SEVEN LAKES JUNIOR HIGH:
Seven Lakes Junior High
New Junior High Principal Establishes Creed of 'iCare'
By Helen Eriksen
Houston Chronicle January 9, 2013
Imelda Medrano, principal of Katy ISD's new Seven Lakes Junior High, said she is
focused on creating a culture of success in which students feel valued and respected with
opportunities to be creative and productive.
Medrano, principal of Exley Elementary from 2009-12, said her education and experience
help in assessing the social and emotional needs of students in middle school as well as
to set high expectations for them.
"I feel like the kids are very impressionable and sensitive at this stage," said
Medrano, who has worked 19 years in education. "It is important to be kind, encouraging
and nurturing - to serve as the constant cheerleader as you watch them bloom."
Medrano said she holds high standards for herself and strives to embody the values that
she is working to instill in the school culture. The school is built around caring for
people, where students are encouraged to live by its creed, "iCare," which stands for
integrity, community, accountability, respect and excellence, Medrano said.
"Dr. Medrano has done an excellent job in establishing a healthy climate and culture at
Seven Lakes Junior High," Katy Superintendent
Alton Frailey said. "Not only is she visionary in developing a positive learning
environment, but she is also great when it comes to working with kids."
Before coming to Exley, Medrano served as a reading coordinator, assistant principal at
Hamilton Middle School and principal of
Hogg Middle School and Park Place Elementary in the Houston Independent School
District. She holds bachelor and master degrees from the
University of Houston, where she recently earned her doctorate of education in
educational leadership.
Medrano, who excelled in school and describes herself as a workaholic, said as a mother
she understands that parents want the best for their children, including an environment
that is a good place to grow. She said her approachability as a principal and her
open-door policy helps the school succeed.
Gabriela Pino, a parent who serves as vice president of fundraising for the PTA,
praised Medrano's role in promoting parental involvement saying she is visible and
approachable.
"I find her to be so open to suggestions and she is always walking around the school,"
Pino said. "She addresses the students by name and when you email her, she emails you back
right away."
Medrano believes her strengths lie in her ability to listen, to pick up on concerns and
then focus on how to improve the situation.
"There are no gatekeepers; parents can get direct access to me when they need to," said
Medrano, who also answers her own phone. "I am fortunate to have a lot of support from the
staff and parents."
Pino said her volunteer experience has been rewarding and that she is reminded often by
the staff that the contribution she makes to education is appreciated at the school.
"Education is the key to everyone's future and unfortunately public funds will only
stretch so far," she said.
The district's 13th junior high provided relief to WoodCreek and Beckendorff Junior
High schools when it opened in August. Located at 6026 Katy-Gaston Road on the southeast
corner of the Seven Lakes High School campus near South Fry Road, the junior high carries
the same Spartan mascot with navy blue and orange colors as the high school.
Environmentally-friendly features make the school appealing and efficient, including
large windows and skylights in the hallways, Medrano said.
"Windows at the very top make it seem very bright and allows a lot of natural light to
come in," Medrano said.
Seven Lakes is also the first junior high to have a built-in concession stand with a
cooler, running water and electricity, Medrano said.
The school boasts an advanced sound system with microphones and speakers that allow
teachers to project their voices. The system is also installed with docks for iPads and
iPods.
Designed by PBK Architects and built by
Drymalla Construction Co., the facility was funded through the $459.7 million bond
package passed by voters in 2010.
The total project cost for the 189,252-square-foot campus, which is a refined repeat of
nearby schools WoodCreek and Beckendorff, was $30.7 million, according to
Peter McElwain, district chief architect and planner.
With an enrollment of 1,165, the school is already near its 1,300-pupil capacity. The
school is staffed by 116 employees including 89 teachers.
Medrano is married to Juan, a
Texas Army National Guardsman. They have two children in college and a 17-year-old who
attends
Cy Falls High School in Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District.
While it is a challenge, Medrano said it is also a joy and very rewarding to help
nurture children at this stage of their lives. She added that she finds them funny,
creative and intelligent.
