Sugar Land, TX News (June 30, 2014) - Sugar Land is accepting applications for the new Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture, and Streetscapes (PARCS) Board.

City Council approved the creation of the board on June 17. The new PARCS Board expands the duties of the previous Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to include a focus on developing a public art plan, evaluating future funding sources for the arts, and establishing a granting program.

The nine-member board will offer an opportunity for citizens to help guide parks, recreation, and cultural initiatives by providing input, feedback, and advice on projects and programs that enrich the visual and aesthetic environment of the City.

The board will provide guidance for long-term planning, goals, and objectives for parks, recreation, public art, cultural activities, streetscapes, and urban forestry programs.

Citizens selected by City Council will work with the City to develop recommendations that:

• enhance leisure and cultural opportunities;
• preserve natural resources; and
• create a park system that meets the needs of the community by providing green spaces, recreation, art, and culture.

Ideal candidates should possess skills and qualifications related to parks, art, recreation, culture, and streetscapes. Examples include people who have served as a parks, art or recreation advocate; landscape architect; architect; interior designer; urban planner; fine arts professional or educator; arts historian; administrator or curator; business or education leader; or philanthropist.

Applications may be submitted at www.sugarlandtx.gov through July 18 at 5 p.m.

June 30th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 27, 2014) - Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Sugar Land offers their annual sports physicals for Fort Bend and Alief Independent School Districts’ middle school and high school athletes. They have been associated with these school districts for more than 15 years as team physicians.

University Interscholastic League (UIL) requires all high school athletes to undergo and pass a physical examination prior to participating in sports.

Physical evaluations include testing height, weight, vision, blood pressure, pulse, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, spine, and all joints in the upper and lower body. Physicians discuss the athletes’ medical history and consult with them and their parents if further evaluation is necessary prior to releasing them to participate in sports.

D. Dean Dominy, III, M.D., Hand & Upper Extremity, Orthopedic Surgery; Kenneth M. Renney, M.D., Sports Medicine; Jeffrey B. Wood, M.D., Orthopedic Spine Surgery; Eddie T. Matsu, M.D., General Orthopedics, Joint Replacement Surgery; Mark W. Maffet, M.D., Knee and Shoulder Surgery, Sports Medicine; Timothy C. Sitter, M.D., Knee and Shoulder Surgery, Sports Medicine; Vincent C. Phan, M.D., Hand & Upper Extremity, Orthopedic Surgery; Carl A. Hicks, M.D., Joint Replacement Surgery; Ray R. Valdez, M.D., Foot & Ankle, Orthopedic Surgery; David A. Braunreiter, M.D., Sports Medicine, Concussion Management; Anthony J. Muffoletto, M.D., Orthopedic Spine Surgery and Jeffrey A. Kozak, D.O., Sports Medicine, Concussion Management.

“We truly enjoy working with the schools in Fort Bend County,” said Dr. Vincent Phan, orthopedic surgeon and team physician. “I grew up here and actually went to Elsik High School, so it is an honor to come back and support the players. We look forward to continuing to support these school districts.”

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Sugar Land generously donates proceeds that are generated from the physical examinations back to the school’s athletic training programs. In the last five years, this group of physicians has donated more than $250,000 back to local schools. Athletic trainers use this money to purchase the necessary equipment they need for the upcoming school year in addition to what their budget allows. (more…)

June 27th 2014 Posted to Business News,Health News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 27, 2014) - An Independence Day celebration came early for students enrolled in the Bilingual and English as a Second Language summer school program at Burton Elementary School. During the week of June 23, the students completed activities focusing on the importance of Independence Day and what it means to be a proud American. To commemorate their studies, the students took part in an indoor parade, where they dressed in patriotic attire. They also gathered in the school’s cafeteria to perform chants and songs for their parents and summer school staff.

“The teachers and staff did an outstanding job of incorporating Independence Day activities within the guidelines of our summer school program,” said Elizabeth Williams, Summer School Principal at Burton Elementary School. “Students were actively engaged in many hands-on experiences, and just truly enjoyed themselves.”

Pictured (left to right) are: students Jorge Garcia, Juan Monge, and Marissa Magana; Rosy Martinez, Summer School Facilitator; and Elizabeth Williams, Summer School Principal.

June 27th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 27, 2014) - Fort Bend ISD named Chris Morgan as the new principal of Kempner High School. Most recently, Morgan served as principal of FBISD’s Bowie Middle School after serving as principal of Garcia Middle and Walker Station Elementary Schools. Prior to coming to Fort Bend ISD, Morgan was a principal in Irving ISD and began his teaching career 20 years ago.

