ECR WSS - San Antonio ISD

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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
E D U C A T I O N
A Publication of the San Antonio Independent School District
MARKING MILESTONES AND PROGRESS
SAISD’s Bond 2010 has been moving along with
tremendous momentum over the first half of the year.
• New
One offacilities
our mosttoheralded
open . projects
. . . . . . . .nearing
. . . . . . .completion
. . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 3
Student
recognitions
. . . . . . . .is. set
. . . to
. . be
. . .shown
. . . . . . off
. . .at. . pg. 4-5
is• Alamo
Stadium,
whose splendor
‘Excellence’
rewarded
in
SAISD
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. . . . . . pg. 6
an
• August open house.
Brackenridge
HS,
Harris
MS
get
national
honors
. . . . pg. 7
• In addition to the new restrooms, locker rooms,
concession, press box and Americans with Disabilities Act
access, the stadium will receive new turf. Designed for a
more user-friendly experience, this turf features a more
natural feel and resilient “bounce” cushion which will
deliver a much better marching and playing experience
for students on the field. The new turf also is striped to
Anticipating its August debut is the renovated Alamo
accommodate student soccer, a first for Alamo Stadium.
Stadium. San Antonio’s beloved landmark will boast a
Now up and on display is the stadium’s new Daktronics
state-of-the-art Daktronics digital scoreboard and new
digital scoreboard. Exemplifying the latest 21st-century
user-friendly turf featuring a resilient “bounce” cushion.
technology, the scoreboard will allow spectators to enjoy
its video replay capabilities, as well as real time “fans-inthe-stands” shots, close ups of teams, spirit leaders and
the bands. The camera work will be provided by SAISD
media students, who will roam the field and the stands for
a more personal game experience.
Together with the adjacent Convocation Center, which
opened this past January, the duo is receiving $35 million
in renovations with projects on schedule and on budget.
Another area of anticipation is the progress of SAISD
high school renovations. Two are slated for completion of
a significant phase of their construction this summer.
Brackenridge’s $21.1 million project includes partial
Workers prepare the Brackenridge career and technical
education building, one of eight such facilities slated for
renovations to the main building, as well as a new
District high schools under SAISD Bond 2010.
continued back page
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE 2014-15 SCHOOL YEAR
New to SAISD? Welcome! If you are a returning student,
welcome back!
With the first day of classes, Monday, Aug. 25, soon
approaching, it’s time now to start planning for 2014-15.
PRE-K AND HEAD START REGISTRATION
Students may apply at their neighborhood elementary
or academy: July 29-30, 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.
Acceptance into these programs is based upon need,
with priority given to English learners and special needs
children. For more information, call 554-2410.
KINDER – 12TH-GRADE REGISTRATION
All students must enroll at the school they will attend:
Aug. 5-8, 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m., with extended
evening hours running until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6
and, for high school students only, Thursday, Aug. 7.
WHAT’S NEEDED
Parents or guardians must bring the following:
• Proof of SAISD residency (utility bill, lease agreement).
They also must bring their child’s:
• Transcript from former school.
• Up-to-date immunization records.
For immunization information call the San Antonio
Metropolitan Health District, 207-8894.
continued back page
San Antonio Independent
School District
-------------------------------------141 Lavaca St.
San Antonio, TX 78210
www.saisd.net
www.saisd.net
tel:554-2200
299-5799
tel:
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Summer 2014
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
CELEBRATING 2013-14;
BRIGHT FUTURES AHEAD
Another year with wonderful
milestones to celebrate is behind us
and already we are looking forward
to a great year ahead.
Having shook the hands of
some 2,400 graduating seniors,
graduations still are fresh on my
mind. I would be remiss if I didn’t Dr. Sylvester Perez
Superintendent
share how proud I am of our
graduates and their accomplishments, as well as the
decorum at the ceremonies. As in previous years, all
of our students went through the ceremony with the
utmost of respect and dignity, no on-stage pranks.
No backflips or sprays of silly string. Just first-class
behavior.
We were privileged to be able to educate these
students and look forward to hearing updates about
how they are faring in life after high school. We know
that some will stay close by to attend college or go
into the workforce, others are headed far out of state
to places such as Brown University in Rhode Island,
Kettering University in Michigan and Pomona College
in California, while some are entering the military.
Among those staying close by are alumni in the first
graduating class of the fire science pathway at Edison
High School’s Public Safety Magnet. The students
who completed this program are continuing on at
San Antonio College (SAC) and taking their EMT
preparation courses there, either this summer or in the
fall, in further pursuit of their firefighter certification.
The program, which includes going through SAC’s
First Responders Academy, is an example of the
excellent and wide variety of career programs we offer
students in SAISD.
We’ll be expanding on that in the fall with our new
early college high school located on the campus of
St. Philip’s College. Just this spring, we signed up 105
incoming freshmen for this new school’s first-ever class
to begin in August. In addition to having a fast-track to
an associate degree from St. Philip’s, or up to 60 hours
of college credit they can transfer to a state four-year
continued back page
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Trustees in the community................................................page 2
SAISD’s outstanding staff, students and partners.............page 3
Noticias en español.......................................................pages 6-8
Congratulations (felicidades), class of 2014! ..................page 7
Vision SAISD I Summer 2014 I Page 1
AT YOUR SERVICE!
