The Rattler Review - November 2006 - Sharyland ISD

The Rattler ReviewSharyland ISD Regional Outstanding Principal of the YearDavid Guel, Principal of Sharyland North JuniorHigh School has been selected to represent theTexas Association of Secondary School Principals asthe Region 1 Outstanding Principal of the year. TASSPrecognizes outstanding principals and assistant principalsfrom the twenty Region Education Service Centers inthe state. School administrators are nominated andchosen by their peers within their region. Nominationsare based upon exemplary performance and outstandingleadership. As a Region One winner, Mr. Guel is eligibleto compete for the state title of the Texas SecondaryPrincipal of the Year.Mr. Guel, a 24 year principal has been a member ofVolume 11 Edition 1 November 2006the leadership team at Sharyland ISD since 1998.He Attended Pan American University and earneda Bachelors of Science degree. He attended CorpusChristi State University and was awarded a Masters ofEducation in School Administration Mid-Management.David sees himself as being a risk taker, a visionary andleader of learners.Mr. Guel would like to express his appreciation to theteachers, parents, and students that he has workedwith in his 28 year career as an educator. He is mostappreciative of the trust and support his teachers atSharyland North Junior have provided him and helpinghim to create a wonderful school environment.ELEMENTARY EIGHT GROUND BREAKINGSharyland I.S.D. TeachersReceived $34,631 inGrantsSeveral teachers were recognizedfor having received grants throughthe Sharyland I.S.D. EducationFoundation. Sixteen grants totaling$34,631 were awarded on October13, 2006.ELEMENTARY SEVEN GROUND BREAKINGL to R: David Guel, Vanessa Munoz-Mata, Debbie Roque, Cynthia Sandoval, Gilbert Enriguez, RudyGomez, Dalila Ovando, Robby Hymel, Scott B. Owings, Edna Dougherty, Jesse Muniz, Suzanne Peña, PaulR. Rodriguez, Richard Thompson, Guillermo Reyna, Dr. Melissa Martinez, Cynthia Hernandez, AdolfoSanchez, Frank Perez, David Culberson, Leo Sanchez, Lupe Lara, Diana Lopez, and Tina Ramos.On Tuesday, July 12, 2006 Sharyland ISD held a groundbreakingevent to commemorate construction of an eighth elementary school.School Board Members, Administrators and Dignitaries were at theground breaking event. The elementary is located at Taylor Roadand Dove Street , McAllen TX. The school will open August 2007.L to R: Gonzalo Rodriguez, Mariano Garcia, Dr. Melissa Martinez, Paul Curtin, Suzanne Peña,Guillermo Reyna, Robby Hymel, Scott B. Owings, Paul R. Rodriguez, Joe Williamson, Tina Ramos,Rudy Gomez , Pat Townsend, Aida Lerma, Cathy Garcia, Father Craig Carolyn, and Jesse Muniz.On Tuesday, July 12, 2006 Sharyland ISD held a groundbreakingevent to commemorate construction of a seventh elementary school.Several members of the Hunt Valley Development were present atthe ground breaking event. School Board Members, Administratorsand Dignitaries from the City of Mission were in attendance. Theelementary is located at San Mateo Street and Glasscock Road,Mission TX. The school will open August 2007.

TableofContentsPage 2AdministrationPage 3John H. Shary Elem.Page 4Olivero Garza, Sr. Elem.Page 5Ruben Hinojosa Elem.Page 6-7B.L. Gray Junior High SchoolPage 8-9Sharyland High SchoolPage 10-11Sharyland North Junior HighPage 12Jessie L. Jensen Elem.Page 13Lloyd and Dolly Bentsen Elem.Page 14Romulo D. MartinezPage 15Sports & UILPage 16School CalendarSharyland IndependentSchool District1106 N. Shary RoadMission, TX 78572-4652956-580-5200www.sharyland.k12.tx.usSuperintendentScott B. OwingsBoard PresidentRobby HymelVice-PresidentPaul RodriguezSecretaryGuillermo ReynaAssistant SecretaryJuan F. ZunigaMembersDr. Henry SmithSuzane PeñaFernando RamirezPublished by SISD’s Public InformationOffi ce. If you have commentsor suggestions, please call DoloresElizondo at extension 1088.We’re off daylight savings time andinto November.District-wide TAKS scores are up,other than social studies which stayedBianca Cavazos sat quietly andreflected on her years at school. Nowa senior, she is scheduled to graduatein May, 2007. A lifelong student atSharyland, Bianca thinks back at howshe could have done better in school.Superintendent’s Messagethe same at an already high 88%. Thestate also awards “Gold PerformanceAcknowledgements” for areas inwhich a district or campus performsexceptionally well. From the 2004-05 results the District received 3of those awards, for the 2005-06results the District increased to7Gold Performance Awards: Writing,Reading/ELA, Math, Social Studies,Attendance, Number of Higher levelGraduation Plan diplomas, andmeeting the college readiness standardfor Math on the 11 th grade test.It’s been a quick Fall season. Thehigh school band gave inspiringperformances at Pigskin and Areacompetitions. The high school girls’volleyball won their first ever 5-A championship; team tennis andgirls cross country also took firstplace in district. These are greatBlind But Not Without A VisionShe remembers those days when shereached a low point.“Several years ago, I had a badattitude and I wasn’t open to anybody;and that closed me down and got meinto depression.” Those were herjunior high years, she recalled. Blindsince birth, Bianca always had todeal with her disability; now she alsostruggled with issues of becoming ateenager.“I didn’t fit in anywhere,” shecommented, “not in the sighted worldnor in the blind world.” She often feltalone and left out of activities. “Otherstudents stayed away because they didnot know how to approach me. Theysaw me as blind and therefore theysaw me as stupid. They never got toknow me.” Being at school but notfeeling a part of it led her to a state ofdepression. At one point, she relatedthat she even had thoughts of suicide.