Possible Funding Cuts For Higher Ed

More than 30 legislators from across the state of Texas visited South Texas College’s Starr County Campus located in Rio Grande City. The visit was just one stop on a three-day, whirlwind tour legislators took of the entire Rio Grande Valley. The collective mission of both democrats and republicans in the crowd? To understand how their decisions impact impoverished regions like the Valley.

“It’s been a great experience touring the area,” said State Sen. Tommy Williams, (R) from District 4. “This is my second recent trip to the Valley and it’s helpful to see on the ground what’s going on and how the programs we are looking at funding and implementing will impact people’s lives.” 

Pena Retires From South Texas College

Diana Pena, vice president of finance and administrative services for South Texas College, will retire from the college effective Jan. 31, 2011. Pena, a Rio Grande City native, has been with the college since 1998. She oversaw a variety of crucial services that ensure the college runs and functions on a daily basis, including maintenance, facilities, security, human resources and all financial and business functions, excluding financial aid. She managed an annual budget of more than $130M.

“Diana Pena has played an instrumental role in the success of STC during the last 12 years and has made many significant contributions to the fiscal integrity and stability of the institution,” said Dr. Shirley A. Reed, STC president. “The entire institution extends its appreciation to her for her years of dedicated service and lasting contributions to making South Texas College the premier institution it is today. We share in her excitement as she embarks on a new chapter in her life.  We will miss her, and will forever be grateful for her many contributions to the college.”  

Free E.S.L. Classes at RGC Public Library

Rio Grande City Public Library is offering free classes in English as a second language. Classes will be Tuesday and Thursday 5:00pm – 700pm. For more information visit 591 E. Canales Bros St. or call 487-4389.

Interesado en curso de inglés como segunda lengua regístrese en la biblioteca de la ciudad de Rio Grande.  Curso es gratis. Clases Lunes y Miércoles 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Para más información puede llamar a 487-4389 o visite 591 E. Canales Bros St., Rio Grande City.

Veterans MS 8th Grade Football, District Camps

RGCCISD Press Release
VETERANS MIDDLE SCHOOL – Congratulations to the VMS 8th Grade “B” Football Team for earning the Football District Championship title for the 2010-2011 school year!  Football players on the championship team included (Bottom Row L-R) Estevan Sepulveda, Benny Benavidez, Justin Guerra, Jeremy Barrera (Second Row L-R) Kevin Barrera, Pedro Morin, James Lopez, Bryan Villarreal, Derek Ruiz, Jose Briones (Third Row L-R) Carlos Lopez, Eduardo Rivera, Juan Gamez, Julio Garza, Garrett Gonzalez, Jay Alvarez, Angel Jaramillo (Top Row L-R) Coach Jesse Salinas, Mario Sosa, Luis Salinas, Ryan Salinas, Jose Sanchez, Omar Guerrero, Lee Rivera, and Coach Marcus Perez.  A special recognition of gratitude is extended to the parents, community, coaches, and students for their support and dedication to our school.  

RGC Library Presents Night out With the Vipers Event

Rio Grande City Public Library night out with the Vipers will be held on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at the State Farm Arena.  Children who have participated in “READ TO ACHIEVE” will receive a free ticket and be recognized during pre-game ceremonies. This is a great opportunity to show your support for the library and the RGV Vipers. Tickets may be purchased at the library on January 25, 2011 for $10.00 with $3.00 of the proceeds benefiting to the library.

National Basketball Association’s (NBA) supports this program to help young people develop a life-long love for reading and encourage adults to read regularly to children.  Reaching an estimated 50 million children a year, “Read to Achieve” is the most extensive educational outreach initiative in the history of professional sports.

Please visit us at 591 E. Canales Bros, Rio Grande City, TX or call 956-487-4389. You can visit us www.rgclibrary.com

Veterans MS Wins Big at UIL Meet

RGCCISD Press Release
VETERANS MIDDLE SCHOOL – Veterans Middle School is extremely proud of its UIL students for winning the Sweepstakes 1st Place Trophies in 6th grade and in 7th and 8th grades combined at the UIL Invitational Meet held on December 11, 2010 at Ringgold Middle School.  UIL students from VMS competed against eleven other middle schools from the Rio Grande Valley and Hebbronville in various UIL events.  The following list includes the achievements of UIL students who helped VMS receive the 1st Place trophies:

Grulla Elem. Thanks Veterans

RGCCISD Press Release
Grulla Elementary would like to thank all of the community Veterans who attended a Celebration in their honor this past November for Veterans Day. We would also like to wish them the very best for 2011!

Commission Answers; Why So Many Planes Lately?

