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The Honor Roll School official podcast: home of the school's up-to-date information adding another layer to our school communication --- This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content. SEG Inc. expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, reliance on, or inability to use, this podcast or the information presented in this podcast. This podcast and all its content, including but not limited to audio recordings, show notes, artwork, and branding elements, are protected by copyright laws. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted without prior written permission from SEG Inc.
Hello this is Mrs. Quintero, the proud head of school. Welcome back to The Pod, The Dolphin Podcast. This session will be a little different as today the leadership team will be joining me to give our mid-year State of the School address. Whether you’re listening on your drive to work, while making dinner, or during a quiet moment in your day, thank you for taking the time to connect with us and be part of The Honor Roll School community. We are grateful for your partnership and excited to share where we are as a school, where we are headed, and, most importantly, how your children continue to thrive here.
It is truly an honor to share the State of The Honor Roll School where you will hear our progress in each of our 4 pillars: academics, Athletics, Arts, and Community Service. Let me begin with a point of pride that sets the tone for everything else we will share. The Honor Roll School is rated an A+ school by Niche, placing us among the top schools in the state and nation. This rating reflects not just academic outcomes, but also student experience, family satisfaction, and the culture we intentionally build every day. But ratings don’t tell the whole story. People do.
Strong schools are built on strong partnerships, and communication is where partnership begins. This year, we expanded how we connect with families in meaningful and accessible ways. Our school podcast now serves as an auditory layer of communication, allowing families to stay informed while commuting, exercising, or multitasking. Weekly newsletters, including Peek-at-the-Week and grade-level updates, ensure families always know what’s coming next. Our ECE and Links to Learning newsletters, offered weekly and monthly, support continuity across campuses and grade levels. We also launched upgrades to the THRS App, including integration with the family Google Calendar, making it easier than ever to add school events directly to personal calendars and an AI agent to help you quickly locate information. Our goal is simple: no family should ever feel out of the loop, and every family should feel welcomed into the life of our school.
Before I invite Mrs. Humliceck to talk about our academic progress, a quick reminder that Family Science night will be on Wednesday, January 21st starting at 6pm. A family fun educational night for all!
Excellence isn’t just something we strive for at The Honor Roll School—it’s who we are. From innovative projects to collaborative learning experiences, every grade level embraced challenges that sparked curiosity and built confidence. And the results speak for themselves.
97% percent of THRS students are performing at or above grade level, compared to a national norm of seventy-seven percent. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a reflection of the dedication, passion, and personalized support that define our community of families, teachers, and students. At The Honor Roll School, we’re not just preparing students for tests—we’re preparing them for life. And here’s the thing—learning at THRS doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Experiential learning is a defining part of our school culture.
Our third graders explored science hands-on at the Weather Museum, while students across Middle School grade levels engaged in deep research through National History Day. They demonstrated creativity, critical thinking, and confidence. These experiences bring learning to life, connecting knowledge to the real world.
Curriculum growth and innovation remain at the heart of our mission.This year, we added Robotics in fifth grade and expanded middle school electives to include VEX Robotics and Financial Literacy. These opportunities give students early exposure to engineering, problem-solving, and real-world skills.
Our Mandarin program also continued to grow—expanding from kindergarten through fourth grade, launching Mandarin Immersion at Riverstone, and continuing next year at Sweetwater.
We strengthened literacy support by adding IXL Reading to our existing IXL Math suite, allowing students to personalize their learning like never before.
At THRS, learning also means competing, collaborating, and excelling together. This year, we proudly hosted Math League right here on our campus, welcoming two hundred and fifty students from across the area.
Not only did this position THRS as a hub for academic excellence—our students earned first place.
In February, we’ll host the district PSIA competition, continuing to bring high-level academic events to our community. Our programming has expanded in exciting ways—introducing Baylor Talent Identification Program, Start-Ups at Spring, and the World War II Essay Contest. Start-Ups at Spring challenged students to imagine AI-driven products and services that could shape the future. The World War II Essay Contest invites students to explore courage connecting bravery from history to the challenges of today. Through these opportunities, students learn that education isn’t just about knowledge. It’s about bold ideas, resilience, and leadership.
And the results? They speak volumes.
