J&O Elem. Honor Students Rewarded

 RGCCISD Press Release
John & Olive Hinojosa Elementary rewarded their kinder through fifth grade students on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 with prizes and certificates for making "A", "A & B", and "B" Honor Roll for the first six weeks. Pictured above are students from third through fifth grade who won gifts during a raffle held towards the end of the ceremony. These gifts are raffled amongst all qualifying students to motivate them to perform well academically throughout the six weeks.

RGC FFA Students Enjoy Field Day

RGCCISD Press Release 
The Rio Grande City Future Farmers of America (FFA) attended the 23rd annual La Muñeca Agriculture Field Day. This field day is designed to teach youth about the different aspects of showing and choosing their livestock projects. After the judging competition and guest speakers the event ends with a livestock show of animals purchased at the La Muñeca Ranch. Picture above from left to right; Cody Lee Lara, Araceli Lopez, Javier Guerra, Mario Benavides, Hipolito Nacenceno, Karina Segovia, Alan Garcia, and Elijah Lopez. Not shown in picture Daniel Garza, Bianca Garza and Mrs. Randy Lee Martin.

Grulla Elem. Students Earn Principal's Award

 RGCCISD Press Release
Grulla Elementary would like to congratulate all the boys and girls who have shown exemplary character in school in order to be awarded with the Principal's Award and with the Most Improved by their teachers.  These are the students for the 1st Six Weeks of this 2010-2011 school year. Pictured are students from pre-kinder through fifth grade and Mrs. Monique Villarreal, Principal, and Mrs. Yvette Peña, Assistant Principal.

Veterans Claims Process Goes Digital

WASHINGTON – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released three new disability benefits questionnaires for physicians of Veterans applying for VA disability compensation benefits.  This initiative marks the beginning of a major reform of the physicians’ guides and automated routines that will streamline the claims process for injured or ill Veterans.

The new forms are electronic, easier and quicker to process in the VA system.

“Those who have bravely served our country deserve nothing less than the best services and benefits,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I laud the efforts of the VA to reform its processes and provide our veterans with improved and timely support.”

Garza Pleads Guilty, Gets Five Years

Starr County resident David Garza received a five-year prison term by a federal judge in McAllen Texas. Garza had pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance along with other charges related to an incidents including a February 2010 drug seizure. (Source Article)

J&O Elem. Students Enjoy RGC Historical Tour

RGCCISD Press Release
Student Council members at John & Olive Hinojosa Elementary went on a memorable tour around Rio Grande City on September 24, 2010. Students took a trolley ride around town and were able to visit La Borde, the Starr County Courthouse, City Hall, the Grotto, and several historical buildings around the downtown area. At the end of the tour, the students enjoyed a delicious lunch at Che's Restaurant. We would like to thank Mr. R.C. Salinas for being our gracious tour guide.

Local Org. Defines Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country.  Red Ribbon Week generally takes place the last full week in October.  It serves as a vehicle for our community and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through commitment to drug prevention and a personal commitment to live drug free lives.  And equally important, Red Ribbon Week commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while fighting the battle against illegal drugs to keep our country and children safe.

Enrique “Kiki” Camarena grew up in a dirt-floored house with hopes and dreams of making a difference.  Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer.  When he decided to join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out of it.  “I’m only one person, but I want to make a difference.”
The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover in Mexico investigating a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government.  On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37-year old Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch.  Five men appeared at the agent’s side and shoved him in a car.  One month later, Camarena’s body was found in a shallow grave.  He had been tortured to death.

J&O Elem. Students Tour Local College

 RGCCISD Press Release
As part of John & Olive Hinojosa Elementary's initiative to get students interested in college, our campus sent forty students to South Texas College in Rio Grande City for a campus orientation on October 7, 2010. Mr. Ruben Saenz welcomed our students, and the friendly staff took them on a tour of the campus and talked about the different departments and career opportunitiies that the campus offers. It is important that students at the elementary level know that it's never too early to start planning for the future.

