April 2005

It’s a pleasure to be com-municating with you viathis new format. I amglad the employeenewsletter will be distrib-uted in this mannerbecause we need to pro-mote the use of technologyamong our employees.As you know, technologyhas opened many doors forus and we must continueto take the district in thisdirection. This electronicnewsletter is one way wecan save on costs while wecontinue to update you

with interesting stories and informa-tion. I urge you to contribute storiesor call the Office of Communicationswith your wonderful and excitingnews. As you know, we all need towork together to tell the LISD story.

On another note, I would like to con-gratulate all of our teachers for prepar-ing our students for the TAKS tests.Every educator in our district is to becommended for educating our childrenand preparing them for these statemandated tests and for their academiccareer. We are making giant strides inthis district and I want to thank youfor doing a great job.

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by Marco Alvarado,Director of Communications

Perhaps you’re wondering,“What happened to LINK?”

At one time, thenewsletter was included inour paycheck envelope.Other times, LINK was hand-ed to us separately as wereceived our paycheck. Youmay have noticed the lastissue of our employeenewsletter was released inDecember 2004. Then again,

you may not have noticed atall. For those of you whohave noticed and perhapshave voiced your discontentwith a colleague or friend, Ithank you for caring aboutthe power of effective com-munication.

As the primarydepartment charged withtelling the Laredo ISD storyto all key stakeholders, it isour responsibility to ensurethat the Laredo ISD messageis told in a clear, concise, and

consistent manner.Responding to media calls,crisis communication,requests for public informa-tion, and a myriad of otherday-to-day challenges, wemust remember to hold trueto our vision and remainedfocused on the bigger picture.We at the Office ofCommunications care deeplyabout keeping all employeesin the know. It’s not just ourjob; it’s our motivation andpassion.

LINK served its pur-pose, but the time for changehas come. Armed with a new

(continued pg.6)

A new beginning

Dust off your tennisshoes and get them ready forthe 2005 Walk to CureDiabetes which benefits theJuvenile Diabetes ResearchFoundation (JDRF). LISDSuperintendent Sylvia Bruni,honorary chairman of the2005 Walk, invites all LISDstudents and employees toparticipate in the walk whichis scheduled for Saturday,April 2, at Texas A&MInternational University.

The top individualfundraising student will win atrip for two to Disneyland. Thisgrand prize include airfare, hotel,and park tickets. The top indi-vidual fundraising adult willwin court side tickets for twoto a San Antonio Spurs Gameincluding accommodations.

All LISD elementaryschools are organizing mini-walks and various fundraisers

at their respective campus.Secondary schools students areurged to walk as well. Centraloffice department are formingteams for the walk.

Diabetes affects over18 million Americans, andaccording to the World HealthOrganization, this number willmore than double by the year2030. Closer to home, theLISD Health ServicesDepartment reports that 65LISD students currently sufferfrom diabetes.

The JuvenileDiabetes ResearchFoundation’s (JDRF) missionis to find a cure for diabetesand its complications throughthe support of research.

Participants of theJDRF Walk to CureDiabetes will be treatedto complimentary food

and refreshments, face paint-ing, balloons, children’s activ-ities, music, awards, and muchmore.

For more information on the JDRF’s Walk toCure Diabetes, pleasecall Nicole Romanos at753-1527.

LLIISSDD ttoo wwaallkk ffoorr JJDDRRFF

$Attention:

All campus anddepartmentbudgets for

2005-2006 aredue April 4th.

NEWSYour source for Administrative News... Plus a whole lot more!

The District’s financialposition as of February 28,2005 has improved in compar-ison to a year ago. The esti-mated undesignated budgetedfund balance is at $11 million;however this is still below theoptimum fund balance of $20million. Revenue streams aredependent on enrollment atten-dance and tax collectionefforts. Revenues are comingin as estimated; however,enrollment has marginallyincreased over the last couple

of years. Expenditures have increased over ayear ago due to teacher increases and healthinsurance costs. These are expected to bewithin budget allocations. Overall, theDistrict must continue to monitor revenuestreams and expenditure levels and stay with-in its financial plan.

