For several months, San Benito students had been preparing for the district’s annual Spelling Bee. They studied and practiced spelling words such as guffaw (verb – laugh noisily or coarsely), jettison (verb – drop from an airplane in flight), and quotidian (adjective – commonplace, ordinary).

Sponsored by the San Benito CISD Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the traditional Spelling Bee provides elementary and middle school students with an opportunity to learn new words, sharpen their spelling and vocabulary skills, and vie for the title of the school district’s top speller.

San Benito students having participated in the 2015 Spelling Bee were the following:

Angela G. Leal Elementary
Jose Cantu
Misael Garay

Dr. C.M. Cash Elementary
Diana Perla Leija
Lindsey Rubi Montemayor
Ruben Rey Reza

Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. Elementary
Alejandro Baldelamar
Ashley Michelle Padron
Julian Sanchez

Ed Downs Elementary
Carlos Cordova
Emylee Cruz
Mauricio Padilla

Frank Roberts Elementary
Elijah Araiza
Jaime Santana
Jadah Vasquez

Fred Booth Elementary
Junae Gonzalez
Carolina Guerrero
Valeria Muñiz

Judge Oscar De La Fuente Elementary
Cassie Hernandez
Solanii Jasso
Israel Valdes

La Encantada Elementary
Edgar Flores
German Tamez

La Paloma Elementary
Giovanny Pesina
Kathy Rojas

Landrum Elementary
Alyssa Garcia
Randy Lozoya
Christopher Ramirez

Rangerville Elementary
Aurelia Garcia
Aralyn Peralez
Jessenia Serrata

Sullivan Elementary
Elise Escobedo
Iviannah Lara
Melanie Lopez

Berta Cabaza Middle School
Patsy Alejandro
Katelyn Garza
Eddie Jimenez

Miller Jordan Middle School
William Corkill
Adrian Garcia
Luis Gonzalez

San Benito Riverside Middle School
Delila Bailey
Kenneth Bailey
Jacklin Cantu

Connie Cruz, this year’s Spelling Bee Coordinator and the school district’s Director of Elementary Curriculum, proudly attributes the success of the event to the contestants, their coaches, their parents, school administrators, and everyone involved in the planning and implementation of the competition.

“We greatly appreciate absolutely everyone’s dedication, time, and effort. A successful event requires teamwork, and we have a great team,” stressed Cruz.

This year’s competition came to an end when Luis Santiago Gonzalez spelled the word cummerbund (noun – a waistband worn in place of a vest with men’s dress clothes), earning him the first place honor for the second consecutive year. Second place was awarded to Ruben Rey Reza of Dr. C.M. Cash Elementary, and Lindsey Rubi Montemayor of Dr. C.M. Cash Elementary received third place.

Gonzalez will now represent San Benito CISD at the 27th Annual Rio Grande Valley Regional Spelling Bee, slated for Saturday, March 7, 2015, at South Texas College in Weslaco.

Shown alongside San Benito CISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc A. Puig are top spellers in the 2015 Spelling Bee competition: (l-r) third place winner Lindsey Rubi Montemayor, Dr. C.M. Cash Elementary; first place winner Luis Santiago Gonzalez, Miller Jordan Middle School; and second place winner Ruben Rey Reza, Dr. C.M. Cash Elementary.

You can access Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPR) for schools, districts, regions, and the state for the 2013-14 school year. The reports are available as downloadable PDF files as well as HTML.

Go to website: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/tapr/2014/index.html

A group of Special Education students recently represented San Benito CISD at the Special Olympics Texas Winter Games 2015 in Austin, Texas.

Themed “Courage with no fear. Respect with no resistance. Acceptance with no limits,” the 22nd annual winter games included bowling, powerlifting, and volleyball events.

San Benito athletes participated in the bowling competition and collectively brought home 14 awards, including three gold, five silver, and four bronze medals.

The bowling competition results were the following:

San Benito High School

• Josue Hernandez, Gold
• Miranda Reyna, Gold
• Stephanie Zamora, Gold
• Adriana Ramirez, Silver
• Amanda Lopez, Silver
• Angelica Romero, Silver
• Alexandria Hernandez, Bronze
• Kassandra Jimenez, Bronze
• Mark Medrano, Bronze
• Rafael Constante, Bronze
• Greg Vargas, 4th Place
• Maria Guadalupe Martinez, 6th Place

San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy

• Frank Torres, Silver
• Luis Andrade, Silver

San Benito Special Olympics/Adaptive Physical Education Coordinator Rick Tamez explains that there are high expectations for Special Olympics athletes that participate in competitive sports at the state level.

