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Oct. 24 2023 BoardBits

Decorative image: E-newsletter cover image

This e-newsletter highlights important news from the Oct. 24 regular meeting of the STISD Board of Directors, as well as other recent and upcoming district and campus happenings.

STISD Board of Directors + Administration recognize outstanding achievements and personnel

Apply representative presents banner and plaque for being selected an Apple Distinguished School to district and VA admin

Pictured, from left to right: David Hernandez, Education Leadership Executive, Apple; Maribel Valdez, STISD Virtual Academy principal; Henry LeVrier, STISD Board President; and Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., STISD Superintendent of Schools

David Hernandez, Education Leadership Executive from Apple, attended the Oct. 24 board meeting to present to the STISD Board of Directors, district administration, and Virtual Academy administration a plaque and banner commemorating Virtual Academy being selected an Apple Distinguished School for 2023-2026.

Click here for additional information on this honor

STISD board and administrators recognize campuses and district for rankings in Niche 2024 Best Schools lists

Pictured, from left to right: Dr. Cynthia Chairez, World Scholars principal; Eric Gutierrez, Science Academy principal; Dr. Reynaldo Rodriguez, Rising Scholars principal; Marco Zamora, Preparatory Academy principal; Jose Lucio, Medical Professions principal; Dr. Michele Guajardo, Health Professions principal; Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., STISD Superintendent of Schools; and Henry LeVrier, STISD Board President

The STISD Board of Directors and administration presented certificates to the campus principals and superintendent in recognition of the district and campuses having ranked consistently in the Niche Best Schools and District Rankings for a decade.

Click here for additional information on this honor

STISD board and administrators recognize Human Resources staff for HR Day

Pictured, from left to right: Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., STISD Superintendent of Schools; Lissa Frausto, STISD Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources; Annette Salinas, Receptionist/Secretary for HR; Lidia Faz, HR Specialist; Janie Sicairos, HR Coordinator; and Henry LeVrier, STISD Board President

The STISD Board and administration recognized the Human Resources staff in honor of Human Resources Day, which was celebrated this month.

STISD board and administrators recognize principals for Principals Month

Pictured, from left to right: Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., STISD Superintendent of Schools; Eric Gutierrez, Science Academy principal; Dr. Michele Guajardo, Health Professions principal; Dr. Cynthia Chairez, World Scholars principal; Jose Lucio, Medical Professions principal; Dr. Reynaldo Rodriguez, Rising Scholars principal; Marco Zamora, Preparatory Academy principal; Maribel Valdez, Virtual Academy principal; and Henry LeVrier, STISD Board President

The STISD principals were recognized and celebrated during National Principals Month.

STISD board and administrators recognize campus administrators and district staff for being named top ESL campuses/district

Pictured, from left to right: Marcos Flores, Executive Director for Student Support; Eric Gutierrez, Science Academy Principal; Dr. Brenda De La Garza, Special Programs Director; Jose Lucio, Medical Professions Principal; Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., STISD Superintendent; and Henry LeVrier, STISD Board President

Medical Professions, Science Academy, and STISD were recognized by the Board and administration for being named 2022-2023 Campus and District of the Year finalists for growth of their Emergent Bilingual Populations.

Click here for additional information on this honor

 

STISD kicks off Strategic Planning Process: Community is coming together to develop plan for 2024-2029

 

 

STISD is working alongside a team of experts from The Center for Model Schools to collect and analyze data from throughout the district community and to develop a new Strategic Plan for the district to follow over the next five years.

A Strategic Planning Leadership Team (SPLT) was formed to carry out this process on behalf of the district. Made up of members of the district's Educational Improvement Council and others, the team includes students, parents, professional teaching staff, and other professionals from throughout the district. The SPLT has met two times to-date, reviewing in detail the process to be followed, analyzing data collected through focus groups, classroom visits and a community survey, and initiating the drafting of goals. The Strategic Planning Process is scheduled to run from October to December.

Click here to learn more about the Strategic Planning ProceSs

 

Kudos: Congratulations to our STISD community!

STISD is the only district in Region 1 to earn an A in Student Performance.
Student preparing to throw a football in game of flag football
Two students competing in volleyball games
Students running outdoors

We're so proud of our student athletes representing the district at the state and regional level. Best wishes to all qualifying teams and individuals!

