LISD welcomes new employees pg. 13 employee newsletter FALL 2015 news
pg. 4
Milton Receives TEA Award pg. 15 Published by Board of Trustees
La2015-2016redo ISD School Calendar Jesus Martinez Contributors S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
President, District 2 JULY 2015 AUGUST 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015 OCTOBER 2015[ 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 [5 6 7 8 9 10 Office of Communications 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Jose A. Valdez 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 ) 24 Veronica Castillón, APR 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 ([24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 25 (26 27 28 29 30 31 Vice President, District 1 Director of Communications 30 31 [email protected] S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S NOVEMBER 2015 DECEMBER 2015 JANUARY 2016 FEBRUARY 2016
Bobby Treviño 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 Ricardo Garza [ 1
Secretary, District 4 Public Information Officer 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 [ 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 [email protected] 15 [16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 )16 14 15 16 17 18 19 [ 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 ([19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 [ 29 Mimi Valdez 31 Hector J. Noyola Community Relations Specialist Trustee, District 3 [email protected] S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S MARCH 2016 APRIL 2016 MAY 2016 JUNE 2016
Claudia Rodriguez 1 2 3 4 5 1 ) 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 )[ 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 (4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Web Services Specialist 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 [ 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Dr. Cecilia M. Moreno [email protected] 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Trustee, District 5 27 28 29 30 31 24 [25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30
Brandon Raymond Legend Important Dates NINE WEEKS PERIODS SIX WEEKS PERIODS Publications Designer New Employees Orientation August 24, 2015 First Day of Classes January 19, 2016 Start of Second Semester 1st Aug. 24 Oct. 23 43 Days Back to School Last day of School
June 1, 2016 Last Day of Classes 1st Aug. 24 Oct. 2 29 Days [email protected] [ 2nd Oct. 26 Jan. 15 44 Days Hector J. Garcia [ Six Week Grading Period () Nine Week Grading Period First Semester 87 2nd Oct. 5 Nov. 13 29 Days 88 3rd Jan. 19 Apr. 1 45 Days Trustee, District 6 STAAR TAKS testing Second Semester 3rd Nov. 16 Jan. 15 29 Days TOTAL INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS 175 4th Apr. 4 Jun. 1 42 Days Claudia Sandoval Teacher Workday Staff Development Plus waived days 5 4th Jan. 19 Feb. 26 27 Days Secretary/ Translator Holidays Spring Break TOTAL DAYS 180 5th Feb. 29 Apr. 22 33 Days Inclement Weather Make-up Day Approved by the LISD Board of Trustees 6th Apr. 25 Jun. 1 28 Days [email protected] Graduation - June 2 Ð MHS, NHS, CHS on July 16, 2015 Jose R. Perez, Jr. June 3 Ð ECHS Trustee, District 7
Dr. A. Marcus Nelson Superintendent !"#"$%&'((%)%*)&"+%% ,-"%./01%23-4"3'5(%1"6)$3&"73%-)(%869)3"9%'3(%5)4"79)$%:;%"#"73(%<'3-%3-"%4)3"(3% )79%3$"79'"(3%)3-4"3'5%(:;3<)$"=%>)7?%@7"%06:$3%("6)$)3"(%(5-"984"(%AB%(5-::4C% (6:$3C%)79%*"79"$=%D:8%5)7%;'79%)%9'$"53%4'7?%3:%3-"%>)7?%@7"%06:$3%5)4"79)$%AB% #'('3'7*%3-"%./01%<"A6)*"%879"$%3-"%!"<(%)79%/7;:$&)3':7%3)A%4)A"4"9%1'(3$'53% It is the policy of the Laredo Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national 23-4"3'5%E#"73(%F)4"79)$%:$%AB%#'('3'7*%3-"%./01%23-4"3'5%1"6)$3&"73%<"A6)*"=% (956) 744-0083 origin, gender, limited English proficiency, or handicapping condition in its programs.
