Volume 18 Edition 2 November 2013

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John H. Shary Elementary Fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Iris Espinoza, has been recognized by the Texas Association of Gifted and Talented as the 2013 Gulf Coast Area Teacher of the Gifted. The TAGT Gulf Coast consists of ESC Regions 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5; this makes the recognition a truly signi cant accomplishment. An Area Teacher of the Gifted Award is presented to an individual from each of the Give TAGT Geographic Areas who exhibits a strong commitment to the gifted community, recognizing e orts to: demonstrate an ongoing commitment to professional growth; develop personal education philosophy that matches the characteristics of gifted

students; impact gifted education at local, regional, and state level; develop and implement di erentiated curriculum for gifted students; and serve the needs of gifted students in both the cognitive and a ective domains.Mrs. Espinoza will be recognized during the 2013 Annual Conference, December 4-6 in Houston.

Commissioner of Education Michael Williams noted that 14 Texas school districts are among 477 in the U.S. and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on its 4th Annual AP District Honor Roll. Sharyland ISD earned this national distinction. The Honor Roll recognizes districts for increasing access to AP course work while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams. Students in school districts across Texas are tackling rigorous Advanced Placement courses and succeeding, said Commissioner Williams. This opportunity to prepare for postsecondary success in high school pays great dividends in our education system today and for our states economic future. We applaud the extraordinary e orts of the devoted teachers and administrators in these districts who are o ering more students the opportunity to engage in rigorous college-level course work, said Packer. These outcomes are a powerful testament to educators belief that a more diverse population of students is ready for the sort of rigor that will prepare them for success in college.

The Sharyland Independent School District has announced that the Texas Education Agency has rated the districts nancial management as Superior Achievement for the ninth consecutive year. Superior Achievement is the highest rating a school district can receive for nancial management and reporting.This is the ninth year of Schools FIRST Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas, developed in response to Senate Bill 875 of the 76th Texas Legislature in 1999. The nancial health of every school district in Texas is evaluated as part of this test system. The primary goal of Schools FIRST is to achieve quality performance in the management of school districts nancial resources. This is a signi cant goal due to the complexity of the Texas school nance system.The Schools FIRST accountability rating system assigns one of four nancial ratings to Texas school districts based on twenty indicators. The possible ratings are Superior Achievement, Above-Standard Achievement, Standard Achievement, and Substandard Achievement. A public meeting to discuss the 2011-2012 state nancial rating was held in conjunction with the regular board meeting on October 22nd, 2013 at 5:45 pm in the Board Room at the Sharyland ISD Administration Building which is located at 1106 North Shary Road, Mission, Texas.

Fernando Ramirez, Board President; Cynthia Wilson, SHS Principal and Dr. Virginia N. Richter, SISD Superintendent

Sharyland ISD O ers Free Summer Breakfast

and Lunchto the Community

SISD Teacher Receives Award! 2013 Gulf Coast Area Teacher of the Gifted

SISD earns place on College Board AP District Honor Roll

SHARYLAND ISDRECEIVES TOPFINANCIAL RATING

Superintendents Message

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Lloyd and DollyBentsen Elem.

John H. Shary Elem.

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Olivero Garza, Sr. Elem.

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Jessie L. Jensen Elem.

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B.L. Gray Junior High School

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Sharyland High School

Sharyland North Junior High School

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Donna Wernecke Elem.

Sharyland News

SISD News

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Harry Shimotsu Elem.

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Ruben Hinojosa Elem.

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Romulo D. Martinez Elem.

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Table of Contents

Sharyland Independent School District1106 N. Shary RoadMission, TX 78572-4652 956-580-5200 www.sharylandisd.org

School BoardSuperintendent - Dr. Virginia N. RichterBoard President - Fernando RamirezVice-President -Dr. Noel O. GarzaSecretary - Ricky LongoriaAssistant Secretary - Rolando PeaMember - Eddie MontalvoMember - Dr. Noe OliveiraMember - Juan F. Zuniga

Published by SISDs Public Information O ce. If you have comments or sug-gestions, please call Rocio Landin at 956-580-5200 ext. 1018.

We have had a tremendous start to the 2013-14 school year! Sharyland High School and District have been named by the College Board to the APs Honor Roll. There were only 14 school districts in Texas that earned this award!! The Honor Roll recognizes districts for increasing access to AP course work while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams. Please thank our High School Sta the next time you see them! As well, we received nal ratings from TEA and Im honored to report that ALL of our campuses Met Standard. As for news about Pioneer High School... We will have a website for this school in the very near future with details. As for now, you can go to the main webpage and see

updates on the construction. It is coming along very nicely and on schedule to be opened for the fall of 2014. The principal will be recommended at the regular school board meeting in December. He or she will then begin the process of hiring the immediately needed personnel to begin the process of opening the school. In the area of Athletics, so far this year we have won the following titles: District 30-5A Football Champions - Bi-District Champions; District 30-5A Volleyball Champions - Bi-District Finalist; District 30-5A Team Tennis Champions - The Area Tournament Team Tennis Champions - Regional Tournament Semi-Finalist; District 30-5A Girls Cross-Country Champion - Region IV Cross-Country Meet 5th Place Team; and District 30-5A Boys Cross-Country Runner-Ups -Region IV Cross-Country Meet 8th Place Team. We are o to a fantastic start and look forward to many more honors! And, our Extra-Curricular activities are in full swing. Our Chess teams and UIL academic teams are attending meets regularly and our students are doing very well! If your child is not involved in an extra-curricular activity, then ask his/her teacher about how to get involved!The mandatory drug testing policy will begin in December. If your child is in 7th 12th grades, then you should have attended a mandatory meeting to sign a consent form. If you have not, someone

will be in contact with you very soon. Our Sharyland Education Foundation is o ering something new this year for its fundraiser. They are having a concert featuring Casey Donahew on Wednesday, November 27th at the Las Palmas Racetrack. The monies raised by the Foundation go directly back to your children in the form of Teacher Grants. We would love to have you come out and support this very worthwhile cause. Check our website for more details! We may have an exciting opportunity for our students who would like to graduate from High School with an Associates Degree. We have applied for an Early College High School in Sharyland. There will be a maximum of 125 students per year targeting rst generation college students. We should hear by the end of January if we have been approved. Please keep your ngers crossed! As we move forward into another nine weeks, I will continue to be visible on the campuses and out in the public. I am truly enjoying being in the classrooms and seeing all the great things going on in the classrooms! Parents, if I have not had the pleasure of meeting you, I encourage you to stop by Central O ce and come meet me. I de nitely practice an open door policy and would love to meet you and hear from you! The stronger partnership we build with you, the better education your child will enjoy!

