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Page 3Your Source for information and current events in United ISDBackpacks for Back to SchoolMil Gracias Costco!Costco Depot of Laredo recentlydonated backpacks and school suppliesto the United Independent SchoolDistrict. The announcement was madeat a presentation ceremony held at theDistrict’s Boardroom on LindenwoodDrive. Pictured are United I.S.D.student representatives modeling thefashionable backpacks for the camera.The students were present to say“thank you” to Costco on behalf of themany students in need in the Districtwho will be receiving them. Standingtop row from left to right are: AssociateSuperintendent for Student SupportServices Eduardo Zuniga, CPA; BoardVice President, Juan Roberto Ramirez;Board Secretary, Ricardo “Rick”Rodriguez; Costco General Manager,Eric Brynteson; and his wife AdrianaBrynteson. Front row are students ofUnited I.S.D.

Page 4Your Source for information and current events in United ISDKaleb Canales Scholarship AnnouncementThe Fernando A. Salinas Charitable Trust Fund and Trustee Javier Santosannounced the Kaleb Canales College Scholarship. Canales is a 1996 graduateof Alexander High School and served as the interim Head Coach of the PortlandTrailblazers basketball team. Moreover, he is the first Mexican-American in theNBA to head a professional basketball team. Canales is currently an AssistantBasketball Coach for the Portland Trailblazers basketball team.Pictured at the announcement are from left to right: United I.S.D. Board Member, Pat Campos; TrusteeSantos; United I.S.D. Superintendent, Roberto J. Santos; Honoree Canales, and his mother Alicia Canales.The United InSiDeris a monthlypublication ofUnited I.S.D.To submit stories, information, and/orphotos for this publication, you can email:• Paola Arcosparcos@uisd.net• Alex Meyerameyer09@uisd.netAll pictures must be of high quality(sent in JPEG format) and mustidentify everyone, from left to right inthe photo (with first and last names,including titles or grades levels).It is the policy of United I.S.D. not to discriminate on the basis ofrace, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in its programs, services,or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, asamended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.Lyndon B. Johnson High School Student Leaders andPILLAR Remind Students That Help is Always AvailablePictured in the school libraryfrom left to right are: AntonioGonzalez, LBJ High SchoolCounselor; Natalie Ramirez,LBJ High School StudentLeader; Dr. Bonnie Rudolph,TAMIU Professor andPILLAR Volunteer; MannySanchez, PILLAR Co-Founder;Myrthala Alejo, PILLARVolunteer Counselor; and OrlandoFerdin, LBJ High SchoolStudent Leader.In commemoration of National SuicideAwareness Prevention Week, September 10-14,2012, student leaders from LBJ High Schoolreminded their peers during their regular schoolannouncements that there is always someonethey can turn to and talk with in their time ofneed. United I.S.D. worked in partnership withPILLAR (People with Ideas of Love, Liberty,Acceptance and Respect) to coordinate aDistrict wide student public announcementactivity. Five student leaders from each ofthe District’s nine middle schools and fourhigh schools read from a prepared statementduring morning announcements remindingevery student of the importance of seekingemotional support as a way to prevent suicide.PILLAR, is a non-profit organization that workswith youth on reducing suicide and bullyingincidents and the emotional turmoil associatedwith such acts by offering mental healthservices. Students should always seek assistanceat their campus or call PILLAR at(956) 723-7457 or (956) 220-6100.

Page 5Your Source for information and current events in United ISDNext Generation Rotary Club Proves“Service Above Self” with Generous ContributionBinders, pencils, pens, spiral notebooks, and muchmore are some of the items members of the NextGeneration Rotary Club happily donated to studentsin need at the United Independent School District.With their “Service Above Self” motto in mind, theRotary Club held a school supply drive during thesummer where they challenged members to bringin supplies for students.Pictured accepting the thoughtful donation from the organizationare from left to right: Director of Admissions Attendance,and Dropout Recovery Joe Almazan; Rotarian representativesand organizers, Norma Valdez and Tito Gonzalez; and FamilyServices Coordinator, Liz Raymond.Literacy Enrichment Center at Cuellar ElementaryA Pilot Program Success!The Literacy Enrichment Center atCuellar Elementary is now in its secondyear. The LEC initiative brings TAMIUteacher candidates into the campus forone-on-one tutoring with strugglingreaders to help build literacy skills andself-confidence.Pictured left to right: Dr. Philip S. Roberson, Texas A&M International University clinical associate professor,College of Education; Board Secretary, Ricardo “Rick” Rodriguez; Board Member, Pat Campos; Superintendent,Roberto J. Santos; and School Principal, Melissa Shinn.Cuellar Elementary Principal MelissaShinn said “our students eagerly lookforward to meeting with the studentteachers when they visit our campusand are getting the extra assistancethey need resulting in improved studentachievement. For the student teachers,this program is giving them the opportunityto apply what they have learned in theireducation/literacy courses at TAMIU.”The campus and the LEC look forwardto another successful school year withthe Program.