Seventy-three students competed in PSIA qualifying rounds this year—many in multiple categories—demonstrating remarkable dedication and confidence.
In the Noetic Learning Fall Math Contest, five of our students earned first-place state titles.
On the national stage, innovation and inquiry were on full display. Two of our students advanced to the top three hundred nationwide in the Fisher Junior Innovator Challenge and were recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy. That recognition highlights the caliber of thinking, creativity, and curiosity our students bring to every challenge.
Academic excellence is also reflected in character and leadership. This year, we proudly recognize twenty-two fourth graders and seventy-three fifth- and sixth-grade students in National Elementary Honor Society, along with sixty-six seventh- and eighth-grade students in National Junior Honor Society. Membership in these honor societies comes with great responsibility. These students serve as role models—academically conscientious, community-minded, and committed to doing what is right. Every day, they demonstrate scholarship, citizenship, leadership, service, and strong character in the halls of The Honor Roll School.
At THRS, these experiences show what’s possible when rigor meets opportunity and creativity meets courage. Our students aren’t just learning—they’re thriving, innovating, and making their mark—today and for the future.
Thank you, Mrs. Humlicek. Academics and academic achievements are the basis of our school, but we seek to develop and nurture well-rounded students in all areas. Now I'd like to introduce another member of our leadership team, coach Hamilton to talk about athletics from his athletic director point of view.
More than half of the school’s middle-grade students are getting in the game this year, with 62% of 5th through 8th graders participating in fall and winter competitive sports such as soccer, volleyball, and basketball. That momentum is building even earlier, as the school continues to expand its junior athletics program for 3rd and 4th graders and, for the first time this year, has introduced organized athletics beginning in 2nd grade. Younger students are now exploring a wide range of activities including soccer, basketball, flag football, track, volleyball, archery, and pickleball.
This year for the first time with our growing Cheerleading program the varsity team competed in their first NCA Cheer competition in Dallas.
The athletic program has also seen major upgrades, with the addition of a new volleyball telescoping system, weighted tires and bars to support strength and large muscle development, and the inclusion of pickleball in Physical Education classes.
Adding to the excitement is a new Parent Basketball Pick-Up Game series, which has drawn enthusiastic participation from parents eager to connect, compete, and share the court with friends and coaches—strengthening not just athletic skills, but the school community as a whole.
Thank you, Coach Hamilton, for that summary of THRS athletics. So nice to hear about the expansion of offerings from younger dolphins to their parents. Joining me now is Mrs. Hirani to speak more on fine arts.
The arts are taking center stage at the school, with 70% of middle school students participating in band, orchestra, symphony, and art, and performances this first semester.
From the youngest performers to seasoned middle school artists, creativity has been on full display at the Honor Roll School. First graders charmed audiences with Elfis the Musical, delighting viewers as students sang, danced, and confidently delivered their lines, bringing smiles to children and adults alike.
Second and third graders embraced the season with a lively Halloween Concert, playing different instruments, keyboards and performing fun, spooky songs. Fourth graders celebrated winter with a Holiday Show that debuted brand-new ukuleles, marking an exciting expansion to the music program.
During Unity Week, we celebrated the diverse cultures that make up our student body at THRS with the International Talent Show. Performers shared their heritage and talents fostering connection and understanding through the universal language of art.
The Middle School Night of Fine Arts showcased the depth of student talent, featuring band, orchestra, symphony, visual art, and festive holiday music in a vibrant, multifaceted evening. Capping off the season, the middle school production of The Grinch wowed audiences, as actors of all experience levels shined on stage and proved that creativity truly thrives throughout THRS.
Student creativity earned top honors at the Fort Bend County Fair Art Competition, where 50 student artworks were submitted and proudly represented the school. The impressive display resulted in nine Outstanding Rosette awards and one coveted Best of Show honor which is the highest recognition, underscoring the strength of the school’s visual arts program. Additionally in a remarkable achievement, students received an Outstanding Rosette one at every grade level, highlighting consistent excellence across the program.
Thank you, Mrs. Hirani. All of these events were amazing to see and hear and all in semester 1. Excited to what is coming up in the spring. To round out our last Honor Roll School Pillar I have Mrs. Qazi here to tell us about Community service.
