Monday Message
From the desk of Dr. Harrell
September 30, 2019
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much” – Helen Keller.
This week I want to share my fourth piece of the Believe in U thoughts. I Believe in ‘U’valde – Our community. Community engagement and involvement in schools is a necessary facet in having safe and successful schools. Consistent community involvement and engagement at all levels have shown time and time again to have significant short and long term benefits.
According to a National Education Association (NEA) policy brief “When schools, parents, families, and communities work together to support learning, students tend to earn higher grades, attend school more regularly, stay in school longer, and enroll in higher-level programs.” With these important benefits in mind, it’s clear that a focus on increasing community involvement programs and opportunities should be a consistent goal for your school.
The importance of community support could not have been more evident than the display of support shown at the Honey Bowl last Friday night when our Coyotes beat Alamo Heights in overtime. The community was definitely “All In” and engaged to the very end. Prior to the game and throughout, community members were volunteering their time, energy, and talent. We had parents and community members in the concession stands working, cooking hamburgers, fajitas, hot dogs, and volunteering to move band equipment. We had student organizations manning positions in the concession stands as well.
Community support goes well beyond Friday nights. We have civic organizations sponsoring experiences for our students that would have otherwise been unreachable. Our Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) and Booster Clubs continue to work in support of our students. They give countless hours of their time and raise countless dollars. We have community members come in weekly to share their life stories and provide lunch. We have a long track record of working with our local financial institutions and the continued support they show our staff and students. The Cactus Jack Foundation continues to find creative ways to support and grow our students.
There are many other groups that support our schools, programs, and students. Southwest Texas Junior College and Sul Ross State University are great partners adding to the success of our students and staff. Local businesses provide encouragement and support. We have First Responders that we need to thank for their continuous service. We have our local elected officials such as the City Council and County Commissioners who are focused on providing the resources needed to operate our campuses, provide safe roads to travel, and hold safe parades. This list is not exhaustive however as you can see our students, staff, and schools need the genuine support of our community.
I Believe in ‘U’valde.
I Believe in ‘U’.
Dr. Hal Harrell
Superintendent
Deborah Schaffino UCISD Employee of the Month for September
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize our employee of the month for September as Deborah Schaffino, school secretary at Morales Junior High School. Mrs. Schaffino has served our district for 23 years in many capacities. Mrs. Schaffino provides excellent support to the staff, students, and parents of Morales Junior High. She wears many hats with grace and elegance. She embraces every situation with a smile and a “can do” attitude always making an excellent Team Player.
Mrs. Schaffino has been described as, “She brightens every room she enters with her beautiful smile, positive attitude, and takes great care of the staff without expectation of a reward or recognition. She is a true leader by example.” Please help congratulate Deborah Schaffino!
TERESA HILLYER NAMED THE UCISD TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Mr. Russell Lee, UCISD Transportation Director is proud to announce Teresa Hillyer has been named the Transportation Department Employee of the Month for September. Teresa has been employed as a bus driver for over 12 years. During this time Teresa has transported UCISD students throughout the city of Uvalde on regular school routes; on field trips across the state for student events, and to special events throughout the city. Teresa is an exceptional employee who is always ready to help out in whatever manner is needed, one of the things her fellow employees appreciate about her and why she was nominated for this award.
When asked what she loves best about being a UCISD bus driver Teresa quickly responded…
“I love the kids!”
“I love my co-workers!”
“I love working for the UCISD!”
All of us in the UCISD Transportation Department unanimously concur, “We love you Teresa Hillyer and we are so glad you are part of our team!”
Crossroads Academy Celebrating Success
The following students have completed graduation requirements!
Forrest Gaston
Elizabeth Romero
Scholar of the Month
Uvalde C.I.S.D. has partnered with IBC Bank and KVOU Radio to promote and encourage scholastic excellence among students. Students enter an essay-writing contest with the topic “Why I Should be the Scholar of the Month.” Teachers choose one composition to represent their classroom. Compositions are turned into a campus leadership team, which selected one winner to represent Crossroads Academy High School. The Scholar of the Month recognition took place on Monday, September 30th.
Crossroads Academy Scholar of the Month:
Hector Blanco, Jr.
Hector was presented with a $100 savings account courtesy of IBC Bank, will be mentioned in congratulatory announcements on KVOU Radio, and enjoyed a congratulatory lunch with school administration, parents, representatives from IBC Bank and KVOU Radio prepared especially by Southwest Foodservice Excellence for the special recognition.