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Superintendents Message

Dr. Virginia N. Richter, Superintendent

Rattler Review Designed by Rocio Landin

Public Information Specialist

The Education Foundation awarded 39 grants out of 110 submitted applications. These teachers did an outstanding job writing these applications and will be providing creative and innovative opportunities for our students in the classroom. The Foundation awarded$38,000 to assist with funding these grants.

Sharyland I.S.D. Education Foundation Grant Awards- Round 20

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THE RATTLER REVIEW AT LLOYD AND DOLLY BENTSEN ELEMENTARY

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Mrs. Gonzalez

Perfect Attendance Perks at Bentsen

Field Trip

Grandparents Day

Celebration

Parenting Partners Class

SPTSO Meeting

Meet the Teacher Night

Anti-Bullying Rally

1st Grade Performance

Grants

PrincipalMargarita Gonzalez

Welcome Mrs. Maggie Gonzalez, to Bentsen Elementary! Mrs. Gonzalez has over 25 years of educational experience. We are excited to have her join the Bentsen family!

Bentsen welcomed and honored the foundation of our familiesOur grandparents!

August milestone celebrations with Giggles the Clown.

4th grade students had a Boo-tiful night of singing during our SPTSO meeting.

3rd grade students and teachers enjoyed the day at Quinta Mazatlan.

Pictured are Diana Rojas, Leticia Rios, Dr. Nereida Cantu, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum/Instruction; Maggie Gonzalez and Melissa Garza welcoming parents and students during Meet the Teacher Night.

Mrs. Rojas and student council o cers talk to students during the Anti-Bullying Rally. Left to right are: Mrs. Rojas, co-sponsor; Mauricio Salinas, Valeria Guajardo, Lois Baldado, Francesca Turgeon and Ariana Rojas.Bentsen cheerleaders shout out against bullying!

Spooktacular singers in 1st grade wowed their parents.

Mrs. Longoria, 6th grade teacher, pictured with the Hernandez family, warmly welcomed students and parents back on Meet the Teacher Night.

Mr. Arechiga, 5th grade teacher and Mrs. Salinas, 2nd grade teacher were awarded a grant titled You Can Dig It. Way to go!

Ms. Luna, 5th grade teacher and Mrs. Salinas, 2nd grade teacher received a grant titled Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs!

Congrats to Melissa Garza and Diana Cantu on being awarded a grant titled The CBB Club from the Sharyland Education Foundation.

Our rst grade teachers, Mrs. Horton, Mrs. Zavala-Rodriguez, Mrs. Trevino, Mrs. Weigand as well as our Librarian, Mr. Guerrero, were awarded a grant for Classroom Library.

PrincipalJanie M. Gomez

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THE RATTLER REVIEW AT OLIVERO GARZA, SR. ELEMENTARY

Patriot Day

Edu cation Go Get It Week

Walk the Talk Against Bullying

Super Star Parade

Walk the Talk Against Bullying

16 de Septiembre

100% Attendance

The purpose of Education Go Get It Week is to provide both information and encouragement to all students in regards to continuing their education. The time to instill the belief that ALL students can be college material is in elementary school. Olivero Garza Elementary had themed dress up days, a door contest and lessons on pursuing a post-secondary education on September 23rd-27th.

Grandparents are treasure chests fi lled with values, stories and histories of our families and our communities. That is why on Friday, September 6th, Olivero Garza honored their grandparents with a day fi lled with joy, love and fun activities in each cl assroom.

Patriot Day is an annual observance on September 11 to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001. Many Americans refer to Patriot Day as 9/11 or September 11. On September 11th , 5th grade honored the victims with a remembrance presentation to our O. Garza families.

O. Garza held their fi rst annual 1 mile walk/run against bullying on Saturday, October 12th. The faculty, students and families came out to our O. Garza track and showed their support by wearing orange. Every other Wednesday, our students wear their Stop Bullying t-shirts and continue to learn ways on how to stop a bully.

Olivero Garza 3rd grade students had a fantastic diecisis de septiembre performance for our school community. The students sang songs, read poems, and shared the history on why we recognize this special holiday. We thank the Centeno family who performed Mariachi music for everyone.

Olivero Garza Elementary held its 1st Annual Super Star Student Parade for the fi rst grading period on Monday, September 30th. Each classroom teacher chose a super star student. Students were celebrated as they walked down the parade of super stars.

How about them Dallas Cowboys? Mrs. Gomez and Olivero Garza Elementary are HUGE fans! September 2nd was wear your Dallas Cowboy attire as we celebrated our 100% attendance rate.

PrincipalDr. Debra Arce

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT RUBEN HINOJOSA ELEMENTARY

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Constitution Day

Fire Prevention Presentation

Groovy Bash

Rodeo Dental

Grandparents DayBus Safety

AR Camp Read-A-Lot

KILLER BEES

On Constitution day, Hinojosa Elementary observed the members of the Student Council being sworn into o ce by attorney Omar Maldonado. These students will be the eyes, ears and voice of the students for the 2013-2014 school year.

Hockey players from the Killer Bees team were here to read Is your Mama a Llama? to our kinder students. They talked to them about being professional hockey players and signed autographs.

