TAMIU/UISD Open Literacy Enrichment Center Pilot Program at Cuellar Elementary

Vol. 15, No. 4/ December 2011

Thank You Uni-Trade! The United Independent School District would like to send heartfelt thanks A.A. Lic. Eduardo A. Garza Robles, owner of Uni-Trade, for the beautiful gift donations. Over 1,450 economically disadvantaged students were able to enjoy the gifts during the early part of December. Garza Robles, and members of his staff, helped turn the Bill Johnson Student Activity Complex into a “Winter Wonderland” where students received their gift and had their picture taken with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. United I.S.D. would again like to thank Garza Robles for his generosity and for sharing with our students and the District the true meaning of giving, especially during the holidays.

Secondary Education Department...... Turn to page 6 for story TAMIU/UISD Open Literacy Enrichment Center Pilot Program at Cuellar Elementary ...... Turn to page 8 for story Page 2 Your Source for information and current events in United ISD

Season’s Greetings, Scholars Walk/Run to be held on January 7th. This event will benefit On behalf of the United our scholarship program. The run/ Independent School District Board walk event will also feature a free of Trustees and United Independent health fair with representatives from School District students, I would several community health agencies, Roberto J. Santos like to thank you for an excellent zumba fitness sessions, and healthy Superintendent first semester. All of you have done cooking demonstrations led by an outstanding job! I am confident guest chef, Alberto Gutierrez of La that the District’s students and Posada Hotel. employees will continue to excel. It is without hesitation that I can I would like to wish all United say that our students are receiving a I.S.D. employees and their families quality education because of all of a joyous, peaceful, and restful you. Thank you for all that you do holiday season. At this time of the for our students. year, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made the district’s Also a huge THANK YOU to progress possible. It is without Uni-Trade, local banking institutes, any hesitation that I can say that local businesses, all of the campus our students are receiving a quality organizations who sponsored toy or education because of all of you. food drives, jacket/blanket drives Thank you for all that you do for as well as the individuals who our students. Once again, best donated items in order to make wishes for the holiday season and Christmas a little brighter for our happy New Year. children and their families. What a wonderful time of the year it Sincerely, is to share the blessings and joys which we have received. Before closing, I would like to extend an invitation to our community to Roberto J. Santos participate in the “Let’s Move for Page 3 Your Source for information and current events in United ISD

LCC Health Science students at Perez Elementary

Amber Gonzalez, Perez student, Alfonso Garza, L.C.C. Emergency Medical Services receives her new bicycle from Zelma student and Jacob Ramirez, Perez student . Garza, LCC Health Science student.

A total of 260 students at Perez Elementary School were presented with Christmas gifts courtesy of Laredo Community College’s Health Science Division. About 200 LCC Health Science Division students, faculty, and staff purchased, gift-wrapped, and delivered toys for Perez students Pfice to eleven years of age. The students were treated to a pizza party prior to receiving their gifts. Manuel Ramirez, LCC Emergency Services Program Director said that his students were delighted to do some- thing special for students who would probably not otherwise receive a Christmas gift. “Our staff, faculty, and students recognize the need in this community and purchased the gifts with money from their own pockets”, continued Ramirez. The LCC Health Sciences Division consists of nine programs, including Emergency Medical Services, Physical Therapist Assistant Medical Laboratory Technology, Medical Assistant, and Voca- Reading is the Gift that Lasts a Lifetime Holiday gifts arrived early for 40 books. Ms. Analine Johnson, Centeno Centeno Elementary students during Elementary librarian, has helped raise the library’s annual “One for Books” over $20,000 to help students from campaign. This year, with the help of her campus build and sustain personal the Sanchez Family Foundation, these home libraries. Johnson said that her deserving students were able to “shop” goal is to help guide children on a track for books at the annual Scholastic for success in school and life.

Book Fair. Each student was allowed Storybook character Clifford the Big Red Dog to select and keep five of their favorite shares a moment with Anahi Serrano, student. Page 4 Your Source for information and current events in United ISD

Laredo Federal Credit Union (L.F.C.U.), KGNS –TV, “One Class at A Time” Telemundo and the CW channel recently paid a surprise visit to teacher/golf coach Julian Palacios at United High School. Palacios was selected as No- vember’s 2011 “One Class at A Time” recipient for his devotion to his students. Palacios always puts his students first and fre- quently stays after school hours to provide them with additional coaching and guidance. For his efforts, Palacios received an educational grant from the Lar- edo federal Credit Union in the amount of $750. The sum will be applied toward the purchase of additional educational sup- plies for his classroom.

