AC2E School Holds 'Meet the Teacher Night'

The AC2E (Magnet School) invited all the parents for Meet the Teacher Night on September 4, 2012. Parents came in and were able to meet and visit with their son or daughter's teacher. During this time parents get the opportunity to learn about their son or daughter's teacher, classroom environment and the expectations that have been set for a successful year.

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Dr. Mario Ramirez Elementary Students Honor Grandparents

Dr. Mario Ramirez Elementary celebrated Grandparents Day on September 7, 2012. The grandparents were recognized for their hard work and dedication to their grandchildren. Administrators, teachers along with the grandchildren welcomed them to the school. The celebration commenced at the school's library where the grandparents participated in a craft activity together with their grandchildren.They were also treated to pan dulce and coffee at the end of the activity.

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Meet the Rio Grande City FFA 2012 – 2013 Officers

Congratulations go out to the 2012 – 2013 Rio Grande City High School FFA Officers. FFA Officers consist of (from left to right) Mrs. Randy Martin – FFA Advisor, Cecilia Garza – Chaplain, Justin Cody Salinas – Sentinel, Eli Lopez – Vice-President, Ryan Melton – President, Garrett Gonzalez – Secretary, Beto Garza – Treasurer, Haulen Garcia – Reporter.

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RGC High Cosmetology Students Learn Marketable Skills

Students in Melissa Limas’ Cosmetology Program at Rio Grande City High School are not just learning how to enhance beauty; they are learning marketable skills that can earn them a professional accreditation and money-making power.

 “This is a fantastic program because it helps students get very engaged in all other facets of their academics because they are working at something they love,” explained Limas, who has been teaching cosmetology at RGC High for 10 years. “These are skills they can use to earn money right away once they earn their license, which is around the time of their high school graduation. I have even had some graduates earn their way through college after successfully going through my program and earning their licensure.”

 “Any student can be part of the program as long as they are willing to put in the hard work and dedication because it’s a two year course that requires students to complete 1,000 hours of instruction and hands-on lab work in order to qualify to take the licensure exam,” she continued. “That could cost students quite a lot if they had to pay out of pocket, but it’s all free career training offered by the high school. Not everyone can take on the responsibility and only students who really love it, have patience, discipline and determination succeed.” 

Ringgold Elementary Hosts Counselor's Meeting

Ringgold Elementary hosted the first District Elementary Counselors meeting on Wednesday, September 5, 2012. Several administrators were on hand to discuss pertinent information concerning Special Education homebound services, Gifted and Talented manual, and to set the dates for future counselors meetings. Pictured l to r are; Standing- Elma Compean (Alternative Center), Sandra R. Lopez (General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary), Rosalinda Garcia (Alto Bonito Elementary), Lilia Lopez (La Union Elementary), Aldo Soliz (Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary), Aurelia Lopez (J & O Hinojosa Elementary), Dalinda Gonzalez (Dr. Mario Ramirez Elementary/Academy for Academic Enhancement), and Rachel Hernandez (Grulla Elementary). Sitting- Minerva Perez (North Grammar Elementary), Jessica T. Saenz (Ringgold Elementary),
Elsa Lopez (Director of Student Assessment), and Veronica Garcia (Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary).

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Starr County Sheriff's Officers Receive Training on the Newly Acquired COPsync Program

Starr County Sheriff' Rene Fuentes and his staff received training on the newly acquired COPsync which is a program designed to facilitate nationwide information on license plates, criminal records, warrants and as a tool in locating missing persons. The program allows for much faster communication from officers to dispatchers at the command centers and will be installed in 23 units allowing officers to utilize the latest technology from their vehicles. The units will also be outfitted with a GPS system to insure constant awareness of officer location during crucial situations.  This state of the art equipment will aid in the safety of
the community as well as the officers who work tirelessly to serve and protect. (County of Starr Public Relations Office)

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Grulla High School 2012 Homecoming King & Queen

Grulla High School Gators dominated the field with a score of 27 to 7 against PSJA Southwest during their Homecoming game. The student council were busily working to assure that the naming of Homecoming announcements went off without a hitch as they prepared the Homecoming Court sashes. The 2012-2013 Homecoming King- Isaiah Flores and Homecoming Queen- Ruby Martinez were crowned during the halftime festivities. Congratulations to the GHS Gators on their win and also to the newly crowned King and Queen.