The Mission Fire Department visited Ruben Hinojosa Elementary to talk to the students about re safety. They talked to them about how to be safe around the kitchen area and always make sure there is an adult present if they happen to be close to a barbeque pit. They also talked about that calls to 911 should only be made when there is a real emergency.

Students who met their AR goals enjoyed smores and glow sticks while they camped out in the library. KEEP CALM AND KEEP READING.

A big THANK YOU to our SPTSO for helping us celebrate our grandparents. They enjoyed donuts, co ee and juice while playing BINGO with their grandkids.

Our SISD Transportation Department visited Hinojosa Elementary to talk to the students about bus safety rules and what to do in case of an emergency.

Here at Hinojosa Elementary, we want our students to have that great smile and con dence as it will have a positive e ect on their overall school performance. So lets give a big YEE-HAW to Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics team for being here with their Oral Education Outreach program to educate our students on oral hygiene and preventative care.

Hinojosa students with perfect attendance were celebrated for their e orts to be here every day and on time. Way to go students!

PrincipalCuahutemoc Paz

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THE RATTLER REVIEW AT JESSIE JENSEN ELEMENTARY

Go Get it Week!

Grandparents Day

Reading Family Night

Rodeo Dental and Orthodontics Presentation

Walk for Diabetes

Grant Winners Fire Prevention Week

16 de septiembre

UNITY Day

HEB Buddy and Nutrition Lessons

AR Recognition Awards

Teachers wore their caps and gowns to school as role models to share their school experiences and to promote higher education.

The Jensen Family wore blue and participated in a Walk to Cure Diabetes October 10th to help diabetes research and to sponsor our very own Emma Rodriguez in her e orts to participate in the Field of Dreams walk at Sea World. Also recognized during the walk were Cesar Coronado from Jensen and Jacob Morales from Garza Elementary.

Congratulations to all the Jensen Teachers that received an Education Foundation Grant! Our students will be enriched with many di erent fun learning activities.

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Mrs. Trevinos pre-kinder classes and all of the rst grade classes dressed in traditional festive attire and presented a performance for the Jensen students, sta and community.

The Alton Fire Department came to visit Pk-3rd on Friday October 11. Students participated in a presentation and were able to tour the re truck.

Second graders from Jessie L. Jensen listened to HEB Buddy who gave a lesson about nutrition and making good eating choices.

The class with the highest AR accuracy rate for the rst six-weeks was treated to playing games on Moon Jumps and Coldstone ice-cream during their lunch time. They chose from numerous avors and delicious toppings.

On October 9, Jensen students and sta came together to show their support against bullying by wearing orange. We stand UNITED against Bullying!

Jensen students ate lunch with their grandparents on Friday, September 6th to celebrate Grandparents Day. Thanks to all the grandparents that support our students!

The library doors were opened to families and students for a fun night of reading! Parents were made aware of the library and the importance of reading was reinforced.

All grade levels attended an oral hygiene presentation during PE time. They learned how to brush and oss correctly. Better eating habits were emphasized as a way to good health.

With a new reading initiative, B.L. Gray has begun a new Drop Everything And Read program on Friday mornings. Principals, teachers, custodians, o ce sta , everyone drops everything to read a favorite book, magazine, newspaper, or electronic book. Students are shown the value and importance of reading. Lets keep reading.

PrincipalJames D. Heath

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT B.L. GRAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL

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GRANTS! GRANTS! GRANTS!

Flippin Classrooms, Batman!

PSAT Here We Come!

Working Together to Succeed!

Piano Fun

BYOD Time!

Drop Everything And Read

Fall Into Reading Night

Reading and Writing in Math is a grant awarded to various teachers, who came together to gather materials to help our B.L. Gray students write across the curriculum, by the Sharyland ISD Education Foundation. Congratulations goes out to the following teachers: Nancy Basaldua, April Torres, Kerri De La Fuente, Romeo Cerda, Magda Flores, Andres Benitez, Mark Bewely, Michelle Hinsley, Michael Horn, MaryAnn Jones, Bertha Miller, Laura Salas, Deanna Saenz.

In preparation for student college success, B.L. Gray o ered the PSAT where over 100 students took this assessment. This will give students an idea of where they stand and where they want to be as college bound students. Great things happening at B.L.Gray!

On September 27, 2013, our B.L. Gray sta gathered together to decipher data regarding our student success and areas in need and to collaborate a PBMAS Plan of Action (Performance Based Monitoring Analysis System) during Sta Development day. Together we came up with solutions to assist each others core subjects to make our students more successful. Way to go B.L. Gray!

B.L. Gray teachers are using the Flip Classroom to teach students. Teachers can reinforce a newly introduced lesson by reiterating the material covered, give extra notes for students to use to complete an assignment, or watch a media clip and write the theme as it connects to the next literature selection. Students are going home and watching slide shows, media clips, or videos on the latest lessons in class. This prepares them for when they return to class the next day.

Mr. Ramon Banda has introduced piano to B.L. Gray. This year Mr. Banda teaches two piano classes. What a great way to enjoy the art of piano!

With Sharyland ISD latest edge, all of our Rattlers are using their smart devices as instructional tools. Looking up various forms of de nitions, researching authors and their works, locating historical sights, or looking up the Pythagorean theorem, Bring Your Own Device is rocking the classrooms at B.L. Gray!

What a great night for reading! Sally Hartman, B.L. Gray Librarian, and the ELA department held their rst reading night on October 17, 2013 from 4:30-7:00. Families, students, and feeder school students were invited to an evening of reading, AR testing, food and prizes. Over 400 students and 100 parents participated in this great event. Reading is always fun at B.L. Gray!

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THE RATTLER REVIEW AT B.L. GRAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL

Audrey Arizola (capt.), Jewel Ybarra (capt.), Britney Gaona (capt.), Clarissa Balandrano, Lizbeth Jimenez, Sasha Garcia, Samantha Trevino, Leslie Resendes, Gabriela Garcia, Alicia Castillo, Victoria Bazan, Jasmine Rodriguez, Ana Diaz.