Page 6Your Source for information and current events in United ISDMavericks NewsUnited Middle School WelcomesGrandparents to Scholastic Book FairHilda Shade andgranddaughter Alezia RamosUnited Middle School invited the “Mighty Mavericks” grandparents totheir second annual Scholastic Book Fair and also celebrated their daywith a tour around the school. Selika Salinas, U.M.S. Librarian, said thatthe event was very well attended. “Grandparents are an important partof each student’s life and events like this encourage them to assume anactive role in the education of their youngest family members”, saidSalinas. Salinas also noted that students were absolutely delightedwhen they were asked to invite their grandparents to visit their campus.Pictured left to right: Ms. Rosaelia Meneses, grandmother; grandsonJacob Garcia and U.M.S. Principal, Roberta “Bobby” Ramirez atU.M.S. Scholastic Book Fair.Ma. Antonieta Guerraand granddaughterPictured left to right: Dr. Benny Chapa, Evangelina Chapa. Back row: GranddaughterDaniella Chapa and Alma Rodriguez.Gianna Vacca and her grandmother

Page 7Your Source for information and current events in United ISDUnited High School Celebrates “Score for YourSchool” Winning at First Pep Rally of YearStudents and staff from UnitedHigh School held their very first peprally for the new school year.Representatives from Frito-Lay andmascot, Chester the Cheetah, were onhand to congratulate the school forwinning $10,000.00 in the company’srecent “Score for Your School”contest. United High School’swinnings were attained by having themost Frito-Lay package codes keyedin at the company’s website.Pictured left to right: Joseph Lopez Jr, Asst. Principal; Vicente Gutierrez Jr., Frito-Lay District SalesLeader; Tony Rodriguez, Frito-Lay Sales Zone Director; Alberto Aleman Jr., Principal; UnitedMascot; Ariana Torres; Chester Cheetah and Gabriel Garcia, District Sales Leader, Frito Lay.Gutierrez Elementary School HostsPatriotic Event in Honor of 9/11Siblings Isabella and R.J. Rodriguez, showed their pride and patriotism duringAmparo Gutierrez Elementary School’s Patriotic Assembly at the campus.Students were allowed to wear a patriotic colored top with their standard uniformbottom for the event. R.J. served as the school’s master of ceremonies for the programwhile his sister cheered him on waving her United States flag. Isabella and R.J. are thechildren of Mr. and Mrs. Rigoberto and Cynthia Rodriguez. The very proud “Gators” atGutierrez Elementary waved their flags during the school’s 9/11 tribute ceremony. Musicteacher Elizabeth Rubio coordinated the special ceremony withthe entire campus where students from all grade levels sangvarious songs. Songs included were “The Star SpangledBanner,” “This Land is Your Land,” “You’re a Grand OldFlag,” “Proud to be an American” and much more. The proudPrincipal of the campus is Ms. Claudia Dovalina-Guzman.