THE DISTRICT’S ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES AT WORK FOR THE COMMUNITY
When not at School Board meetings making important
decisions on improving SAISD and the quality of
education offered students, Trustees are in the community.
These photos show just some of the ways they serve on
behalf of their constituents.
School Board President Ed Garza congratulates an incoming 6th-grader on her acceptance into the Young Women’s
Leadership Academy. Welcoming new students through a rose ceremony is an annual event at San Antonio’s only
all-girls public school in Garza’s Trustee District 7.
Board Vice President Olga M. Hernandez
commends Karen Martinez on being the first
graduate of the Public Safety Magnet at her
District 6 Edison High School. Karen also earned a
$1,000 scholarship from The GEO Group Inc., the
world’s leading provider of correctional, detention
and community reentry services.
School Board Secretary and District 4 Trustee
Arthur V. Valdez bestows medals upon SAISD’s
outstanding athletes during the yearly “Night of
Champions” celebration at the Alamo Convocation
Center.
Thanking U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan
(left) for participating in a town hall meeting at
the Tynan Early Childhood Education Center is
School Board Assistant Secretary James Howard.
Duncan was in Howard’s East Side District 2
neighborhood as part of President Barack
Obama’s Promise Zone initiative, a federal
designation designed to help improve education
and economic development.
District 3 Trustee Debra Guerrero offers her best wishes
to a happy Highlands class of 2014 graduate during the
high school’s commencement ceremony.
Vision SAISD I Summer 2014 I Page 2
Trustee Steve Lecholop provides a commencement day
address to graduates of Travis Early College, one of
three high schools in his District 1.
District 5 Trustee Patti Radle (left) congratulates Lanier
High School criminal justice teacher Tamara Ford and
her student Wendy Guzman. Ford was named District 11
(comprising 13 school districts) SkillsUSA Advisor of the
Year and placed second for this title at the state level.
Wendy qualified for this summer’s national SkillsUSA
contest based upon her performance at the state level.
Wendy also is SkillsUSA District 11 president.
SPOTLIGHT ON SAISD AND OUR PARTNERS
Outstanding scholars
Recent Navarro graduate Janeva
Thomas plans to major in
biology at St. Mary’s University
in preparation for a career in
anesthesiology or as an OB/GYN.
Shown with her are principal
Gustavo Cordova and math
teacher Chong Johnson.
Members of SAISD’s class of 2014 have earned major
scholarships, including two students who are receiving full
college funding through the Ph.D. level as Gates Millennium
Scholars.
They are among 1,000 students nationwide to receive this
funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Highlands Gates Scholar and Dell
Scholar recipient Juan Urquilla
plans to attend the University
of Texas at Austin and major in
biology in preparation of a career
in gastroenterology. Shown with
him (l to r) are (then) principal
Lorna Klokkenga and counselor
Berta Sanchez.
Edison Dell Scholar Brandy
Bazan plans to first attend
San Antonio College and
then major in biology at the
University of Texas at San
Antonio in preparation for a
career in this field. Shown with
her is principal Charles Muñoz.
Travis Early College Gates Scholar
Selena S. Portillo plans to attend
Texas A&M University-College
Station and major in neuroscience
in preparation of a medical career.
Shown with her (l to r) are teacher
Joseph Ostrowski and principal
Miguel Elizondo.
In other highlights, a Navarro High School senior was the
recipient of a $36,000 scholarship from St. Mary’s University
for placing second in the school’s algebra, trigonometry and
geometry competition, while the Highlands Gates recipient,
along with two others from SAISD, were awarded $20,000 each
through the Dell Foundation Scholars Program. Funding is
provided by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.
Jefferson Dell Scholar Lesly Valdes
plans to attend the University
of Texas at San Antonio and
major in biology in preparation
for a career as a pediatric
dentist. Shown with her are lead
counselor Nora Potthast and
principal Orlando Vera.
Young Women’s Leadership
Academy Dell Scholar Thristian
Lewis plans to attend the
University of North Texas
and major in accounting in
preparation of first becoming an
accountant and ultimately a chief
financial officer. Shown with her
is principal Delia McLerran.
Exemplary collaboration
The District’s partnership with the University of Texas at
San Antonio to prepare transformational leaders earned an
Exemplary Educational Leadership Preparation Award from
the University Council for Educational Administration.
Shown celebrating (l to r) are Dr. Sylvester Perez, District
superintendent, UCEA’s Dr. Michelle Young, Dr. Rubén D.
Olivárez, a retired SAISD
superintendent who was
honored as a founding
collaborative member,
and a UTSA dean,
Dr. Betty Merchant.
‘Rising Stars’ shine bright
A quartet of new District teachers has earned accolades for
their exceptional first year in the classroom as recipients of
the sixth-annual Rising Stars award.
Nominees are recommended by their principals and then
are rated by a committee. Each received a trophy and a $250
voucher to Learning Zone for school supplies.
