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V I S I O N I M P R O V I N G

L I V E S

T H R O U G H

A

Q U A L I T Y

A Publication of the San Antonio Independent School District

PARENTS + FAMILIES + SCHOOLS = A WINNING COMBO In recognition of the vital role families play in their child’s academic success, SAISD is offering even more to open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 3 • New facilities opportunities for involvement. recognitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 4-5 • Student This year therewarded District welcomed 54 more parent and in SAISD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 6 • ‘Excellence’ family liaisons to the fold for a total of 83 so that all • Brackenridge HS, Harris MS get national honors . . . . pg. 7 schools now have this vital representative. While the welcome mat at SAISD schools always has been out for grandparents, the District is finding new ways to forge this relationship to further benefit students. SAISD also appreciates the contributions of male role models in a child’s success and is increasing efforts to get men more involved, including teaming with community agencies for hands-on training. As part of Douglass Elementary’s Million Father March These join existing endeavors encouraging active participation, dad Thomas Wilson comes to school to read participation such as through the all-American, timewith daughter Serenity Pickens. The 2nd-grader is dressed as honored tradition of PTA membership and more. a princess for Storybook Day. …………………………………. Parent and family liaisons involvement and engagement across our District,” Perez Leading the charge to bring this position to every said, adding: SAISD school was Superintendent Dr. Sylvester Perez. “This move puts on our campuses someone whose “The decision to expand the position to all campuses sole focus is to engage parents and bring them into tells you how important we think it is to have parental continued back page

SAISD BOND 2010 CELEBRATES MAJOR MILESTONES As 2013 draws to a close, numerous SAISD 2010 Bond projects are nearing the finish line, with some merely a few months away from completion. As those in the District

Workers hold a banner for the demolition claw to grab as a prelude to it taking down the first section of the 55-year-old original Highlands High School building.

know, 22 campuses are experiencing extensive renovation thanks to the $515 million bond package voted for by citizens in 2010. Currently, 17 of the 22 schools are in the construction phase, with another five in the design and planning phase, managed by Muñoz Jacobs LLC and supported by SAISD’s facilities staff. Cameron Elementary is the first school scheduled for substantial completion by the end of this year. While students won’t officially move to Cameron until fall 2014 to avoid schedule disruption and permit a final systems check, parents, children and neighbors will be invited to experience a sneak peek of the newly renovated school this spring. Hot on the heels of Cameron’s completion are Fenwick Elementary’s and Hawthorne Academy’s new additions, both slated for occupation by early this spring with renovation continuing during the summer break. Over the past year, SAISD staff completed additional

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E D U C A T I O N

I

Fall 2013

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

PUBLIC SCHOOLS WORTH CELEBRATING

In reading through this issue, you will see that great things continue to happen in SAISD schools. We have a number of new, innovative programs – from computer programming for all freshmen at Highlands High School to golf for students in all District Dr. Sylvester Perez Superintendent elementaries and academies. Across the District, many bond projects are nearing completion. We are determined to provide as many opportunities as we can for students. Academically, we’re graduating more students on time, and our dropout rate is projected to be below 10 percent for the class of 2013. Public schools educate about 90 percent of schoolaged children in Bexar County – yet you don’t hear often enough about all of the benefits of public schools. But that is about to change. On Nov. 8, I joined superintendents from across Bexar County for the launch of Go Public, a countywide campaign to generate better awareness of the wonderful things happening in public schools every day. Trustees and superintendents of 15 Bexar County school districts have joined with co-chairs Chris Nielsen of Toyota, Joe Robles of USAA and Kim Bowers of CST Brands in this effort to raise awareness about the strength of our public schools. Thanks to private funding, the yearlong campaign will include television, print and radio ads, as well as digital and social media integration. The ads will focus on public education’s core strengths: a highly trained and experienced teaching corps, a wide variety of extracurricular activities and clubs and a diversity of learning experiences and technological resources. We are working hard to support our schools by telling our collective story. In addition to extracurricular options, public school districts offer a huge diversity of learning experiences, from magnet schools that focus on law or health to career and technical programs in

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Trustees at work for the community................................page 2 SAISD ups the ante on health and physical fitness.........page 3 Honors and partnerships......................................pages 4 and 5 Noticias en español..................................................pages 10-11

AT YOUR SERVICE!

THE DISTRICT’S ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES AT WORK FOR THE COMMUNITY They represent seven diverse areas of SAISD but are united in a common cause - the well-being of District students, patrons and employees. These photos show just some of the ways our School Board members serve on behalf of their constituents. Cheering the Young Women’s Leadership Academy volleyball team on to victory over friendly in-district rival the Highlands Owls is Ed Garza. The School Board President spoke at his District 7 campus during a pep rally for the nationwide observance of Dig for the Cure. YWLA’s match with Highlands was among those involving all SAISD high schools. Proceeds went to WINGS, a local non-profit organization supporting women with breast cancer.

School Board Vice President Olga M. Hernandez (left) pays tribute to those whose lives were lost during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks upon our nation’s freedom. This 9/11 ceremony hosted by her District 6 Edison High School was one of several throughout SAISD. Joining her for the wreath laying were representatives from the school’s Public Safety Magnet and principal Charles Muñoz. School Board Secretary Arthur V. Valdez presents Kelly Elementary principal Claudia Ramos a certificate recognizing her District 4 school for being one of eight SAISD campuses earning highest ratings on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness exam. (See story page 4.) Board Assistant Secretary James Howard takes center court at his District 2 Wheatley Middle School’s refurbished gym with (l to r) Spurs guard Nando De Colo, school coach Keith Edmonson and principal Mae Olison. De Colo and his NBA Western Conference champion teammates came to lead students through the Coyote Boot Camp, which promotes a healthy, active lifestyle. This summer Wheatley was the beneficiary of an NBA Cares project. (See story page 6.)

Trustee Debra Guerrero (left) joins Highlands High School principal (l to r) Lorna Klokkenga and KABB-TV reporter and alum Sylvia Rincon in celebrating the start of demolition at her District 3 campus. An event marking the first wall coming down included brick keepsakes. It also provided an opportunity for all, including students such as these from Highlands feeder elementary and middle schools, to bid a fond farewell to the original 55-year-old building being replaced by the $65.7 million state-of-theart campus yet to come. (See page 12 for details.) Vision SAISD I Fall 2013 I Page 2

Celebrating the Brackenridge High School’s PON LA MESA installation (second from right) is District 1 Trustee Steve Lecholop. The artwork is the centerpiece for the campus’s Obesity & Diabetes Awareness: Social Change Through The Arts! campaign. Others were (seated, l to r) principal Moises Ortiz, student Alfonso Carrasco and King William Association representative Zet Baer. Standing (l to r) are artist Jose Chapa, teacher Theresa Ybanez and Martinez Street Women’s Center Education Director Susan Jenkins.

District 5 Trustee Patti Radle presents (l to r) Louis Romero, Irving Middle School associate band director, Gilbert Sanchez, head director, Angel Flores, associate director and Michael Jordan, principal, a certificate recognizing the honor band’s latest accolade. The Rams placed in the top 10 at the Texas Music Educators Association state finals, where they beat out hundreds of other middle school band hopefuls. Irving is a two-time recipient of this honor. The 2006 band also placed in Texas’ top 10.

