GRSE Top Readers Awarded Trip for Accomplishments

On May 15, 2012, top readers at General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary traveled to Chango Wango Party Barn to enjoy a day filled with fun and excitement.  Afterwards the students went to Peter Piper Pizza where they enjoyed good food and games.  We would like to thank their teachers and parents for nurturing their love for reading.

Rio Grande City High School Career and Technology Hosts Fair

The RGCCISD Career and Technology Department hosted a Career Fair recently to educate students on employment opportunities.  The Fair brings the employers, colleges and universities  to the students so that they may gain information on career choices.  The students are able to ask questions, take brochures and sometimes they are given the opportunity to participate in hands on training maneuvers or engage in actual scenarios to explore occupational responsibilities.  This program is sponsored by Mrs. Adelina Villarreal -Director for Career and Technology and her staff. RGCCISD Public Relations

TODAY: RGC Library Special Event

June 29  Friday: FYI If you know of anyone who wants to Start or Grow Your Own Business! Learn how to Finance, Manage & Market your Business. A $4000 Value absolutely FREE!! Eligibility processing June 29 from 9:00am -1:00pm @ RGC Public Library. In partnership w/ South Texas College, Workforce Solutions & UTPA Small Business Development Center. Call 956.665.7535 to reserve your spot!

READ.PLAY.WIN Program Registration Ends on July 12

Read.Play.Win! is a program designed to increase literacy among young people. RGC Public Library is teaming up with Rio Grande Valley Vipers and University of Phoenix to motivate students to read, and in turn open up their minds to new worlds of opportunities. Studies show that students who spend more time reading achieve higher grades. 

Register at Rio Grande City Public Library for Read.Play.Win program ends July 12! Participants will be eligible to receive one free ticket to a Rio Grande Valley Vipers game.

Literacy matters to our overall mental, physical and financial health. If you read to a child — or listen while a child reads to you — you have the power to help him or her become a skilled reader. Read.Play.Win! because everyone wins when we help kids read.

RGCCISD Recognizes Counselors During "Counselors Week"

The Rio Grande City CISD Guidance Department staff was recognized for the outstanding job they do for our students.  Mr. Basilio Villarreal, Jr.-President of the Board conveyed his appreciation to all of the guidance department for the compassion and generosity towards the students.  Mr. Villarreal said "You are there to cheer students for every reward they achieve and you are there to support them in their time of need."  He congratulated them for a job well done.  Rio Grande City Mayor Ruben Villarreal presented the counselors with a proclamation from Rio Grande City and also praised them for their dedication, "you are the heart and soul of every school" he said.  The counselors enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared by the Food Service Department as they were serenaded by the RGCCISD Grulla Mariachi -----de Plata------.  The RGCCISD Guidance Department is under the direction of Mrs. Adelina Villarreal-Title One Programs Administrator/Federal Programs Administrator.  RGCCISD Public Relations

TODAY: RGC Library Special Event

June 28  Thursday: "Get a Clue...@RGC Public Library" summer reading program party from 1:30pm - 4:30pm. We have lots of food, games & activities planned. We need volunteers please let us know if you can help. We also need CUPCAKES for that day. Let us know if you donate cupcakes.

North Grammar Elementary Remember Beloved "Camera-Man Johnny"

Careers on Wheels – North Grammar Elementary students and staff were privileged to have Mayor Ruben Villarreal and his constant companion, Camera-Man Johnny (Juan D. Perez) address students during the school’s recent Career on Wheels event held on May 22, 2012. During this event, ladies and gentlemen from the community came to the school to talk to the students about their respective careers.  Both Mr. Villarreal and Mr. Perez were eager to speak to the students and answer any questions they may have had.  The students, staff, and administration of North Grammar Elementary were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Mr. Perez just two days later, as well as honored to have had the opportunity to spend time with such a wonderful person who was ready to give his time to support our students and community.  Thank You, Camera-Man Johnny for your tireless work to promote Rio Grande City.  Rest in PEACE.  

TODAY: RGC Library Special Event

June 27  Wednesday: RGC Public Library presents children’s author Xavier Garza @4:00pm. Xavier is a recipient of the Pura Belpré honor book award for "Maximilian and the Mystery of the Guardian Angel: A Bilingual Lucha Libre Thriller. Also in the American Library Association Notable Children's Book List!  Join us Thursday at 591 E Canales (3rd) St, Rio Grande City. For more information call 956-487-4389 or visit www.rgclibrary.org .

RGCCISD Chance 2B Education Center Announces Graduate, Leticia Garcia

Leticia Garcia needed 8.5 credits to graduate from high school, and RGCCISD Chance 2B Education Center provided the necessary online courses that enabled her to meet her high school graduation requirements on May 17, 2012.  She was born and raised in Rio Grande City, Texas.  She attended La Union Elementary, Ringgold Middle School, and Rio Grande City High School.  Leticia is interested in pursuing a career in Law Enforcement.  She was honored for her achievement on May 18, 2012 at RGCCISD Chance 2B Center.  Congratulations Leticia for your accomplishment and best of luck for future ahead.