2 LAREDO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FALL 2015 | A+PLUS NEWS 3 determined she did not need chemotherapy or radiation. and wanted to hang on to normalcy. With the support of Martinez was prescribed medication that she must take her family and friends Gallegos was able to defeat cancer once a day for 10 years. It was her will to live for her two and lives to encourage others to first and foremost LISD CELEBRATES LIFE DURING boys, Anthony and Jake, that helped her gather the courage become educated on the subject. to carry on and “fight like a girl.” “Take charge of your health,” she said. Don’t Martinez, feels that it is of the utmost importance to not take procrastinate your annual checkups and always be proac- BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH any day for granted and to make sure you do your own tive.” self-examinations at home. Women should be aware of changes in their BY Mimi Valdez “I strongly encourage all women to perform self- breasts and talk to their health care providers regularly October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it is Nowadays we all know someone who is battling cancer.” breast exams along with their yearly mammogram, she about screenings. It’s about living and taking the important that everyone educate themselves on the signs, Cancer comes in many forms and affects people in said. “Get to know your body and follow up with a physician all-important measures to ensure that you have that symptoms and treatment options that are available for different ways but one thing remains the same it can for anything you might feel or see that is abnormal. Early second chance. breast cancer. happen to anyone and does not discriminate against any diagnosis is key to a faster and more positive outcome with “I thank God everyday for giving me a second For others, October is a reminder of the brave battle race, religion, or age. According to the National Cancer this battle so that you can enjoy blowing out the candles on chance to live. Life is too short and we will never know they are currently fighting and the support they are receiving Institute breast cancer affects one in eight women and, in your birthday cake.” what our future holds so smile, laugh, and enjoy life,” from loved ones. some cases, men as well. It is the second leading cancer Despite the progress in research and understand- Gallegos concluded. For three Laredo ISD employees, this month is a killer in women in the United States, next to lung cancer. ing of the disease, there is still no cure. Even those who Each year there are about 2, 300 new cases in celebration of life, survival and living each moment with faith Thanks to screening, breast cancer can be detected early, have an exten- men and about 230,000 new cases in women. By educat- while being appreciative of a second chance of life. when the chance of successful treatment is best. sive background ing ourselves and through early detection and prevention V e r o n i c a Jeannette G. Martinez knows all to well about the in medicine and every one of us is lowering the risk of getting the disease. “Ronnie” Noyola benefits of early detection. The Instructional Television the disease is still We have learned through the courageous stories of the has been a breast Coordinator, who ever so real. three women that through courage and tackling one day cancer survivor for has been with LISD L I S D ’ s at a time that it’s possible to survive the impossible. ten years. Noyola for 19 years, is a Health Service Unfortunately, there are many cases of women who has been with the four-year breast C o o r d i n a t o r , bravely fought the illness and did not survive but it is school district for cancer survivor. Sandra Gallegos through their battle that we learn to appreciate life and to over 20 years and is Martinez, discov- who has been take all opportunities to know about breast cancer and currently an Instruc- ered she had breast with the district for learn to overcome it early on. And so, during the month of tional Facilitator at cancer back in four years, is a October we join all women and men who have breast Christen Middle October, 2011, two year and two cancer, lost their lives to breast cancer and the survivors School. She was while doing a self months breast of this disease in proudly wearing pink. Let this month diagnosed with the Ðbreast exam at cancer survivor. and the hues of pink shirts, bands, hats, umbrellas, and disease three home. Just earlier After having her sports gear be a reminder to join in on the fight against months after giving that day she had annual mammo- breast cancer. birth to her daugh- participated in a gram back in July ter, Mia. It was district-wide Pink 2013, she during those three Day celebration received results months that she and heard about that were abnor- discovered a lump the importance of mal. She