Statement of Revenues andExpenditures for all general funds, specialrevenue funds, debt service fund, and capitalproject fund have been prepared. Theseunaudited financial statements compare theannual budget to year-to-date expenditures,and percentages to actual totals are provided.

Included in the financial informa-tion is an administrative cost ratio analysisfor the District. The cost ratio as of February28, 2005 is 6.6682 percent, well below themaximum allowed administrative cost ratioof 11.050 percent. The financial statementsalso include a fiscal analysis on the status ofthe Superintendent’s Discretionary Funds.Of the $12,000 appropriated for this purpose,$8,384.66 of expenditures has been incurred

through February 28, 2005. Remaining dis-cretionary funds are $3,615.34.

Six months or 50 percent of the fis-cal year has lapsed and our finances arereflected on the following financial state-ments as of February 28, 2005. Total GeneralFund revenues received totaled $96,915,355,and total General Fund expenditures were$80,836,758. A total of $3,355,588 has beenrecognized for operating transfer-outs to theAthletic Fund, Special Revenue Funds, andDebt Service Fund. Out of the general oper-ating expenditures in the General Fund, thefollowing expenditure levels have beenincurred:

The District’s unaudited fund bal-ance as of February 28, 2005 is $39,904,952.Approximately $24,813,960 is used on work-

ing operations of the District. This leaves aprojected undesignated fund balance of$15,090,992. Depending on Board policy,the District’s fund balance can be setbetween 15% percent to 20 percent of theoperating budget. This would give theDistrict between one to three months of oper-ating funds. The optimum undesignated fundbalance for the operating fund is estimated at$20,400,000.

The Finance Department acknowl-edges the efforts of the Accounting Staff inthe preparation of the monthly financialstatements. Any questions regarding thefinancial statements should be directed to theFinance Department at 795-3250.

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page 2

Feb. 05

63.20%2.40%0.76%1.33%6.27%4.23%

.90%1.06%2.10%1.51%3.39%8.91%1.39%1.47%0.05%0.05%

.92%0.09%

100.00%

Jan. 05

62.94%2.36%0.72%1.33%6.30%4.25%

.90%1.05%2.15%1.53%3.49%8.98%1.33%1.50%0.05%0.00%1.06%0.08%

100.00%

Feb. 04

64.62%2.62%0.58%1.35%6.77%4.24%

.97%1.09%1.93%1.34%3.62%8.44%0.70%1.25%0.04%0.00%0.37%0.09%

100.00%

11 Instruction12 Instruction Resource and Media13 Curriculum and Instructional Staff Dev21 Instructional Administration23 School Administration31 Guidance and Counseling Services32 Social Work Services33 Health Services34 Pupil Transportation - Regular36 Co-Curricular/Extra Curricular Activities41 General Administration51 Plant Maintenance and Operations52 Security and Monitoring Services53 Data Processing Services61 Community Services71 Debt Services81 Facilities Acquisition and Construction95 Juvenile Justice Alternative Education

Martin High School teacherRocio Moore received tophonors in two art contestsrecently. Moore's artworkwas declared the winningposter for the 2005Jalapeño Festival. Moorealso submitted a poster forthe City of Laredo's 250thanniversary. This posterwas selected for the City ofLaredo's 250th anniversarycelebration calendar for themonth of February, 2005.

Talented teacherThe Laredo ISD Board

of Trustees voted during theMarch regular meeting to enterinto an agreement with JaimeRappaport for the lease of 22,000square feet of office space at 908Juarez Avenue.

According to studiesconducted by Dr. Oscar Cartas,Executive Director of PlantFacilities and Support Services,the District is currently experienc-ing maintenance and safety issueswith some of the historic down-town homes that double asoffices. Although final plans

have yet to be announced and aresubject to change, the depart-ments identified for relocationinclude the Bilingual Department,the Instructional Building, theLeyendecker Building, StudentServices, the Superintendent’sOffice, and the Tax Office.

The contract is a three-year agreement with the possibleextension of two additional yearsat a cost of $22,000 per month.Relocation dates and relatedinformation will be released tothe affected employees when itbecomes available.

