UNITED INSIDER2018

Hpy Hldy

Superintendent’s M�S�A�E

We have reached the second half of the

academic year and it pleases me to

announce that our students have accom-

plished so much in such a shor t amount of

time. Throughout this publication, it is

evident that that our educators continue to

make our students’ education and develop-

ment their top priority.

It is my belief that United ISD has amassed

a community of some of the top educators

in the state of Texas. As a result, we have

graduated many students who have gone

Getns U�S� Epoeson to accomplish great things and excel in

their chosen professions. Our League of

Legends Program is the perfect way to let

United ISD alumni know that we are still

enormously proud of the heights they’ve

reached, both academically and within their

communities. I want to encourage you to

reflect on some of the students who graced

your classrooms in the past and consider

nominating them for this prestigious award.

These outstanding alumni are a product of

everyone’s hard work and dedication. Our

League of Legends nomination period is

open now through February 1.

January is School Board Appreciation

Month and I’d like to take a moment to

recognize the individuals who work

tirelessly to ensure that our students and

schools remain on the path toward excel-

lence. United ISD is proud to present our

School Board Members: Aliza Flores

Oliveros, President; Ramiro Veliz, III, Vice

President; Juan Rober to Ramirez, Secre-

tary; Ricardo Molina, Sr., Par liamentarian;

Judd Gilpin, Member ; Javier Montemayor, Jr.,

Member ; and Ricardo “Rick” Rodriguez,

Member. Their dedication to the success of

our students is unwavering and I ask you

all to join me in thanking these outstanding

individuals for their tireless effor ts.

n closing, I want to thank each and every

one of you for your continued suppor t of

our children and our District. Ser ving as

the Superintendent for such a phenomenal

district is a great point of pride for me. As

such, I remain committed to providing our

students with the finest academic oppor tu-

nities and facilities, while maintaining a

safe and nur turing learning environment.

It is my sincere hope that you enjoy a

wonderful holiday season with your loved

ones and I wish you a prosperous New Year.

Warm Regards,

Rober to J. Santos

Superintendent

ELEMENTARY NO. 31

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on November 28 to celebrate the construction of UISD’s 31st elementary school. The yet to be named, campus will be located nor th of Alexander high school’s 9th grade campus and will accommodate 950 students. Following a brief ceremony, UISD Superintendent Rober to J. Santos joined district officials and students to turn the dir t in celebration of the construction, which is expected to be completed in 2020.

Gonbekn

GonbeknAquatic Center

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Bill Johnson Student Activity Complex to mark the beginning of construc-tion for UISD's new Aquatic Center. Following a brief ceremo-ny, Superintendent Rober to J. Santos broke ground with his administrative team, well-wishers and athletes representing the District’s four high school swimming teams. The UISD Aquatic Center will be a 49,000 sq. ft. space encompassing two aquatic venues that feature an eight-lane fifty-meter competition pool and a four-lane eighteen-meter adaptive pool. The center will also provide adequate facilities for interscholastic, intercollegiate and international competi-

tions of any aquatic discipline and future diving programs.The spacious design of the building will provide ample seat-ing for 800 spectators, and an additional 700 seats for par ticipants and coaching staffs. Moreover, the facility will be furnished with professional-grade timing equipment, wireless dive judging terminals, star t-strobe units, underwater video/instant replay capabilities, wall-mounted clocks, star t-ing platforms and water turbulence reduction capabilities. A customized adaptive pool will meet the needs of handicapped and special-needs swimmers. The facility is expected to open in 2020.

Ten United ISD 8th graders were among those recognized as outstanding students for November 2018. The top performing students were honored for their academic excellence, par ticipating in proj-

Pictured from left to right: (top) United ISD Executive Director for Middle School Instruction, David R. Canales; Diamond Stallwor th, Salvador Garcia Middle School; Ricardo De La O, Lamar Bruni Vergara Middle School; Jorge Collazo, United South Middle School; and Octavio Benavides, Trautmann Middle School. Bottom: Valeria Villar real, Antonio Gonzalez Middle School; Jaeda Barrera, Clark Middle School; Alan Ramon, Raul Perales Middle School; Kael Gred, Los Obispos Middle School; Oscar Sanchez, G. Washington Middle School; and Alynna Montemayor, United Middle School.