“I’m very excited about joining the Kempner High School family,” said Morgan. “I am looking forward to working with the incredible staff and continuing the culture of academic excellence that has been established at Kempner. Go Cougars!”

Morgan received his Master of Education in Administration from Texas Women’s University and his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Stephen F. Austin State University. He is currently attending Rice University’s Educational Entrepreneurship and Leadership Program.

June 27th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 27, 2014) - Fort Bend ISD Administrative offices and campuses will be closed the week of June 30 through July 4. The District will resume its summer four-day schedule (Monday - Thursday from 7:30 am until 5:30 pm) on Monday, July 7. This schedule will be in operation through the week of July 28 (August 1 being the last Friday we are closed). FBISD will resume regular work hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) on Monday, August 4.

June 27th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 26, 2014) - Sugar Land City Council recently approved a resolution adopting revisions to the City’s Financial Management Policy Statements, a document that addresses ten key areas of financial management and provides direction in managing finances.

The statements were first adopted in 2002 and reflect City Council’s vision for the City. They are reviewed and adopted semi-annually. The process takes several months of detailed review by finance staff and the council finance/audit committee, with revisions reviewed by the entire City Council in a workshop setting before adoption.

Rating agencies have noted the policy statements — and the City Council’s willingness to abide by them — as contributing factors in the strong financial management of the city and the resulting AAA rating assigned to the City’s outstanding debt by both Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s.

The AAA on tax-backed debt is the highest rating attainable and results in lower borrowing costs for the city when bonds are issued for capital projects.

June 26th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 25, 2014) - As part of their summer learning experience, students enrolled in Bilingual/English as a Second Language classes at Mission West Elementary School took part in a multicultural festival to recognize and celebrate the diverse population represented in the summer program. Students in 21 classrooms joined school staff and parents in the celebration that featured cultural artifacts and exhibits, spirited song and dance performances, and cultural meals prepared by parents and staff members representing countries from around the world. Participants also wore traditional garments representing their native land.

“The multicultural festival was a rewarding experience for everyone involved,” said Jennifer Spears, Summer School Principal at Mission West Elementary School. “Our students, staff and parents were eager to share various aspects of their cultures and learn about others as well. It was an exciting summer activity for us.”

Shown (from left to right) are: Eryad Bachachi, Summer School Principal Jennifer Spears, Malia Bachachi, Shalimar Bachachi, Nijad Bachachi and Talla Ameen.

June 25th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 25, 2014) - Michael Yaakovian, M.D., is joining Drs. Timothy Oppermann and Ashish Saharia at Methodist Department of Surgery, effective in July.

He comes to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital from Kaiser Permanente Healthcare in Baltimore, where he was a general surgeon and director of the wound care unit.

Michael Yaakovian, M.D.

Dr. Yaakovian is board certified by the American Board of Surgery. He performs a broad range of surgeries and procedures including colon surgery, breast surgery, gall bladder surgery, hernia surgery, skin and soft tissue surgery, colonoscopies, and upper endoscopies.

“We are excited to have someone of Dr. Yaakovian’s background and skill set join our team,” says Dr. Oppermann. “He is a talented surgeon who recognizes the importance of providing personalized, hands-on care to his patients.”

Dr. Yaakovian is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, and he completed his residency and an internship in general surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he also served as a research fellow in trauma/critical care. He later completed a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston and served as an assistant professor of surgery at the school before accepting the position at Kaiser Permanente.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Yaakovian, call 281-275-0860. His office is located in Medical Office Building Three on the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus, 16605 Southwest Freeway, Suite 450.

June 25th 2014 Posted to Business News,Health News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 25, 2014) - Fort Bend ISD is seeking qualified parents to serve on its Language Proficiency Assessment Committees (LPAC) for the 2014 - 2015 school year. Serving on the committee gives parents the unique opportunity to offer input regarding placement, review, assessment, and end-of-year decisions concerning students who are English Language Learners (ELLs).

To qualify, you must be a parent or guardian who:

• has a child actively participating in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program
• is not employed by Fort Bend ISD

There are currently openings on committees at various FBISD campuses. For more information, contact Yunghee Choi at 281-634-1553 or [email protected].

June 25th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 23, 2014) - Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital recently celebrated the official groundbreaking on a new 60,000-square-foot home for Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.

The state-of-the-art facility – on the corner of Highway 59 and Sweetwater Boulevard – will allow Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine to move from its current location on Highway 6 and Brooks Street to the Houston Methodist Sugar Land campus, with easy access to the hospital and its diagnostic imaging and other services.

