Gladiator News
Dr. Hector P. Garcia Middle School
November 14-18, 2016
Greetings Gladiator Community,
November 11, Veterans Day, we honor all who have served our nation-those who served in years past, those who have fallen and made the ultimate sacrifice during time of war, and all who serve us now in the armed forces. Our Veterans Day committee did an outstanding job organizing a variety of activities throughout the week to show our respect for these men and women. The week ended with many veterans joining us for breakfast on Friday morning. We are thankful for their service and thankful they were able to spend the morning at HGMS. A special thank you to the students that invited their mother, father, grandparent, and aunt or uncle to join them. Our orchestra and band filled the air with patriotic tunes during the festivities.
We were especially honored to have Dr. Hector P. Garcia's daughter, Cecilia Akers and her husband Jim, join us for breakfast as well. Mrs. Akers brought Dr. Garcia's medal of freedom to share with the students and faculty. She spoke to our 8th grade students about her fathers service to our country and his passion for helping others.
I had many students approach me during the day saying how much they learned about Dr. Garcia and how they enjoyed the presentation. Special thank you to Angela Contreras for coordinating Mrs. Akers to present. What a treat to honor our namesake on Veterans Day.
Our history classes collected travel size personal items for active duty soldiers. Our school delivered over 60 boxes to individual soldiers at Lackland. The soldiers were most grateful and appreciative. Thank you for your generosity and donations.
I'll share a highlights video next week of the week long celebration of our veterans.
Last Saturday, we had 21 choir students perform in the region concert at Brennan High School. Congratulations to those students for qualifying and to Kathy Settles-Horejsi for preparing our students to perform at such a high level. Garcia and Jefferson tied as having the highest number of student qualify to perform. Great job students!
We will host a holiday shopping event in our library classroom and library on Thursday, December 8th from 9:00 am -2:00 pm. Stop by for a cup of hot chocolate and do some holiday shopping! This would be a great time to check out a book as well! Our librarian, Stacie Tharp, would love to assist you.
November 14 starts a new grading period. Report cards will be sent home on Friday, November 18th.
It's a GREAT day to be a Gladiator!
Tracy Wernli
Principal
HGMS History Students Place in Essay Writing Contest
Our 8th grade students participated in an essay writing contest through their Pre-AP US History class and we had two students place!
VFW Post 7108 and its Auxiliary is pleased to announce the winners of the Patriot's Pen contest for 2016-2017:
First Place Winner is Sydney E. Roan
Third Place Winner is Brayden O. Parker
Sydney and Brayden were selected from students all over the city! Congratulations! The students will be recognized at a ceremony at the 7108 VFW Post in December.
Pictured: (l to r) Veronica Poblano- Academic Dean, Angela Contreras- History Department Coordinator/Teacher, Brayden Parker, Sydney Roan, Matthew Hinchman- History Teacher, Teri Diaz- Assistant Principal
Dr. Hector P. Garcia's Medal of Freedom
Jim Akers-son-in law, Cecilia Garcia-Akers- daughter, Tracy Wernli-Principal, Veronica Poblano-Academic Dean
Gladiators Give Thanks
Dr. Hector P. Garcia Middle School
Email: Tracy.Wernli@nisd.net
Website: www.nisd.net/Garcia
Location: 14900 Kyle Seale Parkway, San Antonio, TX, United States
Phone: 210-397-8400
Facebook: facebook.com/GarciaPTA
Twitter: @NISDGarcia