KSBG-TV 17 will feature the district’s top elementary students garnering the most points as an Accelerated Reader Program participant in the television station’s production, “Christmas Stories with Top AR Readers,” produced by KSBG-TV 17 staff in partnership with students enrolled in the Audio/Video Production classes under the direction of instructor Joel Rodriguez. The special production will air throughout the holiday season.

AR is a computer program Accelerated Reader (AR) created by Renaissance Learning, Inc. The program helps librarians and teachers manage and monitor student’s independent reading practice. The students are able to select their own books based on their reading level, read it at their own pace and take a short quiz on the computer and obtain points and rewards throughout the year.
The top readers include German Tamez – “Llama Llama Holiday Drama” – La Encantada Elementary; Carolina Castro – “The Night Before Christmas” – La Paloma Elementary; Dalilah Lopez – “Olaf’s Night Before Christmas” – Frank Roberts Elementary; Rosa Lopez – “Bear Stays Up” – Landrum Elementary; Jorge Guillen – “Snowmen at Christmas” – Angela G. Leal Elementary; Rolando Mireles, Jr. – “Santa’s Sleigh is on its Way to Texas” – Sullivan Elementary; Devanta Eric Alaniz – “How do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas?” – Dr. C.M. Cash Elementary; Orlando Chairez – “Click, Clack Ho! Ho! Ho!” – Rangerville Elementary; Angelina Vargas – “Snow Bunny’s Christmas Wish” – Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. Elementary; Kristian Domanski – “Henry and Mudge and a Very Merry Christmas” – Judge Oscar De La Fuente Elementary; and Lauren Saldana – “Little Star” – Ed Downs Elementary.

Angelina Vargas	Carolina Castro
Dalliah Lopez	Devanta Eric Alaniz
Jorge Guillen	Kristian Domanski
Lauren Saldana	Orlando Chairez
Rolando Mireles	Rosa Lopez
German Tamez

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Adrian Vega, extends an invitation to Monday’s event. For clarification, attendance at this event is not mandatory.

Dr. Adrian Vega
San Benito CISD Superintendent of Schools

San Benito CISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Adrian Vega previously served as the Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning with the Tucson Arizona Unified School District since July 2013. Although Dr. Vega has been in Arizona since 2013, he is originally from Texas, having worked as a high school principal with the Ector County Independent School District 
and as a middle school principal with the Tyler Independent School District.

Prior to serving in ECISD and TISD, Dr. Vega worked with the Dallas Independent School District, serving as a Novice and Aspiring Principals Specialist with the Professional Development Department, an Instructional Specialist with the Alternative Certification Department, an elementary school assistant principal, an elementary school Community Liaison and an elementary school bilingual teacher.

Dr. Vega earned his doctorate degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce, his master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University, and his bachelor degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

He and his wife, Kathryn Vega, have two middle school aged children, including a son, Avery Vega, an eighth grader and Della Lane Vega, a sixth grader. Both attend classes at Miller Jordan Middle School.

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Energy-efficient LED lights and a “Santa Rises from Chimney” airblown inflatable served to colorfully animate the exterior of a humble home. Inside, a real Christmas tree was brightly decorated with brand new ornaments, gold ribbon, and additional energy-efficient LED lights. Stockings, gifts under the tree, and a door wreath completed the picture of what would be a brighter Christmas for a deserving family.

The special holiday cheer was delivered to the San Benito residence courtesy of the Harlingen, Texas, Home Depot’s “Team Depot,” an associate-led volunteer program designed to give back to the community.

Team Depot members came together to brighten the holidays for the family of Sullivan Elementary third grader Camila Salas and fifth grader Hannah Rivas, the recipients of this year’s Team Depot holiday project sponsored in collaboration with the Sullivan Elementary After School Program (ASP).

According to Sullivan Elementary ASP Site Coordinator Lisa M. Gonzales, the recipients were selected based on financial need, school attendance, school behavior, and participation in the After School Program.

Each of the recipients and their siblings received a wrapped Christmas present and a personalized stocking filled with goodies.

“It was emotional for us, and we are very grateful,” expressed the girls’ father, Juan Salas, in sincere appreciation of Team Depot’s act of kindness.

“It was heartwarming to witness the benevolence expressed by the associates of Home Depot. Their willingness to give to families at a time that is so memorable for children was quite impressionable,” explained Sullivan Elementary Principal Stephanie Ramirez.

“I’m thankful that our students were selected to be part of this act of kindness. It was also very touching to see how grateful Mr. Salas and his wife were for the generosity given to their family,” added Ramirez.

