Los Fresnos High School Sends 19 Students to UIL Regional

April 2013
Los Fresnos Consolidated
Independent School District
600 N. Mesquite St.
Los Fresnos, Texas 78566
956-254-5000
www.lfcisd.net
Los Fresnos High School
Los Fresnos High School Sends 19 Students to UIL Regional Competition in San Antonio
Nineteen Los Fresnos High School
and two Los Fresnos United
students competed in the UIL
Regional Academic Meet April
20,at The University of Texas at San
Antonio.
They qualified for regionals with
strong showings at the District 325A UIL Academics meet March 23.
Los Fresnos finished a narrow 24
points behind Harlingen South for
the district championship.
Qualifying for regionals were:
• John Aguilar, Current Events
Varsity and Headline Writing
Varsity
• Brandon Barajas, Computer Science
Varsity
• Steven Bautista, Mathematics Varsity
• Rosemary Cantu, Accounting Varsity
• Victoria Cavazos, Literary Criticism
Varsity
• Alexis Garcia, Science Varsity
• Brianna Garcia, Literary Criticism
Varsity
• Sammy Martinez, Current Events
Varsity
• Monica Mireles, Editorial Writing
Varsity and Feature Writing Varsity
• Jaime Saldivar, Mathematics Varsity
• Team of Victoria Cavazos, Brianna
Garcia, Maria Parlatto and Samantha
Rodriguez, Literary Criticism Varsity
• Team of Steven Bautista, Dalton
House, Jaime Saldivar and Quoc Trong,
Mathematics Varsity
• Team of Abel Aguilar, Steven Bautista,
Clarissa Camarillo, Alexis Garcia, Jaime
Saldivar and Alonzo Sanchez, Science
Varsity
• Team of John Aguilar, Samantha
Barrera, Lucero Chavez, and Benjamin
Simpson, Social Studies Varsity
Participating in the district tournament
were:
Speaking Events
Informative Speaking – Varsity
4th: Sade Abramson; 5th: Brian Leal
Persuasive Speaking – Varsity
4th: Diana Cabrera, 5th: Audrey Urbis; 6th:
Isac Ramirez
Poetry – Varsity
5th: Kaitlyn Torres
Prose – Freshman
2nd: Kathleen Clark
Prose – Varsity
4th: Kayla Hernandez; 5th: Beatrice Lozano.
Non-Speaking Events
Accounting – Varsity
3rd: Rosemary Cantu; 5th: Roque
Villafranca
Calculator Applications – Freshman
1st Place Team
1st: Lucero Dorantes; 3rd: Natalie Macias;
4th: Jocelyn Sosa; 5th: Esteban Ramirez
Calculator Applications – Varsity
5th: Jaime Saldivar; 6th: Quoc Truong
Computer Applications – Varsity
4th: Lucero Chavez; 6th: Gloria Torres
Computer Science – Varsity
2nd Place Team; 3rd: Brandon Barajas;
Team includes Brandon Barajas, Orlando
Chavez, Miguel Cortez, James Maestro
Current Events – Freshman
1st Place Team
1st: Valeria Tellez; 2nd: Alyssa Cosme; 3rd:
Roque Villafranca; 5th: Alejandra Rodriguez
Current Events – Varsity
2nd Place Team; 2nd: John Aguilar; 3rd:
Sammy Martinez
Editorial Writing - Varsity
1st: Monica Mireles
Feature Writing – Freshman
1st: Jocelyn Sosa; 2nd: Natalie Macias; 5th:
Emilia Fillipone
Feature Writing – Varsity
2nd: Monica Mireles
Headline Writing – Varsity
2nd: John Aguilar; 5th: Monica Mireles
Literary Criticism – Varsity
1st Place Team (Brianna Garcia, Victoria
Cavazos, Samantha Rodriguez, Maria
Parlatto); 1st: Brianna Garcia; 3rd: Victoria
Cavazos
Mathematics – Freshman
1st Place Team; 1st: Benjamin Simpson;
2nd: Lucero Dorantes; 3rd: Natalie Macias
4th: Esteban Ramirez
Mathematics – Varsity
1st Place Team (Jaime Saldivar,
Steven Bautista, Dalton House,
Quoc Truong); 2nd: Jaime Saldivar;
3rd: Steven Bautista; 4th: Dalton
House
News Writing – Freshman
3rd: Eric Sanchez; 4th: Benjamin
Simpson; 6th: Kiryat Castillo
News Writing - Varsity
6th: Angelica Gutierrez
Number Sense – Freshman
1st Place Team; 1st: Natalie Macias’
3rd: Lucero Dorantes; 5th: Jocelyn
Sosa; 6th: Esteban Ramirez
Number Sense – Varsity
5th: Steven Bautista; 6th: Jaime
Saldivar
Ready Writing – Varsity
5th: Victoria Cavazos
Science – Varsity
1st Place Team (Alexis Garcia, Alonzo
Sanchez, Steven Bautista, Abel Aguilar,
Clarissa Camarillo, Jaime Saldivar);
2nd: Alexis Garcia; 4th: Alonzo Sanchez;
5th: Steven Bautista; 8th: Abel Aguilar;
Top Biology: Alexis Garcia; Top Chemistry:
Alonzo Sanchez; Top Physics: Steven
Bautista
Social Studies – Freshman
1st Place Team (Valeria Tellez, Mirce Vargas,
Roque Villafranca, Alejandra Rodriguez);
1st: Valeria Tellez; 3rd: Mirce Vargas; 5th:
Roque Villafranca
Social Studies – Varsity
1st Place Team Regional Finalist (John
Aguilar, Samantha Becerra, Lucero Chavez
and Benjamin Simpson); 4th: Lucero
Chavez; 6th: Benjamin Simpson; 7th:
Samantha Becerra
Spelling – Freshman
1st Place Team; 1st: Alyssa Cosme; 2nd:
Alejandra Rodriguez; 3rd: Esteban Ramirez
Spelling – Varsity
4th: Claudia Gonzalez; 6th: Brianna Du
Page 2
United Ninth Grade Campus
Joseph Villarreal, Principal
Carlos Bruce, LFU Contributor
LFU Competes in UIL Academics
LFU students competed in UIL District competition at Brownsville
Hanna High School April 9, joining their older teammates from
Los Fresnos High School to form the Los Fresnos team.