“All Special Olympic athletes deserve an equal chance to excel during competition. Congratulations to each athlete for taking it to the state level and performing with pride,” said Tamez.

“I am extremely proud of our student athletes and thankful for the support from our administration, parents and coaching staff,” he added.

Committed to the Special Olympics motto, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” the local program staff is committed to empowering special education students to become physically fit, productive, and respected members of society through sports training and competition.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc A. Puig was on hand to wish the student athletes well during the sendoff gathering immediately before their trip. “Incredible teamwork. I thank everyone for going the extra mile for our students!” said Dr. Puig.

Special Education Director Theresa Cantu explained, “San Benito CISD has an outstanding group of dedicated students, parents, and staff. I am very proud of our students’ accomplishments. Our staff has done an outstanding job, and the support of our administrators has been tremendous.”

For additional information on local Special Olympics initiatives, contact Tamez at (956) 361-6214.

These students recently represented San Benito CISD at the Special Olympics Texas Winter Games in Austin, Texas: (shown in no particular order) Adriana Ramirez, Alexandria Hernandez, Amanda Lopez, Amanda Sierra, Angelica Romero, Frank Torres, Greg Vargas, Josue Hernandez, Kassandra Jimenez, Luis Andrade, Maria Guadalupe Martinez, Mark Medrano, Miranda Reyna, Rafael Constante, and Stephanie Zamora. Also shown amongst the student athletes are Special Olympics/Adaptive Physical Education Coordinator Rick Tamez; coaches Aracely Correa, Belinda Perez, Cindy Garrett, Cindy Puente, Davis Ezell, Gabriel Gonzalez, Jesus Zuñiga, Melanie Murillo, Melissa De Leon, and Robert Romero; Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc A. Puig; Special Education Director Theresa Cantu; and San Benito High School Principal Henry Sanchez and Assistant Principal Juan Lopez.

National School Counseling Week is being observed February 2-6.  San Benito CISD counselors attended a city council meeting, where they received a proclamation. Shown at the presentation, are bottom, from left, Districtwide counselors Idalia G. Garza and Juanita Moran, Guidance and Counseling Director Janie Lopez, Mayor Celeste Z. Sanchez, and districtwide counselor Enedelia A. Salinas and top, from left, Commissioners JD Penny and Joe D. Gonzalez, Mayor Pro Tem Tony Gonzales and Commissioner Rene Villafranco.

San Benito CISD chess players are poised to continue dominating their opponents as they set their sights on winning big at national competition. The district recently hosted the Region VIII Tournament resulting in four teams advancing to nationals.

In the Middle School Division, the chess team from Miller Jordan Middle School earned the Regional Champion honors and will join another team from San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy, who placed sixth in the High School Championship Division, in Louisville, Kentucky April 24-26.

In addition to earning the regional title, Miller Jordan Middle School had four team members that each received a $250 scholarship. The school also experienced success with a Junior Varsity team earning a third place finish regionals.

Meanwhile, teams from two elementary campuses will be traveling to Nashville, Tennessee May 8-10. These teams include a team from Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. Elementary, who will compete in the Primary Division, and a team from Frank Roberts Elementary, who will compete in the Elementary Division.

The teams advancing to nationals have plenty of work ahead of them, but they realize that practice and dedication are an integral part of the program’s success.

Manuel Gonzalez, a chess coach in the district for the past 10 years, stressed the importance of practicing in order to perfect the player’s strategies. Gonzalez currently serves as the coach for the San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy team.

Playing chess at the freshman (and secondary) level is challenging due to the students’ other extracurricular activities and demands; however, he feels confident that the teams will be able to perform because of their dedication.

“The students find themselves in a balancing act because of their involvement in band and other sports,” Gonzalez said, adding that the team practices during their lunch period and after their sport practices.

Despite some of those challenges, Gonzalez said that San Benito CISD is poised to continue the winning tradition. Over the years, the district has experienced stellar successes, with teams earning top awards at district, state and national meets.