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Commissioner Raul "Roy" Pena Expands Fleet

Commissioner Roy Pena has purchased four (4) new vehicles to serve his precinct more efficiently.  The vehicles will be utilized by his staff to cover the more than 300 miles that encompasses his precinct. Commissioner Pena is always vigilant to insure progress and takes great pride in his projects and strives for excellence in the growth of his precinct.  He commends his workers for their dedication and hard work in implementing all of the improvements that have been made.  (County of Starr Public Relations Department)

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Veterans Middle School Announces Sept. Students of the Month

VETERANS MIDDLE SCHOOL – Veterans Middle School is proud to announce the VMS Students of the Month for September 2012!  These students were selected based on academic achievement and superior character traits.  Congratulations to these students for promoting and taking pride in Veterans Middle School and in themselves!  Pictured above are the Students of the Month for Sepember:
Pictured are: Eugene Veloso, Ruby Garza, Sergio Garza, Christopher Garza, Celeste Cantu and Brianna Bazan.  Not pictured is Saphyer Xavier.

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General Ricardo Sanchez Elem. Students Join the Fight Against Childhood Cancer

Chili’s and General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary fourth and fifth grade students joined efforts to raise funds for children fighting cancer at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.  This competition promoted citizenship skills, but best of all enabled students to realize that they have the power to make a difference in another person's life even at a young age.  We would like to thank all staff members, parents and students who made donations.  The fourth grade winning class was Mrs. Enedina Figueroa’s class; the winning class in fifth grade was Mr. Elias Saenz’ class.  The winning classes were rewarded with pepper-pal meals.

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Local Pizza Hut Provides Free School Supplies to Students

Just Say YES!!!- North Grammar Elementary students from Kinder through 5th grade received a supply pack generously provided by the SAY YES foundation and Pizza Hut.  Each pack contained much needed school supplies that are vital throughout the school year.  North Grammar Elementary Administration and Staff would like to thank Say YES and Pizza Hut for their continued commitment and support of our community and education.

Grandparents Celebrated at RGCCISD Schools

It’s the time of the year for the national celebration of the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. RGCCISD marked the celebration of Grandparent’s Day by holding special ceremonies for grandparents to spend quality time with their grandchildren at many of its schools.

At Roque Guerra Jr. Elementary, school administrators served up a breakfast of quiche and sweet bread while grandparents visited with their grandchildren and enjoyed a game of bingo.

“We wanted to change things up this year and have the grandparents come in and do something that they would really enjoy and it turned out well,” said Guerra Elementary Principal Virginia Gonzalez. “Their role is very significant to reinforce the importance of school, to remind their grandchild to stay focused and to learn respect. Those are important lessons that grandparents bring to the table and we are so fortunate so many of them came out to celebrate with us.”

Ringgold Elementary Celebrated Grandparents Day on Friday

Ringgold Elementary celebrated Grandparents Day on Friday, September 7, 2012 at Ringgold Elementary with a bingo and breakfast. On behalf of Ringgold Elementary we would like to THANK all the grandparents for making this day successful.

Local Band Director Inducted into Texas Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame

Local resident, Alfredo “Al” Cortinas, has been named to the Bandmaster’s Hall of Fame by the Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, an international school bandmaster fraternity. He was honored at the Texas Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on July 22 in San Antonio.
He is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Selso and Beatriz Cortinas from Taft, Texas. He comes from a family of four sisters and two brothers. He was educated in the town’s school system where he graduated from Taft High School in 1965. Al’s father loved music and played guitar with local groups. This love of music was transferred to his family and Al joined the band in the sixth grade. His beginning band director was Mr. Fred Rotzler who taught him to play saxophone.

