

Monday Message Patterson

May 15, 2023
Good Monday to All!
I'd like to begin with last week's events. Allow me to express my appreciation to all who supported the Cactus Jack Bull Riding event. Many of our staff members volunteered and the Teachers of the Year were recognized. The district and the Cactus Jack Foundation continues to strengthen a wonderful partnership in support of our students and staff.
In addition, we celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week. Our teachers are outstanding. I have seen some pretty amazing interactions between our students and teachers. Teachers truly have such a huge impact on the lives of children. Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and grit; you are very much appreciated.
On Wednesday, we celebrated and honored our school Nurses. Our nurses play a vital and critical role in our system. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all they do. They are an integral part of our success. Our district has some pretty remarkable staff members!
Thank you, to all who have continued to participate in our 21-Days of Tribute. We will continue with our Never Forgotten … Remembering Our 21 Beautiful Souls Tribute on the district website and within our district. To reinforce the promise of "never forgetting," district students, staff, and the Uvalde community are encouraged to pay tribute to each of our beautiful souls by wearing their unique traits.
The following tributes will be featured the week of May 15 - 19th.
Never forgotten...Remembering Our 21 Beautiful Souls Tribute
May 15: Alexandria Aniyah Rubio - Remember Lexi by…wearing yellow or a sunflower.
May 16: Layla Marie Salazar - Remember Layla by…wearing your favorite running shoes.
May 17: Jailah Nicole Silguero - Remember Jailah by…wearing pink.
May 18: Eliahna Torres- Remember Eliahna by…wearing softball/baseball gear, Eliahna gear, butterflies, sunflowers, black and white vans, blue or purple.
May 19: Rojelio Fernandez Torres - Remember Rojelio by… wearing a Pokémon, football or video game item.
Please join us in remembering our beloved students and teachers. We will not forget.
Gary Patterson
Interim Superintendent
Children's Express Theatre of Houston
Visits UCISD Elementary Schools
The Uvalde CISD PTO contacted for the Children's Express Theatre of Houston to visit each UCISD Elementary campus with a special performance of encouragement and self celebration. The Children's Express Theatre accepted with an open heart and invited three other arts organizations to join in on the fun. The shows included Ars Lyrics Houston, Mercury Chamber Orchestra and Houston Metropolitan Dance Center. The four groups visited Dalton, Batesville, UDLA, Uvalde, and Flores Elementary creating events that will leave a positive memory and experience for the elementary students of Uvalde CISD. A special Thank You is extended to the arts organizations and our Uvalde CISD PTO!
UDLA
Saturday, May 13th was a magical day!
UDLA is the first campus in the UCISD district and the third KABOOM! playground built in the Uvalde community as part of KABOOM!s ongoing commitment to supporting the healing in our community. We are thankful to our partners:
The Community Foundation Uvalde Forever Fund
Bank of America
San Antonio Spurs
Sport for Healing Fund
KABOOM!
Also so very appreciative of the over 150 volunteers that came together to help build this new playspace for the Uvalde CISD Dual Language Academy students. The UDLA playground is a magical space for our students!
Uvalde High School BBQ Cook-Off Teams Represent at the State Cook-Off
The Uvalde High School BBQ Teams competed in the Texas High School BBQ State Championship in May under the leadership of Mr. Black. Representing our district with outstanding pride were:
The UHS BBQ Team Smokin’ Yotes:
Trevor Black
Jaxon Parker
Devere Willis
Wyatt Hughes
Anika Shaw
The UHS BBQ Team Coyote Grillers consists of the following:
Caden Smith
Landon Klein
Hiler Haby
Grant Elliott
Ava Schlessiger
Under the leadership of Charlie Black
UHS Saucy Lady Lobos consists of the following:
Mia Saiz
Akira Saiz
Carolina Flores
Mia Aguilar
Under the leadership of Anika Barbosa
A total of 92 teams participated in the 2023 State Championship High School BBQ Cook-Off. While our teams came up a little short on earning the top three spots, they represented our district in the top 30 in each category. In the category of Dessert, the Smokin' Yotes placed 14th. In the Beans category, the Coyote Grillers placed 7th. In the Chicken category, the Coyote Grillers placed 18th. In the Ribs category, the Saucy Lady Lobos placed 19th. In the Brisket category, the Saucy Lady Lobos placed 24th. Each team placed in the top 30 out of 92 teams with outstanding Coyote and Lobo Pride!
