GRSE Counselors Recognized

General Ricardo Sanchez students and staff would like to thank Mrs. E. Margo and Mrs. P. Marroquin for their diligence, guidance and unconditional support towards parents, students and staff members.   They facilitate services that are aimed at helping students learn and develop to their highest potential.  As a token of appreciation for playing a pivotal role in the development of our children, the staff celebrated their successes with cake and thank-you gifts.   Congratulations and thank you again for everything you do.

Martinez Receives "Light Keepers" Award

On Friday, January 13, 2012, a staff development meeting was held at Alto Bonito Elementary. The counselors selected Mr. Pedro Martinez to receive the “Light Keepers Award.”  This award is given to teachers who bring forth the gift of light to the students. We would like to thank Mr. Martinez for his dedication and commitment to our students, staff, and to our community. Therefore, A.B.E. recognizes Mr. Martinez for making a difference.

General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary Held Career Day

General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary hosted a career day where students learned about the different career paths available to them.  The goal for this event is to inform and motivate students to stay in school, strive for good grades and become role models.  Students enthusiastically visited the different stations and learned about the tools and gears needed to accomplish the different jobs.  Additionally, guest speakers such as our State Representative Mr. Guillen, Rio Grande City Mayor, Mr.  Villareal, U.S. Custom officers Mr. Ramirez and Mr. Pena, Texas Department of Highway Patrol officers- Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Garza, Channel 5 news anchor- Ms. Abundez, Medina Electric, Bright Star Therapy, IBC Bank, First National Bank, Starr County Sheriff’s Department, Rio Grande City Police Department, SCAN, M.H.M.R, Transport Services, U.S. Post Office, Roma Police Department and so many other community leaders shared their job descriptions and the requirements to get there.  On behalf of students and staff at General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary, we would like to thank all community leaders who volunteered their time and expertise with our students.

RGCHS Freshman Basketball Team Named District Champs

Rio Grande City High School Freshman Basketball Team named 2011-2012 32-4A District Champions! The team finished the season with an impressive overall record of 23-1, and a 17-1 District Record! Congratulations to all of our basketball players on an outstanding accomplishment and an unforgettable season! The Rattler Basketball coaching staff would like to thank the parents, administration, and community for their continuing support. We are so very proud of every single one of these young men for their hard work and dedication this season! Picture above top left to right are: Jaime Hinojosa, Joel Alaniz, Rene Gonzalez, Jacob Canales, Jose Pulido, Victor Saenz, Freshman Coach Joe Hinojosa. Bottom Left to Right are: Alex Castaneda, Andrew Moreno, Derek Jones, Esteban Sepulveda, Anniel Lopez.

McGuffin Wins Big at Spelling Bee Competition

VETERANS MIDDLE SCHOOL – Congratulations to Dillon McGuffin, a seventh grader from Veterans Middle School, for once again winning the title of District Spelling Bee Champion. The tradition of excellence continues as VMS holds the Championship trophy for the 4th year in a row. Dillon represented VMS at the District Spelling Bee on February 3, 2012 at the Multipurpose Center where he competed against eighteen other students from the Rio Grande City Independent School District. By winning at the district level, Dillon has qualified to advance to the 24th Annual Regional Spelling Bee which will be held on March 3, 2012 at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, Texas. Congratulations as well to VMS students, Daisy Cadena who placed 3rd and Stephanie Garza who placed 5th, at the District Spelling Bee.  VMS would like to wish Dillon and his coach, Esther Cruz, the best of luck at this next competition and thank them for their dedication and many hours of hard work. A special thank you is also extended to Dillon’s parents, Patrick and Lamar McGuffin, for their support. Pictured above is Dillon McGuffin.

RGCCISD Students Assist United Way in Preparing Free Income Tax Services

Career and Technology students from Rio Grande City High School and RGCCISD Grulla High School will participate in the 2012 United Way of South Texas Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Earned Income Tax Credit Program. This project is a community project of Hidalgo-Starr Counties and provides free income tax assistance for families in the community with an income of $49,000 or less. The program opened its doors in early February.  Mrs. Thelma Garza-President of the local United Way and her staff provided training to the students and instructors on tax preparation guidelines, tax benefits, refunds and other related services. Career and Technology Instructors, Mrs. Jazmin Gonzalez Fuentes, Mrs. Delicia Canales and Mr. Jose A. Garcia, Jr. along with the Career and Technology Director, Mrs. Adelina Villarreal are very exited about this program. This program will be a great learning experience for the students as well as a service to the residents.  For additional information please call The United Way Office at 956-696-6331, Ms. Holly Guerrero or Miss Sandra Garcia Rio Grande City site coordinators at 956-487-0672. (RGCCISD Public Relations).

Local College Hosts "Get Inspired" Event

South Texas College’s Starr County Campus Psychology Club presents “Get Inspired: Starr County Role Models,” a roundtable discussion featuring four successful Starr County residents. The event takes place on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the college’s Starr County Campus Building E Auditorium located at 142 FM 3167 in Rio Grande City. Admission is free and open to the public.

Participating in the roundtable are Roma ISD Superintendent Jesus O. Guerra Jr., STC Adjunct Psychology Instructor Alexandro Sarabia, City of Roma Councilman Jaime Escobar Jr. and Rio Grande City Mayor Ruben O. Villarreal. The four will discuss their accomplishments in life and how they overcame obstacles to succeed.

 For more information call 956-872-6724.

Grulla Elementary Wins Decorating Contest

Grulla Elementary was announced as the winner of the annual holiday decorating contest sponsored by the Rio Grande City C.I.S.D.  Child Nutrition Program. Several campus cafeterias participated in the event to decorate their dining hall and serving areas in order to create a festive and warm atmosphere for the student to enjoy. Judges were selected from throughout the community and visited the schools to view the great work put together by staff. Nutrition themed messages were emphasized throughout the serving area and students were delighted to enjoy their meals in a room filled with much creativity.

Hernandez Recognized During 'Counselors Week'

Grulla Elementary recognizes Ms. Rachel Hernandez during Counselors Week for the great work she does throughout the year. Her role as Counselor is extremely important in the guidance and development of the school's students. Grulla Elementary thanks you for all you do!

STC Board of Trustees Calls for Election for District-1Seat

At its February 2012 regular meeting, South Texas College’s Board of Trustees called for an election for the District 1 seat on the board, which encompasses representation of all constituents of Starr County. The election will be held in conjunction with any scheduled municipal elections on Saturday, May 12, 2012.

STC trustees are elected by the constituents of the districts they represent. The seven districts that are represented on the board are determined based on the population centers of the two counties the college serves. District boundaries are approved by the U.S. Department of Justice. Trustees are elected for six year terms. The person elected for the District 1 seat in May 2012 will serve through May 2018.

Members of STC’s Board of Trustees are expected to participate in regular working groups focused on the future development of the college. Trustees also participate in monthly public meetings and are encouraged to participate in college-wide activities as their schedules permit. Trustees are tasked with listening to the constituents of their district and ensuring those voices are represented in addressing college issues.

The filing deadline for a place on the ballot for the election is Monday, March 5, 2012 at 5 p.m. Filing forms, campaign information packets and a district map are available through STC’s Office of the President. Filing forms must be submitted to the college’s Office of the President.

Qualified candidates must be resident qualified voters, have been continuous residents of the district they hope to represent for the previous six months, and of the State of Texas for the previous 12 months, prior to the day on which the filing is made.