LFU took first, second and fifth place in UIL Feature Writing
competition with Jocelyn Sosa earning a first place medal.
LFU also won first place team UIL number sense, team calculator
applications, team current events, team mathematics, and team
number sense.
First place winners in those competitions were Lucero Dorantes,
Valeria Tellez, Benjamin Simpson, Natalie Macias, and Alyssa
Cosme.
Other winners were Jocelyn Sosa, first place in feature writing and
Kathleen Clark, second place in Prose.
Several UIL teachers from LFU and LFHS dedicated much of their
free time to coach the students from both schools.
Cavazos Named LFU Teacher of the Year
Each year campuses throughout the Los Fresnos CISD choose one teacher to
represent the school to receive Teacher of the Year Award. LFU teachers and
staff chose Cristina Cavazos as Teacher of the Year at LFU.
Ms. Cavazos is the LFU dedicated Principals of Health Science Teacher. She is
also the LFU Health Occupations Student Association (HOSA) Advisor who will
travel with students to Galveston to compete in state.
More than 95 percent of her students are enrolled in the Med Ed Program
sponsored by The University of Texas Health Science Center In San Antonio.
Ms. Cavazos has been responsible for inviting Air Evac helicopter to the
campus. Her HOSA club has hosted Pennies for Patients, which benefits the
Leukemia Lymphoma Society. HOSA will also sponsor a team for Relay for Life
to benefit the American Cancer Society.
LFU HOSA Team Attends State Conference
The LFU HOSA team traveled to Galveston for the Health Occupations
Student Organization (HOSA) state leadership conference April 10-13.
Isabel Bedartes, Valeria Cabrera, and Crystal Moreno (pictured
above) will travel with the LFHS HOSA club in hope to advance to
nationals.
HOSA students are led by Principals of Health Science teacher
Cristina Cavazos, who has been directing HOSA students throughout
the year. She has conducted after school meetings and online
trainings in preparation for competition.]
Students will compete against seven areas or regions of Texas.
Students who place first, second or third will advance to nationals in
Orlando, Fla.
Glafira Braga, Principal
Juanita Perez, LMMS Contributor
Liberty Memorial Middle School
Undefeated District Champions: The Lady Patriots girls’ soccer team made history this
year as they earned its first district and City Championship after a win over Resaca. The
team was a special one with numerous experienced players. The LMMS Dream Team went
undefeated and scored 40 goals in only seven games.
Page 3
One Day in the Life of a Patriot: During the month of February, Liberty Memorial had
visits from many district administrators. They wanted to see what students at Liberty
Memorial would do during a regular scheduled school day. Los Fresnos CISD Director of
Athletics and Los Fresnos High School Head Football Coach Clint Finley was given a class
schedule and had the opportunity to go into the classrooms and experience what students
go through each day. In the photo above, Coach Finley (center) visits with some 8th
graders learning about Art. He later visited the Synergy/Career Investigation classes and
spoke about his career.
Loop Named Liberty Memorial
Teacher of the Year
D’Ann Loop, a seventh grade Reading/Writing
teacher and an FCA sponsor, has been selected
as Liberty Memorial Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Loop utilizes her dynamic personality to
help encourage students do their best. Her
dedication extends to curriculum writing and
investing time to secure student success.
Over the summer, she worked hard to
make every teacher, staff member, and
administrator a nameplate out of wood. These
beautiful accents make our campus look
inviting for our students, parents and visitors.
Ms. Loop will represent LMMS at the Los
Fresnos CISD Employee Banquet May 17.
