Monday Message
From the desk of Dr. Harrell
December 2, 2019
Welcome Back! I hope each one of you had a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you had an opportunity to spend time with family and friends and did not go to wild on ‘Black Friday’.
Over the break, I was reading an article that started by asking, “Are you tired of your cell phone dying?”. The article shared that researchers are working on wearable technology that could convert body movements into energy for powering your personal devices. Right now researchers are experimenting with putting technology in shoes to capture and provide energy for a person’s device. They shared that as your feet rise and fall and strike the walking surface that a substantial amount of energy is created. That being the case, just think about the amount of potential energy in just one elementary classroom or any classroom for that matter; a limitless amount.
An incredible amount of good, healthy and positive energy is created each day on every campus in preparing for our students. If we could harness the energy teachers use to prepare, deliver and evaluate a lesson, we would never have an energy problem. If we could capture the energy bus drivers spend to safely deliver our students, the energy our cafeteria workers create in preparing nutritious meals, the energy our custodians generate in preparing the campus and the energy all other staff members produce in preparation for students we could fuel the buses and have power for all the campuses. Lastly, if we could harness and capture the energy and excitement each student brings to their school we could power the town – busy little feet. Today we may not be able to capture that type of energy, but someday maybe one of your students will find that answer. Until that day, I know each one of you will continue to bring outstanding energy and excitement each and every day to your classrooms. We only have 3 weeks until the end of the semester – Keep bringing the energy.
Maybe Fred Flintstone was onto something in his self-powered car - Just Saying.
Dr. Hal Harrell
Superintendent
TEA Blended Learning Grant
“We are thrilled to announce that Uvalde ISD has been selected to receive a $125,000 Blended Learning Planning Grant for Math Innovation Zones! Additionally, your district is now eligible for a Blended Learning Execution Grant of up to $100,000 based on the fulfillment of Fidelity of Planning requirements in the spring of 2020!”
We were notified earlier this week that Uvalde CISD received the TEA Blended Learning Grant. We will be sending a team to Dallas on the 5th & 6th of December to begin the initial process of the work.
School Board Recognitions
Tennis District Champs Eighth Year in a Row
UHS Tennis earned the district 29-5A team tennis champions for the eighth year in a row under the leadership of Head Coach Terri Rambie and Assistant Coach Eric Mahler. The team had a great season, completing district play with a perfect 7-0 record, and continues to represent our district with outstanding sportsmanship and Coyote/Lobo Pride! Our UHS team advanced to the Bi-District Round, and defeated SA Jefferson 10-0, to claim the Bi-District Championship. With the win, our UHS team Tennis team advanced to the Area Round where they defeated Lockhart, 10-3. The win set up a match-up with the Alamo Heights in the regional quarterfinals. Our UHS Tennis team was eliminated by one of the teams that played in the State Finals.
Congrats, on a fantastic year of Claiming a District, Bi-District, and Area Championship.
Team Representatives:
Andrew Melchor
Crystal Mason
Head Coach: Terri Rambie
Assistant Coach: Eric Mahler
UHS Marching Band Earning Top Rating at UIL Competition
On Saturday, October 12th our UHS Marching Band participated in the UIL Marching Contest. The Uvalde Coyote Band took the field and put in an impressive performance, earning Division 1 Superior ratings from all three judges.
These ratings allowed the Uvalde Coyote Band to advance to the Area marching competition on October 26th, at Rutledge Stadium in Judson ISD. The Uvalde Coyote Band gave it everything they had, however, did not advance to the finals.
The show prepared this year was extremely ambitious and is easily the hardest show this program has ever attempted. The students really rose to the occasion, and all of the directors are beyond proud of our student progress.
Jason Jung shares, “I want to make sure and thank our administration and our booster club for all of their help and support.”
Drum Major: Marcela Robles
Assistant Drum Major: Morgan Diaz
Head Director: Jason S. Jung
UHS Cross Country Team Representatives
UHS Lobo XC team finished 3rd at the district 28-5A meet. As a team, the Lobos qualified to advance to the Regional XC meet. Unberto "Tito" Gonzales, finished 5th at district and qualified for Regional Competition.
