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.