"A lot of educators shy away from junior high, but they don't know what they are
missing."
http://www.chron.com/katy/news/article/Seven-Lakes-Junior-High-principal-establishes-4175261.php
Katy ISD plays musical
chairs with principals
Tuesday,
July 21,
2009
Nearly
a dozen
schools in
Katy ISD
will have
different
principals
in 2009-10
including
four high
schools
but most
will be
familiar
faces
taking on
new roles.
The
replacements
were
primarily
made
through
shuffling
current
administrators
into spots
left by
retirement,
promotions
or job
shifts.
The
Katy ISD
school
board
paved the
way in a
6-0 vote
during
Monday’s
school
board
meeting
for
James
Cross
to become
the new
principal
of Cinco
Ranch High
School.
Trustee
Eric Duhon
was absent
due to
business
obligations.
Cross
replaces
Bonnie
Brasic,
who
retired
after the
2008-09
school
year
ended. He
formerly
served as
principal
of Katy’s
Beck
Junior
High from
2005 to
the
present.
Before
that he
was the
assistant
principal
at Beck
from
2002-05.
From
August
1999 to
2000,
Cross was
principal
of
Whiteface
Junior/Senior
High in
Whiteface,
Texas.
The
district
has not
announced
a new
principal
for Beck.
The
board also
approved
the hire
of
Imelda
Medrano
Monday as
the new
principal
of Exley
Elementary,
located in
Cinco
Ranch. She
replaces
Elizabeth
Kuylen,
who was
recently
named
principal
of Cinco
Ranch
Junior
High.
Kuylen
replaced
Steve
Robertson,
who was
promoted
to
principal
of Katy
High
School.
Medrano
formerly
served as
the
principal
of Hogg
Middle
School in
Houston
Independent
School
District
from 2005
to the
present.
Robertson
was
announced
as a
replacement
in May for
Joe Kelley.
Kelley was
promoted
in April
to the
newly
created
position
of Area 3
assistant
superintendent
overseeing
all
campuses
in the
Katy and
Seven
Lakes high
schools’
feeder
patterns.
Last
week
trustees
approved
the
selection
of
Anita H.
Jacobs
as the new
principal
of Fielder
Elementary
School.
Jacobs
replaces
Mark
Vigario,
who came
to the
district
from
California
in 2006.
Jacobs was
formerly
the
principal
of
Sherwood
Elementary
in Spring
Branch ISD
from 2003
to the
present.
Last
month,
trustees
also
approved
Tory Hill
to serve
as the new
principal
Mayde
Creek
Junior
High. Hill
has been
an
assistant
principal
and an
instructional
assistant
principal
at Cinco
Ranch High
School
since
2006.
In
March,
Mark
Grisdale
was named
principal
of Morton
Ranch High
School. He
replaced
Joe
Cammarata,
who left
the
district
in May to
become an
assistant
superintendent
in Forney
ISD.
Grisdale
was
formerly
the
principal
of Morton
Ranch
Junior
High for
less than
one year.
Mark
McCord
was chosen
in April
to replace
Grisdale.
He came
from
Thornton
Junior
High in
Cypress
Fairbanks
ISD, where
he served
as
principal.
Also in
May,
Cazilda
Steele
(formerly
principal
at Mayde
Creek
Junior
High), was
selected
as
principal
of Mayde
Creek High
School.
She
replaced
O.D.
Tompkins,
who was
promoted
in April
to the
district-level
position
of
executive
director
for campus
administrative
support.
At Stan
Stanley
Elementary,
located at
26633
Cinco
Terrace
Drive,
Kerri
Finnesand
was named
principal
earlier
this year.
She was
formerly
the
principal
of Mayde
Creek
Elementary.
Stan
Stanley is
the only
new school
opening in
Katy ISD
for
2009-10.
Julia
Noeldner,
the former
assistant
principal
of Mayde
Creek
Elementary,
replaced
Finnesand.
With
these
changes,
all three
Mayde
Creek
campuses
will have
new
principals
in
2009-10.
Hopefully,
this
reshuffling
is going
to benefit
the pupils
of Katy
ISD as
well as
provide
stability
in the
school
system.
Are any of
you
affected
by these
changes?
Are the
right
people in
the right
seats now?
Will this
principal
shuffle be
disruptive
to
district
operations?