Our B.L. Gray Cheerleaders have continued to keep their winning tradition alive. This summer they attended the UCA Cheer camp at UTPA, where they received various awards including one All American, Jewel Ybarra, and 1st place in Home Pom routine.

For the fourth year in a row our B.L. Gray 8th grade RED football team has earned the coveted title of District Champions. Our boys took on Shary North o beating them 33-27. Our 7th grade Red and White teams are Co-District Champions! GO BIG RED!

Sharyland has long been known for its successful volleyball team. This would not be possible without the little Lady Rattlers starting at the beginning. This year our B.L. Gray Jr. High volleyball teams have shown great strength, talent, and ability in preparation for moving on to the high school. Heres to a great season Lady Rattlers!

Our B.L. Gray cheerleaders held a cheer clinic on October 12. Participants ranged from ages 4 to 11. They learned cheers, chants and a dance that they performed at the last football game of the season. Some proceeds from their fundraiser will go to the Susan G. Koman Cancer Foundation.

Mr. John Neeley and Kerri De La Fuente are on the road to another successful year. Our B.L. Gray Tennis Team holds 74 consecutive District Titles, in hopes of making this year another winning year!

B.L. Gray Cheerleading Tradition

Cheer For a Cure

Championsenough said!

Volleyball at B.L. Gray is where it begins

And the Tradition Lives On

PrincipalCynthia Wilson

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT SHARYLAND HIGH SCHOOL

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Diamond Teacher of the Year

Pardon Me,

Teen Read Week

Sharyland Rattlers give out a ROAR

HOSA

FCCLA Provides A World of

Opportunities at Fall Leadership

Workshop

Last July, Adalpe was honored with the Diamond Teacher of the Year State Award for the second time. The award was presented to her because her Pharmacy and IV Technician programs had a 100% passing rate. The Kaduceus Pharmacy Technician Program,

instructed by Ada lpe, is a 180 hour course that provides students with skills and habits that will guide them closer to their future job.I hope that my passion and love for health will inspire my students, Adalpe said.

Sharyland High School decided to take the challenge in creating a video for the Katy Perry Roar Video Contest. What we were really trying to make the video come across is facing your negative self. The whole video was supposed to represent kids in High School coming in, not knowing who they were, and not knowing what organizations or clubs they were going to get into because of their fears, said senior Jacob Ramon.In this video the students are overcoming the negative side of themselves by metaphorically roaring to make all their fears disappear.Everybody collaborated so well together, we had people that came up with the choreography, people that were helping come up with concepts, and thats why everything came together so well, said Jacob.The ve nalists were picked in October 7th through 11th, and unfortunately Sharyland High School wasnt chosen as one of them. Even though we werent picked, we still tried our best and gave it our all for this video. Students metaphorically roared their fears away, and left a mark on our school.

Sharyland High Schools creative writing class has published two issues of an online magazine featuring their work. Students ful lled the roles of editor, art designer, and proofreader to compile submissions and layout the magazine through Jilster, a free online resource for magazine publication. The rst issue, centered around the questions Who am I? and Why does that matter?, includes over 40 pages of memoir, poetry, childrens stories, literary review and more. The second issue, centered around the statement Humor can change things, includes over 45 pages of comics, short stories, parody, satire, and irony. Check out the magazine online by visiting the teacher website of Pattie Parker (High School) and clicking on the Creative Writing tab. The third and nal issue is still in development stages but will be published in early December.

Images of magazine attached. Issue 1: Yours Truly, Issue 2: No, Never Mind

Santos Acosta placed 6th at Nationals in HOSA competing in Pharmacology.

Sharyland High School hosted the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Fall Leadership Workshop on Saturday, October 20th, 2013. The All-Valley Leadership Workshop was organized and conducted by FCCLA State o cer, Alexis Montemayor from Sharyland. In addition, o cers- Damian Lee, Oscar Gonzalez, Camila DaConceicao, Monica Sarmiento, and Adolfo Lopez provided peer to peer mentoring on FCCLA topics. Members, Julia Lucas and Moises Cisneros in addition dedicated their time. All members and o cers assisting were under the direction of Advisors; Mrs. Mary Jo Brisnahan, Ms. Norma Meza, Ms. Hilda Rodriguez and Mrs. Mary Jane Laing. Cynthia Moreno, CTE Curriculum Specialist from Stephen F. Austin State University attended and devoted her time to inform FCCLA O cer Members about leadership. Fifteen di erent high schools, attended with 288 FCCLA Members. Schools attending were Edinburg High School, San Diego High School and Jr. High, Sharyland High School, Valley View High School, Sotomayor High School, Edinburg Career Center, Edinburg North, San Benito, NiKKI Rowe, Progreso High School, J. Economedes High School, Weslaco High School Chapter 1, Weslaco East High School Chapters 1 and 2, and Rio Hondo High School. The Fall Leadership Workshop was held to inform Valley members about FCCLA, and provide multiple opportunities for recognition. The rst general session was held in the SHS auditorium. Mrs. Cynthia

Wilson, SHS Principal, gave greetings to the numerous students. Students attended multiple presentations and took the Family Consumer Science Assessment (FCSA) Pro ciency Exams. FCCLA Members were given the opportunity to communicate with students from other schools and express their lifetime goals and share their leadership skills.There were nine di erent sessions presented and students picked three out of the nine o ered. Students were provided with an opportunity to select three of: Leadership, Families First, Financial Fitness, Competitive Events, Students Taking On Prevention (STOP the Violence), Student body, Power of One, Families Acting on Community Tra c Safety (FACTS), and O cer Candidate Productions. Each session had a World of Opportunities theme and many activities pertaining to the session. During the Second and Final Session schools competed in an FCCLA Quiz Bowl by answering FCCLA fact questions. Winning rst, second, and third place in the Quiz Bowl was Valley View High School. Students were also recognized for their outstanding leadership skills. All schools participated in the Banner Contest and a winning school was selected.The Workshop was success, FCCLA Members will utilize knowledge gained through leadership experiences to develop a solid foundation for their soon to arrive future!