FROM NUTRITION TO PHYSICAL FITNESS, SAISD CONTINUES TO UP THE ANTE A veritable smorgasbord of new meal items as nutritious welcomed students back to school this fall. On the move as they are pleasing to the palate and even more serving The offerings are all part of SAISD’s recognition of the venues, plus increased physical fitness opportunities

important role wellness plays in academic success.

On the menu

New food additions not only comply with state and federal guidelines, they also meet the taste standards of the District’s most discerning food critics: students, who tested some of the items considered for inclusion. These are among the latest in ongoing efforts to offer healthier, low-fat, low-sodium versions of some popular standbys while never skimping on flavor. This incudes whole grain pastas, cereals and bread, 100 percent fruit juice, non-fat and low-fat milk, foods that are baked, never fried, and no high fructose corn syrup. New meal items aren’t the only expansions to SAISD’s Food and Child Nutrition offerings this year. Breakfast went mobile at one District high school while after-school meals return for a second year for elementaryand middle school-level youngsters at select campuses. What’s for breakfast New breakfast items include whole grain maple French toast sticks, Canadian turkey bacon, yogurt and granola parfait and whole grain baked banana and zucchini breads. Noontime newbies Joining the lunchtime sandwich selections this year (all served on whole grain bread), are beef sliders, Italian subs and spicy grilled chicken.

Mission Academy food service assistant Mary Antu serves up roasted sliced turkey breast with gravy, one of this year’s new menu items.

New pasta items (also all whole grain) are turkey lasagna, a vegetarian-friendly vegetable lasagna, chicken Alfredo and low-fat mac ‘n’ cheese. Students need not wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy roasted sliced turkey breast with gravy, while every day is a fiesta when Mexican pizza with shredded lettuce, tomato and salsa is served. Also new is whole grain chicken nuggets, while last year’s popular newbie, sweet potato fries, are even better than ever by being prepared seasoned and crinkle cut. Breakfast in the Classroom Breakfast isn’t just for the cafeteria crowd anymore. In addition to providing all students the day’s most important meal in the cafeteria through the federal



Universal Free Breakfast Program, an increasing number of schools are serving up Breakfast in the Classroom.

All elementary-age youngsters are enjoying the fun of unstructured play through recess. They also have the added advantage of learning valuable skills that will serve them well through life.

The First Tee Don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s top PGA and LPGA tournament players can be found right here and now, learning the game at an SAISD academy or elementary. But even if a professional cup is not in their future, these amateurs will be champions in a Burbank High School students get off to a great start to the far more important school day through Breakfast in the Classroom. venue: winners in the game of life. Commonly called BIC, the program began in 2009 Through The at the elementary level as another opportunity to First Tee, elementaryensure students start the day well fed. Today, almost all age students from 58 Mission Academy students elementaries and about half of all middle schools offer practice their basic putting skills. District schools not BIC. Last spring, Burbank became the first BIC high only are honing their school, with expansions to other schools being considered. golf skills, but also preparing to become well-rounded “Serving breakfast in the classroom guarantees that individuals and upstanding citizens as well. all students are offered a healthy, nutritious breakfast and A seamless health and wellness component includes has increased the number of students eating breakfast at an emphasis on character values such respect, courtesy, school,” said Sally Cody, SAISD food and child nutrition honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and responsibility. services department senior executive director. SAISD’s affiliation with this national program is made possible through a collaboration with The First After-school snacks and meals Tee of Greater San Antonio. At the end of the day, elementary- and middle schoolRecess, the fourth R level students at the 69 After-School Challenge sites are Child’s play now has taken its rightful place among offered healthy evening snacks and meals, the latter of the patriarchs of education – reading, writing and which were served for the first time last year. ‘rithmetic. Thanks to an administrative policy change, 15 minutes were added to the elementary-level school day this year so that students could spend consecutive time burning off energy, honing their social skills and boosting their brain cells, all without sacrificing instructional time. The change was made with guidance from the School Health Advisory Council to ensure that playtime be implemented Districtwide. Because daily recess previously was recommended, but not required, the amount of time for and frequency of recess had varied Hirsch Elementary After-School Challenge students fuel up for by campus. the fun learning and fitness activities to come. Just like SAISD’s other offerings, the after-school snacks and meals are both delicious and nutritionally balanced. Check it out online Parents can view their child’s daily menus, meal nutrition information and much more by visiting: www.saisd.net/dept/foodnutrition.

Enjoying free play at recess on a free dress day are these Briscoe Elementary 2nd-graders.

Vision SAISD I Fall 2013 I Page 3

SPOTLIGHT ON SAISD AN Hall of Honor

SAISD’s award-winning superintendent has yet another tribute to add to his long list of accolades. Dr. Sylvester Perez was inducted into the Hispanic Sports Foundation for Education’s 2013 National Hispanic Heritage Hall of Honor for his outstanding contributions to education. The more than 40-year veteran educator was among five honorees chosen in a variety of categories for distinguished service and inspirational character.

Give this teacher an apple!

Worthy of the golden variety is De Zavala Elementary 4th-grade Gifted and Talented teacher Yara Luna. The recipient of the annual ExCEL trophy from KENS5 and the San Antonio Federal Credit Union also received a $1,000 cash prize and was featured in a story on the sponsor station. Earlier this year, Luna was the District’s nominee for the Trinity (University)Prize for Excellence in Teaching, one of Bexar County’s most prestigious honors.

Social studies super stars

Three outstanding educators are 2013 Globey award recipients as the SAISD Social Studies Teachers of the Year. Honorees are chosen based upon innovative teaching, campus special event coordination, workshop presentations, student participation in academic contests and professional organization membership.

Dr. Sylvester Perez (far right) joins fellow inductees (l to r) Sam Medina, Clarence Kahlig, JoAnne Boone and former San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros.

Yara Luna (holding the 2013 ExCEL Award) with (l to r) Superintendent Dr. Sylvester Perez, principal Joseph Cerna, KENS5 morning anchor Sarah Forgany and SACU representatives Yvonne De La Rosa, government relations officer, and Peter Morales, supervisory committee secretary.

Globey winners (front row, l to r, are) Mary L. Roam, Brackenridge High School; Desirre Madrid, Bonham Academy; and Adrean Springer, the Young Women’s Leadership Academy. With them (back row, l to r) are Manuel Flores and Moises Ortiz, assistant principal and principal, respectively, Brackenridge; Will Webber, Bonham principal; and Jennifer Salazar, YWLA academic dean.

Financial excellence

So long, SADE

Drug Enforcement. Joshua now attends Burbank High School, from which Travis (a UTSA freshman) was graduated.

SAISD continues to be recognized for its superior accounting practices and financial reporting. The District earned a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting Award from the Association of School Business Officials International. SAISD is one of only 15 Texas school districts and among 88 nationwide to receive this honor for at least 25 years. SAISD also earned an encore Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

Prior to enjoying a dog’s life as a retiree, a valued District Police Department veteran received some well-deserved recognition from Trustees for her eight years of service as SAISD’s first-ever police canine. During this time SADE (pronounced Sadie) and handler Officer Charles Whitlock performed thousands of searches to keep drugs away from students and delighted and informed countless youngsters by demonstrating her specialized skills. As a rookie, she inspired another first: a name-the-dog contest. Winners Joshua and Travis Juarez of Graebner Elementary devised the acronym SADE for San Antonio

Making her final public appearance prior to retirement is SADE, with Officer Charles Whitlock, who has adopted her into his family. Wishing her well are her namers, brothers (l to r) Joshua and Travis Juarez.