Pictured left to right: Coach Juan Palacios (front and center), surrounded by representatives from L.F.C.U., K.G.N.S., C.W., Telemundo, United I.S.D. Superintendent Roberto J. Santos, Coach Bobby Cruz, and United High School Principal, Alberto Aleman, Jr.

Kazen Elementary Veterans Day Program

Juan Roberto Ramirez United I.S.D. Vice President & Vietnam Veteran Page 5 Your Source for information and current events in United ISD

Perez Elementary School hosted a Farm-City festival so that students could gain an understanding of the role of agriculture and farming in our nation. The event concluded a full week of academic activities and research related to agriculture. Page 6 Your Source for information and current events in United ISD

Secondary Education Interview with: • Oversees the district’s efforts for curriculum Roylin B. Wilson Departmentalignment and articulation. Executive Director Secondary Education • Supervises the Coordinators of the areas of ELA / Reading, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, How many years have you been with United I.S.D.? Instructional Technology/On-line Curriculum, 20 years and Special Education instruction. • Supervises the Director of Career and What was your previous position within the District or Technology/UIL. how long have you served your current department at • Collaborates in the development and implementation United I.S.D.? of new instructional and support programs. I was previously Principal of United South High School, • Provides instructional resources and materials to and Antonio Gonzalez Middle School. In addition, I also support campus principals and other teaching staff served as Assistant Principal at Washington Middle, and in accomplishing instructional program goals. United South High School. • Collects, compiles and maintains district wide data for instructional program that are necessary for How many employees are in your department or area of district and state reports. authority? • Participates in professional development and 14 Campus Coordinators, 1 Director, 6 Office Assistans, training programs. and 16 Principals. • Performs duties in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner as defined in the TEA Code Please describe the responsibilities of your department of Ethics for educator. at United I.S.D. • Performs any other duties as assigned by the • Provides district-wide leadership for 6th –12th Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and curriculum development, implementation, and Instruction. evaluation. • Implements federal/state regulations and United What functions are performed by your team on a day to I.S.D. policies in the area of curriculum and day basis? instruction. • Core Are walk-throughs. • Coordinates the submission of grant applications. • Model effective teaching practices. • Assists in approving and maintaining all • Provide support and guidance for Secondary Teachers. expenditures relating to grants. • Provides support to campus principals in all aspects Please describe how your department most benefits our of the instructional program and educational issues. students. • Collaborates in the development of in-service and Our department benefits our students by providing the staff development programs. tools necessary to enable our teachers to become better. • Periodically reviews campus operations through on-site visits. What department achievement or accolade are you • Works collaboratively with the Executive Director proudest of? of Special Education to ensure compliance with • Helping our district become Recognized. federal/state local guidelines. • Recipients of the Safe Department Award. • Develops and maintains local administrative • 3 years in a row 100% contributors to United Way. guidelines. • 3 years in a row 100% contributors to Partners for • Works collaboratively with the Director of Guidance Scholars. and Counseling on graduation requirements and student four-year plans. Page 7 Your Source for information and current events in United ISD

Please describe any future plans or objectives for your department. • Continue to work with Secondary campuses to improve instruction for all teachers. • Work with all stakeholders to help our district become Recognized and meet AYP.

What helpful advice would you like to share with fellow United I.S.D. employees? Every decision should be made based upon “What is best for the student.”

______Secondary Education Department L.B.J. Wolves on the front line of battling hunger in Laredo! As part of their hunger awareness project, involved in this drive against hunger cares Food Bank appreciates L.B.J.’s efforts to help the Lyndon B. Johnson (L.B.J.), High School about the community,” said Ruiz. Pancho us feed the families we serve. Their students, Government Academy held a canned food Farias, S.T.F.B. Food Drive Coordinator said teachers and staff have provided a great drive that began in November. The Academy that there is an ever increasing need for the service for the local community,” concluded worked with administration, teachers and community to get involved in the fight against Farias. For more information about the South students to remind the public that hunger hunger. “Food drives like this one help us Texas Food Bank call 726-3120 or visit their is a local and national issue. The drive has feed many fellow Laredoans who come to the website at southtexasfoodbank.org. resulted in the collection of over 1,000 cans food bank for assistance. The South Texas of food which were donated to the South Texas Food Bank (S.T.F.B.). Oscar Ruiz, a junior at L.B.J., spoke on behalf of his junior classmates who collected 400 cans. “I have seen the statistics that show that minorities are most likely to face hunger problems. I have never known what it is like to be hungry and I can’t imagine not even having a piece of bread to eat. It would be terrible if there was no one around to help me. Everyone Using collected canned food items, the L.B.J. Wolves spell out the message that together, we “CAN” fight hunger! Page 8 Your Source for information and current events in United ISD