More than 300 students visit the library each morning. Students come to read, study, and use the computers.

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THE RATTLER REVIEW AT SHARYLAND HIGH SCHOOL

Sharyland ISD Thank a Hero Campaign

Annual Halloween Safety Fair

Red Ribbon Rally

Sharyland FFA Excels at RGV District Plant Identifi cation & Land Career Development Events

Nature Club

Blood Drive

HOSA attended the Annual Halloween Safety fair at Mission Regional Hospital. The students participated in a variety of ways to include handling out information as part of community awareness on safety, distributing water and candy as well as in the creating di erent forms of entertainment for the community (princess booth, zombies booth, musical chairs, eye ball toss, etc.,) the students informed the community about safety and health risks associated with Halloween.

Health Science Department and Health Occupations students of America (HOSA) hosted a Blood Drive on Sept. 2o. They collect 117 units meaning Sharyland High School students and sta helped save 350 lives.

After visiting colleges is California, senior Dominic Chau had the idea to start a club to enhance the beauty and diversity of campus and the community. The club member will be working on small projects and in the process learn about composting, planting, watering, native landscaping. We have many willing and able kids and I hope they will dig up a chunk of grass and grow native plants in each of their backyards to improve the habitat for butter ies and birds, said Randy Johnson, Nature Club Sponsor.Mr. Randy Johnson and Nature Club members begin one of their projects, digging on the side of the Gym Annex to get the soil ready for planting.

SADD/RADD members present their pledge banner at the Red Ribbon Rally.

Thirty-three Sharyland FFA members recently competed in the Rio Grande Valley FFA District Land CDE and Range Plant Identi cation CDE held in Mercedes, Texas on September 24, 2013. Members of the land evaluation teams judge sites based on characteristics of the soil and observations of landscape conditions, then recommend land treatments considering factors such as soil characteristics, vegetative conditions and planned use for the site. Range Plant ID contestants identify samples of grasses, forbs, and woody plants and for each determine classi cations and the economic values of the species on wildlife and grazing. The RGV District consists of 26 FFA Chapters from Hidalgo and Starr Counties. Sharyland FFA elded teams in both the Greenhand and Senior divisions of both events. Both Land Judging teams placed 1st in the district. Jacob Madrigal was the overall high point individual in the Greenhand division and Renee Boyle was the overall high point individual in the Senior division. The teams consisted of: Jorge Guerra, Samantha Gonzales, Kayla Marek, Kimberly Chaves, Allison Campos, Renee Boyle, Janneth Sanchez, Hannah Johnson, Jacob Madrigal, Melanie San Roman, Angelica Leal, Kristina Esqueda, Amber Hollingshead, Teah Barrientes, Marcos Arias, Sierra Long, & Robert Welch. In the Range Plant Identi cation Contest, the Greenhand team placed 1st in the district and Lauren Esqueda was the overall high point individual in the contest. The Senior team placed 2nd and David Trevino was the overall high point individual in the contest. The teams consisted of: Alejandra Esquivel, David Villarreal, Johnathan Gaytan, Lauren Esqueda, Aaron T. Montagne, Marco Rivera, John Ryan Rodriguez, Richard Longoria, David Trevino, Shane Carter, Joaquin Garcia, Emily Keller, Joseph Willams, Omar Carrasco, Seth Carter, & Justin Bryan.

This year Sharyland ISDs motto is Simply the Best. One of the main ideas that Superintendent Dr. Virginia Richter shared with all stakeholders at the Welcome Back Rally on Monday, August 19th was Every piece of the puzzle is important. Without team e ort from all departments our puzzle is not complete.The SISD Thank a Hero Campaign idea started from positive Facebook posts that sta made in regards to all the preparations done over the summer. Sta noted maintenance crew working on repainting the parking lots, grounds crew tending the campus landscape, custodians waxing oors and moving furniture, and cafeteria workers serving summer meals. The support sta works hard to prepare faculty handbooks, process registration, and ready other materials necessary such as textbooks, parking permits, and sta and student IDs. Librarian Nicole Cruz and Student Council Sponsor Ana Garza met over the summer to plan a way that students could show appreciation for the sta behind the scenes. They decided to have students and sta sign appreciation banners for the custodians, cafeteria workers, grounds crew, secretaries, and paraprofessionals. The banners were be displayed in buildings across the campus to remind students and sta that everyones role is important. In addition book club and student council members lled goodie bags with treats that will be delivered to the unsung heroes the rst week of school. Many people appreciate and thank teachers, counselors, and administrators throughout the year, but forget to focus on the support sta . They play a large role of running the school day to day. We wanted to thank the Unsung Heroes; this is one way we can do that. stated Sharyland Student Body President Alexi Cortez.

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT SHARYLAND HIGH SCHOOL

Page 12

Tons of Love District Treble Choir

Skills USA

SHS Sta Wear Pink in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

First FCCLA Meeting of the

School Year

Teen Read Week Speakers

SAT Vocabulary Terms

Sharyland High Schools FCCLA Organization hosted their rst meeting on September 12, 2013. FCCLA gathered in the Old Library with an abundant amount of students enthusiastic to serve as leaders within their community. Each individual became familiar with the current FCCLA theme: A World of Opportunities. Each student received a passport book keeping track of every event they would participate in. President, Myriam Garza put together the book. When the school year nishes each student with a certain amount of participation will be eligible to win a prize.FCCLA strives to become Sharylands most active and productive organization every year. In order to obtain this standard, FCCLA hosted a game towards the conclusion of the meeting. The rst activity involved a personality test. Students ate an Oreo and were then told the meaning of the way they ate it. In addition, a game that involved communication and leadership was taught to students as a preview of what working together really is like. All in all, FCCLA hosted an excellent rst meeting to start of an impeccable life changing year!