Anthony J. Muffoletto, M.D., Orthopedic Spine Surgery; Jeffrey A. Kozak, D.O., Sports Medicine, Concussion Management; D. Dean Dominy, III, M.D., Hand & Upper Extremity, Orthopedic Surgery; Vincent C. Phan, M.D., Hand & Upper Extremity, Orthopedic Surgery; Eddie T. Matsu, M.D., General Orthopedics, Joint Replacement Surgery; Timothy C. Sitter, M.D., Knee and Shoulder Surgery, Sports Medicine; Lindley Cramer, Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Practice Administrator; Carl A. Hicks, M.D., Joint Replacement Surgery; Jeffrey B. Wood, M.D., Orthopedic Spine Surgery; Ray R. Valdez, M.D., Foot & Ankle, Orthopedic Surgery; Mark W. Maffet, M.D., Knee and Shoulder Surgery, Sports Medicine; Kenneth M. Renney, M.D., Sports Medicine and David A. Braunreiter, M.D., Sports Medicine, Concussion Management.

“Orthopedics and sports medicine are among the fastest growing specialties of care in Fort Bend and Southwest Houston, and this amazing new facility will be a tremendous benefit to our patients, bringing all our related services together at one site on the hospital campus,” said Chris Siebenaler, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital CEO.

In addition, the new building will include space for physical therapy, occupational therapy, aquatic therapy, an outside training facility for athletes recovering from injury, a sports medicine urgent care clinic, and a sports performance training program. The building is expected to be completed in the summer of 2015. (more…)

June 23rd 2014 Posted to Business News,Health News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 20, 2014) - Speaking to a packed house on Thursday, June 5, at the City Centre at Quail Valley, Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen delivered his 2014 State of the City Address, highlighting citizen partnerships that have been pivotal to the City’s diverse success and economic development.

Highlighting a range of accomplishments and reflecting on completed goals in his speech, Mayor Owen presented to a wide range of local business leaders such as representatives from the event’s presenting sponsor, Muller Law Group; to area elected officials such as Council members from Missouri City and other Fort Bend cities, Fort Bend ISD Trustees, State Representatives, and Congressmen.

The event was hosted in partnership with the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, a long-standing partner of the City that has been vital in welcoming new businesses to Missouri City and hosting various events highlighting the City’s economic development. Chamber Chairman Glenn Smith was on hand to present several of the day’s speakers, including Mayor Owen. Members of the City’s Senior Planning Council were also honored by Mayor Owen as an example of a partnership the City has developed to benefit residents and promote the City’s core principles of City First, Communication and Collaboration.

“Our story is one that features a diversity of strong partnerships. Every day, City officials and staff collaborate to provide excellent services to citizens, businesses, and stakeholders,” Mayor Owen said. “Utilizing strategic policies and goals, City leaders adhere to an alignment to achievement approach, thereby ensuring continuous progress across all operations, including public safety, fiscal management, infrastructure improvements, economic development initiatives, parks programs, and citizen outreach projects.” (more…)

June 20th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 19, 2014) - Are you looking for something meaningful to do this summer and interested in making a difference in the lives of children? July 28 to August 1 from 9:00 am until 4 pm daily, Child Advocates of Fort Bend is offering a week-long training class to train volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children. This is your last opportunity this year to complete the volunteer training class in a single week.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing a voice for abused and neglected children in Fort Bend County. With an army of volunteers, Child Advocates of Fort Bend currently serves more than 400 children each month through its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program and Children’s Advocacy Center.

Volunteers must be over 21 years of age, complete an application and interview, and submit to background screening. For more information or an application to participate in the Flex Training, please contact Volunteer Services at 281-344-5172 or [email protected].

Gearing up for training (L to R) are: Child Advocates of Fort Bend CASA staff members Carol Thesing, Heather Rashid, and Casey Davis.

June 19th 2014 Posted to Business News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 18, 2014) - The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees approved a $561,700,652 operating budget for the 2014 - 2015 school year at its June 9 regular business meeting. The FBISD budget reflects an increase in the property values of the District and is designed to provide educational services for a projected 72,317 students. The 2014 - 2015 budget is balanced and fiscally conservative while still supporting Board priorities and instructional programs. The 2014 - 2015 district budgeted cost per student is $7,767 with more than 64 percent of the budget allocated to instruction.

Included in the budget is a minimum of four percent salary increase for all teachers and an increase in the starting teacher salary to $50,000 from $46,500 that the Board approved in April. This budget also provides adjustments to the Teacher Salary Schedule to provide greater consistency in raises as teachers advance in experience. Additionally, the approved budget includes a salary increase for all other staff that is four percent of mid-point. As stewards of taxpayer funds, Fort Bend ISD designed this balanced budget to meet need to be competitive and recruit the best and brightest, while being frugal with taxpayer funds.