Board approves moveto Rappaport building

April 2005

Your source for AdministrativeNews... Plus a whole lot more!Produced monthly for district employees by the Office ofCommunications and the Printing/Creative ServicesDepartment. Information may be submitted by calling theOffice of Communications at 795-3295.

Board of TrusteesDr. Dennis D. CantúPresidentJohn Peter MontalvoVice PresidentGeorge M. BeckelhymerSecretaryJesús J. GuerraParliamentarianJosé A. ValdezMemberJorge L. RodríguezMemberGuillermina MontesMember

Sylvia BruniSuperintendent of Schools

Office of CommunicationsMarco A. AlvaradoDirector of Communicationsmalvarado@laredoisd.orgVeronica Castillón, APRPublic Information Officervcastillon@laredoisd.orgVeronica “Roni” CantúCommunity Relations Specialistvcantu@laredoisd.orgJeannette G. MartinezITV Coordinatorjgmartinez@laredoisd.orgRosita MartinezHOSTS Coordinatorrrmartinez@laredoisd.orgMario PerezInterim Printing Supervisormarioperez@laredoisd.orgPaola ArcosPublications Designerparcos@laredoisd.orgMelissa GarzaSecretary/Translatormelgarza@laredoisd.orgIt is the policy of the Laredo Independent School Districtnot to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national ori-gin, gender, religion, limited English proficiency, or hand-icapping condition in its programs.

LISD School Counselors recently gathered to celebrate “National SchoolCounselor Week” at the Santo Niño Elementary School library. Counselorsenjoyed sandwiches and desserts provided by the district’s guidance depart-ment and Santo Niño Elementary School counselors.

They know how many teachers wehave, which students have perfect attendance,and even know how our computer systemswork. No, they are not private investigators.They are the LISD programmers.

Located in the AdministrativeAnnex (formerly the J.C. Penny DepartmentStore) are 10 dedicated employees workingto provide our district with the most up-to-date and accurate information of our studentsand employees.

Amanda Garcia and EduardoPadilla, System Analysts, oversee the depart-ment which is divided into two groups: stu-dent data information and finance/humanresources information.

Garcia, whose department handlesthe student information side, maintains allstudent information and provides schoolswith specialized in-house reports that helpthe principal. Examples of these reportsinclude data on student progression to reportsthat identify at-risk students. Other informa-tion Garcia and her staff maintain is the sen-sitive PEIMS information which is sent tothe Texas Education Agency and used to helpfund our school district.

The Finance and Human Resourcesside is handled by Padilla and his staff. Theymaintain all financial records of the districtand provide the finance department with thedata they need to calculate employee salaryincreases.

Additionally, the financial depart-ment supports the computer programs where

student and human resource data is inputtedand stored. They also assist with implement-ing new software, distribute school calendars,issue identification cards, and develop mail-ing labels.

The team of programmers may notalways be visible but they stand ready to sup-port our schools and departments.

MMeeeett tthhee pprrooggrraammmmeerrss

Pictured from left to right are Eduardo Padilla,System Analyst, Noel Ruiz, Programmer, RosarioMeza, Programmer, Amanda Garcia, SystemAnalyst, Rachel Schueller, Programmer, MaryEstrada, Department Secretary, Jesus Cano,Programmer. Back are Rolando Leza SupportSpecialist and Gene Gutierrez, programmers, notpictured Robert Rangel.

Working behind the scenes: The team

of programmers work to support our

schools and departments with informa-

tion and reports they need to operate.

NEWS

page 4

Diet and exerciseare keys tohealthy livingBut you already know this. So our aim is togive you the shortcuts, the little-knowntricks, and proven methods to help preventboredom and hopelessness in your questfor good health. Our high tech world hasaffected the fitness field as well. So fast, infact, that we want to get the information toyou yesterday. That's what the Health andFitness Tips Site is all about… the latestup-to-the-minute, in-the-zone informationfor your health and fitness.