A secondary and elementary Los Fresnos
CISD Teacher of the Year will be presented
at the banquet.
Eat Like A Champion: National Nutrition week was celebrated across the district on
March 4-8. The LMMS cafeteria staff ensures everyday that students eat healthy. We
are proud to say that our middle school promotes healthy eating and we encourage
every child to get their lunch. Breakfast is served in the classroom and our school has
three lunch periods. The three lunch periods help speed up the serving line and give our
students enough time to eat. Students do not need to worry about not finding somewhere
to sit or their choice of food running out. Thanks to Maria Jones and our wonderful
cafeteria staff for all that they do. The LMMS girls’ soccer District Champs posed for a
picture promoting healthy eating with the slogan is “Eat Like a Champion.”
Page 4
L o s C u at e s M i d d l e S c h o o l
Alma Atkinson, Principal
Joseph La Follette, LCMS Contributor
LCMS Students Place in Extreme Engineering Competition
LCMS 8th grade students Miguel Lopez Alvarez and Kendra Gonzalez placed first at the
Viva Extreme Engineering Competition Feb. 16 at The University of Texas-Pan American.
Los Cuates Ends Outstanding Year at State Chess Tourney
The LCMS chess team did an exceptional job this year, ending the year in a tie for fifth
place in the Texas State Chess Tournament in McAllen. The team ended up in seventh.
Students who participated in the tournament were sixth graders Zoe Arriaga, Oscar
Campos, Jose Cisneros, Ramon Curzio, Antonio Gallegos, Corbin Garza, Noe Leon, Mathew
Ortiz, Alexea Pappas, Enrique Valencia, Antonio Weaver, eighth grader Cristina Garza, and
coach Chris Martinez. Leading the team to victory was Enrique Valencia (940) with 5.5
wins, Jose Cisneros (1260) with four wins, Noe Leon (700) with four wins, Oscar Campos
(492) with four wins, and Antonio Gallegos (380) with three wins. Enrique Valencia also
came in tied for third place with sixth place overall in the individual out of 200 players.
Despite being a young team, and facing teams from all over Texas including El Paso,
Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley teams
they were able to finish ahead of more than 20 teams. Los Cuates is looking to do very
well in the upcoming years as our players develop into stronger players and as we get
players from the strong chess elementary schools like Lopez Riggins and Palmer.
Los Cuates student rankings range from a 100-1300 rating and the sky is the limit for
them. Chess is a rewarding game of intellect and strategy that helps students develop
their foresight to help them in all aspects of their lives.
Students were grouped in teams with people from other grade levels and schools to work
on a project that consisted of designing, testing, and presenting a particular project given
by the coordinators. The competition provided students with a stronger feeling of what
it is to be a professional in any STEM career, subjecting them to especially designed tasks
that will develop key abilities for them to succeed their future lives.
Also taking part were Isamary Franco and George Tully, who received a second place
award; and Khrista Trovela, who finished in third place.
Parent Fair Held
Teachers and staff greeted
parents of LCMS students
during Parent Fairs March
20. Setting a great example,
teachers cheerfully waited in
their classrooms to receive
them. Some teachers featured
displays of student work. The
fair was a chance for parents
and teachers to discuss
academic expectations.
Locks of Love: LCMS eighth
grader Corina Medina donated
her ponytail to help victims
of cancer adjust to life during
treatment. She donated her
hair in loving memory of her
grandmother, Dora Romero.
She knows the impact of her
gift on the life of a cancer
survivor. Her educational
goal is to study to become a
licensed physical therapist
after completing high school.
Other wins this year include a 13th place in regionals, and a third place in the PalmerLaakso Elementary Tournament.
Teacher of the Year: Band Director Mrs. Criselda Marroquin-Morrell is Teacher of the
Year for Los Cuates Middle School.
District Champions: The Los Cuates seventh grade basketball team won its district
championship and finished the season undefeated.
Asael Ruvalcaba, Principal
Rhonda Lang, RMS Contributor
Resaca Middle School
Page 5
Six Students
Recognized for AR
Most Points Earned
Six students were recognized for
earning the most points in the
Accelerated Reader (AR) program
for the third marking period.
In order of most points earned,
Carlos Moran (pictured) Gerardo
Segura, Caroline Jimenez Reyes,
Catherine Maestro Goodrich,
and Elijah Canning were the top
readers for the third marking
period and celebrated with an AR
party.
Longoria Makes Big Squeeze
Accordion State Semifinals
Resaca Band Receives Superior Rating For Performance
The Resaca Middle School Symphonic and Honor Bands participated in the Donna Band
Festival March 26, receiving a Superior rating from the judges. They also received Superior
Ratings in the UIL Concert/Sightreading Contest at Brownsville Lopez April 11-12.
The band will be holding a Solo/Ensemble Festival on Thursday, May 2 at Resaca’s gym.
Spring concerts are scheduled for two dates: Tuesday, May 21 for the Symphonic and
Honor Bands, and Thursday, May 23 for the Beginner Band.