Rising Stars and their schools (l to r) are: Ana Alicia Valdez, Beacon
Hill Elementary; Roberto Canizales, De Zavala Elementary; Rosario
Esparza, Tafolla Middle School; and Vita Wu, Lanier High School.
PARTNERS PROVIDE RESOURCES AND SEED MONEY FOR BETTER LIVING
Thanks to generous support, students at two District
schools are enjoying refurbished gyms, while those at three
others are better equipped for gardens and going green.
Good sports
The term “home-court advantage” has special meaning
for students at
Bowden Elementary
and the Young
Women’s Leadership
Academy.
For the second
straight year, East
Side-area youngsters
scored a victory by
the Spurs advancing
to the finals: an NBA Cares Learn and Play Center.
Among those at Bowden’s ribbon-cutting ceremony were
Gregg Popovich (left) Spurs coach and Dr. Sylvester Perez
(right), SAISD superintendent.
Each year a school in the top two NBA teams’ hometowns
are chosen for the project. Wheatley Middle School was San
Antonio’s beneficiary in 2013.
YWLA’s makeover for its 74-year-old gym was courtesy
of its selection as a WNBA Cares Week campus, and was in
partnership between the San Antonio Silver Stars, the H-E-B
Tournament of Champions and Silver & Black Give Back.
‘Team’ing up for better living
An SAISD school once again has netted a top prize for
efforts to help improve its community through
service-learning projects.
The Wilson Elementary Gardening Club
received $20,000 from Silver & Black Give Back
to expand the school’s wellness efforts beyond its community
garden to include a greenhouse, starting a fish farm/
hydroponic growing pond, installing an outdoor classroom,
putting in fruit trees and more.
Lamar Elementary two of the three top local awards in the
Central Texas Green Schools Challenge.
Hawthorne’s Green Club placed first for research, resulting
in a garden to attract birds, bees and butterflies, increasing
both plant and wildlife diversity at their school. The club’s
efforts were supported by mentors from Lake Flato Architects
and through donations from Home Depot and Lowe’s stores
and a community member.
Placing second was Lamar’s Green Club for research,
resulting in reduced energy consumption and increased
recycling. Project sponsor was architect Hozefa Haidery and
his associates from the Overland Partners Architecture firm.
Up to the Green School Challenge
Projects designed to make their campuses more
ecologically friendly have earned Hawthorne Academy and
Vision SAISD I Summer 2014 I Page 3
MORE ABOUT
YOUR DISTRICT
DISTRICT 1
Recent highlights for District 1
include awards and recognitions
for students and staff alike.
American proud
Honored in the public
schools category at the
area-wide Celebrate
America essay contest
were these Bonham
Academy 5th-grade
patriots and teacher Paula
Strelchun.
Jade Gibbs (left) placed first while Mya Barrera earned
honorable mention. Strelchun was recognized for the most
student entries.
Winning essays were read at a naturalization ceremony.
Eagles soar
Accolades and honors abound for students from
DISTRICT 2
Recent District 2 highlights
include celebrating academics,
welcoming the community and preparing for higher ed.
Book bonanza
Hirsch Elementary 2nd-graders have their very own copy
of “Tomas and the Library
Lady” to enjoy reading this
summer.
The gift was courtesy of the
Carver Library and presented
by librarian D. L. Grant, who
was assisted in handing out
the books by principal Mary
Rodriguez.
Wheatley welcomes you!
This summer Wheatley Middle School hosted a series of
DISTRICT 3
Recent District 3 highlights
include accolades for arts,
character and compassion.
Little leaders
Schenck Elementary
students (l to r)
Marilyn Garcia and
Adamaris Lopez
earned Lamar Award
of Excellence medals and $200 from the Highland Hills
Masonic Lodge for outstanding character and leadership.
Presenters (l to r) were lodge members Cecil Whitley and
Dan Owczarak.
Upcoming artists
Fifteen of the 20 participating Connell Middle School
Vision SAISD I Summer 2014 I Page 4
Ed Garza, President
(District 7)
Olga M. Hernandez, Vice President
(District 6)
Arthur V. Valdez, Secretary
(District 4)
James Howard, Asst. Secretary
(District 2)
Brackenridge High School, including:
A ‘capital’ artist
Swellyn Silva’s self portrait earned
the 2014 Brackenridge High School
graduate a free trip to Washington,
D.C., this summer where her art will
be on display through June 2015.
She was recognized at her school
by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett as the
Congressional Art Competition winner
for District 35.
Swellyn is the second consecutive
Brackenridge student to achieve this honor.
Debra Guerrero, Trustee
(District 3)
Steve Lecholop, Trustee
(District 1)
Patti Radle, Trustee
(District 5)
National Russian Essay contest
where she took home a silver
medal.
Shown congratulating Miranda
is Mary Bordes, the school’s World
Languages Magnet coordinator.
Court’s in session
Fox Tech High School Law Professions Magnet students
showcased their legal expertise during a mock trail for a
mass-casualty exercise at Edison.(See District 6.)
Through the real-world exercise, they portrayed prosecuting
and defense attorneys, paralegals and expert witnesses.