To what
extent
should
teachers,
parents
and others
in the
community
get to
weigh in
on who
becomes
the school
principal?
Katy ISD: Rumors of Medrano’s Dismissal from Exley Elementary Untrue
Despite rumors to the contrary, a Katy ISD spokesman has said the principal of Exley Elementary School has not been dismissed or reassigned in the wake of a pair of recent high-profile scandals.
Rumors began to spread Friday morning that Exley Principal Imelda Medrano had been sacked by the district following revelations that a school employee had been terminated for stealing cash kept on campus and other staffers were “reassigned” following revelations inappropriate disciplinary techniques were used on autistic students.
When contacted by InstantNewsKaty, Katy ISD Director of Communications Steve Stanford said flatly the rumors were untrue.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that an unnamed school employee had been terminated after admitting involvement in a campus theft to school district police.
The district did not release the name or position of the staff member involved, nor information on the nature of the theft.
According to campus sources speaking on the condition of anonymity, the theft was discovered about two weeks ago and involved roughly $2,000 taken from the administrative offices.
Katy ISD Police were notified of the theft. During the course of the investigation, a school secretary reportedly confessed to taking the money and was subsequently terminated.
It remains unknown if criminal charges will be filed or if the former employee will be required to make restitution. It was also unknown what the money was to be used for or why the cash was being kept on campus.
Information about the theft came on the heels of revelations that Exley staffers used unapproved disciplinary measures on autistic students.
At a recent school board meeting, National Autism Association board member Leslie Phillips publicly chastised trustees over disclosures that school employees forced autistic students, including some who are nonverbal, to place cotton balls saturated with vinegar into their mouths to control behavior.
It was also revealed that some of the autistic students were forced to get on a classroom treadmill for exercise breaks and then made to go faster or longer than they wanted, also as a disciplinary measure.
Such practices, referred to as “aversives,” have been labeled “inhumane” by the National Autism Association.
The school district later issued a statement saying it was unaware such practices were being used and that those responsible had “been removed from the classroom.” The statement also said the district had never approved or condoned the use of such techniques.
The two back-to-back scandals spurred speculation about Medrano’s future on the campus which, in turn, led to rumors of her dismissal.
Aversive’ procedures ruffle feathers in
KISD
-
Sh
Posted:
Thursday, September 29, 2011 12:00 am |
Updated: 9:13 am, Thu Sep 29, 2011.
‘Aversive’ procedures ruffle feathers in KISDBy
James Hale, Times Staff WriterKaty Times |
Residents concerned about the treatment of special education students in Katy Independent School District asked for the board’s consideration of an alleged case of abuse at Exley Elementary as evidence for a new plan of treatment of special education students.
Leslie Phillips, board member of the National Autism Association and Katy Autism Support, described the dangers of using aversive intervention.
“The vast majority of education and mental health professionals agree that these techniques are not therapeutic, evidence-based practices,” Phillips said. “They are not an effective means to calm or teach children, and … cause loss of skills or regression.”
Phillips described the practices as overexertion on a treadmill and putting cotton balls soaked in vinegar and soap in the mouth of nonverbal, autistic students.
Superintendent Alton Frailey responded to the comments, describing the case in question as “not something we want to have in our school district.”
He also said the issue had been brought to the administration, and steps had already been taken.
“This was brought to our attention; this was looked into, the parents were visited with, and police are conducting an investigation,” Frailey said. “This was not ignored, nor was it condoned.”
Catherine Masha, president of Katy Autism Support, asked the board to place cameras for the safety of students and teachers and review current educational plans for special needs students.
“The underlying problem is inadequate strategies for positive behavioral support,” she said. “We need better strategies for students with challenging behaviors, whatever their placement or label.”
The NAA works as a part of the Alliance to Prevent Restraint, Aversive Interventions and Seclusion, an advocacy organization promoting the elimination of practices.
Phillips said while Texas has laws against restraint and seclusion, aversive procedures fall into a gap between criminal and education codes.