Pictured are Honor Band members (from left) Anthony Rodriguez, Humberto Gomez,
Edgar Sanchez, Marcelino Ornelas, and Chris Valdez.
Barreda Named
Resaca Teacher
of the Year
Juan Barreda has been
named Teacher of the
Year” by the Resaca
faculty.
“I feel humbled because
there are a lot of amazing
teachers here at Resaca,”
Barreda said. “The kids
loved it.”
Barreda is completing
his fourth year at Resaca,
where he teaches Social
Studies to sixth grade
students. He also
coaches volleyball and
basketball. “I enjoy having a job where I don’t sit down very often,” Barreda said. “It’s very
interactive.”
As Teacher of the Year, Barreda will be Resaca’s nominee for the 2013 Los Fresnos
Secondary Teacher of the Year. He will be recognized at the Los Fresnos CISD Employee
Banquet May 17.
Juan Longoria III, a sixth grade Resaca student,
auditioned for his Big Squeeze amateur
accordion competition at Los Fresnos High
School March 30.
Seven other competitions were held around
the state. Longoria and nine other participants
from the auditions were invited to the state
semifinals April 20 in Austin.
Longoria competed in the 2012 competition
and was also invited to the semifinals.
Four of the semifinalists will be invited to the
Seventh Annual Accordion Kings and Queens
Big Festival June 1 in Houston to determine a
state champion.
Winners will be chosen based on their skill and
accuracy.
Rodriguez Participates
In Leadership Camp
Seventh grade student Victoria
Rodriguez was selected to
participate in the Lone Star
Leadership Academy Education in
Action’s 2013 spring break camp in
Austin.
Her selection for the Lone Star
Leadership Academy was based
on her demonstrated academic
success and leadership ability.
Rodriguez developed leadership
skills while learning about Texas,
future state career and leadership
opportunities. She also was
given tours of areas of interest in
significant Texas sites. Page 6
L a s Y e s c a s E l e m e n ta r y S c h o o l
Bicycle Give Away: Bicycles were given away to seven lucky students who had perfect
attendance for the 3rd nine weeks marking period. A drawing was held to determine a
winner in each grade level. Receiving their bicycles are (bottom row, left to right) Joseph
Robledo, PK; Nicole Montoya, kindergarten; Valeria Garcia first grade; and Bianca Delgado,
second grade, (back row, from left) Oscar de la Rosa, principal; Destiny Villarreal, third
grade; Alex Moreno, fourth grade; Edward Pineda, fifth grade; Jennifer Elizondo, assistant
principal; and Rachel Chavez, instructional officer.
Oscar De La Rosa, Principal
Patricia Fitzgerald, LYE Contributor
Read Across America: Students were treated to visits by district personnel who came to
LYE to read to classes for Read Across America Day. The three-day event was organized
by librarian Pat Fitzgerald, seated bottom center as The Cat in the Hat. Superintendent
Gonzalo Salazar, center, read Horton Hatches the Egg to Brenda Rebolloso’s third grade
class. Principal Oscar De La Rosa (left) was also a guest reader to a second grade class.
Las Yescas Has Green Thumbs
Green Thumbs, one of the After-school Centers on Education classes has been busy
all year beautifying the school with different types of flowers, plants, and shrubs.
Lately the group has been working hard planting a variety of vegetables, which
they hope will yield an abundance of crops later this spring. Watering the crops are
students (left to right) Gracie Rincones, assistant instructor; Adrian Rangel, Karyme
Gomez, Dora de los Santos, Adilene Nieto, Kayla Gutierrez, Jared Garcia, Angel
Montez, and Edna Diaz, instructor.
PreK Receives Center
of Excellence Award
The Texas Education Agency recently
declared LYE’s PreK and Head
Start programs as a PreK Center of
Excellence. Superintendent Gonzalo
Salazar, far right, presented a banner
and plaque to the school.
Accepting the award are (left to
right) Principal Oscar De La Rosa,
Martha Jaramillo, teacher assistant;
Laura Gingolph, PK teacher; Bertha
Magdaleno, PK teacher; Monica
Zuniga, Head Start teacher; Jennifer
Elizondo, assistant principal; Rachel
Chavez, instructional officer; and
Superintendent Salazar.
Celia Ontiveros, Principal
Tina Garza, LES Contributor
L a u r e l e s E l e m e n ta r y S c h o o l
Page 7
Visitors Share Books with LES Students
Laureles Elementary had some very special visitors from Liberty
Memorial Middle School March 8.
This group of students from Ms. D’ Ann Loop’s 7th grade writing
class came over to share books that they had written with LES
students. It was quite the treat and the Laureles students absolutely
loved the stories and illustrations they had created.
The talent demonstrated was motivating and inspiring to the young
Laureles students. The LMMS students were eager to read and
explain in detail their creations.
Pictured are (left to right) Benny Ortega, Antonio Soto, Jackie de la
Fuente, Jonathan Mendoza, and George Villafranca, and Mrs. D’ Ann
Loop.