Budget includes new positions for the 2014 - 2015 school year
The budget includes the addition of 395 new campus positions – 253 teachers and 142 campus support staff – and 57 non-campus staff to address identified district priorities. Many of the new campus positions address class size, significant special education concerns, and counselor workload. Some positions address the needs of schools with growing enrollments. By adding more outclass teachers, assistant principals, and other supporting jobs, the District will better ensure smooth campus operations at our larger schools. (more…)

June 18th 2014 Posted to Community News,School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 18, 2014) - At its regular June meeting, the Lamar CISD Board of Trustees approved Brian Gibson as the new principal of Velasquez Elementary.

Prior to becoming principal at Velasquez, Gibson served as an assistant principal at Edgar Glover Jr. and Sugar Mill elementary schools in Fort Bend ISD. He also taught 2nd and 4th grades, and served as a campus math specialist in Fort Bend ISD.

Gibson earned his bachelor’s degree at Sam Houston State University and master’s in Education Administration from Prairie View A&M University, where he is pursuing his doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Brian Gibson is named the new principal of Velasquez Elementary

June 18th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 17, 2014) - Since the creation of the City’s new Animal Shelter in the fall of 2013, the assistance provided to the City’s lost and homeless animals has been provided in many interesting and creative ways, many of which were the result of the tireless work the City’s dedicated Animal Control officers provide. One prime example of a creative and strategic animal rescue occurred this May, when Missouri City Staff was able to partner with two dog friendly volunteer agencies to rescue a homeless, broken-legged husky who was found within City limits.

Toward the end of May, Missouri City Animal Control officers found a friendly husky wandering around with a broken leg. Despite his injury, the dog showed no signs of timidity and jumped right into the Animal Control vehicle.

Staff and Animal Shelter volunteers quickly appealed to local husky, sled dog, and Eskimo dog rescues to seek treatment for the dog’s broken leg, which, despite its severity, had not brought the cheerful dog’s spirit down. A group in Carrollton named the Texas Husky Rescue offered to help the dog, but it was unable to provide a means of transportation.

“We immediately sent out pleas through social media and personal contacts looking for transportation for the dog,” Missouri City Animal Control Supervisor Juan Acevedo said. “After hours of searching, miraculously Pilots and Paws, a group of private pilots that fly dogs to rescues, agreed to fly the husky to Carrolton over the weekend.”

Missouri City Animal Control Officer Richard Perez delivered the dog to the ArcolaAirport early one Saturday morning, where the husky was flown by Pilots N’ Paws to his new home in Carrollton. The dog received a new name, Red, was treated and put up for adoption.

Residents interested in visiting the Missouri City Animal Shelter, can contact Acevedo via phone at 281-403-8707 or email [email protected] to set up an appointment.

June 17th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 16, 2014) - At its Monday, June 2, Regular Meeting, Missouri City Council Members heard a presentation on the proposed Fiscal Year 2015 budget and listened to a run down of the previous year’s financial standings. Council will vote to approve the new budget today, June 16, at 7 pm in Council Chambers, 1522 Texas Pkwy.

“The City’s proposed budget is the culmination of months of planning, difficult discussions, continued revisions, and challenging thinking to gauge, prioritize, strategize, and eventually put into action programs and services for the citizens of Missouri City,” City Manager Ed Broussard said. “Adoption of the annual budget is one of the most important actions of the Council each year as it provides a road map to City staff and citizens on what the City will do the next year. It is a connection between the long-range plans of the community and the annual revenues the City expects to collect.”

In the FY 2015 proposed budget, the City will maintain its current tax rate of $0.57375; have total revenue of $38,531,087; and have total expenditures of $39,386,459.

Highlights include: (more…)

June 16th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 16, 2014) - Tickets to Fort Bend County’s largest Independence Day fireworks and family entertainment show are still available. The Star Spangled Spectacular is set for July 4, from 7 - 10 pm.

The festivities will culminate with a 15-minute patriotic display that will light the sky over Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive, home of the Sugar Land Skeeters.

Fort Bend Salutes America, a group of regional musicians, will perform patriotic music for the capacity crowd just prior to the start of a pyrotechnic display rivaling any in the region.

It’s a show described as constant action — radiant color combinations like violet/lemon; aqua/pink; and the time-honored tradition of red, white, and blue. Amazing effects such as crossette, twitter glittering, rings, and color-changing chrysanthemums will be mixed in to illuminate the skies in Sugar Land.