RGCCISD Staff Celebrates Human Resources Day

The Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators (TASPA) announced that Governor Rick Perry proclaimed Wednesday, October  13, 2010 as Texas Education Human Resources Day.  It is anticipated that this will become an annual event in the month of October.

The RGCCISD Human Resources Office headed by Mr. Gilberto E. Garcia-Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, serves close to 2,000 employees.  Some of the functions of this department include facilitating the recruiting of new personnel, screening, and selection of teachers and support staff for the District by monitoring unfilled position, posting job vacancies, and processing criminal background checks for potential hires, new employees, and volunteers. 

Grulla MS Finishes 1st in V-Ball Tournament

RGCCISD Press Release 
Grulla Middle School 7th Grade "B" Lady Cranes Volleyball players took winning spot and came in 1st place at the Volleyball Tournament Saturday, September 25, 2010 in Roma. Players are from (l to r) Front- Julissa Monsivaies, and Jackie Montalvo.  Middle-Yessica Garcia, Natalie Garcia, Mckayla Bernal, Alexandra Salinas, and Serena Alaniz. Back- Jazmin Leal, Yamilex De La Garza, Ashley Cardoza, and Dayana Garcia. The Lady Cranes are coached by Ms. Dorah Rodriguez and the manager is Stephanie Flores. Congratulations ladies on a job well done!

Fatal Auto Accident Reported

 A major accident was reported in Rio Grande City. At this point, officials have only reported that one of the vehicles involved was a van, and one person has been confirmed dead. The accident was on East 83 and North La Blanca.   (Source Article)

Local Eatery Re-Opens its Doors

After being closed for almost a month due to remodeling, Rio Grande City's McDonald's restaurant re-opened its doors this past weekend to what local college student Albert Escobar described as "very happy customers". "In this economy, their (McDonald's) dollar menu is pretty much all a college kid that just spent thousands on tuition, and books can afford".

Grulla Elem. Learns Fire Safety

RGCCISD Press Release
Grulla Elementary would like to thank La Casita Fire Department for coming to their school to teach the students and staff the important steps that need to be taken when a fire develops in their home or at school.  The presentation, even though it was cut short due to a fire call, was very inspiring and educational for our students. Again, thank you for all you do to keep us safe.

Local Pizza Hut Donates School Supplies to Elem. Students

General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary students kicked off a great school year with school supplies donated by Pizza Hut.  As they received their gifts, students were encouraged to try their best this school year and make good grades.  Teachers and teacher aides also received a token of appreciation for their perseverance and hard work.

Local College Seeks RGV Writers/Artists

“Interstice”, South Texas College’s literary magazine, has begun planning its seventh issue. Writers and artists from across the Rio Grande Valley are invited to submit original poetry, short stories and artwork for possible publication. The magazine will be published in April 2011.

The deadline for submission of items is Nov. 30, 2010. A submission form that includes a short biography written in third-person voice must accompany every submission. Submission forms are available online at www.southtexascollege.edu/interstice.

Grulla Elem. Learns Bus Safety

RGCCISD Press Release 
Grulla Elementary would like to give a big thanks to all its bus drivers for coming to our campus and showing our students and staff how important bus safety is for everyone.  Students and staff were able to watch a video and participate in a bus escape drill with the RGCCISD School Bus Drivers and the Transportation Department. Again thank you and keep doing a wonderful job.  Pictured is Ms. J. Flores 1st grade class.

Miguel-Aleman Incident, A Call for Action?

