United Independent School District

United Middle School Maverettes were invited to audition for the national N.B.C show, America’s Got Talent. The dance group went to Houston, Texas, to Reliant Arena, to audition in front of the America’s Got Talent judges. They received the opportunity after a representative from the show saw them perform at a Spurs half time show. These girls have already won 21 awards including Best in Show and Best Choreography

The United Independent School District will hold classes for tomorrow, February 3. Classes will begin at their regularly scheduled time and parents should plan accordingly. Students are reminded to dress warmly in layers, observing the District’s dress code, and cover exposed skin when outdoors. 

Students who take the bus are reminded not to arrive at the bus stop more than 10 minutes prior to the scheduled pick up time.  The UISD Transportation Department will work to ensure that buses are running on time.  If an emergency notice should be issued for students living in the colonias of Hwy 59, Hwy 359, and Penitas along Mines Road, the Transportation Department will notify the schools affected so that information can be made available to parents/guardians.  Additionally, parents/guardians may contact the Transportation Department at (956) 473-5230 for this information. 

Like many residential homes and businesses in the City today, UISD also experienced rotating power outages, known as “brownouts” at some of its campuses.  UISD Officials were informed of these rotating “brownouts” in the morning when the school day was in progress, by representatives of American Electric Power (AEP) Company.  A schedule of when or where these “brownouts” were going to take place was not provided.  However, by about 3:00 p.m. today, ERCOT discontinued them, according to news reports.

The District will continue to post information via its website, SchoolMessenger, and with local media outlets.

The District urges all to be prepared for the cold temperatures and to be mindful of the hazards and safety rules of winter weather.

United Independent School District campuses, administrative offices including the UISD Tax Office, will be closed during Spring break beginning Friday, March 12, 2010, at 5p.m.-through Sunday, March 21, 2010.

Also, as a friendly reminder, DO NOT forget that this Sunday, March 14, 2010 will be daylight savings time. Please remember to SPRING FORWARD all clocks one hour ahead!

UISD campuses and administrative offices will reopen Monday, March 22, 2010. Students and teachers will also be returning on Monday, March 22, 2010.

Happy Spring Break!!!

For information contact the UISD Public Relations Office at (956) 473-6286.

The United Independent School District is the largest employer in Laredo serving approximately 40,900 students and employs 6,700 employees. UISD is comprised of 40 campuses in addition to three magnet programs, one Career Academy, and an alternative education campus. UISD encompasses 75% of Laredo and serves communities in Rio Bravo and El Cenizo.

The United High School (UHS) Longhorn Choir has been invited to perform the Mozart Mass in C Major “Coronation Mass” under the direction of Maestro Myron Flippin, at the famous Carnegie Hall in New York City on June 3-7, 2010. Although the choir has worked to raise money for this trip, they are still in need of $40,000 by April 1, 2010 in order to take part in this momentous and historic occasion.

According to UHS Choir Director Paul Foster, fundraising began in May of 2009 with a plate sale and other activities. The effort received an extra boost when the UHS Longhorn Choir was given the opportunity of a lifetime when they performed with legendary rock group, Foreigner at the Laredo Entertainment Center on February 10, 2010. When Foreigner had heard of the choir’s efforts in raising money for the trip to New York City, the rock group immediately jumped at the opportunity to help the school by asking choir members to sell copies of their latest CD at the venue in exchange for 50% of disc profits.

“It’s amazing how United High School has taken on this project with sheer determination in order to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall where many legendary musicians and artists have performed over the years,” said UISD Superintendent Roberto J. Santos. “It shows that no matter how high or steep the mountain is, anyone with the will and drive can make it the top,” Santos continued.

“Let’s get everyone involved in order for this dream to become a reality. We still have a couple of more weeks in order to raise more money. I really have complete faith and confidence that we can make it happen.” said United High School Choir Director Paul Foster.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the UHS Longhorn Choir may do so by contacting Foster at 473-5751.

