MATADOR A JOINT PRODUCT OF THE SEGUIN

ISD AND THE SEGUIN

GAZETTE PRIDE

A JOINT PRODUCT OF THE SEGUIN ISD AND THE SEGUIN GAZETTE • OCTOBER 2015 • VOL 4: ISSUE 1

2 - OCTOBER 2015 · MATADOR PRIDE

ON THE COVER: Seguin High School’s Homecoming festivities involve many student extracurricular and community organizations, such as cheerleading squads and Mini Mats, as pictured here.

Parents and guardians can monitor their student’s progress through a click of a mouse by using the Parent

Self Serve Portal at http://buff.ly/1EZi9l4.

To sign up, watch this MATTECHTV tutorial (http://buff.ly/1EVHOLy) that will guide you step by

step through the registration process.

Questions about using Parent Self Serve Portal may be directed to the SISD Technology Department at

(830) 401-8642.

KEEP UP WITH GRADES

Welcome to the first issue of Seguin ISD’s Matador Pride for the 2015-16 school year. This publication is made possible through a partnership with the Seguin Gazette. I appreciate their efforts to help spread the good news that is taking place in our district each and every day.

It has been a month since school has started and I am glad to report that our campuses have been operating smoothly. It is great to see our students and teachers back in the classroom, ready to learn and teach.

I appreciate the Seguin ISD school board giving me the opportunity to lead the district and make a positive impact on our community. As I have shared with the board, the media, and our stakeholders, my focus is to improve the academic success of our students across the district. I have spent much of my time research-ing and evaluating our programs and initiatives to determine what is working and opportuni-ties for improvement. I remain confident that this year we can make gains within the state accountability system and begin the process of long-term academic growth within our schools. Our students deserve this.

As you may have noticed, considerable demolition work took place at Seguin High School during the summer months. This work, which entailed demolishing part of the cafeteria, the theater, the West Gym, Crump Gym and the ROTC building, was completed on time. While the landscape of Seguin High School has changed drastically, the benefit is that our students will be in a new campus in two years.

While visiting our campuses, I have seen areas in which we can increase student and staff pride in our schools. This is through routine maintenance of our grounds and facilities. Our employees work hard at keeping the grass cut and improving aesthetics at our schools. In order to keep this maintenance work on sched-ule, we will use additional grounds crews, when needed.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Board Member Craig Thomas for working with several area real estate agents who provided input to improve the exterior of McQueeney Elementary School. Thanks to the guidance and suggestions of Jordan Walker, Celina Ross and Brannon Monkerud of Heritage Texas Properties, plus Kelley Rose of Anders Pierce Realty, we landscaped the front entryway of the campus and also painted the outside walls. The change is a welcome one and I appreciate how everyone stepped up to support this endeavor.

We will evaluate each Seguin ISD school and schedule future projects designed to make our students, families and staff have a greater sense of pride in their community schools.

I look forward to meeting more of our stake-holders as I continue to become engrained in our great community of Seguin. As always, I look forward to hearing your compliments and concerns. My email address is sroane@seguin.k12.tx.us.

Go Mats!

Stetson RoaneSeguin ISD Superintendent of Schools

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MATADOR PRIDE · OCTOBER 2015 - 3

demolition work at Seguin high SchoolDuring the summer months, Phase 1 demolition work at Seguin High School was completed on schedule. A portion of the cafeteria, the West Gym, auditorium, ROTC building and Tom Crump Gym were demolished. Foundation preparation work is now underway.

bond fundS technologyKoennecke Elementary students now have iPads in their classrooms thanks to technology funds approved by voters in 2013 bond election.

national dot dayStudents and staff at Rodriguez Elementary participated in National Dot Day on Sept. 15 by wearing and creating “dot” attire. This week, students will watch an author-narrated version of “The Dot” by Peter Reynolds. In this story, individuals are encouraged to be brave and share their gifts and talents with others. Following the film, students will create their own “dot” artwork for display in the hallways.

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4 - OCTOBER 2015 · MATADOR PRIDE

Rodriguez Elementary loves and appreciates its grandparents. In observance of Grandparent’s Day on Sept. 13, the students and staff hosted kindergarten, first and third grade grandparents

on Sept. 11. Grandparents of second, fourth and fifth graders had lunch with their grandchildren on Sept. 14.

grandparent’S day celebrated in area SchoolS

McQueeney loves their grandparents! On Friday, Sept. 11 grandparents were

invited to campus to have lunch with their

grandchildren and spend quality time eating and visiting with one another. Grandparents are

very important role in the education of their

grandchildren and other children around them.