The grand finale is intended to be the ultimate crowd pleaser and the most exhilarating part of the display. The sky will erupt with multi-color peonies and thunderous salutes expected to leave the audience wanting more. (more…)

June 16th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 13, 2014) - At the Regular Fort Bend ISD Board Business Meeting on June 9, the FBISD Board of Trustees reviewed a long-range Master Capital Plan presentation to prioritize the District’s capital needs that include: construction, security, technology, and transportation projects, as well as facility and educational adequacy deficiency improvements over the next decade.

The priorities in the Master Capital Plan were developed as part of a three-phase plan and based on significant community engagement for developing a Facilities Master Plan, a Security Master Plan, and a Technology Master Plan. These plans served as guides in prioritizing the immediate and long-range capital needs for the District. The administration also discussed with the Board their recommendation to call a November 2014 bond election for Phase One of the plan in the range of $333.4 million.

Preliminary plans for the Phase One capital needs for the next three years include:

• $279.8 million for construction projects: new construction of elementary schools in Aliana and Riverstone, as well as two other schools; classroom additions, current facility deficiencies, educational adequacy deficiencies, and building system life-cycle needs;
• $34 million for security and safety upgrades: security cameras, security vestibules, window film, security fencing, access control, emergency generators, new emergency notification system, and others;
• $15.7 million for transportation needs: bus cameras, bus global positioning systems (GPS), and new school buses;
• $65.7 million for technology infrastructure: Internet infrastructure upgrade, wide area network refresh, data center SAN and virtualization, data center facilities modifications, wireless network deployment, local area network refresh, and others;
• $18.4 million for land purchases; and
• $19.2 million for other needs: athletic facility life-cycle replacements, white fleet vehicle replacements, energy conservation initiatives and bond support. (more…)

June 13th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 12, 2014) - From 8 am to noon on Saturday, June 14, Missouri City will partner with Missouri City Green and Texas Green Giant to sponsor the next Electronic Recycling event at the Public Safety Headquarters, 3849 Cartwright Road.

The previous electronic recycling event, held on January 11, drew more than 250 residents and 28 City-wide volunteers. Following the success of the previous electronic recycling event, the City has expanded the program to include a data cleansing service for a fee of $10 per hard drive; drives will not be returned to residents.

To view a list of acceptable and non-acceptable recycling donations, visit the Missouri City website at missouricitytx.gov and click on the event’s calendar listing. For more information on the event, visit missouricitygreen.org.

June 12th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 11, 2014) - Sugar Land police are looking for a vehicle that hit a 24-year-old woman traveling in the eastbound lane of Lexington Boulevard near Riverbend Crossing just after midnight today.

When police arrived, the woman was lying face down in the roadway and bleeding from her face. There was a damaged bicycle next to her and a large amount of broken glass on the roadway. The woman couldn’t remember what happened. She was transported by ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Medical Center.

Police believe the woman was hit by a vehicle, and the driver did not stop to render aid. Several people who saw the woman in the road stopped to help, but said they did not see the vehicle that hit the woman.

Anyone with information should call the Sugar Land Police Department at 281-275-2020 or Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS (8477).

June 11th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 11, 2014) - Tucanos Brazilian Grill, a festive, family friendly Brazilian steakhouse, announced plans for a month-long celebration of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™. Tucanos will celebrate Brazil hosting soccer’s world championship with activities for the whole family, featuring a decidedly Brazilian flair. The limited-time celebration will include special World Cup menu items and “tailgate” carryout packages, daily in-restaurant viewing parties, an online social media contest, and the introduction of what may be the next “must-have” World Cup souvenir - the caxirola. The caxirola - created in the image of the caxixi, a traditional Brazilian percussion hand instrument – is a rhythmic noisemaker that has been dubbed the official musical instrument of this year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Tucanos restaurants may be one of the few places where caxirolas will be available since the instruments have been banned from World Cup venues for “safety reasons” due to some fans throwing them at players, coaches, and other fans.

World Cup enthusiasts can get their own caxirola at Tucanos Brazilian Grill in a number of ways:

• Entering a social media contest through Tucanos’ Facebook page
• Attending viewing parties at your nearest Tucanos restaurant
• Reserving carryout orders for special World Cup package meals
• Participating in a youth Soccer Shoot-out on July 12
  (Promotions and special events may vary; caxirola giveaways while supplies last.) (more…)

June 11th 2014 Posted to Business News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 11, 2014) - Fort Bend ISD recently named Laureen Sanford as the new principal of Holley Elementary School. For the past two years, Sanford has served as assistant principal of FBISD’s Meadows Elementary and was assistant principal of Commonwealth Elementary for three years prior to that. She has 14 years in education, all in Fort Bend ISD, and started her career as a third-grade teacher.