🏃‍♀️STATEBOUND: 🏃 Medical Professions Girls XC Team | Health Professions XC Boys | Science Academy - 2 individual XC qualifiers | Preparatory Academy + Rising Scholars Boys + Girls XC teams

🏐 Regional Playoffs: 🏐 - Varsity Girls Volleyball: Health Professions, Medical Professions and Science Academy | -Varsity Boys Volleyball: Health Professions and World Scholars | -Middle School Girls Volleyball: Preparatory Academy + Rising Scholars

🏈Middle School Boys Flag Football: 🏈 Preparatory Academy + Rising Scholars

 

STISD Board of Directors approves academic calendar for 2024-2025 School Year

Board-approved calendar for the 2024-2025 School Year

The STISD Board of Directors approved the academic calendar for the 2024-2025 School Year during the Oct. 24 board meeting.

Leading up to the meeting, administration presented two options of the school calendar to campuses for review and selection. The campus selections were then taken to the district's Educational Improvement Council (EIC) meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 3, for review and a vote of that committee. EIC's recommended calendar was brought to the Board of Directors for review and final approval this week.

The approved calendar is over the state requirement for the total minutes of instruction, and the school start date, which will be Monday, Aug. 19, 2024,  is allowed through the STISD District of Innovation Plan.

In addition to the academic calendar, the Board also approved the Employee Legend.

Click here to access both documents within the Calendar section of the district website

 

STISD Health + Wellness

Visit the STISD Health & Wellness page for additional resources

STISD Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health Resources Newsletter: October 2023

STISD Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health Newsletter Oct 2023

Board Approves 2023-2024 Physician's Standing Orders with Dr. Ricardo Ochoa

During the Oct. 24 board meeting, the STISD Board of Directors approved standing orders for the 2023-2024 school year with physician Ricardo Ochoa, M.D.

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, each school district shall adopt and implement a policy regarding the maintenance, administration, and disposal of opioid antagonists at each campus in the district that serves students in grades 6 through 12, which in the case of STISD, would include all schools. The district may adopt and implement such a policy at each campus in the district, including campuses serving students in a grade level below grade 6.

Section 38.225 of SB 629, and in conjunction with Texas Education Code 22.052, allows a physician or person who has been delegated prescriptive authority under chapter 157, Occupations Code, to prescribe opioid antagonists in the name of a school district, open enrollment charter school, or private school.

Per TEC 22.052, a district must have a physician's order that provides instructions for a procedure that can be activated by school personnel when specific conditions and circumstances occur in the school setting. Due to the variety of medications and treatments administered in schools, school nurses and trained school health staff can assist with administering medications, monitoring adherence to medication regimens, and providing recommendations to protect the health and safety of students.

Standing orders for the current school year were developed by Dr. Ochoa, the district's consulting physician, and have now been approved by the school board. Next, they will go to the nurses for review.

 

Join us in November: South Texas ISD Dyslexia Series- Supporting Student Success

The South Texas ISD Dyslexia Series is open to STISD parents and others from throughout our neighboring communities who could benefit from the information.

 

Board receives report on Bilingual ESL Program Evaluation for 2022-2023

Dr. Brenda De La Garza, STISD Special Programs Director, provided the board with a detailed report on the Bilingual ESL Program Evaluation for 2022-2023.

In accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.053, the annual evaluation collected a full range of data to determine program effectiveness to ensure student academic success. Dr. De La Garza reviewed STAAR data showing how EB students performed closely in comparison to the All Student population across various subject areas. She also reviewed TELPAS data for the year.

Dr. De La Garza shared with the board the professional development opportunities provided throughout the 2022-2023 school year, including SAVVAS trainings that began last year with 20 teachers and are continuing into this school year with another 22 teachers in different subject areas from English and math to electives. These trainings involve working with teachers to ensure they have the strategies needed to work with the district's growing population of ESL students. She also highlighted how all STISD English teachers (ELAR) are ESL certified, so the district did not have to apply for an ESL waiver.

 

Other Board Actions

  • STISD held a public hearing on the 2022-2023 Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) Report, during which Marla Knaub, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, reported to the Board and members of the public on the district's performance for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. STISD received a score of 98 and a Superior Achievement rating for the 16th straight year. Knaub explained how the score was achieved taking into account the key indicators.
  • The STISD Board of Directors approved the admission qualifications and campus target populations for the 2024-2025 school year.
  • The Board approved the 2023-2024 Gifted/Talented Manual.
  • The Board approved the 2024-2025 Campus Course Offerings.
  • The Board voted to proceed with with the 2023-2024 Capital Project: Athletic Fields for Mercedes & Edinburg Complexes project.
  • The Board approved the motion of the newly-appointed 60-Year Anniversary Celebration Committee to begin looking into Nov. 2 or Nov. 9, 2024, for possible dates for the celebration.
  • The Board President shared with the full board and attendees the annual STISD Board member training continuing education credit report.

 

Inside STISD Video Highlights

Science Academy Hosts 2023 TACRAO College Fair

Medical Professions EMT Program Learns Drones

STISD Cross Country Invitational Highlight

 

Follow us on social media!