Students Learn About History
Texas Public School Week was celebrated the week
of March 25-29. Students enjoyed revisiting and
learning more about Texas’ history.
A different state symbol was studied on a daily
basis and many supportive learning activities and
events took place to commemorate its existence.
The students enjoyed creating popcorn bluebonnets,
replicas of the Texas flag, and also had a Texas
University day.
Each day, a different university located in Texas was
highlighted by a student. Research was conducted
on that particular university and presented to the
campus via the intercom. The students enjoyed
sharing their information. They even got to wear
their favorite Texas university t-shirts.
Pictured at left is Daniela Salazar.
Students Educated About Health, Good Nutrition Habits
Teaching proper nutrition and regular exercise has become a priority at Laureles
Elementary. Coach Trey McNabb helps to ensure that students are educated through
weekly health classes. Every Monday of the week, students are well versed on various
health related issues such as practicing proper hygiene, healthy eating habits, and regular
exercise.
Through the use of fun and interesting lessons, Coach McNabb promotes and encourages
the students to lead a healthy lifestyle and follow and daily exercise program. The goal is
to get children interested in good nutrition, and exercise and fitness activities that they
enjoy and that will become a habit for many more years.
Pictured above are Natalie De Leon and Sarahi Baltazar.
Lucero Competes in Special Olympics
Lucero Rivas-Garza is a student at Laureles Elementary.
She is a bubbly, outgoing eight-year-old who is part of
the Adaptive Learning Unit on campus.
Read Across America Day: Los Fresnos High School students in Ms. Sue Ellen Hill’s class
visited LES to celebrate Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’ birthday The students read
Dr. Seuss books to students in every grade level. They also shared their experiences being
a high school student and what expectations are set forth for them.
On March 22, she met her Special Olympics practice
requirements to attend the Area Track and Field
meet at Sams Stadium in Brownsville. She not only
competed but also won first place in the Javelin throw
and won second place in the 50-meter dash. She did an
outstanding job representing herself, her campus and
Los Fresnos CISD.
Page 8
L o p e z -R i g g i n s E l e m e n ta r y S c h o o l
Jeaneva Scoville, Principal
Julio Araiza, LRE Contributor
Donating to Locks of Love:
Amber Gonzalez, a LRE
fifth grade student, made a
courageous sacrifice early this
year by donating 10 inches of
her hair to the organization
Locks of Love, which provides
hairpieces to children stricken
by any disease that may cause
hair loss during their condition.
Bicycle Safety:
During Texas
Public Schools
Week, LRE held its
annual bike day
event. Kandis
Hudock is one of
LRE’s precious
kindergartners
who is proudly
displaying the
proper gear and
attire to wear
while operating
a recreational
vehicle on wheels.
Charro Days Spirit: Second grade students (from left) Lillian Villarreal,
Celeste Cortez, and Marla Salazar dressed the part for the Charro Day
celebration. The joy in these children’s faces alone should encourage
every one of us to be involved in community activities.
Chess Champions: Thirty-four chess
players competed in a Sate chess
tournament on March 23-24. LRE’s Knights
of Thunder put on their best showing yet,
bringing home four enormous trophies.
They placed second, seventh and fourth in
four separate divisions. The chess players
were unstoppable because of a dedicated
coaching staff and devoted parents
providing support.
Clifford the Dog at LRE: Kingslea Burnell, a
LRE third grade student, was excited to take
a picture with imaginary children’s book
character Clifford the Big Red Dog during
LRE’s Library reading night. Students are
encouraged to read as much as possible
since books provide an escape from the real
world through their imagination.
Rosemary Leal, Principal
Carolina Cowan, LFE Contributor
L o s F r e s n o s E l e m e n ta r y S c h o o l
Page 9
LFE Student Spotlight: Outstanding Role Models
Johnathan Grimaldo
Johnathan Grimaldo is an
outstanding fourth grade
student in and out of school.
LFE Alumna Amanda Fulton and UTB Women’s Soccer Team Visit
Members of the University of Texas at Brownsville women’s soccer team visited Los Fresnos
Elementary March 27 to take part in the STAAR rally for third, fourth, and fifth grade students.
Among the UTB soccer players was Amanda Fulton, an alumna of Los Fresnos Elementary who
graduated from Los Fresnos High School in 2011. Also attending were teammates Karla Lozano,
Monica Mendes and Sarah Regalado and Coach Nik Barjaktarevic.
They took turns speaking words of encouragement and support to students, who responded
enthusiastically to their support and felt ready to tackle the STAAR. They took time out to show the
students some of their moves and talk to them about the importance of achieving their goals and
following their dreams.
The UTB soccer team is shown here presenting a jersey to LFE principal Rosemary Leal.
In school he is a member
of several clubs where he
is a dedicated participant.
He is a member of the
Robotics team where he has
competed through out the
school year. He is also an
active member of the Ecology
Club where he collects
recycled paper in the school
and spreads awareness of
the importance of recycling.
