Harlandale ISD celebrates Texas Public Schools Week - San Antonio
Week of February 29, 2016
Harlandale ISD celebrates Texas Public Schools Week
IN THIS ISSUE... HISD hosts Special Olympics
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Curious George visits Rayburn Elementary
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Harlandale ISD joined school districts across the state in celebrating Texas Public Schools Week Feb. 29 – March 4.
about extracurricular activities and clubs offered at the middle school and elementary level.
This year’s theme, “Public Education: A Texas Tradition,” emphasized the different educational opportunities available to students attending public schools in Texas.
For first time bus tour participants Peggy and Clifford Newman, the tour was a trip down memory lane. Both graduated from Harlandale HS in 1957.
The week-long festivities fostered community involvement by hosting Open House nights and school bus tours.
“It’s really amazing do see all the great things the district is doing for the kids,” Peggy said.
During Open House nights, parents had the opportunity to meet with teachers and got an inside look at all the exciting things students have been working on throughout the year. As part of the bus tours, community members visited different campuses and learned about several Career Technical Education (CTE) classes offered to high school students. Additionally, they learned
The bus tours culminated in a luncheon sponsored by Masonic Lodge #1213 at STEM Early College High School. Superintendent Rey Madrigal thanked the community for touring the district and for their support in public education. “Our school district is not about one individual, it’s about the family that we are and all of us coming together,” Madrigal said.
Rey Feo promotes education at HISD
page 4
Harlandale ISD celebrates Read Across America
page 4
HISD fights heart disease
page 5
Adams Elementary student wins District Cavaliers River Parade Art Contest
When Adams Elementary art teacher Ms. Gabriela Ortega told her students about the District 3 Cavaliers River Parade Art Contest, second grade student Manuel De Anda had a hunch he would win. After thoroughly reviewing the elements of design and color, Manuel carefully pressed water soluble oil pastels against a white sheet of paper and began outlining the art piece that made his hunch a reality.
3
“Now, they already know that the winner is amongst them so they kind of compete against each other and that’s very nice because their mentality has changed,” Ortega said. “It’s almost like you created a champions mentality because now they all believe they can be winners.”
As the winner, Manuel earned a one-week summer scholarship to the Southwest School of Art and a check for $3,000 which will go toward the school’s art supplies. Manuel competed against students in first through fifth grade across District 3. Ms. Ortega’s students have participated in the contest for the last seven years and this marks the sixth year one of her students wins the District 3 prize. In Ms. Ortega’s first year of teaching, the students didn’t believe they stood a chance at the art contest, however, that mindset is now a thing of the past.
HISD hosts Special Olympics
In partnership with Special Olympics Texas, Harlandale ISD hosted a Special Olympics Basketball Skills Competition on Feb. 26 at the Boggess Center.
Every special needs student from across the district earned a medal after completing a basketball spot shot, a ten meter dribble and a low pass. The center was filled with supporting parents, teachers and volunteers who made the event a reality and cheered on the special Olympians.
page 2
Curious George visits Rayburn Elementary One thing you may expect to see in an elementary cafeteria are bananas, but certainly not monkeys. Defying all odds is Curious George. The inquisitive monkey paid a visit to 150 Rayburn students, including life skills, pre-k and kindergarten classes. None of this would have been possible without Ms. Cynthia Peña, Rayburn’s life skills teacher, who won this event during an education seminar she attended. “It makes reading exciting for the students and it brings the books they love to life, said Ms. Peña, “It also gives the students something to look forward to, so they work harder.” Students listened as Curious George and his friend read aloud one of his books. Then later were able to take pictures with their favorite monkey.
“It’s great that the students were able to meet Curious George. You can tell they really enjoyed it, said Ms. Faith Molina, Rayburn Elementary principal. “Today’s event reinforces literature, which is very important especially at this age.”
Rey Feo promotes education at HISD
Harlandale ISD students are getting in on the Fiesta fun before the citywide celebration officially begins.
Rey Feo LXVIII Darren Casey and his Royal Court visited several HISD elementary schools this week to deliver a message about the importance of hard work and education. “We have raised more than $500,000 in scholarships and I hope each and every one of you gets one, but to do that you must work hard, respect your teachers and really respect your parents because that’s where your foundation starts,” Rey Feo told the young students. “A great foundation will let you grow and further your education and we want each and every one of you to go to college.” As part of the visit, Rey Feo asked students what they wanted to be when they grew up.
Some said doctors, while others said soldiers, police officers and veterinarians. “Hold on to your dreams and pursue them,” Rey Feo said. “With hard work, each and every one of you can be anywhere you want to be, you just have to dream it.”
page 3
Harlandale ISD celebrates Read Across America In honor of Read Across America Day, celebrated nationally on March 2, students from the Frank Tejeda Academy dressed up as Cat in the Hat characters to surprise several elementary schools throughout Harlandale ISD. The Harlandale Education Association (HEA) helped coordinate the visits to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday, his books, and to encourage students to read. Harlandale employees, Bexar County Constables and even Batman took time to visit Harlandale ISD campuses this week to read to hundreds of HISD students.
