handbook

Welcome to Torreón!
TRAVELER
IMP
ORT :
ANT
FOR
INF
O!
YOU
R
STA
Y
The following
packet is to help
guide you through
the next couple of
weeks until you
discover things and
places on your own.
Handbook
EXCELLENCE FOR LIFE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• General School Information
• Emergency numbers
• Medical guide
• Restaurants
• Fun
• Shopping
• Mechanical repairs garages
• Utilities and services
• Safety tips, READ IT!
• Gas Water Heater
• Swamp Cooler
Main Building
Kinder-Elementary Entrance
Paseo del Algodón s/n
Fr a c c . L o s Vi ñ e d o s
011-52-871-2225101
www.cat.mx
Torreón Coah. México.
C.P. 27019
Some images of our
Campus Los
Viñedos
Our School Bus
HANDBOOK!
PAGE
GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION
HOSPITALS
The American School of Torreon was
founded in September of 1950 and it was
officially
acreddited by the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools since
1954, its proud to present our new facilities
in Fracc. Los Viñedos.
SCHEDULE FOR
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES:
From 7:15 to 15:15
Monday through Friday.
CASHIER: From 7:30 to 14:30
Monday through Friday
MAINTENANCE:
From 7:00 to 16:00
Monday through Friday
From 7:00 to 12:00 Saturday
Teachers are covered by an accident/
Major Medical Insurance Plan by Grupo
Nacional Provincial (does not cover doctors
visits or prescription drugs unless
hospitalization is required). Once your
insurance ID card is received, please keep it
with you at all times.
If you have any problem with your
policy or you have questions about it, you
can call to our consultant:
M s. E v a M a i s t e r r e n a ( E n g l i s h
spoken)
or Visit the web site
www.gnp.com.mx
Cell phone: 044 87 13 60 41.
When you have an emergency, you can
go to any of these hospitals or call Dr. Siller
(English spoken).
HOSPITAL ANGELES:
Paseo del Tecnológico 909
Col. Residencial Tecnológico
Switchboard:01 (871) 7 29 04 00
From E.U.& Canadá: 011(52 871)72904 00
SANATORIO ESPAÑOL:
Francisco I. Madero No. 59 sur
Switchboard:
01 (871) 7 05 33 33
CLINICA DE DIAGNOSTICO:
Dr. Guillermo Siller Rodriguez
Av. Morelos 700 pte.
Phone: 747 54 37 & 38, 713 14 81
Cell: 044 (871) 189 21 04
FACULTY SCHEDULE :
KINDER (I-III) 8:00 – 13:00
ELEMENTARY (1-6°) 7:30 – 14:30
HIGH SCHOOL (7-12°) 7:30 – 14:40
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Emergency System 060
Fire Dept. 712 00 66
Red Cross 713 00 88
Electricity Commission 071
Ministerial Police
733 67 59
Experts 716 81 99
Public Security Dept. 733 31 65
2
Welcome to
Torreón, we
salute you, keep
this information
close to you... it is
very important!!!
HANDBOOK!
PAGE
3
Medical Guide
GASTROENTEROLOGISTS
Dr. Juan Elias Quezada Salcedo
Phones: 729-04-00
731-27-01
Cell phone: (871) 149-83-07
Dr. Roberto Bernal Gómez
Phones: 729-04-00 Ext. 563
757-36-08
PEDIATRICIANS
Dr. Jorge Yamil Darwich del Moral
Blvd. Revolución 2350 Ote.
Consultorio 114
Phones: 729-93-00/27
Dr. Jorge Tueme Arellano
Av. Morelos 454 pte. 1er. piso
Phone: 716-54-81
DENTIST
Dr. Gerardo Tueme Arellano
Av. Mayran 342 Torreón Jardín
Phone: 722-00-38
713-72-66
Dr. Raúl Medina
Av. Escobedo 1150 ote.
Phone: 713-78-41
OPHTHALMOLOGIST
Dr. Luis Tueme Arellano
Av. Morelos 454. 3er. piso
Phone:
716-51-68
Dr. Antonio Alejandro Vazquez Ceron
Perif. Raúl López Sánchez 10705
Fracc. Los Viñedos
Phone: 729-92-00
OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGIST
Dr. Alberto Tueme A.