 The United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) will be performing aerial surveys along the Rio Grande through the month of March as part of a program to map and assess the agency’s Rio Grande flood control system.  During the project, residents may see several small planes in a crop row pattern flying back and forth at an elevation of about 5,000 feet while ground crews set up ground targets in the form of a white X.  The Commission is publicizing the activity to inform residents who might otherwise be concerned about the unusual flight pattern along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Grulla Middle School Students Visit HS Centers

 RGCCISD Press Release
Grulla Middle School delivered presents on December 16th, 2010 to several Headstart Centers in Starr County. GMS principal, Mr. Trillayes, Asst. Principal Ariel Ozuna, and teacher Mr. Sandor Lopez made a surprise the students at the different centers. Mr. Ozuna was Santa Clause for the day, while Mr. Trillayes read a story to all the kids, Mr. Lopez helped with taking pictures and passed out the presents to the kids. They visited the following centers: Grulla Headstart, Alto Bonito Headstart, La Casita Headstart, and Alto Bonito Texas Migrant Council. RGCCISD photo.

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Renowned Author Visits La Union Elem.

RGCCISD Press Release
La Union Elementary students listened to word-traveling children's author Mathew Gollub as he interpreted his books by singing, drumming, and encouraged students to create music with their hands.  Gollub captivated the children and inspired them to use their imagination. His Jazz and Rap routine allowed students to marvel in what was being read to them.  He also encouraged children to learn and practice as many languages as possible in order to broaden their imagination.  Gollub has written "The Jazz Fly", "Gobble, Quack, Moon", "Uncle Snake" and many more. (RGCCISD Photo).

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Grulla High Holds Senior College Day

RGCCISD Press Release
Grulla High School College and Career Resource Center sponsored a Senior College Day recently. High school students were invited to participate and assess information on college application requirements and financial assistance.  Representatives from various colleges were on hand and students were able to speak to them on a one to one basis over career and college choices.  Mr. Rick Solis - College and Career Advisor and his staff work diligently to provide assistance to all students and their parents in choosing career goals.  Grulla High School administration and staff would like to thank all of the colleges and universities for their dedication to the students.  Pictured:  Mr. Rick Solis surrounded by students obtaining information. (RGCCISD Photo).

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Veterans MS 7th Grade Football, District Champs

 RGCCISD Press Release
VETERANS MIDDLE SCHOOL – Congratulations to the VMS 7th Grade “A” Football Team for earning the Football District Championship title for the 2010-2011 school year!  Football players on the championship team included (Bottom Row L-R) Victor Pedraza, Robert Briceno, Jorge Guajardo, Iram Galvan, Celestino Molina, Dante Silva (Second Row L-R) Christian Elizondo, Usvaldo Guerra, Arturo Ozuna, Milton Gonzalez, Jose Islas, Ivan Garcia, Noah Barba (Third Row L-R) Daniel Pena, Jerry Eligio, Luis Guerra, Luis Garcia, Bobby Reyes, Carlo Montalvo, Leonel Garcia, Mauro Sandoval (Top Row L-R) Juan Toscano, Gerardo Garcia, Juan Saenz, Daniel Garza, Joel Reyes, Martin Reyes, and Roger Benavidez. Coaches for this championship team were Omar Garcia, Frankie Mireles, David Pratt, and Jesus Garcia. VMS would like to thank the parents, community, coaches, and students for all their dedication and support.

Henry Cuellar Sworn Into Office for 4th Term

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Henry Cuellar (Texas 28th District) was sworn into his fourth two-year term in the United States Congress.

“These last several years have been extremely challenging for Texas families,” Congressman Cuellar said.  “It’s crucial that the 28th Congressional District has a strong voice in our nation’s capital, and I am humbled and honored for being allowed to go back to Washington and continue fighting for hard-working Texas families.”

Congressman Cuellar was first sworn in as a member of Congress in January 2005.  “I am going back to Washington with three things in mind: We need to create more jobs. We need to reduce the deficit. And we need to strengthen the middle class,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Working in a bi-partisan way, we will accomplish all three.”

Ramirez Elem., 1st Place at UIL Meet.

RGCCISD Press Release 
Dr. Mario E. Ramirez Elementary competed in their first UIL Meet on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at La Union Elementary.  Dr. Mario E. Ramirez Elementary earned a sweapstakes for 2nd, 4th and 5th Grade and were the first place Champions for the meet.  Congratulations go out to all the students, parents, coaches and administrators for their excellent performance.  GO DIAMONDBACKS!

Grulla Elem. "Most Improved Students"

 RGCCISD Press Release
Grulla Elementary announces Principal's Award and Most Improved Students for the 2nd Six Weeks of the school year. Students have a certain criteria that must be met in order to achieve accolades in these two categories. Congratulations to all the students that received this recognition for the the 2nd six weeks.

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STC Pecan Campus open late Jan. 14, open Jan. 17

 South Texas College’s Pecan Campus located at 3201 West Pecan Blvd. in McAllen is open from 8 a.m. to midnight on Friday, Jan. 14 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 17 to help students prepare for the spring 2011 semester. Registration and financial services including financial aid and cashiers will be available. Installments plans will be available through Jan. 17. For more information call 956-872-8311.