Page 10Your Source for information and current events in United ISDFinley CelebratesFreedom WeekFirst responders from theLaredo Fire Department, LaredoPolice Department, Webb CountySheriff’s Department, Border Patroland the National Guard were thefeatured guests at Finley ElementarySchool’s Freedom Week showcase.The event gave students anopportunity to ask law enforcementand emergency services personnelabout their work and the equipmentthey use in the field.Thanks C.R. England Global Transportation Company!Finley students were ready for the start of another great school year with the help of C.R.England. Students were ready for school with their brand new backpacks. The backpacksalso came with $15 voucher for school supplies. Pictured with the students in the school’slibrary are Principal, Anna M. Wirsching; Assistant Principal, Maricela Quintanilla; Counselor,Myrna L. Canales; and Board Vice President, Juan Roberto Ramirez.H.R. CornerMembership Applications arecurrently being accepted for anydistrict employee wishing to becomea member of the Sick Leave Bank.Deadline for new membership is October31, 2012. Membership Applications,Sick Leave Bank Guidelinesand Handbook can be obtained fromyour campus/department Sick LeaveBank Representative, or directlyfrom the District’s Website.If you have any questions, contactthe Human Resources Department,specifically Mrs. Nora Gongora,Leave and Absences Officer at(956) 473-6256.

EmployeeBenefits CornerANNUAL OPEN ENROLLMENT (INSURANCE PLANS)The district has concluded the annual open enrollment for insurance plans forthe 2012-2013 school year, which ended August 23, 2012. We hope everyonehad an opportunity to make their desired changes to their coverage(s). Ashas been noted in previous newsletters, this is the only time of the year IRSregulations allow us to make additions, changes, or deletions to our insurancecoverage(s).Please review your September and October paychecks to insure yourproper deductions. If you do not see the correct deduction on your paystub,contact the Risk Management Office at 473-6389 immediately so we canmake the necessary correction(s). This will not be an extension of openenrollment.Our next open enrollment will be in August 2013. Dates, times and locationsfor next year’s open enrollment will be posted on the May, June, and July2013 newsletter.HEALTH INSURANCE PREIMUMS FOR 2012-2013RateDistrict Contribution $337.40Employee Only $ 46.12Employee/Children $251.35Employee/Spouse $378.04Employee/Family $645.04NOTICE TO POLICYHOLDERS AND SUBSCRIBERS NOTRECEIVING A REBATE MAILOUTThe Affordable Care Act requires health insurers in the individual and smallgroup markets to spend at least 80% of the premiums they receive on healthcare services and activities to improve health care quality. In large marketgroups, this amount is 85%. This is referred to as the Medical Loss Ratio(MLR) rule or the 80/20 rule. If a health insurer does not spend at least 80percent of the premiums it receives on health care services and activities toimprove health care quality, the insurer must rebate the difference.The United Independent School District exceeded this ratio. Therefore, thereis no rebate.BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONYour life insurance beneficiary designation serves a very important purposeby making sure your benefits are distributed as you intended. Without avalidly named beneficiary, the money in your life insurance policy willgenerally be paid to your estate, which means your family will most likelyhave to endure the complexity, expenses and costs associated with probate.With regards to TRS, it is important for you to have a current beneficiarydesignation on file with TRS. You may print a copy of Designation ofBeneficiary form (TRS 11) from the TRS website www.trs.state.tx.usReviewing your beneficiary choices to ensure they are current is a necessarystep that can help you avoid unwanted outcomes or probate. Always considerchanges in marital status, deaths or other life changes that may impact yourbeneficiary designation decision, and update accordingly.Please note: A divorce does not automatically revoke your former spouse asbeneficiary, nor the death of a beneficiary.To update your beneficiaries, please stop by the Risk ManagementDepartment, Portable #6, at 201 Lindenwood. Please have yourbeneficiary(ies) information such as Name, date of birth, Social SecurityPage 13Your Source for information and current events in United ISDnumber and address on hand when you stop by.CHANGES IN YOUR STATUSOutside of open enrollment, IRS regulations, under Section 125, state youmay make changes to your benefits if one of the following situations occur:1. Change in marital status;2. Birth or adoption of a child;3. Dependent reaches the age limit (Health/Dental is 26, all others 25);4. Death of spouse and/or dependent;5. Loss of health coverage under