A+ News would like to salute NancySolis, a second grade teacher at K.Tarver Elementary School. School princi-pal Myrtala Ramirez reported that Solisdonated a holiday dinner with all the trim-mings to needy students in her class.A+ News thanks Solis and all teacherswho go the extra mile for their students.

After many years of dedicated serv-ice to LISD, close to 25 employees are call-ing it quits…but not before they are honoredat a big fiesta.

The 2005 LISD Retirement Fiesta isscheduled for Thursday, May 5, at La PosadaHotel. The evening begins at 6:00 p.m.Invitations will be sent out soon to thoseemployees who are planning to retire.Employees who are planning to retire need tomake their intentions known with the LISDHuman Resources Department.

Retirees will be guests of the schooldistrict. All other guests must pay $25 eachwhich includes dinner and music. For moreinformation, please, call the LISD Office ofCommunications at 795-3295.

Fiesta to honorLISD retirees

If you can read this...help someone who can’t

Be aHOSTS MentorCall 795-3445

LLIISSDD tteexxttbbooookk ccoommmmiitttteeeeSeveral educators from the elementary and secondary levels spent arecent staff development day selecting textbooks for students.The committee is asked to review the textbooks which are adoptedfor student use. Anyone interested in serving on the TextbookCommittee can call Jesus Cisneros,Director of Records and Assets,at 795-4195.

For he’s a jollygood fellow:

The Instructional TelevisionDepartment bids farewell to

longtime friend and co-workerEncarnacion “Chon” Trevino.

Trevino retired from the schooldistrict after 42 years of service.

April 2005

To promote the upcoming Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation(JDRF) Walk for the Cure on April 2, administrators participated inan Ugly Tennis Shoe Contest. Severita Sanchez won a $100 giftcertificate from Siros. From left are Arthur Raymond, Dr. SoniaSanchez, Severita Sanchez and Hector Garcia.

Who has the dirtiest tennis shoes in LISD?Who has the dirtiest tennis shoes in LISD?

AprilCalendar of Events

1-2 American Cancer Society Relay for Life (Mary Helpof Christians Field)

2 JDRF Walk at TAMIU3 Daylight Saving Time Begins

4-8 Week of the Young Child4-8 Career Technology

Education Week6 Payroll Deadline

11-15 National Library Week18-22 National Volunteer Week20 Pay Day21 Regular School Board Meeting22 Earth Day27 Administrative

Professional’s Day

2004-2005 LISD BuenavidaScreening ScheduleFriday, April 1, Bruni ElementarySylvia Aleman, RN 795-3910Wednesday, April 6,Buenos Aires ElementaryRicardo Ybañez, RN 795-3920Thursday, April 7,Dovalina ElementarySubstitute Nurse, 795-3940Friday, April 8, Daiches ElementaryMaria Moreno, RN 795-3932Tuesday, April 12, Zachry ElementaryEsperanza Martinez, RN 795-4125

Wednesday, April 13,K. Tarver ElementarySusana Guevara, RN 795-3613Thursday, April 14,Sto. Niño ElementaryLucia Chandarlis, RN 795-4090Friday, April 15,Sta. Maria ElementaryDolores Gutierrez, RN 795-4080Tuesday, April 26,Sanchez/Ochoa ElementaryNorma Cedillo, RN 795-4040Wednesday, April 27,Ryan ElementaryDonna Coggin, RN 795-4065

Thursday, April 28,Milton ElementaryMargarita Alvarado, RN 795-4045Friday, April 29,JC Martin ElementaryDora Hale, RN 795-4020Tuesday, May 3,Macdonell ElementaryMargarita Morales, RN 795-4015Wednesday, May 4,Ligarde ElementaryRosa Villarreal, RN 795-4000Thursday, May 5, Nixon HighMaggie Rodriguez, RN 795-3849Friday, May 6, LeyendeckerVeronica Dilley, RN 795-3991

Want to haveyour next event

on ITV?Call

(956) 795-3500

page 6

Cindy CarrilloShe is a first year teacherat Santo Nino ElementarySchool. Carrillo teacheskindergarten. She enjoysdancing, crafts, and spend-ing time with her family.