He is a straight A student and
his teacher says he is a joy to
have in class.
Outside of school he is also
involved in various activities.
He is an active member of
the Boys and Girls Club where he has recently taken up kickboxing. He is also
a long team member of the soccer team and basketball team.
Johnathan is having fun in and out of school, but he is also thinking about his
future. He aspires to attend The University of Texas in Austin where he would
like to major in computer science.
Sydney Jo Peña
Sydney Jo Peña might only
be a first grader, but she is
already showing everyone
how outstanding she can be.
Sydney is already involved
in several activities the
school has to offer. She is a
member of the LFE Student
Council and participates in
various school programs
through out the school
year. She is also assisting
the librarian with putting
together a Book Club for first
and second grade students.
Sydney is an A honor role
student and her teacher says
she is a bright student who
always has great ideas to
share with the class.
Easter Egg Hunt: Easter arrived at Los Fresnos Elementary, especially for the kindergarten students.
Several of the younger LFE students took part in Easter egg hunts throughout the week leading to
Easter March 31. Students and teachers had fun finding and hiding the eggs around the school
grounds. Shown here is Mrs. Bennett and her students ready to go on an Easter egg hunt.
Outside of school Sydney is involved in soccer, ballet, and tap. During the
summer months she likes to stay busy by attending Acting Camp and writing
her own stories.
Her long-term goal is to attend The University of Miami and study marine
biology.
Page 10
O l m i t o E l e m e n ta r y S c h o o l
Valarie Londrie, Principal
Shannon Cherrington, OES Contributor
Chess Team Brings Home
Trophies from McAllen
The Olmito
Elementary Chess
Team competed
in the Texas State
Scholastic Chess
Championship
at the McAllen
Convention Center
March 23-24.
Students
competed in three
different divisions,
Elementary JV,
Primary JV, and
Elementary
Championship.
Olmito Elementary JV finished 15th place and the
Primary JV division was awarded 10th place.
Individually, Edsson Picazo took first place in the
Primary JV division, winning all of his matches.
Kyle Londrie took 14th place.
Science Club Adopts Green Sea Turtle
Students Hold Pennies for Patients Collection Drive
The Olmito Science Club adopted Allison, an Atlantic Green Sea Turtle from Sea Turtle Inc.
on South Padre Island, who is known as the first sea turtle to successfully use a prosthetic.
Since 2009, Olmito Elementary has been involved in supporting the Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society by participating in the Pennies for Patients collection drive.
Allison was found after surviving a predator attack with only one remaining flipper. The
club raised money for the adoption by making and selling bracelets made out of recycled
soda can tabs. This adoption will feed and medicate Allison for one month.
During the drive students had three weeks to collect as much money as possible to help
benefit The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Since 2009, Olmito Elementary has raised
more than $10,000. Thanks to all of generous parents, students and staff, OES raised
$1,586.81.
The Science Club is continuing support of Allison through the summer months by recycling
aluminum cans. Cans can be brought to the school to help support the efforts.
For more information about Allison or other sea turtles visit www.seaturtleinc.org
The school also held a contest going to see which class could raise the most money,
resulting in a competitive battle in the upper grades for the past three years. Mrs. Linda
Torres’ 5th grade class was school champions, raising $274.75.
Jerri Gomez, Principal
Debbie Soriano, PLE Contributor
P a l m e r - L a a k s o E l e m e n ta r y S c h o o l
Who wants to be a millionaire?: Fourth graders Matthew Senteno, Jeremy De La Garza
and Josue Atkinson are joined by fifth graders Alexandra Montes, Jacqueline Lucio and
Lidia Vasquez as members of the PLE Millionaire’s club. These students have achieved
millionaire status by reading more than one million words during the 2012-2013 school
year. The students were awarded with mock $1,000,000 dollar bills with their picture.
Page 11
Career Day: Third grader
Alex Castellanos enjoys a
little dress up activity during
Career Day. He and his fellow
schoolmates were exposed
to a variety of career options
during the event. Exhibitors
from law enforcement
agencies, community
service agencies, and local
businesses helped to make
the experience enjoyable for
PLE students. He is pictured
with his teacher Ms. Linda
Garza.
Texas Public Schools Week: The Strader family
visited PLE during Texas Public Schools Week. The
week-long celebration involved dress-up days for
children, a book fair, an invitation for parents to
come and have a picnic lunch with their children,
and a parent fair.
Music Program: Mr. Edge and his kindergarten through second grade students put on a
show for the parents during the parent fair held during Texas Public Schools Week. The
children sang “I Love You Better Every Day.” The program was especially amusing because
several parents were pulled from the audience and asked to join in the performance.
Celebrating Seuss: Mrs . Garcia’s and Mrs. Cantu’s classes celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday
March 2 by decorating their classrooms and the hallways with images from The Lorax,
Green Eggs and Ham, and The Cat in the Hat. After reading several books, they ended the
celebration by enjoying some real green eggs and ham.
