The Tomball Jr. High chapter of the National Junior Honor Society held a Neon Fun Run on Friday, May 3^rd, to raise money for charity.  The organization of 80 members raised $8000 which will be divided among four worthy charities. $2000 will be sent to Boys and Girls Country in honor of our retiring superintendent, Mr. John Neubauer; $2000 will be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in honor of our principal, Dr. Amy Schindewolf; $2000 will be sent to Tomagwa in honor of the Tomball Jr. High staff and faculty; and $2000 will be sent to The Salvation Army – Moore, Oklahoma – in memory of the children who died at Plaza Towers Elementary School.

 Lauren Strange, Kylie Wilkie and Grayson Wilkes were just a few of the participants in the “Neon Fun Run”. 

Zakary Kwiatkowski won 1^{s t}place at the Young Inventor’s Showcase with his invention of “Brights.”  These glasses incorporate design elements that help you focus and relieve stress and anxiety.

2012-2013 officers of the National Junior Honor Society:

Madeline Rockey, Samantha Abrahams, Julianna Falcone, Teagan Moritz, Candy Cleland, Lily Erickson, and Loren Williams. 

Students Zakary Kwiatkowski and Sarah Johnson were recently named finalists in the Do the Write Thing contest. 

From left, Mary Ann Marshall, Willow Creek Elementary, and Dr. Amy Schindewolf, Tomball Junior High School

The Tomball Independent School District Board of Trustees announced Huey Kinchen as the lone finalist for the District’s superintendent position.  Kinchen is the current deputy superintendent for Tomball ISD.

The announcement was made after the Board of Trustees conducted a thorough search within and outside Texas.  They narrowed down a field of 34 applicants to make the final decision. 

“Huey is a quality individual,” Board President John E. McStravick said.  “He is passionate about the education profession, about Tomball ISD and, most importantly, about what is in the best interest of the students he serves.”

According to state guidelines for hiring a superintendent, the Board is required to give public notice of the name of the lone finalist being considered for a superintendent position at least 21 days prior to finalizing the decision.  The Board plans to hire Kinchen in June.

Kinchen has worked for the District for 13 years.  He spent five years as the principal of Tomball High School, five years as the assistant superintendent of administrative services, and an additional three years as deputy superintendent.  “It is an honor to be selected as the lone finalist,” Kinchen said.  “I am looking forward to transitioning the District to the next level and preparing for the future.” 

Prior to working in Tomball ISD, Kinchen worked in Humble ISD and Spring ISD.  In 1976, he earned a bachelors degree in science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.  He received his masters degree in education in 1985 from Southeastern Louisiana University.

“The Board was looking for a visionary leader,” McStravick stated.  “We not only wanted a visionary leader in terms of instruction, but also in respect to facilities, staffing, programs, and finance.  We are confident Huey is that leader.”

Tomball ISD voters approved a $160 million bond referendum, known as Bond 2013, on Saturday, May 11.  The unofficial vote was 1,303 for the bond and 571 against.  The votes will become official when the vote tally is canvassed.  “I would like to thank the voters.  We appreciate their support of our students,” Tomball ISD Superintendent John Neubauer said.  “The passage of Bond 2013 will allow us to build new facilities to accommodate projected growth.  We are very thankful.”  Bond 2013 will address district growth, security, and technology.  Over the next five years, the district’s population is expected to increase by more than 3,700 students, which will increase enrollment to nearly 15,000 students. 

Tomball Jr. High is pleased to announce the 2012-2013 A+ Teachers of the Year, Mr. Lawrence Cox and Mrs. Terry Necessary.