Gonzales indicated that the district hopes to continue supporting this Christmas partnership project for years to come. She also commended Team Depot participating associates for their dedication and commitment to residents of the local community.

Throughout the years, the school district’s After School Program and individual campuses have worked collaboratively in fostering new and strengthening existing community partnerships through which area businesses support local schools, students, and academic enrichment programs.

For additional information regarding After School Program initiatives at Sullivan Elementary, please call (956) 361-6839.

Say thanks to our school board members!

January 2016 is School Board Recognition Month, and San Benito CISD joins other districts across the state as they honor the countless contributions of these locally elected advocates for public education.

San Benito CISD will observe Celebrate Texas Public Schools Week Feb. 29-March 4.

Our schools will observe Open House according to the following schedule:

•Monday, February, 29-All Elementary Schools

•Tuesday, March 1-All Middle Schools

•Thursday, March 3-All Secondary Schools, including SBHS, VMA, Joe Callandret PRC & Gateway to Graduation Academy

TSPRA “Did You Know” Facts for Social Media

• Did You Know: In 2012-13, Texas public schools spent $52.4 billion to educate 4.9 million students.
• Did You Know: The overwhelming majority of Texas public school costs – about 77 percent – go to basic education costs.
• Did You Know: In 2012-13, about 60 percent of Texas public school budgets went to pay teachers and other education staff.
• Did You Know: Texas public schools had about 317,000 teachers and 58,000 educational aides in 2012-13.
• Did You Know: Texas public schools have little overhead, with just 2.9 percent of funds going to central administration costs in 2012-13.
• Did You Know: Texas public schools had 37,800 employees preparing students’ food and 22,600 employees transporting students in 2012-13.

A group of students at Miller Jordan Middle School (MJMS) proudly volunteer of their time on campus and throughout the community. They feed the hungry, help the elderly, and brighten the days of the homeless. They are the members of the MJMS PALS (Peers Accepting Leadership Skills) student organization.

Throughout the school year, PALS members collect and recycle aluminum cans to raise money for their community service projects, promote Red Ribbon Week activities, host Veterans Day celebrations, and collect canned food items for local charities. They also assisted with student registration at the start of the school year.

Most recently, they helped host a Christmas party for the residents of the Ozanam Center, a homeless shelter in Brownsville, Texas, that serves individuals and families in the area in need emergency housing assistance. The party included gifts, a piñata filled with candy and toys, and snacks for the young residents.

“I’m so pleased to see our students at a young age engage in civic and community events. It’s a step towards developing them into leaders that will, one day, make a positive impact in our community,” said MJMS Principal Bobbie Jo Hushen.

PALS members and alumni attribute their successes to PALS.

PALS alumnus and current MJMS Special Education teacher and coach Gustavo González, Jr. explains, “PALS was an important part of my life. I learned the value of giving, sharing, and showing compassion.”

“PALS instilled in me skills that I use today as a teacher. I strive to be a positive role model for the students, empowering them not only to see their self worth but to also pursue a post-secondary education,” González added.

For 20 years, MJMS Social Studies teacher and PALS sponsor Mary Lou Garcia has been a driving force behind the successful student organization. This past Friday, Garcia retired after 36 years of dedicated service and commitment to the students of San Benito.

“I would like to thank everyone that has helped me out in the past, from year one to the current. Thank you all very much,” she humbly expressed. “I have enjoyed the ride!”

“I would like to thank Ms. Garcia for dedicating her years of service as a PALS sponsor and educator. Best wishes on her retirement and her next journey in life,” said Hushen.

“Our PALS members have made a difference in many lives, and I look forward to the continued tradition of serving others,” Hushen added.

Continuing the tradition of leading PALS will be new sponsor Stacey Marie Perez, a sixth grade Reading teacher and co-sponsor Tila Silva, an Assistant Principal’s secretary.

“I am so very excited and honored to be taking over the organization with the help of Mrs. Silva,” proudly expressed Perez, a former PALS member during her middle school years.

“Ms. Garcia has lead our students in doing so many great things for our community for so many years. It’s amazing to see how those students have continued to help the community even after they went on to college and started their own careers,” added Perez.

“Our goals are to keep up and maintain our newest project, the Adopt a Highway Campaign, as well as to continue the tradition of being community service helpers for generations to come,” she stressed.

For additional information on PALS club initiatives, please contact Perez or Silva at (956) 361-6650.