Afterschool site coordinator Terry Padilla noted that chess also gives students an opportunity to earn scholarships and continue playing in college. At this year’s regional tournament, four Miller Jordan Middle School students split a $1,000 scholarship.

One former student and top rated chess player, Simon Vasquez III, earned a full scholarship and is currently a chess player traveling with the University of Texas at Brownsville team, Padilla explained. His younger siblings are top players and part of the winning team from Miller Jordan Middle School.

“This (sport) becomes a family tradition. Parents know that if students work hard enough, they will be able to earn scholarships for college,” Padilla said.

Besides offering students opportunities for scholarship offers, participants can also take advantage of the traveling opportunities associated with competing against students from other states. Over the years, district players have traveled to several states, including California, Tennessee, Oregon, Kentucky, Utah and Atlanta, to name a few.

Afterschool Program Director Jack Garcia, who praised the efforts of students, staff and parents, is excited about national competition.

“I would like to congratulate all chess players from San Benito CISD. I am proud of the students, parents, coaches, and staff in making a successful chess program that we can all be proud of,” Garcia said. “These qualifying teams have demonstrated exceptional persistence of hard work and it shows in them meeting our requirements to advance to national competition. Let’s continue the tradition.”

Miller Jordan Championship Team named Regional Champions in the middle school division, include front, from left, Angelica Vasquez, Alan Ortiz, Jeremy Sauceda, Omar Salinas, Ilse Bautista, back, Coach Roberto Miramontes, Elias Vasquez, Ricardo Sanchez, Romeo Garcia and Jacob Reyna. Not shown is Lilly Salazar.

The top four Miller Jordan Middle School Championship Team members receiving a $250 scholarship include Elias Vasquez, Jeremy Sauceda, Romeo Garcia and Jacob Reyna. They are shown with their coach, Roberto Miramontes.

Members of the Miller Jordan Middle School Junior Varsity chess team include from left, Coach Roberto Miramontes, Alexis Del Rio, Abraham Gomez, Enrique Medina, Aaron Medina and Elijah Medina. The team earned a third place finish at the Region VIII Chess Championship Tournament.

Members of the San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy placed sixth in the High School Championship Division. Team members include from left, Isaiah Treviño, Art Martinez, Noah Rodriguez, Bernie Muñoz, Jacob Cavazos, Jacob Sauceda, Fabian Olivares, Robert Torres and Coach Manuel Gonzalez. Not shown is Aaron Saldaña.

The Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. Elementary team earned the 2014-2015 District Chess Champion honors and will travel to Nashville, Tennessee May 8-10. The team participated in the Regionals chess tournament and placed third overall with 20.5 points and earned a first place district finish. The (Primary) K-3 Team advancing to nationals includes, top row, from left, Captain Jake Garcia, Nathan Rostro, Gabriel Covarrubias; middle row, Luna Bautista, Julio Martinez, Jacob Resendez and bottom row, Luis Miramontes and Aaron Rostro. The chess coaches are Roberto Miramontes and Guillermo Covarrubias; the chess sponsors are Vanessa Rodriguez and Genoveva Covarrubias.

Frank Roberts Elementary, who will compete in the Elementary Division, will travel to Nashville, Tennessee May 8-10. The team includes Ryan Lerma, Stanley Vasquez, Brandon Riedel, Ismael Lerma, Anthony Martinez, Noah Aguilar, Gavin Lerma, Jaime Santana, Elijah Araiza, Noah Ramirez, Amber Martinez, David Jimenez. The chess coach is Michael Salinas.

Celebrate Texas Public Schools Week
March 2-6, 2015

Monday, March 2

Angela Gerusa Leal Elementary, 5:30-7:00 PM
Dr. C.M. Cash Elementary, 6:00-7:30 PM
Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. Elementary, 6:00-7:30 PM
Ed Downs Elementary, 5:30-7:00 PM
Frank Roberts Elementary, 5:30-6:30 PM
Fred Booth Elementary, 5:30-7:00 PM
Judge Oscar De La Fuente Elementary, 5:30-7:00 PM
La Encantada Elementary, 6:00 PM
La Paloma Elementary, 5:30-7:00 PM
Landrum Elementary, 6:00-7:30 PM
Rangerville Elementary, 5:30-7:00 PM
Sullivan Elementary, 6:00-7:00 PM

Tuesday, March 3

Berta Cabaza Middle School, 6:00-7:30 PM
Miller Jordan Middle School, 5:30-7:00 PM
San Benito Riverside Middle School, 5:30-7:00 PM

Thursday, March 5

San Benito High School, 6:00- 7:30 PM
San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Joe Callandret Positive Redirection Center, 4:15 PM
Gateway to Graduation Academy, 5:30-6:30 PM

For more information contact the Staff Development Department at 361-6102.