Ave. Morelos 454 2o. piso
Phone:
712-60-06
716-67-98
Dr. Jesús Gómez Porras
Paseo del Tecnológico 909
Phone: 730-34-78
ALLERGY
Dr. Alberto Salas
Cepeda
Av. Morelos 700 ote.
Phone: 713-11-11
747-54-09
747-54-19
GYNECOLOGISTS
Dr. José Luis Siller
García
Woman’s Health
Center
Blvd. Rodriguez Triana 652
Phone: 729-69-09/10
Torreon is also
known for its
excellent medical
facilities, from the
regional to
international
health chains.
HANDBOOK!
PAGE
4
Restaurants
SIRLOIN STOCKADE
Blvd. Independencia 2270
Phone: 718-48-84
P&G CHINESSE GOURMETFOOD
Paseo de la Rosita 608
Phone: 732-34-00/721-62-95
CHI-TAI ORIENTAL BISTRO
Paseo de la Rosita 518
Phone: 792-22-20/792-22-21
GARUFA (Argentinean Cuisine)
Abasolo 74 pte. Phone: 716-40-72
LA ARABIGA (Arabic Cuisine)
Mall Hipermart: 722-59-00
Mall Galerias : 750-81-66
LA MASIA (Spanish Cuisine)
Degollado 693 esq. Blvd.
Independencia
Phone: 718-13-04
ITALIANIS
Blvd. Independencia 1300
Phone: 747-10-13
PAMPAS (Brazilian Cuisine)
Paseo de la Rosita 421
Phone: 732-61-44
NIKKORI SUSHI BAR
Paseo de la Rosita
Phone:720-00-50
LOS 4 PODERES (sea Food)
Av. Juarez 3325 pte.
Mexican Cuisine
LA MAJADA
Donato Guerra 1001 esq. Blvd.
Independencia
Phone:
713-47-15/713-49-60
LA PLACITA
Paseo de la Rosita
310
Phone: 720-20-11
MERENDERO SAN
PANCHO
Blvd. Independencia
2295
Phone: 204-10-00
Wide Variety for every taste!
OK. MAGUEY
Blvd. Constitucion 421
Phone: 716-92-28
CHILIS
Blvd. Independencia 1300
Phone: 718-23-24/718-21-16
New Openings frequently, don´t forget
to ask for reccomendations.
There is a wide
variety of
restaurants in
Torreon, for every
taste, Chinese,
Italian, Mexican,
Tex Mex,
Brazilian,
Argentine,
Lebanese,
Japanese,
Regional, etc.
Enjoy!
HANDBOOK!
PAGE
5
Fast Food
KFC
Diag. Las Fuentes y Arcangel
Phone: 721-09-90 / 721-93-06
BURGER KING
Blvd. Independencia 1100 ote.
Phone: 722-80-61/722-80-60
PIZZA HUT
Paseo de la Rosita
201
Phone: 732-10-11 /
732-10-20
Wide Variety of options also!
CARL´S JR
Blvd. Rodriguez Triana
Phone: 722-48-48/ 722-80-20
EL TACO TOTE
Calzada Estadio 399 ote.
Phone: 713-58-09 / 722-28-12
DENNY´S
Blvd. Independencia 3788 ote.
Phone: 750-93-72/750-93-73
PETER PIPER PIZZA
Calz. José Vasconselos 1955 Phone:
209-00-35 /209-00-63
DOMINO´S
Diag. Las Fuentes y Paseo de la Rosita
Phone: 721-91-41 / 713-68-28
SUBWAY
Paseo de la Rosita 910-5
Phone: 720-00-55
There is also a
wide variety of
fast food
restaurants in
Torreon, from
american based
food chains to
mexican and
regional.
For the rush, for a
snack, for a little
guilt...
Enjoy!
HANDBOOK!
PAGE
6
Fun, entertainment...
EL CUARTEL DEL 15
García Carrillo 140
IRISH PUB
Calz. José Vasconselos 1955
RIO LATINO
Calz. José Vasconselos 1955
MANDALAS
Blvd. Independencia
880 ote.
CINEPOLIS
Mall Galerias
Periferico Raul López
Sánchez 6000
Hanging Out!
Mall Cuatro Caminos
Blvd. Independencia
1300
FACES
Blvd. Independencia 3788 ote.
