One for the Record Books
May 2019
Librarians Celebrate Years of Service
On Thursday, April 4th the district librarians hosted a retirement celebration dinner at Casa Del
Taco in honor of Janie B. Flores, Pioneer High School Librarian. Mrs. Flores has been a mentor to many library interns, an advocate for pets, a promoter of literacy and secondary post high school readiness, and a collaborator with teachers. She will be dearly missed by her campus, colleagues, and students. We wish her all the best.
Stanford Graduate
Christopher Allen Koenig, son of Darvin and Sandra Koenig, will be graduating with honors from Stanford University on June 16, 2019. Christopher was the valedictorian of Sharyland High School in 2015. He will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a focus on Artificial Intelligence. After graduation, he will do a 10-week internship with Medium in San Francisco and then return to Stanford for one more year to complete his Masters in Computer Science.
UTRGV Graduate
Wernecke Book Cover Contest
Wernecke Elementary held its annual book cover contest during National Library Week. She received many creative designs from her students. The winning entries were framed and placed in the library. Leslie Rodriguez and Nathan Le were named the top 2 entries and received a prize from the librarian, Patricia Ramos.
Virtual Math with Google Docs and Google Drawings
by Wenndy Pray
B. L. Gray scholars took applying math skills to the next level when their teacher, Ms. Elizabeth Garcia, teamed up with their librarian, Mrs. Pray. Ms. Garcia, who is also a Google Level 1 Certified Educator, wanted for scholars to not only observe and measure three-dimensional models of rectangular prisms, but to also represent them with digital drawings. “Mrs. Pray’s insight on using the Google Drawings feature within Google Docs was just what my students needed,” shares Ms. Garcia. “This lesson truly took mathematical application to new heights in the realm of technology.” Talk about rigor and relevance!
Pioneer High School Poets
by Janie Becho Flores
Sujeis Perez, Jada Cantu-Cabrera and Joel A. Sanchez will have their poems included in the soon-to-be released publishing of “Let a New Earth Rise”!
Congratulations, PHS Poets!
TLA Lifetime Achievement Award
Sharyland ISD Lead Librarian Nicole Cruz had the honor of nominating and awarding the Texas Library Association Lifetime Achievement Award to Maria Elena Ovalle at the General Session of the TLA Conference in Austin on April 16th. Mrs. Ovalle served as the Region One Library Coordinator for Library and Instructional Services and implemented the Tejas Star Book Award. Maria Elena was also a mentor science teacher to Mrs. Cruz's husband Paul Cruz.
O. Garza Celebrates Centennial Readers
by Samantha Silva
O. Garza Students proudly wear this year’s Centennial Reader shirts. Students who accumulate 100 or more points for the year through the Accelerated Reader Program earn a special t-shirt and a medal at the end of the year awards ceremonies. We are proud of the 41 students who have already met this goal, and look forward to celebrating all our students reading accomplishments at the end of the year.
50th Anniversary of The Very Hungry Catepillar
RD Martinez students' celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle by participating in a butterfly decoration contest. Our administration staff and lead teacher selected the top 5 winners. Students were rewarded with a summer bucket.
Shimotsu Texas Youth Creators Awards 2019
by S. Zulema Bewley
Three Shimotsu Elementary students placed at the Texas Youth Creators Awards competition in the Color Photography category. The awards ceremony took place during the Texas Library Association Conference. Coby and Kyle received Honorable Mention and Selah received 3Rd place. Congratulations to these state finalists!
Jessie Jensen Students Accepted the Challenge: Design a Book Cover
Students at Jessie Jensen Elementary had the opportunity to merge their love of reading and their art skills together. They were given the challenge of designing a book jacket. These students had great designs.
Hogwarts Library Celebration
The students who met their AR goal for the fifth six weeks at Ruben Hinojosa Elementary were invited to a, “Hogwarts Library Celebration”. The students had a great time making pencil wands and visiting the different houses at “Hogwarts”.
SNJH District Author Visit
On April 19 students from Sharyland North Junior High were inspired by the author Shawn Elliot Russell, who shared events from his life that led him to write his book Be Still Little Tree Be Still.
Platinum Reader at JHS
by Monica Silva
Camilo Del Angel is an veracious and avid reader here at JHS. His love for reading inspires other students to read as well. He loves reading books that have magical and demigod storylines. His favorite book series is The Tapestry Series by Henry H. Neff. He has read more than 7,000,000 million words and has over 1,100 Accelerated Reader Points.
Martinez Attends District Author Visit on April 19th
RD Martinez students' were ecstatic with Shawn Elliot Russell's presentation. He shared his personal story. The students beat boxed to his book Be Still Little Tree Be Still at the end of the presentation. It was a great experience for everyone.
Texas Authors Judge-Wernecke Librarian
Mrs. Ramos was contacted and asked if she would be willing to be a judge for the Texas Authors contest for this year’s round of short story entries. Mrs. Ramos enthusiastically accepted the request and is enjoying her experience reading stories and assisting this non-profit organization.