Author Xavier Garza to Visit RGC Public Library

RGC Public Library presents children’s author Xavier Garza Thursday June 27, 2012 @4:00pm. Xavier is a recipient of the Pura Belpré honor book award for "Maximilian and the Mystery of the Guardian Angel: A Bilingual Lucha Libre Thriller. Also in the American Library Association Notable Children's Book List!  Join us Thursday at 591 E Canales (3rd) St, Rio Grande City. For more information call 956-487-4389 or visit www.rgclibrary.org .

RGC Library Summer Events Schedule

June 27  Wednesday: RGC Public Library presents children’s author Xavier Garza @4:00pm. Xavier is a recipient of the Pura Belpré honor book award for "Maximilian and the Mystery of the Guardian Angel: A Bilingual Lucha Libre Thriller. Also in the American Library Association Notable Children's Book List!  Join us Thursday at 591 E Canales (3rd) St, Rio Grande City. For more information call 956-487-4389 or visit www.rgclibrary.org .


June 28  Thursday: "Get a Clue...@RGC Public Library" summer reading program party from 1:30pm - 4:30pm. We have lots of food, games & activities planned. We need volunteers please let us know if you can help. We also need CUPCAKES for that day. Let us know if you donate cupcakes.


June 29  Friday: FYI If you know of anyone who wants to Start or Grow Your Own Business! Learn how to Finance, Manage & Market your Business. A $4000 Value absolutely FREE!! Eligibility processing June 29 from 9:00am -1:00pm @ RGC Public Library. In partnership w/ South Texas College, Workforce Solutions & UTPA Small Business Development Center. Call 956.665.7535 to reserve your spot!


July 19 Thursday: Sue Young, Bilingual Storyteller and Singer/Songwriter will present a bilingual performance of songs and stories for families and children.
5:30pm “Create your own Songs Workshop for Teens” by Sue Young
Sue has been honored by Parents' Choice, Creative Child Magazine and "Canciones de Conciencia - Songs of Conscience for Children".           


August - More details soon on presentation by Marcel Rodriguez, Filmmaker/Producer/Writer.  Brother of director Robert Rodriguez. (Grandson of Valentin Rodriguez)

Students Cause High Drama at STC Graduation

There were tears, cries and screams from a certain group of students at South Texas College’s recent graduation ceremony for its Division of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.

“The first graduates from our Drama Program were certainly in character for celebration, and they certainly were not inconspicuous,” said Juan E. Mejia, STC vice president for academic affairs. “President Reed appropriately shares that graduation is an honor few receive; therefore, having the State Farm Arena filled to capacity five times during the 2012 Ceremonies, is much cause for celebration.

Guerra Honored by RGCCISD Board of Trustees

RGCCISD Board of Trustees recognizes Abram Guerra for his outstanding performance in Powerlifting. Abram Guerra a  Junior attending Rio Grande City High School won the title of Texas High School Powerlifting Association Powerlifting Regional  Champion 165lb.class  on March 10, 2012 in Weslaco and the Texas THSPA High School State Champion Title of 165lb.Class on March 24, 2012 in Abilene.   Pictured: Al Mendez-Powerlifting Coach, Mr. Adolfo Pena-Rio Grande City High School Principal, Abram Guerra, Mr. Roel A. Gonzalez-School Superintendent and Mr. Rey Ramirez-Athletic Director.  RGCCISD Public Relations

Barrera, First Ever "Rattler" to Graduate from West Point Military Academy

WEST POINT, N.Y. – Francisco “Frankie” Javier Barrera, son of Mr. & Mrs. Guadalupe E. Barrera Jr. of Rio Grande City, Texas, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy on May 26, 2012.
Barrera graduated from Rio Grande City High School in 2007.  While at West Point, 2LT Barrera received a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Latin American Studies with a minor in Nuclear Engineering.  He was commissioned as a second lieutenant (2LT) in the U.S. Army within the Armored branch. He will initiate his army officer career at Fort  Benning, GA  and  attend the Armored Officer Basic course and the he will proceed to his follow on assignment with the 3rd BCT (Brigade Combat Team) at Fort Bliss, TX.

Frankie continues his family lineage of military service to our country and who have served in every major conflict our country has endured.  His father and his 4 uncles have served in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. Two of his uncles are officers in the US Army and hold the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and both served  in the Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. One of his uncles also served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. His has one great-grand uncle who served in WWII in the pacific theater, two great uncles who served in the Korean conflict and numerous uncles who served during the Vietnam Era conflict.

Frankie is the first Rio Grande City High School graduate (Rattler) to attend and graduate from the US Military Academy at West Point, New York. Frankie’s attendance to West Point has opened the door and inspired other RGC students to attend the academy.  Best wishes to 2LT Barrera as he enters military service.