Renowned for Russian
Prior to graduation, Miranda Fermin was named a Scholar
Laureate by the American Council of Teachers of Russian as
the school’s most outstanding Russian-language student.
She also was one of 40 of her classmates to place in the
meetings seeking input
on how to transform the
campus into a community
resource center.
The goal is part of
Wheatley’s designation as
an EastPoint community
host school. At this June gathering, members reviewed a floor plan of
the campus.
Hurray for the Hurricanes
Students at District 2’s Sam Houston High School have
their sights set on higher education, including Ph.D.s
program,
hold doctoral
degrees and
have pledged
their support
in helping students earn their own Ph.D.
Good friends
These class of 2014 members have an extra $1,000
for college as Friends of Sam Houston Scholarship for
Outstanding Academic Achievement recipients.
Funds are raised through an annual breakfast honoring
the school’s late principal Donald McClure.
Doctors on call
The future of forward-thinking Talented Tenth Scholars
Program members is in good hands.
Their mentors, part of the Doctors Producing Doctors
student artists
earned medals
at the Junior
VASE, the
Texas Visual
Arts Scholastic
Event.
this summer in the Tandem and Solo categories at the Texas
Drill Competition, where contestants included both high
school students and graduates.
Outstanding Owls
District 3’s Highlands High School students took some top
honors, as well as praise for humanitarianism, including:
Drilled in excellence
Antoni Plocica
and Luis Alvarado
(far left and right,
respectively) earned
first place medals
Resilient Roland rolls on
A stray pup partially paralyzed by a bullet got a second
chance at life and generous support once news went viral
that the Voices for Animals Club had assumed his care.
After being treated at South Texas Veterinary Specialists
and fitted with a wheel cart, the dog now known as Roland
is in the foster care of VFA co-sponsor Tammie Bennett (back
row, right) while awaiting a forever home.
Shown with them are
students and club cosponsor Mary Shearer.
Read about Roland at:
www.highlandsvfa.
weebly.com.
DISTRICT 4
Recent District 4 highlights
include first-time authors and
preparing for college and careers.
Bright future ahead
Briscoe Elementary
had the privilege of
serving as the host
site for San Antonio’s
Destination College Week
kickoff.
Among those wearing
shades to express that day’s theme of “My Future’s So Bright”
was Mayor Julián Castro (left). Also there for the first day’s
event (right) was SAISD Superintendent Dr. Sylvester Perez.
The week’s activities provided students citywide of all ages
opportunities to learn about preparing for higher education.
Our own authors
Edgar Allan Poe isn’t the only published writer at the
middle school bearing his name. Joining that rank is fouryear special education Read
DISTRICT 5
180 and System 44 teacher
Rachelle Killian.
Her inspirationally
educational children’s book
“Roxy and Maddie: Ready to
Race” was published this spring
and may become a series.
She joins Herff Elementary principal Dr. Traci Smith (not
shown) as District 4’s recently published writers. Killian’s
book, along with and Smith’s novel “A Reason, A Season, A
Lifetime,” are available at: www.amazon.com.
Those ambitious Bulldogs
While Burbank High School recent graduates head to
higher education, class of 2017 members are spending part
of their summer preparing to join them there in a few years.
GEAR UP gone green
Whether planning for a career or hobby in horticulture,
incoming sophomores had the opportunity to get a jump
start on the field through the Urban Garden Academy.
Hosted by Burbank, home to the Agricultural Science
Recent District 5 highlights
include award-winning readers,
Reading up a ‘Storm’
Masters of music
Irving Middle School’s tradition of award-winning student
musicians continues, including first-place finishes for jazz
band at both the St. Mary’s University Fiesta Jazz Festival and
the Palo Alto Jazz Festival.
DISTRICT 6
Recent District 6 highlights
include celebrating wellness
and preparing for college and careers.
Bring your own bear
Cotton Elementary students, parents and their favorite
furry pals celebrated
the start of summer
and end of a
successful year at the
school’s annual Teddy
Bear Picnic.
IB bound for college
The 21 graduating seniors of
the prestigious International
Baccalaureate Magnet
Program have earned over
$3.4 million in scholarships.
Twenty of the IB grads are
headed to college, while one
will attend the U.S. Naval
Academy Preparatory School.
the Smithsonian American History Museum, the Lincoln
Memorial and more. Cost for the annual trip is offset
through donations.
Traveling with them was teacher William Davis.
scholars and musicians.
Their love of
reading not only is
mind-broadening but
earned them a Texas
Bluebonnet Award.
Storm Elementary
students placed first
in this competition
in which contestants
are quizzed on recommended books compiled by contest
sponsor, the Texas Library Association.
Magnet, this was one
of 30 SAISD summer
learning academies that
are part of the GEAR UP
college-prep program. In
this photo Ron Csehil, a
Texas AgriLife Extension
Service master gardener,
shows a student how to
construct a raised planting bed for a summer garden.
Conexión’s 20 under 20
With them (l to r, back row) are (then) principal Michael
Jordan, associate director Angel Flores, director of bands
Gilbert Sanchez and jazz ensemble director Louis Romero.