MEGAMAX CINEMAS
Calz. José Vasconselos 1955
LA QUINTA
Donato Guerra esq. con Matamoros
CITICINEMAS
Blvd. Rodriguez Triana esq. Prolong.
las Fuentes
These are only
examples, there
are also museums,
theaters,
professional
soccer, gardens,
historic buildings,
and some other
kind of
entertainment like
extreme sports,
etc... there is
always something
for everyone...
HANDBOOK!
PAGE
Arocena Museum and Canal de la Perla
DISCOVER THE CITY
CASA DEL CERRO
City Historical Museum (Casa del Cerro),
This house was constructed a century ago
by the engineer Federico Wulff as his home.
Now, it houses an exhibit of period
furniture, art galleries and an outdoor
forum for artistic events.
CANAL DE LA PERLA
Canal de la Perla, Forgotten under the
earth’s surface, this acueduct was
accidentaly discovered in 2003. Under its
original franciscan style half-barrel vaulted
ceiling, creating a rich culture atmosphere,
the plannet underground walkwai in the
heart of the historic downtown will inclide
cafes, restaurants, and arts and crafts store.
AROCENA MUSEUM
Arocena Museum, It is a wide and modern
museum with interesting rooms of
contemporary art, European art, art of the
New Spain and Regional history. The
museum was established in the ancient
building of Laguna Club, constructed in
1910.
7
Casa del Cerro Museum
ICOCULT
Center for the Arts ICOCULT, Cultural
activities such as theater, dance, music and
painting are promoted within the galleries
of this original and historic mansion. In
addition to its exhibits, it also has an
interesting library.
Torreón is a
modern and
beutiful city, it has
wide streets and
avenues, also
wide sidewalks. In
the city you can
visit architectural
treasures,
interesting
museums and
high-quality
recreational
facilities.
HANDBOOK!
PAGE
Teatro Nazas
DISCOVER THE CITY
TEATRO NAZAS
Nazas Theater, What was once and old
theater is now a modern and comfortable
cultural events arena. With the latest
technology, the theater opens its doors to
plays, musical concerts, opera and other
artistic performances.
Location: Matamoros and Cepeda
TEATRO ISAURO MARTINEZ
Teatro Isauro Martinez, Construction
began on this ambitious and beautiful
architectural project in 1928 by don Isauro
Martinez. Its structure de scribed as Gothic,
Byzantine and Moorish, possesses an
exquisite pictorial decor with an oriental
flair done by the Valencian artist, Salvador
Tarazona. The theater holds 700 people
and is home to the Coahuila Chamber
Orchestra.
Location: Matamoros and Galeana
8
Teatro Isauro Martínez
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Note: With your CAT ID as a Teacher, you
can get special discount in museums, special
events and transportation (Bus Station) in
all Mexico.
Torreón is a
modern and
beutiful city, it has
wide streets and
avenues, also
wide sidewalks. In
the city you can
visit architectural
treasures,
interesting
museums and
high-quality
recreational
facilities.
HANDBOOK!
PAGE
9
Shopping
GALERIAS LAGUNA
Periférico Raúl López Sanchéz 6000
Col. El Fresno
M A N DA R I NA S :
718-11-11
V E R D E S :
720-20-20
VA G A B U N D O S :
718-19-20
Let´s go shopping!
PLAZA CUATRO CAMINOS
Blvd. Independencia 1300 pte.
INTERMALL LAGUNA
Calz. Jose Vasconcelos casi esq. con
Paseo del Tecnológico.
SUPERMARKETS AND CLUB
STORES
Clothing, music,
groceries,
electronics,
specialties,
etc.
You name it,
we got it!
HANDBOOK!
PAGE
10
Mechanical Repairs Garages
Blvd. Independencia 2400 ote.
Phone: 722-11-80
Blvd. Rodriguez Triana 111
Phone: 729-37-30
Elfer
COMARCA MOTORS
Diagonal Reforma 2222 ote.
Phone: 707-40-40
Blvd. Independencia
2323 ote.
Phone: 747-33-11
Take care of your car!
MISOL AUTOMOTRIZ
Blvd. Independencia 3621 ote.
Phone: 729-28-08
Diagonal reforma Esq. Av. Juarez
Phone 729-49-00
Blvd. Independencia 2333 ote.
Phone: 747-33-00
Blvd. Independencia 22 ote.
Phone: 717-53-53
Blvd. Independencia 2200 ote.