Suet f Te Mnh8TH GRADE

ects that benefit our community and being excellent role models. This month’s recognition ceremony was hosted by St. Peter’s Memorial School and Falcon International Bank. The program is sponsored in

par t by Friends of the Family, KGNS-TV, Family Nissan, Telemun-do, Laredo Emergency Room, Rosaura ‘Wawi” Tijerina, Attorney at Law, and the Laredo Police Depar tment.

Muller Elementary Celebrates Ntoa Ltrc Mnh

For a sixth year, H-E-B celebrated National Literacy Month by inviting all Texas public schools to par tici-pate in the Texas–Size Book Drive by hosting book drives at their respective campuses. Par ticipating campuses collected new and gently used children’s books, and H.E.B. will re-distribute the books to Texas regions where children’s reading materials are in shor t supply.Muller Elementary School par ticipat-ed in the Texas–Size Book Drive Book Drive for the first time this year, and was declared the region winner for collecting a total of 3,693 books. Local H.E.B represen-tatives and the H.E. Buddy mascot visited the Muller campus make the announcement and to present the school with a $1000.00 check. UISD Board Secretary Juan Rober to Ramirez, Principal Mayra Nelda Ramirez and Muller teachers were joined by the entire student body for the pronouncement in the school gym. The money will be used to purchase additional reading materi-als for the school library. Muller librarian Alejandra Garza said that students collected books from their parents, teachers and staff. “I am so proud of what our students have achieved, and they were delighted to hear that they won the competition for our school. They are looking forward to collecting more books for next year’s H.E.B.Tex-as–Size Book Drive ”, she said.

Members of the George Washington Middle School Principal's Advisory and Meet In The Middle Clubs organized a Food Drive. Over 1400 non-perishable food items were collect-ed. All donations will be distributed to the Laredo Food Bank and local veterans who are in need of assistance.

Washington Middle School Ntoa Ltrc Mnh

Alexander High School seniors Ramiro De Los Santos and Hector Molina took the top two awards, respectively, at the U.I.L. Congress 6A Regional Meet, and advanced to the state competition in Austin, TX. U.I.L. Congress is a competitive speaking event that models the legislative process of democracy. In a chamber of thir ty fellow representatives, De Los Santos and Molina debated real-wor ld social and political policies for six hours of arduous competition. Topics included restructuring the federal budget and amending the constitution to change the

requirements to run for President of the United States. This is the first time UISD students have advanced to the U.I.L. State 6A Congress competition held at the University of Texas. There, De Los Santos and Molina will compete for the chance to make finals in the Super Congress to be held at the Texas State Capitol. Last year, Ramiro De Los Santos was an alternate for the Congress State Tournament. They are coached by Cassandra Navarro. Alexander High School U.I.L. Coordinators are Guillermo Moreno and Cassandra Navarro.

UIL CONGRESSREGION WINNERS

Left to Right: Matthew Lopez,Hector Molina (2nd Place), Ramiro De Los Santos (1st Place), Cassandra Navarro (UIL Coach), and Fernando Serna.

Pre-Kinder – Ian E. Matta1 st Grade – Destine A. Moreno Cisneros4 th Grade – Felix A. Medina5 th Grade – Luis Alonso RodriguezPrincipal-Salud Claudia Hernandez

Perfect Attendance

1 t Sx Wes

Perez Elementary

2d Sx Wes

Winners

Principal- Michelle A. Cantu4th grade- Fatima Saavedra

Ruiz Elementary

For five consecutive years, now, the United High School Ladies Softball Team has spread holiday joy to children under the care of

Child Protective Ser vices (CPS). Thir ty children between the ages of one and four teen received gifts during a special chrismtas

gathering on November 30, 2018. “ This is a holiday tradition for our softball team, and I could not be any more proud

of them. Our students feel that the holidays are an oppor tunity to give and to be grateful,” said Javier Morin, Head Coach.