SEGUIN, Texas (Sept. 21, 2015) – Seguin High School staff is hosting an informational meeting for the Early College High School (ECHS) program.

Ninth and tenth graders, plus their parents, are invited to the school on Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

“These meetings are designed to better inform our parents and students on the key components of the Early College High School plan underway at Seguin High School. Because our Early College model allows students to earn college credits while earning their diploma, we want to keep our families informed on the complexities of the program. We will outline the academic pathways available to our high school students so that they, along with their parents, can make informed decisions about early college opportunities. Plus, we will be available to answer questions,” said Anna Lisa Garza, director of Seguin Early College High School.

For more information, contact Garza at (830) 401-8008.

Learn more about Early College High School program Sept. 29

MATADOR PRIDE · OCTOBER 2015 - 5

celebrating hiSpanic heritage

monthSeguin ISD celebrates multiculturalism in

their schools. Along with the nation, we will observe National Hispanic Heritage Month

from Sept. 15 - Oct. 15. The observance started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week

under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in

1988 to cover a 30 day period. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures and

contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the

Caribbean and Central and South America.

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Pictured above are Vincent Patlán Elementary 5th graders, Katelyn B. and Sofia G. who performed a dance from the Mexican State of Durango for their school assembly to kick start Hispanic Heritage Month.

At left: Ball Early Childhood Center students celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month through a field trip to Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin’s Cultural Arts Center on Sept. 16-17. Students were greeted by artists who taught them The Story of Corn and San Isidro the Farmer. They participated in zarape crafts, piñata demo and piñata creation and toured the LULAC Community Garden. All of these activities helped introduce the children to the impor-tance of sharing traditions and heritage.

6 - OCTOBER 2015 · MATADOR PRIDE

Katana ColemanThird Grade

Samantha PreslockFourth Grade

Katalina Gaitan Fifth Gradekoenneke elementary School

Aven Pacheco Kindergarten

Melvin MendiolaFirst Grade

Bryan Rizo Second Grade

Cynthia GuevaraThird Grade

Francisco LopezFourth Grade

Caden Armenta Fifth Grade

Miguel FiscalKindergarten

Eduardo Arriaga First Grade

Zachary WeathersSecond Grade

patlan elementary School

MacKenzie ClarkKindergarten

Jason RamonFirst Grade

Alianna MartinezSecond Grade

Angel MartinezThird Grade

Isis VargasFourth Grade

Luis Salazar Fifth Grade

rodriguez elementary School

Megan MartinezKindergarten

Emma MoyersFirst Grade

Aubrianna RoblesSecond Grade

Amani Marion Third Grade

Nadia Ceniceros Fourth Grade

Jaylynne LopezFifth Grade

Jefferson elementary School

mcQueeney elementary School

Layla MorenoKindergarten

Jonathan Vazquez First Grade

Marcus Troy Jr. Second Grade

James Medrano Third Grade

Jenna LeeAnn Price Fourth Grade

Justice Gonzales Fifth Grade

 

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MATADOR PRIDE · OCTOBER 2015 - 7

Vogel elementary School

Astrid Martinez Kindergarten

Miranda RamirezFirst Grade

Alejandro Martinez LomasSecond Grade

Alexis RamirezThird Grade

Ethan Rhea Fourth Grade

Jazmin MorenoFifth Grade

Charlie McDonald Kindergarten

Liliana BuentelloFirst Grade

Isaac Gutierrez Second Grade

Joseph RamirezThird Grade

Cheyenne Landin Fourth Grade

Aly Burns Fifth Grade

weinert elementary School

barnes middle School

Megan MahaffeySeventh Grade

Jazmine Alzalde Seventh Grade

Leo De LeonSixth Grade

Aidan Flores Sixth Grade

Chanse HernandezEighth Grade

Demitri Faz Eighth Grade

briesemeister middle School

Seguin high School

Kassie BehalNinth Grade

Hayden HaasNinth Grade

Karrisma RamirezTenth Grade

Tanner Bertling Tenth Grade

mercer-blumberg learning center

Frania Ramirez

Sawyer RileySixth Grade

Zamyah Henderson Sixth Grade

Reese JubelaEighth Grade

Magaly CarreonEighth Grade

Reese JandaSeventh Grade

Syrus Kapusta Seventh Grade

Kiasha WilliamsEleventh Grade

Hunter HernandezEleventh Grade

Klarissa MorenoTwelfth Grade

Luis BautistaTwelfth Grade

Harley Hermann

There’s still time to get with the NIE program!The Newspapers in Education (NIE) program provides teachers with access to newspapers during the school year, and, in turn, these teachers share the newspaper with students, exposing them to what is happening in Seguin, in Texas, in the United States and around the world. Why is this important? Studies have shown that students in schools with NIE programs score 10 percent higher on standardized tests. Furthermore, today’s students who read the Gazette are tomorrow’s literate, informed and productive citizens. They are more likely to vote, be civically engaged as adults and be better-educated consumers.