Katy ISD responded with the following statement Wednesday afternoon:
The Katy Independent School District has conducted a full investigation in response to recent reports regarding the use of unapproved techniques to correct student behavior in one of our special needs classrooms last year. The techniques that have been reported to have taken place are not in any way condoned by Katy ISD - nor were they approved by any authorized district staff member. As such, appropriate personnel actions have been taken and all information related to this occurrence has been turned over to the district attorney.
This isolated occurrence is very unfortunate and we want parents to know that there is no evidence that such techniques have been used in other classrooms or by other personnel. It saddens and deeply concerns the district that such techniques could have occurred.
It is important for the Katy ISD community to know that, despite documented and frequent visits to this particular classroom, the techniques being used were hidden from district authorities. Upon receiving a report that unapproved techniques had been used, district officials opened an immediate investigation, which included contacting those parents whose children were directly impacted.
Additionally, Katy ISD is conducting a review and revision of processes used in the placement and educational programming decisions of our students with disabilities, including identification and implementation of plans to address current needs of students directly impacted by this incident. Among the corrective action includes training and support for key personnel and increased involvement of supervisory activities by campus and district administrators. Any documented instances where staff members violate directives will lead to termination of employment.
In Katy ISD, behavior intervention plans, as well as other components of the child's Individual Education Program (IEP) are developed by a campus-based committee, which includes input from both school staff and the child's parent. These interventions are specifically designed to provide positive behavioral support to address the needs of the student in the classroom.
Our special education services are provided in partnership with our parents, and we hope to use this instance as a means to strengthen this partnership. We encourage parents to join us in constructive dialogue on improving the programs offered to Katy ISD students.
© 2013 Katy Times. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Posted in
News
on Thursday, September 29, 2011 12:00 am.
Updated: 9:13 am.
Go to Google if you want to see more....
HOUSTON
Katy principal, suspended after linking to Christian website, reinstated
By St. John Barned-Smith
January 24, 2015 Updated: January 24, 2015 6:37pm
Photo: Â Tony Bullard 2012, Freelance Photographer
Principal Dr. Imelda Medrano and Katy ISD Board of Trustees member Joe Adams pose for a photo before the Seven Lakes Junior High Dedication Thursday 11/08/12. Photo by Tony Bullard.
A Katy Independent School District principal who was abruptly put on paid administrative leave this month has been reinstated, according to school officials.
Parents learned recently that Principal Imelda Medrano of Seven Lakes Junior High had been placed on administrative leave, but school officials declined to discuss reasons behind the suspension.
Parents surmised the cause was an article posted on a Christian parenting website the principal had linked to in a weeklye-newsletter sent out by the school. The article was about the potential dangers to children from phone apps like Snapchat and Vine.
The district emailed parents Jan. 12 to disregard the article, referring them instead to the Katy ISD technology department's page on cyberbullying.
Just days later, the Katy ISD police tweeted a link to the same article Medrano had shared with parents, touting it as "Great info for parents regarding Apps kids are using on their phones."
Parents reacted to the decision to place Medrano on leave by starting a Facebook petition calling for her reinstatement and demanding answers from the school district.
On Friday, Katy ISD superintendent Alton Frailey emailed parents to inform them that Medrano would be back at her post.
"Following an administrative review, I am pleased to share that effective Thursday afternoon, January 22, 2015, Dr. Medrano was reinstated as principal at SLJH," Frailey wrote in the email, explaining that she would be back in school Tuesday.
"I appointed Dr. Medrano to open SLJH in 2012 and since then, she has demonstrated successful leadership capacity at the school," he wrote. "She has my full support and confidence as she continues as principal at SLJH."
School officials could not immediately be reached Saturday to comment further on Medrano's reinstatement.