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Henry Cuellar, TX-28, released the following response to the death of Commandante Rolando Flores Villegas in Ciudad Miguel Aleman:  

"My deepest sympathies go out to the Flores family and the law enforcement community along the border. Commandante Flores had a reputation for cooperation and camaraderie with his American counterparts and he will sorely be missed. Commandante Flores and many of his peers had continued to search for David Hartley in the face of grave threats and imminent danger. This tragic incident demonstrates the continued efforts of the Mexican law enforcement community to help us in America solve the Hartley case. For reasons like this, I have been a vocal proponent of the Merida Initiative and making sure we provide ample support for our international partners in border security. With grief in our hearts, we in the South Texas community are hopeful that the investigation and search will continue until the Hartley case is resolved."

AB Book Fair Featured Famous Character

The book fair is used to motivate students to read and to promote the importance of literacy.  Family night is used to encourage parents to read with their children and to view the variety of materials that they can utilize to assist their children in their education.  Alto Bonito is known for bringing book characters to life.  This year they were visited by Junie B. Jones.  Jones is a fictional character in a children's series written by Barbara Park and illustrated by Denise Brunkus. Junie B. Jones is the main character in the comical series. She is first introduced as a kindergartener and is currently a first grader. She exemplifies many of the comical aspects of childhood: fear of monsters, grammatical errors, dealing with siblings, the first day of school, and innocent crushes.  She stopped by to read to the students one of her favorite books entitled Junie B. Jones is a Graduation Girl, by Barbara Park. Pictured above: Miss Toni Garcia as Junie B. Jones and students from the Alto Bonito Community.

No Increase in Social Security Benefits Expected for 2011

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar, TX-28, released the following statement regarding the expected hold on the 2011 cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security recipients: 

“This is simply unacceptable and we need to find a solution. Our seniors in the 28th district have earned their Social Security benefits and deserve to have their livelihoods safeguarded. While it is true that we provided a bonus payment of $250 for Social Security recipients in the spring of 2009, the economy is down, 401k balances are down and our seniors are in an economic bind.  Social Security is the sole income for many retirees and COLA is an important part of helping them keep pace with inflation."

New Proclamation Celebrates Human Resources' Personnel

Texas Education Human Resources Day - October  13, 2010

The Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators proudly announces that Governor Rick Perry has proclaimed Wednesday, October 13, 2010 as Texas Education Human Resources Day. This is the first year that an appreciation day for Human Resources personnel has been designated but is anticipated that it will become an annual event.

Local Agency Hosts Free Diabetes Info. Seminar

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service will host a free information seminar on diabetes intended to help attendees learn how to control diabetes and live with the disease in a healthy way. The seminar will be held Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010, 10 to 11 a.m. at the South Texas College Starr County Campus Library. For additional information contact Terri Rosalez, STC library specialist, at 956-488-5820 or 956-488-5822.

RGCCISD Schools Host ‘Meet the Teacher’ Events

General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary held its “Meet the Teacher” event on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2010 which proved to be a great success.  It gave parents and teachers the opportunity to meet and connect as well as work together to help his/her child meet their goals. Teachers were able to inform parents about classroom regulations, procedures and expectations and parents were able to voice any concerns or questions they had.  Additionally, this event provided students the opportunity to share some of their work displays and projects with their parents.

RGCCISD Schools Honor Grandparents

Alto Bonito Elem.
What is Grandparent’s Day? Why do we Celebrate it? The motivation for a National Grandparents Day originated with Marian McQuade, a housewife in Fayette County, West Virginia. Her primary motivation was to champion the cause of lonely elderly in nursing homes. She also hoped to persuade grandchildren to tap the wisdom and heritage their grandparents could provide. President Jimmy Carter, in 1978, proclaimed that National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. 

Gen. Ricardo Sanchez Elem. Receives Exemplary Rating

RGCCISD Press Release 
We are pleased to report that General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary has received an Exemplary rating- which is the highest rating a campus can receive from the Texas Education Agency. This makes it two years in a row for this campus.  This Exemplary designation is based primarily on the scores the students received on their Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) Test and the rating was achieved without Texas Projection Measure (TPM).  Thank you students, staff and parents for your dedication and commitment towards our goal: “Excellence”.