“Laureen is an exceptional leader, and I’m excited about the experience and ideas she’ll bring to the Holley Elementary family,” said Dr. Javier Villarreal, FBISD Assistant Superintendent.

Sanford received her Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston-Victoria, and her Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston-Downtown.

June 11th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 10, 2014) - Service days for bulky waste pickup will change for all residents on August 4, 2014.

Bulky waste service is provided once a month for items too large to fit in the garbage cart. Bulky waste does not include construction, demolition, or hazardous wastes.

Some residents will also have a new day for recycling, but collection days for garbage and green waste will not change.

The changes are detailed at sugarlandtx.gov/solidwaste, and residents will receive information by mail that includes a magnet detailing the new service schedules.

Automated recycling service is provided once a week utilizing a City-issued green cart with a wide range of materials being accepted, including:

• all colors of glass bottles and jars;
• newspapers, magazines, catalogs, phonebooks, office paper, school paper, mail, paperback books;
• cardboard, paperboard, and paper bags;
• steel and tin cans (labels are ok);
• aluminum cans, foil, and food trays; and
• plastics #1-5, 7.

Green waste collection is also provided weekly. The green waste program ensures all green waste — grass clippings, leaves, brush, tree limbs, etc. — will be recycled rather than sent to a landfill. Green waste materials should be placed in a reusable container or tied bags; compostable bags are not required.

June 10th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 10, 2014) - From June 15 - 21, Missouri City will participate in the 2014 International Fire/EMS Safety and Health Week. Safety and Health Week is a joint initiative of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). The event is coordinated by the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section and the NVFC and is supported by a network of fire service, health, and safety organizations.

This annual event aims to improve firefighter safety and health to give all a better chance of survival during emergencies and long-term. Fire departments across the world will take time during the week to increase awareness and action so that safety and health become a priority in all fire departments.

“Missouri City’s Fire and Rescue Services Department is dedicated to living up to our slogan of Service, Honor, Commitment. We cannot say them unless we accept responsibility and are willing to hold each other accountable for their meaning,” Fire and Rescue Services Chief Russell Sander said. “These three words are the hallmark of accountability each member of MCFRS should embrace. We are accountable to our families, each other, and our citizens.” (more…)

June 10th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 9, 2014) - From 6 - 9 pm on Friday, July 4, Missouri City invites citizens to flock to Buffalo Run Park for an exciting day of family friendly activities, patriotic games, delicious food, and the always popular firework show.

The annual Fourth of July Celebration and firework show will once again take place at Buffalo Run Park, 1122 Buffalo Run Blvd. This year’s celebration will include moonwalks, rides, a rock wall, mechanical bulls, a trackless train, and human hamster balls.

Food such as shaved ice, barbecue, funnel cakes, tamales, and crepes will be available for purchase via cash only. The evening will end with a fireworks show at approximately 9:15 pm; parking and stadium seating will be available at Thurgood Marshall High School.

June 09th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News,Uncategorized |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 6, 2014) - Mission Glen Elementary School (MGE) third-grader, Eric Martinez, received a 2014 Academy Star Student award as a “runner up” in the awards program sponsored by EPS Literacy and Intervention’s Academy of Math. The award honors students who have overcome significant challenges to build proficiency in math, as well as teachers who go above and beyond on a daily basis to provide their students with every opportunity to improve their skills.

Pictured with award honoree Eric Martinez are: (from left to right) Assistant Principal Melissa Mehall, Special Education Teacher Chastity Gonzalez and Principal Kari Bruhn.

MGE Special Education teacher, Chastity Gonzalez, has worked closely with Martinez challenging him daily in math through the online EPS Math Academy, and the hard work has paid off. EPS representatives Peter Cleary and Lynne Cook presented Martinez with the award on May 22.

June 06th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 5, 2014) - The UH Sugar Land Transition Team has begun its work in earnest with the appointment of Work Group members. UH System Chancellor Renu Khator has reviewed and invited a diverse group of University and community stakeholders to participate in this important effort. A complete list of the members engaged with each of the Work Groups is included on the website: uhsa.uh.edu/sugarlandtransition.

The Steering Committee, led by Paula Myrick Short, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs for the UH System, reviewed the charge of each of the four Working Groups in an initial meeting with the members. Short emphasized the importance of an open and transparent process, with broad engagement and communication with all stakeholders.