Bentsen Author Field Trip
by Jose Guerrero
Bentsen student were very excited to meet author Shawn Elliot Russell. Students were able to connect with the author's purpose and manner he delivered his message. The highlight of the presentation was the students beat-box participation. All students did an amazing job in showcasing their talent. The author visit was a great success and everything ran very smoothly.BL Gray Jr. High School Celebrates Its Librarian
by Wenndy Pray
B. L. Gray scholars, faculty, staff, and parents showed their love and appreciation this School Librarian Day. And although I love receiving gifts and observing acts of gratitude, it was the warmth and heartfelt love that fulfilled me the most. I'm grateful to my administration for trusting in the great work happening in the library department, my teachers for always providing me with opportunities to support their instruction, and most of all, my scholars for showing me that they love their library every day. Thank you, B. L. Gray Rattlers!
SNJH Student Poet Recognized
Sharyland North 8th grader Eyden Gonzalez recently received notification that her poems will be published in Let A New Earth Rise, the newest anthology put together annually by the McAllen Poet Laureate. The anticipated publication date for the anthology is May, 2019 by FlowerSong Books. Eyden submitted her poems with the encouragement and assistance of her librarian, Mr. Koenig.
Sharyland High School Poets
Sharyland High School students Dibany Guerra, Vanessa Vega, and Daniella Garcia recently received notification that their poems will be published in Let A New Earth Rise, the newest anthology put together annually by the McAllen Poet Laureate. The anticipated publication date for the anthology is May, 2019 by FlowerSong Books. Nicole H. Cruz promoted the poetry submission at the library.
JHS Participates in Skype Session with Jane Goodall
by Monica Silva
Students at JHS participated in a live Skype session with Jane Goodall. They learned about her life, what inspired her when she was young to become who she is today. Students enjoyed learning about her and how she has inspired many to help with conservation through her Roots & Shoots Program. Students followed up by participating in various activities, one in particular was using Flip Grid to discuss a meaning of Jane Goodall's quote and how she has inspired others.
Pioneer High School Special Olympics
Our Special Olympics athletes are awesome. I have enjoyed volunteering twice yearly with this amazing group of students, coaches, and staff.
Rapid Review by Darvin Koenig SNJH Librarian
YOU DON’T NEED A TITLE TO BE A LEADER: How Anyone, Anywhere, Can Make a Positive Difference by Mark Sanborn
In only 102 pages Mark Sanborn lays out his wisdom to prove his point that we can all be leaders. He focuses on something called ROI: Relationships, Outcomes, and Improvements. He breaks that down into six principles of leadership. This quick read will help you realize your potential for making a difference whether you have a Leadership title or not.
Shimotsu Librarian Attends the Texas Library Association Conference
by S. Zulema Bewley
The Texas Library Association Annual Conference took place in Austin this year. Pictured above: S. Zulema Bewley and fellow TBA committee member Rachel Cook help author Barry Wittenstein and illustrator Chris Hsu during the autograph session following the Speed Dating with Bluebonnets workshop; Shimotsu student Elise G. practicing for the Texas Bluebonnet Luncheon; and, Shimotsu student Selah G. receiving her award for 3rd place in Color Photography at the TYCA Awards Ceremony.
Author Visit with Shawn Elliot Russell
by Samantha Silva
O. Garza students listened to local author Shawn Elliott Russell speak on Friday, April 19th. The author event was district wide. Shawn Elliott Russell spoke about his picture book Be Still, Little Tree, Be Still, a book about learning to cope with anxious feelings. Students were able to listen to Shawn speak about how he became an author, and what motivated him to write the book.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Bingo Fundraiser Party
Students, parents, and staff helped out tremendously with our Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory library fundraiser. Students were able to play bingo and win prizes. Thank you to everyone who participated.
SA3 Poet
Sharyland Advanced Academic Academy student Joram Jeriel Cuanang
recently received notification that his poem will be published in Let A New Earth Rise. The anticipated publication date for the anthology is May, 2019 by FlowerSong Books. Nicole H. Cruz promoted the poetry submission at the library.
Wonderful Wernecke Volunteer
Mrs. Ramos was blessed to have a familiar volunteer at her campus this year. Mr. Jerry Morrow has been volunteering at the Wernecke Library for the past few years. Mrs. Ramos really appreciated his help and the students LOVED having him read to them for story time. Mr. Morrow also assisted first grade teachers with reluctant readers in the library.
JHS AR Book Fair Incentive
by Monica Silva
Students at JHS are awarded for their love of reading. We hold an annual end of year book fair where they convert their AR points to money to purchase books and fun items from Scholastic. They have so much fun purchasing items and seeing their hard work pay off. We are so proud of all of their accomplishments. We have the best students!
Custodians Appreciate Their PHS Librarian
"Think Big from the Heart not the Ego"
Biggest hearts at Pioneer!
Be Still Little Tree Be Still
Shawn Elliot Russell brought his inspirational message and book to Sharyland High School and SA3 juniors and seniors on Friday, April 19th. The district wide author visit was attended by students who were selected by their ELA teacher or librarian to attend. Students learned how to weather storms in their lives by breathing and how to follow their dreams.
SISD Lead Librarian, Nicole H. Cruz
Email: ncruz@sharylandisd.org
Website: https://www.sharylandisd.org/departments/library_services
Location: 1216 North Shary Road, Mission, TX, USA
Phone: 956-580-5300
Twitter: @Cruz23Mac