For information contact the UISD Public Relations Office at (956) 473-6286.

The United Independent School District is the largest employer in Laredo serving approximately 40,900 students and employs 6,700 employees. UISD is comprised of 40 campuses, in addition to three magnet programs, one Career Academy, and an alternative education campus. UISD encompasses 75% of Laredo and serves communities in Rio Bravo and El Cenizo.

Today March 8th, 2010, Juan Antonio Molina, Jr. UISD Board of Trustees Vice-President proclaimed March as “United I.S.D. Census Month.” He stated that United I.S.D. fully supports the effort of the Census and asked everyone in our community to complete the 10 question survey because that translates into more dollars for our communities and schools.

Additionally students from Arndt Elementary performed the “Census Chant” to motivate the public to take part of this once-in-a-decade experience! Sandra Cavazos, UISD Executive Director for Student Services announced the winners of the United I.S.D. 2010 U.S. Census Essay Contest. The winners wrote an essay explaining how important it was to participate in the census and how it will affect our community.

The first place winner was Luis Antonio Diaz, an 8th grade student from Trautmann Middle School, second place went to Berenice Torres, a 6th grade student from Lamar Bruni-Vergara Middle School, and third place went to Amanda Sanchez, a 7th grade students from United South Middle School.

1st place
Luis Antonio Diaz, 8th grade
Trautmann Middle School
Principal: Mr. Raymundo Gonzalez, III

2nd place
Berenice Torres, 6th grade
Lamar Bruni-Vergara Middle School
Principal: Ms. Annabel Gomez-Rubio

3rd place
Amanda Sanchez, 7th grade
United South Middle School
Principal: Mrs. Selma Santos

For more information contact the Office of Public Relations at (956) 473-6286.

Pictured L-R: Juan Antonio Molina, Jr. UISD Board of Trustees Vice-President; Sylvia Martinez, U.S. Census Partnership Specialist; Amanda Sanchez 3rd Place winner; Luis Antonio Diaz, 1st Place winner; Berenice Torres, 3rd Place winner; Sandra Cavazos, Executive Director for Student Services; Roberto J. Santos, UISD Superintendent of Schools.

The United Independent School District (UISD) recently launched their new website, making this one more innovative for all its users. Of the many features and online programs offered, one notable service, which is free to individuals who sign up, is the “RSS” (Really Simple Syndication) feed. The “RSS” service will allow prospective subscribers to receive up-to-date information about news and events in UISD via their favorite web browser. UISD encourages parents, students, and the community to learn more about these services by visiting the new site at www.uisd.net.

“Our new website has been designed with the importance of our students, parents and members of the community in mind,” said UISD Superintendent Roberto J. Santos. “The features we’ve added, such as the RSS feed and other online services is ready to be used by our various stakeholders. Additionally, there is important information on our site that is very useful,” noted Santos who explained the resourceful information that has been posted under the “Parent” tab of new site.

On the “RSS” feed feature, a free service where interested subscribers can sign up by clicking on the “RSS” icon found on the District’s homepage, parents or members of the community can receive immediate notification and up-to-date news and information about UISD. .

Other convenient and innovative features that are on the site are: an online tax payment service, which offers a convenient option for UISD taxpayers to pay their taxes online; the “Lunch Money Now” program which allows parents to open an account and pay for their child’s breakfast and lunch online; a “School Locator” program which allows families, based on their home address, to find which elementary, middle, or high school their child should attend; a “photo crawl” which highlights various District events and is updated periodically; and several educational District and public service announcements that can be played directly from the site.

Website users can also find out information and background on the District’s various academic programs and student services, biographies of the Board of Trustees, along with each trustees boundary map, contact information for the schools and departments, job opening information and more.

Other useful information on the site includes: student immunization requirements; school bus routes, daily breakfast and lunch menus; parent tips and newsletters; guidelines on parent organizations (along with a presentation); information on the Student Code of Conduct and Dress Code; and the school calendars for the current and the upcoming 2010-2011 school year, plus much more.

