United Independent School District

Congratulations Alexander High School Bulldogs!

Congratulations United High School Longhorns!

Four students were among those recognized as “Head of The Class” for February 2012.  The monthly program identifies local high school students who excel in academic pursuits, community service, and are involved in extracurricular activities. Teachers and counselors nominate students for the honor.  Recognitions are sponsored in part by the U.S. Border Patrol, I.B.C., Royal Laser Wash, McDonald’s, KGNS, Border Media Partners, A&E Office Products, Best Buy, AHEC, Laredo Bucks, H.E.B., L.E.A., Dr. Sara E. Campos, M.D. and the City of Laredo Public Access Channel. Pictured left to right: Roylin B. Wilson, Executive Director for Secondary Education; Martha Chapa, J.B. Alexander High School; Irasema Garcia, Lyndon B. Johnson High School; Sandra A. Duarte, United High School; Kimberly Y. Romero, United South High School.

H-E-B Announces a United ISD Educator as Statewide Finalist

H-E-B announced today that Ana Laura Fuentes is a 2012 Excellence in Education Statewide Finalist.  She was presented with a $1,000 check for herself and one for her school as well.  Fuentes is a kinder teacher at Senator Judith Zaffirini Elementary School and was one of 800 nominees in the State who was considered for this award. She has been with the United Independent School District for nine years and says her job as an educator is a rewarding one.  As a statewide finalist, Fuentes will be invited to Houston in May where the final judging and awards celebration will take place.  Congratulating her on the award is (pictured from left to right) student Ramiro Casarez, kinder; honoree Fuentes; Zaffirini Elementary School Principal Claudia Y. Benavides; and Jonathon Morales, kinder student.

Celebrate Texas Public Schools.

Venga a Celebrar las Escuelas Públicas de Texas el Jueve 8 de Marzo de 1212

United ITV Wins 27 Awards at TSPRA Conference

The United Independent School District Instructional Television Department (ITV) recently competed in the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) media awards contest, held in Austin, Texas.

UISD competes in the largest division, against school districts with a student population of 30,000 or more.

The United ITV Department has the distinction for three years in a row, of winning more state awards than any other instructional television department in Texas. This year the United ITV staff was presented with a total of 27 awards – 21 Gold Star Awards and six Silver Star Awards.

ITV Director Susan Carlson says, “We are thrilled and honored to be recognized at the state level for our video productions. The ITV department is small, but I work with a very talented staff. These awards are confirmation that my department’s hard work has paid off.” Carlson adds, “We are so grateful to the UISD school board and administration, for building a television studio and providing our department with state-of-the-art equipment.”

The ITV Department produces a variety of television programs that highlight the school district. These shows include “Knowledge for College,” an academic game show and United ISD student newscasts. UISD instructional television programming airs weekly on KVTV, FOX, KGNS, CW and the Public Access Channel (PAC).

In addition, the ITV Department also produces training videos, a variety of public service announcements for television and radio, as well as recording board meetings, music videos and special projects and events.

Gold Star Awards

United ISD Generic Newscast #8

United ISD Newscast #10

United ISD Newscast #12

United ISD Newscast #18

Washington Middle School Feature Newscast

United High School Choir sings with Foreigner – news package

UISD Board Member Super Heroes – feature video

UISD Externship 2010 – special interest video

Fierro Family – feature video

Karen’s Great Adventure – feature video

Killam Elementary Survives the TAKS – music video

School Messenger – PSA

50^th Anniversary Theatre Announcement – promotional video

Crime Stoppers – PSA

Gifts of Gold Fashion Show – PSA

Partners for Scholars – promotional video

STAAR General Information – PSA

Summer Food Program – PSA

Talent Search – PSA

United South High School “Read it Up” – music video

U.S. Scholastic Band Association – PSA

Silver Star Awards

Imaginarium Awards – documentary video

Sandra Benavides Retirement – special interest video

Sandra Cavazos Retirement – special interest video

UISD Toy Drive Highlights – special interest video

United South High School Pink Glove Dance – music video

Breakfast in the Classroom – training video

Cutline: The United ISD Instructional Television Department displays 27 video production awards they recently won at the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) conference held in Austin, Texas.  The ITV department has the distinction for three years in a row, of winning more state awards than any other instructional television department in Texas. Pictured left to right front row are Robert Nino, Communications Specialist and Ana Prado, ITV Secretary. Left to right back row are Pete Martinez, Photographer/Editor, Luis Garza, Photographer/Editor, Susan Carlson, ITV Director and Joe Moreno, Photographer/editor.

