Sept. 23, 2025 BoardBits

South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy designated an Apple Distinguished School - Recognized for commitment to continuous innovation using technology

STISD Preparatory Academy is pleased to announce it has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2025-2028 program term. Schools apply and are selected for this distinction based on their commitment to continuous innovation in education and using Apple products to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning.

Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of leadership and educational excellence, with a clear vision for how technology-rich environments support learning goals. In Apple Distinguished Schools, forward-thinking leaders and their communities work to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning, and they have documented results of academic accomplishments.

Click here to read full story

Click here to learn more about this recognition

Two representatives from Apple pose for photo with Preparatory Academy principal after presenting on PA's recent designation as an Apple Distinguished School for 2025-2028 — Pictured, from left to right: David Hernandez, K-12 Education Leadership Executive from Apple; Marco Zamora, STISD Preparatory Academy principal; and Ernesto Ayala, Apple representative.

David Hernandez and Ernesto Ayala from Apple attended the Sept. 23 board meeting to present on Preparatory Academy's designation as an Apple Distinguished School for 2025-2028.

Board presents proclamation in memory and honor of former board member Sylvia S. Lopez

STISD superintendent and board president present proclamation to family of former board member Sylvia Lopez

Crystal plaque honoring board member Sylvia S. Lopez, who passed away in Aug. 2025

Board and Administration recognize Dr. Sylvia Sánchez Garza for re-election to Texas Association of School Boards

STISD board president and superintendent present certificate to STISD Board Vice President Dr. Sylvia Sanchez Garza during board meeting

During the Sept. 23 Board meeting, the STISD Board and Administration recognized Board Vice President Sylvia Sánchez Garza for her reelection to a three-year term on the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) representing TASB Region 1, Position B. During the election held at the association's 2025 Delegate Assembly in Sept., Dr. Garza was also elected to serve as second vice-president.

Click here to read more about this achievement

Congratulations, Dr. Sánchez Garza!

Preparatory Academy Drum Line performs for the Board

Led by Preparatory Academy Band Director Michel Machietto, Preparatory Academy's new drum line performed for the Board and members of the public during the Sept. 23 meeting.

Drum line from Preparatory Academy performs during STISD board meeting

Drum line from Preparatory Academy poses for group photo during STISD board meeting

STISD Veteran Spotlight: Jesus Artiaga, Medical Professions

STISD Medical Professions teacher and Veteran Jesus Artiaga leads the audience in the pledges of allegiance during the board meeting — Jesus Artiaga, Social Studies teacher at STISD Medical Professions, leads the audience in the pledges of allegiance during the Sept. 23 board meeting.

At the September regular Board meeting, STISD continued its practice of honoring the district's Veterans at the monthly board meetings by inviting them to lead the pledges of allegiance. This month, we recognized Medical Professions Social Studies teacher Jesus Artiaga.

Mr. Artiaga served in the United States Coast Guard from 1995 to 1999. His rank was Petty Officer 3rd Class, and he was stationed at the Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma in New Bedford, Massachusetts, from 1995 to 1996, and at the Search and Rescue Station in New London, Connecticut, from 1997 to 1999.

Mr. Artiaga is certified in firefighting; federal law enforcement for drug interdiction and fisheries; boat crew search and rescue; and as an electrician's mate. While serving, he received the following awards: Service Medal- Gulf War, Letter of Commendation, and Sea Service Ribbon.

Thank you for your service, Mr. Artiaga!

Other Board actions

The Board of Directors approved the appointment of members to the district's School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) and Safety and Security Committee for the 2025-2026 school year.
The Board approved the adoption of newly approved TEKS-based courses and the addition of new CTE courses for the 2025–2026 school year. These
courses expand student access to industry certifications and strengthen alignment with state-approved Programs of Study.
The Board approved the use of job order contracting as the procurement method for the Edinburg Athletic Fields Concession project.
The STISD Board of Directors reviewed and acted on resolutions for nominations of candidates to the Appraisal District Board of Directors for Cameron and Hidalgo County.
The Board approved the request for a new professional position and the announcement of vacancy for a Police Officer, K-9 Handler.

STISD and Campuses Ranked Among Niche Best Schools for 12th Consecutive Year

Cover image - 12 years among the best - STISD ranks in Niche 2026 Best Schools

Niche recently released its 2026 Best Schools K-12 School & District Rankings, and for the 12th consecutive year, STISD and its campuses rank among the best in the state and nation.

With an A+ overall grade, STISD ranked 2nd in Texas (out of 876 school districts ranked) and 59th in the nation (out of 10,394 districts ranked) in the Best School Districts rankings. STISD earned the top spot in the Districts with the Best Teachers in Texas category, and brought home the 4th spot for Best Places to Teach in Texas. STISD also ranked 13th out of 11,038 districts ranked in the Districts with the Best Teachers in America and 282nd out of 11,278 for Best Places to Teach in America.