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Local Ag Group Plans Educational Diabetes Programs

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Starr county residents have a far higher risk of developing diabetes than the general population in the United States.  Research show that over 50% of individuals over 35 years old are directly affected by diabetes or are a first degree relative of a diabetic.

The diabetes task force established by Texas AgriLife Extension Service works towards planning educational program that help residents gain knowledge,  on how to prevent or manage diabetes.  The task force works at identifying resources that can be channeled into the county to assist residents.

On December 8th the task force met to review the results of the 6 week pilot project “Yo Puedo Controlar Mi Diabetes” conducted in the spring of 2010.  The curriculum includes 6 novelas filmed in Starr county,.

Plans are underway for 2011 and further training opportunities for facilitators of the Yo Puedo curriculum.

Starr Co. 4H’ers Develop Culinary Skills

(Caption Below)

All of us know the importance of eating healthy and perhaps some of us have valuable culinary skills.  However, Starr county 4H’ers are getting an early start (some 9 years old) at learning a life skill that will serve them for life.  Even at this tender young age they are acquiring skills that will help them become proficient in all aspects of food preparation and nutrition.

A total of 11 4H’ers participated in the traditional 4H Food Show on December 4th in Falfurrias bringing back an array of Blue and Red awards for their entries.  These 4H’ers made a nutrition presentation along with a question and answer interview for the district competition.  4H’ers represented the following Starr county 4H Clubs:

Volunteer Recognition Event Held in RGC

Texas AgriLife Extension Service honored their outstanding volunteers at a luncheon on December 15th at the Tijerina Complex Rio Grande City.

Under the area of Agriculture and Natural Resources Andres Canales and Fausto Salinas were recognized for their support and involvement in such programs as the Rio Grande Valley heifer pen show, conducting pesticide certification trainings,  Risk management and actively serve on task forces, committees and the Leadership Advisory Board which oversees the overall Extension programming in Starr county.

Starr Co. Man Named Most Wanted; Captured

The Texas Dept. of Public Safety's official website declares Abel Barrera "Captured". This announcement comes only hours after valley media had reported Barrera as officially making the state's top ten most wanted fugitives list. (Source Sites: Valley Media, Texas DPS)

Guerra, Rangel Named District Champs

Grulla Middle School Cross Country runners most recent meet was held in Zapata.  Amalia Guerra (7th grade) and Yasmin Rangel (8th grade) were the runners that placed 1st at this meet. Congratulations girls on becoming District Champions and a job well done throughout the season. Pictured is Amalia Guerra.

Ringgold Elem. Students Attend Ag. Event

Ringgold Elementary 4th grade students participated in the 2010 Kids, Kows, & More presentations that were held at the Starr County Fairgrounds.  Our students listen to presentations on Wildlife Conservation, Modern Milking Process, Field to Table, Hydrologic/Water Cycle and Farm Equipment Safety. Students at this event learned the connection between people and agriculture, and the impact it has in our lives. Pictured are 4th grade students from Mrs. Adriana Gonzalez’s class.

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GMS Boys Cross Country 'Undefeated'

 Grulla Middle School Cross Country 7th Grade Boys were undefeated the this whole season and are now the Grulla Cranes 2010 District Champions. Congratulations for your accomplishment! Pictured left to right are; Bottom Row- Tony Garcia and Margil Garza.

Middle Row-Eliseo Montes, Xavier Acuna, Jesse Flores, Ricky Garcia Top Row- Juan Gutierrez, Jose Pina, Adrian Sifuentes, and Ricky Flores.

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Local Group Calls for Official "No Smoking" City Ordinance

Rio Grande City, Texas (December 9, 2010) – Health advocates from SCAN’s Starr County Community Coalition and the agency’s Tobacco Prevention Program said a new U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on the immediate harm caused by smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke shows why the Rio Grande City Council should support a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance in Rio Grande City.

“The Surgeon General’s report is the most highly respected scientific authority on smoking and health, and this report’s conclusion is crystal clear: There is no safe level of smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke,” Said Sandra Garza, Coalition Director, “This report eliminates any excuse for failing to pass a comprehensive smoke-free law that protects our health and our right to breathe clean air. A smoke-free law is one of the most effective ways to protect our health and prevent deadly and costly diseases such as lung cancer and heart attacks.”

STC Starr County Campus Open Jan 3, 4

South Texas College's Starr County Campus Student Services Building (Building G) located at 142 FM 3167 in Rio Grande City is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 3 and Tuesday, Jan. 4 to help students prepare for the spring 2011 semester. Students can register for classes, receive advising, take needed placement tests, or pay any fees, tuition or fines. Additionally, students can receive assistance with financial aid, including applying for installment plans and emergency loans. For more information call 956-872-8311.

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