FISD Welcomes New Faces With A “Roaring” New Employee Luncheon

The Friendswood ISD Education Foundation (FEF) hosted a Roaring 20’s New Employee Luncheon on Friday, Aug. 2 at Hope Village Event Center. The District welcomed more than 70 new faces to the Mustang Family.

“FEF is honored to host the FISD New Employee Luncheon each year,” FEF Executive Director Ashley Adair said. “As a new employee myself, it was such a blessing to be welcomed into the FISD family with such a fun and intentional celebration.”

Part of that intentionality was assigning new employees a campus mentor who will be a valuable resource of support and encouragement as they begin their journey in FISD. According to FHS English Teacher Deidre Stevens, feeling supported made her feel grateful to be working in FISD.

“The New Employee Luncheon kicked off my career in FISD feeling overwhelmed with gratitude,” Stevens said. “I’m an FHS alumna, and the luncheon confirmed what I already knew about the incredible generosity of the Friendswood community. I am thrilled to return to my roots and become a part of the tradition of excellence.” 

Event Chairs and FEF Directors, Alan and Beth Stanfield, said they love coordinating the event because it allows them the opportunity to meet all the new teachers and “set the tone for their new adventure with FISD.”

The afternoon was packed with delicious food, a variety of door prizes (including a $500 Acori gift card and Houston Texans tickets) and goody bags full of treats donated by local businesses.

The cornerstone of the luncheon was the FISD Student Panel emceed by Executive Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning Lauren Ambeau. Panelists included Brayden Sweeney, Claire Durso, Lauren Daugherty, Hayden Holcomb, Asiya Siddiqi and Christian Lee.

“I am hopeful my teacher makes me feel smart next year because I love learning,” Sweeney, Westwood second-grader said. 

When asked what makes learning authentic and engaging, Windsong fifth-grader Durso said, “When teachers give us choices and trust us to make the right one.” 

A common theme that emerged in the students’ answers was they are looking for kindness, compassion and intentionality from their teachers. FISD administrators said they have no doubt these new employees will provide just that for the students.