Jong Lee from Sharyland High School attended Kansas City, Missouri on June24-29th 2013 as head delegate for SkillsUSA Texas at the 49th National Leadership and Skills Conference sponsored by SkillsUSA. During the summer Jong Lee was elected state president for SkillsUSA, his job was to help elect their national candidates for the year, and conduct the business of their organization. Students also meet with business and industry representatives and hear from government o cials.SkillsUSA helps students discover and grow their career passions. As a nationwide partnership of students, instructors and industry working together, SkillsUSA works to ensure America has a skilled workforce. It helps every student excel.SkillsUSA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and is cited as a successful model of employer-driven youth development training program by the U.S. Department of Labor. For more information, go to www.skillsusa.org.

In Choi from, Sharyland High School competed at the SkillsUSA National Competition in Kansas City Missouri in Related Technical Math where she placed 11th in the nation. The competition took place at the H. Roe Bartle Hall, Convention Center on June 27th. She earned 2nd place at the Texas State Skills USA Championship this past spring.During her stay, she participated as competitor and as a delegate, where they elect their national o cers for the year and conduct the business of their organization. Students also meet with business and industry representatives and hear from government o cials.

Dr. David Bowles is a published poet and author. His series Creature Feature is published weekly in The Monitor. Many of our high school teachers receive free copies of The Monitor through Newspapers In Education sponsorship. He presented to Spanish classes during 5th block on Thursday during Teen Read Week.

Emma Gonzalez was another featured speaker. Her personal migrant story was published in The Monitor. Both Liza Cantu and Pattie Parker, English I teachers , paralleled her story with the story from their literature textbook entitled The Necklace with their classes. Mrs. Gonzalez is publishing her rst collection of vignettes soon.

Where theres a will, theres a way! These amazing students, Katia Trevino, Ana Gonzalez and Maria Salinas, organized a food, clothes and home-goods donation event with the assistance of students, Jose Palacio and Aaron Cavazos, and SHS sta faculty, Rocio Cavazos, Roel Cavazos, Janie Flores and Nicole Cruz with the gracious approval of schools principal, Mrs. Wilson. Twenty- ve Tons of Love were delivered to Ciudad Guerrero in e ort to assist with Acapulcos hurricane devastation.

District Treble Choir auditions were held on Saturday, October 19 at McAllen Memorial HS. The girls from Sharyland did very well in this contest. 7 girls placed in the treble choir and will perform in the district choirs concert in November. The girls who successfully placed in the district treble choir are: Ashley Cedillo (soprano 1), Paola Muoz (soprano 1), Mariana Paz (soprano 2), Paola Rivas (soprano 2), Marshawnna Snyman (soprano 2), Daisy Arzamendi (alto) and Clarissa Cantu (alto).

In Choi Jong Lee

As a method of learning SAT Vocabulary terms, students in Irma Maleks English IV Dual Enrollment class created vocabulary shirts. In this project students wrote a term on their shirt each week and had to use the term in di erent activities.

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THE RATTLER REVIEW AT SHARYLAND HIGH SCHOOLnal

Rattler Football Undefeated Vollyeball Wins District Title

Team Tennis Wins Area Champions Title

Girls Golf Team

Boys Golf Team

Girls Cross Country

Boys Cross Country

Football Sweetheart

Night

Band

Swimming and Diving

Girls XC Varsity Team won the 30-5A District Championships! Varsity Team consisted of: Annie Hernandez who was runner up, Isabel Mendoza who placed 3rd, Lizette Chapa placed 6th, Kelsey Setien placed 11th, Ana Candiani placed 18th, Alexa Sanchez, and Megan Mills.

Sharyland Girls Golf Team coached by Susan Lopez had a 1st place nish at the Donna North Golf Invitational at Tierra Santa Golf Course in Weslaco. The girls have gotten o to a fabulous start this year and hope to continue all the way to Austin at the end of April. The team shot 298 - 299 to end the two day tournament with a total of 597. This was the 1st teams nal tournament of the fall season. They have won all three tournaments played so far this season.

The Boys Varsity Boys A Team won the Donna North Varsity Boys Golf Invitational. They have won all three tournaments played so far this season .

Huge congratulations to the girls varsity swimming and diving team for placing 1st out of 20 teams at the Brownsville Halloween hysteria meet!The boys varsity swimming and diving team placed 2nd out of 20 teams at the Brownsville Halloween hysteria meet . Way to go Rattlers!

Congratulations to the Mighty Rattler Band on their outstanding results. They have been outstanding all season and were rewarded with the following results. La Joya Marching Festival 2nd in their class and 2nd overall.City of Palms Marching contest 1st in their class and Grand Champion of the contest Pigskin Jubilee lst division at UIL Marching Contest.

Congratulations to the Boys Varsity Cross Country Team who won at the RGVCCCA Meet Of Champions Invitational. Your Rattlers ran away with the team title with 59 points to the second place team with 108 points.

Romeo Reyna & Kendal Heath, Football Beau & Cheerleading Belle and Exsar Arguello & Ria Clipson, Band Beau & Belle.

The Rattler Varsity Football team is currently undefeated. Good luck on this Fridays game.

The Varsity Tennis Team competed this weekend in the Area Team Tennis Tournament hosted by the Edinburg School District. They defeated Laredo Alexander in the Area nals, 10 matches to 4, to be become Area Champions.

Seniors: Artemio Ramos, Jorge Garza and Marcelo Gonzalez. Juniors: Hector Ronquillo, Carlos Ramones, Fernanda Armendariz, Stephanie Falcon, Kaitlyn Hernandez and Gesler Madhere. Sophomores: Victor Arizola, Luis Garcia, Daniela Delgado, MariaJose Longoria, Diana Martinez, Clarissa Palacios and Jose Ronquillo. Freshmen: Leo Armendariz, Joaquin Delgado, Triana Cavazos, Fernanda Garcia, Anne Rara and Araceli Salinas.