UHS Health Science Success
Certified CCMA's
Emily Castillo, Makayla Capuchin, Elizabeth DeLeon, Sophia Valerio, Madison McCullough, Alesandra Padilla
Certified CCMA's
Samara Martinez, Valerie Ayala, Aislynn Luna, Victoria Flores, Lyndon Diongzon, Andrea Castro, Dayanara Garza, Katelyn Causey, Elizabeth Amaya, Brianna Lewallen, Ashley Sanchez
Certified Phlebotomist
Aidan Amescua, Shaelyn Velasquez, Sierra Ramos, Delilah Rodriguez, Jasmine Guerrero, Gabriella Victorino, Jessie Gonzalez, Brandon Ortiz, Simon Alvarez, Carissa Esparza
As an added safety measure, beginning on Monday, May 15th, through Monday, May 22nd, students will not be allowed to bring backpacks, sling bags, messenger bags, and large purses to school. Students will be provided with all school supplies needed to continue their academic success.
Students can carry a non-clear small bag or clutch, a clear bag, or a 1-gallon clear freezer bag for items such as cell phones, money, and hygiene products. Please note that students involved in extracurricular activities such as sports or band may bring an instrument case or equipment bag, which must be put away during school hours.
This new practice reduces the risk of dangerous items being brought onto campus. Our shared responsibility is to maintain a safe environment for our students and staff.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Why are we moving away from the use of backpacks during the school day?
As we approach the end of the school year, we have noticed an increase in non-credible social media threats. As an added safety measure, we are implementing a no-backpack practice.
What does “no backpacks” mean?
“No backpacks” means that students may not use a backpack in the school building throughout the school day.
Can my student bring a clear or mesh backpack?
Students can only carry small bags or clutch purses, a clear bag, or 1-Gallon Clear Freezer Bag. Specific dimensions are indicated above.
What grades does this policy apply to?
All Uvalde CISD PreK-12 students.
Are lunch boxes permitted?
Yes. Non-transparent lunch boxes are permitted to be carried.
How do clear bags contribute to safety?
By easily seeing the items in the clear bags as students enter the school, campus personnel will be able to ensure that prohibited items are not included in the student’s belongings.
You are invited to the April Uvalde CISD PTO Meeting!
Tuesday, May 16th
6:00 p.m.
Morales Junior High Library
This is a closed meeting to media.
Parenting Matters Workshop
Parenting Matters is a free 4-week, virtual workshop, led by clinicians at the Lucine Center for Trauma & Grief. The workshop is designed to help caregivers support their child(ren), specifically with trauma and grief reactions and recognize and address vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue within themselves. Caregivers can feel free to join one, some, or all of the sessions. Please see the attached flyer for more information and instructions on how to register.
Uvalde C.I.S.D. Days of Respect, Observance, and Safety
History prepares us for many occurrences as we approach the one-year mark of our May 24th tragedy. The Uvalde C.I.S.D. Board of Trustees approved district days of respect, observance, and safety in the 2022-2023 Academic calendar.
Out of respect, observance, and safety concerns, students and staff will not attend school on May 23rd, May 24th, and May 25th. Staff will return on May 26th for a professional development workday and the Uvalde High School Graduation.
The Uvalde C.I.S.D. Board of Trustees and Interim Superintendent Mr. Patterson, have profound respect for the one-year mark and a focus on the safety of our students and staff. Thank you for your patience and support as we prepare to observe the one-year mark of our tragedy.