Bear Creek Elementary School

Lisa Leethem, principal
Cliff Reed, assistant principal
Lorena Zertuche, assistant principal
4815 Hickory Downs Drive
Houston, Texas 77084
Phone: 281-237-5600
Fax: 281-644-1500
Web: schools.katyisd.org/campus/bce/bceindex.html
Grades: PreK-5
2007-08 Enrollment: 800
Hours: 8:20 a.m.-3:40 p.m.
Colors: green and gold
Mascot: Cougar

About Bear Creek Elementary

Bear Creek Elementary School recently celebrated thirty years of excellence in education in the northeast sector of Katy ISD. The campus is rich in traditions and remembers the past while creating a future of continued student success. The Bear Creek community works in a family atmosphere to provide encouragement and high expectations for all students. This school year Bear Creek Elementary School will also offer a bilingual education program to qualifying students. Due to the increase in students, our campus is growing to approximately 800 students. We are excited about the opportunity for new and exciting learning experiences for all of our students, staff and the community.

Bear Creek teachers are all highly qualified and follow the Katy I.S.D. challenging curriculum. In addition, we expand the curriculum with activities and opportunities to maximize student achievement. The school’s curriculum is enriched by a hands-on problem solving approach to mathematics, a wonderful science lab for experiments, abundant literary resources in our book-leveled literacy library, classroom wireless lap top access, computer lab internet lessons, a distance learning lab, and an outstanding Accelerated Reader program. Extended-day programs include tutorial enrichment in reading, mathematics, writing, and science.

In addition to our academic excellence, BCE is known for its beautiful artwork and outstanding musical programs. Fourth and fifth graders may participate in the "Show Choir," a musical group that performs both on and away from campus.

Students have opportunities to participate in our Student Council, Safety Patrols, Show Choir, Katy ISD Spelling Bee and the PTA Reflections creative arts contest. Fourth graders practice their marketing and math skills by operating a School Supply Store that serves students and parents. Each year, proceeds are donated to charities chosen by the students. Former recipients include the Make-A-Wish Foundation, SPCA and Texas Children’s Hospital.

The BCE staff is committed to providing students with quality reading materials at low prices. An on-campus bookstore, Novelty Books, provides students, teachers and the community with opportunities to purchase books that cost only $1.25 each.

BCE provides many opportunities for the community to get involved in children’s education: Parent Reading Academies, Camp-Read-A-Lot, Family Fun Nights, TAKS Night for Parents, Family Fun Run, Math Night, Science Night, the Spring Festival and many more. Parent communication is enhanced through the Cougar Beat newsletter, E-news Communication, School Messenger, School Memos, and PTA Fliers.

Bear Creek loves to recognize student citizenship and academic achievement. Each six weeks, the Principal’s Pride Awards honor outstanding citizenship and the Principal’s Academy Award recognizes outstanding academic achievement. Students are also recognized for excellent citizenship in the cafeteria. Recognition for exemplary attendance and Bringing Up Grades (Bug Club) are also highlights at our campus. The principal and assistant principals reward excellent student behavior with "Paw"Some stickers. Even clean classrooms are spotlighted -- with the "Golden Trashcan" award from the custodial staff.  

 Report Card Data

2007-08 TAKS Scores

• Grade 3
• Reading: 98.8%
• Math: 83.8%
• Grade 4
• Reading: 92.3%
• Math: 94.9%
• Writing: 95.7% 
• Grade 5
• Reading: 97.9%
• Math: 100%
• Science: 85.1%

2008 Accountability rating:  Recognized

2007 TEA Report Card Data

Attendance rate:                       96.8%

Avg. yrs. teacher experience:            11.4

Avg. students per teacher:         13.9

•    - K:     19.0           - 3rd: 16.7
•    - 1st:   18.4           - 4th: 23.5
•    - 2nd: 13.5           - 5th: 26.2

Student profile:

•    White                                   49.5%
•    Hispanic                               35.7%
•    African American                   10.6%
•    Asian                                     4.2%
•    Low income                           42.2%
•    Limited English                      19.1%

Special program enrollment:

•    Special education                  12.8%
•    Bilingual/ESL                        18.5%
•    Gifted/Talented                       2.2%

What Students Say About Bear Creek Elementary
"School is fun because you get to do different things every day."
"I like math because I get to do hands-on activities."
"I like recess because we get to take a break from work and play on our cool payground."
"I am excited about school in the morning because I know that I am going to do my best."
"Science is great because you get to participate in exciting activities in our science lab."
"We have good kids in our class, and I feel safe at school."
"Our teachers care about us!"