“I’ve grown a lot since then.” Biancanow shares her plans for aftergraduation. She hopes to attend aspecial school that will prepare her toaccomplishments attributable to thehard work of our staff and students. Agreat example of how our staff givesback to the community is with UnitedWay. Staff pledged over $42,000 toUnited Way; a 60% increase over theyear before.Two new elementaries are underconstruction; one at Dove and BentsenRoad, the other in Sharyland Plantationat San Mateo and the Glasscock Road.Thirty acres in Sharyland Plantationhave been donated to re-build B.L.Gray Jr. High.A great example of the communitysupport we enjoy is the new videoscoreboard at the stadium. The cost ofthe scoreboard is completely coveredby sponsorships. With this kind ofcommunity support, combined withgreat kids and dedicated staff we willcontinue on our path of success.live independently; and then she wantsto enroll at Texas Women’s Universityin Denton, Texas, where she aspiresto enter Radio Broadcasting andCommunication. She also expressedinterest in singing or acting.Bianca related how she has renewedfeelings about life. She cannot seeherself as a victim anymore. “I love tolaugh, and now I find joy in life; andI am beginning to see the good sideof life.” She expressed determination:“You have to bite the hand that feedsyou.” She explained that to her thatmeant that she had to take initiativein life and not wait for life to cometo her.With hopes in pursuing a career, shehesitated on her personal life. Gettingmarried will happen only if she issecure in finding that special personwho is sensitive to her special needs.“For now,” she added, “between aman and a guide-dog, I prefer theguide-dog.”Page 2

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT OLIVERO GARZA, SR. ELEMENTARYGrandparents’ DayCharacters come to lifeat Garza on HalloweenThe halls were filled with princesses,super heroes, ghosts, witches, athletes,and many other characters as Garzastudents wore their costumes to schoolon Halloween. A special paradethrough the school in the morningwas the highlight of the day’s event.Thanks to the children and teacherswho participated in this fun event.O. Garza Elementary has the most awesome and active grandparents around.We celebrated Grandparents Day by serving a breakfast in the cafeteria.Afterwards the grandparents went into the classrooms to read to studentsand to interact with their grandchildren in class. It was a great day with somany proud grandparents and grandchildren enjoying learning together.Guys from SpaceWatch out! “Guys from Space”have invaded 3rd Grade! Studentsin Mrs. Billman’s, Ms. Z. Garza’s,and Mrs. Galvan’s classes createdtheir own versions of the spaceship featured in their reading storyof the week, “Guys from Space”.Students had to make the spaceships from materials they foundat home. Great job students!Shary Fun Run ParticipantsWhat an Obstacle!Garza fourth, fifth, and sixthgraders recently participatedin a wheelchair obstaclecourse. The kids werechallenged with everydaysituations that wheelchairbound students encounter.Students were amazed atthe difficulty of the task!Homecoming ParadeFifteen runingfrom O. Garzagathered at JohnH. Shary Elementaryon Saturday,November 4 tocompete in a oneOlivero Garza Sr. Elementary kicked off RedRibbon with a tree donation and dedication fromSusan Sanchez, director of the Drug TestingCenter. Mrs. Sanchez talked about the dangersof drugs and the history of Red Ribbon Week.Officer Perez from the Mission Police departmentutilized a K-9 to show the students how theyare trained to retrieve illegal substances. U.S.Customs officials also demonstrated a K-9 asthey talked to our children about the dangersof drugs and alcohol. Their presentationconcluded with an exciting video about thecareer opportunities with the U.S. Customs.Red Ribbon week came to a close with anexciting presentation by ventriloquist, NachoEstrada. He presented “Don’t be a dummy withdrugs” with the help of the “Tortilla Monsterand Maclovio.” He talked about drugs, alcohol,and the dangers of using tobacco. The childrenand staff laughed as Nacho Estrada made thedummies appear to come to life. Shown here areMr. Perez, Garza counselor, and Nacho Estrada.PrincipalRainer Clovermile fun run organized by the Shary coaches.First place winners from Garza included:Brittany Martinez (7-8 year olds), Hiram Garcia(9-10 year olds), and Aaron Martinez (11-12year olds). Thanks go to the Shary coaches fororganizing such a fun event!Hooray for the Garza Gems!!! The O.Garza cheerleaders participated in the2006-2007 Homecoming Parade onNovember 9. They also cheered at thecommunity pep rally following the parade.This is the second year the O. Garza Gemshave participated in the homecomingfestivities, and they took the trophy for“most decorated” float in the parade.They rocked the parade with a 50’s themethat included a red-checkered floor, booths,records, poodle skirts, and who could forgetabout the jukebox. Great job Gems!!!Red Ribbon WeekPage 4

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT RUBEN HINOJOSA ELEMENTARYPrincipalDr. Debra ArceFourth grade essay contestwinners attended theHESTEC Conference atUTPA with 4th gradeteacher, Mr. De La Rosaand Assistant Principal, Mr.Limon.Fire PreventionHESTEC ConferenceRed Ribbon WeekPK teacher, Mrs.Torres and membersof the MissionFire Departmentdemonstrate thefireman suit to thestudents.Grandparents’DayOn September 8th,grandparents wereinvited to breakfastand to visit with theirgrandchildren in theclassrooms. Dr. Arce ispictured chattingwithgrandparents.Constitution DayTeam BuildingBus SafetyStudents andstaff celebrateConstitution Day.Guest speaker,Solomon Torres,from the officeof CongressmanRuben Hinojosaaddressed studentsand staff.Ventriloquist, Nacho Estrada, presentsto student body during Red RibbonWeek activities.“Fish Phylosophy”Students participating in Red Ribbonactivities.Teachers participated in a team buildingactivity during a recent faculty meeting.Guest ReaderStudents learn about bus safety! Thankyou to the transportation department aswell as the bus drivers for keeping ourkids safe!Lights Off for ReadingCounselors promoting the “Fish Philosophy” oncampus!Guest reader, Mrs. Suzanne Pena, read to Mr. Alaniz’s4th grade class for National Family Literacy Day.On October 31st the student body participated in“Lights off for Reading.”Page 5