DISTRICT SCHOOLS TAKE TOP HONORS IN NATIONAL, STATE AND LOCAL RANKINGS Students and staff at eight SAISD campuses had particular cause for major celebration when school started this year, some of which are among those still relishing earlier news of academic victories for 2013. The ‘STAARS’ of SAISD Besides meeting standards on the state’s new accountability system, Travis Early College High School, the Young Women’s Leadership Academy and Arnold, Baskin, J.T. Brackenridge, Franklin, Kelly and Wilson elementaries earned three Academic Achievement Distinction Designations, the highest number possible for high performance in reading and math, and for being in the top 25 percent of their comparison group of campuses for student progress. Less than 10 percent of the state’s more than 8,500 Texas Education Agency-rated campuses earned three distinctions Vision SAISD I Fall 2013 I Page 4

and only 30 from seven area school districts. More marks of distinction Additionally, two dozen other SAISD schools earned one or two Distinction Designations. They are: Burbank High School; Bonham and Hawthorne academies; Page, Poe, Tafolla and Twain middle schools; and Ball, Barkley-Ruiz, Beacon Hill, Bowden, Cameron, Graebner, Green, Highland Hills, Japhet, Lamar, Margil, Maverick, Nelson, Pershing, Riverside Park, Rodriguez and Schenck elementaries. All of these rankings are under the new State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness accountability system. Texas’ best In addition to its highest ranking according to STAAR, YWLA is reigning champ among middle schools statewide. The city’s only all-girls public school tops the Houstonbased Children at Risk advocacy group’s 2013 list of the best middle schools in both Texas and the greater San Antonio

area of about 500 campuses. Other District middle schools making the greater San Antonio area’s top 10 are: Austin Academy, #5; Bonham Academy, #6; and Hawthorne Academy, #10. Lamar ranked #8 in the elementary category. District high schools placed in new categories designed for campuses that serve a high concentration of economically disadvantaged students. Ranked among the Shell Gold Ribbon High Schools for Math and Science are: Burbank, #2; and Edison, #3. Placing among the Urban Comprehensive High Schools top 10 are: Burbank, #3; Brackenridge, #4; Edison, #5: and Jefferson, #7. Making Newsweek Nationally, Burbank and Edison made Newsweek magazine’s list of America’s Top High Schools, which recognizes campuses proven to be the most effective in turning out college-ready graduates.

ND OUR PARTNERSHIPS PROGRESS CONTINUES ON PROPOSED UIW MED SCHOOL

Area students aspiring to careers as physicians, health care practitioners and medical researchers may have a new medical school to look forward to. Earlier this fall Superintendent Dr. Sylvester Perez signed a non-binding letter of intent between SAISD and the University of the Incarnate Word to lay the groundwork for what could become UIW’s future School of Osteopathic Medicine on the grounds of Fox Tech High School, which hosts a Health Professions Magnet program. Progress toward that goal escalated when both the county and city unanimously granted funding to UIW for the proposal to be used for economic development, job creation and incentives and infrastructure improvements.

The project also depends upon UIW raising money from the private sector. “This is an example of how public-private educational partnerships can pave a path to success for our students. As we strive for continued progress in SAISD, we must seize these types of high-value opportunities that give our students a learning advantage,” Perez said when the letter was signed. These learning advantages would include an educational partnership agreement to integrate UIW’s health degree programs with SAISD’s health career programs. Besides Fox Tech, Edison High School and Whittier Middle School also host health professions programs. The health professions programs also would benefit from a total cash payment of $1.5 million payable over a two-year

SAISD DROPOUT PREVENTION PROGRAM HITS THE BIG SCREEN

The success of the District’s Middle School Partners program, which allows 8th-graders who have been retained at least one year an opportunity to graduate high school with their peers, is earning fanfare through the PBS short documentary “Skipping Up.” The film debuted in October at a free advanced

screening at the Santikos Embassy 14 Theater as part of a community cinema series presented by the Independent Television Service and KLRN. It also is among a series of shorts offered through the American Graduate: Let’s Make it Happen, whose website describes MSP as having “generated national interest as a model for schools with significant Latino populations.” “Skipping Up” follows three Twain Middle School students in

At the screening (front row, l to r) were former Twain students Brandon Martinez and William Elizondo, director Jim Mendiola and producer Faith Radle. Shown back row ( l to r) are SAISD Secondary Initiatives Executive Director David Udovich, Twain teacher Beth Adams and school principal Christopher Castro.

OWL FRESHMEN OBTAIN ‘CODE’ FOR SUCCESSFUL FUTURES

Whether preparing to be computer programmers, seeking ways to augment their high-tech skills for other professions or aiming to hone their critical thinking, all of Highlands High School’s 400 + 9th-graders are getting a head start on college, careers and expanding their horizons. This year they are among a select few students in the nation and the first in Texas learning how to code computer systems through the fun, interactive, Web-based platform CodeHS. While directly related to the SET Magnet, all freshmen are participating in CodeHS because the critical-thinking and

problem-solving skills learned are beneficial, regardless of the career students pursue. At most other schools, the program is available only to a select few group of students. Learning is made fun with users writing their own code in game form in which they direct Karel the dog through a maze. Individual feedback tutorial videos also are offered. Funding and related hardware was provided by Rackspace Hosting Chairman and Weston Properties Co-Founder Graham Weston’s 80/20 Foundation through a partnership with the SAISD Foundation.

period to enhance their expansion and sustainability. Districtwide benefits would include: $3,000-per-year grants for SAISD graduating seniors meeting the university’s admissions requirements and who elect to enroll full time in any UIW undergraduate degree program, and $50,000 annually in scholarship support for SAISD employees pursuing UIW graduate degree programs. The proposed initial 25-year ground lease is for 2.5 to 3 acres on what had been Fox Tech’s athletic fields at North Flores and Quincy streets, with an option to extend for an additional 25 years. If approved, the lease would begin in June 2015 with a target 2016 date for the school’s opening.

the spring of 2012 as they were completing the program, which enables targeted 8th-graders to enter high school with enough credits to put them on track to timely graduation. Today, all are doing well in high school, one at Jefferson and the other two at Travis Early College. In January 2010, Twain was one of two SAISD middle schools to pilot MSP, through which participants spend half their school day on 8th-grade core subjects and the remainder online working on their high school courses. Since October 2010 SAISD has offered MSP at all 14 middle schools through a $14 million, five-year U.S. Department of Education grant. “Skipping Up” funding was provided by PBS in association with Latino Public Broadcasting. For more information, visit: www.klrn.org/communitycinema.

CodeHS Highlands SET Magnet coordinator Chelsey Cook and students Tyler Vega and Daimean Gonzales (l to r) discuss a computer programming function.

SAISD FOUNDATION HONORS DISTRICT’S SOURCES OF INSPIRATION 2) Excellence Award - Dr. Ricardo Romo, University of Texas at San Antonio president, author and noted photographer, Fox Tech HS. His presenter was John T. Montford, former SAISD Foundation board chairman. 3) Leadership Award Sonia M. Rodriguez, attorney, Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women chair, SA 2020 original tri-chair and current board member and YWLA board member, Burbank HS. Her

Educators, outstanding alumni and organizations were recognized for innovation at the annual INSPIRE Awards, sponsored by the SAISD Foundation. Award category, recipients (l to r) and schools are: 1) Innovation Award - Dr. Lawrence Scott, Burbank HS counselor; Blanca Gebhart, Bonham Academy teacher; Paul Perea, Maverick ES teacher; and Dr. Traci Smith, Herff ES principal.