Dr. Philip S. Roberson, TAMIU Clinical Associate Professor, College of Education ad- Cuellar Elementary School Principal Melissa Shinn asks dresses guests at the Cuellar Elementary School Literacy Enrichment Center Opening. students to say a few words at the event opening. TAMIU/UISD Open Literacy Enrichment Center Pilot Program at Cuellar Elementary A pilot project establishing a “Lit- classroom. It’s truly a ‘win/win’ part- resulting in improved student achieve- eracy Enrichment Center” (LEC) through nership,” Roberson explained. ment. For the student teachers, this a Texas A&M International University/ program is giving them the opportunity United Independent School District “While helping Cuellar Elementary stu- to apply what they have learned in their Literacy Partnership was recognized dents, we are also improving the literacy education/literacy courses at TAMIU. Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011 at Dr. Henry instructional and diagnostic skills of pre- Further expansion of this program will Cuellar Elementary School. service and in-service teachers. Through provide great opportunities for both regular contact and carefully designed sets of learners,” Shinn said. The LEC initiative brings TAMIU experiences that value and build upon teacher candidates into Cuellar Elemen- what children already know, our teacher Dr. Roberson said the Spring expan- tary for one-on-one tutoring with strug- candidates will help our Cuellar students sion will also include teaching of literacy gling readers to help build literacy skills to transition quickly to success in academ- courses on site. and self-confidence, said project leader ic English,” he continued. Dr. Philip S. Roberson, TAMIU Clinical As- “Cuellar Elementary has generously sociate Professor, College of Education. The initial LEC program is working provided a reading clinic and adjacent with 15 second and third graders in model classroom to support the partner- Dr. Roberson said the project is once a week meetings, but is expected ship and plans for this Spring include mutually beneficial in that both United to double the number of students it holding University literacy courses at Cuel- I.S.D. students and TAMIU students gain serves and expand to twice a week of- lar Elementary so that TAMIU faculty will valuable academic knowledge and ferings in the Spring. not only supervise all LEC activities, but skills. will also teach on site. The Cuellar staff Cuellar Elementary principal Melissa will work closely with both TAMIU faculty “The confidence and skills gained Shinn said the initiative is an active and teacher candidates to identify, assess by TAMIU’s future teachers through partnership and outlined the school’s and monitor the progress of struggling supervised one-on-one tutoring trans- involvement and ongoing role in the readers,” Roberson said. lates easily into later teaching success. project’s realization. And, because Cuellar teachers are also After the Phase II Spring, a Phase III adapting the intervention model for “Our students eagerly look forward that would expand LEC services to other use in their classrooms, the school- to meeting with the student teachers United I.S.D. campuses is possible, he based model provides for a cohesive when they visit our campus and are said. transition from campus, to clinic, to the getting the extra assistance they need Page 9 Your Source for information and current events in United ISD

Border Patrol mustang Bonnie L. Garcia Elementary School during Bully Awareness Week. named at Muller Elementary Third grade students at Muller Elementary were given the opportunity to choose a name for the Laredo Sector Border Patrol’s latest addition to their stable of patrol mustangs. The winning name, Maximus, was suggested by Ciera Champagne. Maximus has been assigned to Laredo Sector Border Patrol Chief Robert L. Harris.

Members of the National Elementary Honor Society and Cour- tesy Service Club at Bonnie L. Garcia marched around campus Pictured left to right: Robert L. Harris, Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent; “Maxi- mus”, Oscar De La Garza, B.P. Agent; Ciera Champagne, Muller third grade chanting “Take a Stand, Lend a Hand, Stop Bullying.” During P.E. student; Mayra Ramirez, Muller Elementary Principal; and Rafael V. Garza- Horse all students signed a pledge to “Take a Stand Against Bullying.” Patrol Commander.

Four students recognized as community role models.