Bellaire students earn trip to DoSeum for best attendance Bellaire students were rewarded with a trip to the San Antonio DoSeum for their eagerness to be at school on a daily basis. On Feb.26, Bellaire’s Ms. Veronica Sanchez and her fourth grade students took the trip to San Antonio’s newest interactive museum for having the school’s best attendance as a class. The school plans on continuing this incentive program next semester with a field trip awarded to the class with the most improved attendance.
Columbia Heights students help design future of San Antonio community
Columbia Heights Elementary students had the opportunity to speak with City Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales on March 1 as they gave her advice on what they want their city to look like.
“As council members we face many decisions that impact our communities and our youth,” said Gonzales. “It is important to seek out what our children want in their community.”
Skate parks, swimming pools and ball fields were at the top of the list for several Columbia Heights students. Councilwoman Gonzales explained the role she plays in making those projects come to life. “Just the other day, the state came to us with funding a project at a local park. We had to decide what would most benefit our community. By receiving today’s feedback, I have a better understanding of what our youth is looking for,” said Gonzales. page 4
McCollum HS theatre prepares for UIL competition McCollum HS drama students are putting the finishing touches on their UIL play, “The Lyons.” UIL competition is slated for March 11.
On March 3, the students presented their only public performance. Family members, friends and staff filled the school auditorium to support the cast and crew.
Mr. Calderon is confident his budding actors will be ready to give it their all at competition. “The students are incredibly talented and they have worked very hard, so we are hoping to do very well,” Calderon said.
The 40-minute play follows the story of a dysfunctional family whose issues intensify when they are around each other, but must come together when one of them is dying of cancer. “The main message is how family sometimes brings out the worse in you, but also how you have to stick together through tough times,” McCollum HS theatre teacher Juan Calderon said.
HISD fights heart disease Harlandale ISD celebrated Heart Disease Awareness month throughout February.
Several campuses decorated according to theme and held health screenings while staff members donned red shirts to raise awareness.
Bellaire Elementary took their commitment a step further by hosting a Jump Rope for Heart event that raised $2,640. “Every single dollar we raised will help in the fight against heart disease and stroke,” said Bellaire Elementary Coach Charlie Anthony. “Funds raised support the American Heart Association’s research and education initiatives that save lives in our community.” As part of the event, students got their heart pumping by showing off their jump rope skills to earn different certificates. Coach Anthony sends a big thank you to all of the students, teachers, parents and community members that participated in the event and donated to the cause.
This Week in Harlandale...
page 5
Harlandale ISD celebrates Texas Public Schools Week
IN THIS ISSUE... HISD hosts Special Olympics
page 2
Curious George visits Rayburn Elementary
page 3
Harlandale ISD joined school districts across the state in celebrating Texas Public Schools Week Feb. 29 – March 4.
about extracurricular activities and clubs offered at the middle school and elementary level.
This year’s theme, “Public Education: A Texas Tradition,” emphasized the different educational opportunities available to students attending public schools in Texas.
For first time bus tour participants Peggy and Clifford Newman, the tour was a trip down memory lane. Both graduated from Harlandale HS in 1957.
The week-long festivities fostered community involvement by hosting Open House nights and school bus tours.
“It’s really amazing do see all the great things the district is doing for the kids,” Peggy said.
During Open House nights, parents had the opportunity to meet with teachers and got an inside look at all the exciting things students have been working on throughout the year. As part of the bus tours, community members visited different campuses and learned about several Career Technical Education (CTE) classes offered to high school students. Additionally, they learned
The bus tours culminated in a luncheon sponsored by Masonic Lodge #1213 at STEM Early College High School. Superintendent Rey Madrigal thanked the community for touring the district and for their support in public education. “Our school district is not about one individual, it’s about the family that we are and all of us coming together,” Madrigal said.
Rey Feo promotes education at HISD
page 4
Harlandale ISD celebrates Read Across America
page 4
HISD fights heart disease
page 5
Adams Elementary student wins District Cavaliers River Parade Art Contest
When Adams Elementary art teacher Ms. Gabriela Ortega told her students about the District 3 Cavaliers River Parade Art Contest, second grade student Manuel De Anda had a hunch he would win. After thoroughly reviewing the elements of design and color, Manuel carefully pressed water soluble oil pastels against a white sheet of paper and began outlining the art piece that made his hunch a reality.
3
“Now, they already know that the winner is amongst them so they kind of compete against each other and that’s very nice because their mentality has changed,” Ortega said. “It’s almost like you created a champions mentality because now they all believe they can be winners.”
As the winner, Manuel earned a one-week summer scholarship to the Southwest School of Art and a check for $3,000 which will go toward the school’s art supplies. Manuel competed against students in first through fifth grade across District 3. Ms. Ortega’s students have participated in the contest for the last seven years and this marks the sixth year one of her students wins the District 3 prize. In Ms. Ortega’s first year of teaching, the students didn’t believe they stood a chance at the art contest, however, that mindset is now a thing of the past.