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presenter was Suzanne Wade, president of H-E-B San Antonio food/drug division. 4) Service Award - Dr. Joe Bernal, former educator, state representative, senator and Texas Board of Education member, Lanier HS. His presenter was Dr. Maria “Cuca” Robledo Montecel, president and CEO of Intercultural Development Research Association and 5) The 80/20 Foundation. Accepting on its behalf was Lorenzo Gomez, executive director. His presenter was Darryl Byrd, president and CEO of SA20/20. Nomination forms for next year’s awards now are online at: www.SAISDFoundation.com/events. Vision SAISD I Fall 2013 I Page 5

MORE ABOUT YOUR DISTRICT Ed Garza, President

(District 7)

DISTRICT 1

Awards, breaking records and increased educational opportunities were among the fall semester highlights. Following are details on these and others for District 1.

Expanded pre-K

Even more 3- and 4-year-olds were able to take advantage of SAISD’s acclaimed pre-kinder program, such as these with Lamar Elementary teaching assistant Analisa Martinez. For the first time ever, parents who did not qualify for state funding were able to enroll their children through the school’s tuition-supported system. For information about the 2014-15 school year, call the District’s Early Childhood Education Department, 554-2410.

‘Team’ing Up for service

The Pershing Elementary Gardening Club is among seven District groups whose service learning projects were selected as semifinalists in this year’s Team Up Challenge, netting them

Olga M. Hernandez, Vice President

(District 6)

Arthur V. Valdez, Secretary

(District 4)

James Howard, Asst. Secretary

(District 2)

$2,500 in seed money from Silver & Black Give Back. Their funding will be used to plant a community garden, with the harvest donated to the San Antonio Food Bank. Five of 20 area clubs or groups ultimately will be awarded a grant of $20,000.

The Travis advantage

Not only are they already receiving their university acceptance letters, many will graduate high school with an associate degree or up to 60 hours college credit. This opportunity is offered at no cost in partnership with nearby San Antonio College, which students attend while simultaneously earning their high school diplomas at Travis.

Eagles soar

Building better environments for learning and health, along with aiming for college, took center court this semester. Following are details on these and other District 2 highlights.

VIP reading buddy and benefactor It was double the fun for Hirsch Elementary students when Ivy Taylor visited. The District 2 City Councilwoman brought books she signed and donated, then stayed to read to them. Showing the books is principal Mary Rodriguez.

Oh happy day! Washington Elementary 3rd-grade teacher Brandy Lewis-LaGrant (shown with store manager Mike Garcia) was one of three SAISD educators delighted by surprise visits from Office Max Vision SAISD I Fall 2013 I Page 6

(District 3)

Steve Lecholop, Trustee

(District 1)

Patti Radle, Trustee

(District 5)

Marching band magnificence The Eagle band represented SAISD at the University Interscholastic League’s Area D marching contest where they qualified based upon their superior first division rating at regionals. Showing off the trophy are drum majors Alexandra Tamez and Michael Lopez. Joining

While higher ed and college acceptance is still on the horizon for many high school seniors, not so for a baker’s dozen of teens attending Travis Early College High School.

It’s been an award-winning autumn for students at another District 1 high school, Brackenridge. These include:

DISTRICT 2

Debra Guerrero, Trustee

representatives bearing $1,000 in school supplies and new chairs. She was among 1,000 teachers nationwide benefiting from the office supply retailer’s seventh-annual A Day Made Better program, which includes supporting those who spend their own money on much-needed school supplies.

‘Team’ing Up for service The M.L. King Academy National Junior Honor Society is among seven District groups whose service learning projects were selected as semifinalists in this year’s Team Up Challenge, netting them $2,500 in seed money from Silver & Black Give Back. Their funding will be used to create a college-going atmosphere at their school. Five of 20 area classes or clubs ultimately will be awarded a grant of $20,000.

them are directors (l to r) Mark Wolocki, Gabe Valdez, Alfonso Alvarado and principal Moises Ortiz. . In the swim Sophomore Star Rosales (shown right with coach Natalie Walker) broke a 15-year SAISD record in the 50-meter butterfly at the Alamo Area High School Swimming League. The previous record was set by fellow Eagle Carla Landeros.

A winning team

East Side-area youngsters scored a personal victory by virtue of the Spurs advancing to the 2013 NBA finals: an NBA Cares Learn and Play Center and a newly renovated gym at Wheatley Middle School. Each year a school in the top two teams’ hometowns are selected for the projects. This fall players including guard Cory Joseph(shown above with students) came to lead the Coyote Boot Camp, which promotes healthy habits.

Making a difference Sam Houston High School 9th-graders joined with City Year in planting herbs and vegetables at the school for the national Making a Difference Day, which focuses on improving lives.

DISTRICT 3

Public service through antibullying efforts, building strong minds, winning awards and more made this fall semester one to remember. Following are details on these and other District 3 highlights.

providing early childhood education and elementary students with self-published children’s books. Five of 20 area classes or clubs ultimately will be awarded a grant of $20,000.

Real PALs The Schenck Elementary Peer Assistance Leadership team has a new skill to add to its repertoire. Members now are qualified to conduct peer assistance mediation as part of the school’s ongoing anti-bullying efforts. This conflict resolution skill was taught by Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center Peer Mediation Coordinator Anita Castillo (left), who paused for a photo with her apt pupils.

‘Team’ing Up for service The Connell Middle School Knight Writers is among seven District groups whose service learning projects were selected as semifinalists in this year’s Team Up Challenge, netting them $2,500 in seed money from Silver & Black Give Back. Their funding will be used to promote literacy, including

DISTRICT 4

Honors for outstanding academics, adventures via books and bikes and award-winning anti-bullying art were among the highlights for this South Side community. Following are details on these and others for District 4.

Mind excursions

Clifford the Big Red Dog made a surprise visit to Herff Elementary bearing free travel and camping-themed books for all approximately 600 students.

The giveaway, courtesy of Scholastic Classroom & Community Group and Best Western International, was part of the school’s efforts to encourage a love for reading.

Bike rally and brotherly love beneficiary

Hillcrest Elementary 2ndgrader Israel Reyes is the proud new owner of a set of wheels, thanks to Burbank High School’s Changing Gears bike rally and his generous brother.

How do they spell fun? Scrabble! Improving their vocabulary, math and strategic-thinking skills is fun for members of the Rogers Middle School Scrabble Club. Accomplished player and school librarian Jennifer Zinn, shown observing Justin Rodriguez (left) and Cesar Trujillo during a lunchtime game, launched the club last school year in recognition of how learning to play the game could benefit her students. Rogers is one of two SAISD middle schools hosting Scrabble Clubs with funding provided by the SAISD Foundation. Upon winning the bike, Julian, a Hillcrest 5th-grader, promptly gave it to his younger sibling. Besides bike giveaways, the event promoted health and fitness through proper nutrition and exercise.