Berta Cabaza, Miller Jordan and San Benito Riverside Middle School students recently competed in the Texas Music Educators Association Region 28 All-Valley Band Contest. San Benito CISD had 14 middle school students from the district’s three middle schools ranking in this contest.

These students were selected to participate in the Region 28 middle school clinic and concert. This clinic and concert combines the Valley’s top middle school band students in performance.

“A special congratulations and thanks goes out to San Benito’s finest middle school band students,” said Director of Bands Marc Perea. “The band directors of each middle school campus would like to send out a special thanks to the parents of these students for encouraging their children to strive for the highest of musicianship!”

Shown are Texas Music Educators Association Region 28 All-Valley Contest winners from the district’s middle schools, from left, Angel J. Contreras, Reynaldo Vasquez, Alex Quiroz, Elias Vasquez, Ivan Hernandez, Nathan Gomez, Melanie Barajas, Ashley Garcia, Lizette Hernandez, Yamiled Hernandez-Ramirez, Aliandra Rocio, Elizabeth Sauceda, Zayra Sigala, Allyson Villegas and Vanessa Barrera. Band directors are as follows: Berta Cabaza Middle School band director James Spence, assistant band directors Noe Garcia III and Lauren Garza, and paraprofessional Arturo Rivas; Miller Jordan Middle School band director Rudy Gonzalez and assistant band director Alejandro Martinez; and Riverside Middle School band director Lisa Avalos and assistant band director Juan Benavides.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Reed Smetter, Gabby Beltran, Alberto Martinez and Camille Cordova, members of San Benito High School’s Mighty Greyhound Band, recently performed with the prestigious Texas All-State Bands in San Antonio at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center as part of the 2015 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention.

“These four outstanding musicians were chosen for this prestigious honor through a competitive process held this year across the state at district, region and area levels,” said Director of Bands Marc A. Perea, a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, an organization with over 11,000 members headquartered in Austin.

High school students selected to perform in the All-State concerts have competed through several levels of auditions, beginning in the fall of 2014 to qualify at the state level. All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive.

Over 1,600 students are selected through a process that begins with over 60,000 students from around the state vying for this honor to perform in one of 15 ensembles such as bands, orchestras and choirs.

“I would like to extend a special thank you to the band directors and parents that made this possible,” Perea said. “Congratulations to these outstanding musicians for representing San Benito CISD in one of the nation’s most prestigious music platforms for high school students to perform in. We are extremely proud of their accomplishments!”

Parker Longoria, a trumpet player, was chosen to represent San Benito in the TMEA Region 28 Jazz Band.

“A special congratulations goes out to Parker for making the Valley’s top high school Jazz ensemble,” Perea said. “Parker was selected as one of only ten trumpet players from the Valley to be in this ensemble. Parker also made the TMEA All-Area Jazz Band where only three trumpet players from South Texas are chosen.”

Texas Music Educators Association sponsors the Texas All-State competition. This competitive process begins throughout the state in auditions hosted by 28 TMEA Regions. Individual musicians perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. From this ranking, a select group of musicians advances from their region to compete against musicians from other areas in seven TMEA Area competitions.

The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to perform in a TMEA All-State music group. Only the top three percent of musicians who initially audition become All-State musicians.

These All-State students participate in three days of rehearsals directed by nationally-recognized conductors during the TMEA Clinic/Convention. Their performances for thousands of attendees bring this extraordinary event to a close.

Shown are from left, Reed Smetter and Alberto Martinez, who performed with the prestigious Texas All-State Bands in San Antonio at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center as part of the 2015 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention.

Shown are from left, Camille Cordova and Gabriela Beltran, who performed with the prestigious Texas All-State Bands in San Antonio at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center as part of the 2015 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention.

Parker Longoria, a trumpet player, was chosen to represent San Benito in the Texas Music Educators Association Region 28 Jazz Band.