Panther Photo Opportunity:
The Garcia brothers – (from
left) Andres, Jonathan and
Joseph – got their chance
to take a picture with the
PLE panther mascot. Every
PLE student was given the
opportunity to take a picture
with the school mascot.
Page 12
R a n c h o V e r d e E l e m e n ta r y S c h o o l
Chess Team Brings Back Trophies from McAllen Tournament
Twenty-one Rancho Verde Elementary Chess team members attended the State Chess
Championships in McAllen, March 23-24, and several came back with trophies.
The novice team consisting of Nathan Watson, Nicolas DeAnda, Sky Schulte and Noah
Treviño received the seventh place team trophy in their division.
The Elementary JV team, consisting of Hector Salcedo, Ivana Cantu, Ethan Rohrer, Emerald
Maciel, and Joseph Contreras received the 10th place team trophy.
Individually, Sara Lin competed in Primary Championship division and received a 10th
place trophy, and Sky Schulte placed 15th in the novice division.
Students receiving an Honorable Mention award for a positive score of four points were
Connor Sponsler – Elementary Championship division; Ethan Rohrer – Elementary JV
division; Ethan Maciel – Primary JV division; Nicolas DeAnda – Elementary novice division;
and Kevin Zhou – K-1 Championship division.
Jennifer Stumbaugh, Principal
Hector Larraga, RVE Contributor
RVE Hosts Robotics Expo;
Several Parents Attend
The Rancho Verde Robotics Club held
its Robotics Expo March 21, as club
members were able to present several
projects to parents who attended.
Coaches Fernando Diaz and Hector
Larraga thanked the parents who
came to support their children’s
projects, and thanked them for their
gratitude and patience.
Shelby Crouch Named
RVE Teacher of the Year
Shelby Crouch has been selected as
the Teacher of the Year at Rancho
Verde Elementary for 2012-13.
Crouch is a fifth grade teacher at
Rancho Verde, but has more teaching
experience in third grade. She taught
in San Antonio for several years
before coming to Los Fresnos CISD.
“I feel much honored that my
colleagues selected me to represent
our campus,” Crouch said. “I am
privileged to work with so many
wonderful teachers, many of whom
are as deserving of this award.”
Crouch and other campus Teachers
of the Year will be honored at the
Employee Banquet May 17 at Los
Fresnos United.
Spring Carnival: Rancho Verde Elementary hosted its Spring Carnival Feb. 23. The
carnival was a huge success, thanks to the support from parents and staff. RVE appreciates
the support of sponsors Octavio’s Remodeling & Glass, Tyler Hammond, Building Blocks,
Roselawn, Denny’s, and J&H Auto Sales.
Melanie McCormick, Principal
Oralia Rivera, DRE Contributor
D o r a R o m e r o E l e m e n ta r y S c h o o l
STAAR Exam Pep Rally: Principal Melanie McCormick led
a Pep Rally for students preparing to take the STAAR exam
during a Pep Rally before the testing. Students took the
state-mandated exams in early April.
Page 13
TEA Named Pre-K Center of Excellence 2012: The Texas Education Agency named Dora Romero Elementary’s PreKindergarten a Center of Excellence. Superintendent Gonzalo Salazar presented the school along with principal Melanie
McCormick and Pre-Kindergarten teachers Ana Cervantes and Blanca Ordaz-Molina a banner to be displayed at school.
The entire school faculty and staff was treated to a continental breakfast to celebrate the achievements.
Motivation for STAAR Testing:
Fifth grade students show off
motivational posters during Pep
Rally for the STAAR test. Pictured
are (left to right) Alexandria
Bermudez, Carson Barrientos,
David Rivera, Briana Gracia,
Cecilia Garza, Michael Chapa, Aldo
Benjarano, and Makenze Garza.
Royal Court Selected: The first Dora Romero Elementary Royal Court winners were crowned during a Royal Court Lunch
March 28, sponsored by the Cheerleaders. All Pre-Kinder-5th grade students and staff were encouraged to vote for their
friends and/or relatives. Pictured are (left) third grade Duke Oden Saldivar and Duchess Annistyn Martinez; fourth grade
Prince Hernando Gonzalez and princess Ileana Burnias; and fifth grade King John Martinez and Queen Danna Hernandez.
Motivation for STAAR Testing: Fourth grade students held
their own Pep Rally in preparation for the STAAR test. The
DRE Cheerleaders were part of the school’s activities for
the day.
Page 14
V i ll a r e a l E l e m e n ta r y S c h o o l
Villareal Music Students Treat School Board to Big Show
Villareal Elementary music teacher
Arcardio Morada and students put on a
spectacular show “Texas, Big, Beautiful,
and Bountiful,” which was presented to
the Los Fresnos CISD Board of Trustees
during a meeting at VES March 4.