Chess champs

Reigning supreme in a game board clash of royalty were members of the Lowell Middle School Chess Club.

The Falcons pitted pawn against pawn prior to taking the queen to place first in their category at the Rackspace Chess Tournament, where they beat out 18 challengers. Joining them at the trophy presentation ceremony was Rackspace Hosting Chairman and Weston Properties Co-founder Graham Weston.



Outstanding Owls

The District 3’s Highlands High School was in the spotlight for a variety of accomplishments including: A towering success About 100 Owls demonstrated their science, technology and engineering skills through constructing towers designed to be strong enough to withstand earthquake tremors. This feat was performed at the Great Minds STEM workshop, sponsored by the Army Corps of Engineers. Agrarian excellence Highlands Future Farmers of America members returned home victorious from the Leadership Development Conference contest at Texas A&M University-Commerce. There, these students all placed in the top 10 in a variety of categories.

area students for the 10th-annual competition, which is designed to turn the negative effects of graffiti into a positive event. Shown presenting Katarina her award is City Council District 3 Constituent Services Director Angela Cardona.

College-readiness recognition

A trio of Burbank High School educators, the most from any school honored, topped the awards platform at the national Diplomas Now Institute where they were recognized for exemplary efforts “in always go(ing) the extra mile to keep students on track to graduate.” Yesenia Cordova was named High School Principal of the Year. Chosen as Instructional Coach of the Year for English as a Second Language and math, respectively, were teachers Laura Barrera and Edd Schneider. SAISD’s Rhodes Middle School also offers the research-based school transformation model. Diplomas Now is provided in partnership with the Johns Hopkins University School of Education’s Talent Development Secondary, City Year and Communities in Schools.

‘Poe’tato award winner Praised by judges as one of the most unique entries ever, Katarina Tijerina’s depiction of a moustached potato vandal won first place in the citywide graffiti abatement art contest. The Poe Middle School 7th-grader’s submission beat out 800 others sent in by

With well-wishers are Laura Barrera (l to r) Yesenia Cordova and Edd Schneider. Vision SAISD I Fall 2013 I Page 7

DISTRICT 5

This fall featured holistic public service opportunities to nourish the community through both body and mind. Leadership, along with college and career endeavors, also made headlines. Following are details on these and other District 5 semester highlights.

‘Team’ing Up for service Student groups from Brewer and Storm elementaries are among seven from SAISD whose service learning projects were selected as semifinalists in this year’s Team Up Challenge, netting them $2,500 in seed money from Silver & Black Give Back. Brewer 3rd-graders will use their funding to promote BREWER

community health and fitness and create a community garden, while the Storm Bobcats will use theirs to advocate literacy among pre-K students and the community. Five of 20 area classes or clubs ultimately will be awarded a grant of $20,000.

Into the goodness groove Keeping a positive attitude and good behavior not only are the right thing to do but also can be fun, as Samantha Jaime’s Ogden Elementary kinder students learned. This lesson was brought to them through a fun, interactive presentation by Radio Disney.

The marvelous Voks

District 5’s Lanier High School was in the limelight for leadership, hosting a national summit and for loving their West Side landmark campus. These include: STORM

Career technology comrades Criminal justice students Wendy Guzman and Gladys Molina (far right and left, respectively) and instructor Tamara Ford

DISTRICT 6

Students embraced a variety of well-rounded activities to help them prepare for college, establish lifelong health habits and contribute to their communities. Following are details on these and other District 6 fall semester highlights.

Hip to be square Beacon Hill Elementary students and staff, including teaching assistant Trina Glass, were proud to get their nerd on as part of the national Red Ribbon Week observances. Nerd Day provided a fun forum for all to declare they are too smart to ever use drugs.

Oh happy day! Cotton Elementary 4th-grade teacher Veronica Escobedo was one of three SAISD educators delighted by surprise visits to their classrooms from Office Max representatives bearing $1,000 in school supplies and new chairs. Shown congratulating her Vision SAISD I Fall 2013 I Page 8

are store manager Jeremiah Foster and principal Dr. Maria Graciela Setien. Escobedo was among 1,000 teachers nationwide benefiting from the office supply retailer’s seventh-annual A Day Made Better program, which includes supporting those who spend their own money on much-needed school supplies.

met with Texas Sen. John Cornyn while in Washington, D.C., for the Leadership Training Institute. There, they discussed the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act’s funding for programs like Lanier’s, which Cornyn supports. Gladys and Wendy attended in their capacities as SkillsUSA District 11 president and state vice president, respectively. On the higher ed launch pad Lanier had the distinction of hosting the United States Hispanic Leadership Summit’s launch. The event also included a career and college fair, providing students an opportunity to meet with representatives from a variety of universities and institutes of higher education. Too much spirit for English only Sophomore Juan Velasquez is set to go down in the record books as winner of the school’s first Spanish cheer contest. In addition to this honor, Juan received a $100 award from District 5 Trustee Patti Radle, who suggested the contest in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Expert advice Twain Middle School students were advised on the importance of good attendance from the best possible source: straight from the bench. Bexar County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Roberto Vazquez visited the school to talk about

‘Team’ing Up for service Student groups from WILSON Wilson Elementary and Whittier Middle School are among seven from SAISD whose service learning projects were selected as semifinalists in this year’s Team Up Challenge, netting them $2,500 in seed money from Silver & Black Give Back. WHITTIER The Wilson Gardening Club will use the funding to expand its organic community garden and related education efforts, while the Whittier National Junior Honor Society will establish a safe route for students who feel threatened walking home from school. Five of 20 area classes or clubs ultimately will be awarded a grant of $20,000.

the truancy cases he hears and to field questions. Following the presentation, participants were invited to have a photo taken with his Honor.

In good hands

When an elite group of Edison High School seniors say they are learning how to put out fires, they aren’t speaking figuratively. Instead, it’s all in a day’s work for future firefighters enrolled in the Public Safety Magnet. The program offered in partnership with San Antonio College and the city’s fire and police departments offers a fast track to careers in either fire science or law enforcement.

DISTRICT 7

Once again, when other educators want to know how to do college readiness right at their own campuses, they come to District 7 schools. Reading and marking a major milestone also were in the limelight this semester. Following are details on these and other District 7 highlights.

Hurray for reading! Literacy ruled at elementaries throughout District 7 through a variety of celebrations, including the nationwide Read for Record shared reading event. Guest readers treated youngsters to renditions of this year’s selection, “Otis,” Loren Young’s tale of a fun-loving farm tractor. They included H-E-B’s Jasmin Zurita, accompanied by H-EBuddy at Huppertz. At Maverick, guest reader state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte (second from left) was greeted by some attired in western wear for the occasion. Shown standing with her (l to r) are Maverick librarian Mary Ellen Ramon, principal Linda Nance and teacher Laura Quiroz.

