The Laredo Independent School District Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) held their first meeting of the 2024-2025 school year with LISD Superintendent Dr. Sylvia G. Rios. The meeting was hosted by the Hector J. Garcia Early College High School at the LISD Performing Arts Center in the Dr. Marcus Nelson Conference Room.
The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council is comprised of 104 student representatives from Martin, Nixon, Cigarroa, and Garcia Early College High Schools. School administrators from each campus select a diverse mix of 26 students that are involved in extracurricular activities.
The Advisory Council meets four times a year for about two hours. They eat lunch and discuss different issues ranging from academics to extracurricular activities. In addition, the Advisory Council gives the students an opportunity to be heard and express their ideas concerns about their campus.
“The Council allows the students to have open dialogue where they can be honest and open about what is happening on their campus,” said Dr. Sylvia G. Rios, LISD Superintendent of Schools. “It’s great that they are able to express their concerns and exchange ideas with their peers.”
City of Laredo Police Chief Miguel Rodriguez served as keynote speaker during the meeting. He discussed the many threats faced by students today in and out of school.
“Make sure every decision you make today, doesn’t have bad consequences for your future.” he said. “If you get arrested and charged, it kills your career as you need a clean record to get hired for most jobs. You have options. Your decisions now matter so put your future into perspective.”
Sgt. Daisey Prego, Investigator Vito Cardenas, and Canine Therapy Dog Coco, who are part of the Laredo Police Departments Special Victims Unit, discussed the consequences of teen violence and sexting.
During the meeting students also heard a presentation regarding the 988 Campaign on suicide prevention by LISD Director of Guidance and Counseling, Cindy Dominguez.
As an active member of the Advisory Council the students take part in the Superintendent’s Literacy Project. Prior to each meeting, the members visit an elementary school and read a book to a class. This month the advisory council read “Acorn was a little Wild” to Sanchez/Ochoa, Don Jose Gallego, Daiches, Zachry, Farias, Santa Maria, Milton, and Ryan’s 2nd and 3rd grade students/classes.
Also graduating seniors, who are members of the Student Advisory Council, receive a Black Cord to wear at graduation.
The next Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council Meetings are scheduled for Thursday, November 7, Thursday, February 13, 2025, and Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the LISD PAC.