PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER REUNITES WITH HEAD START TEACHER
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VOL. 8 | ISSUE 11
WEEK OF JANUARY 3, 2023
A weekly publication of Harris County Department of Education for the HCDE Board of Trustees
PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL
PLAYER REUNITES WITH P. 3
HEAD START TEACHER
P. 5 P. 6
HCDE CELEBRATES CHRIS HOESEL
SCHOOL BOARD ON THE MOVE
APPRECIATION MONTH
OF NOTE
Welcome to 2023! I cannot
believe that we are already
half-way through the school
year. The first semester really
went quickly.
January is a good time in education to look forward and determine where
we want to go in the next year and how to get there. Over the winter
break I typically ponder the state of the organization and our vision for
excellence. Then I brainstorm action steps to achieve those goals and
when I return, I engage with ELT on different aspects of our plan for how
to make this vision into reality.
As I have been saying for the last year, our goal is for HCDE to be the
best alternative education program in the country. One step towards
accomplishing this is to make sure that ELT is on the same page and that
their goals are aligned with the objective of the organization. We will be
meeting in March for an ELT retreat to review individual goals as well as
steps we can take collectively to help propel HCDE forward on our quest
to be the best in the nation. This is a critical activity not only to enhance
the chemistry and synergy of the executive leadership team but also to
strategically plot our path toward being exceptional and ensuring that
each person understands their role in that journey.
I started the week with the New Year holiday on Monday, returning to
the office Tuesday for ELT followed by my monthly meeting with the
Leadership Team. On Wednesday, I met with staff to discuss ongoing
projects and on Thursday we reviewed the agenda for the upcoming
board meeting. Today, Mr. Parker, Ms. Bartz and I visited Reigning
Strength, a therapeutic horsemanship program in Fort Bend.
Have a great weekend.
James Colbert Jr.
County Superintendent
2 The Connector Vol. 8 | hcde-texas.org
PROGRAM CONNECTIONS
De’Montre Tuggle, center, looks back on his time at Coolwood with his former Head Start teacher, Patricia Kuskos, right.
XFL ARLINGTON RENEGADES RUNNING BACK REMEMBERS
TIME AT COOLWOOD HEAD START
T
he imagination of a child is boundless, and at HCDE Head Start very confident in who he is and talks more and expresses himself more,”
campuses, Harris County’s youngest learners are encouraged to said Posey. “I do believe Head Start had a lot to do with it, especially
dream big. with Ms. Kuskos, because she saw how smart he was right off the bat
and pushed him to go farther.”
Twenty-three-year-old De’Montre Tuggle, a former Coolwood Head Start
student, did just that. In November of last year, he was drafted by the Tuggle agrees. After graduating from Channelview High School as a
XFL’s Arlington Renegades after earning an invitation to the Chicago two-time first-team all-district selection, he went on to the University of
Bears minicamp. Central Arkansas, Kilgore College, Ohio University, and eventually, the
Chicago Bears.
In 2002, Tuggle was a three-year-old student at Coolwood Head
Start. His former teacher, Patricia Kuskos, who was in her first year of “Being in all of these different places, like in Chicago around millionaires,
teaching, remembers Tuggle and his mother, Elaine Posey. and just being able to still be me, I definitely really feel like it started at Head
Start,” said Tuggle, who reunited with Kuskos last December after 20 years.
“De’Montre was really quiet, very caring, and kindhearted,” said
Kuskos. “I believe Head Start built “You get to see them grow with social media, but I’m very excited to see
his self-esteem because he was him in person now,” said Kuskos, who has remained friends with Posey,
very reserved when he came. Tuggle’s mother. “De’Montre was the first child of hers that I had in my
He left with a rich vocabulary, classroom. Her next child, Angel, was also in my classroom several
outgoing, engaged, and very years later. Education was very important to their family.”
curious. I think when you have
a solid foundation and a trusting Head Start programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers,
relationship, a good teacher can and preschool-aged children from low-income families. They also
help you build social skills.” provide services to support families in a comprehensive way.