Holiday Art Contest

UHS Longhorn Softball TeamSra Hldy Jy o C� S Cide

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. UISD is proud to announce that 150 students from our District have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams.Two students quali�ed for the top National AP Scholar Award by earning an average score of 4 or higher on a �ve-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. The students are Ian J.Limarta from Alexander High School and Montserrat Garza from United High School.A total of 27 students quali�ed for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on �ve or more of these exams. These students are: Erick S. Albarran, Michael L. Canche, Joaquin G. Cisneros, Montessat Garza, David Gonzalez, Natalia S. Gonzalez, Juan Hernan-dez, Fernando D. Lucatero, Alan K. Mejia, Pablo R. Melero, Rommel Nuñez, Carolina I. Ramos, Anneris L Rodriguez, Ruben D. Uribe, Carolina Vela, and Ivan A. Villegas from United High School; Laura V. Canales, Ramiro H. De Los Santos, Victor F. Jimenez, Francisco A. Lara, Ian J. Limarta, Vanessa Morales, Alexis A. Paredes, Dhyan N. Patell,, Alicia Reyes, and Linda K. Yelderman fromJ.B. Alexander High School; Julian Gonzalez from United South High School.In addition, 28 students quali�ed for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are: Anthony K. Cantu, David M. Chun,Karina Cruz, Jose S. Diaz, Fiorella F. Forno, Cristina I. Gutierrez, Hector E. Molina, Vanessa A. Orozco, Homero Rendon, and Luisa C. Valdez from J.B. Alexander High School; Laura V. Argandona Vite, Jose M. Bernus, Jimena Elizondo, Alan G. Enrique, Itzel A. Flores, Mariana Flores Alcaraz, Ana I. Garcia. Carlos Garcia, Alejandra Gonzalez, Anthony A. Martinez, Jesus A. Ortiz, Sabrina N. Peña, Maximiliano Robledo, Vanessa Trevino, David Ventura Diaz, Jaime A. Viejo, and Paden F. Zimmerman from United High School; and Yesenia J. Garcia from United South High School.Finally, 94 students quali�ed for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more

AP Exams with grades of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are: Nikole A. Bonillas, Cristina I. Caldera Garza, Hector E. Cardenas, Keren A.Ceballos, Mauricio Cerda, Jennifer Clark, Alejandra Colchado, Andrea C. De Leon, Pamela De La Cruz, Emily M. Esqueda, Chelsea A. Fuentes, Manuel Garza, Beatriz Gil, Joel R. Gonzalez, Kristopher Hipolito, Dong Hyeon Lee, Athziri D. Lopez, Matthew R. Lopez, Arabellah H. Lozano, Eduardo Lozano, Kate A. Mendoza Rodriguez, Anessa C. Mohammed, Daniella E. Morales, Josselyn S. Muñoz, Eva S. Nance, Isabelle T. Nance, Sophia B. Nance, James A. Notzon, Je�rey Park, Vanessa Plascencia, Eros A. Rangel, Juan A. Rojas Lopez, Alejandro E. Sanchez, Omar Sandoval, Bernardo A. Trevino, Vicky R. Vera, and Christina M. Walker from John B. Alexander High School; Alejandro X. Alaniz, Maxwell A. Barragan, Larissa A. Cadena, Judith A. Cardenas, Lyzbeth A. Carrillo, Calixto Cerna IV, Elizabeth M. De Leon, Mariana Elizondo Del Bosque, Eduardo Escamilla, Juan A. Estevez, Enrique C. Farias, Andrea Flores, Jose L. Flores, Christian G. Garcia, Cristina A. Garcia, Gabriel Garza, Marco A. Garza, Paula L. Geronimo, Oziel Gomez, David E. Gonzalez, Edith M. Gonza-lez, Marissa E. Gonzalez, Maria D. Gorecki, Andrey F. Gutierrez, Harley Gutierrez, Ariana G. Hernandez, Emilio Ibarra, Gunther E. Lopez, Rafael Lopez, Austin R. Munson, Sophia Ordoñez, Carla S. Ortega, Jesus M. Pachicano, Cynthia D. Palomo, Brandon A. Peña, Perez, Jacob C., Perez, Pedro A. , Alexandra E. Resendez, Briana G. Reyes, Angel J. Salinas, David Salinas, Alexandra Sanabria, Brianna A. Saucedo, Katherine E. Serradell, Karen Silerio, Mateo A. Simpson, Aaric A. Tays, Eduardo D. Torres, Daniel Trevino, Daniela Trevino, Nina Valle, Genesis E. Vasquez, and Matthew I. Wright from United High School; and Jaime Gonzalez, Adelina V. Martinez, Roxana Montiel, and Emilio B. Pineda from United South High School.Through 38 di�erent college-level courses and exams, AP provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to earn college credit or advanced placement and stand out in the college admission process. Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that AP Exams are aligned with the same high standards expected by college faculty at some of the nation’s leading liberal arts and research institutions. For more informa-tion, please contact Mario Rosales at 473- 5247

