Science and Technology Make Cornelius Elementary Exemplary
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| HISD Board of Education First Vice President Paula Harris made an ice-cream sundae for Cornelius Principal Karen Jackson at the Exemplary celebration. |
John Cornelius Elementary School received its seventh Exemplary rating after its students met the standards set by the Texas Education Agency on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. HISD Inspector General Robert Moore hosted an ice-cream reception on March 27 for teachers and staff members of the science and engineering Magnet school who came to celebrate the school’s victory.
To enhance the curriculum, administrators at Cornelius Elementary have successfully collaborated with some of the best science programs in Houston, such as the Museum of Health and Medical Science and the Museum of Natural Science. Students take regular field trips to both museums, and experts from the museums bring science exhibits into the classroom. The school is known for its high-tech science labs, Internet-connected classrooms, weather station, and nature center. Two of the most active clubs on campus are the Space Explorers and the Inventors Club, and the school’s use of technology has generated a heightened sense of excitement about academics that is apparent throughout the campus.
“The students are very excited about our latest math program,” said Cornelius Principal Karen Jackson. “Reasoning Mind is an online program with animated math exercises that students can access from school or home. The more they work on it, the more advanced they get.”
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| Celebrating Cornelius Elementary School's seventh Exemplary rating were (left to right) HISD Inspector General Robert Moore; South Region Superintendent Warner Ervin; Paula Harris and her daughter, Cornelius second-grader Madison Harris; fourth-grade teacher Elena Hawson; Principal Karen Jackson; and fourth-grade teacher Albert Knights. |
HISD Board of Education First Vice President Paula Harris makes a daily commute to the South Region school to transport her daughter to and from the Cornelius science Magnet program. “I did a thorough search of all HISD Magnet programs, and because of the science instruction I picked Cornelius,” she said. “I’ve encouraged other elected officials, such as State Representative Borris Miles, to send their children to Cornelius, too.” She added that Principal Jackson and Magnet Coordinator Joanna Harrison were on the cutting edge of helping children learn. “They’ll go out on a limb to try new ways of helping students understand science and math,” Harris said. “They’ve invested well and gotten a good return on their investment. I believe any child can succeed here.”
Click here to see other Exemplary celebrations.