Team Representatives:
Michelle Hernandez
Esmy Garcia
Head Coach: Elizabeth Guzman
Morales Junior High T.E.A. Distinctions
We are extremely proud of the staff and students at Morales Junior High who earned the following T.E.A. Accountability Distinction Designations:
Top 25% Comparative – Academic Growth
Top 25% Comparative – Closing the Gaps
Dalton's Pow Wow
14th Annual Uvalde C.I.S.D. Tamalada
Tamalada Student Entertainment
Buffalo Soldiers Visit UHS
Superintendent's Student Advisory Council
On Thursday, November 21st Dr. Harrell’s Superintendent's Student Advisory Council participated in a Downtown Walking Tour. The tour began at the Town Square where Susan Rios shared information on the restoration of the water fountain. Students then participated in a Town Square Monument Visual Hunt activity. This was a fun activity for the group. The group then crossed the street and were greeted by Caitlin Visel for a tour of the Opera House. The group moved onto the Courthouse Tour led by Helly Moncada. A short walk led the group to Sister Delores where she shared information on the services offered at St. Henry de Oso. The group ended the walking tour with lunch at Broadway 830. It was a great tour allowing our students to learn more about their community.
Scholars 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 a 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 Uvalde High School 10th and 9th-graders. The Scholar of the Month recognition took place on Wednesday, November 20th.
Uvalde High School Scholars of the Month:
10th Grade Scholar of the Month: Jo Ann Navarro
9th Grade Scholar of the Month: Stevee QuirozStudents were presented with a $100 savings bond 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), Michael Rodriguez (Deputy Superintendent), Diana Ortega (mom), Jo Ann Navarro (scholar), Valentin Ortega (dad), Mr. Castillo (principal), and Mario Rangel (KVOU)
Pictured in the photo: (left to right) Arthur Thomas (IBC), Michael Rodriguez (Deputy Superintendent), Jessika Aguilar (mom), Stevee Quiroz (scholar), Heather Quiroz (stepmother), Mr. Castillo (principal), and Mario Rangel (KVOU)
Informational Text
FFA Banners
On Thursday, November 21st students in Mrs. Harris’s class proudly hung FFA Banners. This is the first time in 15 years that Uvalde FFA has had teams qualify for Area. Area VII is the most competitive area in the state of Texas, going up against some of the best FFA chapters in the nation. Mrs. Harris shares, “We were blessed to bring home banners for being in the Top 5 for each team that qualified for the Area contest. This is a HUGE accomplishment for our FFA Chapter. We are looking forward to more success in the spring! Thank you to our Admin and school district for the support we have had thus far. Uvalde FFA is back and back for good!”
Results for the fall LDE’s:
Angelo State University LDE contest (10/30/19)
Jr. Skills- 1st place
Sr. Skills- 1st place
Radio Broadcasting- 5th place
Tarleton State University LDE contest (11/7/19)
Jr. Skills- 1st place
Radio Broadcasting-1st place
Ag Issues- 7th place
Hondo District FFA LDE contest
(11/13/19)
Jr Skills- 1st place
Sr Skills- 1st place
Radio Broadcasting-2nd place
Sr Quiz- 3rd place
Ag Issues Forum- 3rd place
Area VII LDE Contest in Blanco
(11/20/19)
Jr Skills- 3rd place
Sr Skills- 3rd place
Radio Broadcasting-5th place
Coffee with Counselors
Bus Driver of the Year Nomination
Please help us again this year to recognize the driver in our school district who best exemplifies the Five Character Points of an outstanding driver:
Leadership
Attitude
Perseverance
Student / Parent Relationships
Technical Skills
Nominations may be completed by any transportation stakeholder: drivers, other staff members, managers, teachers, administrators or parents.
Nomination Forms:
Bus Driver of the Year Nomination Form - English
Bus Driver of the Year Nomination Form - Spanish
Please submit nomination forms to:
Diana Karau
Option 1: Drop off at UCISD Central Office
Option 2: Email to Diana Karau at dkarau2955@uvaldecisd.net
Paper nomination forms can be picked up at Central Office.
The nomination deadline is Friday, December 6th by 5 pm.
For more information please contact:
Diana Karau at 830-333-7003 or by email at dkarau2955@uvaldecisd.net