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT SHARYLAND B.L. GRAY JR. HIGH SCHOOLEmployee of the MonthRed Ribbon Week CelebratedCongratulations to Mr. Rodolfo Acevedo, ScienceDepartment Chairperson. He was named Employeeof the Month by the SBDM Committee.Perfect Attendance Is Recognized!Nacho PartyRewardsB.L. Gray ReadersMrs. Cruz hosted a nacho partyfor the students who made theirAccelerated Reader goal forthe first six weeks. Picturedenjoying the nachos areNicholas Sandoval and AngelHernandez. Students werealso entered in a prize drawingfor a free yearbook. Yearbookwinners were Coleton Teplicekand Brent DeKock.Perfect Attendancewinners for the 1 st sixweeks were Robyn Carinfrom 7 th grade andDarla Osuna from the 8 thgrade. SPTSO providedmovie ticket couponsand a Rattler backpackto these lucky winners.All students with perfectattendance received apopcorn snack as well.Homero Garcia sports a unique cap for Red Ribbon Week. Mrs. Cross and Ms. Sandoval dressed up like twinsfor “Be a Friend—Don’t Let Friends Do Drugs” Day. B.L. Gray also had presentations by DEA officers andBorder Patrol Agents. Mrs. Hilda Gonzalez, 8 th grade counselor and Red Ribbon Week Coordinator, alsorecognized the winning essays on the morning announcements.Chess PracticeJosef Farias and KyleHernandez practice theirchess strategies afterschool. The B.L. GrayChess team is continuingto improve and competein local tournaments.Chess sponsors are Mr.Hugo Alfaro and Mrs.Kathyrn Vela.Varsity Band Performs for Curriculum NightMrs. Elizabeth Resczenski directs the B.L. Gray Varsity Band during CurriculumNight. Mr. and Mrs. Resczenski, Ms. Cook, and Mrs. Meredith combined theirtalents to create a memorable recording of the National Anthem. This recording wasaired on morning announcements broadcast as part of the National Anthem Project.Pumpkin ArtStudents in Mrs. Sala’s Art II class craftedpumpkins to look like famous literary characters.Pictured are the winners who received certificatesand gift cards from Target.Honorable Mention to Edgar Bravo for PeterPan, Karen Perez for Desperero, Camila Jaber forCaptian Hook, and Alberto Escobar for Merlin.We thank Mrs. Barbara Gray of GrW Produce inMcAllen for donating the pumpkins.Columbus Sails forthe New WorldMr. John Neeley, B.L.Gray History DepartmentChairperson, dresses up tointroduce the explorationof the new world to hisstudents.Page 7

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT SHARYLAND HIGH SCHOOLRattlers District Champs in Volleyball, Girls Cross Country, Tennis TeamEvery August, it’s skills, drills, fitness, and perseverance—allare important components of Sharyland sports, but everyRattler knows its team work and Rattler Pride that makes thework worthwhile.The Lady Rattler Volleyball team knows about all thesethings. All season they were determined competitors andforged ahead to the regional quarterfinals. They ended asuperlative season with a 25-8 record, which is a prize someteams can only dream of. They were District and Bi-Districtchamps and played the Brownsville Rivera Lady Raiders in theRegion quarterfinals. Their final match ended in a close, fivegamematch (25-21, 20-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-12) againsta very tough opponent. This outstanding Lady Rattler teamgoes in the record book as only the second team to reachthis level in volleyball competition. We’re proud of all yourefforts and prouder yet of your teamwork and Rattler Pride.Congratulations to Coach Garza and the team members.Tennis TeamGirls Cross Country TeamPrincipalDiamantina B. ChapaLady Rattler Varsity VolleyballTeam: l-r (front row): Iannelli Garza,Yvonne Ramirez, Kezia Cabrera;(middle row): Mattie Richards,Brianna Gomez, Lorena Cardenas,Mandy Davis; (back row): JackieLopez, Jill Dickerson, BrittanyHawkins, Riana Ramirez, JennySaenz, Alyssa Sanchez.Varsity Team Tennis: l-r (front row): Ashley Palacios, Yolanda Elizondo, Natalie Diaz, Marlene Amione,Laura Partida, Karla Ramirez, Mariela Garza, Ana Choi; (back row): Juan Gonzalez, Manuel Martinez,Jaime Gutierrez, Alex Tajonar, Nathan Alhalel, Johathan Montalvo, Jesus Arjona, Lazaro Tobias.Other district championships were won earlier by the team tennis team and thegirls’ cross country team. In tennis, the Rattlers defeated the other 30-5A teamswithout any serious challenges. They played consistently and loss only one point ofthe 20 points possible. At Region, they ended their season, placing second in theconsolation championship bracket. Coaches Salinas and Vela and their teams arelooking forward to getting back into action this spring.Seniors recognized by National Hispanic Recognition Program(Pictured l-r: Mathew Ramirez, Jonathan Campoverde, Keila de laGarza, and Kimberly Arredondo.Page 8Megan Ibison, Rebecca Correa, Jesica Murillo, Carissa Salinas, Larissa De Leon, Michelle, Jaime,Tania Fabian.Teamwork was the heart of the Girls’ Varsity Cross Country district win, CoachSandra Guerrero said. At the District Meet, there were only 15 seconds separatingthe first and fifth runners. “That is running close; running as a team,” she said.“I’m so proud of them.” Larissa De Leon placed 6 th , Rebecca Correa 8 th , JessicaMurillo 9 th , Michelle Jaime, 12 th , Megan Ibison, 14 th , Tania Fabian 18 th , andCarissa Salinas 19 th . At Region they placed 9 th about of 24 teams. Congratulationsrunners and Coach Guerrero. The Boys Varsity Cross Country team placed fourthat District; runner Miguel Alanis finished seventh and qualified for the RegionalMeet. Congratulations on the District wins, runners and Coach Guerrero andCoach Joe Gonzalez.Four Seniors Recognized byCollege Board’s National Hispanic Recognition ProgramSeniors Kimberly Arredondo, Jonathan Campoverde, Keila de la Garza, and Mathew Ramirez were recentlyrecognized by the College Boards’s National Hispanic Program. According to the College Board, this programprovides national recognition of the exceptional academic achievements of Hispanic high school seniors andidentifies them for postsecondary institutions.These seniors entered this program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test(PSAT/NMSQT) as high school juniors and by identifying themselves as Hispanic. This year, of the more than175,000 test-takers nationwide who also identified themselves as Hispanic, 4,700 of these students have beenrecognized as National Hispanic Scholars or Honorable Mention Finalists based upon their test scores andtheir academic achievements.

