say ouch, some people scream and some people take it like a pro. It’s interesting to see how someone will react to it. It’s mind-boggling that I am 18 and I can give injections!

Q. How do you become a certified clinical medical assistant?

A. There are a few different types of medical assistants, and the program we offer is for a CCMA. You must have a high school diploma or GED, so these students will have to get a provisional certification until they graduate. You also have to complete a training program or you can work as a medical assistant for a year and sit for the test with NHA. Most facilities now require an actual certification, so this option at BHS is a great way for students to make themselves highly qualified to get a job in the medical field right out of high school.

Q. Megan, what do you plan to do with your certification after high school?

A. For me personally, I’ll go to work as a CMA during college to provide for myself while I continue to further my education in the medical field. It’s nice to already have an idea of what to expect before I actually get too far. It’s very worthwhile.

Q. What is Welcome Prideland?

A. Welcome to Prideland is an amazing event for current 8th graders who are preparing for their course registration for their 9th-grade year. The Prideland theme this year is “Great Things Happen Here,”  so students and their families will get to experience firsthand all of the great things that await them at Brenham High School. There will be booths set up for academic courses, CTE courses, electives, sports teams, and clubs.

Q. When is this year’s event and how long does it last?

A. The event is Monday, January 27 from 5:00-6:30 pm. Check-in will be in the front foyer of Brenham High School. We will also have assistance for any Spanish speakers that come to the event.

Q. Who is invited to attend Welcome to Prideland?

A. The event is open to all 8th graders and their families. We also encourage any families that might be new to the area to join us as well.  Even if their children are already enrolled at Brenham High School, we want everyone to get all of the important information about what is offered at Brenham High School.

Q. What if the entire family attends?

A. We want to give as much information as possible to everyone involved in our future students’ lives, so we encourage the whole family to attend! Childcare will be provided for children ages 3-10, and everyone who attends will be given a ticket for a sausage on a stick.

Q. What should eighth-grade students expect to see at the event?

A. The best thing about Welcome to Prideland is that incoming 8th graders are not just going to booths staffed with teacher representatives. Many booths are run by students, so attendees will be able to get information about clubs and organizations from the perspectives of their future peers. Also, there are some great prizes involved.  Each booth will provide a prize, so make sure you register at every booth you visit!

Q. Tell us about some of the new things happening over at Brenham Community Education.

A. Brenham Community Education is excited to announce that we will have a new select basketball team this summer! Brenham Select is now accepting registrations for tryouts for grades 4th - 12th for boys & girls. If your child loves to play basketball we encourage you to sign him/her up for tryouts. Tryouts are free and registration is online. We are also excited to let our community know that Driver’s Education is back and being held at Brenham Community Education. If you would like to register your teenager for driver’s education, please give me a call at 979-277-3895. Also, for those looking to crush their New Year’s health and fitness goals, we encourage you to check out our fitness training programs. We have several to choose from: Chair Piyo, P90X Express Strength, PiYo Live and TurboKick/HIIT. We also offer a multi-class discount! So, whether you’re looking to get in shape, learn something new, or enjoy an activity with your friends, we have a course for you!

Q. How does someone become a Community Education instructor?

A. If you are interested in making a little extra money, consider teaching a course for Brenham Community Education. Becoming an instructor is simple! Classes are flexible and custom-designed by YOU! Instructors set their own schedule and class fees, and keep 80% of the fee! All you need is an idea - we handle the rest! Just visit our website at brenhamcommunityed.com and select the Teach a Course link to submit a course proposal online or call me at 979-277-3895 ext. 2171.

Q. Tell us about the new Advanced Career Training options you’re now offering online.

A. These programs prepare students for a career and are designed to provide job training and/or advancement opportunities. They also lead to industry-recognized certifications. You can start these career training programs anytime and work at a pace that suits your individual style. You'll have access to all the lessons and assignments from day one, and many of these programs can be completed in less than six months. You'll get all the materials and instructor assistance you need to have a truly comprehensive learning experience. Some of the Advanced Career Training programs include Graphic Design, Certified Administrative Professional, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and numerous others.

Q. Where can the community go to get more information about Brenham Community Education?

A. Visit brenhamcommunityed.com or call 979-277-3895 to discover new areas of interest, pursue passions, and achieve new knowledge and skills. We also invite you to come see us at 1301 South Market Street here in Brenham.

Q. You also handle all of the centralized new student registration for Brenham ISD. What do parents need to know about registering their child?

A. New student registration is held Monday through Friday from 8 am - 12 pm at the Brenham Community Education building. Registration packets can be picked up ahead of time or can also be found on our district website under the Parent Information tab. Parents of new students will need to provide the following documents along with the registration packet upon registration: Proof of district residency, Child’s Birth Certificate & Social Security Card, Photo ID of parent/guardian and Current Immunization Records. If families have any questions regarding registration, they can contact me at 979-277-3895.

Q. What choir classes are currently offered at Brenham ISD?

A. There are currently have 4 different ensembles that students can be involved in at Brenham ISD. There is a 7th-grade choir and the 8th-grade choir at Brenham Junior High and at Brenham High School students may participate in Cub Choir, Women’s Chorus and Varsity Chorale.