The November 2011 Community Role Model Awards ceremony was hosted by the Webb County Sheriff’s Department. Four United I.S.D. students were among those who received recognition for academic excellence and being positive role models . The Community Role Model Awards are sponsored by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office, KGNS-TV, Laredo’s CW, Telemundo, Fernando A. Salinas Charitable Trust and Lone Star Autoplex. Pictured left to right: Javier Santos, Fernando Salinas Charitable Trust; Jonathan Cestou, Al- exander H.S; Sarai Rojero LBJ H.S; Ashley Quiroz, United HS; Amaury Obregon, United South HS; and Assistant Chief Pete Arredondo, Webb County Sheriff’s Office. Page 10 Your Source for information and current events in United ISD

Pictured: members of The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, Campus and District Administrators before embarking to their trip to Texas State University and the Students Legislative session in Austin.

Parent participation pays off for some schools Encouraging parents to attend the Annual Parent Festival literally paid off for some schools. Due to the high parent participation, several campuses were awarded with Parental Involvement Funds to use for educational purposes at their respective campuses.

Prizes for educational use were awarded as follows: 1st Place: Ruiz Elementary, United South 1st place $1,000 Middle, and United South High School. Ruiz Elementary - Caryn Y. Fox, Principal; Pictured: Malakoff Elementary students having United South Middle - Beth Porter, Principal; a great time at the Navidad en el Barrio event. United South High - David Canales, Princi- pal.

2nd place $500 Bonnie Garcia Elementary - Clare Flores, Principal; Antonio Gonzalez Middle - Adri- ana P. Ramirez, Principal; L.B. J. High - Maggie Martinez, Principal. 2nd Place: Bonnie Garcia Elementary, Antonio 3rd place $250 Gonzalez Middle, and L.B.J. High School. Kennedy-Zapata Elementary - Thelma J. Martinez Principal; Los Obispos Middle - Armando Salazar, Principal; United High - Alberto Aleman, Jr., Principal.

Sandra Alvarez, Executive Director of Campus Intervention, and Estela De la Garza, Campus Intervention and Parental Involve- United High School Robotics Club ment Coordinator, would like to thank all members presented the importance of Math and Science to Malakoff campuses for encouraging their parents to 3rd Place:Kennedy-Zapata Elementary, Los attend this year’s event. Obispos Middle, and United High School. Elementary 4th graders. Page 11 Your Source for information and current events in United ISD

The United InSiDer is a monthly publication of the UISD Public Relations Department.

To submit stories, information, and/ or photos for this publication, you can email [email protected] and/ or [email protected]. All pictures must be of high quality (sent in JPEG format) and must identify everyone, from left to right in the photo (with first and last names, including titles or grades levels).

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K-9 Handler Ben Bondoc and canine Marimar attended the 5th Annual Paola Arcos Mansinghani Palmview Police Department K-9 Training Seminar in South Padre Island. Communication Specialist/ Officer Bondoc and Marimar participated in the seminar’s competition and Publications obtained two awards for the United I.S.D. Police Department. Mr. Bondoc [email protected] and Marimar won the Narcotic Detection Top Dog award, and also 2nd place for a K-9 Competition. Elia H. Martinez Secretary [email protected]

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It is the policy of United I.S.D. not to discriminate Estela Galvan-Miranda, social worker from United I.S.D. did a very interesting disci- on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or pline presentation for a group of parents at Sigifredo Perez Elementary School. After the handicap in its programs, services, or activities presentation parents had the opportunity to participate in a “question and answer” ses- as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education sion. Also present that day were: Maria de Lourdes Viloria, Principal; Mayra Gonzalez, Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Counselor; and Laura Madrigal, CLA. Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Page 12 Your Source for information and current events in United ISD Page 13 Your Source for information and current events in United ISD