had a on her breast and self-examination second mammogram and sonogram that also came back immediately found out that she was in the early stages of the and early detection. abnormal and found out that she had Stage 1 Estrogen cancer. Noyola began a year of treatment in San Antonio Upon discovering Resistant Breast Cancer. that included four rounds of chemotherapy and Herceptin. the lump, she immediately set up an appointment with her Gallegos underwent surgery, a partial mastectomy She finished her treatments here in Laredo with Dr. Eduardo doctor the next day. The appointment included a mammo- and a lymphectomy and followed it with daily radiation treat- Miranda. Noyola credits the support and dedication of her gram and a biopsy and five days later she was given the ment Monday Ð Friday for three months. family and the love for her beautiful daughter that helped her news that the lump she discovered was cancerous. Coming from a medical background and being a get through such a difficult time. Many thoughts ran through her mind. Most of them nurse herself, she was in a state of shock because she was She said, “ It is an honor to be celebrated as a survi- were about her two boys and how they would be affected. often the one who assisted in providing treatments to other vor. Undergoing treatments is never easy but we must stay She wondered if she would make it through her treatments cancer patients and was a form of support and guidance for strong and keep our faith because there are new develop- to watch them grow up. It was through her own will and those suffering other health related issues. Now on the ments in medicine everyday and the survival rate keeps strength that she decided to tackle it right away and begin other side of the desk, Gallegos knew that she had to be increasing. As we associate the pink ribbon with breast her treatment. She was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast proactive in her approach to dealing with the illness. She cancer, we must remember all colors of ribbons as well. cancer and after surgery and numerous tests, the doctors continued doing what she knows how to do best as a nurse
4 LAREDO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FALL 2015 | A+PLUS NEWS 5 “I am extremely excited to students, athletes, and our commu- Cigarroa High School names coach and teach these young men nity will be proud of. “I want to on a daily basis and show them what coach a successful team on the being a student-athlete truly means,” basketball floor, in the classroom, said Martinez. “ I look forward to the and in the community,” explained new Basketball Coaches challenge that is in front of us as a Encinas. “My hope is that our pro- program.” gram will encourage our student- BY ROBERT TREVINO~ athletes to have integrity, discipline, Martinez graduated from work ethic, and good character. Texas A&M International University in Laredo and received a degree in Encinas, a 2010 graduate of Kinesiology. Texas A&M International University, received a bachelors degree in After playing basketball at Business Administration with a con- Nixon High School, Encinas earned centration in management. a scholarship to play basketball for Texas A&M International University. “I feel that these two young coaches will bring a lot of energy Encinas began her coaching and passion to our basketball pro- career at Salvador Garcia Middle grams,” said Jesse Esparza, Cigar- School where she coached volley- roa High School Campus Athletic ball, basketball, and track. Most Coordinator/Head Football Coach. recently she held the position of “They have shown a lot of dedica- assistant basketball coach at United tion and commitment to our High School. campus. We are anxious to see how their programs develop, and “Basketball is something that are eager to assist and assure, that has always been a passion for me,” their particular program succeeds.” said Encinas. “The opportunity to be the Head Coach at Cigarroa and build a program is a dream come true.” Cigarroa High School has named Chris Martinez as head coach for boys basketball and Mary Encinas as head coach for girls basketball. According to Encinas, her goal is to build a solid program that our Martinez was the Cigarroa girls basketball coach last season, helping lead the Toros to the 29-5A District title. Martinez replaces Jose Luis Ojeda who resigned over the summer.
6 LAREDO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FALL 2015 | A+PLUS NEWS 7 Santa MariaHeight Elementary Elementary School staff staff help pose raise for funds a picture for the with school the school mascotduring during McDonalds the AR KickoffMcTeacher Pep Night.Rally. HealthNixon Services High School Department cafeteria staff arestaff pictured show at their the 2015 supoport Community on pink Health day. Fest.
LISD coaches and staff helped out at the Carrasco Track Meet.