A strong spirit of service continues to define the school community, as students, faculty and families rallied together to give back in meaningful ways throughout the season. One beloved tradition, Trunk or Treat, which is not just a student lesson on teamwork and economics but brought middle school students together to serve and delight lower school children, reinforcing a culture of leadership and kindness.
The school also made a powerful impact during the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, where a Pink Out bake sale raised $236.26 and Pink Out shirts generated an additional $2,417.23. Combined with walk participation under the team The Honor Roll School: Dolphins Making Waves for a Cure, which raised $2,506.50, the school’s total contribution reached an impressive $5,159.99.
School pride was also on display during Ugly Sweater Bingo Night, which raised $890 for Parks Youth Ranch. Community support extended beyond campus as well, with more than 50 students volunteering at the Sugar Land Santa 5K and 10K, cheering on runners and handing out water—while three faculty members ran the race to enthusiastic student support.
Rounding out these efforts, the annual Stuff the Bus food drive collected 650 boxes of food for the ABC Share Your Holidays event, benefiting East Fort Bend Human Ministries and ensuring families in need right here in our backyard received support during the holiday season.
The spirit of giving and giving back is always strong at THRS. Thank you, Mrs. Qazi, for sharing. Now I would like to relay facilities updates and our Partners involvement this first semester.
Significant facilities improvements are enhancing both the learning environment and campus safety as the school continues to invest in its future. This year, the school transitioned to a new landscape and maintenance provider and completed a full replacement of the campus sprinkler system, improving efficiency and reliability.
Younger students are already enjoying upgrades to outdoor play, with new turf added to the Early Childhood Program playground. Inside campus buildings, two HVAC systems were replaced, ensuring improved comfort and air quality for students and staff.
To better support the growing arts program, the school also secured the rental of the adjoining church facility, providing orchestra and band students with a dedicated instructional space. With this rental and future possibility, the decision to consolidate the Riverstone and Sweetwater campuses was made. Starting in June, we will be one Dolphin strong community on one campus.
We cannot do it all! THRS Partners continues to make a meaningful impact on campus, with generous Gifts to the School for the 2025–2026 school year funding a wide range of upgrades that enhance student learning and performance. These contributions supported a stage and sound system upgrade, a short-throw projector, new LVP stage flooring, ceiling tiles, fresh wall paint, and a wooden performance platform—dramatically improving the look and functionality of the stage. Additional enhancements included anchor wall pads in the gym, classroom upgrades at the Riverstone campus’ STEAM, Art, and Music programs, with new performance risers, compact digital piano, art room tables and chairs for little learners further strengthening both academic and extracurricular programs.
Beyond facility improvements, Partners helped to resurrect the Dolphin Athletics Booster Club to support the athletic program and student athletes.
Partners played an active role in building community through a full calendar of events, beginning with the Teachers’ Back-to-School Lunch and continuing with Orientation Day and Uniform Resale. Families and staff connected at fundraisers and spirit events such as Chick-fil-A, MOD Pizza, Shake Shack, and Chuck E. Cheese Spirit Nights, along with themed activities including Fun Food Fridays, the New Family Welcome “Spaghetti Night,” Pumpkin Patch, and Halloween Trunk or Treat candy donations. The semester wrapped up with highlights like Ugly Sweater Bingo Night, hosted in collaboration with administration, and a festive Polar Express DIY Cupcakes Fun Food Friday, reflecting the Partners’ ongoing commitment to supporting teachers, students, and the entire Honor Roll School community as a whole.
I have to say that after hearing all of these amazing accomplishments and updates for just the first semester, I truly mean it when I start each podcast with Hello this is Mrs. Quintero the proud head of school of the honor roll school. I hope you feel proud to be part of this thriving and vibing school community. Thank you for always choosing us for your child's education, for seeing and feeling the added value it brings to your family, and for always saying Yes to THRS.
The regular podcast will be returning next week. Remember you can find the Dolphin Podcast in the weekly Dolphin Days Newsletter, on the THRS App, on Spotify and Apple Podcast. Search us as The Tank: Official THRS Dolphin Podcast and Look for the Fighting Dolphin Logo.
Until next time, this is Mrs. Quintero signing off from The Tank!