UISD Continues to Take a Stand Against Bullying
“Be a Buddy, Not a Bully” and “Take a Stand Against Bullies” are two simple, but direct phrases the United Independent School District is using in its anti-bullying posters that are being distributed and posted at each of its elementary and secondary campuses.

According to school psychologists, “bullying” is considered an “intentional act in the form of an aggressive behavior that includes verbal, physical, social, relational, emotional, or cyber bullying” – or any combination of these.

School psychologists say that bullying involves an “imbalance of power” and is often repeated over a period of time.  Additionally, bullying can consist of one child bullying another, a group of children ganging up against one lone child, or one group of kids targeting another group.

School experts believe common behaviors attributed to bullying include many of the following:  put-downs, name calling, rumors, gossip, verbal threats, menacing, harassment, intimidation, social isolation or exclusion, and physical assaults.

NO child should be bullied at UISD. Every student has the right to feel safe, secure and respected.
Any parent who has concerns about their child being bullied at school should immediately contact their child’s school principal or campus representative to report the issue.

Col. Santos Benavides Elementary school hosted local winners ceremony for the XV “Este Es Mi Mexico” drawing contest.
Pictured left to right back row: Roberto J. Santos, UISD Superintendent; Miguel Angel Isidro, Consul de Mexico; Dr. Myrtha Villarreal, Principal Col. Santos Benavides Elementary; and Sister Marie Gannon. Front row: drawing contest winners.

8th Graders of the Month for February 2012
The student award recipients were: Adan Rodriguez, Antonio Gonzalez Middle School; Angie Sauceda, Clark Middle School; Alexander Davidson, Lamar Bruni Vergara Middle School; Jesus Carrillo, Los Obispos Middle School; Emmanuel Hernandez, Salvador Garcia Middle School; Donna Lee Arce, Trautmann Middle School; Christian L. Nguyen, United Middle School; Cesar Gerardo Fragoso, United South Middle School; and Marcus Daniel Flores, Washington Middle School.

Black History Month at United South High School
United South High School Assistant Principal Sinneh Koroma spoke to students about the significance of Black History Month and shared his motivational message about higher education and striving for success.

UISD Community Role Models for February 2012
Pictured left to right back row: Pedro Arredondo, Asst. Chief; Julio Gonzalez, Commander; Jose Salinas, Commander; and David Cardenas, Deputy. Front row: Sandra Alexis Duarte, United high school; Rene Lara Jr., LBJ high school; Melissa Cavazos, Alexander high school; and Abelardo Ramos Jr., United South high school.

Super Varsity Division I National Champions & Super Varsity World Champions
United High School Cheerleaders Celebrate Double Victory at National Competition in Orlando, Florida.

United ISD Receives Communication Awards from Texas School Public Relations Association

For Immediate Release: Laredo, Texas (February, 20, 2012)—United ISD brought home one “Best of Category,” 8 GOLD STAR, 11 SILVER STAR, Awards from the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA). TSPRA presented the awards for excellence in school communication at their Star Awards Celebration on February 14 during the association’s conference in Austin, Texas.

The Public Relations Department received the following awards:

Best of Category

Original Art – Pop Art.

Gold Star Awards

Flyer – Employee Banquet.

Programs – Gifts of Gold Benefit Fashion Show.

Invitations/Announcements – A 2010 National Blue Ribbon School: Trautmann Elementary School.

Invitations/Announcements – Dedication Ceremony of the Bill Johnson Student Activity Complex.

Invitations/Announcements – Then and Now: Celebrating 50 Years of Educational Excellence.

Posters – Migrant Education Program Poster.

Holiday – 4^th Annual Friends of United I.S.D. Gifts of Gold Fashion Show.

Non-English Speaking Audience – Migrant Education Program Poster.

Logo, Trademark, Symbol – 2010 TEA Recognized District.