Ultimate road trip
History and civics
lessons came to life
this summer for
Rhodes Middle School
students who had the
opportunity to travel to
Washington, D.C.
In addition to
seeing the White House, U.S. Capitol and the changing
of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery, they toured
run through Aug. 15. The program is presented by Blue Cross
Blue Shield of Texas and organized by San Antonio Sports.
Golden Bears shine
Edison High School students excelled in a variety of areas
in preparation of higher ed and professions, including:
Drilled in excellence
The female varsity Color Guard earned certificates of
excellence as one of the 20 best in their category at the
National High School Drill Team Championships.
The cadets (l to r) are Cecilia Barrientes, Marissa Estrada,
Analisa Cuevas, Patricia Martinez and Alexis Perez.
Lanier High School class of 2014 member Gladys Molina
was among 20 young adults citywide, and three from SAISD,
honored for excelling academically while helping to improve
their schools and communities.
All were selected for Conexión magazine’s list of 20 under
20, which recognizes impressive Latinos all younger than 20.
Gladys, who is preparing for career in law enforcement,
aspires to someday
work for the FBI. Shown
with her are principal
Dr. Edward Garcia and
PE teacher and coach
Belinda Castañeda, who
nominated her.
and passersby had no cause for alarm at the site of an
apparent bombing victim being rushed into an ambulance.
Instead, Edison was the site of the Health Professions
and Public Safety Magnet’s second-annual mock-mass
casualty exercise, during which students work with city firstresponders to test the skills they are learning in class.
Joining them this year were students from Fox Tech’s Law
Professions Magnet (see District 1), who held a mock trial.
Brackenridge Media Productions Magnet students videotaped
the exercise and student actors portrayed victims.
In the fitness groove
Whittier Middle School-area residents have the opportunity
to enjoy fun ways to get in
shape this summer right in
their own neighborhood.
The campus is one of the
city’s eight host sites for the
2014 Fit Family Challenge to
Ready to assist
Despite this scenario’s realistic appearance, area residents
Vision SAISD I Summer 2014 I Page 5
DISTRICT 7
Recent District 7 highlights
include international stardom,
award-winning scholars and college and career prep.
‘Sabado’ super star
Her stupendous performance of “La Malagueña”on the
popular Univision
Spanish-language
program “Sabado
Gigante,” or “Giant
Saturday,” earned
Isabel Marie Sanchez
$1,000 and expanded
her fan base to the
international level.
The 11-year-old, who just completed 5th-grade at
Maverick Elementary, is shown here rehearsing for SAISD
Choir Fest with that school’s music teacher, Paul Perea.
Check out her June 14 performance on the world’s longestrunning TV variety series at: www.youtube.com.
Top teacher, scholars and school
It’s been a banner year for Young Women’s Leadership
Academy, which celebrated its first high school graduating
class and other honors, including the following.
Teacher Nina Slote (shown with, l to r, freshmen Angelica
Flores, Lorena Leza and Carmen Zayasbazan and principal
Delia McLerran) earned a $1,500 Science Education Awards
grant from the Texas Biomedical Forum and the V.H. McNutt
Memorial Foundation for an on-campus greenhouse.
Recipients, chosen by a panel of judges, are considered to
be among the top six teachers whose proposals demonstrate
the strongest commitment to the scientific process.
In another accolade, two YWLA students were among three
from SAISD selected for Conexión magazine’s 20 under 20,
which recognizes 20 impressive Latinos younger than 20
for excelling academically while helping to improve their
schools and communities.
Shown left with Asaiah Puente (center) and Iliana
Villagran is assistant principal Jennifer Salazar, who
nominated them.
Also, for the second
straight year, the Houstonbased advocacy group
Children at Risk placed
YWLA first on the list of
Top Middle Schools in the
Greater San Antonio area, comprising six counties.
A ‘model’ of summer learning
Aspiring architects had the opportunity to get a jump start
on this career through participation in the Design Studio
Summer Career Academy at Jefferson High School.
Projects included creating a model home.
This was just one of 30 career-focused academies held for
SAISD’s incoming 10th-graders this summer as part of the
GEAR UP college-prep program.
Jefferson is the
host site for the
Architecture &
Environmental
Studies Magnet.
CELEBRANDO 2013 –14; UN FUTURO BRILLANTE POR DELANTE
Otro año más con resultados
maravillosos para celebrar queda atrás y ya
estamos esperando con ansia un grandioso
año por delante.
Aún están frescos en mi mente los
recuerdos de las graduaciones con los
apretones de manos de alrededor de 2,400
estudiantes que se graduaron. Imposible
Dr. Sylvester Perez
dejar de compartir cuán orgulloso me
Superintendente
siento de nuestros graduados y sus logros,
así como de su formalidad en las ceremonias. Como en años
anteriores, todos nuestros estudiantes se comportaron con suma
dignidad y respeto en las ceremonias, sin bromas en el escenario.
No hubo maromas ni serpentinas de espuma en aerosol.
Solamente un comportamiento de primer nivel.