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT SHARYLAND HIGH SCHOOLFCCLA Win Medals at Leadership WorkshopFCCLA LEO Gold Medalists: l-r (back row)Jennifer Quintero, Jessa Guerra, Alyssa Alleyn,Leslye Womack, Carianna Saldivar; (front row)Flor Dennise Lugo and Desiree Moreno.FCCLA LEO Silver Medalists: l-r (back row)Michelle Silva; (middle row) Marie Valdez, TriciaAlaniz, Shanta Maraj, Janelly Flores; (front row)Selina Alvarez and Aja Romero.Sharyland’s FCCLA chapter members were big winners in the LEOtests at the All Valley Leadership Workshop in Edinburg October 14.In LEO testing, the team of Allysa Allen, Jessa Guerra, Flor Dennise Lugo,Jennifer Quintero, Desiree Moreno, Carianna Saldivar, and Leslye Womack wongold medals. The team of Tricia Alaniz, Selina Alvarez, Janelly Flores, ShantaMaraj, Aja Romero, Michelle Silva, and Marie Valdez were silver medalists.Winning bronze medals in LEO testing were Melissa Saenz and Jonathon Womack.Leslye Womack won first place in the quiz bowl, and the Aja Romero, JessicaNavarro and Annail Gutierrez won second place in the banner contest.Congratulations FCCLA and your sponsors Mrs. Mary Jo Brisnahan, Mrs. NormaMeza, Mrs. Hilda Rodriguez, and Mrs. Mary Laing on your outstanding performances.All District Choir Members: l-r (back row) YadinEcheverry, Jonathan Corya; (middle row): BrennaSloane, Manny Galvan, Rene Gallegos, Esteban Gonzalez;(front row): Mandy Carin, Jordan Saiz, Karen Gallegos.Region Treble Choir Members: l-r (back row) KassandraGuerra, Alyssa Vaughn, Louissa Dean, Leslie Guerra; (frontrow): Krystal Hernandez, Joanna Ugarte.Nine Choir MembersMake All-DistrictMixed ChoirNine SHS choir members whoauditioned this fall for the All-District mixed choir were chosenfor that choir and qualifiedfor the Pre-Area auditions tobe held in November. Theycompeted with over 300 singersfrom across the district, and onlythe top 20 singers in each voicepart advanced to the All-Regionauditions.Chosen for the All District choirwere: altos—Mandy Carin5 th , Brenna Sloane 7 th , KarenGallegos 20 th ; tenors 1—EstebanGonzalez 14 th ; tenors 2—ReneGallegos 9 th , many Galvan 11 th ;bass 1—Jonathan Corya 13 th ,Jordan Saiz 18 th , and bass 2—Yadin Echeverry 1 st .Advancing to the Pre-Areaauditions are: Mandy Carin 5 th ,Brenna Sloane 7 th , Rene Gallegos9 th , Yadin Echeverry 1 st , and Jonathan Corya 1 st alternate.Previously six girls also earned a place in the Region Treble Choir; those placingwere: soprano 1—Louissa Dean 3 rd ; Joanna Ugarte 12 th ; soprano 2—LeslieGuerra 7 th ; altos—Alyssa Vaughn 4 th , Krystal Hernandez 10 th , Kassandra Guerra11 th . These girls will represent Sharyland in the Region Concert at McAllen HighSchool November 18.Mighty Rattler Band Receives Top Honors at USSBA, PigskinAt the pre-Pigskin USSBA Marching Contest At La Joya High School October 7,the Rattler Marching Band was rated number one in the six performance areasof visual performance, music performance ensemble, overall effect visual, overalleffect music, top color guard, and top percussion.At Pigskin they again rated top honors with all division 1 ratings and advanced tothe Area contest held at McAllen High School.Congratulations to Mr. Nelson and the whole band and color guard for your trulystellar performances this year. We’re proud of you.FFA Teams Advance to Area X Leadership ContestCongratulations to the FFA members who advanced to Area after turning in superiorperformances at the RGV FFA District Leadership Development Event in MercedesNovember 6. All of the teams placed and nine of the ten teams advanced to Area.The first and second place teams will compete at the Area X LDE at Texas A&MUniversity in Kingsville November 20. Good luck in your coming competitions.First place winners were: the Junior Chapter Conducting team comprisedof Abel Banuelos, Yadira Gomez, Jesus Mata, Danny Hernandez, FernandoFlores, and Albert Granados; the Junior Skills Demonstration team ofMichael Smedley, Francisco Gamboa, and Agustin Ordorica; the JuniorFFA Quiz team of Gabriel Costilla, Cameron Duck, Gilbert Garcia, RyanLechtenberg, and Everardo Ruff; the Radio Broadcast team of David Torres,John Paul Puente, and Chris Cantu; and Job Interview by Brittanie Jones.The second place teams were: the Senior Chapter Conducting team of SidneyCarter, Luis Ochoa, Jose Triana, Vini Trevino, Jeffrey Elsworth, Brittanie Jones,and Grant Bitner; the SeniorSkills Demonstration teamof Ty Barrientes, Joshua D.Garza, and Zeferino Saenz;the Public Relations teamof Sidney Carter, FeliciaTrevino, Kay Motheral,and Lauren Vigil; and theSenior Creed by Luis Ochoa.Also placing sixth wasthe Senior FFA Quizteam comprised of1 st Place Junior Chapter Conducting: l-r Yadira Gomez, AlbertGranados, Danny Hernandez, Vini Trevino, Jesus Mata, AbelBanuelos, Fernando Flores.1 st Place Radio Broadcast: l-r Chris Cantu, DavidTorres, John Paul Puente.1 st Place Junior Skills Demonstration: l-r AgustinOrdorica, Michael Smedley, Francisco Gamboa.Krizia Villanueva, MarieValdez, Desiree Moreno,and Jessa Guerra.1 st Place Junior FFA Quiz: l-r Gilbert Garcia,Cameron Duck, Everardo Ruff, Gabriel Costilla,Ryan Lechtenberg.HOMECOMINGQUEENJessica Murillowas crownedHomecomingQueen at theHomecomingFootball game Friday night, November10, at Rattler Stadium.Page 9