Santa Maria Elementary School staff pose for a picture with the school mascot during the AR Kickoff Pep Rally. Nixon High School cafeteria staff show their support on pink day. Macdonell Elementary School faculty show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
SantaThe Maria Child Elementary Nutrition SchoolDepartment staff posekicked for off a picturetheir Fresh with Fruit the school and Farias Elementary teachers perform a dance during the schools AR Kickoff Pep Rally. Vegetablemascot Program during at theSanchez/Ochoa AR Kickoff Pep Elementary Rally. School The Migrant Education Department at the 2015 Community Health Fest.
8 LAREDO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FALL 2015 | A+PLUS NEWS 9 Four LISD schools welcome new principals
BY Veronica castillon
From left are Israel Castilla, Early College High School; Jose De Leon, Santa Maria Elementary School; Melissa Valdez, Jose Valdez High School; and Jose Cerda, Cigarroa Middle School.
Four LISD schools began the 2015-2016 Laredo State University in Computer Information school year with new principals. LISD Superinten- Systems with a concentration in History and a dent Dr. Marcus Nelson assigned the seasoned Master’s Degree in School Administration and educators to their new posts over the summer Supervision from Texas A & M International Univer- months. sity. Cerda began his administrative career at Israel Castilla is the new principal at the Cigarroa Middle School in 1997. He was assistant Early College High School. Jose Cerda takes over principal at United South High School and Cigarroa as principal at Cigarroa Middle School. Jose De High School and later named Director of the Vidal LISD CAMPUS CRIME STOPPERS Leon becomes instructional leader at Santa Maria M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Elementary School while Melissa Valdez becomes Arts. In 1997, he was named Principal of the Early principal at the Jose A. Valdez High School. College High School. “School principals have what is inarguably Jose De Leon learned the value of educa- RECEIVE NATIONAL HONORS the most influential role in education today,” said tion as a migrant student. The Laredo native BY Mimi Valdez LISD Superintendent Dr. Marcus Nelson. “I am pursued a degree in education and taught algebra The Laredo Independent School District Campus Veronica Perez, LISD Campus Crime Stoppers Coordi- confident that our new principals are ready to rollup and geometry. He taught for 19 years at Cigarroa Crime Stoppers received top honors at the national nator.” I want to extend my gratitude to the sponsors their sleeves and lead our schools to greater Middle School and the Treviño Magnet School. He level and brought home two awards from the USA 2015 and educators who assist the students in developing success.” was an assistant principal at Cigarroa Middle training conference held in Atlanta, Georgia. The orga- their creative skills and the entire LISD Campus Crime Israel Castilla graduated from J. W. Nixon School and Christen Middle School. He received nization competed against other districts in the state Stoppers at every campus for their enthusiasm and High School. He acquired his Bachelors and his Masters Degree in Education Administration and across the United States. support of the program.” Master’s Degree from Texas A & M International from Texas A & M International University. LISD Campus Crime Stoppers brought home two The Campus Crime Stoppers, which partners with University. He started his teaching career at Dr. Melissa Valdez, graduated from Martin High high honors from the conference. The organization won the LISD Police Department, is a nationally recognized Joaquin G. Cigarroa Middle School as a mathemat- School. She received a Bachelor of Science in the award for Best Television Public Service Announce- organization. It provides students with the opportunity ics teacher. Subsequently, he taught Advanced Criminal Justice from Texas A&M International ment (PSA) and the Best Radio PSA in the nation. The to give anonymous information by phone, text or online Placement Calculus and Geometry at the Dr. University and a Master of Science in Educational radio PSA was produced with the assistance of about any illegal activities at their campus or by Dennis Cantu Health Science Magnet School. He Administration. She began her educational career students from Christen Middle School and the Martin students off campus. This organization gives rewards served as Assistant Principal at Los Obispos and at Dr. Leo G. Cigarroa High School as Communities High School Crime Stoppers program along with Cigar- for tips that prevent a crime or tips that lead to the arrest Lamar Bruni Vergara Middle Schools and J.B. Alex- in School Representative. She worked in the Spe- roa High School Sponsor Homero Tijerina. The televi- or detention of any student committing an offense. sion PSA was produced by students from Nixon High Tips may be reported to the tips line at 744-0083 or ander High School. Prior to being named principal cial Education and Social Studies departments, as School, Nixon High School sponsor Itzel Hinojosa, and to the Campus Crime Stoppers website at for the Early College High School, Castilla was a testing facilitator for Cigarroa High, and as assis- the NHS Career Technology Education Department. www.laredoisd.org/crimestoppers. LISD’s Secondary Math Dean. tant principal at Memorial Middle School. She “I am so proud of our students for their hard work in For more information please contact Veronica Perez, Jose Cerda graduated from Dr. Leo G. holds certifications in the areas of Special Educa- creating these award winning productions,” said Campus Crime Stoppers Coordinator at 744-0083. Cigarroa High School. He earned his B.A.A.S from tion, Social Studies Composite, and Principalship.