HISD hosts Special Olympics
In partnership with Special Olympics Texas, Harlandale ISD hosted a Special Olympics Basketball Skills Competition on Feb. 26 at the Boggess Center.
Every special needs student from across the district earned a medal after completing a basketball spot shot, a ten meter dribble and a low pass. The center was filled with supporting parents, teachers and volunteers who made the event a reality and cheered on the special Olympians.
page 2
Curious George visits Rayburn Elementary One thing you may expect to see in an elementary cafeteria are bananas, but certainly not monkeys. Defying all odds is Curious George. The inquisitive monkey paid a visit to 150 Rayburn students, including life skills, pre-k and kindergarten classes. None of this would have been possible without Ms. Cynthia Peña, Rayburn’s life skills teacher, who won this event during an education seminar she attended. “It makes reading exciting for the students and it brings the books they love to life, said Ms. Peña, “It also gives the students something to look forward to, so they work harder.” Students listened as Curious George and his friend read aloud one of his books. Then later were able to take pictures with their favorite monkey.
“It’s great that the students were able to meet Curious George. You can tell they really enjoyed it, said Ms. Faith Molina, Rayburn Elementary principal. “Today’s event reinforces literature, which is very important especially at this age.”
Rey Feo promotes education at HISD
Harlandale ISD students are getting in on the Fiesta fun before the citywide celebration officially begins.
Rey Feo LXVIII Darren Casey and his Royal Court visited several HISD elementary schools this week to deliver a message about the importance of hard work and education. “We have raised more than $500,000 in scholarships and I hope each and every one of you gets one, but to do that you must work hard, respect your teachers and really respect your parents because that’s where your foundation starts,” Rey Feo told the young students. “A great foundation will let you grow and further your education and we want each and every one of you to go to college.” As part of the visit, Rey Feo asked students what they wanted to be when they grew up.
Some said doctors, while others said soldiers, police officers and veterinarians. “Hold on to your dreams and pursue them,” Rey Feo said. “With hard work, each and every one of you can be anywhere you want to be, you just have to dream it.”
page 3
Harlandale ISD celebrates Read Across America In honor of Read Across America Day, celebrated nationally on March 2, students from the Frank Tejeda Academy dressed up as Cat in the Hat characters to surprise several elementary schools throughout Harlandale ISD. The Harlandale Education Association (HEA) helped coordinate the visits to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday, his books, and to encourage students to read. Harlandale employees, Bexar County Constables and even Batman took time to visit Harlandale ISD campuses this week to read to hundreds of HISD students.
Bellaire students earn trip to DoSeum for best attendance Bellaire students were rewarded with a trip to the San Antonio DoSeum for their eagerness to be at school on a daily basis. On Feb.26, Bellaire’s Ms. Veronica Sanchez and her fourth grade students took the trip to San Antonio’s newest interactive museum for having the school’s best attendance as a class. The school plans on continuing this incentive program next semester with a field trip awarded to the class with the most improved attendance.
Columbia Heights students help design future of San Antonio community
Columbia Heights Elementary students had the opportunity to speak with City Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales on March 1 as they gave her advice on what they want their city to look like.
“As council members we face many decisions that impact our communities and our youth,” said Gonzales. “It is important to seek out what our children want in their community.”
Skate parks, swimming pools and ball fields were at the top of the list for several Columbia Heights students. Councilwoman Gonzales explained the role she plays in making those projects come to life. “Just the other day, the state came to us with funding a project at a local park. We had to decide what would most benefit our community. By receiving today’s feedback, I have a better understanding of what our youth is looking for,” said Gonzales. page 4
McCollum HS theatre prepares for UIL competition McCollum HS drama students are putting the finishing touches on their UIL play, “The Lyons.” UIL competition is slated for March 11.
On March 3, the students presented their only public performance. Family members, friends and staff filled the school auditorium to support the cast and crew.
Mr. Calderon is confident his budding actors will be ready to give it their all at competition. “The students are incredibly talented and they have worked very hard, so we are hoping to do very well,” Calderon said.
The 40-minute play follows the story of a dysfunctional family whose issues intensify when they are around each other, but must come together when one of them is dying of cancer. “The main message is how family sometimes brings out the worse in you, but also how you have to stick together through tough times,” McCollum HS theatre teacher Juan Calderon said.
HISD fights heart disease Harlandale ISD celebrated Heart Disease Awareness month throughout February.
Several campuses decorated according to theme and held health screenings while staff members donned red shirts to raise awareness.
Bellaire Elementary took their commitment a step further by hosting a Jump Rope for Heart event that raised $2,640. “Every single dollar we raised will help in the fight against heart disease and stroke,” said Bellaire Elementary Coach Charlie Anthony. “Funds raised support the American Heart Association’s research and education initiatives that save lives in our community.” As part of the event, students got their heart pumping by showing off their jump rope skills to earn different certificates. Coach Anthony sends a big thank you to all of the students, teachers, parents and community members that participated in the event and donated to the cause.
This Week in Harlandale...
page 5