Livening up the read-aloud with lots of laughs at Woodlawn were Jefferson High School Leadership Team members Alex Arellano and Genesis Boyd. Oh happy day! Madison Elementary teacher Christina Vogel (center) was one of three SAISD educators delighted by surprise visits to their classrooms from Office Max representatives bearing $1,000 in school supplies and new chairs. Shown congratulating her are (l to r) district manager Shawn Moylan, principal Barbara Black, operations manager Jonathan Madrid and Superintendent Dr. Sylvester Perez. Vogel was among 1,000 teachers nationwide benefiting from the office supply retailer’s annual A Day Made Better program, which includes supporting those who spend their own money on muchneeded school supplies

AVID experts

Longfellow Middle School and Jefferson High School continue to exemplify their roles as models for educators

interested in implementing the college-prep Advancement Via Individual Determination program. Longfellow hosted South Texas-area educators as part of the AVID regional workshop, where teacher Stephanie Cardenas’ class was among those they observed. Coming to Jefferson were South and Central Texas educators, where they were greeted by Judy Torres, the schools’ AVID coordinator. Both, along with District 6’s Whittier Middle School, are among a select few campuses designated as national demonstration sites in recognition of their successful use of AVID in preparing students for higher education.



Mayoral milestone visit

Members of the Young Women’s Leadership Academy’s class of 2014 have a VIP advocate on their side. He’s Mayor Julián Castro, who posed with YWLA’s first senior class while visiting San Antonio’s only all-girl’s public school to encourage higher education aspirations.

‘INVESTING’ IN SERVICE, FROM THE BOARD ROOM TO THE COMMUNITY Civic- and business-minded teens and ‘tweens need not wait until adulthood to make their marks on the world. Multiple opportunities abound to improve lives now through public service and for getting a jump start on college and careers. These include: Student Board of Directors Aspiring entrepreneurs from nine SAISD high schools have the unique opportunity to learn about the nation’s central bank from behind the closed doors of the boardroom. By attending monthly meetings at the San Antonio Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, student leaders receive an insider’s view of the Fed’s role in the U.S. economy and experience its unique partnership with banks, businesses and the community. Gamma Sigma Girls and Gamma Sigma Pearls Through membership in these new breed of Girl Scouts programs, young women from 15 District secondary schools create projects designed to help build their confidence and shape and define them as leaders while helping their communities. In 2010 SAISD was selected as the Gamma Sigma Girls national pilot for high school students. This year, middle school girls from five District campuses have the opportunity to participate through the new Gamma Sigma Pearls.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for the 2014-15 School Year

SAISD offers a variety of programs and specialized schools that provide unique learning environments and rigorous academics through our In-District Charters and Magnets - all open to students across Bexar County. INCLUDING: YOUNG WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

TRAVIS EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

FOX TECH HIGH SCHOOL FOR HEALTH AND LAW

APPLY TODAY or call 210-554-2660 • www.saisd.net

VALE LA PENA CELEBRAR LAS ESCUELAS PÚBLICAS Leyendo a través de esta edición, usted se enterará de las grandes cosas que continúan sucediendo en las escuelas de SAISD. Tenemos un número de nuevos e innovadores programas – desde programación de computadoras para todos los estudiantes del 9no grado en Highlands High School hasta clases de golf para Dr. Sylvester Perez los estudiantes de todas las primarias y academias del Distrito. Superintendente También a lo largo del distrito, muchos de los proyectos de los bonos están a punto de concluir. Estamos decididos a ofrecer tantas oportunidades como podamos para los estudiantes. Académicamente, estamos graduando más alumnos a tiempo, y la deserción escolar se proyecta a ser menor del 10 por ciento para la clase de 2013. Las escuelas públicas educan a un 90 por ciento de los niños en edad escolar en el Condado de Bexar, sin embargo, no se

escuchan a menudo todas las ventajas de las escuelas públicas. Pero eso, está a punto de cambiar. El 8 de noviembre, me uní a los superintendentes del Condado de Bexar para el lanzamiento de la campaña Go Public, un esfuerzo a lo largo del condado para generar una mayor toma de conciencia de las cosas maravillosas que ocurren en las escuelas públicas cada día. Miembros de las mesas directivas y superintendentes de 15 distritos escolares del Condado de Bexar se han unido con los vice presidentes Chris Nielsen de Toyota, Joe Robles de USAA y Kim Bowers de CST Brands en este esfuerzo por crear conciencia acerca de la fortaleza de nuestras escuelas públicas. Gracias a la financiación privada, la campaña que se extenderá a lo largo del año, incluye anuncios de televisión, impresos y radiales, así como de integración por medios digitales y sociales. Los anuncios se centrarán en la fortaleza básica de la educación pública: su personal docente altamente capacitado y con experiencia, la amplia variedad de actividades

extracurriculares, clubes y la diversidad de oportunidades de aprendizaje y recursos tecnológicos. Estamos trabajando arduamente para apoyar a nuestras escuelas por medio del relato de una historia colectiva. Además de las opciones extracurriculares, los distritos escolares públicos ofrecen una gran diversidad de oportunidades para el aprendizaje, desde escuelas magnet que se centran en las carreras de derecho o de la salud y programas técnicos de la industria aeroespacial o informática hasta los proyectos de servicio a la comunidad para los estudiantes que ayudan a construir un sentido de comunidad. Sabemos que a través de liderazgo, una atención permanente y el apoyo de nuestra comunidad, podemos seguir progresando grandemente. Esperamos que se una a nosotros en la difusión de la información acerca de los beneficios que vienen con la decisión de “hacerlo público” Go Public.

PROYECTO DE BONOS CELEBRA GRANDES ACONTECIMIENTOS Según se aproxima el fin del 2013, igual están a punto de finalizar numerosos proyectos asociados con los bonos de 2010 de SAISD. Estos proyectos son en 22 planteles escolares que están llevando acabo extensas renovaciones gracias a los 515 millones de dólares de bonos por los cuales los ciudadanos votaron en el 2010. Actualmente, 17 escuelas de 22, están en la fase de construcción, y cinco más en la fase de diseño y planificación que es supervisada por la firma Muñoz Jacobs LLC y apoyada por el personal de instalaciones de SAISD. La escuela Cameron Elementary es la primera programada para una terminación sustancial a finales de este año, aunque los estudiantes no se mudarán oficialmente a Cameron sino hasta el 2014 para evitar la interrupción del calendario de construcción y permitir una última verificación de los sistemas. Los padres, los estudiantes y la comunidad serán invitados a ver

la recién renovada escuela esta primavera. También cerca de ser terminadas se encuentran las nuevas aulas de las escuelas Fenwick Elementary y Hawthorne Academy, que se espera serán ocupadas a principios de la primavera con renovaciones adicionales durante las vacaciones de verano. Durante el año pasado, el personal de SAISD terminó proyectos adicionales asociados con los bonos en ciertas escuelas, entre ellas, la instalación de cercas, controles de acceso y vigilancia por vídeo para mejorar la seguridad de las escuelas y equipo de juegos en las escuelas primarias. Los proyectos de bonos también incluirán la construcción de nuevos laboratorios de exploración de carreras en ocho escuelas secundarias y pistas e iluminación en las escuelas secundarias. El próximo mes de enero, el Alamo Convocation Center volverá a abrir sus puertas a los primeros partidos de baloncesto del distrito programados para el 7 de enero. La tan esperada

Una garra de demolición agarra la bandera antes de derribar el edificio original de Highlands High School.