The 19-member UH Work Group, under the leadership of Earl Smith, interim chief health officer at UH, is working toward the smooth transfer of the UH-Victoria nursing program to the University of Houston. Current plans are to make the transfer effective Sept. 1, 2014. The Work Group is identifying the tasks and changes necessary to mitigate the impact on nursing students, faculty, and staff.

The 30-member UH Victoria Work Group, led by Charles Alcorn, director of corporate and foundation relations at UHV, has begun its work to develop a proposal to make UHV a self-sustaining destination university. The Work Group has established subcommittees to envision and recommend realistic goals and plans to achieve the transformation of UHV from a two-year senior university and extension operation to a four-year destination university. A national consulting firm is being contracted to assess the costs required to implement the transformation. (more…)

June 05th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 5, 2014) - Former NFL players are making their way into area classrooms to promote healthy eating habits among students. J.J. Moses, former Houston Texans Kick Returner, and Don Trull, former Houston Oilers Quarterback, recently surprised students at Brazos Bend Elementary School with a visit as part of the Gridiron Legends Fit for Life Program.

Pictured (from left) are Don Trull, PE Teacher Sandra Arreola, Brazos Bend Principal Ida Ford, Assistant Principal Stephanie Viado and J.J. Moses.

Presented by Kelsey-Seybold, the program promotes healthy living and an active lifestyle through a fun-filled, interactive presentation. Moses and Trull spoke to students in grades 3-5 about the benefits of eating a healthy diet and surrounding themselves with positive people. Trull also demonstrated his athletic ability by throwing passes to students throughout the presentation.

June 05th 2014 Posted to Health News,School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 5, 2014) - Kristi Corbitt has been named Fort Bend ISD’s Director of Elementary Curriculum. She began her career in education 10 years ago as a teacher at Seven Hills Elementary in Northwest ISD. In 2009, she was named assistant principal at Walker Station Elementary School and also served in that position at Burton Elementary School prior to receiving her new position.

Kristi Corbitt, Director of Elementary Curriculum

“I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to support and work collaboratively with FBISD teachers and staff in creating a positive learning environment where students can reach high academic goals,” said Corbitt. “In my new position, I will continue to support school staff as we work toward our common goal.”

Corbitt received her Master of Arts in Education in Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at San Antonio and her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Texas.

June 05th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 5, 2014) - Melissa Fields, coach of the Terry High Lady Rangers basketball team, is the 2014 4A Outstanding Coach of the Year in Texas.

Fields received the Dean Weese Outstanding Coach Award from the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches May 16 at the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Annual Clinic.

The award is named for Texas basketball legend Dean Weese, a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, winning 10 state titles, four national college titles, and four National Women’s Invitational Tournament titles.

The Lady Rangers were 22-10 on the season and reached the Regional semifinals, the furthest the team has ever gone in the playoffs.

Fields is finishing up her 18^th year at Terry and has been in teaching and coaching for 23 years.

June 05th 2014 Posted to School News,Sports News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 5, 2014) - Steve Shiels has been named the Director of College and Career Readiness for Fort Bend ISD. Most recently, Shiels served as the College and Career Readiness Director in Pflugerville ISD. Prior to that, he was a high school lead counselor in Pflugerville ISD and a middle school lead counselor in Austin ISD. He also served as a counselor in the Chicago Public Schools system for several years after working as a case manager and therapist in Illinois. Shiels began his career as an English teacher in Umea, Sweden.

Shiels received his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trinity International University in Illinois, and his Bachelor of Arts in Government and Broad Field Social Studies from Lawrence University in Wisconsin.

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Sugar Land, TX News (June 4, 2014) - Missouri City residents will soon have convenient access to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s leading emergency care capabilities.

The new state-of-the-art Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center opens July 15 in the heart of Missouri City, at 8200 Highway 6 between the Sienna Plantation and Riverstone communities. The center will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to treat patients of all ages who are ill or injured.

The 9,600-square-foot facility includes 10 private treatment rooms, full-service X-ray, CT, and ultrasound capabilities.

Most importantly, Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center is staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians specializing in emergency care from pediatric to geriatric patients, working alongside specially trained nursing and ancillary staff with extensive experience in emergency care.

“The new Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center gives Missouri City residents a first-class ER right in their own neighborhood,” says Chris Siebenaler, CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Patients treated at the new center will have direct, expedited admission to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital if needed, along with personal assistance from patient representatives in scheduling necessary follow-up appointments. And the center will accept all insurance plans that are in-network with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.” (more…)

June 04th 2014 Posted to Business News,Health News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 4, 2014) - A new soccer program offered this spring at Armstrong Elementary School is giving young girls the opportunity to get active, while building self-esteem and friendships. Thirty fifth-grade girls take part in the program, meeting once a week after school to play soccer and have fun socializing with each other.