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and crosswalks or school zones. Be alert to HOLIDAY WISHES Research respond to unexpected pedestrian actions. The Risk Management Department 7. Driving while fatigued - Fatigue is wishes you and your family a wonderful a dangerous companion. It decreases your and safe holiday season. EAT, DRINK-AND BE WARY reaction time, impairs your sense perception The holidays are here and that means and can result in erratic driving behaviors. Do parties, family celebrations and get- not drive in extreme fatigue. togethers with friends. Often, the festivities STRESSED OUT? 8. Take care of your car - Keep your Try these eight tips for handling the include drinking alcohol. While drinking in windshield and mirrors clean. Make sure challenges of the season. moderation is okay, it’s in your best health there are no objects in the driver side that While the holidays are supposed to be interest not to become too “merry.” a peaceful time, they can sometimes be far may eventually go under the brake pedal. 9. Be alert of medication side effects - from it. The season brings more things to do, Moderate drinking is defined by Many medicines may affect your driving, people to see and places to go. While all of the federal government’s 2005 Dietary even when you feel fine. Ask your doctor. these activities might be fun, they also can Guidelines for Americans as up to one drink 10. Be extra careful at train tracks - Do produce pressure. Trying to handle too many per day for women and up to two drinks per not attempt to cross if the barricades are demands may invite unwanted holiday guests day for men. Drinking patterns are just as — stress and depression. Holiday stress important as the amount. One to two drinks down. Be patient. and depression often result from three major per day doesn’t mean you can drink a “week’s trigger points: relationships, finances and worth” of alcohol over a period of a few FLU VACCINATIONS additional demands, such as shopping, social hours or a few days. The following counts as Under the Affordable Care Act, Flu events and extra food preparations. a drink: Vaccinations are covered at no cost to • 12 fluid ounces of regular beer employees and their family members who are You can manage these triggers and keep • Five fluid ounces of wine covered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas stress from overwhelming you. The following • One and one-half fluid ounces of 80 (BCBS). The vaccine may be obtained at eight holiday stress management tips can proof distilled spirits any participating pharmacies that offer the help. service. • Accept your feelings. Keep your Celebrate better health by tapping all the expectations realistic and seek support. wellness resources from the Personal Health CHANGES IN YOUR STATUS • Be flexible. You may want to carry on Manager available to you through Blue Outside of open enrollment, IRS some traditions, but accept that things Access® for Members at www.bcbstx.com. regulations, under Section 125, state you may may change as family situations change. Source: American Dietetic Association make changes to your benefits if one of the • Practice forgiveness. Keep in mind following situations occur: that family members and friends aren’t 1. Change in marital status perfect, and try to accept them for who ON THE SAFETY SIDE... 2. Birth or adoption of a child they are. Safe Driving Tips 3. Dependent reaches the age limit • Budget wisely. Plan your budget for 1. Drive the speed limit - It is unsafe to (Health/Dental is 26, all others 25) gifts, decorations and other items — drive either too fast or too slow. Adjust your 4. Death of spouse and/or dependent before you go shopping. driving according to the weather, traffic and 5. Loss of health coverage under • Make a plan. Mark your calendar with road conditions. another plan the days that you will shop, bake, visit 2. Avoid Distractions - Children, cell 6. Change of job status which reflects friends and family, and take part in other phones, GPS are all factors that distract you the inability to maintain coverage holiday activities. Plan for travel delays if from the road and may minimize your ability or have become eligible to enroll for you’re flying or taking a road trip. to respond to road hazards and other drivers insurance coverage • Limit saying yes. Give yourself unsafe acts. Keep your eyes on the road and permission to say no to some seasonal your hands on the steering wheel. Please note: Changes to your coverage activities. Balancing your time will keep 3. Keep a safe distance - Be alert of may result in an increase or decrease of you from feeling overwhelmed and vehicles around you. Keep away from premiums. stressed. drivers with erratic or unpredictable driving • Keep healthy habits up. Enjoy some maneuvers. Don’t tailgate. HAS YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION festive treats and traditional meals, but 4. Drive defensively - Look ahead for CHANGED? try not to overdo it. And be sure you turning or slowing vehicles. Use caution at If your name, address or telephone get plenty of sleep and make time for intersections. Tap your brakes a few times number changes, did you know that once you physical activity. before you come to a stop to alert drivers make these changes at Human Resources, • Take time out. Retreat from the holiday behind you. Be alert of vehicles driving in you will also need to stop by the Risk hustle and bustle with a 15-minute break. blind spots of your vehicle. Management? Your benefits information You’ll be recharged to handle the items 5. Wear your safety belt - Make it a habit is based on the application we have on file. left on your to-do list. to put your seat belt on and make sure it is So if you request a new ID card(s), it will correctly buckled. It should go over your get sent to the wrong address. Also, you In addition to trying these tips, add some shoulder and across your lap. All passengers may make any changes to your beneficiaries laughter to your season and help loved ones should be properly restrained. during this time. Please note: these are not do the same. Send them an animated laughter 6. Driving in school zones or playgrounds qualifying events for making changes to your eCard. - Be observant while approaching or passing benefits. Page 14 Your Source for information and current events in United ISD

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