Tal como lo muestra este dibujo, Cameron Elementary se transforma en un moderno plantel, 60% más espacioso y con vibrantes colores, luz natural y ventanas a través de la escuela.

reapertura mostrará la nueva y renovada arena que permitirá continuar el legado en la dominación del baloncesto. La fanfarria se espera cuando el centro sea nuevamente dedicado, celebrando la historia de los deportes a lo largo del Distrito. El pasado mes de octubre, el Distrito hizo noticia con el importante proyecto de demolición de la primera pared de la escuela Highlands High School, el cual fue celebrado por los estudiantes, maestros y exalumnos. Con un costo de $65.7 millones, y siendo el mayor de los 22 proyectos de renovación que es financiado a través de los bonos, el plantel de 55 años se transformará en un edificio con lo último en tecnología para complementar a los programas de especialización de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología.

www.saisd.net/bondprojects

La terminación de la construcción del Alamo Convocation Center está prevista para finales de 2013. El primer juego de baloncesto, será el 7 de enero.

CONTINUA EN PROGRESO LA PROPUESTA DE UIW PARA ESCUELA DE MEDICINA

Los estudiantes que se preparan para las profesiones de la salud pueden tener una nueva escuela de medicina para asistir. A principios de otoño, el Superintendente Dr. Sylvestre Pérez firmó una carta de intención, no vinculante, entre SAISD y the University of Incarnate Word (UIW) en preparación para lo que podría convertirse en el futuro sitio de la escuela de Medicina Osteopática en los terrenos de Fox Tech High School, que actualmente alberga el programa Health Professions Magnet, de especialización en las profesiones de la salud. El progreso hacia la consecución de este objetivo se intensificó Vision SAISD I Fall 2013 I Page 10

cuando tanto el condado y la ciudad por unanimidad concedieron la financiación a UIW para que el proyecto sea utilizado para el desarrollo económico, la creación de empleos, mejoras de la infraestructura e incentivos para empleos. El proyecto también depende de la recaudación de fondos del sector privado por parte de UIW. La asociación incluirá una integración entre los programas de las profesiones de la salud de UIW y de SAISD. Asimismo, las preparatorias Fox Tech y Edison High School, la Secundaria Whittier Middle School llevan a cabo programas de profesiones de la salud. Los programas de profesiones de la salud también se beneficiarán de un pago en efectivo de 1.5 millones de dólares pagables dentro de un período de dos años a fin de aumentar su

expansión y sostenibilidad. Los beneficios a través del Distrito incluyen: becas anuales de $3,000 dólares para estudiantes del doceavo grado en SAISD y que reúnen los requisitos de admisión de UIW y que elijan inscribirse de tiempo completo en cualquier programa de postgrado y $50,000 dólares anuales en becas de apoyo para los empleados de SAISD quienes estén interesados en conseguir postgrados de UIW. La propuesta inicial para un alquiler de 25 años es de 2.5 a 3 hectáreas en los terrenos que habían sido el campo de deportes de la preparatoria Fox Tech, en el cruce de las calles North Flores y Qunicy, con opción de renovación de alquiler por otros 25 años más. En caso de ser aprobado, el arrendamiento se iniciará en junio de 2015 con fecha de plazo de apertura para el 2016.

LA PARTICIPACIÓN FAMILIAR FORTALECE EL APRENDIZAJE ESTUDIANTIL En reconocimiento al papel fundamental que juegan las familias en el éxito académico de sus niños, SAISD ofrece aún más oportunidades de participación además de los ya existentes esfuerzos para una participación activa, como la tradicional membrecía de la asociación de padres y maestros PTA y más. Este año el Distrito agregó 54 puestos titulados Parent and Family Liaisons, enlaces padres y familia, que forman un total de 83 para que toda s las escuelas cuenten con uno. Entre las maneras que los enlaces acercarán a los padres, abuelos, familias y tutores a las escuelas esta la creación de un

Freedom Martinez, enlace de padres y familia, de Bowden Elementary (der.), saluda a las familias durante la cena ofrecida después del evento Parent Talk Night. Las sesiones son ofrecidas en colaboración con las organizaciones Eastside Promise Neighborood, United Way Catholic Charities, que ofrecen las comidas. Junto a ellos la Sra. Gina Acevedo (izq.), coordinadora del grupo de padres de Catholic Charities.

ambiente acogedor y provisión de recursos y oportunidades. Estos incluyen crear eventos y actividades, como es el caso de las noches de alfabetización, clases de inglés como segundo idioma, talleres de aprendizaje, simposios y tutoría y guía de oportunidades. También alientan a los varones a participar. Por ejemplo, Cynthia Moya, enlace de la escuela Douglass Elementary, comenzó el ciclo escolar 2013-14 iniciando la marcha Million Father March, como parte de un movimiento de alcance nacional que pide a los padres y otras personas masculinas que sirven como modelo a los estudiantes a que se comprometan a 10 horas de trabajo voluntario este año escolar. Las familias también pueden participar asistiendo a las cumbres de padres de familia patrocinadas por el departamento Parent & Family Engagement Department del Distrito. Las cumbres incluyen a oradores e invitados especiales que ofrecen consejos prácticos que los padres pueden implementar para ayudar a sus hijos a triunfar en la escuela, así como variados temas de la actualidad. En la cumbre del otoño participaron más de 600 familias. La siguiente cumbre, programada para el 21 de febrero, se centrará en el papel de los modelos masculinos positivos en la vida de los niños de SAISD. El departamento Parent and Family Engagement Department da la bienvenida a comentarios y opiniones para sus próximas cumbres. Para más información, llame al 554-2210. Los miembros de las familias de la clase del 2017 tienen

NUEVOS ALIMENTOS Y OPCIONES DE COMIDA Los estudiantes están disfrutando de una gran variedad de nuevos alimentos y amplias opciones para las comidas. Las nuevas adiciones de comida no sólo cumplen con las directivas estatales y federales, sino también son aprobadas por los estudiantes quienes ya han probado algunos de los alimentos considerados para su inclusión. Nuevos, en el desayuno están los panecillos tostados de granos integrales y el tocino de pavo canadiense, yogur y parfait de granola y los panes de grano entero de plátano y calabaza. Además de servir el desayuno en la cafetería a través del programa federal Universal Free Breakfast Program, ahora más escuelas están participando en el programa Breakfast in the Classroom, el cual sirve el desayuno en los salones de clase, y que dio comienzo en el 2009 en las primarias. Hoy en día, casi todas las escuelas primarias y casi la mitad de secundarias ofrecen este programa diseñado para

Estudiantes de Burbank High School dan buen inicio a la jornada escolar por medio del Desayuno en el Salón.

proporcionar más oportunidades a estudiantes de tomar el desayuno. Durante la primavera, la escuela Burbank fue la primera preparatoria en implementar este concepto, y ya se contempla la expansión a otras escuelas. Nuevo para el almuerzo son las pequeñas hamburguesas, sándwiches Italianos y de pollo asado, todos servidos en pan de grano entero, pastas de grano entero y lasaña de pavo, lasaña de verduras, pollo estilo Alfredo y macaron con queso bajo en grasa, pechuga de pavo en rodajas con salsa, pizza mexicana con lechuga, tomate y salsa y pedazos de pollo empanizados con harina de grano entero. Al final del día, los estudiantes de 69 escuelas primarias y secundarias que participan en el programa Challenge son ofrecidos saludables meriendas y comidas. La cena se sirvió por primera vez el año pasado. Los padres pueden ver los menús diarios de sus hijos, información sobre la nutrición en las comidas y mucho más visitando: www.saisd.net/dept/foodnutrition.