“Through the years, he has Kuskos, who is still employed with HCDE as an education and special
become more confident now. He’s
Continued on page 4
3 The Connector Vol. 8 | hcde-texas.org
PROGRAM CONNECTIONS
services coordinator for Head Start, believes that parental involvement
at Head Start is vital because it establishes engagement in their child’s
education for life.
“One of the things with Head Start is that we also want to provide
opportunities for parents to grow, and parent involvement is a big
component of what we do,” said Kuskos. “Elaine was a very involved
volunteer up until the point when she became a Head Start employee.
She became the cook at Coolwood.”
De’Montre Tuggle, right, with a classmate at Coolwood Head Start.
SHE ALWAYS MADE SURE TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ME,
WHETHER THROUGH MY MOM OR THROUGH FACEBOOK I
THINK IT MEANS A LOT. IT SHOWS REAL GENUINE CARE.
Posey recalls her involvement in the program. “It was one of the more
fulfilling jobs I’ve had. I love volunteering and I was so involved. I think
at one point they were short in the kitchen. I just got in there, and it
went from there,” said Posey. “With me being on the inside and seeing
the program, I saw they were very good with the kids. I loved how they
kept them engaged and introduced them to different things. I have
De’Montre Tuggle poses with Coolwood Head Start staff. grandbabies now, and we’ll be coming back to the Head Start program.”
Undoubtedly, the support offered by Kuskos has played a role in the
success of this family.
“I always tell them once our paths have crossed, you have me for the
rest of your life,” said Kuskos with a smile.
“She always made sure to keep in touch with me, whether through my
mom or through Facebook I think it means a lot. It shows real genuine
care,” said Tuggle.
For Kuskos, sharing Tuggle’s story is about dreaming big.
“America looks up to professional athletes, but it is just as important to
get an academic scholarship as it is to get a sports scholarship,” she
said. “I think he got a little bit of both—and that’s important.”
Tuggle, who graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree
in physical activity and sport coaching, regularly gives back to his
community, mentoring students at Channelview High School and in little
leagues in his hometown.
“Education opens up so many opportunities,” said Tuggle. “We definitely
had moments growing up where it wasn’t the best situation. My parents
always emphasized that they wanted a better life for us than what they
had, even though it wasn’t all bad. So, I made sure to take heed of that,
and I keep that in mind when whenever I’m in school or on the field.”
De’Montre Tuggle as a Chicago Bear.
The 2023 XFL season begins in mid-February.
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BOARD BRIEFS
HCDE CELEBRATES SCHOOL BOARD
APPRECIATION MONTH
This month, HCDE joins school districts across the nation in
celebrating the dedication of school board trustees for their
commitment and contributions to Harris County learners.
A reception will be held to recognize trustees’ contributions before the
January board meeting in the Irvington conference center.
The theme of this year’s School Board Recognition Month is “Forward,
Together,” which highlights the collaboration among school leaders,
teachers, and parents on behalf of students.
Short videos profiling each board member will be published on HCDE’s
social media platforms throughout the month. A longer, comprehensive
video will also be published and shown during the reception.
CLICK TO WATCH THE COMPREHENSIVE VIDEO
5 The Connector Vol. 8 | hcde-texas.org
BOARD BRIEFS
CHRIS HOESEL ON THE MOVE
Technology leader Chris Hoesel has been named the new director
of Information Technology Services for Harris County Department of
Education.
Hoesel, who joined HCDE in 2017 as an infrastructure analyst, most
recently served as IT operations services manager leading a team
of systems analysts and network engineers in the conceptualization,
implementation, and sustainment of the Department’s IT
infrastructure.
“I enjoy working with this professional team and welcome the
challenge of taking it to the next level,” said Hoesel. “It’s much
more difficult to improve on something that is already great versus
improving something that requires improvement. The baseline is
high, but I’m confident I can make a difference in subtle ways.”