The U.S. Military Academy is a four-year co-educational federal undergraduate liberal arts college located 50 miles north of New York City. Founded in 1802 as America's first college of engineering, it consistently ranks as one of the top colleges in the nation. A pre-eminent leader development institution, its mission remains constant - to educate, train and inspire cadets for careers of professional service to the Army and the nation. For more information go to www.westpoint.edu.

The Barrera Brothers Military Leadership Scholarship Awarded

RIO GRANDE CITY, TEXAS -- The Barrera brothers all graduates of Rio Grande City High School, Rio Grande City, Texas are proud to announce that Mr. Roel Ruiz Jr. is awarded this year’s 2012 scholarship. Roel is a member of the Rio Grande City High School graduating class of 2012. He is the son of Roel and Ida Ruiz of Rio Grande City. The scholarship is awarded annually to a senior cadet who has shown the tributes of citizenship, duty, honor, country while being a member of the Rio Grande City High School Junior Army ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) and was selected by the Rattler Battalion Senior Army Instructor (SAI) to receive the scholarship awarded annually since 1995. The scholarship was established in efforts to promote the continued success of the Rattler Battalion Army JROTC program. The Barrera brothers are the five sons of Mr. Guadalupe E. Barrera Sr. (+) and Maria del Rosario (Chayito) G. Barrera. The Barrera brothers all graduates of Rio Grande City High School have served or are serving presently in our military. One of the brothers is presently serving on active duty. Best wishes to Mr. Ruiz and the Class of 2012.

Rio Grande City High School Class of 1984 Memorial Scholarship Awarded

RIO GRANDE CITY, TEXAS -- The leadership of the Rio Grande City, Texas Rio Grande City High School graduating class of 1984 is proud to announce that Ms. Myra Nicole Villarreal Class of 2012 is awarded this year’s RGC High School Class of 1984 memorial scholarship. Nicole is the daughter of Mr. Meliton Villarreal Jr. and Anna Trillayes. The memorial scholarship has been awarded since 1993 in honor and memory for classmates and class sponsors who have passed on. Applicants (Seniors) for the scholarship must demonstrate an economic need, be active in community/public service and possess an overall C+ average (2.5 or higher) based on a 4.0 scale. Awardees draft an essay on what the meaning of being a “Rattler” means to them. Essays are reviewed and selected by the scholarship trustees. Class of 1984 alumnus and friends of the Class of 84 annually contributed financial support to this local endeavor. The Rio Grande City High School Class of 1984 wishes all the best to the Rio Grande City Class of 2012. “May you ever live in Glory and win in all you do” – Rio Grande City High School Alma Mater.

Roma High School Art on Display at Local College

South Texas College’s Starr County Campus Library Art Gallery is proud to present its “Roma High School Annual Art Exhibit.” The show features works of art by students who have studied under the tutelage of Roma High School art instructors Monica Gillette, Mario Godinez and Gabriela Gonzalez. The exhibit is on display from June 7 to Aug. 24, 2012 at STC’s Starr County Campus Library located at 142 FM 3167, Bldg. F in Rio Grande City. Admission is free and open to the public.

The exhibit features mixed media artwork by freshman, sophomore, junior and senior Roma High School students including Brianda Salinas, Kassandra Martinez and Anahid Cab.

“This is the fourth year that STC’s Library Art Gallery has collaborated with Roma High School, enabling us to continue sharing its students’ creative visions with the community,” said Dawn Haughey, STC Art Gallery associate. “We hope to partner with Roma for many years to come, as their high school students always amaze us with their incredibly inventive and skilled artwork.”

South Texas College’s Library Art Gallery Program exhibits regional, national and international artwork, explores new visions and theories of creativity, and introduces innovative artistic expressions to the South Texas region.

For more information contact Dawn Haughey at 956-872-3488 or libraryart@southtexascollege.edu, or visit http://lag.southtexascollege.edu.

STC’s Reed elected to AACC Board of Directors

South Texas College President Shirley A. Reed has been elected to serve on the American Association of Community Colleges Board of Directors. Founded in 1920, the AACC is the leading proponent and the national voice for community colleges. As a member of the association’s board, Reed will help guide the vision and direction of the association.

“It is quite an honor to be elected to this position and my hope is to share lessons learned throughout my four decade career in higher education with my peers at the AACC so that we can continue to enhance the association’s function as the voice of community colleges,” said Reed.

In its recent report, “Reclaiming the American Dream: Community Colleges and the Nation’s Future”, the AACC highlights the important role community colleges play in the new 21st Century, global economy.

“The American Dream is at risk,” reads the report. “Because a highly educated population is fundamental to economic growth and a vibrant democracy, community colleges can help reclaim the dream, but stepping up to this challenge will require dramatic redesign of these institutions, their mission, and, most critically, their students’ educational experiences.”

The report goes on to make recommendations for community college leaders to make transformational changes at their institutions to better meet the needs of a new breed of student, including focusing on not just student access, but long term success; stronger degree planning; using data to make decisions; collective responsibility for outcomes; and developing a culture of collaboration, among many others.