Tuvimos el privilegio de participar en la educación de estos
estudiantes y esperamos que nos compartan cómo les está yendo
después de haber terminado su preparatoria.
Sabemos que algunos asistirán a universidades cercanas
y otros saldrán del estado a colegios o entraran a la fuerza
laboral, otros se dirigen a lo largo y fuera del estado a lugares
como la Universidad de Brown, en Rhode Island, la Universidad
de Kettering, en Michigan, y Pomona College en California,
mientras que algunos están entrando a el ejército
Entre quienes se quedan cerca, hay ex alumnos de la primera
generación que se gradúa del área de Ciencias del Fuego
(Fire Science pathway) en el Public Safety Magnet de Edison
High School. Los estudiantes que terminaron este programa
continuarán en San Antornio College (SAC por sus siglas en
inglés) y tomarán ahí sus cursos de preparación para Técnico en
Emergencias Médicas (EMT por sus siglas en inglés) este verano
o en el otoño con el objeto de conseguir su certificación como
bomberos (apagafuegos). El programa, el cual incluye cursar
la Academia de Primera Respuesta de SAC, es un ejemplo de
la excelente y amplia variedad de carreras que ofrecemos a los
estudiantes en SAISD.
En otoño estaremos expandiendo estos programas con
nuestra nueva preparatoria de universidad temprana ubicada
en el campus de St. Phillip´s College. Tan sólo esta primavera se
inscribieron 105 estudiantes para la primera generación de esta
nueva escuela para comenzar en agosto. Además de contar con
una vía rápida para un grado asociado de St. Phillip, o bien hasta
60 horas de créditos universitarios que ellos pueden transferir
a una universidad o colegio estatal de 4 años, los estudiantes
tendrán la oportunidad de obtener una certificación en los
campos de alta demanda en tecnología automotriz o tecnología
en informática. Como es evidente, en SAISD valoramos la
diversidad educativa. Creemos que es clave para mantener a
nuestros estudiantes comprometidos y ayudándolos a trazar un
curso hacia el éxito que mejor se adapte a cada uno de ellos.
Este verano, los estudiantes que están en el programa de
preparación universitaria (GEAR UP por sus siglas en inglés)
y que incluye a todos los que ingresan a 10o. grado, están
participando en una o más Academias de Carreras de Verano, que
van desde arquitectura y jardinería urbana hasta codificación
informática y biotecnología. En todas, este verano se ofrecen 30
campamentos con períodos de una o dos semanas y son una
combinación de teoría y actividades prácticas, así como también
visitas de campo pertenecientes al área de estudio.
Estamos orgullosos de la diversidad que ofrecemos a nuestros
estudiantes y esperamos entusiasmados continuar fortaleciendo e
incrementando esas opciones. Esperamos que ustedes compartan
nuestro entusiasmo y optimismo conforme vamos avanzando.
Para alcanzar estos logros, necesitamos su constante apoyo a
fin de asegurar el éxito de SAISD en la educación tanto de esta
generación de estudiantes como de las futuras.
MARCANDO PROPÓSITOS
Y PROGRESO
un colchón de “rebote” elástico que proporcionará una mucha
mejor experiencia de marcha y de juego para los estudiantes en el
campo.
Ahora y en exhibición se encuentra el nuevo marcador digital
Daktronics del estadio. Como ejemplo a lo último en tecnología
del siglo 21, el marcador le permitirá a los espectadores disfrutar
de sus capacidades de reproducción de vídeo así como tomas de
los “espectadores en las gradas” en tiempo real, acercamientos
de los equipos, animadores y bandas. El trabajo de cámara estará
a cargo de los estudiantes de medios del SAISD que recorrerán el
campo y las gradas, para una experiencia más personal del juego.
Junto con el Centro de Ceremonias adyacente, que abrió sus
puertas en enero pasado, el dúo está recibiendo $35 millones en
renovaciones con proyectos a tiempo y dentro del presupuesto.
Otra área de avance es el progreso de las renovaciones de las
preparatorias del SAISD. Dos tienen programada la finalización de
una fase importante de las suyas construcción para este verano.
El proyecto de $21.1 millones de Brackenridge incluye
renovaciones parciales al edificio principal, así como una
estructura de tres pisos para carreras y educación técnica
nueva para albergar a los programas de carreras de la escuela,
incluyendo los programas Imán de Producciones de Medios de
Comunicación e Idiomas del Mundo.
En otro punto de la ciudad, Edison está dando grandes
pasos. Su proyecto de renovación de $26.1 millones incluye un
nuevo edificio de carreras y educación técnica para albergar
el programa JROTC, un aula de mercadotecnia, un área
de educación y entrenamiento, laboratorio de animación,
laboratorios de cómputo y más. El trabajo para ampliar la cocina
de la cafetería y renovar las aulas del segundo piso comenzó
este verano y el nuevo año escolar iniciará con una sección de
ciencias renovada y aulas de conocimientos prácticos.
El Bono de SAISD 2010 ha ido avanzando con extraordinaria
fuerza en la primera mitad del año. Uno de nuestros proyectos
más proclamados a punto de concluir es el Alamo Stadium
(Estadio del Álamo), cuyo esplendor está programado para ser
exhibido en una jornada de puertas abiertas en agosto.