Q. What are some of the benefits and opportunities that being in choir offers?

A. Studies have shown that students who are engaged in music programs outperform their peers on many different levels including grade-point average, graduation rate, SAT/ACT scores, attendance and discipline referrals. It’s also important to understand that students who participate in choir learn more than how to “sing pretty.” They learn valuable skills like how to speak/sing confidently in front of a large crowd, how to handle high-pressure situations like auditions and contests, and how efficiently manage their time. Additionally, due to the growth in the choir program over the past few years, I have had to depend heavily upon student leadership. Student leaders not only learn how to sing but also how to conduct an ensemble, lead a section and offer critique. Students in choir also get the opportunity to travel. This summer we will be traveling to Branson Missouri where students will get to have a clinic and concert with the famous country singer Clay Cooper.

Q. Tell us about choir competitions.

A. All of the choirs in Brenham ISD compete at UIL and consistently earn high ratings. This past semester the Varsity and Women’s Chorus competed at the Texas Renaissance Music Festival where they both earned superior marks. In November they had a record number of Varsity members make the TMEA Region 27 Choir and recently Edin Inestroza and Mia Aschenbeck made Area. They will go in January to compete against the top singers from our Area for a spot in the ALL-State Choir. This is an extremely rigorous audition process and I am so proud of all my students for their hard work.

Q. How can students get involved in choir?

A. It is not too late for students to sign up for choir. Students and parents simply need to speak with their counselor to have choir added to their schedule for the spring semester. High school students wishing to join the Varsity choir will need to audition in April. The junior high and Cub Choir are excellent places to start for students who have never sung in a choir before or maybe just want to see what it is like. There is no audition or experience required for these ensembles. Women’s Chorus is also a  great ensemble for high school girls who want to compete and perform around the community.

Q. What events do you have coming up?

A. We have a holiday concert on Thursday, December 12 at 6:30 pm in the BHS Auditorium. The theme is “Holiday Harmonies” and the choirs will be performing contest music as well as Christmas favorites like “Once Upon a December” from the musical Anastasia and Holy Night Silent Night. Admission is free so bring the whole family! There will also be a bake sale and silent auction with poinsettias during intermission.

Q. Tell us about yourself and what your role is in Brenham ISD.

A. My name is Lori Ruiz-Wamble and I have the privilege of serving as the Director of Special Programs and Advanced Academics in Brenham ISD. I manage programs for our special student populations such as dyslexia, bilingual and ESL, gifted and talented, and advanced academics.

Q. How can parents know if their child is gifted?

A. If you see that your child has critical and creative thinking abilities above their grade level peers, they are very curious about how things work, they ask lots of challenging questions, they have the ability to see relationships, they have a great sense of humor, and they have the ability to learn at a faster rate, these are just some signs your child could be gifted. On the Brenham ISD website under Special Programs - Gifted and Talented, there are some questions parents can fill out to see they should refer their child for G/T screening.

Q. What can parents do if they believe their child might indeed be gifted?

A. Beginning December 9 through December 20, parents, teachers, and administrators may nominate students to be screened for the identification of gifted and talented. Brenham ISD screens students for the G/T program using a multi-criteria approach to selection with 3 phases of placement. G/T identification is based upon data collected from achievement tests, ability tests, parent and teacher observation surveys, and student products from Kingore Planned Experiences. Parents must complete the Request for Screening Form and the Parent Checklist located at www.brenhamisd.net. The deadline for parents to complete and submit the forms is no later than 12:00 pm on December 20.

Q. What services are provided by the program for gifted and talented students?

A. Brenham ISD has 2 stellar G/T programs in the elementary and middle school called Gateway and Challenging Scientific Investigations (CSI). CSI is a Brenham ISD initiative that provides an opportunity for 2nd - 6th grade G/T students to explore science and technology as they read, write, solve problems, conduct experiments and apply science to their daily lives. Students who participate attend CSI once a week for half a day using technology and other STEM-related activities to create innovative projects and research. Gateway is a fully immersed program for students in grades three through six who are identified as G/T. Gateway is designed to build critical thinkers, problem solvers, and life-long learners by providing a rigorous, non-traditional atmosphere with inquiry-based learning with student choice and outstanding learning experiences. On the secondary campuses, our advanced learners are served in the pre-advanced placement, advanced placement classes and the AVID program allowing students to engage in multiple research-based projects and develop their individual academic knowledge and skills.

Q. Where can I find more information about all the services and programs offered for gifted and talented/advanced academic students?

A. To learn more about the amazing opportunities and programs that our advanced learners have in Brenham ISD, join us at the Brenham ISD Advanced Academics Expo on Tuesday, December 10 from 6:00-7:30 pm at Brenham Middle School. Students and staff members will present information on Advanced Placement, AVID, CSI, Gateway, and Gifted and Talented.  This event is open to the public. Please join us to discover what our amazing students are creating and innovating within Brenham ISD!

Guest: Danny Ramsey, BISD Assistant Athletic Director