Come and learn about different colleges and careers, financial aid and hand how to better manage your money with information from our local banks!

A group of Special Education students recently represented San Benito CISD at the Special Olympics Texas Winter Games 2015 in Austin, Texas.

Themed “Courage with no fear. Respect with no resistance. Acceptance with no limits,” the 22nd annual winter games included bowling, powerlifting, and volleyball events.

San Benito athletes participated in the bowling competition and collectively brought home 14 awards, including three gold, five silver, and four bronze medals.

The bowling competition results were the following:

San Benito High School

• Josue Hernandez, Gold
• Miranda Reyna, Gold
• Stephanie Zamora, Gold
• Adriana Ramirez, Silver
• Amanda Lopez, Silver
• Angelica Romero, Silver
• Alexandria Hernandez, Bronze
• Kassandra Jimenez, Bronze
• Mark Medrano, Bronze
• Rafael Constante, Bronze
• Greg Vargas, 4th Place
• Maria Guadalupe Martinez, 6th Place

San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy

• Frank Torres, Silver
• Luis Andrade, Silver

San Benito Special Olympics/Adaptive Physical Education Coordinator Rick Tamez explains that there are high expectations for Special Olympics athletes that participate in competitive sports at the state level.

“All Special Olympic athletes deserve an equal chance to excel during competition. Congratulations to each athlete for taking it to the state level and performing with pride,” said Tamez.

“I am extremely proud of our student athletes and thankful for the support from our administration, parents and coaching staff,” he added.

Committed to the Special Olympics motto, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” the local program staff is committed to empowering special education students to become physically fit, productive, and respected members of society through sports training and competition.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc A. Puig was on hand to wish the student athletes well during the sendoff gathering immediately before their trip. “Incredible teamwork. I thank everyone for going the extra mile for our students!” said Dr. Puig.

Special Education Director Theresa Cantu explained, “San Benito CISD has an outstanding group of dedicated students, parents, and staff. I am very proud of our students’ accomplishments. Our staff has done an outstanding job, and the support of our administrators has been tremendous.”

For additional information on local Special Olympics initiatives, contact Tamez at (956) 361-6214.

These students recently represented San Benito CISD at the Special Olympics Texas Winter Games in Austin, Texas: (shown in no particular order) Adriana Ramirez, Alexandria Hernandez, Amanda Lopez, Amanda Sierra, Angelica Romero, Frank Torres, Greg Vargas, Josue Hernandez, Kassandra Jimenez, Luis Andrade, Maria Guadalupe Martinez, Mark Medrano, Miranda Reyna, Rafael Constante, and Stephanie Zamora. Also shown amongst the student athletes are Special Olympics/Adaptive Physical Education Coordinator Rick Tamez; coaches Aracely Correa, Belinda Perez, Cindy Garrett, Cindy Puente, Davis Ezell, Gabriel Gonzalez, Jesus Zuñiga, Melanie Murillo, Melissa De Leon, and Robert Romero; Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc A. Puig; Special Education Director Theresa Cantu; and San Benito High School Principal Henry Sanchez and Assistant Principal Juan Lopez.

Locations:
Dr. C.M. Cash Elementary
La Paloma Elementary
Berta Cabaza Middle School

Dates:
Teacher workday
June 6^th, 2015, Saturday

Instructional Dates:
June 8^th – July 1^st, 2015
Monday – Thursday

Times:
See Above

Applications must be submitted to Federal Programs Office by April 17, 2015.

The Lieutenant Thomas Barlow Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently honored outstanding students from local elementary, middle, and high schools from throughout the lower Rio Grande Valley. Among the honorees were three San Benito CISD middle school students.

Presented with the DAR 2015 “Youth Citizenship Award” were the following San Benito sixth grade students: Sara Calista Cordova, Berta Cabaza Middle School; Dianella Fayth Esquivel, San Benito Riverside Middle School; and Josue Monjaraz, Miller Jordan Middle School.

The Youth Citizenship Award, formerly the Good Citizenship Award, was established to foster among schoolchildren a greater appreciation of the qualities of citizenship.

Designed to support the belief that patriotic education for today’s youth means building a stronger nation for the future, the local DAR chapter presents the Youth Citizenship Award to sixth grade students who best demonstrate the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism.

Each youth award honoree receives the prestigious Youth Citizenship Medal and a certificate in recognition of their efforts in the field of American citizenship.