Yliana Rodriguez, Principal
Melissa Shafer, VES Contributor
Pre-K Gold Standard Award: Villareal Elementary School Pre-Kindergarten program
received a plaque and banner for the Pre-Kindergarten Center for Excellence award
designation by the Texas Education Agency. This award evaluates the effectiveness of
Pre-Kindergarten programs throughout Texas. Villareal Elementary is very proud of their
teachers and students. Shown in the photo above are (from left) Superintendent Gonzalo
Salazar, principal Yliana Rodriguez, Pre-Kindergarten teachers Shannon Halford and Betty
Guerrero, and assistant principal Linda Rodriguez.
This show was put on as part of Texas
Public Schools Week. Students danced
and sang to famous Texas songs such
as Texas Our Texas.
Also included in this program were
songs from the late Selena.
Picnic for Parents: Parents and children alike had a memorable time enjoying the
sunshine while spending quality time with their loved ones. Villareal Elementary
celebrated Texas Public Schools Week by inviting families to eat lunch with their children,
who were very excited to deviate from their everyday routine and eat outside picnic style.
Children could be seen smiling and conversing with family while eating their favorite
foods. Events such as these will create unforgettable memories.
Read Across America Day: Hundreds of students gathered in the Villareal Elementary
cafeteria to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Oohs and aahs could be heard across the
room as a Dr. Seuss story was read to them. This activity was part of Read Across America
Day, the nation’s largest reading celebration to highlight the importance of developing a
love for reading at an early age. Shown in this picture are Pre-Kinder students wearing
their Seuss shirts along with teacher aide Amanda Vega and principal Ylliana Rodriguez.
L o s F r e s n o s C.I.S.D .
Page 15
Congratulations Los Fresnos CISD Teachers of the Year!
Simon Aguirre
Villareal Elementary
Mayra Felix
Las Yescas Elementary
Juan Barreda
Resaca Middle School
Elsa Gutierrez
Palmer-Laakso Elementary
Beatrice Carlos
CCTA
Consuelo Juarez
Dora Romero Elementary
Lisa Castro
Christina Cavazos
Los Fresnos United
Rancho Verde Elementary
Nola D’Ann Loop
Criselda M. Morrell
Rosalinda Olivares
Laureles Elementary
Liberty Memorial Middle School
Los Cuates Middle School
Shelby Crouch
Los Fresnos High
This publication is produced six times a year by the
Communications and Marketing Office of the Los
Fresnos CISD, with the assistance of contributors from
each of the 14 Los Fresnos CISD schools.
Falcon Express Production Team
Graphic Artist: Ines Leal
Editor and Page Designer: Ronnie Zamora
Elaine A. Rodriguez
Los Fresnos Elementary
Alicia Torres
Lopez-Riggins Elementary
Gina Tovar
DAEP/AMI
Christopher Wiley
Olmito Elementary
This publication will also be posted online at the Los
Fresnos CISD website www.lfcisd.net.
Printed by Los Fresnos News
Page 16
Los Fresnos High School
Ronnie Rodriguez, Principal
Amy Baker, LFHS Contributor
Cortez, Cabrera Fernandez Named Academic All-Stars
LFHS seniors
Luis Angel
Cortez and
Diana Cabrera
Fernandez have
been named
LFHS Academic
All-Stars by
the LFHS
counseling
staff.
The Academic
All-Stars
program is
sponsored by
The Brownsville
Herald, which
describes
Academic AllStars as “graduating seniors who exemplify dedication to academic achievement as well as
community involvement.”
Cortez and Cabrera Fernandez were selected because of their academic achievements and
their community involvement. “We are very proud of these two students,” said counselor
LeeAnn Barreda. “They represent the best of Los Fresnos.”
Both wrote essays of 200 words or less on the subject “In 20 years, how do you think your
generation will help improve Brownsville and the United States?”
The Academic All-Stars, which includes students from other schools in Brownsville and the
Brownsville area, will be featured in The Herald in its May 14 edition.
HOSA CPR Instruction: Students Luis Garcia
and Erica Sanchez are part of the LFHS Health
Occupational Students of America (HOSA) team
that sends students to state competition on a
regular basis. HOSA students take rigorous classes
in preparation for careers in medicine and many
graduate from LFHS with full EMT certification.
Performance for National Competition: The Navy JROTC Drill Teams performed its
four-part routine for the Navy JROTC National Drill Competition April 13. The routine was
videotaped and submitted to the national headquarters. All national qualifiers submitted
their presentations by videotape, since the national event was canceled because of
military budget cuts. Schools will be notified of results of by May 5. LFHS qualified for
nationals by placing second at the Texas Navy JROTC Drill Meet held March 22 at College
Station. The team was among 25 drill teams across the nation to advance to nationals.
Folkloric Dancers: Los Fresnos High School took the top team prize in the Academia de
Danza Amalia Hernandez Regional Folklorico Competition April 12-13 in San Antonio.
Dancers Humberto Ortiz and Estfany Guerrero (right photo) took the top prize in the
Couples Category.