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Katy-principal-suspended-after-linking-to-6037594.php
Texas Educator Certificate
This certifies that
Imelda Medrano
has fulfilled requirements of state law and regulations of the
State Board for Educator Certification
and is hereby authorized to perform duties as designated below:
STANDARD
Description Effective Date Expiration Date Status
Principal
Principal 06/01/2013 05/31/2019 Valid
Grades (EC-12)
Superintendent
Superintendent 06/01/2013 05/31/2019 Valid
Grades (EC-12)
PROVISIONAL
Description Effective Date Expiration Date Status
Bilingual/ESL 03/10/1995 Life Valid
Grades (PK-6)
STANDARD
Description Effective Date Expiration Date Status
Principal
Principal 04/04/2008 05/31/2013 Expired
Grades (EC-12)
Principal 05/23/2002 05/31/2007 Expired
Grades (EC-12)
Superintendent
Superintendent 05/11/2012 05/31/2013 Expired
Grades (EC-12)
TEMPORARY
Description Effective Date Expiration Date Status
Assistant Principal 07/18/2001 07/18/2006 Expired
Grades (PK-12)
Official Record of Certification
Sunday, January 25, 2015
https://secure.sbec.state.tx.us/sbeconline/virtcertdisplay.asp?spid=597379&mode=C
Some Katy ISD special-needs students punished with vinegar-soaked cotton balls | khou.com
Houston
Quote:
KATY, Texas -- Parents are outraged after learning that special needs students at Exley Elementary in Cinco Ranch had vinegar-soaked cotton balls put in their mouths.
Tiffany Joseph has children at the school.
"I would be devastated if that happened to my children," said Joseph. "I mean I don’t think it’s anyone’s place to do that. I wouldn’t do that to my dog."
The "unapproved technique," as KATY ISD calls it, reportedly happened last year, but word got out after a tipster claimed to see it firsthand.
"I couldn’t believe what happened," said Maureen Buliclic. "That’s really terrible."
It was not clear how many students had to endure the vinegar and cotton, or for how long. |
Parents Accuse Katy
ISD of Abuse, Cover-Up (http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/local/110721-parents-accuse-katy-isd-of-abuse-cover-up
- broken link)
Quote:
Principal Medrano claimed further that she found "no evidence of abuse or improper restraint."
The inquiry could have ended there, but the Sullivans dug deeper and discovered this: a letter which they provided to FOX 26 as solid proof that Katy ISD was involved in a cover-up.
Dated 7 days after William was hurt, the letter reprimands the twin's special ed teacher for failing to report the physical struggle to the Sullivans as required by law.
More critically, the letter clearly states "it is evident that the manner in which you conducted the behavior instruction resulted in injury to this student."
The letters author was Exley principal Imelda Medrano, the same campus leader who would insist a month later that William Sullivan suffered no abuse or improper retraint.
"They covered it up and they lied. They have been lying from the very beginning," insisted Lea. "It is a rude awakening that the people you trust with your children you can't trust. It's not there anymore; it's not ever going to be there."
|
Read more: http://www.city-data.com/forum/houston/1393685-warning-dont-move-katy-autistic-kids.html#ixzz3PsMWnQrQ
http://thautcast.com/drupal5/category/tags/imelda-medrano
***********************************************************************************************
Parents might want to read the reports
on Seven Lakes Principal Imelda Medrano on
CoveringKaty.com as well as this one on Breitbart:
http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2015/01/25/texas-principal-reinstated-possibly-suspended-for-linking-to-christian-website/
I'm beginning to think that the
problem is not that there is anything wrong with
Mrs. Medrano but instead perhaps it is a problem
with the superintendent, Alton Frailey! His
handling of whatever it is that is going on is
very unprofessional in my opinion. One does not
yank a principal out of her position and then put
her back without a cogent and honest explanation.
If he screwed up, he needs to admit it. If
she screwed up, the parents need to know how.
January 31, 2015 - I suppose, like
most of the other problems in our school district,
the superintendent will just let time pass, hoping
everyone will forget that answers should be
forthcoming about this matter. And no one
cares!
Someone help me out here, please. Isn’t the Katy ISD School Board a policy governance board rather than an administrative one? If so, why are they voting on the appointments of principals, a job they hired the superintendent to do? Just curious…
Wonder what the KISD academic and social reasoning is for the principal shuffle. We teachers and social workers feel that stability in a young person’s life with familiar, responsible adults is extremely important. Principals and teachers certainly fall into that category. We wonder how many of these changes were requested by the principals that are being shuffled.
Catherine, I for one like the idea of being able to complain to an ELECTED OFFICIAL rather than an APPOINTED STOOGE called “superintendant.”
There are countless other reasons as well but not “just because” YOU don’t like their decisions!
It is just a matter of formality. The board puts their “Official” stamp of approval on all transfers and new hires in the district.