Además de los nuevos baños, vestidores, concesión, cabina de
prensa y acceso a la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades,
el área de juego del estadio se ha nivelado y ampliado para
tener capacidad para fútbol soccer estudiantil, además de
fútbol y pista, por primera vez en el Alamo Stadium. Diseñado
para una experiencia más amigable para el usuario, el campo
tendrá nuevo césped que ofrece una sensación más natural y
Vision SAISD I Summer 2014 I Page 6
www.saisd.net/bondprojects
CONGRATULATIONS (FELICIDADES) CLASS OF 2014!
Ready to make their mark on the world are this year’s distinguished SAISD graduates.
For most, higher education and/or military academies will be their next stop, including
those selected by each school’s valedictorian and salutatorian.
At graduation time, these outstanding young adults had earned more than $39 million
in scholarships.
Brackenridge
Edison
Preparándose para trascender y dejar huella en el mundo se encuentran los prestigiosos
graduados de SAISD de este año. Para la mayoría de ellos, la educación superior y/o academias
militares serán su próxima parada, al igual que las seleccionadas por cada uno de los alumnos
que lograron respectivamente el primer y segundo promedio académico de cada escuela. Al
momento de graduación, estos jóvenes sobresalientes habían ganado sobre $39 millones en becas.
Highlands
Jefferson
Travis Early College
Nora A. Ramos-Michael, valedictorian
Texas A&M University - College Station
Angelica R. Benites, valedictorian
University of Texas at Austin
Guadalupe Suarez, valedictorian
University of Texas at Austin
Quincy D. Ratcliff valedictorian
University of Texas at Austin
Selena S. Portillo, valedictorian
Texas A&M University - College Station
Miranda J. Fermin, Salutatorian
University of Texas at Austin
Michael P. Rocha, salutatorian
University of Texas at San Antonio
Patrick J. Kinser, salutatorian
University of Texas at Austin
Allison L. Kimball, salutatorian
Syracuse University
Burbank
Fox Tech
Alejandro J. Gonzalez, salutatorian
Texas A&M University - College Station
Sam Houston
Lanier
Brianna R. Mena, valedictorian
Brown University
Adelind Iris S. Sifuentes, valedictorian
St. Mary’s University
Montranique D. Runnels, valedictorian
Texas A&M University - College Station
Abraham D. Ibarra, valedictorian
University of Texas at San Antonio
Alfonso Mata, salutatorian
University of Texas at Austin
Ashwini P. Bhakta, salutatorian
University of Texas at Austin
Krystalin J. Jones, salutatorian
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Lorena Rangel, salutatorian
University of the Incarnate Word
GRADUATION SNAPSHOTS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICT
IMÁGENES CAPTADAS DURANTE LAS GRADUACIONES A TRAVÉS EL DISTRITO
L
E HIGH SCHOO
BRACKENRIDG
FOX TECH HIGH SCHOOL
JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL
TRAVIS HIGH SCHOOL
BURBANK HIGH SCHOOL
HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL
LANIER HIGH SCH
OOL
COOPER ACADEMY
Young Women’s
Leadership Academy
Dominique L. Cameron, valedictorian
Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans
Kiamber S. Thompson, salutatorian
Pomona College
EDISON HIGH SCHOOL
SAM HOUSTON HIGH SCHOOL
NAVARRO HIGH SCHOOL
YOUNG WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE, continued from front page
college or university, students will have the
opportunity to obtain certification in the
high-demand fields of automotive technology
or information technology. As you can tell, we
value educational diversity in SAISD.
We believe it is key to keeping our students
engaged and helping them chart a course to
success that best fits them.
This summer, students in our GEAR
UP college-readiness program, which
includes all incoming 10th-graders, are
participating in one or more Summer Career
Academies, ranging from architecture and
urban gardening to computer coding and
biotechnology. In all, 30 camps are being
provided this summer over one- or two-week
periods and are a mix of theory and hands-on
activities, as well as visits to sites that pertain
to the area of study.
We are proud of our diverse offerings for our
students and look forward to strengthening
and growing those options.
I hope you will share our excitement and
optimism as we move forward. To succeed,
we need your continued support in ensuring
SAISD’s success in educating this and future
generations of students.
About our
Adult Ed
Superintendent Dr.
Sylvester Perez welcomes
visitors to an open house
at the Bowie Center, one
of several SAISD sites
collectively serving about
4,000 adult learners
throughout the District.
The event was held to provide our partners with an overview of SAISD’s offerings.
Earlier this year, the District re-opened this facility and leased two other former city of
San Antonio learning centers to provide additional adult education locations in key
areas of our community.
SAISD BOND 2010 , continued from front page
three-story career and technical education structure to
house the school’s career programs including the Media
Productions and World Languages Magnets.
Across town, Edison is making great strides. Its
$26.1 million renovation project includes a new career
and technical education building to house the JROTC
program, a marketing classroom, an education and
training area, animation lab, computer labs and more.
Work to expand the cafeteria kitchen and renovate
second-floor classrooms began this summer, and the new
school year will launch a renovated science wing and life
skills classrooms.