DDoo YYoouu KKnnooww......

What is glaucoma?Provided by YourMedicalSource.com

Glaucoma is the name for a groupof diseases that can destroy the optic nerve,the main nerve of the eye. The word glauco-ma means "hard eyeball." Any one of theconditions classified as glaucoma can lead toirreversible blindness by damaging the opticnerve.

Glaucoma sneaks up on people.There are no symptoms other than loss ofvision, which can occur so gradually thatmany people do not realize it is happening.The first vision loss is usually peripheralvision (what you can see off to the sideswhen you are looking straight ahead).

Even though glaucoma cannot becured, it can be treated. If it is detected in itsearly stages, before any sight is lost, blind-ness can almost always be prevented. But thelonger glaucoma remains untreated, the morevision can be lost.

Glaucoma is considered a thief ofeyesight. The only way to make sure that itdoesn't sneak up is to have regular eyeexams. This is especially true for peoplewho:

Have a family history of the conditionAre African-American, Hispanic Are over age 40

For reasons still unknown, somepeople have optic nerves that are more likelyto be damaged-usually when fluid pressure in

the eye increases. Some experts speculatethat these people may have an inadequateblood supply to the optic nerve, or that thetissues supporting the nerve are weak. But noone really knows for sure.

In most cases, there is no pain asso-ciated with glaucoma and no early warningsigns. That is why it is so important to haveregular eye exams.

2004-2005 LISD GlaucomaScreening ScheduleApril 4, 8:30-3, Daiches ElementaryMaria Moreño, 795-3932, Library

April 5, 8:30-3, Cigarroa High SchoolRosa Atwell, 795-3810

April 11, 8:30-3, Buenos Aires Elem.Ricardo Ybañez, 795-3920, Library

April 12, 8:30-3, Bruni ElementarySylvia Aleman, 795-3910

April 18, 8:30-3, Dovalina ElementarySchool Nurse, 795-3942

April 25, D. D. Hachar Elementary Elia Herrera, 795-3960

April 26, V.M.T. Magnet School Irma Cepeda, 795-3325

May 3, Farias Elementary Yolanda Cena, 795-3950

“ A library is the delivery room for the birthof ideas, a place where history comes to life.”

— NORMAN COUSINS

Celebrate National Library Week Apr. 11 - 15

“Success isnot the key to

happiness.Happiness is

the key tosuccess. If

you love whatyou are doing,

you will besuccessful.”

AlbertSchweitzer

(continued from Page 1)name, new look, and new direction, it isour hope and vision that this newsletterwill become your source of choice for dis-trict administrative news and information,plus a whole lot more! Hence the name,“A+ News.” Our goal is to provide youwith timely and critical information affect-ing all employees such as administrativeregulations and policies, curriculum andinstruction, updates on facilities construc-tion, financial matters, health insuranceinformation, human resources, safety andsecurity… plus a whole lot more of whatyou expect in an exemplary employeenewsletter. Please note, however, thatinformation specifically related to studentachievement, honors, accolades, and othercampus news will be communicated sepa-rately through “Las Escuelas de LaredoISD,” a quarterly, community newsletterfor district residents and other key, exter-nal audiences.

Furthermore, A+ News will be delivered toyou electronically. Beginning with thispremier issue followed by the first Fridayof each month thereafter, you will receivethe newsletter via e-mail. It will also beposted on our district’s home page. Aidedby technology, I believe the Office ofCommunications will once again developa solid reputation for timely and consistentdissemination of information to employ-ees. Furthermore, cost savings related tolabor and materials will be realizedthrough the electronic distribution of thenewsletter.

Please bear with us as we continue toshape this important communication tool.As one of our most important and mostvalued customers, your satisfaction is ourdrive. Please contact me or anyone at theOffice of Communications with any com-ments or suggestions for improvement youmay have.

“Leaders speak to people’s hearts and lis-ten to their heartbeats because, in the finalanalysis, common caring is the way inwhich shared visions get enacted,” (TheLeadership Challenge, 2002). Again, Ithank you for caring.

