One for the Record Books
January 2019
Hour of Code at SNJH
by Darvin Koenig
During National Computer Science Week in December Mr. Koenig did Hour of Code activities with all the 8th grade students to introduce them to coding. Students worked watched a brief video and then worked on activities from Code.org.
Shimotsu Elementary Photo Contest Winners
by S. Zulema Bewley
Seventeen students in grades 3 - 6 showcased their talents through photography and entered in this year's photo contest. The pictures taken were amazing! Eight of these photos were selected to move forward to the next round of competition and submitted to the Texas Youth Creators Award sponsored by the Texas Library Association. We anticipate having some state winners!
Writing, Listening, and Art at the Wernecke Library
Wernecke students enjoyed using their writing skills for a holiday activity in the library. After listening to a “Tree of Cranes” read aloud by the librarian, Mrs. Ramos, second through fourth grade students wrote a personal narrative about how they enjoy the holiday season and traditions with their family.
Kinder students show off their artsy skills by creating a snowman after listening to “Snowmen at Night.”
SA3 Open House
SA3 held an Open House on Monday, January 14th. Many clubs and organizations participated. One club that enjoyed talking to perspective SA3 students was the BCM Club. BCM stands for Books Comics and Movies. Librarian Nicole Cruz is the sponsor. Membership is open to both SA3 and SHS students.
JHS Character Christmas Greeting Cards Using Google Drawings
John H. Shary students created Christmas Greeting Card using Google Drawings for their favorite book character. They had to include something special about the character in the card. Students were engaged in and took ownership of their learning through the use of technology. Their are many uses for Google Drawings in the classroom, for example differentiating assignments, making learning interactive, and collaborating with others. This is a wonderful tool available for all students and teachers.
Inquiry, Collaboration, and Growth In The Library
By Wenndy Pray
B. L. Gray students engaged in digital literacy, coding, and even reflected on how the Texas Revolution affected them personally.
Mrs. Pray conducted Digital Citizenship lessons and hosted Hour of Code. She also took over a Texas History class for three consecutive days.
Students enjoyed interacting via digital platforms, learned how to cite resources, and were able to code so the Grinch would capture all of Whoville’s gifts!
Jensen Second Grade Top Point Earners!
Hinojosa UIL Celebration
by Elizabeth Moreno
All Ruben Hinojosa Elementary students who participated in UIL were invited to Mr. Gatti’s in McAllen
to celebrate their participation and achievements. The students enjoyed the pizza buffet and had a great time in the arcade. Mrs. Moreno, the librarian at Hinojosa Elementary is also the UIL Coordinator.
SHSU Library Intern Learns Valuable Lessons from Veteran Librarian Janie B. Flores
by Janie B. Flores
Pioneer hosts SHSU library intern Maribel Alanis. Ms. Alanis will also visit with Librarians Wenndy Pray and Zulema Bewley throughout the month of February.
Grinch Day Celebrated @ Martinez Elementary
by Oneida Aleman
RD Martinez students celebrate Grinch Day. Our principal Ms. Perez read the book: How the Grinch Stole Christmas . Students had a great time and enjoyed a treat afterwards.
Regional Battle of the Books Qualifying High School Team
Regional Battle of the Books Qualifying Elementary Team
SISD Battle of the Books Elementary Team
SISD Battle of the Books Elementary Team
SISD Battle of the Books Elementary Team
SISD Battle of the Books Elementary Team
SISD Battle of the Books Elementary Team
SISD Battle of the Books Officials
Skin Cancer Lessons @ the Library
Collaborating with all classes includes athletics and coaches at Sharyland High School. Head Varsity Softball Coach Paul Cruz and librarian Nicole Cruz worked together to submit an Education Foundation Grant. The focus was on raising awareness of good choices regarding sun exposure and skin care. The entire softball team was informed about skin cancer facts through a presentation at the library. Grant funds purchased a portable sun shelter, informative DVD, and skin care products.
Research Project at SNJH
by Darvin Koenig
Mr. Koenig teamed up with the 8th grade ELA teachers to instruct the students on the research process and MackinVia, which is an excellent resource for our students.
Volunteers Make Fun Events Possible
by S. Zulema Bewley
Shimotsu Elementary is very fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who enjoy helping with projects. This group of ladies helped to set up and tear down the Scholastic Book Fair while others served as cashiers and helped supervise students. Mrs. Bewley is extremely grateful for their help throughout Book Fair Week!
John H Shary Hour of Code
by Monica Silva
Pre-K - 6th grade students and our special education students at John H. Shary Elementary took part in Hour of Code. We read The 12 Sleighs of Christmas and Rudolph for our Pre-K -2nd grade students and our special education students. Our students used markers to color code directions and special moves to make the Ozobots move. For the book Rudolph, students had to program the Ozobots to help Rudolph how to find his way back to the North Pole. In 12 Sleighs of Christmas, they had to use a different codes with specials moves and boosters to see which sleigh was the best for Santa to use on Christmas Eve to deliver toys. Students were engaged, used logical thinking, problem solved, and collaborated with their partners to Code the Ozobots.
Our 3rd-6th grade students participated in Hour of Code by using code.org to code their own Dance Party. They gave their characters special moves, names, created groups, and added music and special effects to their dance party. All students enjoyed taking part in Hour of Code.
B. L. Gray Library Ambassadors Graduate
By Wenndy Pray
Miranda Valle-Roman, Vecky Parrales, Emma Harlan, & Thomas Trigg were four of seven to graduate as Library Ambassadors last month.
“I just loved working in the library,” Miranda shared, “I’ll come in here every chance I get from now on.” Emma Harlan stated she would love to be a library ambassador all year.
Mrs. Pray is proud of her library ambassadors and is glad they were able to learn soft skills needed in customer service.
WE Love Our Artists Display-PHS
by Janie B. Flores
Pioneer showcased the TYCA participants with their “We Love our Artists to Pieces” bulletin board.
College Readiness Alumni Panel
High School Counselor Carol Santiago and Librarian Nicole Cruz designed an informative
Alumni Panel Discussion for Thursday, January 10th. Seven 2018 SHS Alumni presented to sophomores and juniors about the ins and outs of college life, living away from home, making friends, and building academic success at the next level.
Rapid Review by Darvin Koenig, SNJH Librarian
I AM PRINCESS X by Cherie Priest
May and Libby created Princess X when they were in fifth grade. Over the next three years the duo wrote and illustrated many comic adventures for her. Then came the car accident that took Libby’s life and with it Princess X. Now three years later May starts seeing Princess X stickers, patches, and graffiti everywhere. Could it be possible that Libby did not die in that accident? Why would she not have contacted May? May starts a grand adventure to find the answers and hopefully reunite with her best friend.
Love Your Books
by Elizabeth Moreno
The Kinder students at Ruben Hinojosa Elementary LOVE their library books!
Mrs. Moreno, the librarian at RHE, started the semester by teaching the students about book care.
The Kinder students are now ready to check out library books and AR test.
Nicole H. Cruz, SISD Lead Librarian
Email: ncruz@sharylandisd.org
Website: http://sharyland.ss8.sharpschool.com/departments/library_services
Location: 1216 North Shary Road, Mission, TX, USA
Phone: 956-580-5300
Twitter: @Cruz23Mac