United

Alexander

United South

The College Board’s Advanced Placement ProgramDsito Aad

Back Row, L-R (adults) Ms. Christina Morales, Counsel-or; Mr. Juan Roberto Ramirez,UISD Board Secretary; Mrs. Maricela Ramirez; Ms. Mayra Nelda Ramirez, Principal, and isa Martinez, Counselor

Muller Elementary School Rcie Jce Dntos

As the weather cooled, some Muller Elementary School students found themselves without warm clothing. That's when UISD Board Secretary Juan Roberto Ramirez, and his wife

Mrs. Maricela Ramirez stepped in to donate sweaters and jackets to some very appreciative students. "The students were happy to get some much needed outerwear for the cold

weather. I thank Mr. and Mrs. Ramirez for being so generous", said Principal Mayra Nelda Ramirez.

In honor of National Education Week, National Geographic opened the screening of their "Science Fair" documentary to United ISD students taking Scientific Research and Design II. This amazing and inspiring film was viewed in the Bill Johnson Student Activity Center Auditorium (SAC). “Science Fair” was filmed before and during the 2017 Intel International Science & Engineering Fair. It reveals the victories, defeats, and motiva-

National Geographic“Science Fair” Documentary

tions of an incredible group of young women and men who are on a path to change their lives, and the world, through science. This movie invigorated the enthusiasm about science fair participa-tion. The students featured in this docudrama served as role models for the students of United ISD who now feel a reclaimed excitement to participate in their schoolʼs Science Fair.

After going through hundreds of entries, the Region One Education Service Center selected winners of their holiday art contest in the elementary, middle school and high school categories. Judges declared Raul Perales Middle School 6th grade student Brianna Guzman as the winner of the middle school category. Her artwork entitled Happy Holidays from South Texas, is one of three winning artworks that will be depicted on Region One ESC holiday cards. The cards are sent to area superintendents, school districts, and statewide

Ms. Monica Gonzalez, Art Teacher Brianna Guzman

Raul Perales Middle School

education agencies. All winners were selected by a panel of judges specific to their categories. Ms. Guzman's proud art teacher is Ms. Monica Gonzalez. "Congratulations to all of the students who submitted an entry in the art contest.There is such tremendous talent in our schools, and it is an honor to share it with our colleagues" said Dr. Cornelio Gonzalez, Region One Executive Director.

George Washington Middle School students studied the significance of El Día de Los Muertos throughout the month of November. To commemorate and cele-brate they created colorful and celebra-

Washington Middle School Ntoa Ltrc Mnhtory calacas (paper skeletons) and ofren-das (altars). Their craft projects were reviewed and judged by UISD middle school and bilingual coordinators.