Pictured in the photo: (left to right) Arthur Thomas (IBC), Dr. Harrell (superintendent), Hector Blanco (dad), Hector Blanco, Jr. (scholar), Aaliyah Blanco (sister), Blanca Blanco (mom), Dr. Lopez (principal), Mario Rangel (KVOU) and David Duran (IBC)
KVOU UCISD Weekly Update
Prayer at the Pole
Fabulous Flores held Prayer at the Pole on Tuesday Morning before the start of the school day. Pastor Tony Gruben from Baptist Temple Church led the Prayer while everyone in attendance held hands and then had a chance to each say their own personal prayer. Students Thanked the Lord for their education and families, teachers prayed for students and a fabulous school year. Mr. Gruben Prayed for everyone in attendance and for students education and safety. It was a beautiful start of our school day.
Coyote Fans of the Week
Coyote Fans of the Week was awarded to:
Devin Bustamante, Kinder
Sophia Bustamante, 4th Grade
Jordan Albarado, 5th Grade
were selected for showing Coyote and Lobo Pride! Devin, Sophia and Jordan were surprised with balloons, two sideline passes, free tickets to the Coyote vs Alamo Heights game, a free hotdog, drink and a tour of the Press Box. The Coyote Fans were extremely surprised and honored.
How can you be the next Coyote Fan of the Week for the Friday, October 18th Football Game? Uvalde CISD Students are encouraged to take pictures and/or video showing their Coyote Spirit, showing your Coyote & Lobo Spirit at a game or showing your Coyote & Lobo Pride in our community.
Picture and/or video submissions should be posted to Athletic Director R.T. Gonzales’ Facebook page or emailed to rgonzales7866@uvaldecisd.net. All submissions must be received by Wednesday, October 16th, 2019.
Uvalde High School NJROTC Promotions
We are proud to announce the following promotions of Uvalde High School NJROTC Cadets:
Enrique Morales (Senior) to Cadet/Master Chief Petty Officer
Aaron Lopez (Junior) to Cadet/2nd Class Petty Officer
Daniel Martinez (Sophomore) to Cadet/3rd Class Petty Officer
The promotions are based on the performance of duty, leadership, bearing, dress, and attitude, as demonstrated by their dedication to Uvalde High and the NJROTC program.
Batesville School - Literacy-Rich
Uvalde CISD Police Department is proud to announce the 2019 Bullying-Prevention Poster Contest
Uvalde CISD Police Department
is proud to announce the
2019 Bullying-Prevention Poster Contest
Contest Eligibility:
Uvalde CISD K-12th Grade Students
What kind of art is eligible?
The poster is to be no larger than a 22” x 28” Poster Board and no Smaller than 9’’ x 12’’ sheet of construction paper (any color). Artists may use any colorful medium that includes markers, paint, pastels, pencils, colored pencils, and crayons. Digital art, photography, sculpture and three-dimensional art will not be accepted. Please do not frame Artwork. Artwork that is framed will be disqualified.
Criteria for Judging:
Categories for judging are as follows:
Pre K – Kinder, 1st -2nd, 3rd-4th, 5th-6th, 7th-8th, Freshman-Senior
Entries will be judged on:
1) Originality
2) Artistic composition
3) Message
Each Uvalde CISD campus will select three artists to represent the school and will submit them to the administration building for judging.
Deadline:
The classroom teacher must receive all entries by October 21, 2019.
Winners:
The overall winners will be announced on October 25th during Red Ribbon Week on the Uvalde CISD Police Facebook Page.
Wear Blue Every Monday in October
The first Monday of every October is World Day of Bullying Prevention!
On this day students, schools, and communities all over the world go BLUE together against bullying. It also kicks off National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month every October.
Join us in solidarity to stop bullying and cyberbullying! Make it the day that bullying prevention is heard around the world! Whether you wear your own blue shirt or you’ll be using your voice and sending a message that this is the day that bullying prevention is heard around the world. Change the Culture!
Wear Blue For World Day of Bullying Prevention
#BlueUp with STOMP Out Bullying on Monday, October 7th!
District Training
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Niki Henderson, M.Ed., LPC
UCISD Lead Family-Student Support Counselor
(830) 591-4954 ext. 5510
Register for the training in Eduphoria.