another plan; and6. Change of job status which reflects the inability to maintain coverageor have become eligible to enroll for insurance coverage;Please note: Changes to your coverage may result in an increase or decreaseof premiums.HAS YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION CHANGED?If your name, address or telephone number changes, did you know that onceyou make these changes at Human Resources, you will also need to stop bythe Risk Management Department? Your benefits information is based onthe application we have on file. So if you request a new ID card(s), it willget sent to the wrong address. Also, you may make any changes to yourbeneficiaries during this time.CATAPULT HEALTH SCREENINGSREMAINING CAMPUSES SCHEDULEIn conjunction with United I.S.D., Laurel Insurance and Blue Cross BlueShield of Texas, we are giving you an extraordinary opportunity to gain anin-depth awareness of your health, and how it can be improved.Catapult Health, a leading provider of on-site healthcare diagnostics andtreatment services, will be providing wellness evaluations at the remainingcampuses in the fall for employees at no charge. It consists of a briefinterview, a quick finger prick blood sample and a one-on-one session with alicensed Nurse Practitioner.You’ll be given a detailed personal health report that provides insight onyour primary health risk factors, and what steps you can take to improve thequality of your health.Advanced Healthcare Insight and Treatment Simply Doesn’t Get Any Easier.Following are a few of the details:• Your personal health information is absolutely confidential andwill not be shared with anyone at United ISD• Your preventive checkup will be done at school, before orduring school hours• Your checkup is FREE if you are a BCBS Subscriber withUISD – no deductible or co-pay• Your checkup only requires a finger stick – it’s quick and easy• Health indicators measured include Total Cholesterol, HDL,LDL, Blood Glucose, Triglycerides, Blood Pressure andother key variables• You will meet privately with a Nurse Practitioner to reviewyour test results• You will receive a full color report to take home, in Englishor Spanish• Your entire checkup will be completed in 30-40 minutes atyour worksitePlease don’t miss this amazing opportunity to do something powerful andbeneficial for your health. Registration is simple. Please call 231-0130 orvisit www.catapulthealth.com/uisd to register for your appointment. It isimportant that you fast for this test. For more information, please contactRisk Management at 473-6451.

Page 14Your Source for information and current events in United ISDCATAPULT SCHEDULECampusCatapult DateAMPARO GUTIERREZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL505 Calle Del Norte 9/19/2012NEWMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL1300 Alta Vista 9/20/2012CLARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL500 Hillside Rd 9/21/2012CUELLAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL6431 Casa Del Sol Blvd 9/25/2012EmployeeBenefitsCornerMULLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL4430 Muller Memorial Blvd 9/26/2012Women’s Healthlt Wellness Guidelines.,hls.sslt Wellness GuidelinesRC CENTENO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL2710 La Pita Mangana Rd 9/27/2012Women have their own unique healthJUAREZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL care needs. To stay well, they should make1600 Espejo-Molina Rd regular screenings a priority. 9/28/2012 In additionto the screenings listed in the AdultRECOMMENDED Health SCREENINGS section, women SCHEDULEshould alsoAdultAdultRecommendationsRecommendationsdiscuss the screenings listed on thisADULT chart RECOMMENDATIONSwith their doctor.are a PriorityWeightBody Mass Index (BMI)Blood Pressure (BP)Colon Cancer ScreeningScreeningsMen’s HealthORMen are encouraged to get care as neededThose with high blood pressure should beand make smart screened. choices. Others, That especially includesthose who areDiabetes Screeningfollowing a healthy overweightlifestyle or have additionaland gettingrisk factors,should consider screening every 3 years.*recommended preventive care services.Hearing Screening Beginning at age 65.If they follow a game plan for better overallhealth, they’ll be more likely to win at wellness.ImmunizationsTetanus Booster (Td/Tdap)In addition to the screenings Every 10listed years.in theAdult Health section, men should also discussInfluenza (Flu)Annually.with their doctor the recommendationsHerpes Zoster (Shingles)1 dose given at age 60 and older.shown in the table to the right.Varicella (Chicken Pox)Pneumococcal (Pneumonia)Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)CholesterolProstate Cancer ScreeningAbdominal Aortic AneurysmAspirin UseAsk Your DoctorEvery 1-3 years.Every 1-3 years.At least every 2 years.