To find out how you can participate in the NIE program, please call Brenda at the Seguin Gazette at 379-5402 ext. 231.

8 - OCTOBER 2015 · MATADOR PRIDE

parentS night

Seguin High School hosted Parents Night at the football

home opener on Sept. 4. Families of seniors who are

active in sports, dance, cheer, band, choir and flag running were introduced to the com-munity and thanked for their

dedication to their children.

Volleyball team winS at tourneyThe Lady Matadors deliver a serve to S.A. Kennedy en route to another win during the Matador Invitational Volleyball Tournament in Goldie Harris Gym.

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SEGUIN, Texas (Sept. 10, 2015) – Seguin ISD is seeking individuals who would like to serve on the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) to help the district identify and set priorities regarding health and wellness.

The SHAC addresses topics related to coordinated school health including health education and services, physical education, nutrition services, social and emotional climate, counseling, healthy school environment, staff health promotion and family/community involvement.

“Seguin ISD is committed to supporting students, staff and parents by creating opportunities to make healthy lifestyle choices. Input and ideas from our stakeholders will help ensure that the SHAC reflects the values of our community,” said Seguin ISD Superintendent Stetson Roane.

Community members interested in serving on the committee and willing to learn more about health issues that can impact student academic performance are encouraged to attend the SHAC meeting on Oct. 21, 5 p.m. at Seguin ISD District Office, 1221 E. Kingsbury.

The SHAC will meet Oct. 21, Feb. 24, March 23 and May 11 during the 2015-2016 school year.

For more information, contact Pete Silvius at (830) 372-5771 or psilvius@seguin.k12.tx.us.

Community urged to serve on Seguin ISD’s SHAC

MATADOR PRIDE · OCTOBER 2015 - 9

Scientific method leSSon Third grade students at McQueeney Elementary submerged Gummy Bears into a variety of liquids and observed the results. The students were learning about scientific method thanks to their teacher, Ms. Bothe.

Vegetable garden cleanupSeveral family members of Rodriguez Elementary students joined forces with TLU volunteers for the annual Garden Cleanup. Now, Rodriguez students can plant their winter vegetables.

binder baSh at barneSBarnes Middle School students took time to decorate their binders as part of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program Binder Bash. AVID is designed to prepare students for college and other postsecondary opportunities.

10 - OCTOBER 2015 · MATADOR PRIDE

adVanced academic night

Seguin High School staff hosted Advanced Academic Night in an effort to inform parents and students about

the many upper-level educational opportunities available on campus.

Photo by Veronika Willemin,

yearbook photographer.

patriot day ceremony held at barneS middle SchoolBarnes Middle School students and faculty hosted a Patriot Day ceremony on Sept. 11 that featured a wonderful performance by the student choir.

Special thanks to Board Member John Holt and Superintendent Stetson Roane for being on hand to support the students.

MATADOR PRIDE · OCTOBER 2015 - 11

mid-texaS Symphony concertJefferson Elementary students recently experienced the Mid-Texas Symphony Orchestra’s beautiful music under the direction of David Mairs at TLU’s Jackson Auditorium. The Mid-Texas Symphony has offered free children’s concerts since 1988 in Seguin and New Braunfels. Exposing students to classical music can help boost aesthetic awareness and make a positive impact on a student’s appreciation for fine arts.

cheSS tournamentThe first Seguin ISD Chess tournament of the 2015-2016 school year was held on Sept. 14 at Koennecke Elementary School. Congratulations to all of the tournament winners and thanks to Dawn Krause for again sponsoring these valuable learning opportunities.

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diez y SeiS obSerVation As part of the Sept. 16 diez y seis de septiembre observation at Rodriguez Elementary, students sang “De Colores” for the entire student body as part of the campus celebration of Mexico’s independence from Spain. Second grade student Chelsey Rangel (pictured center in the long-sleeved dress) also sang “Madrecita Querida” solo. Joseph Cantu, music teacher and Maria Lozano, instructional aide, helped organize the school-wide performance.

12 - OCTOBER 2015 · MATADOR PRIDE

Seguin ISDgoes back to school

The excitement on Aug. 24, the fi rst day of school, fi lled the halls and classrooms of Seguin ISD schools as students returned for the start of the 2015-16 school year.