San Benito CISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Adrian Vega has been visiting campuses and departments to learn more about their daily operations. In doing so, he has had a chance to meet students, teachers and staff members. School board secretary Michael A. Vargas joined Dr. Vega during a visit to the campuses, with the visits also serving as an opportunity to provide Dr. Vega with insight as he becomes familiar with the district and program offerings.

January 8, 2016

Staff Development flyer

San Benito CISD staff members, community members and business representatives attended the district’s Welcome Reception in honor of the district’s new Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Adrian Vega. Dr. Vega was joined by his family, including his wife, Kathryn Vega, and their two middle school aged children, including a son, Avery Vega, an eighth grader and Della Lane Vega, a sixth grader. Both attend classes at Miller Jordan Middle School.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Adrian Vega meets and greets staff members as they attend a Welcome Address held at San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy. Dr. Vega spoke about his three guiding principles and stressed the importance of providing students/staff with the best opportunities, resources, etc. during his address. The San Benito CISD Board of Trustees provided Dr. Vega and outgoing Interim Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Filomena Leo, with baskets as a token of their appreciation. Members of the Estudiantina, under the direction on instructor Albert Ortiz, provided entertainment.

San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy and San Benito High School students in grades 9th-12th can take advantage of enrolling in the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Program, a program which teaches them to learn about citizenship, leadership development and patriotism.

Cadets also learn about community service, teamwork and self-esteem. The district’s NJROTC program is known for excellent drill team performances, investing thousands of community service and school support hours and feeding hundreds of families with their canned food and monetary donation drives. The program also boasts an extremely successful Academic Program.

The cadets and their three instructors, Senior Naval Science Instructor Captain Nels Swanson, Chief Jesus Gaytan and Chief Timothy Wilson, dedicate long hours to perfect their skills for the Annual Military Inspection which took place on Wednesday, Jan. 20. This is a day set aside where cadets take extra pride in conducting their armed and unarmed drill team performances for instructors, administrators, parents and special guests in attendance. It’s also a day where their hard work pays and outstanding cadets are awarded with medals. Lt. Commander Christopher Lavissiere, U.S. Navy Commanding Officer of Navy Operational Support Center in Harlingen, served as inspector.

To learn more about the school district’s NJROTC Program, please call 276-6075.

Dr. Adrian Vega
San Benito CISD Superintendent of Schools

San Benito CISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Adrian Vega previously served as the Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning with the Tucson Arizona Unified School District since July 2013. Although Dr. Vega has been in Arizona since 2013, he is originally from Texas, having worked as a high school principal with the Ector County Independent School District 
and as a middle school principal with the Tyler Independent School District.

Prior to serving in ECISD and TISD, Dr. Vega worked with the Dallas Independent School District, serving as a Novice and Aspiring Principals Specialist with the Professional Development Department, an Instructional Specialist with the Alternative Certification Department, an elementary school assistant principal, an elementary school Community Liaison and an elementary school bilingual teacher.

Dr. Vega earned his doctorate degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce, his master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University, and his bachelor degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

He and his wife, Kathryn Vega, have two middle school aged children, including a son, Avery Vega, an eighth grader and Della Lane Vega, a sixth grader. Both attend classes at Miller Jordan Middle School.

San Benito CISD recently hosted the Tip-O-Tex Livestock Show at the Sonny Brazil Agriculture Complex, located behind San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy. Cameron and Willacy County Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapters belong to the Tip-O-Tex FFA District.

“Overall, our students did very well. This show serves as a benchmark to see the progress that our students are making in advance of the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show held in Mercedes in March,” said agriculture teacher Eddie Garcia. “We are on target and very proud of the outcome and of all Tip-O-Tex Livestock Show winners and participants.”

Top title winners in the pig project division include:

San Benito High School
Christian Cavazos – Grand Champion Progress
Christian Cavazos – Reserve Grand Champion Prospect
Noah Gomez – Champion Duroc
Dulce Garcia – 1st place Light Weight Crossbreed
Noah Gomez – 1st place Medium Weight Crossbreed
Bernardo Muñoz, Jr. – 1st place Light Weight Dark Cross
Bernardo Muñoz, Jr. – Reserve Champion Light Cross Progress

San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy
Daniel Garcia – Reserve Champion Yorkshire

San Benito Riverside Middle School
Edith Leos – Champion Yorkshire
Edith Leos – Reserve Champion Hampshire

Ed Downs Elementary
Abraham Garcia – Reserve Champion Crossbreed

In the lamb competition, top title winners include:

San Benito High School
Angel Diaz – Champion Dorper

San Benito Riverside Middle School
Edith Leos – Champion Finewool

Ed Downs Elementary
Abraham Garcia – Champion Southdown

In the steer competition, top title winners include:

San Benito High School
Grant Landrum – Grand Champion Steer

Ed Downs Elementary
Abraham Garcia – Reserve Grand Champion Steer

The students are looking forward to competing at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Rodeo being held in Mercedes on March 11-20.

