Mrs. Ramos, Wernecke Librarian, was funded for her grant "I love Graphic Novels!" Her students have been very energized and excited about graphic novels and are finding more reading interests as they explore these books. She knows that these books will be a welcome addition to her collection and that they will be flying off the shelves! Thank you, Sharyland ISD Education Foundation!

by S. Zulema Bewley

Students in grades 3-6 at Shimotsu Elementary got inspired and designed their own winter-themed bookmarks. Artistic expression can lower anxiety and promote creativity. Art projects, even simple ones, are always met with enthusiasm by our students. This activity was a great way to begin our winter season.

by Nicole H. Cruz

The United Way Kick Off Celebration was held on Thursday, January 26th at Pioneer High School. This was a joint celebration for SHS and PHS. Mrs. Lorene Bazan, introduced the speakers including, Dr. Vidaurri who spoke to the students about the impact of United Way on her life. The student’s also heard from United Way board members, Ms. Annette Garcia and Dr. Du Andre Drain. The students had breakfast, learned about leadership and had a great time with the team building activities.

Bentsen Elementary celebrated National Winnie the Pooh Day with a D.E.A.R. day. Students were encouraged to bring their Winnie the Pooh plush doll or their favorite plush doll to read along during D.E.A.R.. Students were very excited reading along with their plush dolls. This was a great event for all students to focus on the enjoyment of reading. Bentsen students received an early reading present before winter break with grant books. Students were amazed by the colorful books they received. Early readers also received a reading present with all the books purchased for struggling readers. A big Thank You! goes out to Mrs.Garza, director of Special Programs, for supporting our early readers. The books will greatly assist and encourage fostering the love of reading for all Bentsen students. At last our Bentsen’s top readers received their Gold Medal Reading shirts. Students get to show off their shirts every Thursday. In all Bensten students are embodying the love of reading.

Jessie Jensen Elementary rewarded the students that met their 3RD six-weeks AR Goals and had Perfect Attendance with a chance to win some prizes! They had a fun time playing Bingo and enjoying some Nachos and a drink!

B. L. Gray would like to thank the Molina Foundation for their generous donation of over 250 books! Our scholars were able to cuddle up to a new book this winter break. Your generosity helped our scholars grow their home libraries!

by Monica Alcala

RD Martinez book club students welcome their coach: Coach Rosales. Students had the opportunity to discuss the book: Becoming Muhammad Ali with Coach Rosales. It was great to see the interaction and connection between the students and the coach. Coach Rosales inspired trust, motivation, and determination. A BIG thank you to our very own Coach Rosales.

by Josie Saldaña

Sharyland North Library hosted a student and staff pet food drive in the month of December to benefit the Mission Animal Shelter. We were able to donate over 250 items to benefit the animals of Mission. The Mission Animal Shelter visited our students to further educate them on the importance of animal care and pet adoption. In December, students were able to participate in Harry Potter Week Dec. 9th - 15th. Events that week included wand making, Harry Potter Trivia, a Horcrux hunt, and film for the students during lunchtime.

by Thanya Montemayor

Ruben Hinojosa Elementary 5th grade students participated in the Sharyland ISD Annual Battle of the Books in January. The students gave it their all and we are so proud of their good sportsmanship and behavior. The students spent months reading and studying the selected books for the competition. GREAT JOB, RHE!

Our students at JHS were enthusiastic to watch The 2022 World Cup in Qatar and they learned many fun facts about it in the library. Each student then created a STEM stop motion animation project using Google Slides. This project sparked many creative animations, while using teamwork, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking. "Some dream about GOALS, we make them here at JHS."

by S. Zulema Bewley

Students in grades 5-6 received free books due to the generosity of the Molina Foundation. It is always exciting to receive something for free, and even more exciting to receive a free book. A huge "Thank You" to Nicole Cruz and the folks from the Maintenance Department for making this event possible.

by Elizabeth Moreno

The Pioneer High School Book Club decided to read, Jane Austen’s, “Pride and Prejudice” for their December meeting. In keeping with the theme of “Pride and Prejudice” the afternoon gathering was a holiday tea party with little tea cups, sandwiches, cookies and macarons. The students had a great time discussing the book, talking about the favorite book quotes along with the rights of women during the period. This was a great way to end the term!!

by Nicole H. Cruz

Olivero Garza Elementary students who met their 3rd six weeks AR goal were treated to a fun afternoon at the library. Students were excited to have cake, punch, and some free time to relax and enjoy time away from their typical routine. Students played all sorts of board games, puzzles, colored, got creative building with LEGO’s and had some outdoor time.

Pioneer High School Library filled a cart with the free books provided by the Molina Grant. Students would come by the library, browse and pick a free book. All books were claimed by the end of the day!!

B. L. Gray Junior High scholars used their creative abilities to help decorated the library's Christmas tree. The theme this year was Harry Potter. Our scholarly wizards brought homemade ornaments and other decorations that made our Christmas tree magical. A celebration was held for all who participated.

by Monica Silva

Our JHS Family Reading Night was a great success. We were joined by Author Lamar Jones, "Sir Jankster," a musician who fell into the barbecue industry and became an author. He shared his trials, hardships, and obstacles before his triumph. He sang and read his book to parents and students to share how he overcame his life challenges. His life message is EYDIOYDI "Either You Do It or You Do It."

RD Martinez 6th grade students receive Google Slides training from Mr. Mendoza. As students work on their GT projects, Mr. Mendoza teaches the students hacks, shortcuts, and free google slides background websites. Mr. Mendoza also touched on the importance of Copyright and its consequences. Students received the tools to be successful with their research papers. A BIG thank you to Mr. Mendoza for coming out and supporting our students with technology use.

B.L. Gray counselors hosted our sixth graders in the library for an informative session. They were presented with their options for classes they can take in 7th grade. Students asked questions and discussed their options and interests. They came away a lot of great information to discuss at home with their parents.

Congratulations to the Wernecke Battle of the Books team! They won our local competition and were excited to bring back the trophy with their coach Mrs. Palomo. They will be representing Sharyland ISD at the Regional competition coming soon. Our students have been working hard at studying their novels and are ready to represent our district at regionals! Good Luck to them!

CTE Teachers Daisy Arzamendi and Raul Garza partnered with librarian Nicole Cruz on the portable little libraries grant. Funds will provide materials for students to create portable libraries that can bring literacy to each building on the SHS campus. Trap Shooting Coach Pascual Pena partnered with Nicole to write a grant for gun safety items for his competitive shooting team. Working together educators achieve success.