10 LAREDO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FALL 2015 | A+PLUS NEWS 11 at Martin High and I always had it in the back of my mind that this is what I wanted to do,” he said. “Noemi Garcia was my biggest influence. LISD welcomes new employees I also have an aunt who taught Spanish for more than 15 years.” When asked by his college classmates why Sandra Hernandez SANTA MARIA ELEMENTARY Arturo Osteguin Jr. JOAQUIN CIGARROA MIDDLE he was returning to Laredo, De Leon replied that Rocio Lona H. LIGARDE ELEMENTARY Jorge Rodriguez JOAQUIN CIGARROA MIDDLE “he wanted to come home because it felt right.” Erika Remington K. TARVER ELEMENTARY Tomas Guerra Jr. MEMORIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL “I had told myself that I wouldn’t return to Sonia Torres MILTON ELEMENTARY Maria Ramos JOAQUIN CIGARROA MIDDLE Laredo,” he said. “But I decided to come back to Rocio Arriaga SANTA MARIA ELEMENTARY Ilyssa Saenz CHRISTEN MIDDLE SCHOOL where I was raised.” Claudia Hechter RYAN ELEMENTARY Enrique Alvarez LAMAR MIDDLE SCHOOL His experience in Central Texas high schools showed him the commonalities and dissimilari- Kristina Quiroga SANTO NINO ELEMENTARY Stephanie Atwell Santos MEMORIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL ties between the students he taught. He noticed Maria Salinas BRUNI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Brianna McCain LAMAR MIDDLE SCHOOL that San Marcos kids had lots of family support Liza Vega K. TARVER ELEMENTARY Alberto Mendez DR L. CIGARROA H. SCHOOL and performed well academically. Angela Nishiyama DOVALINA ELEMENTARY Michel Ochoa DR L. CIGARROA H. SCHOOL “All kids struggle at times,” he said. “But Kristina Tejada DOVALINA ELEMENTARY Alaka Rao-Kathi MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL students who don’t have family support need a Susana Ancira FARIAS ELEMENTARY Allen Tijerina MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL teacher who cares. That makes all the differ- Christella Cruz MACDONELL ELEMENTARY Carlos Cruz DR L. CIGARROA H. SCHOOL ence in the world.” De Leon has already adjusted to his new Cynthia Esquinca H. B. ZACHRY ELEMENTARY Mary Encinas DR L. CIGARROA H. SCHOOL routine which includes afterschool tutorials and Virginia Juarez SANTA MARIA ELEMENTARY Elias Elizalde Jr. MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL coaching the football team’s wide receivers. He Belinda Martinez LEYENDECKER ELEMENTARY Elias Flores J.W. NIXON HIGH SCHOOL clocks in at 7:20 a.m., and goes home around Roxanna Ochoa DOVALINA ELEMENTARY Lorena Mahtani VMT COMMUNICATION AND FINE ARTS CENTER 8:00 p.m. Leslie Allende Espejel MACDONELL ELEMENTARY Oscar Pompa J.W. NIXON HIGH SCHOOL