“Congratulations to our youth, our future! SBCISD is incredibly proud of how our children continue to demonstrate the necessary traits of sustaining our great nation,” proudly affirmed Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc A. Puig.

Miller Jordan Middle School (MJMS) award recipient Josue Monjaraz is recognized as a leader and role model.

“Josue is a very deserving recipient of this prestigious award! He is a dedicated student and a leader on campus. He is always willing to help other students in his classes and also extends a helping hand in the community,” said MJMS Principal Mary Alice Leal.

As an active member of the MJMS Peers Accepting Leadership Skills (PALS) student organization, Monjaraz volunteers of his time and participates in community service projects such as feeding the hungry, helping the elderly, and brightening the days of the homeless.

“I believe that I have a responsibility to serve others. One of the most meaningful activities that I participated in this year was going to the Ozanam Center during the Christmas season with PALS,” said Monjaraz as he described his experience in visiting a homeless shelter in Brownsville, Texas. The shelter serves individuals and families in need of emergency housing assistance.

“We took the residents snacks, presents and a piñata. It meant a lot to them and to me,” he added.

Berta Cabaza Middle School (BCMS) honoree Sara Calista Cordova believes in her ability to be an example of excellence for future students.

“My goal is to be a better student daily. I want our campus to be the best that it can be. I want to make it a campus that future Berta Cabaza Middle School students would be proud to come to and be as, or more, successful than me and our current students,” explained Cordova.

She added, “It is an honor to be chosen for this award and to represent our campus and district.”

“We, at Berta Cabaza Middle School, are so proud of Sara. It is a prestigious award that Sara can build on as she continues to pursue her future successes,” stated BCMS Principal Ray Saldaña.

Honored to have received such significant recognition, San Benito Riverside Middle School (SBRMS) award recipients Dianella Fayth Esquivel is known for setting extraordinary goals.

“Dianella is an excellent hard working student whose goal is to get many awards and honors and be the top student of her graduating class,” said SBRMS guidance counselor Elma Nuñez.

“I feel extremely honored to have received this amazing award,” expressed Esquivel.

Cordova, Monjaraz, and Esquivel were among the select students that received various awards and/or scholarships at the annual awards tea hosted by the members of the NSDAR Lt. Thomas Barlow Chapter on the Marine Military Academy campus in Harlingen, Texas.

The honorees’ parents, school principals, classroom teachers, and guidance counselors were invited to the awards ceremony and reception.

Miller Jordan Middle School (MJMS) sixth grader Josue Monjaraz was recently honored by the Lt. Thomas Barlow Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Monjaraz received the “Youth Citizenship Award.” He is pictured alongside (l-r) MJMS Leadership Officer Training Corps Instructor Steve Longoria and DAR Award Ceremony Co-Chair Joan Pratt.

San Benito Riverside Middle School sixth grader Dianella Fayth Esquivel was recently honored by the Lt. Thomas Barlow Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Having received the “Youth Citizenship Award,” Esquivel is pictured alongside (l-r) her mother, Gloria Calvillo, and DAR Award Ceremony Co-Chair Joan Pratt.

Berta Cabaza Middle School sixth grader Sara Calista Cordova was recently honored by the Lt. Thomas Barlow Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Awarded the “Youth Citizenship Award,” Cordova is pictured standing between (l-r) her sister, Camille Cordova, and DAR Award Ceremony Co-Chair Joan Pratt.

Important Notice for Parents/Aviso importante para padres:

Files are stored in PDF format

Notification to Parents of Teacher Qualifications

As a parent of a student at San Benito CISD, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct your child, and Federal law requires the school district to provide you this information in a timely manner if you request it. Specifically, you have the right to request the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers:

• Whether the teacher meets the state qualifications and licensing criteria for the grades and subjects he or she teaches.
• Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or provisional status because of special circumstances.
• The teacher’s college major, whether the teacher has any advanced degrees, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree.
• Whether paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if so, their qualifications.

If you would like to receive any of this information, please contact HR Department at  361-6150.

