“PLANNING, PROCEDURE, AND PRODUCT!”

As we close the academic

school year and commence

the new one, we have to

push forward with our pro-

grams mantra of “Planning,

Procedure and Product”.

CTE is at a very critical

crossroads where account-

ability is critical. Working

together to make things

happen for students is the

way to go. I commend our

staff for working hard in

making things good

for students, but as leader-

ship gurus Bennis and Na-

nus state," In order for an

organization to have integ-

rity, it must have an iden-

tity - that is, a sense of who

it is and what it is to do".

The vision for LISD’s CTE

program is on providing all

students with an opportu-

nity to be both college

ready and workforce ready.

We will achieve that vision

and the identity worthy of

what CTE is all about

when more

students

garner

more post-

secondary

credits

and/or in-

dustry certi-

fications. I

ask that all of us recommit

ourselves to accomplishing

that task. “Planning, Proce-

dure, and Product!”

Volume 1, Issue 4 Newsletter - May 2009

COMING EVENTS:

May 11-15 Children’s Book

Week

May 11-15 National Police

Week

May 25 Memorial Day

May 28 Graduations

May 28 Last Day of School

May 29 Teacher Workday

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Nixon, Martin - High

Schools

2

Cigarroa, Christen -

Middle Schools

3

Christen MS, and

Cigarroa High School

4

Memorial, Lamar MS,

and Early College

8

Elias Alonzo

CTE Director

The Cigarroa High School UIL Accounting Team won 1st Place at the District 31-

4A Spring Meet on March 21, 2009 in Calallen, Texas. The district championship

team consists of Seniors Sergio Benitez, Agustin Garcia, Carlos Rivera; and Junior

Letty Vallejo. Congratulations!

Career and Technical Education Page 2

From Sandra Rocha’s Class

1. Virginia Lopez proud

of decorating her

scrapbook.

2. Ruby Trevino and

Lizette showing off

their embellishes

hearts.

3. Itzamar Lopez and

Evangelina Martinez

modeling the pj's they

made.

4. Jennifer Hernandez

proud of her embroi-

dery project

Laura Hovel’s Class

Students working on Dell

Desktops and Laptops to

make sure that they get their

projects completed in time.

Ms. Linda Teniente, Selina Santos, and

Mr. Dan Migura Ms. Teniente, Evelyn De Leon, and

Mr. Migura.

Ms. Teniente, Stephanie Penaloza, and

Mr. Migura Ms. Teniente, Maria G. Vallejo, and

Mr. Migura.

The Administrative Procedures stu-

dents, sponsored by Mrs. Iniguez, were

graciously recognized by the City of

Laredo with a luncheon and a certificate

on May 14th. These students worked

for the City of Laredo in different de-

partments during this school year, gain-

ing real life experiences and exposure to

the business world. Ms. Linda

Teniente, City of Laredo Human

Resources Manager, and Mr. Dan Mi-

gura, Human Resources Director

from the City of Laredo presented the

certificates.

Stephanie Penaloza, Maria G. Vallejo, Honorable Mayor Mr. Raul

DR . JOAQUIN G. C IGARROA M IDDLE SCHOOL

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Caption describing picture or

graphic.

National Library Week was recently celebrated across LISD. With

that in mind, students in Ms. Claudia Villa’s Career Classes took the

initiative of “connecting worlds @ your library” and decided to con-

nect with the fictional world of Twilight.

Students joined efforts with Ms. Ana Santos, Librarian, to promote

literacy at Cigarroa Middle School, in particular the stories of Twi-

light, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. They enjoyed read-

ing the books, discussing the stories, anticipating the finale, and even

testing their knowledge with Twilight trivia games.

Career Investigations/Connections

2009 brought another successful spring semester for the Ca-

reer courses. The students in the career classes learned

much about themselves, their interests, and the endless pos-

sibilities for careers. The vast majority of the students at the

beginning of the semester who did not know what they

wanted to do are now showing interests in several industries

and jobs. In addition, they learned where to learn more

about these jobs and the courses necessary for high school to

prepare them for college. Students learned how to finance

their education through part time jobs, Pell grants, loans,

scholarships, and work study programs. Prior to teaching, I

gained valuable experience as a professional hiring manager

for a major corporation (5 years). I have been able to share

with my students the various correct ways to acquire job

applications, fill them out, and return them in a way that

puts them ahead of the competition. Students learned the

proper way to prepare for an interview, what to do and what

not to do during the interview, and the best ways to follow

up after the interview to ensure they will be at the top of the

recruiters list. As part of their learning about goals, we also

covered what they will be doing with their hard earned

money including budgets, savings, and preparing financially

for future needs. It is always a pleasure to teach this course

because students learn so much about themselves, their fu-

tures, and the endless possibilities they can achieve.

Mr. Neal

Family & Consumer Economics

This year the students in Food Production Management

classes have progressed in their understanding and applica-

tion of both safety and sanitation practices in the kitchen.