For information about the new UISD website contact the Public Relations Office at (956) 473-6286.

The United Independent School District is the largest employer in Laredo serving approximately 40,900 students with 6,700 employees. UISD is comprised of 40 campuses in addition to three magnet programs, one Career Academy, and an alternative education campus. UISD encompasses 75% of Laredo and serves communities in Rio Bravo and El Cenizo.

There’s only one word that can describe the achievements of the United High School (UHS) Longhorn Boy’s Basketball Team on their 2009-2010 season: IMPRESSIVE! Whether it was their “impressive” number four state ranking, or their “impressive” record of thirty-four consecutive wins in a season (which broke the all-time District record), or their “impressive” wins at the Harlingen Tournament, Border Olympics Tournament, and Lone Star Tournament-of which the Lone Star Tournament was a state ranked competition.

“Impressive” is the only word to sum up the achievements of this talented team. More impressive, however; is the dedication, respect, and determination these high school athletes show on and off the court.

Before heading off to their Semi–Finals game to be played in San Antonio, at the University of Texas in San Antonio, City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas, together with State Representative Richard Raymond and United Independent School District Board of Trustees President Pat Campos, proclaimed a day in their honor and wished them well as they headed to San Antonio.

Indeed, it was a close game but these talented athletes are to be commended for putting Laredo Basketball “back on the map” with their winnings at home and away. Most importantly, the UHS Basketball Team has taught us that working together as a team will yield victory and success! As Sir Winston Churchill once said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

The names of the UHS Longhorns Basket Ball Team for the 2009-2010 winning season are:

UHS Players
Jairo Batista
Alfonso Bustamante
Manuel Canales
Johnathon Cortazzo
Michael Elizondo
Austin Gates
Thomas Johnson
Federico Juarez
Charles Kattan
Mathew Kuriata
John P. Montalvo
Daniel Rosas
Abraham Rubio
John Velasquez
Steven Vielma
Luis Vila

UHS Basketball Statiscian
David Lopez

UHS Basketball Managers
Jeffery Chawgo
Paolo Del Barrio

UHS Basketball Trainers
David Orosco, Trainer
Paula Garcia, Trainer

UHS Basketball Coaches
Archie Ramos, Head Coach
Eduardo Mendoza, Assistant Coach
Douglas Gates, Assistant Coach
Leopoldo Guardiola, Assistant Coach

The United Independent School District wishes to congratulate the UHS Basketball team and coaches for a job well done!

As you may know, the United High School Boy’s Basketball Team will be taking off to San Antonio tomorrow to play in the Regional Semi-finals game at UTSA. As such, the Mayor and other community leaders have decided to proclaim this day in their honor.

If you have an opportunity, please come and show your support today at 4:45 p.m. in the UHS gym. We want to show our athletes and coaches all our support and wish them much luck and success.

Goooooooooooo Longhorns!!!!

What: March 2010 to be proclaimed “United I.S.D. Census Month” and announcement of winners for 2010 U. S. Census contest. The proclamation will be read by United I.S.D. Board President Pat Campos.

When: Monday, March 8, 2010 @ 2:30p.m.

Where: United I.S.D. Boardroom, 201 Lindenwood Drive.

Additional Information: Every decade, the United States Census Bureau manages a count of the U.S. population as required by the Constitution. The 2010 Census helps communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year. United I.S.D. fully supports the effort of the Census Bureau. The current campaign slogan is “It’s In Our Hands”. We’re asking for everyone in our community to be counted because each completed survey translates into more dollars for our communities and schools.

Please call Alex Meyer for more information at (956) 473-6245.

What: United I.S.D. 22nd Annual Regional Science Fair.

When: Friday, March 12, 2010, 8a.m. to 2p.m.