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT SHARYLAND NORTH JR. HIGH SCHOOLSISD FoundationGrants AwardedFriday October 20 th was a great dayat SNJH as 3 groups of teachers wereawarded $9,300 by the SISD EducationFoundation. The monies will be spentfor a computer on wheels fully equippedwith science and social studies software,camcorders, microphones, and othertechnical equipment to enhance theMorning Announcement broadcast,and materials needed for the TexasIndependence Day program.Pep Rally TimeIt’s that time of year again! Footballseason means Pep Rallies. We willhave had 5 Pep Rallies by the time youare reading this, including one for RedRibbon Week. It takes the band, thecheerleaders, the speeches, the crazycontests, the MC, and some great DJmusic to make a successful Pep Rally,and we have them all here at SNJH. GoDiamondbacks!Our Parent Liaison, Rachel Navarro, hasset up classes for parents who want to learnEnglish or Spanish. The parents are usingRosetta Stone; the same software programour students use.Page 10Parents learningEnglish and SpanishCongratulations to the UIL TeamCongratulations go out to everyone on our UIL Team who competed at San JuanHigh School on Saturday Nov. 4th. It was a fun and successful meet thanks to ourStudents, Coaches, and Administrators whose hard work helped Sharyland Northstand out in a sea of competitors. Here are the results: Duke Dizdar, Brittany-Blaze Belvail, Ashtyn Egger, and KK Heflin placed 6th in Group Improvisation,Kelsey Rivera placed 5th in 7th Math, Philipp Lindemann placed 5th in Poetry,Moises Martinez placed 4th in Math, Rudy Garcia placed 4th in Spelling, CarlosLeal placed 4th in Solo Acting, Laura Torres placed 3rd in Dictionary Skills,Isaac Rosales placed 3rd in Spelling, Laura Eberly placed 2nd in Maps, Graphs,and Charts, Melanie Enriquez placed 2nd in Solo Acting, Daniela Quijano placed2nd in Spanish Poetry, Maripaz Arciniega placed 2nd in 8 th Spanish Poetry,Carlos Leal placed 2nd in Modern Oratory, Kelsey Cantu placed 1st in Maps,Graphs, and Charts, and finally, Karen Gonzalez brought home 1st place inSpanish Poetry.Choir ContestOn Saturday October 28th, 16 choir students went to La Joya to compete inSolo/Ensemble Contest. All 16 students received medals for 1st Division ratings.Congratulations to Lauren Alvarez, Mariepaz Arceniega, Timothy Banuelos,Elyssa Chapa, Ashley Harris, Carrie Hill, Will Hill, Christianne Jones, ClaudiaLemus, Gracie Morin, Noralee Olivarez, Christina Rivera, KC Sanchez, RavenStubbs, Leeza Villegas, and Samantha Zarate.Student CouncilStudent Council wasorganized to develop a forumfor student expression,provide orderly direction ofschool activities, and developattitudes and practices ingood citizenship. Our goalthis year is to become moreactive within the community. The officers have helped create posters for RedRibbon week, helped with the Campus Beautification Project, will raise moneyfor The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Patients ® program, and weplan to provide a Thanksgiving meal to local families in need. We are excited overthis upcoming school year and hope to accomplish our goals and many more.PrincipalDavid GuelTAKS AcademySharyland North Jr. High is hosting itsfirst Saturday TAKS Academy this year.The purpose of the academy is to giveeach of our students an opportunity tobuild and maintain a strong academicfoundation in Math and/or Reading.The focus is to help students in weakareas they may have and help themunderstand concepts that are difficultfor them. Ensuring success at the Jr.High level will ensure success at theHigh School and future college orother education opportunities studentsmay have. The academy will also helpstudents meet the required standardfor upcoming and future TAKS testsas well. Math and Reading instructionalternate on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. from September 30, 2006through April 14, 2007.Community Grantfrom SAM’SAssistant Principal Mr. Jose Ramirezsubmitted the application for the SAM’SGrant that was awarded to SNJH. The$1,000 is to be used to assist our At-Risk population and will be dividedamong the following: Library, TheatreArts, Art, and TAKS Academy.

