Lantrip is able to offer a vanguard (gifted) neighborhood program in grades K-5 that includes accelerated instruction to meet the needs of the more than 100 gifted students. The program provides a learning continuum that is differentiated in depth, complexity, and pacing. Students utilize the Renzulli Learning System as well as the Texas Performance standards Project. All teachers hold valid GT certification. For more information concerning the Vanguard program or to take a tour of our Magnet program contact Joyce Turkall at 713.924.1670 or email jturkall@houstonisd.org.
Lantrip’s environmental science Magnet program for grades Kindergarten through fifth, develops each student’s natural interest in the environment while he or she studies an integrated accelerated curriculum. Cooperative learning is emphasized and special projects are required for all students. Students participate in a variety of field trips each year. Units and lessons are planned around nature activities that take place at the Houston Arboretum, Starbase, the Houston Zoo, The Museum of Natural Science, Space Center Houston, and Moody Gardens. The Science labs facilitate the development of scientific inquiry. Laboratory instruction focuses on the various aspects of science such as:
*Life Science
*Physical Science
*Earth Science
*Nature of Science
Having taught Pre-Kindergarten last year, Ms. Yoerges is thrilled to be teaching Kindergarten, and believes that no time is as precious as the first years of formal schooling. Her learners will not only receive an excellent foundation for all of their future years in school, but they will be held to the highest of expectations. A member of Teach for America and a graduate of the University of Florida, she incorporates a strong college-bound culture into her classroom--a vibrant, prideful community of “Green Gators.” Her classroom is built on safety, comfort, collaboration, and friendship. She constantly seeks ways to personalize learning and engage the child’s imagination. Her goal is for her students to be active learners and disciplined, creative thinkers; to learn to make good choices and to work cooperatively; and to be kind and responsible. Follow this class by clicking HERE.
Upon graduating from Indiana University's School of Education in 2004, Mrs. Moore, had the opportunity to move out to San Francisco and work as a
live-in nanny for a family with two young children. She landed her first teaching job, a year later, at HISD's Franklin Elementary School. There she taught Kindergarten/Pre-k split from 2005-2009. Now at Lantrip, she works as a Kindergarten teacher for our science magnet program. Her classroom environment and high expectations lend themselves for active young minds to blossom and reach their utmost potential. Differentiation and intervention are the keys to her students' success. She is continually striving towards becoming a master teacher in early childhood education, and was awarded one of East Region's Campus Teachers of the Year in 2009.
Mrs. Adams has been teaching and inspiring minds since 1998. Growing up in Hawaii fueled a love of culture and learning about the beauty of life experiences. Her heart and passion has always been to create an environment that encourages children to love learning; community is the central focus of her classroom environment. As a learning community, each child embraces their strengths and uses them as a means to help their friends feel successful. The open atmosphere in the room, an excitement about the day, mixed with a teacher who will stop at nothing to celebrate each child’s uniqueness is a recipe for authentic learning. Mrs. Adams is a graduate of the University of Hawaii Manoa and a Teach For America alum.
Ms. Taylor graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After joining the organization Teach For America, she found her way to Houston, TX. She has been working and challenging students to meet their highest potential since arriving in Houston the summer of 2005. Her classroom is designed to offer students the opportunity to delve deep into learning objectives and grow as life long “thinkers”. She always encourages her students to think of how they are citizens of a larger community and can therefore take actions to change the world around them.
Ms. Waltz has been teaching for 13 years in the Houston Independent School District including the past five at Lantrip. She has taught kindergarten, second, and third grade. She will always “go the extra mile” to ensure her student’s success. Her love for outdoor adventure has added a special impact on the environmental science aspect. She is a graduate from Texas Tech University.
Ms. Randall grew up in the Kansas City area and graduated from Kansas State University in 2002. With her degree in Elementary Education in hand, she made her way to Houston to begin her teaching career in the spring of 2003. Ms. Randall's approach to teaching involves small group instruction with minimal whole group teaching. She believes that all learners are different and this method allows each student to be challenged and supported appropriately. Her goal is to create a student-centered classroom where each child can reach their utmost potential.
Mrs. Boudreaux is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and a second career teacher. Her first career as an airline supervisor afforded her extensive travel, which is the basis of the vision for her students – reach beyond your own world to new places and cultures and never be afraid to follow your dreams where ever they may take you. As a former 6th grade teacher she has valuable insight that enables her to prepare her students for their futures in middle school, both academically and socially. Respect, responsibility, and self-discipline are essential attributes that Mrs. Boudreaux reinforces daily. She believes they are the keys that enable her students to achieve their highest levels of academic performance and become empathetic adults who use their chosen professions and talents to benefit society and protect the environment.
Mr. Cairey has been teaching science in the Lantrip Environmental science Magnet Program for the past 23 years. He began his teaching career at Lantrip and then continued his education earning his Masters degree from the University of Houston in Elementary Science. His philosophy is that all children need to learn science and develop the skills of scientific literacy to function as productive citizens in the advancing technological society.
Mrs. Espinosa has been teaching in HISD for 16 years. Her love for teaching began when she started as a special education teacher assistant. She received her degree from Texas Southern University in Bilingual Education. She has taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades. She is excited to be part of a wonderful school and can’t wait to make a difference at Lantrip. Mrs. Espinosa believes in developing students’ knowledge, social consciousness, and their ability to be stewards of our great planet Earth. Science is part of our everyday experience and something that students enjoy and can connect with while developing their critical thinking skills. Her goal this year is to create active learners who succeed not only in science but in their lives. She encourages her students to be creative, engaged and active learners.