*Beginning at age 50 — colonoscopyevery 10 years,OR flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 yearsOR fecal occult blood test annually.*2 doses if no evidence of immunity.1 dose at age 65 or older.*1 or 2 doses for adults ages 19-49 if noevidence of immunity.Women’s RecommendationsMammogram Every 1-2 years for women ages 40-74.*Clinical Breast ExamCholesterolPap TestOsteoporosis ScreeningYou probably don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about nutrition andMen’s exercise, Recommendationslosing weight and stopping smoking. But you can alsoask about:Ages 20-35 should be tested if at high risk.Men age 35 and older should be tested.Ages 50 and older, discuss the benefits andDental healthrisks of screening with your doctor.*Problems Once with between drugs ages 65 or and alcohol75if you have everSexual behavior and bcbstx.combcbstx.comsmoked.sexually transmitted diseasesAt ages 45-79, talk with your doctor aboutFeelings the benefits of depressionand risks of aspirin use.Domestic violenceAccident/injury prevention* Recommendations may vary; discuss the start and frequency of screenings* Recommendations with your doctor, especially may vary; if discuss you are the at increased start and risk. frequency of screeningsSource:with yourUS Departmentdoctor, especiallyof Healthif youandareHumanat increasedServices,risk.and the Centers forSource: Disease US Control Department and Prevention of Health and Human Services, and the Centers forDisease Control and PreventionEvery 3 years for women ages 20-39.Annually for age 40 and older.Starting age and frequency of screenings arebased on your individual risk factors. Talk withyour doctor about what is best for you.Every 1-3 years.*For some women 65 and older,screening may be discontinued.*Beginning at age 65, or at age 60if risk factors are present.*At ages 55-79, talk with your doctor aboutAspirin Usethe benefits and risks of aspirin use.Routine Children’s Immunization Schedule*3 doses for females ages 18-26Human Papillomavirus (HPV)if not already given.** Recommendations may vary; discuss the start and frequency of screeningswith your doctor, especially if you are at increased risk.RoutineROUTINEChildren’sCHILDREN’SImmunizationIMMUNIZATIONSchedule*SCHEDULEVaccineBirth1month2months4months6months12months15months18months19-23months4-6yearsHepatitis B (HBV)Rotavirus (RV) ✔ ✔ ✔**Diphtheria, Tetanusand Pertussis (DTaP)✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ † ✔HaemophilusInfluenza Type B (Hib)✔ ✔ ✔**✔Pneumococcal✔ ✔ ✔ ✔✔ Conjugate One dose(PCV) Range of** Inactivated Number of Polio doses needed varies depending on vaccine used. Ask your doctor.recommended† The 4th dose of DTaP may be given as early as 12 months, ✔as long as at ✔least 6 months have passed since Vaccine (IPV) ✔the 3rd dose.dates✔Recommended yearly starting at age 6 months with 2 dosesInfluenza (Flu)✔given the first yearTweens Measles, Mumps and Teenagers✔ ✔As Rubella your (MMR) children grow into teens, they should continue yearly doctor visits for exams and scheduled immunizations.These Varicella visits (Chicken give pox) the doctor a chance to talk about:✔ ✔2 doses at least 6Hepatitis The A importance (Hep A) of good eating habits and regular physical activity ✔ months apart✔✔ One doseRange ofAvoiding alcohol, smoking and drugs** Number of doses needed varies depending on vaccine used. Ask your doctor.recommended† The 4th Results dose of of DTaP sexual may be activity given as early and as sexually 12 months, transmitted as long as at least diseases 6 months have passed since the 3rd dose.datesHepatitis B (HBV) ✔ ✔ ✔Tweens and TeenagersRecommended Immunizations for ages 7 to 18*As your children grow into teens, they should continue yearly doctor visits for exams and scheduled immunizations.These visits give the doctor a chance to talk about:7 - 1011 - 1213 - 18VaccineThe importance of good eating habits and regular physical activityyearsyearsyearsAvoiding alcohol, smoking and drugsTetanus, Diphtheria,✔Pertussis (Tdap)Results of sexual activity and sexually transmitted diseasesHuman Papilloma✔Virus (HPV)- females3 dosesMeningococcal (MCV)Recommended Immunizations ✔for ages 7 to 18*Influenza (Flu)(Yearly)* These recommendations come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics. The recommendations are not intended as medical advice nor meant to be asubstitute for the individual medical judgment of a doctor or other health care professional. Please checkwith your doctor for individual advice on the recommendations provided.For questions about your benefit coverage, call the Customer Service telephone number on the back ofyour BCBS ID card.* These recommendations come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics. The recommendations are not intended as medical advice nor meant to be asubstitute for the individual medical judgment of a doctor or other health care professional. Please check