United Independent School District

DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM
The United ISD Board approved on October 21st meeting a Discount Prescription Program. This program will allow employees and household members to take advantage of top selling generic prescriptions at a low cost without having to use their insurance. Employees can take advantage of the savings with no cost to you at all HEB Pharmacies, The Medicine Shoppe, and Lakeside Pharmacy. A listing of services is posted on the United ISD website under the Risk Management Department section. Note: Discounts for The Medicine Shoppe and Lakeside Pharmacy are available simply by showing your United ISD Employee ID card. Discounts for HEB will require a special HEB card which will be mailed out to all employees in the near future.

For more information, you can visit www.uisd.net/departments/student-support-services/business-finance/risk-management or call the Risk Management Department at 473-6392.

Who is a dependent under your benefits program?
An employee must be covered first, during the first 30 days of employment or open enrollment, in order to cover eligible dependents. Eligible dependents are:
1. Your spouse;
2. An unmarried child under the limiting age shown in the Schedule of Coverage. The dependent child age limit in our policy is 25;
3. Any unmarried child of any age who is medically certified as Disabled and dependent on the parent;
4. A child of your child who is your dependent for federal income tax purposes at the time application for coverage of the child is made;
5. Any other child included as an eligible dependent under the contract.

Changes in Your Status
If you have a change in your life status due to marriage, birth of child, and/or adoption and currently covered under the District’s health, dental, and/or vision plan, you may add them to your policy within 30 days of the event change.
Also, if your life status has changed due to divorce, dependent marries, dependent reaches the age of 25 and/or participant in your family dies, you have 30 days from the event change to make the necessary changes.
Please note: Changes to your coverage may result in an increase or decrease of premiums.

Has your contact information changed?
If your name, address or telephone number changes, did you know that once your make these changes at Human Resources, you will also need to stop by the Risk Management Department as well. Your benefits information is based on the application we have on file. So if you request a new ID card(s), it will get sent to the wrong address. Please note: these are not qualifying events for making changes to your benefits.

HYATT LEGAL PLAN

Doing your taxes in January
Because mistakes on your tax return can cost you – time and money – it’s important to take advantage of all the available resources. You have some options. You may want to hire a professional to prepare your taxes. Using a professional can result in tax savings as well as confidence, knowing it is unlikely there will be mistakes on your return. If you prepare and file your own return, be sure to read through all of the directions and seek out answers for your questions (e.g., at the IRS website, www.irs.gov).

Generally, the IRS requires that you file a tax return every year. For most taxpayers, the tax year is the same as the calendar year. You will prepare and file your income tax return no later than April 15th of the year following the tax year, unless you request an extension using the IRS Form 4868. Saving and categorizing records of deductions throughout the year will help you be ready to file when the time comes.

There are four ways you can prepare your income tax return.
1. You can prepare it manually with pencil and paper.
2. You can prepare it yourself using tax preparation software on your own computer.
3. You can pay a fee for a tax professional to complete your return using their computer and software.
4. If you meet certain income and other requirements, you can have your tax return prepared free by using IRS Free File.

Four U.I.S.D. students were among those recognized as “Head Of The Class” during the month of November. The monthly program identifies local high school students who excel in academic pursuits, community service, and are involve in extra curricular activities. Teachers and counselors nominate students for the title. The monthly recognition is sponsored by the U.S. Border Patrol, I.B.C., Royal Laser Wash, McDonald’s, and the Public Access Channel.

DECA students from United South High hosted their annual Fall Fashion Show in the cafeteria last month. Seniors modeled off the latest fashions from Dillard’s Department Store. The theme, Love & Peace, was a tribute to the 40th celebration of Woodstock.

UISD WELCOMES: Alan Jackson, the new Claims Specialist with the Risk Management Department. He joins the district from BBVA Compass Bank. Lena Bernal is the new secretary in the Public Relations Office. She joins the district from Texas A&M International University. Abel Alvarado is the new photographer for ITV. He joins the district from Cinedelaredo.com & Univision.

The 2009 U.I.S.D. Educational and Wellness Parent Festival was held recently at L. B. Johnson High School. This year, approximately 2,200 parents and children took advantage of the wellness check stations, education booths, information sessions, and camps. One of the festival highlights was a presentation by guest speaker Ronny Cabrera. His speech entitled “Inspiring Parents to Motivate Their Children,” was greatly appreciated by parents at the festival. U.I.S.D. thanks the community for supporting this parental involvement initiative.

The Webb County Sheriff’s Office, Fernando Salinas Charitable trust, and KGNS-TV recently held the first “Community Role Model” ceremony at Cigarroa High School. Four U.I.S.D. students were among the recipients of the award. During his opening remarks, Sheriff Martin Cuellar said that role model students “ have demonstrated excellent leadership skills, met challenges, and set a good example for their peers.” Each honoree received a plaque of recognition and a $50 textbook scholarship.

District officials announced the “Lunch Money Now” program at a recent press conference at Col. Santos Benavides Elementary.
Pictured L to R: Eduardo Zuñiga, Asociate Superintendent for Student Support Services; Adalberto Ramirez, Director of Food Services; Aryana Valdez, Dietician; Myrthala Villarreal, Col. Santos Benavides Principal; Roberto J. Santos, United ISD Superintendent.