RGHS to Host Senior College Night

The Rio Grande City High School College & Career Resource Center will be hosting their annual "Senior College Night" on Monday, Oct. 11, at the Rio Grande City High School Library at 6:00 p.m.. Students and parents are encouraged to attend this informative event. College recruiters will be on-hand to discuss important admission requirements, admission deadlines, scholarship deadlines, and housing information. For additional information, please feel free to contact Mr. Roxy Garza, College & Career Advisor at (956) 488-6045

Starr Co. Neighborhoods to Receive Federal Funds for Sewer Deficiencies

(File Photo)

Washington D.C. – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced that Starr County  has been granted $500,000 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development CDBG program, which will be administered through the Texas Department of Rural Affairs (TDRA) under the Texas Community Development Block Grant’s Colonia Construction Fund (CFC). 

The funds will be used to address sewer deficiencies in Mi Ranchito and La Escondida colonias in southern Starr County. A contractor will install 13,569 linear feet sewer line, one left station, 19 man holes, road repair and trenching and decommission 92 septic tanks

2010 National Night Out Slide Show

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

AB Kinder Hosts Creative Letter "M" Activities

RGCCISD Press Release 
Alto Bonito Elementary Kinder classes had their annual muffins for mom activity on September 24, 2010.  The students invited their moms to school and they worked on a letter learning activity for the letter “M”.  Pictured above is Jesus Martinez from Mrs. Sandra Lopez’s class with his mom coloring a monkey while enjoying a muffin that was made for her.

Roque Guerra Elem. Receives Creative Education Institute Award

RGCCISD Press Release 
At the September 14th RGCCISD Board of Trustees meeting, Mrs. Edna Garza-Creative Education Institute (CEI) Lab Facilitator, students and administrators of Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary were presented with the CEI Exemplary Lab Award Plaque.  Board President, Mr. Basilio Villarreal, Jr. and all the board members present commended Mrs. Edna Garza- CEI Essential Learning System (ELS) Reading Lab Facilitator, students, parents and principals for receiving  the CEI Exemplary Lab Award.  This prestigious award is given to campuses that are able to demonstrate significant student progress by meeting the criteria established by the Institute.

The district was notified about the award by Mr. Thomas D. Johnson-Vice President of Support Services for Creative Education Institute on August 31, 2010.  In his letter Mr. Johnson says "Your hard work and dedication have made it possible for Creative Education Institute to award you our CEI Exemplary Lab Award."  He also states, " I commend you for receiving our highest award.  May I encourage you to continue to strive for excellence."  Mrs. Edna Garza's dedication to her students is recognized and the district congratulates her for her efforts. (RGCCISD Photo)

Diaz Sworn in to RGCCISD Police Dept.

RGCCISD Press Release 
Officer Jesus Diaz was sworn in as an RGCCISD Police Officer on September 8, 2010 by School Police Chief Hernan Garza.  Diaz attended the Police Academy and graduated as one of the top students in his class on March 2009.  Officer Diaz worked as a Peace Officer in Sullivan City briefly before joining the district's Police Department.  He had previously been employed as a bus driver  for Rio Grande City CISD for the past 13 years.  His experience with school policy and demographics will undoubtedly aid him in his new career.  Officer Diaz is married to Anna Lee and they are the parents of four (4) children; Emily Ann (20 yrs.), Jesus Diaz, Jr (18yrs.), Jessica Lean (10 yrs.), Jackie Diaz (7yrs.) and the proud grandparents of an 11 month old Dilan Rodriguez. Pictured are Diaz and Chief Garza.  (RGCCISD Photo).

Another Shooting in Same Neighborhood

A drive by shooting has been reported in the Las Lomas area (Guevara Rd). The incident happened Thursday night, Sept. 30.  Very little is known at this time, but authorities do report that no one was injured in the shooting. This incident follows a Wednesday night (Sept. 29) shooting death in the same general area (about 2.9 mi. apart). 
(Source Article)