Diana Ramirez, a dyslexia teacher at Finley Elementary, was recently awarded a $2,000 grant from The Senator Judith Zaffirini Teachers’ College Student Loan Debt Grant. Ms. Ramirez has worked for United ISD since 2001 and became a dyslexia teacher in 2012. Ms. Ramirez, in her 19th year of teaching, holds a Master’s Degree in Reading Curriculum & Instruction, as well as Bilingual, Gifted & Talent-ed, and Generalist Certifications. Senator Zaffirini’s son, Carlos Zaffirini, Jr., created the grant in an effort to help educators pay down their student loans. In order to receive the grant, one must have taught for at least five years, have student loan debt of at least $5,000, and be selected by his/her institution. Congratulations to Ms. Diana Ramirez for being selected as a recipient of this prestigious award.

Mr. Joe Garza, Principal at Finley Elementary; Ms. Diana Ramirez, Finley Elementary Dyslexia Teacher and honoree; and

Mr. David Garcia, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources.

United ISD Teacher Receives Zaf�rini Teacher Student Loan Grant

Students at Charles Borchers Elementary School went the extra mile during their Kindness Week by collecting donations of food and toiletries to send to our troops around the world. “The kids coordinated well and worked to make the drive a success. The challenge of asking for donations helps students understand why acts of kindness are important, how they affect other people, and how they have the potential to change the world. They should be very proud of what they have accomplished.”said Principal Mucia Flores.

Borchers Elementary School Knes We t

Suet Priiae n Cd-A-ToRuiz Elementary

Ruiz Elementary’s 3rd-5th grade students par ticipated in a week long Code-A-Thon. Coding teach-es valuable skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and creativity, skills necessary for aca-demic success. To conclude the week, guest speaker Mr. Jeremy Cantu, a software developer in Austin, Texas, discussed the impor tance of coding and programming in everyday life. They went through steps on how to create a webpage using JavaScript, HTML and CSS. The inquisitive stu-dents had a variety of questions for the speaker. Mr. Cantu is a former graduate of the United High School Engineering Magnet and Texas A&M College Station.

Ruiz Elementary Ruiz Elementary students showcased their talents during their annual Dual Language Showcase. The theme for this year was “Viva Mexico”. Students researched different aspects of Mexico including Ar t, Music/Dance, Culinary Ar ts, Spor ts, History, Literature, and Culture such as Dia De Los Muer tos. Kinder-5th grade students performed dances and presenta-tions to a packed house of parents and community members.

Da Lnug Socs

For over 30 years the Laredo Sector Border Patrol has recognized local high school students who exemplify good character, stellar grades, and the for titude to help create a better com-munity with their Youth of the Month Program. In a wonderful ceremony at St. Augus-tine High School Chapel eleven

students were recognized for their phenomenal achievements in and out of the classroom. Four of those students came from our very own high schools. David Chun of John B. Alexander High School, Kristina Valadez of Lyndon B. Johnson High School, Sydney Lara, of United High School, and Roxana Hinojo-sa of United South High School are the

most recent students added to the prestigious list of students who have been honored as Youth of the Month for their respective schools this year.“This is a tremendous honor for our students,” stated Rober to J. Santos. “Their achievements and success academically speaks volumes of the wonderful leaders they are,” he stated.

December 2018Youth of the Month for

Pictured from left to right: (top) Mr. Javier Vera, Director of Fine Ar ts; Melissa Mar tinez, Counselor Lyndon B. Johnson High School; Lucero Perez, United South High School nominating Teacher ; Elvira Gaona, John B. Alexander High School Health & Science Magnet Dean; Mar tha Cavazos, Counselor John B. Alexander High School. Bottom: Kristina Valadez, Lyndon B. Johnson High School recipient; Sidney Lara, United High School recipient; Roxana Hinojosa, United South High School recipient; and David Chun, John B. Alexander High School recipient.

The Clark Middle School Band was honored to be invited to perform the Na-tional Anthem at the San Antonio Spurs vs. the Los Angeles Lakers game. The Mighty Husky Band, under the Direction of Gilber to Cuellar, took center cour t to perform their rendition of the National Anthem. Mem-bers of the Mighty Husky Band even got the oppor tu-nity to warm up as former Center for the San Antonio Spurs, David "The Admiral" Robinson, stood by.

