Tafolla Toros
Following our path to success
One semester down, one semester closer to high school
The countdown has officially begun.
High school tours have been made. Magnet applications have been submitted. Choice slips have been completed. High school is right around the corner for our MSP students. Students are both excited and nervous for their new adventure.
The first semester was a great success for our MSP program. Our students experienced academic growth in their core classes and on MAP testing. Several students found success in extracurricular activities as well. Our Partner students were provided with many learning opportunities from their core content teachers as well through Communities In Schools.
Our first semester field trips included Toyota Manufacturing Plant, St. Phillip's College and Lanier High School. A few students where invited to have an opportunity to hear from members of the Freedom Riders Movement. Our students heard from a guest speaker who attended Tafolla Middle School and graduated from Texas A&M. He spoke to the students about goal setting and having determination to work hard. MSP students also assisted around campus as needed. Parents and students were treated to a small holiday luncheon before the semester ended. Students were also provided with winter treats that included warm cozy blankets, snacks and personal hygiene items.
In their own words
Partner students wanted to tell how the program has helped shape them this year. Here are a few of their stories.
Naara's story:
The partners class means a lot to me. In this class you can be yourself and you don't have to hide who you really are. In partners everyone has each others back no matter what. it helps me meet my goals by making sure I work hard and keep up with my grades. Partners is a good place.
Felix's story:
Partner's has really changed my grades and my behavior. My teacher is giving us a chance to get ready for high school. I am happy where I am at because I already feel like I'm in high school. Partners has helped me focus on what I want for my future. I want to be seen as a hard working student so colleges will want me to attend their school. Partners is something special to me.
Kayla's story:
Partners really changed my life. In sixth grade I was not caring about my grades or my work. I was focused on boys and causing trouble.I used to sit in my room and tell myself that I will probably just drop out. I was hanging off a cliff. I decided that I had enough and I wanted to be successful. I was so excited when the vice principal told me" mija, you are going to be in Partners next year." I knew I had to start making a plan. It is now February and I have 3.5 high school credits. Dr. Arizpe, Mrs. Mendez, my dad and my grandma helped me get back on my feet. I am now on my way of becoming a sign language teacher. I now tell myself " I am going to make it, I'm going to succeed."
Taking charge
Lending a helping hand.
Real life experience
Where are they now? Class of 2019 high school success stories.
Karina:
Karina has a 92.7 grade point average. Karina currently has 26.5 credits. Karina is involved in many different activities at Lanier. " Partners and Mrs. Mendez changed my life by helping me learn the importance of education. She always told me to strive to do my best in everything I do."
Faith:
Faith currently has a 93.3 grade point average. She has 25 credits so far. " What Mrs. Mendez and Partners taught me was how to be fearless. She told us never be afraid of who we want to be and that no dream is too big. Partners helped me gain a voice and made me realize I am meant to be more than what I thought I could be. Had it not been for partners I wouldn't be the person I am today. Mrs. Mendez helped shape not only me but every kid in that classroom and for that I am truly thankful. The day that I graduated from partners I walked away with more than credits. I walked away with a team, a support system, a family." Faith is a member of several different organizations at Lanier. She is participating in the UIL theater competition. Faith has found a lot of success with her acting abilities.
Rosario:
Rosario has a 87.86 grade point average. Rosario currently has 23.5 credits. " Mrs. Mendez and the Partners program helped me by getting where I needed to be in school and also discovering who I am as a person. She taught me and the class to always give it our all in anything we were involved in. We learned that we are able to become anything our heart desires. If it wasn't for her and the partners program I would never of seen myself in the groups I joined . I am currently the Vice President of Skills USA and I am also a member of the student council. Rosario recently participated in the Skills USA competition. She advanced to state in three categories earning 1st place in two.
Ana:
Ana has earned 23 credits so far. Her grade point average is 87.5. Ana participated in the Skills USA competition. This past weekend she placed 1st in her event. Her first place victory has earned her a spot in the state competition in April. " The partners program and Mrs.Mendez helped me discover that the program was so much more than just getting credits. It was about family and bringing each other up while also working. The classroom became a home and my classmates became my brothers and my sisters. I will always appreciate all she did for us. She broke us out of our shells and helped us discover who we are."
I Want!!!
Briana- "I want to be in the FBI."
Aaliyah- "I want to graduate ."
Naven- "I want to finish high school and become a Marine."
Antonio-" I want to play for the NFL."
Absidy- " I want to be a surgeon."