Al continued in the band and by the eighth grade he was marching with the Greyhound High School band. This experience continued throughout high school. His high school band director, Mr. Sherry Albritton was a big influence in Al’s life. He encouraged him to pursue music education. During the summer of 1965, Al began his undergraduate work at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, the University of Houston and concluded at Texas A& I University in Kingsville where he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education.

RGCCISD Staff Assembly Sets Tone for New School Year

The excitement was in the air as employees from across the Rio Grande City CISD showed up for the district's General Assembly to kick off the new school year. They gathered for a breakfast sponsored by BBVA Compass before heading to the auditorium at Fort Ringgold.

"Teachers play such an important role; we are proud and honored to be in the presence of such outstanding individuals. Let us go for the gold, not just in academics, but all aspects of life," said Joel Salinas, director of federal programs, who was the master of ceremonies for the morning.

"What a wonderful day to celebrate educators and teaching," Cynthia Bazan, RGCCISD director of special education, said in her welcome address to her fellow educators. "You are the best of the best. To the new teachers, we want this day to be a spring board before you start the year with your students. When you encourage and communicate the excitement of learning, our children learn to be eager and optimistic."

County Continues Efforts to Ensure 911 System Efficiency for Rural Communities

Starr County Rural Community Addressing Systems (911) holds meeting to insure that addresses are current and registered for emergency purposes.  911 Addressing Clerk Jessica Salinas and other county departments work closely to update all information necessary to bring all of the rural area homes and ranches updated physical addresses to assist the emergency responders to locate homes in case of emergencies.  For additional information you may contact Mrs. Salinas at the Starr County Courthouse Annex or at (956) 716-4800 Extension 4825.  (County of Starr Public Relations Office)

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Commissioner, Staff Host Breakfast for San Isidro ISD Faculty

 Commissioner Ruben D. Saenz hosted a delicious breakfast to welcome all San Isidro Teachers and staff to the new school year.  Commissioner Saenz thanked the San Isidro ISD staff for their commitment to the students. Mrs. Antonia (Toni) Trevino-Pct 4 Justice of the Peace also commended the staff and encouraged them to call or visit her office if they need her assistance.  Mr. Mike Garcia-Superintendent presented two staff members who retired commemoration plaques.  The retirees  Mrs. Araceli Garza who dedicated 35 years to education and Mr. David Munoz who dedicated 30 years to the students of the community were commended by the Superintendent for dedicating a lifetime to education and imparting wisdom to so many students.

New School Year, No Limits at VMS

As you enter RGCCISD’s Veterans Middle School you would never know it was the first week of school. Everything is calm and in order, and the more than 820 students are busy studying away.

“It’s been going wonderful. The students are so focused and well behaved,” said VMS Principal Maricela O. Garcia. “The transition for the younger students in sixth grade has been going well. They had to learn to follow a schedule and move from class to class, which was a little challenging for a few, but they made it through and are doing really great. And the eighth graders matured a lot over the summer. You can see that they are taking their role very seriously. They know they are the role models for the campus now and some have told me they are very excited about this being their last year before moving on to high school.”

Garcia and her team of about 100 teachers and staff have some specific goals in mind to help their students build a bright academic future.

Starr County Judge Eloy Vera Hosts Budget Workshop

 Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, Commissioners Court and county department heads recently met for a budget workshop. Budget workshops are held to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to discuss the needs for the successful operation of each different department. The Budget Fiscal Year begins October 1, 2012 and everyone is working together in order to prepare for the new year. The county has been able to maintain a healthy fund balance amidst severe loss of revenues due in part to declining natural gas prices. The price of natural gas went from about $14.00 per mcf a few years back to about $2.00 mcf now, therefore creating a loss of about $2.6 million in revenues in the last two (2) years.