Pictured are participants of Armstrong Elementary School’s soccer program.

Data Specialist Callie Day and Paraprofessional Elsa Villarreal thought of the idea after realizing that the girls needed an afterschool outlet that would allow them to be active and build friendships. With the support of their Armstrong Principal Lori Craig and Student Wellness Coordinator Stephanie Kellam, the idea became a reality. Kellam secured donations of soccer equipment (including soccer balls, goals, cones, bags and water bottles) from UnitedHealthcare, who now serves as the program sponsor. A team manager was selected and second-grade teacher, Vanessa Villalobos, also joined forces with Day and Villarreal in creating positive experiences for the girls. (more…)

June 04th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 4, 2014) - Highlands Elementary School hosted its 23^rd Annual Multicultural Parade of Nations and Festival that welcomed many students, staff, parents, and community members to a celebration of cultures. This year’s theme, “Diversity at Work: Our School was Built on It,” reflects the school’s proud heritage of embracing people representative of cultures from around the world. The theme was prominent throughout the celebration and appeared on t-shirts that were proudly worn by parents and staff.

Parade leaders pictured (from left) with their “Kids Are First” banner are students Mason Soto, Olivia Luhnau, Samantha Uschold, Kayla Moya, Olivia Flores, Josephine Griffith, Trace Hankins, Brady Culberson, Austin Sanchez and Preston Oliver.

The annual event gives participants an opportunity to share in Highlands’ rich culture by taking part in a parade of nations highlighting students and teachers from all grade levels dressed in ethnic clothing, an assembly featuring sing-a-longs and slide presentations, and a festival of cultural foods, games, rides, and other fun activities for families to enjoy.

June 04th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 1, 2014) - Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital celebrated the official groundbreaking for its new six-story patient tower in May.

The new tower – part of a $131 million expansion effort under way at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital – will add 104 beds, primarily for intensive care and medical/surgical patients, and will provide space for future growth as needed. Once the new tower joins the Main and Sweetwater Pavilions on campus, the hospital’s total capacity will reach 347 beds.

“Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital continues to grow to meet the needs of the community,” says CEO Chris Siebenaler. “Our investment in new facilities, like our new patient tower, enables us to continue to expand our service offerings and provide the latest and most sophisticated procedures right here in Fort Bend.”

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Team breaks ground on new six-story patient tower

The new tower should be open for patients in the Spring of 2016.

The patient tower is just one of five major projects included in the hospital’s current expansion plan, which also includes construction of a new 60,000-square-foot facility for Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, expansion and relocation of the Heart Center and a stand-alone Emergency Care Center to serve residents of Missouri City. (more…)

June 03rd 2014 Posted to Community News,Health News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 3, 2014) - Hunters Glen Elementary School students proudly completed their first marathon, which was held on their campus during Physical Education classes. The students ran a mile (an equivalent of four laps around the block) during PE class each day, with many students running more than a mile.

Shown with the Hunters Glen marathon runners are Principal Angela Dow, PE teacher Lewis Rhone (left), and Music teacher Theresa Grayson (right).

“The students didn’t think they could actually complete the entire marathon,” said Coach Lewis Rhone, “but once I explained how the mile could be divided into smaller distances, they were excited to join in.”

Hunters Glen Elementary thanks the marathon sponsors, including H-E-B and BlueCross BlueShield, who helped make the event enjoyable for students.

June 03rd 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (June 2, 2014) - The Sugar Land Skeeters announced today that the club has acquired former Major League outfielder Brian Barton from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in exchange for future considerations. The announcement was made by Skeeters Manager Gary Gaetti.

Barton, 32, joins Sugar Land after playing 30 games for Southern Maryland this season, hitting .131 (14 x 107) with two home runs and seven RBI. The California native is currently in his fifth season of Atlantic League play, having spent time with Southern Maryland (2011 - 2014), as well as Bridgeport (2010) and Newark (2010). In his 446 career Atlantic League games, the outfielder is hitting at a .295 (492 x 1669) clip with 218 RBI and 73 stolen bases. Over his 10 professional minor league seasons, Barton owns a .294 (1042 x 3541) average with 182 stolen bases and 508 RBI in 985 games.

Known for his community involvement and charitable efforts, Barton also wrote and published his first book “Mindset” while with Southern Maryland in 2012. The book, inspired by his time spent with troubled youth in the St. Louis area, is intended to encourage thought and self-awareness of influencing factors of the mind while suggesting courses of action to overcome mental weakness. (more…)

June 02nd 2014 Posted to Sports News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post