Laredo Independent School District

Mr. Gabe Musella, Assistant Music Director for the UIL (University Interscholastic League), has graciously agreed to visit us today (3/4/20024) after his trip to San Antonio. He will be working with our band students from 4pm to 6pm. This is a tremendous honor for us to have such a high-ranking figure from UIL's music department dedicating his time to work with our students. Mr. Musella's expertise and guidance will undoubtedly benefit our young musicians greatly.

Congratulations to the following LISD FFA students for their achievements at the L.I.F.E. Fair and Exposition! Grand Champion: Nixon High School/BIPS: Joel D. Sandoval Jr. - 1st in Medium Weight class (medium wool) - Breed Champion - 2024 Laredo Fair Grand Champion Market Lamb Nixon High School/BIPS: Sophia M. Sandoval - 3rd in Medium Weight Class (medium wool) Martin High School/Cantu ECHS: Trianna Garza - Breed Champion New Zealand Rabbits - Overall Grand Champion Broiler Rabbit #lisdistheplacetobe

Please enjoy reading the Trevino Magnet School January/February Newsletter which was produced and written by VMT students. https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/b-59584e83/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flisd-my.sharepoint.com%2F%3Ab%3A%2Fg%2Fpersonal%2Fjevaldez_laredoisd_org%2FEc3Vw3IC-qRCvMSScK7XciIB99GArXDZ8Q-th1oI5JOLcw&data=05%7C02%7Crwtrevino%40Laredoisd.org%7C85eaa8b3fdb749e043eb08dc396f73ca%7C534e2cf372ff42cea853a4ecfc6cbc8c%7C1%7C0%7C638448398076357973%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jeLtc8WZiZ%2FqI5IZrIBQYmnOkvNx%2F5VOCrR%2BzcDNZUA%3D&reserved=0

What's cookin'?! The LISD Child Nutrition Program held its 11th Annual Iron Chef Competition where culinary students from Martin, Nixon, and Cigarroa High School participated. Each school came up with a delicious breakfast smoothie, loaded potato, and protein rich salad entrees. Congratulations to Nixon High School for being named the grand winners of the 2024 Iron Chef Competition! The winning categories: Smoothie- Nixon High School - Mustang Sunrise Best Taste- Martin High School - Wake up Tiger Coffee Smoothie Best Presentation- Nixon High School -Mustang Sunrise Originality- Nixon High School- Mustang Sunrise Protein Rich Salad -Nixon High School - Southwest Scottie Salad Best Taste- Cigarroa High School- Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad Best Presentation-Nixon High School- Southwest Scottie Salad Originality- Nixon High School- Southwest Scottie Salad Baked potato- Cigarroa High School BBQ Pulled Pork Loaded Potato Best Taste- Nixon High School- Blaz'n Spud Best Presentation- Cigarroa High School- BBQ Pulled Pork Loaded Potato Originality- Cigarroa High School- BBQ Pulled Pork Loaded Potato A big thank you for our community partners for judging! #lisdistheplacetobe

LISD celebrates Read Across America Week Laredo Independent School District joined Read Across America Week celebrations across the country. This week 260 students in Pre-K through 5th grades, filled the LISD Dr. A. Marcus Nelson Conference Center dressed as their favorite Dr. Suess characters. A proclamation was read by the Honorable Dr. Victor Treviño, Mayor of the City of Laredo, and the Honorable Tano Tijerina, Webb County Judge. Students also enjoyed a reading from “The ABCs to Ranching” by children’s author Patricia Raymond prior to the proclamation. Additionally, seven classes Pre-K – 5th grade were recognized for placing First in the Elementary Reading Fair. According to Mely Paez, LISD’s Director of Library and Media Services, the District encourages students to read with many activities and programs. “We have a lot of fun activities that the kids can dress up as a special character or they have special games that the librarians at the campuses are promoting just to get them to read any book or anything,” said Paez. “So, it’s important for them just to read every day. They can read a magazine, a newspaper, all kinds of books and that’s what we provide at our campuses.” LISD will also be hosting Family Reading Night at all of its elementary school campuses on Thursday, February 29, in the evening.

It's the first Friday of the month! Don't forget to wear your college t-shirt!

Congratulations to the Nixon High School Lady Mustang Powerlifting Team who made history today. They are the first LISD Regional Powerlifting Team Champions. Four NHS girls’ powerlifters qualified to the State meet in Frisco. Jarethzy Balderas-1st Grazia Roquez-2nd Kimberly González-1st Kaylie Lozano-4th Jocelynn Turubiartes -2nd

Congratulations to Memorial Middle School student Erik Garcia II for being named LISD February Youth of the Month. Erik is a sixth-grade student at Memorial Middle School. He is a driven student who is enrolled in advanced classes, has excellent attendance, and maintains an AB Honor Roll in the Gifted and Talented Program. Erik is an exceptional student who is both a leader and a role model to his peers. Erik additionally devotes a lot of his time to extracurricular activities. He participates in football and basketball both in and out of school. He is on the school sixth grade basketball team and plays outside basketball with the Blackout Team and with the Laredo Bears for flag football. Erik plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin and pursue a degree in Meteorology. He would like to one day play in the NBA or work for the local TV station as a Meteorologist. Erik attended Bruni Elementary School. He is the son of John and Alyssa Guevara.

Congratulations to Nixon High School Speech teacher Mimi Valdez who was selected as the KGNS Teacher of the Month.

Trevino Magnet School and Martin High School junior Jesus Martinez has been accepted to the prestigious and world-renown Interlochen Center for the Arts Residency Program for his senior year of high school. Jesus was also selected as a member of the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Band. He received a first chair in Tuba at the Area finals earning him a spot in the 2024 TMEA All-State Band Concert.

