Date

February 1, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TISD’s 2nd Annual Special Rodeo generates excitement

Tomball ISD was proud to host the 2nd Annual Special Rodeo, which was part of the 40th Annual FFA Project Show. The rodeo was added to the show lineup last year as a way to involve more students in the event. “Several students with special needs have found a home in FFA,” Tomball High School FFA Teacher Jessica Reeves said. “FFA is an organization that has something for everyone, and everyone has the opportunity to be successful in our program.” One hundred forty students enjoyed several different rodeo activities such as a stick horse race, an interactive petting zoo, foam bow and arrow target practice, and calf roping practice. Ms. Moo from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo also stopped by to join the students in a rodeo photo booth. Texas Parks and Wildlife representatives also provided an interactive exhibit including animal hides and plant life.

Special Services Department Program Specialist Lori Waldrop explained that the rodeo activities compliment curriculum in the classroom. “The event provides a hands-on experience outside the classroom. It also allows the students to utilize their communication and social skills while interacting with their peers in a new environment.” Reeves and Waldrop agreed the event was a huge success. “The entire event ran smoothly thanks to the amazing community and student volunteers,” Waldrop said. “For the second year they have devoted their time and energy to make it a great event. Our students had an amazing day!”

PETTING ZOO. Tomball Memorial

High School sophomore Jordan Keene held a baby

goat at the petting zoo during Tomball ISD’s

2nd Annual Special Rodeo. Sebastian

Ruiz, kindergarten, Canyon Pointe

Elementary, enjoyed petting several

animals including potbelly pigs, baby

calves, lambs, and a donkey.

(more on page 2)

NEWS RELEASE Tomball Independent School District 310 S. Cherry Street · Tomball, TX 77375 Dr. Staci Stanfield · Director of Communications stacistanfield@tomballisd.net

Page 2 of 2 / SECOND ANNUAL SPECIAL RODEO

STICK HORSE RACE. Creekside Forest Elementary students and

staff enjoyed the stick horse races at Tomball ISD’s 2nd Annual Special Rodeo. Teacher

Melissa Barber encouraged (from left) Chaston Ortiz, second grade, and Christopher

Jones, kindergarten, as they prepared for the race.

RACE TO THE FINISH LINE. Tomball Elementary teacher Tabitha Garrett and Tomball High School senior Derek Maciejeski joined Tomball Elementary first grader Andrea Ortega as she raced to the finish line in the stick horse race during TISD’s 2nd Annual Special Rodeo.