More importantly he wants to prepare his De Leon returns to teach Melissa Nuno H. LIGARDE ELEMENTARY Eloy Leal Jr. DR L. CIGARROA H. SCHOOL students for the STAAR test. “I want my Ricardo Nuno H. B. ZACHRY ELEMENTARY Sonia Chapa JOSE A. VALDEZ HIGH SCHOOL students to believe that they can graduate from at Alma Mater high school and go to college,” De Leon said. Celina Rodriguez MILTON ELEMENTARY Sean Gaynor VMT COMMUNICATION AND FINE ARTS CENTER Vanessa Sibaja A. PIERCE ELEMENTARY Luis Hilario III DR L. CIGARROA H. SCHOOL Karla Garcia SANTA MARIA ELEMENTARY Erin Perez J.W. NIXON HIGH SCHOOL BY Veronica castillon Enrique Rodriguez Jr. SANTO NINO ELEMENTARY Cynthia Sanchez MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL Leonardo Galvan FARIAS ELEMENTARY Alejandra Serna J.W. NIXON HIGH SCHOOL When Luis Diaz De Leon arrived at Martin High Israel Joseph MILTON ELEMENTARY School to begin his teaching career, he didn’t have Clark Tevis MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL to worry about getting lost or making a good first Nadja Lopez DOVALINA ELEMENTARY Maria Alvarado F.S. LARA ACADEMY impression with the other faculty members. He had Maria Mar LEYENDECKER ELEMENTARY Luis Diaz De Leon MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL graduated from MHS four years ago with the MHS Patricia Boone H. LIGARDE ELEMENTARY Jose Barrera Jr. DR L. CIGARROA H. SCHOOL Class of 2011 where he was the star quarterback for Amanda Lewis BRUNI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Sandra Lopez-Menchaca MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL the Tigers and a member of the track team. Now on Tanairy Benitez J C MARTIN ELEMENTARY Michelle Prado MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL the other side of the teacher’s desk, De Leon Maria Cavazos DAICHES ELEMENTARY Ariana Mendez DR L. CIGARROA H. SCHOOL returned to his Alma Mater to teach English. Christina Medina JOAQUIN CIGARROA MIDDLE De Leon enrolled at Sul Ross University in Alpine where he played on the Lobos football team Jose Tello CHRISTEN MIDDLE SCHOOL his freshman and sophomore years. He transferred Cynthia Chapa MEMORIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL to Texas State University in San Marcos where he Jennifer Lerma LAMAR MIDDLE SCHOOL earned his degree in English. He completed his Angie Pedraza JOAQUIN CIGARROA MIDDLE teaching internship at San Marcos and Canyon LISD Chief of Police Richard Palomo officially swore in Felix Esparza JOAQUIN CIGARROA MIDDLE High Schools. David Martinez CHRISTEN MIDDLE SCHOOL “I had several good English teachers when I was new LISD Police Officer Tomas Rodriguez during a ceremony at the LISD Police Department.