A New Beginning

Christen Middle School recently held a pep rally for students to get themready for the TAKS test. Cheerleading the students on are Veronica Guerra,administrative assistant for curriculum and instruction, Sylvia Bruni, super-intendent, Clementina Cuellar, principal, Dr. Linda Mitchell, assistant princi-pal, and Blas Martinez, Director of the VMT Magnet School.

The LISD float was named the win-ner for both Washington’s BirthdayCelebration Association parades.

Judges awarded the LISD float withthe President’s Award following theInternational Bank of Commerce YouthParade and the Anheuser-Busch Grand Parade.

The theme for this year’s paradewas “Laredo’s 250th Birthday: A Celebrationof History, Patriotism and Culture.” Over128 units were registered in the Thursdaynight parade. Saturday morning’s paradeattracted 170 units from throughout Texasand Mexico.

Judges were impressed with LISD’sfloat which featured a scaled-down replica ofthe San Agustin Cathedral steeple and theRepublic of the Rio Grande Museum.Armando Hinojosa, dean of art at the VidalTreviño Magnet School, designed the win-ning entry. Assisting Hinojosa with the build-ing of the float was Mario Teniente, also atthe Vidal Treviño Magnet School.

Julio Rodriguez, a student at theTreviño Magnet School, portrayed TomasSanchez, founder of the Villa de Laredo.Rodriguez rode alongside a fully saddledblack horse. Riding in the horse werechildren

from Cigarroa Middle, Tarver Elementary,Milton Elementary, and Santa MariaElementary Schools.

“Thousands of Laredoans applaudedthe LISD float as it rode through the streetsof Laredo,” said Veronica Castillon,chairman of the LISD float committee.“And it reminded everyone that a vibrantcommunity begins with a quality educa-tion for its youngest citizens.”

In January LISD, master craftsmenJose de Jesus Hernandez and ReynaldoReyna began to construct the float.Reymundo Valenzuela, Jesus Magaña,and Enrique Villanueva electricallywired and welded the structure. GraphicArtists Martin Rodriguez and LuisDavila added flags, signs, and lettering.Many people contributed to this entry’ssuccess and this includes the LISD

Board of Trustees, Superintendent Sylvia

Bruni, Division of Operations,Transportation Department, FinanceDepartment, and the LISD PoliceDepartment. Juan Luis Perez (CigarroaMiddle School Lupita Perez's husband)located a flatbed, cab, and driver. Providingthe flatbed truck was Baltazar Hinojosa ofBH Transportation. Providing the cab anddriver were Arguindegui Oil Company at therequest of Arthur Ramond.

“At the Division of Operations, wehad the total cooperation and participation ofDr. Oscar Cartas, Juan Meza, HomeroPaez, Angel Velazquez, Aaron Ramos, andEddie Zuñiga,” Castillon added. “The LISDTransportation Department made room for usin their bus barn area and made sure thegates were open before and after the parades.The LISD Police Department escorted ourfloat during Thursday’s Youth Parade andSaturday’s Grand Parade.”

LISD parade float wins highest honorsApril 2005

April 27 isAdministrativeProfessionals DayRecognize and celebrate the workof secretaries, administrative assis-tants, and other office profession-als for their growing and diversecontributions to the workplace.

Laredo Independent School Districtemployees opened their hearts and dug deepinto their pockets during the United Way ofLaredo’s 2004-2005 campaign, raising a totalof $95,175.72.

Although shy of meeting our goal of$100,000, Laredo ISD collectively donatedalmost $12,000 more from the previousyear’s campaign which netted $83,862.85.

The top three contributors were AlmaPierce Elementary School ($6,779.00);

Christen Middle School ($6,617.00); andNixon High School ($5,918.60).

Many of our students and their fami-lies rely heavily on the programs and servicesfunded through the United Way of Laredo. Aheartfelt “thank you” and “congratulations”goes out to each and every employee who gen-erously donated their hard-earned resources tothose less fortunate. Together, we definitelymade a difference!

Employees lead the (United) way

The Laredo Independent School District Office ofCommunications garnered several awards for excellence in schoolcommunications at the Texas School Public Relations Associationannual conference held February in Austin.