Where: Student Activity Center, 5208 Sta. Claudia Lane

Additional Information: Middle and High School students will be competing. High School students will compete to earn title of Grand Champion. The Grand Champion will advance to represent our district at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in San Jose, California from May 9 to May 14, 2010. The Judges panel will include nurses, professors, doctors and engineers.

For more information, please call Roylin Wilson or Claudia Palizo at (956) 473-2022.

A once-in-a-decade experience, the U.S. Census Road Tour Community Experience is designed to educate the public about the census, inspire interest in the process and encourage participation. At each stop, thousands of Road Tour participants will share images and stories, explaining why the census will make a difference to their communities.

Everyone is invited to attend the Road Tour stop to experience this free, interactive and educational event. Those who can’t attend in person are encouraged to experience the virtual tour at 2010census.gov

You have two opportinities to participate in the U.S. Census Road Tour.

Tuesday, March 2,  9a.m. – 11a.m., @ Arndt Elementary, 610 Santa Marta Blvd.

Thursday, March 4,  9a.m. – 12 noon @  Zaffirini Elementary, 5210 Sta. Claudia Lane.

“Laredo 4” is no more. Now the Laredo Sector Horse Patrol mount that had been known only by his number has a good Texas name: “Cowboy.”

Cowboy was officially renamed this morning during a ceremony held at Los Obispos Middle School. Ashley Lopez, an eighth grade student at the school, was recognized for suggesting “Cowboy” as a good name for the horse. For her efforts, Lopez got to place a sash on the horse to officially give Cowboy his new name.

Laredo Sector Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Robert L. Harris reintroduced the horse patrol in December. The patrol’s mounts include four formerly wild mustangs that Laredo Sector adopted through the Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Program.

The four adopted mustangs were initially known by their assigned numbers. For example, the first adopted horse was designated as “Laredo 1.”

Chief Harris decided that the mustangs needed proper names that conveyed the importance of their mission and captured their personal characteristics. He enlisted the help of students at four local schools in picking names for the horses. Each school was given responsibility for naming one of the horses.

On Monday, Miguel Gomez, a sixth grade student at Salvador Garcia Middle School in Rio Bravo was honored for suggesting “Tornado” as a good name for the horse formerly known as “Laredo 1.” Also on Monday, Gabriela Machado, an eighth grade student at Antonio Gonzalez Middle School was recognized for her suggestion that “Laredo 2” be renamed as “Ranger.”

“Laredo 3”was renamed on Tuesday during a ceremony held at George Washington Middle School. Humberto Benavides, an eighth-grader at the school, was announced as the winner of a competition held to select a new name for the horse. Benavides’ suggestion of “Blitz” was deemed as the best entry from the school.

The Laredo Sector Horse Patrol is in the process of adopting more formerly wild mustangs. Once those horses are received, students at other local schools will get a chance to pick names for them.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

What: Webb Country District Attorney Isidro “Chilo” Alaniz will be the guest speaker at United South High School.

When: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 @ 9a.m.

Where: U.S.H.S. library, 4001 Ave. Los Presidentes.

Additional Information: Webb Country District Attorney Isidro “Chilo” Alaniz will give students an account of his personal background, education, and experience. He will also talk about the keys to success in hopes of motivating students to make the right choices for themselves.

For more information, please call Griselda Gonzalez at (956) 473-5423

What: Author Joe Hayes will present his most popular stories to Pk-5th grade students.

When: Monday March 8, 2010 from 8:30a.m. to 2:30p.m. (various sessions)

Where: Newman Elementary School Library, 1300 Alta Vista.

Additional Information: Joe Hayes is one of America’s top authors of children’s books , and a nationally recognized teller of tales from the Hispanic, native American, and Anglo cultures. Hayes likes to use both English and Spanish when telling his stories to children so they can learn to love both languages.

For more information, please call Ofilia Kirby at (956) 473-3812

Funds donated to the City’s “Laredoans 4 Haitian Relief Group” will be divided amongst three non-profit organizations currently helping victims.