I also hope they have done what is right for kids!
m9777,
The concept of having elected officials to complain to would be ideal but in Katy ISD the “elected officials” are not very interested in hearing from anyone who does not tow the party line. Have you checked the voting results from recent board elections? Because if you have then you know that less than 3% of registered voters are voting these “officials” in to office. I don’t know about you but these does not make me feel like the board is very representative of the entire district.
Katy Voter…I am proudly one of the 3% and I call/write regularly. I get responses and often answers that surprise the heck out of me! I guess 97% of the registered voters have given the rest a bad name. Still, if 97% wish to allow 3% to speak for them, I’ll continue to do my part.
I am just wondering why people alway ask if the shuffle is what the principals wanted. In every case (except 1)of those moved within the district, they are promotions.
Why would someone think that the people were moved against their will? Elizabeth, do you believe that administrators are being moved against their will?
m9777
I for one would delight in knowing the questions and answers you have submitted and received. When you get an opportunity might you share a couple with the rest of us because my experience has not been so satisfying?
Congratulations to Tory Hill for being selected as principal of Mayde Creek Junior High. I am so delighted to see another African American male serving as principal in Katy ISD (Marcus Forney is the other one at West Memorial Junior High). Bro. Hill will do great things at the Creek and I wish him well! I am so happy to see the district changing for the good of our children.
RenMo – so it doesn’t matter if the person is qualified for the position, just as long as he’s African American. Ignorance is bliss.
Freebird,
(LOL)I’m sorry to hear that you have to result to name calling. I guess ignorance is bliss when you speak before you thoroughly understand the fine print. I am pretty sure Mr. Hill and Mr. Forney are Highly qualified for there positions. But you and I know that the demographics are changing in Katy ISD and the Board of Trustees knew this when they voted Alton Frailey to lead the district. But I’m going to take the HIGH road here and continue to support the much needed changes that are going on in Katy. Great Job Board of Trustees!
Freebird-
As a caucasian teacher that worked for Mr. Hill, I can say Mayde Creek is definitely blessed to have him coming their way. The demographics of the district are massively different from one school to another. I love the fact that all of the teens at MCJH will have the chance to see that anything is attainable under the watch of Mr. Hill. I will miss his leadership and guidance at CRHS.
Speaking of African-American educators in Katy ISD, please be prayful for those teachers who will be under the leadership of new Exley principal, Imelda Medrano. In Houston ISD, she had a history of high turnovers of teachers, especially African-American females. I challenged her ignorance of district, state, and national policies pertaining to my rights as an educator. Medrano did not attend a traditional college for an administration degree, and only holds state teacher certification for Bilingual Pre-K thru Second. Her credentials explain her inability to provide effective leadership on the middle school level and also, (because of my tenure under her) non-know-how about dealing with minority teachers and students. I might sound I am venting, but I had to end up in a legal battle with Medrano, because she crossed the wrong, highly-qualified African-American middle school educator. Hopefully, she will stay at this, her second elementary school and not give great teachers a difficult time because of her insecurities about not being curriculum-literate!
You folks are discussing building principals only. While I realize that changes need to be made from time to time, it seems that the current regime at the ESC are moving folks just to move them. Yes, some of the principalships are promotions. But the fact that 4 of 6 of the high school building principals will be new to the position is disconcerting.
In addition to that, what you may not know, is that the folks at the ESC have also moved assistant principals around too. Lateral moves. Moving to move. One high school has a new building principal, and five new AP’s. Only one administrator will be familiar to the kids when they return in August. How on earth is that a good idea? This was one that had AP’s moved to other schools in the district.
One AP was moved from one high school position to another in the district. Lateral move…and he had been at one school for over twenty years. Maybe new blood was needed at one school or the other, but why now…after twenty odd years.
I hope that there is a method to their madness, but I’m afraid that the folks at the ESC are short on method. At least one that actually has the kids’ best interest in mind. I have relatives who are elected officials at the state level. I know what running for office, and holding that office entails. And rarely does it actually have anything to do with the constituents. I hope I’m wrong, but I have a bad feeling about the future of our district. I am glad my kids are nearly out.