Notificación a los padres de familia sobre calificaciones de maestros

Como padre de un alumno en San Benito CISD, Ud. tiene el derecho de conocer las calificaciones profesionales de los maestros que enseñan a su hijo, y la ley federal requiere que el distrito escolar le facilite esta información oportunamente si Ud. la pide. Específicamente, Ud. tiene el derecho de pedir la siguiente información acerca de cada uno de los maestros de su hijo:

• Si el maestro satisface las calificaciones y criterios de certificación estatales para los grados y materias que enseña.
• Si el maestro está enseñando bajo condiciones provisionales o de emergencia debido a circunstancias especiales.
• El campo de especialidad del bachillerato del maestro, si el maestro tiene algún título de posgrado, y en tal caso, el campo de materia de dicho título o certificación.
• Si paraprofesionales ofrecen servicios a su hijo, y en tal caso, cuáles son sus calificaciones.

Si Ud. quiere recibir esta información, sírvase comunicar con el Departamento HR al 361-6150.

Veterans Memorial Academy/San Benito High School

Berta Cabaza MS / Miller Jordan MS / Riverside MS

Angela Leal Elem. / Dr. Cash Elem. / Ed Downs Elem. / Fred Booth Elem. / J. Oscar De La Fuente Elem. / La Encantada Elem.

La Paloma Elem. / Landrum Elem. / Rangerville Elem. / Dr. Garza Elem. / Frank Roberts Elem. / Sullivan Elem.

PRC / Gateway / Amador Rodriguez / Darrel Hester / RGV

Congratulations to the Mighty Greyhound Drumline for placing 2nd at the State Percussion Championships on Saturday, March 21, 2015 in San Antonio.

The Flamenco Ensemble of San Benito High School Present: “The Guitar Around the World”

Come join San Benito NJROTC in celebrating the JROTC Program’s 99th/49th Anniversary. We will be celebrating the event on 25 April 2015 at 11:00 with a 5K Fun Run at the Veterans Memorial Academy in San Benito, Texas. We (along with hundreds of JROTC Units) will be trying to break the World Record for a 5K Fun Run Mass Start. For more information contact Chief Jesus Gaytan at 276-6075 or any NJROTC Cadet. Below are details about the 5K Fun Run.

SAN BENITO JROTC 5K RUN – GENERAL INFORMATION

DATE OF RACE: Saturday, 25 April 2015
TIME: 11:00 am
PLACE: Veterans Memorial Academy (9th Grade Campus)
ADDRESS: 2115 North Williams Road, San Benito, Texas
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: Anyone that is healthy enough to run or walk.
REGISTRATION COSTS:
– General Public (Run Only w/All Inclusive for Admin): $9.00
T-SHIRTS COSTS: A Tech T-shirt will be available for purchase in advance for $10.00 and must be purchased separately from San Benito NJROTC by 6 April 2015. Below is a sample of what the T-Shirt will probably look like.

PROCEDURES TO REGISTER:

1. Contact a San Benito NJROTC Instructor or Cadet to obtain a Registration Code and additional details. At this time, you may elect to pay the Entry Fee by Cash to the NJROTC representative, or pay during the Registration Process by Credit Card.
2. Once you have a Registration Code, you can go to www.JROTC5K.com website and Click on Register Now button.
3. Fill out the Registration Information.
a. On the Location Block, search for San Benito High School or type in Area Code 78586 to locate San Benito High School.
b. Be sure to Select the Correct Ticket Type (NJROTC will inform you what button to select).
c. If you have elected to pay by Credit Card, be sure to pay during this registration process.
4. Once you have finished the registration process, you will receive a Race Ticket by e-mail. Be sure to PRINT the Race Ticket, YOU MUST BRING A PAPER COPY OF YOUR RACE TICKET TO THE RACE IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR BIB NUMBER (No electronic copies of the Race Ticket will be accepted).
NOTES

1. The All Inclusive for Admin price includes (Race Bib and Certificate of Participation).
2. Race Bibs will be shipped to San Benito NJROTC a week prior to the race and will be handed out on Race Day (you will have to trade a PRINTED OUT copy of your Race Ticket for a BIB#)
3. We are in the process of designing a Race T-Shirt (tech shirt) that will run about $10.00 additional for runners wanting a Race T-Shirt (more to follow on these details).
4. A 5K Race is equal to 3.1 Miles.
5. Elementary Children will have to register as a Middle School Students and must be accompanied by a Parent or Guardian.
6. Only Personnel with BIB Numbers or printed Race Tickets will be allowed on the Race Course.