If you’re not already, follow us on social media to keep up with all things STISD:
Facebook: /southtexasisd | Instagram: @southtexasisd | Twitter: @southtexasisd  | LinkedIn: /south-texas-isd/ | YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mySTISD

 

Tell your friends and family: STISD is hiring!

Work with the best school district in the RGV! Positions available across the Valley, including: 

Chief of Security and Police Services | Assistant Principal (Mercedes and Edinburg) | Bus Drivers/Custodians | Mechanic | Science Teacher | Licensed Specialist in School Psychology | Special Education Classroom Aide | Plumber | and more!

Visit the Employment page to see available vacancies and apply

Be South Texas ISD's Chief of Security and Police Services. Apply at www.stisd.net/employment.
Image of bus driver and teacher - work with us!

 

Holidays and Events

  • Oct. 28: Tour STISD Campus Showcase at World Scholars, 9 am to 12 pm, 510 S. Sugar Rd., Edinburg
  • Nov. 4: Tour STISD Campus Showcases at Health Professions (Mercedes), Medical Professions (Olmito), and Preparatory Academy (Edinburg)

Click here for more information on the Tour STISD Campus Showcases

  • Nov. 17: Professional Development (No school for students)
  • Nov. 20-24: Thanksgiving Break (campuses and offices closed)

Upcoming Events

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November 2025
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Sunday, October 26
Monday, October 27
UTRGV Expanded Collegiate Partnership UTRGV Expanded Collegiate Partnership Spring 2026 Regular Registration Deadline
All Day
Tuesday, October 28
Board of Directors Meeting of the STISD Board of Directors
-
STISD Central Office Teaching and Learning Center (7001 E. Expressway 83, Mercedes)
Wednesday, October 29
Thursday, October 30
School STISD Dyslexia Parent Series: Session 2
-
In-person at Biblioteca Las Americas (300 Med High Dr., Mercedes) OR Virtual via Zoom (register for link)
Friday, October 31
Saturday, November 1
Sunday, November 2
Monday, November 3
School STISD Dyslexia Parent Series: Session 3
-
Virtual via Zoom (register for link)
Tuesday, November 4
Wednesday, November 5
Thursday, November 6
School Fall Family Literacy Parent Meeting: AI (Artificial Intelligence) & STISD: Empowering Parents for the Digital Age
-
STISD Central Office Teaching and Learning Center (7001 E. Expressway 83, Mercedes)
Friday, November 7
South Texas ISD STISD Mental Health Conference - "Paving the Way: Advancing School Mental Health Supports in South Texas"
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STISD Teaching and Learning Center, 7001 E. Expressway 83, Mercedes, TX 78570
Saturday, November 8
Sunday, November 9
Monday, November 10
Tuesday, November 11
Wednesday, November 12
Subscribe to Calendar Alerts School Parent Connection Symposium: Empowering Students and Families for Life After High School with Support from Texas Workforce Commission and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
-
In-person at STISD Teaching & Learning Center or Virtually via Zoom
Thursday, November 13
Subscribe to Calendar Alerts School STISD Dyslexia Parent Series: Session 4
-
Virtual via Zoom (register for link)
Friday, November 14
Saturday, November 15
Sunday, November 16
Monday, November 17
Tuesday, November 18
Subscribe to Calendar Alerts Board of Directors Meeting of the STISD Board of Directors
-
STISD Central Office Teaching and Learning Center (7001 E. Expressway 83, Mercedes)
Wednesday, November 19
Thursday, November 20
Friday, November 21
Saturday, November 22
Sunday, November 23
Monday, November 24
Subscribe to Calendar Alerts School Thanksgiving Break (District holiday)
All Day
Central Office and all STISD campuses
Tuesday, November 25
Subscribe to Calendar Alerts School Thanksgiving Break (District holiday)
All Day
Central Office and all STISD campuses
Wednesday, November 26
Subscribe to Calendar Alerts School Thanksgiving Break (District holiday)
All Day
Central Office and all STISD campuses
Thursday, November 27
Subscribe to Calendar Alerts School Thanksgiving Break (District holiday)
All Day
Central Office and all STISD campuses
Friday, November 28
Subscribe to Calendar Alerts School Thanksgiving Break (District holiday)
All Day
Central Office and all STISD campuses
Saturday, November 29
Sunday, November 30
Monday, December 1
Tuesday, December 2
Wednesday, December 3
Thursday, December 4
Friday, December 5
Saturday, December 6

Calendar & Category Legend:

  • South Texas ISD South Texas ISD
  • UTRGV Expanded Collegiate Partnership UTRGV Expanded Collegiate Partnership