They are among eight District high schools benefitting
from SAISD Bond 2010. In all, 22 campuses across the
District are receiving major renovations.
For the latest information visit:
www.saisd.net/bondprojects.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL INFORMATION, continued from front page
SCHOOL TIMES
• Early Childhood Education Center campuses 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Elementary and PK - 8 academies – 8:05 a.m. -3:20 p.m. *
• Middle school – 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
• High school – 8:50 a.m.-4:15 p.m. *
* Elementaries: Cameron, Crockett and Neal, 7:25 a.m.- 2:40 p.m. High schools: Jefferson: 8:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m.,
Travis: 8 a.m.- 2:40 p.m. and YWLA: 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
AGE QUALIFICATIONS
On or before Sept. 1, 2014, a child must be:
• 6 for 1st grade
• 5 for kindergarten
INFORMACIÓN PARA EL REGRESO A CLASE
Las clases empiezan el lunes 25 de agosto.
PROGRAMAS PRE-KINDER Y HEAD START
Estudiantes pueden solicitar en la escuela primaria o
academia de su vecindario: del 29 al 30 de julio diario de 811 a .m. y 1- 4 p.m. La admisión es basa en la necesidad.
Se da prioridad a los niños con minimo de Ingles y
aquellos con necesidades especiales.
Para más detalles llame al 554-2410.
INSCRIPCIÓN PARA KINDER–12◦ GRADO
Los estudiantes deberán inscribirse en la escuela
correspondiente del 5 al 8 de agosto diario de 8-11 a.m.
y 1-4 p.m. y el miercoles 6 de agosto hasta las 7 p.m. – y el
jueves 7 de agosto para los estudiantes de preparatoria
solamente.
LOS NUEVOS ESTUDIANTES NECESITAN
• Comprobante de domicilio en SAISD.
• Las calificaciones más recientes
• Registro de vacunas. Para información de vacunas llame al San Antonio Metropolitan Health District,
207-8894.
• 4 for pre-kindergarten
• 3 or 4 for Head Start
AFTER-SCHOOL CHALLENGE PROGRAM
This after-school learning opportunity for elementary
and middle school students is available at 63 campuses. Cost is on a sliding scale. For more information contact
the providers:
• Boys & Girls Club of San Antonio – 977-1480
• Greater San Antonio After-School All Stars – 229-7827
• YMCA – 924-2277
• YWCA – 433-9922
SCHOOL MEALS
As part of the SAISD’s participation in the federal Child
HORARIO ESCOLAR
• Centros Preescolares – 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Primaria – 8:05 a.m.- 3:20 p.m.*
• Secundaria – 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Preparatoria – 8:50 a.m.-4:15 p.m.*
* Escuelas Primarias: Cameron, Crockett y Neal, 7:25 a.m.2:40 p.m. Escuelas Preparatorias: Jefferson: 8:45 a.m4:15 p.m., Travis: 8 a.m.- 2:40 y YWLA: 8:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
EDAD
El niño deberá tener cumplidos para el 1 de septiembre:
• 6 años para el primer grado
• 5 años para el kinder
• 4 años para el pre-kinder
• 3 años o 4 para Head Start
PROGRAMA AFTER SCHOOL CHALLENGE
Esta oportunidad de aprendizaje para después de clase
es para distinguidos estudiantes de primaria y está disponible
en 63 escuelas. La cuota varía según sus ingresos. Para más
información contáctese con los proveedores:
Nutrition Program, administered by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, all students will receive breakfast and lunch
at no cost, regardless of ability to pay.
WHAT TO WEAR
All District students must be attired in a uniform of
khaki bottoms and a white top or alternate schoolapproved colored shirt.
For more information, including uniform assistance,
call 554-2600.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call 554-2210 or visit: www.saisd.net.
• Boys & Girls Club of San Antonio – 977-1480
• Greater San Antonio After-School All Stars – 229-7827
• YMCA – 924-2277
• YWCA – 433-9922
LAS COMIDAS ESCOLARES
Como parte de la participación del SAISD en el programa
federal de Nutrición Infantil, el desayuno y el almuerzo se
servirán gratis para todos los estudiantes.
¿CÓMO VESTIR?
Todos los estudiantes deberán usar uniforme que consiste
de prendas de vestir de la parte de arriba en color caqui y las
prendas de vestir de la parte de abajo en color blanco u otro
color según sea aprobado por cada escuela.
Para más detalles llame al 554-2600.
PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN
Llame al 554-2210 o visite la página: www.saisd.net.
SAN ANTONIO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ed Garza, President
Olga M. Hernandez, Vice President
Arthur V. Valdez, Secretary
James Howard, Assistant Secretary
Leslie Price, Communications Executive Director
John Lawler: Photographer
Debra Guerrero, Trustee
Steve Lecholop, Trustee
Patti Radle, Trustee
Dr. Sylvester Perez, Superintendent
René Lynn: Vision Coordinator
Gustavo Lopez: Layout and design, Printing Services Department
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.
Vision SAISD I Summer 2014 I Page 8
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.