U.I.S.D. Federal and State Compensatory Programs recently hosted an advisory council meeting for migrant parents and homeless families at the Student Activity Complex.

Gateway Community Health Center, Workforce Solutions, M.E.T., Healthy Steps, Cougar Bus Lines, and representatives from TAMIU and the U.S. Border Protection Customs & Training Team were among the agencies and community partners on hand. Their participation made it easy for families to obtain health, education, and employment related information. In addition, a team of U.I.S.D. Gang Facilitators provided families with valuable information.

The evening culminated with a distribution of groceries and turkeys donated by the Laredo Food Bank. Assisting with the distribution were U.I.S.D. Board President Pat Campos and Board members Ricardo Rodriguez, Ricardo Molina, and Juan R. Ramirez. Judge Danny Valdez, Judge Ramiro Veliz, and representatives from Cougar Bus Lines helped U.I.S.D. staff with the allocation of goods. Many of the homeless children received blankets and clothing.

National Elementary Honor Society students from Bonnie L. Garcia Elementary School planted trees by Manadas Creek in North Central Park as part of the ‘Keep Laredo Clean’ program. Their effort is a community service that will make the park even more enjoyable for our families!
NEHS students take a break with project supervision staff: Left side of student group (left to right) Reading Intervention teacher Cindy Castellano ; Counselor, Nelda Ceballos; and Bonnie Garcia Principal Clare Flores.

Erika Flores recently visited students at Clark Elementary school in conjunction with the UISD “pull-out” program. The program provides GT students with opportunities to engage in research and creative thinking as well an opportunity to sharpen their public speaking and presentation skills. The program also introduces students to former G.T. students who characterize success in a professional career. Flores was a G.T. student at Clark Elementary School, and graduated from United High School in 1998. In 2003 she earned her degree in fashion design from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, Texas. Flores has since worked in some of the world’s leading fashion centers. Flores’ professional journey has taken her to New York City where she worked as a fashion designer for Zamadi Jeans. She is currently employed as a consultant for the Rock Revolution clothing line in Los Angeles, California. Flores said of her experience; “I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer, and after six years in the business I am still amazed at all the wonderful things I have been able to do and all the famous people I have met.” Flores told her G.T. student audience that it takes a lot of effort to achieve professional goals. She also shared the message that the doors of opportunity are always open to those with a good education.

“Courts In Schools” is an educational program that brings authentic courtroom proceedings to local campuses. Judge Oscar Hale, Jr. recently presided over two cases at United South High School. Ms. Linda Garcia’s Criminal Justice students observed and listened closely as Hale reviewed cases and declared punishments for two defendants. Afterwards, Hale asked the defendants to explain what they had learned from their mistakes. One defendant remarked “you have to be careful when you make decisions because the wrong ones hurt you in a really bad way.” Another defendant (who had already served time in jail), said “It’s cold in jail. The food is bad and the water is worse.”

Judge Hale summarized the proceedings by reminding observers that individuals who violate the law often “kiss away their dreams.” He continued by saying that “convictions make it very difficult for individuals to qualify for professional opportunities. It is very important to make wise choices and get your education.”

United Independent School District earns TEA’s highest fiscal rating for seventh consecutive time.

For the seventh year in a row, the United Independent School District (UISD) has received Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) highest fiscal rating of “superior achievement” under the First Integrity Rating System of Texas or FIRST program for the 2007-2008 school year. Implemented in 2001, FIRST is a yearly Texas public school financial accountability program in which school districts submit a financial report based on several required indicators. This year, 24 indicators were reviewed which allowed UISD to garner this achievement once again.

“Receiving this recognition for the seventh consecutive year shows that our taxpayers are taken into consideration when we are planning for the future,” said UISD Superintendent Roberto J. Santos describing the rigorous indicators requested by the FIRST program. “While we have the great responsibility of educating our students, we also realize the responsibility we have to our taxpayers. I believe this award is proof of how we are successfully managing both,” continued Santos.

Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Laida P. Benavides agreed saying “UISD will continue to grow and provide the best educational experience for our students while also being fiscally accountable to the public,” she ended.

Created by TEA in response to the Texas Legislature’s request to address several public school system accountability issues, the FIRST program ensures school districts are held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices and can achieve improved performance, through various given ratings, in the management of their financial resources.

The system is designed to encourage Texas public schools to manage their financial resources in a more fiscally appropriate manner and to allow the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes. The system also discloses the quality of local management and decision-making processes that impact the allocation of financial resources in Texas public schools.

The FIRST program also mandates that school districts hold a public meeting to distribute a financial management report which explains the district’s rating and its performance under each of the 24 indicators for the current and prior year. This presentation was made on October 21, 2009, at the Student Activity Complex, located at 5208 Santa Claudia Lane at 6:15 p.m. See agenda posting at: http://www.boardbook.org/apps/bbv2/temp/45661119-CF44-A2A9-FE800473311B7D59.pdf.