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT SHARYLAND NORTH JR. HIGH SCHOOLHelping Hands Cares for theCommunity and EnvironmentAfter reading the short story, “Song of the Trees,” students at Sharyland North Jr.High were motivated to begin a club to help solve environmental problems withintheir communities.Veronica Guzman, a 7 th grader and president of Helping Hands,and the council members began mobilizing students to get involved. Studentswere eager to be a part of a great cause, and thus, Helping Hands was formed. OnSaturday, October 28, 2006, Helping Hands, Student Council, parents, teachers,and staff united to beautify the landscaping at Sharyland North Jr. High. Withthe help of Home Depot, students were supplied with the tools needed to clear areasof landscaping, loosen dirt, form burrows, and add mulch for water conservationand weed control. Way to go Diamondbacks for showing pride in your school.Students Learn About StingraysWith all the misinformation that was being spread after the death of Steve Irwin,the Crocodile Hunter, the Texas State Aquarium was asked to do a presentationto let students know the truth about Stingrays. About 40 SNJH students wereamong over 1500 students state wide who had the privilege of viewing this livevideoconference that took place on October 25 th .Top AR Readers RewardedNewcomer TutoringTeen Read WeekOctober 16 th -20 th was Teen Read Week.Students participated in these activities:guessing the title of books from plotoutlines that were read daily duringannouncements, guessing the totalnumber of books in the library, andlistening to the librarian promote librarybooks during classroom visits. On FridayMrs. Menchaca’s classes finished off theweek with a Reading Camp In.Every Friday 6 th period, four Newcomersstudents cross the hall to be tutored by2 nd and 3 rd year ESL students in ElinorAbdulla’s Oral Language Developmentclass. The OLD students briefly discuss theteaching plan the previous day, ensuringthat they can themselves pronounce andunderstand the words. The readers usedare the supplementary readers for thenew state ESL adoption, Highpoints anda grammar topic is also taught. Abdullaconceived the project after hearingpresentations at the National TESOLconference about the benefits of ESLstudents tutoring newcomers.Red Ribbon WeekOctober 22 nd -26 th was full of anti-drugmessages and activities. This year includeddaily give-a-ways, speakers for each gradelevel, library book display, educationalsupplement called “Drugs: Truth or Dare”from the Monitor newspaper, dress-updays, door decorating contest, and ourannual Red Ribbon Pep Rally.Forty students received AR rewards at the end of the first six weeks. The top 5Pre-Ap and the top 5 regular students at each grade level received a $10 gift cardto Barnes & Noble. Those placing 6 th -10 th at each grade level received a bookfrom Scholastic Book Fairs.Mrs. Thierry’s math classes recentlyset out to complete a project that wouldprove to them why they need math. Theproject required the students to do threeinterviews, find information in resourcessuch as newspapers, magazines, books,and the internet, create a visual aid suchas a poster or PowerPoint presentation,and to write a paper to inform the classabout what they discovered.Morning AnnouncementsWhy I Need MathThe daily announcements are now beingseen, not just heard. With the help ofour Theatre Arts teacher, librarian,and district technicians we were ableto set up our technology equipmentso we can now send a live broadcastto all the Channel One televisions inthe classrooms. This greatly enhancesour announcements and gives ourstudents the opportunity to be in frontof the camera and run all the technicalequipment behind the scenes.Page 11

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT JESSIE L. JENSEN ELEMENTARYWelcome to Jensen ElementaryWild Walk Outdoor AdventurePrincipalMargarita GonzalezWelcome BuddiesAll the new students to Jensen Elementary were invitedto attend a special meet and greet gathering. Thestudents took the opportunity to greet each other whilethey enjoyed a yummy dessert.Fortune-tellerOn October 12th Jensen’s fifth grade students participated in anexciting hands on field trip called Wild Walk Outdoor Adventure atthe World Birding Center Quinta Mazatlan. This incredible eventwas coordinated by Texas Tropics Nature Festival and The McAllenChamber of Commerce.Grandparent’s DayTeachers and staff are welcomed toa new school year. Mrs. Gonzalezspoke to staff about our school’sfocus on educating our children, ourdedication to our students, and the newrelationships with our students as wellas with each other.School BeautificationVictoria Cantu looks on as Mrs. Laura Rodriguez tellsCaleb Hernandez’s fortune. “I see a CommendedPerformance award in your near future.” This wasone of the many fun activities featured at Jensen’sAnnual Fall Festival.Off-Road FunStart your engines!Eric Lerma, J.D.Palacios, and IrvingYanez compete forfirst place at oneof the activities atBillman Farms.Fun, FunStudents use theskills they havelearned in theirPE class. LauraGarcia aims fora hole-in-one atJensen’s AnnualFall Festival.Students enjoyed sharing time with their grandparents in celebrationof Grandparents’ Day. Pictured above is Jennifer M. Vicencio,a kinder student with her granny Mrs. Theola Craig.Corn FunIs that a sand box? Oh,no! It’s a corn box.Fourth grade students enjoy their field tripto Billman Farms in Donna, Texas. Picturedabove are Cesar Guzman and Logan Closnerburying their friend Nicolas Lara.9-11MemorialKeychainMs. Ario’s fourthgraders took timeto make a keychainto remember theevents that tookplace on 9/11.Pictured aboveare fourth gradersCesar Guzman andFabian Hernandezwith Ms. ArioPictured L to R: Ryan Rocha, Janelle Leal, AnthonyVanWagoner, Christian Ruiz, and Kevin Sanchez.After studying plants in their scienceclass these students applied theirknowledge and planted hibiscus plantsin Jensen’s atrium.Page 12