The Lady Rattler Varsity Volleyball team has had an outstanding season, with only one loss against Edinburg North on Sept. 24. They went on to defeat them on October 26 and earned the district title. Although we young this year, having many newcomers, I feel as though we are very versatile. That is our strength, that we have multiple players that are able to play multiple positions o ensively and defensively. At the start of the season, I challenged the girls to get to know one another better and I think that over the course of our season it has been one of the leading reasons for our success on the court- our bond, said Coach Laura Cavazos.

PrincipalLeticia Leal

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT SHARYLAND NORTH JR. HIGH SCHOOL

Page 14

Favorite Teacher and School

Education Foundation Grants Awarded

Family Reading Night

Diamondback News Team

Fall Choir Concert

Career Day

Engineering Class

Several local Professionals came to present to our students to help them learn more about careers that they may wish to pursue.

The Diamondback News Team is Theatre Arts teacher Mr. Charles Brenners Film Production Class students. They put together a video each week to highlight di erent events happening on campus. You can view the current video on the home page of our Campus website.

In this lesson Ms. Bhattis students learned how to transfer a simple hand sketch to a three-dimensional (3D) model on a computer. In order to get maximum bene t from this powerful tool, students studied the basic geometric shapes such as cubes, triangles and spheres, and how they are combined to form complex geometry using the aid of the computer. The basic techniques that students learned were equally applied to making a model of a Pegboard with Mallet.

The choir sounded wonderful in their rst concert of the year on October 17th!

The theme for our rst extended hours event was Fall In Love With Reading, and it was organized by our ELA department. There were over 100 students and parents in attendance who enjoyed good food and good books! We will be having Family Reading Night the last Tuesday of each grading period.

Ms. Elida Salinas was voted Favorite Teacher and Sharyland North Junior High was voted Favorite Middle School in the Monitor newspaper s annual Favorites Contest - The Monitor Readers Choice Awards.Mr. Boyle was presented with almost

$1,300.00 for his innovative grant entitled Can You Hear Me Now? He will be utilizing the Juno system which allows all students to enhance the learning process through the ipped classroom. The 7th grade ELA team received $1,100.00 for their grant, Writing From the Heart. This money will enable all students to publish their own hardbound book lled with students authentic writing.

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THE RATTLER REVIEW AT SHARYLAND NORTH JR. HIGH SCHOOL

7th Diamondbacks of the Month for September Art Club

Art Projects

Hats O to Great Attendance!

Morning Announcements

Mexican Independence Day

Band Numbers

8th Diamondbacks of the Month for September

Pink for the Cure

The students pictured are Art Club members who recently entered an art project into a contest called Trash to Treasure. The project was transported over to Harlingen to compete against about 20 other projects from four other schools. The students had to use only recycled items to create an animal environment. Our kids did a great job and were very creative.

The students had to create a self-portrait rather than draw one.

There are 230 students playing in the band this year; that is the most ever! Here they are at the rst Pep Rally.

Students and sta were allowed to wear Crazy Hats as a way to celebrate the excellent attendance for the rst grading period: 7TH grade - 98.43% and 8th grade 98.51%.

On September 16 we had the High School Mariachi Group on campus to help us celebrate. Mrs. Lizcano s Spanish classes dressed up and also enjoyed authentic Mexican food.

The Live Morning Announcements are under the direction of our new Theatre Arts teacher Mr. Charles Brenner. He chooses students to be the news anchors and technicians who make the show happen every day.

We had our Pink Out Pep Rally to promote Breast Cancer Awareness on Tuesday October 22.

PrincipalRosa ODonnell

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT ROMULO D. MARTINEZ ELEMENTARY

Page 16

Student Council

Family Night

Red Ribbon Kick O

Little Edison Lab

National School Bus Safety Week

Our student council o cers volunteered their services assisting the Mission Chamber of Commerce during the Mission Pink 5k on October 5. They were used as a mascot and handed water to all runners. Our students had the opportunity to meet State Rep. Sergio Munoz during this event.

First Grade students explore, hypothesize, observe, record, and prove their predictions with the use of the Little Edison Lab coats and equipment. The Education Foundation Grant made this lab possible for our lower grade levels bringing in hands-on experience rst-hand!

National School Bus Safety Week brought several activities to Martinez Elementary. All students received a bus safety presentation by our very own SISD bus drivers on the importance of following all rules. A few of the rules included staying in your seat, no inappropriate language, eating food is not allowed, & keep aisles free from objects at all times. Mr. Frank Perez and sta were then treated to an appreciation breakfast. Thank you Transportation Department for keeping us safe all year long!

Love to Read!!! Students receive reading support through Family Reading Night as well as a visit by the Killer Bees. Promoting the love for reading and making it fun goes a long way to students at any age, for their future and ours.

Oscar Munoz brought lots of laughs, but more importantly the message to students on being drug free. Having self-respect, value, and con dence goes a long way to be able to make good choices to make it a great day. After all, as Mr. Huerta, our counselor, says each morning, Make it a great day or not, those choices, yep, yep, theyre always yours!

PrincipalNayeli Carriaga

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THE RATTLER REVIEW AT JOHN H. SHARY ELEMENTARY

Hooray Grant Recipients!

Spreading the Joy of Books!Red Ribbon Rally

No Clowning Around!

Science Comes Alive!

Trick or Treat Lane

R.I.P.

BEE a Reader!

Family Reading Night

Reading Buddies

The Rio Grande Killer Bees invaded our Shary hive of rigorous readers! Team players inspired students to succeed by reading. Readers receive a bookmark, read at least six books, and then exchange it for a student home game hockey ticket.

Our school collected over 500 new and gently used books for the HEB Read 3 Book Drive. The principal, assistant principal, and librarian along with several children were there to present the books to our HEB partners on Family Reading Night.

The family that reads together, stays together! Extended library hours and additional AR testing time brought so many family members to our school during Family Reading Night. Hope to see you soon!

Thanks to the vision of SISD Education Foundation, funds to enhance innovative teaching programs in physical education, recycling club, and learning games were awarded at our campus. Support for these programs and more are made possible from foundation donors.