With more than 18 years of technology experience, Hoesel will lead
the IT Division, which is comprised of a Service Desk, Applications
Support Team (AST), Operations Support Team (OST), Process
Improvement, and IT Training. He will continue to serve HCDE
and stakeholders by providing innovative tools and technologies to
support educational programs and staff.
“Technology is hands down one of the most complex operations
within HCDE. As such, it needed a leader with a diverse skill set
who could not only implement new and innovative programs and
practices, but also create an environment where existing programs
demonstrate excellence,” said Chief Communications Officer
Danielle Clark. “Chris has the vision, expertise, and leadership skills Before joining HCDE, Hoesel worked in IT for international operations
to take technology to the next level while growing relationships companies abroad and companies such as KBR, Halliburton, and
both internally and externally. He understands that technology is a Saudi Aramco.
customer-driven operation.”
IN THE NEWS
HEAD START BATES RESPONSIBLE PARENTING
AWARD
Watch the Primer Impacto
Head Start continues to garner media coverage for its 24th
story here.
annual Responsible Parenting Awards, including from a
national news outlet. Two deserving Head Start moms were
each presented with a rehabbed vehicle during the annual
event in mid-December. The awards are in partnership with
Bates Collision Centers.
Coverage includes a feature story on Univision’s Primer Read the FenderBender
Impacto (national) and automotive industry site FenderBender. story here.
6 The Connector Vol. 8 | hcde-texas.org
BOARD BRIEFS
WELCOME TO HCDE
Please join us in welcoming HCDE’s new hires for December! Nine new faces have joined our Adult
Education, Special Schools, Head Start, Communications and Center for Educator Success divisions.
Mehwish Azhar Amy Banda Lacoya Bell
Campus Clerk Cook Relief Teaching Assistant
Highpoint East Head Start Head Start
Jasmine Booker Carl Glatzel Bethany Green
Officer Of Education Graphic Design Manager Teaching Assistant
Advancement Communications Head Start
Center For Educator Success
Ana Omana Gary Pollo Clarence Strawder
Teacher Teacher Teacher
Adult Education Adult Education Highpoint East
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SYSTEMIC ACHIEVEMENT...WITH PURPOSEFUL INTENT
THIS WEEK THE FOLLOWING BOARD EXPECTATIONS WERE MET:
Superintendent Objective B: Organizational Morale
• Celebrates accomplishments and acknowledges excellence.
HCDE BOARD
Board President
Richard Cantu
1st Vice President
Andrea Duhon
2nd Vice President
Amy Hinojosa
Board Members
David W. Brown
Erica Davis
Eric Dick
Danny Norris
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 16
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
(HCDE Closed)
January 18
January marks the start of the spring semester and a new calendar year. It also marks School Board School Board Recognition
Appreciation Month. We are eager to celebrate trustees and their contributions to Harris County Month Reception
learners this month through videos on social media, a luncheon in their honor, and a special recognition
during the January board meeting. Board Meeting
This week we shine a light on 23-year-old De’Montre Tuggle, a former Coolwood Head Start student
January 27
who was drafted by the XFL’s Arlington Renegades last November after earning an invitation to the
Chicago Bears minicamp. Tuggle credits the confidence and social skills he gained at Coolwood as part Choice Partners Member
of his journey into professional football. In his story, we profile his family’s relationship with his teacher, & Vendor Appreciation
Patricia Kuskos, who continues to serve Head Start families at HCDE as an education and special Luncheon
services coordinator. These success stories indicate that our exceptional staff are compassionate—and
passionate—leaders who care for students and their families long after they have left our classrooms.
January 28
Finally, we are proud to announce that Chris Hoesel has been named the new director of Information
Early Childhood Winter
Technology Services. Hoesel joined HCDE in 2017 as an infrastructure analyst and most recently
served as IT operations services manager. As HCDE continues to identify solutions that will add value
Conference
to our students and staff, we are confident Hoesel is the right person to lead the charge.
By promoting the recognition of the great work of our staff, I am meeting the expectation to establish a
culture of excellence at HCDE.
8 The Connector Vol. 8 | hcde-texas.org
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