The district’s two middle schools and four high schools were also ranked among the best in the state and nation in the 2026 Niche K-12 Schools lists, which grade and rank schools and districts based upon criteria ranging from academics to culture and teachers.

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STISD Health + Wellness

Visit the STISD Health & Wellness page for additional resources

STISD Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health Newsletter: October 2025

Now Registering: STISD's School Mental Health Conference - "Paving the Way: Advancing School Mental Health Supports in South Texas"

Mental health professionals - join us for the FIRST-EVER School Mental Health Conference at STISD!

Mark your calendar for November 7 and be part of a powerful gathering of mental health experts and community leaders dedicated to boosting student wellness in South Texas.

📍: STISD Teaching and Learning Center: 7001 E. Expressway 83, Mercedes

⏰ : 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

🍽️ : Complimentary breakfast served

This FREE event offers practical tools, fresh ideas and meaningful connections to help support our students’ mental health.

👉🏻 Only 75 available spots! Click here to reserve your spot today

Flyer for %22Paving the Way: Advancing School Mental Health Supports in South Texas%22 Mental Health Conference being hosted by STISD at the Teaching and Learning Center on Friday, Nov. 7, from 8:30 am to 1 p.m.

Agenda at a glance for %22Paving the Way: Advancing School Mental Health Supports in South Texas%22 Mental Health Conference being hosted by STISD at the Teaching and Learning Center on Friday, Nov. 7, from 8:30 am to 1 p.m.

Thank you to our exhibitors for participating in the %22Paving the Way: Advancing School Mental Health Supports in South Texas%22 Mental Health Conference being hosted by STISD at the Teaching and Learning Center on Friday, Nov. 7, from 8:30 am to 1 p.m.

You're Invited: STISD Fall Campus Events

Several of our STISD campuses are hosting events this fall. Come enjoy family-friendly activities and camaraderie!

For additional information, contact the hosting school.

4th Annual Preparatory Academy/World Scholars Tailgate flyer - Event will be held Friday, Oct. 17, from 5:30-7:30 pm at the World Scholars North Parking Lot.

STISD Rising Scholars Academy presents RSA Fall Festival to be held on Friday, Oct. 24, from 5-8 pm. Join us for food, fun, music and arcade games. The event is open to the community and families.

Invitation for Health Professions Trunk or Treat event to be held on Oct. 30. Come visit our haunted house or watch a spooky movie.

You're Invited: STISD Dyslexia Parent Sessions for 2025-2026

Join us this fall for the Dyslexia Parent Sessions hosted by the STISD Special Programs department. The following are session dates, times, locations and topics:

Oct. 22, 12:00 p.m., via Zoom: "Dyslexia Awareness: Empowering Parents to Support Their Learners" (English Session) - presented by Dr. Brenda De La Garza, STISD Executive Director for Special Programs
- Spanish session will be held at 12:45 p.m. the same day.
Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m., In-person at Biblioteca Las Americas (100 Med High Dr., Mercedes) and virtual via Zoom: "Dyslexia 101 for Parents: Unlocking the Keys to Your Child's Success" - presented by Dr. Cheryl Chase
Nov. 3, 12:00 p.m., via Zoom: "Dyslexia and ADHD - Resources and Supports to Help Your Child" - presented by Dr. Cheryl Chase
Nov. 13, 12:00 p.m., via Zoom: "Unlocking Potential: Helping Children with Dyslexia and Executive Functioning Needs"

Click here to register for these sessions

English flyer for STISD Dyslexia Parent Sessions for 2025-2026. Sessions are on Oct. 22, Oct. 30, Nov. 3, and Nov. 13.

Spanish flyer for STISD Dyslexia Parent Sessions for 2025-2026. Sessions are on Oct. 22, Oct. 30, Nov. 3, and Nov. 13.

Learn about Dual Credit at South Texas College: STC hosting several Community Information Sessions

Student smiling and holding STC pennant - College Starts Here. Discover dual credit at STC. Information sessions to be held Oct. 21, Nov. 12 and Dec. 4.

South Texas College invites you to attend one of their upcoming Community Information Sessions to learn more about Dual Credit at STC. The following are the dates/times for the different sessions:

Pecan Campus: Oct. 21, 6:00-7:30 pm
Starr County Campus: Nov. 12, 6:00-7:30 pm
Mid Valley Campus: Dec. 4, 6:00-7:30 pm

Parent/Guardian Reminder: Stay Connected - Activate your ParentSquare account today!

Beginning with the 2025-2026 School Year, STISD will use ParentSquare as our primary platform for school communication. Families can receive messages through email, app, voice, or text, helping everyone stay informed and involved.

An account is automatically created for each parent or guardian using the contact information in our student information system. We encourage you to activate your account to download the free mobile app, set your language preferences, and choose how and when you’d like to receive messages.

Click here to learn more about ParentSquare and how to activate your account