They studied the importance of good nutrition and eating a

variety of foods, The next step for these students are the Culinary Arts and

Nutrition and Food Science classes at the high school level, as these classes

are suggested for those interested in becoming a health professional, coach,

personal trainer, chef, or just have a love of preparing healthy and delicious

food for themselves and their family.

Students enrolled in FDPM classes have had a culture experience without

even getting out of the kitchen. Under the supervision of their teacher, Mrs.

K. Floyd, had the opportunity to prepare foods from various cultures and

regions of the United States. Mrs. Floyd lived in northern New Mexico for

eleven years, before coming to LISD. Wanting to share her cultural experi-

ences, using foods as the medium, students learned to prepare Navajo Fry

Bread and Navajo Tacos. Although similar to some of the local Mexican

dishes, the bread is a traditional flatbread served by both the Navajo and

Pueblo Indians of New Mexico. Students were please with their results and

enjoyed this particular lab as it related to their teachers cultural experiences.

Fry Bread Tacos

Ready In: 1 Hour Yields: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

TOPPINGS:

1 pound ground beef, 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco, seasoning mix,

1 (15.5 ounce) can pinto beans, with liquid, 1 cup shredded Cheddar, 2 cups

shredded iceberg lettuce (continued on the next page)

FRY BREAD:

2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon bak-

ing powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup milk, 4

cups oil for frying, or as needed

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine beans and 2 table-

spoons of picante sauce in a small sauce-

pan over low heat. Cook until heated

through. In a large skillet, over medium-

high heat, cook the ground beef with taco

seasoning mix according to seasoning mix

package directions. Cover, and keep warm

Cigarroa High School congratulate Ofelia Perez

for passing the Adobe Photoshop certification

Exam. Ofelia is a junior at Cigarroa HS and an

officer of the National Honor Society. Ofelia is

currently taking Business Image Management and

Multimedia with Mrs. Nelda Garcia. Ofelia has

made Photoshop her passion and with the guid-

ance of her teacher, she has learned and applied

her knowledge to her life. Ofelia is the first stu-

dent in LISD to achieve such an accomplishment.

Students in

Mrs. Elsa Gonzalez classes are currently underway

for the Microsoft Certification Application Special-

ist exam. Congratulations go to Lisa Escrobar, Jes-

sica Cuellar, Ruben Herrera, Christina Torres, and

Izamar Lopez.

2. In a medium bowl, stir together

the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in

milk, and mix until the dough comes to-

gether. Add more flour if necessary to be

able to handle the dough. On a floured

surface, knead the dough until smooth, at

least 5 minutes. Let the dough rest for 5

minutes.

3. Heat oil in a large, deep heavy

skillet to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C).

Oil should be about 1 1/2 inches deep.

Break off 3/4 cup sized pieces of dough,

and shape into round discs 1/4 inch in

ness, making a thinner depressed area in

the center. Fry breads in the hot oil until

golden on both sides, turning only once.

Drain on paper towels.

4. Top fry bread with beans, ground

beef, lettuce and cheese. Spoon picante

sauce over. You can also top with other of

your favorite taco toppings, such as onion,

sour cream or guacamole.

News Flash - Congratulations!

David Rosales is the 2nd

student certified in Photoshop

Career and Technical Education Page 5

DR. LEO G. C IGARROA H IGH S CHOOL

“THE PRIDE OF SOUTH LAREDO”

Cigarroa High School CTE Culinary Arts Department Hosts Art Show

The library was the site for Luis Mario Rodriguez art show. Luis is a very talented student here at Cigarroa High School and attends

VMT Fine Arts program. Luis is a student of The Culinary Arts program and students prepared a “merienda” and helped Luis show-

case his exhibit. His showcase included drawings, paintings, portraits, and creative designs. Luis has been drawing and painting since he

was six years old and has been and will be his passion throughout his life. One of his drawings, titled “Lights Embrace” was submitted

to Henry Cuellar’s Art Competition in Washington, D.C. Other works include “The Colors in Me”, “Emerald Fever”, and “Hot and

Cold” among others. His exhibit can be seen at Vidal M. Treviño Magnet School.

JALAPENO POPPERS

MOZZARELLA SKEWERS

TOSSED GREEN SALAD

THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING

CHICKEN CORDON BLEU

Alfredo Sauce

TWICE BAKED POTATOES

BACON GREEN BEANS

YEAST CROISSANT ROLLS

MILLION DOLLAR CARROT CAKE

Toro Sculpture donated by

the Montemayor Family in

honor of their father and

our first principal, Alfredo

Montemayor. It sits in

front of our school repre-

senting “The Pride of

South Laredo”.

DR. LEO G. C IGARROA H IGH S CHOOL

“THE PRIDE OF SOUTH LAREDO”

The Cigarroa HS CTE Apparel

students made and donated

special made scarfs for cancer

patients . Also some students

donated their hair to “Locks of

Love” to be used for cancer

patients. The cuts were made

by Roel Gonzalez, hairstylist,

and owner/operator of Roel’s

Images. Roel is also the offi-

cial recruiter for Miss Texas

USA Pageant. The apparel

students took it upon them-

selves to sew these scarfs to

honor some of our own staff

members undergoing chemo.