Sho BnClark Middle

Front Row, L to R: Students Joel Lujan, Kevin Peña, Raul Mendez, Gael Moreno, Lisandro Perez, Gia Escamilla, Leilani Ibarra and Joe Melendez. Back Row, L to R: Claudia Benavides, Principal; Celeste Munoa-Librarian, and Grizelda Garcia, Library Assistant.

Combining love for animals with a desire to ser ve the community, students and staff at Zaffirini Elementary recently collected food donations and blankets for animals awaiting adoption at the Laredo Animal Protective Society (LAPS). Campus librarian Celeste Munoa led the way promoting the needs of the shelter and organizing the drive.

Principal Claudia Benavides said that students in grades pre-k through 5th collected the supplies from parents, teachers and friends. “I wish to acknowledge our parents and the Zaffir rini commu-nity for suppor ting this drive. We’re backing a good cause while teaching our students about the value of charity work”, said Benavides.

Zaf�rini Elementary

On December 7th, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension visited the GT students at Colonel Santos Benavides Elementary School. Parents and students joined as the Dinner Tonight Healthy Cooking School, with help from CSBS students, demon-strated easy steps to a healthier lifestyle. They gave a cooking class to parents and students alike on dishes such as Calabaza con Pollo, Spanish Rice, Mexican Street Corn, and Tres Leches Cake. The event was par t of an initiative whose primary purpose is to educate students on the life cycle of fruits and vegetables and how they reach our homes, as well as creating healthy eating habits in young individuals.

Colonel Santos Benavides Elementary

Healthy Tips from Texas AgriLife

Core Civic officers and employees donated jackets and a gift to students at Killam Elementary. Counselors and administra-tors at the campus level selected the 50 students that would receive the jackets and gifts. United ISD and Killam Elemen-tary are very grateful to Core Civic for their generous donation.

Core Civic Donates Jackets & Giftsto Students at Killam Elementary

Recently, Lyndon B. Johnson High School (LBJ), rolled out its 16th annual Career Day. Approximately 140 local professionals spent their morning at the school to represent occupations ranging from nursing and engineering, to law enforcement and social ser vices. Upon arrival, presenters were treated to a sumptu-ous Mexican style breakfast buffet (prepared by LBJ Culinary Ar ts students), in the campus library. “Career Day at Lyndon B. Johnson High School is a valuable oppor tunity for our students to learn about select occupations. On behalf of our teach-ers, students and staff, I thank our guests for taking time to inspire our students”, said Principal Armando Salazar.

Hosts Career Day

Lyndon B. Johnson High School

Lyndon B. Johnson High School

The Clorox Company has issued $15,000 grants to �ve individuals from throughout the nation for their outstanding record of service to their local communities. J.B. Alexander High School senior Alma Gonzalez De La Cruz, was one of the recipients. Alma is a staunch supporter of the Laredo Animal Protective Society (LAPS). Her volunteerism has helped the shelter make life better for its occupants, and her promotion of adoption has helped more animals �nd their forever homes. Alma's most recent project for the shelter was to collect urgently needed cleaning

supplies. Her future plans are to expand the shelter’s volunteer o�ce and increase publicity for the adoption of animals. Alma returned from New York City recently, where she was celebrated for her history of service to LAPS during a press conference hosted by Clorox. The excursion to and from the big apple was paid for by the company. In addition to being civic minded, Ms. De La Cruz is also an excellent student and serves as Captain of the J.B. Alexander Dazzler’s, and is a member of the Superinten-dent’s Advisory Board.

AHS Recieves LAPS Scholarship

Alma Gonzalez De La Cruz

THE GOOD GUYS Flag Football TeamThe United ISD's Police Department presented a check in the amount of $15,000 to the United ISD Partners For Scholars Program. The money was raised from the annual " Defending Our Badge," Flag Football Tournament from the last 6 years. UISD 's " The Good Guys " police football team took first place this year and we're proud to attend the press conference. The annual flag football tournament raises funds for UISD partners for scholars, who grant scholarships to graduating seniors from each of the four secondary schools in the district.

Defending Our Badge Flag Football Tournament UISD POLICE