United Independent School District

Javier Santos recently presented United South High School teacher Amado Chapa with a $10,000 donation from the Fernando Salinas Charitable Trust Fund. The money will be utilized to purchase computer software and equipment for Mr. Chapa’s Advertising & Design class. The check presentation was made during a U.I.S.D board meeting held on August 19. We at U.I.S.D. gratefully acknowledge the Fernando Salinas Trust Fund for supporting our teachers and educational programs.

UISD Trustees Judd Gilpin, Ricardo Molina Sr., and William B. Johnson ; United South High School Magnet School Dean Angelica R. Sanchez; USHS advertising and design teacher Amado Chapa; UISD Board President Pat Campos; Javier Santos, Fernando Salinas Charitable Trust Fund representative; USHS Principal David Canales; UISD Trustees Juan Antonio Molina Jr., Ricardo Rodriguez, and Juan Roberto Ramirez; UISD Superintendent of Schools Roberto J. Santos.

The UISD Public Relations Department welcomes Paola Arcos Mansinghani and Rocio Moore as the new Comunication Specialists for Publications.

Rocio Moore holds a Bachelors Degree in Communications from the Universidad VB in Tamaulipas, Mexico, a Masters Degree in Education from Texas A&M at Corpus Christi, also a certification by Adobe Systems Inc. as a Photoshop Certified Associate. Rocio’s previous work experience includes Laredo ISD, the Laredo Morning Times, and El Mañana. Her hobbies include: Photography, reading, painting and cooking.

Paola Arcos Mansinghani holds a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design from the Universidad de Monterrey, in Mexico. Paola’s previous work experience includes Laredo ISD, the Laredo Morning Times, and El Mañana. In her spare time, Paola enjoys painting, ceramics, and photography. One of Arcos’ oil paintings was featured on the cover of the fall 2006 issue of La Frontera, Laredo Community College’s literary and arts magazine.

The District’s Transportation Department hosted a fire safety program and demonstration at the Laredo Civic Center. Department drivers and monitors attended the training, which focused on proper response and technique in fire related emergencies. Sergio Garcia and Robert Soliz from the Laredo Fire Department conducted the in-service safety program which included a brief lecture and video presentation . Employees were then invited outdoors to receive a lesson on the proper use of fire extinguishers.

September Newsletter - United ISD Transportation personnel look on as one of their colleagues is taught how to use a fire extinguisher by Laredo Firefighters

The United Insider congratulates Ms. Bobbie Ramirez who is the new Principal at United Middle School. Ramirez has been an educator for 18 years, and this year will be her 6th year with UISD. Her professional experience includes teaching bilingual elementary classes then serving as a high school instructional coordinator and Assistant Principal at Antonio Gonzalez Middle School for 5 years.

Ramirez is brimming with excitement and looking forward to the future; “ In all my experiences I have found that students are the same regardless of the school, and that all parents want the same thing for their children: a safe, nurturing and respectful environment where their child is challenged and given every opportunity to be successful. As Principal of UMS, I will work diligently with the teachers, staff, parents and community members to build relationships. All of us at UMS will give our personal best every day in order to ensure that we are an exemplary campus at the end of this school year! Go Mavericks!”

UISD welcomes all students back to their respective campuses for the 2009-2010 school year. Principals and Teachers look forward to helping students achieve their potential in settings that are motivating and challenging. Many staff members have worked hard over the summer, attending staff development courses in preparation for this school year. UISD is committed to excellence and meeting the needs of all students. We wish all students and staff a great year!

Monday, August 24th which was the first day of school for all UISD campuses. There was an atmosphere of excitement at Trautmann Elementary School as parents arrived with their children. TES Teachers and staff were readily available to answer parent questions and welcomed each student to the campus. In the meantime, the new United High School was brimming with activity as students arrived for a history making first day of class. Students stepping into the school’s main hallway for the first time were visibly impressed with their ultra-modern surroundings. Principal, Alberto Aleman Jr., and staff were well-prepared to receive the students.

Students found their new classrooms with a little help from UHS staff and security personnel.

UISD’s Gang Intervention Facilitators work hard to help students stay out of gangs. Two former gang members, Gilbert Peña (2nd from left) and Martin Rios (2nd from right) and Gang Intervention Facilitator, Joe Espinoza (right) were recently interviewed by a television crew from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for a story on border violence. Peña and Rios graduated from United South High School and both are productive members of society. Shown here are (L-R): Video Photographer Chuck Tayman, Peña, Producer Nada Tawfik, Correspondent Matthew Price, Rios, and Espinoza.

The Laredo Federal Credit Union (LFCU) recently announced the winners of their calendar art contest at United South High School. There was a combined total of one hundred and fifty entries from students attending UISD and LISD. All winning entries were from UISD. Each winner received a certificate of appreciation and monetary award from LFCU. The first place winner was USHS student, Luis Rodriguez, received $300.00. In addition, his winning entry will be featured on the cover of LFCU’s 2009-2010 calendar. UHS student, Larry Reyes’ placed second and received $200.00. Geraldine Bedia, USHS student placed third and received $100.00. Rafael R. Martinez, Director of Marketing and Compliance said that LFCU has been hosting the contest for the past eight years. “We think it’s great that the contest gives local young artists an opportunity to showcase their talent.”

United Insider commends design and computer graphics teacher Amado Chapa from USHS, and Art teacher Laura R. Salido from UHS for the great job they do with their students.

Standing behind the winning entries (L to R): LFCU Director of Marketing and Compliance, Rafael R. Martinez; USHS Assistant Principal, Conrad Cantu; USHS Art teacher Laura R. Salido; UHS Second Place Winner, Larry Reyes; USHS First Place Winner, Louis Rodriguez; USHS Third Place Winner, Geraldine Bedia; USHS Design and Computer Graphics teacher, Amado Chapa; USHS Business School Magnet Dean, Angie Sanchez; and Leticia Leal, UISD District coordinator of Fine Arts.

The UISD Food Services Department did their part to welcome guests at United High School’s rededication. The early morning feast of tasty pastries and drinks was enjoyed by dignitaries, former UISD Principals, parents, and well-wishers. Thank you making our visitors feel right at home!

Left to Right: Herlinda Gomez, San Juanita Rodriguez, UHS Cafeteria Manager, Adela M. Castro, Carmen Gurola, and Olga Valdez.