Milton Elementary School Physical Education teacher, Jose Tobias actions and quick thinking saved the life of a third grade student by performing the Heimlich Maneuver.

Congratulations to Rachael Mayo of Cigarroa Middle School for being named LISD February Student of the Month. Rachael is an 8th grade student-athlete at Cigarroa Middle School who excels inside the classroom and on and off the court. Rachael is in the honor society and is a vital member of the school’s volleyball, basketball, softball, and track teams. She also participates in outside sports leagues including travel volleyball and travel soccer. She is in the Future Farmers of America, and participates in fundraisers for her class. Rachael’s favorite part of the school day is going to her athletics and history classes For her future, Rachael hopes to attend the University of Texas at Austin or San Antonio to obtain a degree in Sports Medicine, so she can become a physical trainer. She would also like to play college sports. Her hobbies include listening to music and dancing. She attended Santo Nino Elementary and plans on attending Cigarroa High School. Rachael is the daughter of Elsa Villalon and Reynaldo Mayo.

Congratulations to Victor Amaro of Lamar Middle School for being named LISD February Youth of the Month. Victor is a seventh grader at Lamar Middle School, who comes to school to learn and grow as an individual. Academically, Victor maintains great grades in his classes. Victor is a member of the school’s Library Club. He is currently the top AR reader at his school. Victor’s favorite part of the school day is attending his math and reading class. In his free time, Victor plays games like Poke Mon, Roblox and Fortnite with his siblings. He also likes cooking eggs in any style and helps make spaghetti. Victor also looks forward to Sunday family movie night. His personal quote is “live life as happily as you can.” Victor's main goal for his future is attending TAMIU and obtaining a Master’s Degree in Communication so he can become a successful Action Adventure and Fantasy author. Victor attended Milton Elementary School and plans on attending Nixon High School. His mother is Maria Ramos.

LISD to host surplus auction The Laredo Independent School District’s Fixed Assets and Custodial Department will host a surplus auction on Saturday, March 2, at the LISD Fixed Assets Warehouse located at 2201 Santa Isabel St. The viewing of items will start at 9:00 a.m. with the auction starting promptly at 11:00 a.m. Cabello Recovery Inc. will conduct the auction on behalf of the district. Some of the items to be sold are desks/tables, file cabinets, refrigerators, stoves, washer/dryer, and miscellaneous items that are obsolete to the district. Every item is sold as is. All sales are final. No refund will be given on any item.

Congratulations to Elsa Villarreal of Christen Middle School for being named LISD February Youth of the Month. Villarreal a seventh grader is a multifaceted scholar who is excelling academically, embracing robotics challenges, and participating in UIL competitions. She is a member of the schools Robotics team, UIL Math, Science, and Number Sense, Technology Club, and Coding Club. As a Code Craft Maestro in the coding club, she elevates the school's tech landscape through innovation and collaboration. Elsa also extends her support to peers, appreciating diverse learning styles as a Peer's Advocate. Her favorite part of the school day is when she attends her athletics and art class because these extracurricular activities allow her to relax and express herself. In her free time, she enthusiastically tackles engaging school projects, exploring the realms of coding and robotics. Additionally, her keen interest in art serves as a creative outlet, allowing her to express herself through various forms. Elsa’s personal mantra is, "I aspire to surround myself with individuals who, in a positive manner, make me think twice about my intelligence, fostering an environment of continual growth and inspiring self-reflection." Elsa plans on attending the Garcia Early College High School. She is undecided where she will go to college. Elsa strives to get a degree in Technology so she can become an Engineer. Elsa is a product of Farias Elementary School. She is the daughter of Mario and Elsa Villarreal.

Need help with your taxes? Laredo ISD IRS-certified student volunteers, in partnership with the Laredo Family Economic Success Coalition, will prepare income tax returns for free for those with qualifying incomes up to $59,000.

The Driscoll Diaper and Baby Wipes Drive, hosted by the LISD Federal Programs Department, was a huge success! A big thank you to LISD administrators for your efforts and participation. #lisdistheplacetobe

Congratulations to Cigarroa High School's Gerardo Justo for being named the LISD February Student of the Month. Gerard is a 9th grade student at Cigarroa High School and the Sabas Perez Early College High School. With a current GPA of 97.35, Justo is ranked 24 in his class. Gerardo is part of the district’s CTE Program where he actively participates in Welding classes. His favorite subjects in school are math because he enjoys the challenge of solving math equations and his art class where he gets to display his artistic talents in pencil drawing and painting. Gerardo enjoys working out and is also an avid boxer. Gerardo is undecided about where he wants to go to college. He plans on becoming a Welder. Gerardo attended Daiches Elementary School and Cigarroa Middle School.

Congratulations to Garcia Early College High School's Laney Bernardini for being named the LISD February Student of the Month. Laney is a freshman at Garcia Early College High School. She is also an honor roll student who is dual enrolled at TAMIU. She also actively contributes to her community through various service activities, such as Laredo Animal Protective Society, SCAN, and Santo Niño Elementary Fall Festival. Laney’s contributions to the school community have been exceptional, and she was selected to be a part of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC). One of Laney's most notable characteristics is her exceptional leadership skills. Her ability to work well with others is remarkable, and she does not hesitate to lend a helping hand. She supports the growth and development of her classmates, contributing significantly to a positive and collaborative learning environment, such as tutoring her classmates. After high school, Laney hopes to attend Stanford University and get a master’s degree in Marine Biology or something in life science. She wants to have a career working with marine animals. Laney also enjoys reading and watching TV. She is the daughter of Exie and Michael Bernardini.

The LISD Instructional Technology, Transportation, and Guidance & Counseling Departments are working together to train our bus drivers on the importance of mental health and better recognizing trauma. #lisdleadingthewaywithheart