Committed to laying the foundation for a solid education for its students, San Benito CISD recently commemorated this year’s Celebrate Texas Public Schools (CTPS) campaign.
The 2015 theme for the CTPS campaign, also known as Texas Public Schools Week, was “… it matters!” and focused on recognizing, honoring, and celebrating all that is excellent in public education.
In 1950, the Masonic Lodges of Texas established the campaign that publicly recognizes contributions made by the state’s free system of education. Today, the Texas School Public Relations Association continues the tradition as a meaningful way of showcasing the many educational opportunities given to more than five million students attending Texas’ 1,200-plus school districts.
San Benito CISD prides itself in offering progressive, innovative courses and programs to just less than 11,000 students, the leaders of tomorrow.
Providing students with top-notched academic programs, a wide array of extracurricular activities and state-of-the-art technology, the school district not only helps students achieve academic excellence but also prepares them for the challenge of becoming lifelong learners.
As part of the week long celebration, San Benito schools also opened their doors and invited parents and members of the community to visit classrooms, participate in open house events, and take a first-hand look at the extraordinary and creative teaching and high level of learning that take place in our classrooms.
“Open House showcases our public education system, including our parental participation, positive school community relations, and our successes across Texas campuses,” proudly affirms Elsa Lambert, Principal of Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. Elementary.
Throughout the district, campuses scheduled activities that promoted positive self-esteem, encouraged parental participation, and brought awareness to public education.
From studying Texas History and promoting literacy and physical fitness to fostering quality time between students and their parents and grandparents, local students and campus personnel enjoyed the special celebration in creative and unique ways.
Educators and students also dressed up for career day, wore their favorite college shirts, flew kites, and participated in family picnics during lunchtime.
“It is a great time to celebrate our children, their parents, and our teachers as we continue to move forward in our state and promoting excellence in our public schools,” added Lambert.
Open house festivities afforded parents, grandparents, and community members the opportunity to witness that, each day, our students acquire new skills and learn new information, engaging their minds and bodies and building their educational foundations and futures.
 Members of the City of San Benito Fire Department visited numerous San Benito schools during Celebrate Texas Public Schools Week. Firefighters not only allowed students to try on their gear, they also offered fire prevention tips and answered questions from the students. |
 La Encantada Elementary students enjoyed a breezy day outdoors during Physical Education classes, complete with ideal conditions to fly their kites during the school’s observance of Celebrate Texas Public Schools Week. |
 Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. Elementary fifth grade students hosted a science event, “Educating Future Scientists at Dr. Garza,” during Texas Public Schools Week for the students in all other grade levels. Activities included a moon rock demonstration courtesy of NASA, interaction with a Van de Graaff generator, and planting seeds. Third grade students having fun learning about air propulsion with stomp rockets are (l-r) Israel Tejeda Sanchez, Rene Paz, Victoria Cavazos, Samantha Torres, and Bryanna Bejaran. |
 Students at Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. Elementary invited their dads, grandfathers and uncles to spend quality time on their campus reading about rockets during this year’s Celebrate Texas Public Schools campaign. Proud dad, Joseph Cantu, is pictured working on a paper rocket alongside his children, Veronica and Ethan. |
 Judge Oscar De La Fuente Elementary students proudly display their “exceptional writing” certificates of recognition, which they earned after competing in the school’s college essay contest held during Celebrate Texas Public Schools Week. The following students were honored: front (l-r) Allen Blanco, first grade; Jacob Guerra, second grade; Briseida Gonzalez, Kinder; Lizbeth Martinez, first grade; middle, Amanda Casaretto, second grade; Kristian Domanski, third grade; Luis Salazar, fifth grade; Paola Quintero, first grade; back, Daisy Esquivel, third grade; Lizbeth Martinez, fourth grade; Arely Agado, fifth grade; and Daniella Rodriguez, fourth grade. |
 Miller Jordan Middle School held weeklong events in observance of Celebrate Texas Public Schools Week. Sixth grader Omar Rene Salinas enjoys a delicious meal with his grandmother, Elma Ortiz, as part of the school’s “Lunch with Grandparents Day” event. |