Each year, TSPRA, with more than 500 members, recog-nizes school communicators for outstanding work in both print andelectronic media. More than 800 entries were received this year. TheLaredo ISD Office of Communications includes InstructionalTelevision and Printing/Creative Services.

“These awards prove that we have one of the best PR departments inthe state,” said LISD Board president Dr. Dennis D. Cantu. Thesehighly talented individuals work hard to collectively tell the LISDstory. This is a well-deserved recognition for our communicationsoffice, our Printing/Creative Services department, and InstructionalTelevision.”

Entries selected as best in state were honored with SilverStar, Gold Star, and Best of Category Awards.

The Laredo ISD Office of Communicationsreceived the following awards:

Best of Category1. Print – Published News Release, Edited

(“Veronica Castillon – Martin H.S. cadet wins national honor”)2. Video/Cable TV – Documentary

(“Jeannette Martinez and Roni Cantu – Shattered Dreams”)

Gold Star Awards1. Print – External Newsletter (“Las Escuelas de Laredo ISD”)2. Print – Invitations/Announcements

(“Alma Pierce Elementary School Ribbon-cutting Ceremony,”“Bruni Elementary School Ribbon-cutting Ceremony,” “Macdonell Elementary School Ribbon-cutting Ceremony,” and “Laredo ISD Employee Retirement Banquet”)

3. Print – Published News or Feature (“Cooking Class”)4. Print – Advertisement (“Teacher Recruitment Billboard”)

Silver Star Awards1. Print – Annual Report

(“Annual Report: Serving up a quality education since 1882”)2. Video/Cable TV – News Information (“Campus News”)3. Video/Cable TV – Promotional/Marketing

(“ITV Channel Realignment”)4. Video/Cable TV – Instructional (“Reading Rocks!”)5. Video/Cable TV – Radio

(“Laredo ISD Teacher Recruitment Commercial”)6. Video/Cable TV – Special Interest/Feature Series

(“Back to School – Champions for Education”)

TSPRA, based in Austin, is a professional organizationwhose members are dedicated to improving public education in Texasby promoting effective public relations practices, providing profes-sional development for its members, and improving communicationbetween Texans and their public schools.

The Office of Communications, ITV, and the Printing/Creative Services Departmentrecently won awards at the Texas School Public Relations Association Conference.Pictured from left to right are Veronica Castillon, Public Information Officer, PasquelGonzalez, TSPRA President and Nixon High School Class of ‘70, Marco Alvarado,Director of Communications, and Veronica R. Cantu, Community Relation Specialist.Not pictured is Jeannette Martinez, Instructional Television Coordinator.

Laredo ISD PR efforts among best in statepage 8

SiteMainBranchBranch

Date

April 20April 21April 22April 23April 25April 26April 27April 28April 29April 30May 01May 02

LocationWebb County Adm. Bldg.Super Grocery StoreLaredo Medical Center

Mobile Unit Location

Martin High SchoolNixon High SchoolFarias ElementaryLULAC Haven (Saturday)Alma Pierce ElementarySanta Maria ElementarySanchez/Ochoa ElementaryChristen Middle SchoolNixon High School AnnexMapus Apartments (Saturday)Northwest Boys & Girls ClubAlma Pierce Elementary

Address1110 Washington St.3000 Santa Maria Ave.1700 E. Saunders St.

Address

202 San Bernardo Ave.2900 N. Malinche Ave.1510 Chicago St.4601 Juarez Ave.800 E. Eistetter St.3800 Santa Maria Ave.310 E. Locust St.2001 Santa Maria Ave.2900 N. Malinche Ave.2900 N. Malinche Ave.4500 Santa Maria Ave.800 E. Eistetter St.

Time8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Time

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

JudgeSylvia CavazosFrancisco J. SanchezHilda Ramos

Judge

Antonio Garcia

Early Voting Sites, Times & JudgesEarly voting will begin on Wednesday, April 20 and end on Tuesday, May 3, 2005.

(Includes voting on both Saturdays, April 23rd and April 30th at all sites)

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