Theres no clowning around with re safety. The Mission Fire and Safety crew delighted our school with an informative presentation. Pre-K students don a re hat to show their support!

With a ashlight and a pillow, students were treated to extra quiet time to Read In Peace at our Shary Library. Special thanks to Josie Granados for painting the marvelous mural and to Canny Millan for helping decorate the room that students entered if they dared to read!

Kinder students buddy up with some helpful sixth graders to read and AR test. Older partners help give con dence and assistance to beginning readers.

Shary sixth graders came out to support the ght against drugs at the school districts Red Ribbon Rally. Student council o cers proudly hold up a banner to Say NO to Drugs!

Third grade students listen carefully to Mrs. Mercado as she explains what materials are needed and what steps are to be followed during a science experiment.

What a treat! The sta , students, and their families came out to for a thrill to trick-or-treat down the halls of our school. Everyone had a blast!

PrincipalAnthony Limon

THE RATTLER REVIEW AT HARRY SHIMOTSU ELEMENTARY

Page 18

Swearing In

Orientation Meeting

A Taste of Texas

Highest Attendance

Library Monitors

Breast Cancer Awareness

Killer Bees Reading

Foundation Grants

College and Careers

Fire Prevention Assembly

Recognition Assembly

Meet the

Teacher Night

Cafeteria Trophies

Second graders at Shimotsu Elementary marked the culmination of their Social Studies unit on Texas with a day of celebration.

Teachers proudly displayed the trophies awarded for outstanding behavior in the cafeteria.

Students dressed up in their future career attire during our College Awareness week.

Mission Fire ghters presented to students in grades PreK 2 on preventing res. Students had a lot of fun while learning as well!

Shimotsu Third Grade teachers pose with their check for the grant they received from the Sharyland Education Foundation. Shimotsu teachers were awarded over $7000 for a variety of projects ! Way to go!

Congratulations to the classes with the highest attendance rate for the rst recording period. Their teachers were awarded a lovely wreath to display on their door. Students were awarded a pizza party! Several players and the

mascot from the Killer Bees came out to support Shimotsu students e orts to be avid readers! Players shared their favorite books as children and promoted a program where students can earn free tickets to Killer Bee hockey games based on the number of books they read!

Shimotsu Student Council library monitors assist in the library before and after school. The library is a very busy place as Shimotsu students and teachers realize the value of reading. Reading takes you places!

Shimotsu welcomed both returning and new students during the Meet the Teacher Night before school began.

Orientation Meeting to Welcome Parents of Shimotsus Japanese Newcomer Population .

Shimotsu students were proud of their accomplishments with AR! Mr. Limon shared the results from the rst recording period and Shimotsu was on top for the elementary schools! Way to go!

Mr. Montalvo, Sharyland Board of Education Member, swore in Student Council O cers.

Shimotsu supports breast cancer awareness!

PrincipalKaren Meadors

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THE RATTLER REVIEW AT DONNA WERNECKE ELEMENTARY

New to Wernecke Students & Sta

Driscoll Childrens Hospital

Chess

Custodial Worker Appreciation Day

AR Rewards

Student Council O cers

Family Reading Night

National School Lunch Week

Fall Decoration Donation

Garden Club

National Bus Safety Week

Students in 1st-2nd grade were very excited to receive books for their AR reward for the 1st reporting period. They were greeted in their classroom with a cart full of books and bookmarks for their reading achievements.

Wernecke chess students did an amazing job at their rst meet of the year. All 8 primary students received a medal and both the Primary Team and the Elementary Team placed 2nd overall. Thats a great way to start the year!!!.- L. Rivera, Chess Sponsor.

Wernecke Elementary recognized and celebrated Custodial Worker Appreciation Day on October 2nd. We treated Elda Quintanilla, Ana Acosta, Derley Moreno, and Connie Morgan to lunch!! Our custodial and ground workers do an excellent job keeping Wern cke Elementary looking good Thank you!

2nd grade student, Wendy Inocencio, was honored by Driscoll Childrens Hospital. Her drawing was selected to be published in their Christmas book! Congratulations! The book is available in the Wernecke library for purchase.

Wernecke Elementary is very fortunate to have many generous families who contribute to our school in so many ways. We want to thank the Acosta family for their donation of the fall decorations located at the front of our school. Pictured is Mrs. Acosta and her son Alejandro.

Tuesday, October 8th, Wernecke parents and students attended Family Reading Night at the library. Several teachers volunteered to make this night a fun and enjoyable time for our families. The students and parents had a great time reading books together and making reading literacy an important part of their day. Students in 1st-2nd grade were very excited to receive books for their AR reward for the 1st reporting period. They were greeted in their classroom with a cart full of books and bookmarks for their reading achievements.

The Wernecke Garden Club has been preparing the soil in their garden for planting. Here they are planting vegetables such as radishes and tomatoes. Over 30 students meet each week to participate in the Garden Club!

The Sharyland transportation department provided bus safety lessons and handouts for the Wernecke PK-3rdgrade students during National School Bus Safety Week. Fourth-sixth graders received a Bus Safety booklet, pencil and bookmark. The Wernecke bus drivers were given a small token of our appreciation and a gift card for keeping our students safe each day!!!

The Wernecke Cafeteria sta provides a nutritious breakfast and lunch for our 760 students every day! We treated them to lunch in honor of National School Lunch Week, October 13-18. We appreciate their hard work and delicious meals each dayThank you!

Wernecke is growing! We welcome our New to District students and we are glad that they have chosen Wernecke Elementary. We are so happy to have on board our new sta : Alicia Cuellar, Raul Vazquez, Oscar Zepeda, Otilla Rivas, Martin Rodriguez, Sara Montiel, Marina Salinas, Christine Roach, and Jessica Hoodenpyle. Welcome to our Wernecke Family!

Congratulations to our Student Council O cers! The o cers are as follows: Joseph Gaytan, President; Miranda Garza, Vice-President; Lauren Guerra, Treasurer; Andrea Ortiz, Historian; and Roberto Carpio, Secretary .

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