Austin American-Statesman from Austin, Texas • 26

B4 Austin American-Statesman METRO STATE Sunday, February 11,2007 PROTEST: Group calls for boycott against Wal-Mart; Naishtat says he's in -V Jo Ann Kalbach, who said she has lived in the area near Northcross Mall since 1977, was amid the crowd that briefly linked arms on the streets around the North Austin shopping center to protest a planned Wal-Mart Su-percenter. 'I am so Kalbach said. 'The traffic is so awful right now, and it will only get i The city approved the Lincoln Property plan for Wal-Mart in August, but neighbors in the area took immediate action to try to stop construction. In December, another rally was held outside Austin City Hall to protest the approval. All construction plans and applications for permits ceased in December for a 60-day period.

Wal-Mart spokesman Keith Morris said last month that company representatives have met with six neighborhood associations since November but haven't received an invitation from Responsible Growth for Northcross. Responsible Growth is calling for residents of Austin to boycott local Wal-Mart stores beginning today, and state Rep. Elliott Naishtat, D-Austin, said he would take part. "I hope that Wal-Mart gets the message (today)," said Naishtat, who was strolling around in a red-checked shirt after the human link broke. "Getting nearly 3,000 people to stand tall on an overcast, cold morning in Austin is incredible." ivailstatesman.com; 445-3634 Continued from Bl Lincoln Property Co.

were not available for comment Saturday. But supporters of Wal-Mart's plans have pointed out that the mall, surrounded by acres of parking and situated alongside busy Anderson Lane and Burnet Road, was built as an intense retail center originally. The mall, which opened in 1975, has struggled for the past decade and generated far less traffic than in its early years. The opposition to having a store at Northcross, they have said, has more to do with Wal-Mart's overall political problemsthe mega-chain has been criticized for its labor practices and effect on small, local businesses than it does to the specifics of the situation. Nineteen-year-old Kate Bran-am said she would consider moving back to the area she grew up near the mall if the Wal-Mart is completed.

"The prices are hard to beat, and it stays open all night," said Branam, an Austin Community College student. 1 t)s y- A PRIDE: Students, alumni pull for school's success uy One GetOneFRE 99 after $50 mail-in rebate ($99.99 2-yr. price). With new 2-yr. Activation.

While supplies last. Continued from Bl Limon said. Several alumni said turning their back on a school with so much history so much of then-family's own history is unthinkable. Students were reared knowing that when the time came, they, too, would be Johnston Rams. "I have to graduate from here," said another student who spoke at last week's meeting, "because my mom and everybody else graduated from here." The state is reviewing a plan that would split Johnston into two 375-student academies one focused on media arts productionfilmmaking, culinary arts and computer maintenance; the other focused on engineering, automotive technology and health science with Principal Celina Estrada-Thomas remaining at the helm.

Johnston was split into three academies in 2005 after a state-mandated restructuring. Officials said they want to build on that structure, which has helped to give the campus a "small school" atmosphere and contributed to better relationships between teachers and students. However, Johnston could be closed because the campus has missed state academic goals for three straight years. Forgione said he will ask state Education Commissioner Shirley Neeley to give the campus another year to raise its scores and appoint a monitor from the Texas Education Agency next fall. "We think the future of Johnston will be bright if the students are given time to make it bright," Forgione said.

People might not realize the sacrifices that many students make for their education, said Daniel, who ranks in the top 10 percent of her class. Many students work to support their families. There are student athletes who come to school early and stay late for practice and tutoring sessions, she said. "There's so much family at Johnston," Daniel said. "Once you come (here), people depend on you to be there for them." Since "returning home" to Johnston last year, academy I Ralph Barren AMKIUCAN-STATKKMAN RAZ BUSINESS CUSTOMERS PLEASE CALL 1.800.VZW.4BIZ (899.4249) Ik it OCAST Music Video Capable Bluetooth' Headset Capable GPS Navigation Capable Speakerphone i -ip biiverornnK n- jy Johnston High School V'1 I I area 2 miles Linda Scott A.w:tiicmsTAT!iSMA.N director Jacquelyn Robertson has helped to organize the school's alumni association, which has located about 450 former students.

The alumni association has been a visible campus presence, with members walking with students in the homecoming parade, operating a store where students can buy supplies and apparel, and framing senior class pictures. Robertson, who attended Johnston in the 1960s, said she wants students to feel the same pride and caring attitude that was instilled in her by former Principal Gordon Bailey. "We were known as 'Bailey's said Robertson, who worked as his office aide. Bailey sent Robertson and a crew of football players in his car to round up students who had trouble making it to school on time. "That was something," she said.

"For me to try and put some of that pride that I had back when I was here at Johnston into them, and to talk with them about the fact that they can be successful. bulbs turn on for them the way the light bulb was turned on for me. It has been very, very rewarding." Though Johnston is at a critical juncture, Robertson she prays that the school will make it. "I don't want to dwell on Johnston being closed down. I just can't fathom that," she said.

"I'm relying on my faith that my kids are going to be all right." rhillstatesman.com; 445-3620 Laura Calderon, a spokeswoman for the North East Independent School District. North East ISD officials are dealing with three allegations that surfaced over three weeks. A male janitor, who has since been fired, was accused of touching a student. A week later, a female high school teacher was suspended after a female student claimed they had a sexual relationship. The teacher has since resigned.

Then, two elementary students said a substitute teacher rubbed their shoulders and then put his hands down their chests. Last month in a San Antonio ISD elementary school, a 6-year-old boy told administrators that a man tried to hurt him in the bathroom. Last week at a Northside ISD elementary school, a teacher reported that she saw a man taking photos of students. AiKtin School sex assault claims have shaken San Antonio 1 SOUTH PARK MEADOWS 9600 S. I-35 SB Ste.S-200 512-280-0152 TEMPLE Temple Mall Next to Dillard's 254-791-3839 'WACO 2812 Market Place Dr.

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