Phone: 747-27-00
Blvd. Independencia y Colon
Phone: 705-55-60
C.Mariano López Ortiz y Comonfort
Phone: 747-25-00
There is a wide
variety of Car
Dealers and Car
Brands... so your
car will be
pleased
to be here too.
Drive safely!
HANDBOOK!
PAGE
11
Utilities and Services
Most of the bills like electricity, water,
telephone, TV cable or internet will be
mailed to your house monthly or bimonthly
depending on the service, the payment for
all those is your responsability.
It is very important to pay all the bills
before they expire, now that the services
could be cut one or two days after the that
date. As an additional service, the School
offers to send your payments to the different
offices, to do this, you would have to bring
to the Human Resources Dept. your bills
and money at leas 4 days before they expire.
CFE COMISION FEDERAL DE ELECTRICIDAD
Modern electricity is used throughout
Torreón. The local company sends bills to
the apartments bimonthly.
Pay your bills on time since service may
be cut off after few days, sometimes an
extra charge is added for reinstalling the
electrivity
GAS COMPANY
Apartments use gas water heater and
stoves. Filling the gas tank is responsability
of the tenant. Most apartments have two
tanks. To ensure that hot water and cooking
facilities are always available. When a tank
becomes empty, call to the gas company.
COMBUGAS
INTERGAS ZETA GAS 732-11-11
733-00-00
750-19-19
Telephones are available in nearly
housing location. Teachers share the cost
and pay their own long distance calls. The
cost of a new phone line is quite expensive
and takes about 2 months to get it installed.
The service is paid once a month and
long distance calls are charged two months
after they were made. Tenants are
responsible for paying all cost and itemizing
their personal use.
All
numbers
beginning with 044 871
are from cellular phones.
DO NOT ABUSE of this
kind of calls since they are
really expensive.
Trash service curbside
pick-up is provided at least
Electricity, water, gas, telephone...
twice a week. Please be
conscious to proper
packing of garbage to
ensure that the neighborhood critters do
not spread the contents in front af your
dwelling.
The decision to drink water is one of
the personal nature. While the water is
relatively safe and highly chlorinated, many
choose to abstain. There are several options
available for purchasing drinking water. The
brand which the School uses is
ELECTROPURA, since it is very safe, you
can call to 750-19-16 or get a bottle in
almost any self service store.
First time visitors come to Mexico
experience some type of digestive problems
due to the change in local food specialities.
M a ny p ro d u c t s a r e m a n u f a c t u r e d
differently from U.S. and Canada.
However , do not be alarmed as it
usually is a short adjustment period. Careful
preparation and knowledge of food
products can avoid many problems.
Any questions?
ask Human
Resources Dept.
for help...
HANDBOOK!
PAGE
12
The cost of utilities, (e)
The average cost for:
PHONE (Service)
pesos per month
1 9 2 . 0 0
Cell long distance
2.85 pesos per
minute
Cell call 1.85 pesos per
minute
Long distance call (International)
4.57 pesos per minute
Long distance call (National)
1.48
pesos per minute
INTERNET (high speed) pesos per month
WATER
month
689.00
Saving money is possible!
195.00 pesos per
ELECTRICITY month
210.00 pesos per
TV CABLE (basic service)
pesos per month
GAS (tank of 30 kg.) pesos
300.00
3 0 0 . 0 0
You can take for
granted that the
pesos check is
enough to cover
comfortably your
personal needs
while you live in
México, and it
allows you to save
at least 2,000 usd
per year, if you
fulfilled it
satisfactorily.
HANDBOOK!
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13
Safety
TO AVOID PROBLEMS OF ROBBERY,
PLEASE CONSIDER DOING THE
FOLLOWING:
1. Lock all the doors and windows
when you leave your house, even id it is only
for a few minutes
2. DO NOT give anybody a copy of
your apartment or car keys. If you lose your
keys let the maintenance Dept. know to
change the locks as brief as possible.
3. Always lock your car
Be safe, be ready!
4. DO NOT leave valuable personal
belongings inside your car
5. DO NOT tell anybody the NIP of
your bank cards.
6. Be very carefu when invite some to
visit you or when hiring someone to clen or
cook at your apartment.
7. If hire a Maid, be sure to meet her,
ask her at least fill an application up anf for
a recommendation letter.
REMEMBER,
YOU ARE
RESPONSIBLE
OF YOUR OWN
SAFETY, YOUR
PERSONAL
BELONGINS
AND YOUR
APARTMENT
FURNITURES.