On January 12, 2010, a devastating and tumultuous earthquake hit Haiti, leaving many people seriously injured, homeless, and causing many deaths. While Haiti was searching for answers to somehow excavate themselves from the impending dangers that laid ahead for them, many organizations, such as the United Independent School District (UISD), decided to launch a district-wide fund raising project to help. The project entitled: United We Stand-Operation Give them Hope, initially asked for a one dollar donation. However, the project kicked off into high gear as students and employees got together and raised over $25,000 at a press conference announced today.

“At UISD, we not only ensure a quality education that will lead our students to success, but we lead by example in how to help, inspire, and motivate others in doing great things so that future generations can look back and learn the necessary qualities and characteristics that make up a great leader,” said UISD Superintendent Roberto J. Santos. “As you can see, it is in our nature to help those who need a helping hand. I would like to congratulate all our campuses and departments for making this project a great success,” Santos continued.

Joining Santos at the press conference was City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas, who along with the Laredoans 4 Haitian Relief Committee, were Volunteer Chairperson Tricia Cortez, and the committee’s non-profit representatives: Carol Sherwood, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity, Ysela Sanchez of the American Red Cross Webb County Chapter, and the non-profit group, Doctors without Borders. All funds collected, including UISD’s donation, will be divided amongst these three organizations who are already assisting in Haiti.

“Through our donation, we placed the needs of others ahead of ours to help those who desperately need it the most. This is what our great nation stands for. The ability to move mountains as a team demonstrates that there is no greater force than strength in numbers,” said UISD Board President Pat Campos. “UNITED as one, we moved forward and helped the citizens of Haiti,” Campos continued.

For more information contact the UISD Office of Public Relations at (956) 473-6286.

The United Independent School District is the largest employer in Laredo serving approximately 40,900 students and employs 6,700 employees. UISD is comprised of 40 campuses in addition to three magnet programs, one Career Academy and an alternative education campus. UISD encompasses 75% of Laredo and serves communities in Rio Bravo and El Cenizo.

What: Laredo Haitian Relief Project check presentation followed by introduction of new United I.S.D. information website.

When: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 @ 10:30 a.m.

Where: United I.S.D Board Room, 201 Lindenwood Drive.

Additional Information: The sum total of United I.S.D. contributions for the Laredo Haitian Relief Project will be revealed during a check presentation on Wednesday, February 17, at 10:30a.m., in the United I.S.D. Board Room located at 201 Lindenwood Drive.

Introduction of the new United I.S.D. information website will follow immediately after the check presentation.

For more information, please call Rocio Moore at (956) 473-6333.

The United Independent School District (UISD) will join school districts across the State of Texas as the month of January has been proclaimed by Governor Rick Perry as “School Board Recognition Month.” Following Governor Perry’s lead will also be Mayor of Laredo, Raul G. Salinas, who will present the UISD Board of Trustees with the same distinction at tonight’s Business and Instructional Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the UISD Board Room located at 201 Lindenwood Drive. The focus of this annual designation is to highlight the contributions of our local school board and to thank board members for voluntarily tackling the enormous job of governing local school districts.

“As advocates for our children, our UISD Board of Trustees work tirelessly devoting countless hours to help ensure a quality education that will lead our students to success,” said UISD Superintendent Roberto J. Santos. “Elected by the community, they make critical decisions that directly affect the future of our children,” Santos continued.

The UISD Board of Trustees are a vital link between the community and the classroom in representing the largest employer in Laredo and Webb County. Together, the Board bears the responsibility for an annual budget of $349 million, approximately 40,900 students, over 6,700 employees, 40 campuses as well as an alternative education campus, three magnet programs and a Career Academy.

“Their job is not an easy one, but they have a commitment to serve their community and ensure that all students are given every opportunity to excel through education,” said Superintendent Santos.

The current Board of Trustees for UISD are: Board President Pat Campos; Vice-President Juan A. Molina, Jr.; Parliamentarian Ricardo Molina, Sr.; and Secretary Juan R. Ramirez. Members are William B. Johnson, Ricardo Rodriguez and Judd Gilpin.