It’s a winner! San Benito High School junior Kristina Cardenas competes in this year’s Tip O Tex event hosted by San Benito CISD. Cardenas earned a third place finish with her pig project.

FFA Area 10 President addresses group San Benito High School senior Christian Cavazos, second from left, discusses the Tip-O-Tex events with district educators, including from left, agriculture teacher Eddie Garcia, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Adrian Vega, and Director of Career Technical Education Programs Hector Rendon. Cavazos serves as the Future Farmers of America (FFA) President for Area 10, covering the area south of San Antonio, including Laredo, Corpus Christi, and the Rio Grande Valley.

Math Instructional Academy: Download PDF

Reading Instructional Academy: Download PDF

Science Instructional Academy: Download PDF

The Insider is KSBG’s video program flagship. This news magazine format features stories from our entire school district and is shot on location. Hosted by Celia Longoria, San Benito CISD’s Director of Communications, and Produced monthly, The Insider showcases events from every school, program and department. Every episode is brought to you from a different campus, which is featured as the leading story.

View previous Super Talks shows

Texas has more than 5 million students in its public schools. That is 5 million young minds from about 5 years old to about 18 years old, and the state is attracting even more. Every year, the student population increases by about 85,000 additional students.

Those impressionable young people depend on the adults in Texas to provide for them. Who steps up to see that ALL the children not just the ones in our own households have what they need in our schools?

In Texas, more than 7,200 generous people have offered to help. These are people who receive no pay for their dedicated efforts. These are people who not only volunteer but go through the process of standing up for public education. They are locally elected school board members. They are your neighbors, and they care.

San Benito CISD Trustees – Anna Cruz, Oscar Medrano, Michael A. Vargas, Joe G. González, Hector G. Leal, Angel Mendez, and Arnold Padilla – were recognized by local students during the January regular meeting of the Board of Trustees.

San Benito students proudly presented certificates of appreciation, gift certificates, and priceless smiles to say “Thank you!” to the Trustees for their commitment to public education and the continuing success of all students, staff, and schools.

Coordinated by the Texas Association of School Boards, Inc., each January is designated as “School Board Recognition Month.” This year’s theme, Heroes for Schools, allowed everyone an opportunity to thank local school board members for being true heroes for our students, staff, and schools.

Take a moment to express your support and gratitude to our school trustees for their genuine commitment to public education.

Members of the San Benito CISD Board of Trustees include, seated from left, Vice-President Oscar Medrano, President Anna Cruz, Secretary Michael A. Vargas; standing, Arnold Padilla, Joe G. González, Hector G. Leal, and Angel Mendez. Trustees across the state were honored throughout January 2016 for their unfailing commitment to the success of all students, staff, and schools.

Angela G. Leal Elementary welcomed San Benito CISD Board Vice-President Oscar Medrano, second from right, to a special appreciation pancake breakfast in honor of his dedicated service to the school district’s students and staff. Shown alongside Medrano are, from left, Assistant Principal Patricia Rodriguez, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Adrian Vega, and Principal Manuel Cruz. The pancake breakfast was on of many activities that took place districtwide during January 2016 for School Board Recognition Month.

The NED Show, a charter education program that centers around three important messages that have lifelong relevance, took place at La Paloma Elementary, according to counselor Noemi Martinez.

NED is a loveable cartoon character whose name is an acronym for “Never give up, Encourage others, and Do your best!”

The program is designed to improve student behavior, strengthen test scores, enrich instructional time, increase academic achievement, complement existing school themes, enhance motivational climate at school.

“The students enjoyed storytelling, magic, humor and yo-yo tricks,” Martinez said.

The NED Show visits 2 million students every year across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The NED Show has performed at the White House eleven times and will visit 5,000 schools this year to promote positive attitudes and to encourage students and staff to do their best every day.

Never give up, Encourage others, and Do your best!

Janessa Alvarado, right, a first grade student at La Paloma Elementary, participates in an activity with NED presenter, Justin Kimball.

NED presenter, Justin Kimball, addresses the La Paloma Elementary student body.