Logo, Trademark, Symbol – Celebrating 50 Years of Educational Excellence.

Original Art – Pop Art.

Silver Star Awards

External Newsletter – Parent Connection – Back to School Edition.

External Newsletter – Tabloid: United I.S.D. Celebrating 50 Years of Educational Excellence.

Flyer – Clases Gratis PSAT y SAT para prepararse para la universidad.

Flyer – FREE PSAT and SAT College Preparation Classes.

Flyer – If not in use, Turn off the juice!

Calendar/Planner – Then & Now.

Programs – Celebrating 50 Years of Educational Excellence at United I.S.D.

Invitations/Announcements – A Salute to Lt. Col. Thomas M. Rodriguez, Jr.: A Dedication Ceremony

of Marine Corps JROTC Rifle Range.

Posters – Timeline – Celebrating 50 Years of Educational Excellence.

Writing – Script for the Bill Johnson Dedication Ceremony.

Photo – Other Subjects – A Force for Good!

Photo – Other Subjects – Roaring to Learn!

Logo, Trademark, Symbol – Trautmann Elementary Blue Ribbon Logo.

Electronic Newsletter – United Insider Electronic Newsletter.

Each year TSPRA recognizes exceptional communicators in public school districts, education foundations and educational organizations throughout the state of Texas for their outstanding work in both print and electronic media.

Entrants competed against districts or organizations of similar sizes in categories ranging from brochures, event programs and identity packages, to sports photos, websites and instructional videos. Outstanding entries were honored with Silver Star, Gold Star and Best of Category Awards.

TSPRA is a professional organization based in Austin whose members are dedicated to improving public education in Texas. TSPRA supports its members by promoting effective public relations practices, providing professional development and improving communication between Texans and their public schools.

For more information contact the Office of Public Relations at (956) 473-6286 or visit www.uisd.net.

United ISD Public Relations Department received Best of Category for Original Art @ the 50th Texas School Public Relations Association Awards Ceremony at Austin, Texas.

Rocio Moore, Communications Specialist & Roberto J. Santos, Superintendent.

Never Be Absent

Ensure yourself a successful future.

Attend school everyday.

Four students were among those recognized as “Head of The Class” for January 2012.  The monthly program identifies local high school students who excel in academic pursuits, community service, and are involved in extracurricular activities. Teachers and counselors nominate students for the honor.  Recognitions are sponsored in part by the U.S. Border Patrol, The Texas Senate, I.B.C., Royal Laser Wash, The Rock Fitness Center, Academy Sports and Outdoors, McDonald’s, KGNS, Border Media Partners, A&E Office Products, Best Buy, AHEC, Laredo Bucks, H.E.B., L.E.A., Dr. Sara E. Campos, M.D., and the City of Laredo Public Access Channel.

Arlene L. Amieva is the daughter of Mr. Javier Amieva and Mrs. Araceli Amieva. Arlene attends Alexander High School where she is known as a student who aspires to achieve academic excellence in all subject areas. Jose Santacruz, her nominating teacher, said that Arlene never hesitates to ask questions about what is being taught. “Arlene has a drive to succeed like few I have ever seen. This work ethic shows in her grades. Her cumulative GPA is 106. Grades like this only come with hard work and dedication at school” said Santacruz. Amieva is very active in her school and in our community. She has participated in the CARE club, Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), University Interscholastic League (UIL), National Honor Society (NHS), and the Science National Honor Society (SNHS). Amieva has also volunteered at Doctor’s Hospital and participated in the Emmaus Mission to Guatemala. She aspires to major in Policy Studies and minor in Anthropology at Rice University.

Congratulations to Naomi Gonzalez, an 8th Grader from Mrs. Nancy Poinsot’s Clark Middle School art class, who participated in the 2012 TXDOT Aviation Art Contest “Silent Flight” Category III.  Gonzalez won an “Honorable Mention” for her water color painting of “Hot Air Balloons.”

IRS Certified students of the Career and Technical Education Program & VITA Volunteers offer FREE Income Tax Assistance every Tuesday & Thursday from 4:30 pm to 6:30pm until April 12, 2012. For more information contact any of the United ISD High Schools.