Pat Campos was elected to the UISD Board of Trustees, District 3 seat in May 2003. Campos currently serves as President-UISD Board of Trustees. Juan A. Molina, Jr. was elected District 4 seat on May 15, 2004. Molina currently serves as Vice President-UISD Board of Trustees. Ricardo Molina, Sr. was elected District 1 seat in May 1996. Molina currently serves as Parliamentarian-UISD Board of Trustees. Juan R. Ramirez was elected District 6 seat in May 2002. Ramirez currently serves as Secretary-UISD Board of Trustees. William B. Johnson was elected District 5 seat in May 1994. He currently serves as Member-UISD Board of Trustees. Ricardo Rodriguez was elected to the UISD Board of Trustees, District 2 seat in November 2008. He currently serves as Member-UISD Board of Trustees. Robert Judd Gilpin was elected to the UISD Board of Trustees, District seat in November 2008. He currently serves as Member-UISD Board of Trustees.

For information contact the UISD Public Relations Office at (956) 473-6286.

The United Independent School District is the largest employer in Laredo/Webb County serving approximately 40,900 students and employs 6,700 employees. UISD is comprised of 40 campuses in addition to three magnet programs, one Career Academy in addition to an alternative education campus. UISD encompasses 75% of Laredo and serves communities in Rio Bravo and El Cenizo.

Two United South High School Students have been honored by the National Hispanic Recognition Program. The program sends a list of all recognized students to subscribing colleges and universities that are particularly interested in academically outstanding seniors of Hispanic/Latino Heritage. Qualification is based on critical reading, math and writing skill scores on the PSAT. Students must also a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

The Mighty LBJ “Wolf Band” are to be commended for their superior performance at the UIL Area G 4A Marching Band Contest held during the month of November. Out of the 25 4A high school bands, LBJ band was only one of 10 that advanced to finals competition in the evening, and the only Laredo Band in class 4A to advance to finals! In finals competition they competed with other bands from the Valley and all of South Texas and they placed 9th overall. Congratulations to all Wolf Band members, LBJ Band Director Eliseo Morales, and Assistant Directors Fidel Borrego and Marisela Hernandez.

LBJ’s Mighty Wolf Band makes U.I.S.D. proud!

Trautmann Elementary School was nominated for the 2010 Blue Ribbon Schools Award informed the Texas Education Agency.

Commissioner Robert Scott announced the nomination of 26 Texas public schools for this prestigious recognition. The award honors schools for academic excellence and making significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

For the past 27 years, this prestigious program has honored more than 5,800 of America’s most successful schools, including almost 500 Texas schools. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools. The schools are selected based on one of two criteria:

• Schools that dramatically improve student performance to high levels on state tests;
• Schools whose students achieve in the top 10 percent of their state on state tests.

The nominated schools were recommended by an intra–agency committee that examined student achievement statistics for the more than 8,000 public school and charter campuses in the state. The schools selected have demonstrated success in closing the achievement gap and each school has an economically disadvantaged population of 40 percent or greater. Schools nominated for the award serve as models of best practices for schools across the state.

The nominated schools will now complete a rigorous application process through the U.S. Department of Education. Announcements of the award winners will be made in September 2010.

Schools that receive the prestigious award are recognized at the Blue Ribbon School conference in Washington, D.C.

United South High School Freshman Juan Ruiz was recently chosen as a finalist in the Texas Alliance for Geographic Education (T.A.G.E.), poster contest. The contest gives students an opportunity to explore a geographic theme and present their findings in a creative way. This year’s theme was “Europe Beyond Borders: Exploring the Physical and Cultural Landscape” More than 15,000 students from across the state submitted entries for this year’s poster contest. This is the first year that United South High School participates in the contest.

U.S.H.S. T.A.G.E. finalist Juan Ruiz