Estudiantes del programa After-School Challenge de Hirsch Elementary se preparan para las divertidas y educativas actividades físicas por venir.

múltiples oportunidades para ayudar a su estudiante favorito del 9no grado, todos los cuales participan en el programa de preparación colegial GEAR UP. Éstas incluyen talleres mensuales los sábados en Café College, donde los padres de familia se reúnen con expertos en estudios universitarios y de la comunidad mientras que sus hijos participan en las actividades interactivas de ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas. Los padres son recomendados a acompañar a sus hijos en sus viajes a las universidades para que puedan compartir la emoción de visitar lugares de educación superior. Los abuelos también desempeñan un papel fundamental en el programa GEAR UP, particularmente mediante su participación en el reciente evento de noche familiar Families 4 Education College & Career Family Night, que se ofreció en s of 2017 clas colaboración con la asociación AARP.

NUEVAS OPCIONES PARA EL MANTENIMIENTO FÍSICO Todos los jóvenes de escuela primaria están disfrutando de la diversión del juego no estructurado mediante la hora de recreo este año, con la ventaja añadida de aprender valiosas habilidades que les servirán a través de la vida. A través del primer lugar de salida en el campo de golf, los estudiantes de primaria de 58 escuelas no sólo están aprendiendo las técnicas, sino también se preparan para convertirse en grandes personas y buenos ciudadanos. Un componente del bienestar y de la salud incluye un énfasis en valores de carácter, respeto, cortesía, honestidad, integridad, honradez y responsabilidad. La afiliación con este programa es posible a través de una colaboración con The First Tee of Greater San Antonio.

Disfrutando del juego durante la hora del recreo, y libres del uniforme, están estos estudiantes de 2do grado de Briscoe Elementary.

Los jóvenes también disfrutan de 15 consecutivos minutos de recreo este año, gracias a un cambio a una política administrativa. Tiempo fue agregado al horario del día escolar en las primarias para acomodar el horario de juego libre para ayudar a los estudiantes a gastar energía y al mismo tiempo mejorar sus aptitudes sociales y aumentar su capacidad cerebral. El cambio se hizo con el asesoramiento del consejo de salubridad escolar a fin de garantizar que se aplique este recreo a través del Distrito. Como solo se recomendó el recreo, y no fue requerido, la cantidad de tiempo y la frecuencia de receso han variado según la escuela. Vision SAISD I Fall 2013 I Page 11

A WINNING COMBO, continued from front page our schools because we know that parental/guardian involvement is a key ingredient in student success and academic performance.” Among the ways liaisons bring parents, families and guardians into the schools is by creating a welcoming atmosphere and providing resources and opportunities. These include creating events and activities such as literacy nights, English as a Second Language classes, learning workshops and symposiums. They also coordinate tutoring and mentoring opportunities. For example, Douglass Elementary liaison Cynthia Moya kicked off 2013-14 by initiating a Million Father March as part of a nationwide movement asking dads and other male role models to commit to 10 volunteer hours this school year. …………………………………. SAISD Parent Summit This semi-annual event sponsored by the District’s Parent & Family Engagement Department helps engage families in the District’s vision of preparing students in their educational career. Summits include guest speakers and sessions offering practical tips on things parents can do to assist their children succeed in school, as well as related timely topics such as information on the state’s latest accountability system. The fall summit hosted more than 600 families. The next, set for Feb. 21, will focus on the role of positive male role models in the life of SAISD children.

The Parent & Family Engagement Department welcomes input and feedback. For more information call 554-2210. …………………………………. GEAR UP Families of SAISD’s class of 2017 members have multiple opportunities to help their favorite 9th-grader, all of whom s of 2017 clas are participants in the collegeprep GEAR UP, Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. These include monthly Saturday workshops at Café College where parents meet with college and community experts while their children participate in hands-on STEM, science, technology, engineering and math, activities such as robotics, forensics and roller coaster physics. Parents also are encouraged to accompany their children on trips to college campuses so that they can share in the excitement of previewing higher education. Grandparents play a pivotal role in GEAR UP, including through their participation in the recent Families 4 Education College & Career Family Night, which was offered in partnership with AARP. “Since families include parents, grandparents and children we want to involve everyone early and often so that when a member of the family starts the college journey, everyone is ready to support and encourage

Bowden Elementary liaison Freedom Martinez (right) greets families during dinner preceding the weekly Parent Talk Night. Sessions are offered in affiliation with Eastside Promise Neighborhood, the United Way and Catholic Charities, which provides the meals. Topics promote healthy parenting practices. Joining them (left) is Gina Acevedo, Catholic Charities parent group facilitator.

them through graduation,” said Dr. Roxanne Rosales, senior executive director of academic support.

SUPERINTENDENT’S COLUMN continued from front page

aerospace or information technology, to community service projects for students that help to build a sense of community. We know that through leadership, a sustained focus and the support of our community, we can continue to make great strides. We hope you can join us in spreading the word about the benefits that come with the decision to Go Public.

BOND CONSTRUCTION, continued from front page 2010 Bond projects at a number of schools, including installation of perimeter fencing, access controls and video surveillance to enhance school security and playground equipment at primary schools. Bond projects also included the construction of new career exploration labs at eight middle schools and all-weather tracks and lighting for the high schools. This January, the Alamo Convocation Center will re-open with the first District basketball games on tap for Jan. 7. The long-awaited re-opening will showcase the refurbished arena and allow SAISD to continue its legacy of basketball domination. Extraordinary fanfare is expected when the center is re-dedicated, celebrating SAISD’s sports history Districtwide.

Superintendent Dr. Sylvester Perez (right) is joined by representatives from USAA, Toyota, CST Brands and area school districts in kicking off the Go Public campaign to generate public schools awareness.

San Antonio Independent School District Board of Trustees Progress at the Alamo Convocation Center is on a roll, with completion anticipated by the end of 2013 in time for basketball season. Tip off for the first games to be played there is Jan. 7.

This past October, the District made headlines with major demolition of the first wall of Highlands High School, cheered on by students, teachers and alumni. As the largest of the 22 renovation projects funded through SAISD Bond 2010 at $65.7 million, the 55-year- old campus will be transformed into a stateof-the-art facility to complement the school’s Science, Engineering and Technology Magnet program. As shown in this artist rendering, Cameron Elementary is being transformed into a modern, 60-percent larger campus featuring vibrant colors, natural lighting and windows throughout the school. Use of metal and glass will provide a seamless transition between buildings. Cameron is the first of 22 schools set for completion.

Vision SAISD I Fall 2013 I Page 12

Ed Garza, President Olga M. Hernandez, Vice President Arthur V. Valdez, Secretary James Howard, Assistant Secretary Debra Guerrero, Trustee Steve Lecholop, Trustee Patti Radle, Trustee Dr. Sylvester Perez, Superintendent

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Leslie Price, Communications Executive Director René Lynn: Vision Coordinator John Lawler: Photographer Gustavo Lopez: Layout and design, Printing Services Department

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Vision SAISD newspaper - produced by the Communications Department - is the intellectual property of the San Antonio Independent School District. Content may be reproduced upon permission and with appropriate attribution.

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For the latest on SAISD Bond 2010 visit: www.saisd.net/bondprojects

The San Antonio Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. El Distrito Escolar Independiente de San Antonio no discrimina por motivos de raza, religión, color, origen nacional, sexo o impedimento, o por cualquier otro motivo prohibido por la ley.