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT LLOYD & DOLLY BENTSEN ELEMENTARYPrincipalDora GonzalezGold PerformanceSchool BeautificationLloyd & Dolly Bentsen Elementarywas granted $500.00 for winningthe District BeautificationAward. Thanks to all S.P.T.S.O.members and parents whocontributed to the project.Leadership CampBentsen Elementary is so very proud of all its staffand students for achieving Gold Performance, inall areas of the TAKS test. This is a result of hardwork and dedication. A huge round of applause andcongratulations to all our students, parents, andteachers for a wonderful job.Education Foundation GrantPlaygroundIn the summer of 2006, 14Bentsen elementary studentsparticipated in the LoneStar Leadership Academy.This program is dedicated toempowering outstanding youngTexans to be informed and activeleaders in their communities.Decorated PumpinksCongratulations to Mr. Butcher for winning a$1780.00 Education Foundation Grant. The grant isfor the purchase of hand chimes which will be usedby students in 3rd through 6th grades.Root DirectionThe 5th Gradersof BentsenElementary arestudying plantadaptationsand are havingan exciting timeexperimentingwith root direction. They each planted 4 bean seedsall facing different directions. They tried foolingthe roots into growing up but found that no matterwhat direction the bean was placed it always grewdown. There is nothing more fulfilling than whena person grows a plant from a seed. We all nowknow how farmers feel when they grow their crops.The new playground equipment at Bentsen is awesome!It has monkey bars, a rock climb,a tree house, and aslide. It is surrounded by wood chips to make a safelanding for the students when they are playing. All thestudents are really having a fantastic time playing onthis marvelous new piece of equipment.5th Grade Constitution ProgramThe 5th graders at Bentsen Elementary celebratedthe Constitution with a SPTSO program. They sangseveral songs about the history of the constitutionand our country. Soloists were Daniela Trevino andNicholas Martinez. The students learned a lot about theConstitution, and everyone enjoyed the singing.The fourth grade classes of Mora, Puente, andLongoria had a project that was in conjunction withtheir reading lesson in which they decorated pumpkinsas various characters. In the photo forefront you seea Pirate, Mickey Mouse, the Pillsbury Doughboy, anda helicopter. Less visible in the background you seeCinderella’s carraige, Dorothy, the Tin Man, and theScare Crow. These were all very creative indeed.Storyteller Bunny BurnsThe students at Bentsen Elementary were treated toan entertaining show during Red Ribbon Week. Mrs.Bunny Burns a nationally known professional storyteller presented several stories to our students. Themoral to her stories was making right decisions andnot being afraid to say NO TO DRUGS!Page 13

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT ROMULO D. MARTINEZ ELEMENTARYRead, Read, Read,Matey!First Responder’s Day ParadeA hall parade was held in honor of the men and women who respondfirst to the scene of any emergency. Two of our Girl Scouts carried ourcountry and state flags. They led a small procession of Firefighters,Police Officers, EMS personnel and our school nurses around thehallways of our school. All the classes stood silent as the processionmade its way around the school’s hallways. Music was played and poemsread by staff members. It was a moving remembrance of those firstresponders of 9/11 and those who risk their lives every day to save others.New Staff to Martinez ElementaryPrincipalKaren Meadors“Argh, can you find me treasurein this here ibrary?” Pirate Jackexclaimed to all the students who mettheir Accelerated Reader goals.Students at Romulo Martinez Elementary celebrated their reading achievementsby participating in a pirate treasure hunt on Friday, October 6 th . The students joined“Pirate Jack,” in the library, as he searched for a long, lost treasure, and werethen given rewards from the treasure chest for their hard work in reaching theirAR reading goals. The students were also entered in prize drawings and received“super reader” pencils as part of the reward. The activity was organized by thelibrarian and supported by various staff members who praised and congratulatedthe students for their dedication and commitment to reading.Student science projects were on displayScience Fairfor the November 7th Science Fair.Projects were judged on originality,scientific methodology, and studentpresentation. Parents and membersof the community were invited to comeand view the projects after the eveningSPTSO meeting and program. R.D.Martinez Elementary is proud of theeffort and energy that went into theseprojects and congratulates all studentsfor participating.College and Career Week 2006top row l to r: Carlos Garza, Leo Munoz, Jorge Meza, Amanda Velasco, PatriciaRamos. Bottom row l to r: Monica Neagle, Yoelia Nava, Janette Acuna, MaritzaHernandez, Lanetta Misage, Acenette Nunez, Gabriela CoolidgeA Family Night event washeld at Romulo MartinezElementary on Thursday,October 26 where manyfamilies gathered to supportand encourage reading. Thechildren participated inplaying games and enjoyedthe face painting services thatwere provided by the B.L. Graycheerleading squad. Many parents generously supported teachers by purchasingbooks to help build classroom libraries through the Scholastic Classroom WishList Program. The event helped put many good books into families’ homes andconveyed a positive message about books and reading.Drug Free: 24/7/365!Family NightCollege and Career Week 2006 was a huge success at R. D. Martinez Elementary!In its second year, the experience brought awareness of higher education and themany different careers a good education can bring to the students. Activitiesincluded “University Hall” (a museum-like display of different universities),“Careers on Wheels,” an interactive career day for K-2 grade students whereprofessionals’ vehicles were on display in the parking lot, and College T-shirtday. KMTZ Rattler radio joined in by playing college fight songs throughoutthe week. The week culminated with the traditional career day for 3rd – 6thgrade students. Several of our parents and community members spoke to ourchildren about their career. It was an exciting time seeing the students asksquestions of these professional adults. Great job counselors and teachers!Drug Free 24/7/365 was this year’s theme for Red Ribbon Week at R.D. MartinezElementary. The students showed their commitment to choose to be drug free allweek long by participating in theme days like, ‘Lei’ off Drugs, Drugs give you theBlues, and Team up against Drugs. Nacho Estrada and Maclovio entertained andeducated the students on the damage drugs can have on your life. Officers fromthe department of Customs and Border Protection were also on hand to discuss thedangers of illegal drugs. Our parents showed their support for a Drug Free weekby joining us on a beautiful Friday picnic.Page 14

SHARYLAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT EDUCATION FOUNDATIONSharyland ISD Education Foundation has AnnualAppreciation LuncheonThe Sharyland Independent School District Education Foundationheld its Annual Appreciation Luncheon on Nov. 2 to recognize the2006 lead contributors, highlight its current awarded grants and kickoff its fund-raising efforts for 2007.The Sharyland ISD Education Foundation created-created to supporteducational programs for students and staff-provides funds toenhance educational programs and activities, which either have notbeen funded by the normal operating budget. These funds are used tofacilitate student achievement and skill development, to recognize andencourage staff escellence and to expand community involvement fromindividuals, business and civic organizations. Grant applications aredistributed throughout SISD and approved by the Foundation board,which for this school year approved nearly $35,000 for 16 requestsfrom the 41 submitted within the Sharyland ISD.About 150 people who attended the appreciation luncheon heard andsaw firsthand how one school used its grant.David Cross, a teacher from John H. Shary Elementary, received agrant to purchase racquet equipment to introduce students to the lifelongjoy and healthy benefits from playing various racquet sports. Inaddition, Shary Elementary students entretained the crowd with musicalselections from The Pirates of Penzance.Oscar Adame, news anchor for KRGV-Channel 5, emceed the program,which included presentations by Doug Dobbins, Texas State Bank, andM. Olaf Frandsen, The Monitor, on the importance of donating to theFoundation and presented the group with a $1,000 donation. Also,Mayor Norberto Salinas, city of Mission, presented the Foundationwith a proclamation.The following contributors were recognized: Platinum Partners,$15,000 (over three years), Texas State Bank and M. Olaf and GailFrandsen; Diamond Partners, $10,000 (over three years), Total ImagingSolutions Inc. (DBA Digital Service and Sales); Gold Partners,$5,000, Hunt Consolidated, Commissioner Joe Flores and WeaksMartin Implement; Silver Partners, $2,500, Linebarger, Goggan,Blair and Sampson LLP; International Bank and Joe Phillips, JoeWilliamson Construction and Ruby Gomez.Contributors of $1,000 were: Connect infrastructure Development,Edwards Abstract and Tile, First National Bank, Tex-Best TravelCenters Inc., AEP Texas Central Hughes and Associates, Star Properties/GMACMarilyn Hardison, Hart Restaurant Management Inc.,H.E.B., Pete and Judy Jaramillo, McAllen National Bank Joe Brown,Paul Rodriguez, Security First Federal Credit Union, Urology Associatesof South Texas, USA Logistics, Harvey Mutz, Ray MartinezConcrete, Valley Land & Tile, The Monitor, Real Estate Depot, GomezConstruction, McAllen Economic Development Corporation, MissionMayor Norberto Salinas, Mr. and Mrs. Romulo Martinez, Rio GrandeRegional Hospital, U.S. Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, Bramble Restaurant,Symbol Technologies, Long Chilton, LLP, IBC (International Bank ofCommerce) and Mission Economic Development Corporation.Members of the SISD Foundation board of directors are Kathryn Mc-Coy, president; Lee Bourg and Sally Cuellar; vice president; Scott B.Owings, secretary; Guillermo Reyna, treasurer; Rick Acevedo, Keri J.Aman, Sue Deleba, Marilyn Filut, Gail Frandsen, Lisa Ann Garcia,Celso Gonzalez Jr., Rosie Guerra, Diane Hernandez, Chris Julian, PattyKlement, Tommy Lewis, Rebecca Martinez, Romulo Martinez, RickMata Jr., Keith Moore, Kristy Ochoa, Keith Padilla, Peter Palmieri,Libby Peña, Teresa Plata, Eva Jean Radle, Wendy Randall, MartinRandall, Celeste Roach, Paul Rodriguez, Lebby Salinas, Fred Segundo,Chair Taylor and Richard Treviño. Associate directors are Bill Carrera,Irma Heredia, Nora Hinojosa, Ana Lemus and Martha T. Wilcox.Page 15

GOLD PERFORMANCEThe Sharyland district and schools have earned Gold Performance Acknowledgment Recognition from the Texas Education Agency. Gold Performance Acknowledgmentswere created by the Texas Legislature in 2001 to recognize districts and campuses for high performance in areas that go above and beyond the basics. There are 11different categories in which the district can receive the Gold Performance Acknowledgment and 13 different categories at the campus level.One area recognized through the Gold Performance Acknowledgment is commended performance in any subject area of TAKS. Twenty percent or more of the studentpopulation tested in that area must obtain commended performance on the state assessment. TAKS Commended Performance is the highest performance level set by theState Board of Education on the TAKS. Students who achieve Commended Performance have performed at a level that is considerably above the state passing standardsand have shown a thorough understanding of the knowledge and skills at the grade level tested. Following are the list of campuses who obtained Gold PerformanceAcknowledgment in commended performance.In addition, campuses can receive recognition based on attendance rates. Students must have obtained a 97% attendance rate at the elementary level, 96% at the juniorhigh level and 95% at the high school level to receive this recognition. Sharyland ISD received the Gold Performance Acknowledgment for attendance with a rate of96.2% and Shary with an attendance rate of 97.5%.Gold Performance Acknowledgment is also achieved through comparable improvement in subject areas. Comparable improvement is a measure that calculates howstudent performance on the TAKS test has changed from one year to the next, and compares the change to that of the 40 schools that are demographically most similarto the target school. For acknowledgment in this indicator, the campus must have an average Texas Growth Index within the top quartile of their 40-member campuscomparison group for that subject. Bentsen, Garza, Hinojosa, Jensen and Martinez Elementary received the Gold Performance Acknowledgment for comparableimprovement in the area of math Bentsen, Garza, Jensen and Martinez Elementary received the Gold Performance Acknowledgment for comparable improvement inReading/ELA.The Recommended High School Program/DAP is the indicator that shows the percent of graduates who were reported as having satisfied the course requirement for theTexas State Board of education Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program. For acknowledgment on this indicator, 60% of all 2004graduates reported must meet or exceed the requirements for the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program. Sharyland achieved thisrecognition at the district level with 92.8% of their student population graduating under this plan.A new indicator this year included the Texas Success Initiative. Sharyland ISD received recognition under this category in the area of mathematics. The Texas SuccessInitiative replaces the TAAS/TASP Equivalency indicator. The new college readiness indicator is based on the performance of only students in grade 11 for the currentyear. According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the standard of college readiness for the exit-level TAKS is a scale score of 2200 for mathematics.For acknowledgment on this indicator, the campus or district must have 50% or more of its examinees scoring at or above the TSI standard set by the Higher EducationCoordinating Board.The district has worked hard throughout the school year to achieve the numerous recognitions that they have received. In total 39 Gold Star Acknowledgments wereobtained in Sharyland. Student success is evitable.