Mr. Hector Rogerio joined our CTE staff in March of 2009

with high expectations for his students. He plans to re-build

the Building Trades program with much enthusiasm and up-

date and modernize the equipment. Mr. Rogerio is replacing

Mr. Alberto Ramirez who retired after 25 years with Cigarroa

High School. Mr. Rogerio received his Industrial Technology

degree from Texas A & M at Kingsville and has two children,

ages 8 and 13. He is married to Gaby Rogerio. His previous

work experience was with Ruiz Homes and is now in partner-

ship with local construction companies. Mr. Rogerio’s goal is

to prepare our students for industry certification to be able to

find work immediately upon graduation.

The Food Production Classes of Cigarroa High School hosted a dinner for the parents of the students in the Culinary Arts courses on

Thursday, May 14, 2009. The students under the direction of their teacher, Meva Saenz, prepared the meal consisting of Chicken Cordon

Bleu , twice-baked potato, fancy green beans, salad, Million Dollar Blue Ribbon Carrot Cake, Coco Lopez Cake, yeast rolls and hors

d'oeuvres such as jalapeño poppers and mozzarella skewers, prepared entirely by the culinary arts students. Over 90 parents and guests

attended the dinner and Mr. John Erik Salinas, Career Academy Dean /Assistant Principal, issued a warm welcome and congratulated

the parents in instilling in their children good working ethics that inspires other students to follow. Mr. Salinas stated that he is very happy

and comfortable here at Cigarroa since he did come from another school and said that “the teachers here are great!”

DR. LEO G. C IGARROA H IGH S CHOOL

“THE PRIDE OF SOUTH LAREDO”

Six of our students received their certification in Medical Ad-

ministrative Assistant. These six students received their instruc-

tion from Mrs. Elaine C. Ibarra, teacher for the Health Science

and Technology program here at Cigarroa High School. The

HST program has been available to our students for the past 13

years. Students receiving certifications were Rebecca Antu,

Jessica Alvarado, Norma De La Fuente, Lilliana Castillo, Ana

Jaime, and Amie Flores.

These students will complete their Nursing Assistant certifica-

tion this summer. Their teacher, Mrs. Elaine C. Ibarra, pre-

pared them through the HSTE program. They have completed

the Medical Terminology class articulated with Laredo Com-

munity College. They have participated in the Nursing Assis-

tant program at least two years. They are from left: Edward

Castillo, Gerardo Palacios, Joselynn De La Crtuz, Luis

Rangel, Selina Herrera, Elizabeth Diaz, and Gitzel Ruiz

STUDENTS HONOR PARENTS WITH HOMEMADE DINNER

Early College took Micro-

soft certification exams so

there was an excitement by

many of the students to be

part of this new program.

The students were moti-

vated to earn a credential to

verify that they have at-

tained the necessary skills

that can help them in the

business world as well as

the academic world.

Mr. Balli is already looking

forward to next year, “Now

that we have gone through

this first year of this ambi-

tious program we can start

next school year with a bet-

ter idea of what it takes to

be successful and I look for-

ward to building on this suc-

cess.”

Thirty three students at the

Early College High School

class passed the Microsoft

Business Certification exam

this school year. The stu-

dents at Early College who

passed the exam were able to

connect their classroom

learning to practical business

use and application. This

was the first year students at

3. March of

dimes Walk at

LCC, Ms. V.

Salinas, Princi-

pal. Teachers,

Ms. A. Yruegas,

Ms. R. Cavazos,

Ms. N. Segura.

(pictured right, top)

May 19, 2009

1. March of Dimes Walk at

LCC April 19, 2009, Ms. Ana

L. Salinas, Counselor with

Kasey, and Ms. R. Cavazos,

teacher with Pepito (pictured

left, top)

2. March of Dimes Walk at

LCC, Lamar Prancers and

Cheerleaders with Ms.

Gina Lara, Sponsor.

(pictured left, bottom)

Students testing

MCAS

At Memorial Middle School our main

responsibility is to instruct students in

business at a secondary school level that

in turn leads some students to pursue a

business degree or improves the student's

business knowledge and career skills.

Students will learn business curriculum

such as basic economics, resume writing,

business careers, account checking, com-

puter keyboarding, and literacy skills.

Working with computers, a business

teacher instructs and teaches students

about spreadsheets, word processing,

graphics and databases. This experience

will lead our students in creating their own

business from the ground up, and also cre-

ate a school calendar that will be offered

for sale at the end of the year. While

teaching, the instructor maintains class-

room order, sets acceptable behavior from

our students and enforces school rules.

Teachers require the ability to motivate

students, be creative, and communicate

their ideas well, while possessing patience,

fairness, tolerance and a sense of humor.

Watching our students learn is one of the

greatest rewards for the hard work a busi-

ness teacher puts into our job.

4. Lamar Prancers and Cheerleaders with Sunny Storm and Ms.

Ana. L. Salinas, Counselor. (pictured right, bottom)