12 LAREDO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FALL 2015 | A+PLUS NEWS 13 Noyola receives national award
BY ROBERT TREVINO~
Boys and Girls Clubs of Laredo Executive Director and Laredo ISD Board Member, Hector Noyola, has been named the recipient of the Southwest Region Herman Prescott Award from the Boys and Girls Club of America. Noyola received the award for his belief in the principles of diversity, equality, and empowerment. The winner of this award must embrace and be an advocate for the rights and dignity of all. His or her belief in the principles of diversity, equality and empowerment must be the hallmark Bruni Vergara Boys and Girls Clubs and serves a of their work within the Boys and Girls Club’s membership of 8,000 boys and girls. The club Movement. also reaches another 10,000 children through Milton Receives TEA Award “I am deeply honored to receive the special leagues including volleyball, flag football, BY Mimi Valdez Herman Prescott Award from the Boys and Girls basketball, and track meets. Club of America,” said Noyola. “I would like to Noyola has served as Executive Director C.L. Milton Elementary School demonstrating ability to close perfor- thank the staff and board for their support and of the Laredo Boys and Girls Clubs since 1972. was recognized by the Region One mance gaps based on a system of commitment to the youth of Laredo.” His biggest accomplishments as executive direc- Education Service Center for receiv- safeguards. C.L. Milton School Prin- According to Noyola, receiving the award tor include the opening of the Lamar Bruni ing the Texas Education Agency’s cipal Leticia Martinez along with means the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo is rated Vergara Club in south Laredo, expanding the High-Progress School under Title I Assistant School principals Trina one of the top clubs in Texas. “We offer a great clubs special leagues to reach 10,000 children on Schools. A high progress school is Bratton and Sam Sanchez are variety of educational and recreational activities a yearly basis, and having a full time staff at each identified as a Title I school in the top featured with third, fourth, and fifth at our clubs and we have outstanding daily atten- club. 25 % in annual improvement, and or grade teachers that are contributing dance from our members,” said Noyola. a school in the top 25% of those to the success at the campus. In his role as Executive Director, Noyola oversees the Benavides, Northwest, and Lamar
14 LAREDO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FALL 2015 | A+PLUS NEWS 15 MiltonSanta administration, Maria Elementary Office of Communications School staff and Divisionpose for of Operations a picture meet with with the Webb school County Judge NixonSanta HighMaria SchoolElementary cafeteria teachers staffparticipate show in thetheir during supoport the AR Kickoff on pink Pep Rally.day. Tano Tijerina and Webbmascot Extension during Office Agent the ElizaAR CavazosKickoff to Pep plan aRally. Bur Oak Tree planting ceremony.
Staff from the Student Services Department are pictured at the Parental Involvement Conference.
The Office of Communications staff helped distribute backpacks with school Santa Maria Elementary School teachers pose for a picture with their Staff from the LISD Office of Communications attended the Don’t Talk. Don’t Text. Just Drive. press conference. supplies to students at Ligarde Elementary. students during the AR Kickoff Pep Rally.
Santa Maria ElementaryJuana Imperial School and staff Jovita pose Garza for apose picture for witha picture the school on LISD staff participates in the Staff Development training at Cigarroa High School. mascot Custodianduring the AppreciationAR Kickoff Pep Day. Rally. LISDNixon staff High from MacdonellSchool cafeteria Elementary Schoolstaff attendedshow their the Parental supoport Involvement on pink Conference. day.
16 LAREDO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FALL 2015 | A+PLUS NEWS 17 Nixon students observe World Teachers Day with H-E-B donation
BY ROBERT TREVINO~
In honor of World Teacher Excellence in Education Awards Pro- Day, Nixon High School Culinary Arts gram, which gives away nearly students prepared and served lunch $800,000 a year in cash and grants to the school’s 210 faculty and staff to outstanding educators across the using gift cards donated by H-E-B. state. Nominations for the awards are being accepted online at “At H-E-B, this is our way of www.heb.com/education through saying thank you to all the teachers November 1, 2015. and staff who work hard every day for our students, schools and com- Nominees will be sent an munity,” said Jill Reynolds, public invitation to complete an online affairs manager for H-E-B. “Educa- application, which ask for written tors work small miracles with responses about education philoso- students every day that often go phy, learning experiences and unnoticed. World Teachers’ Day insight on key issues facing educa- gives us an opportunity to stop and tors in Texas today. The deadline for recognize those accomplishments, applications is December 6, 2015. and to let educators know how much we truly value and appreciate the Since its inception in 2002, work they do.” the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award Program has awarded more H-E-B is also encouraging the than $8 million to Texas educators, community to honor a special educa- schools, and districts. tor by nominating them for the H-E-B
18 LAREDO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FALL 2015 | A+PLUS NEWS 19