Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Students for three EPISD campuses joined forces on Sunday April 27th, to demonstrate their community pride and take part in some SPRING CLEANING.

Keeping our environment clean takes work and these students were up to the challenge.  The project called on a three different EPISD campuses to join forces and pick up trash along an adopted section of the Texas highway.














 


The four organizations that participated in the annual "Trash-Off" were, Memorial Junior High NHS, Memorial Jr. High Student Council, C.C. Winn NHS, and Eagle Pass High School Go Green Club. Thanks for helping keep Maverick County and Texas beautiful !

WINN GEARS UP

GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs and currently works with high schools throughout the Texas. The GEAR UP mission is to increase high school graduation rates and have students enter and succeed in college

The GEAR UP program has recognized the academic achievements of two of Winn's Freshman class.  Jennifer Mireles and Esteban Ortiz, both freshman this year, have been invited to apply for a chance to participate in the 2014 NCCEP/GEAR UP Youth Congress, hosted in Washington D.C.   This "all expense paid" event will take place on July 20-23. 
 
GEAR UP is a federally funded grant program designed to help students and their families plan, apply, and pay, for education after high school. This college preparation program focuses on the importance of pursuing education and training beyond high school.
 
If selected the TAMIU GEAR UP program will have strong  representation in Washington D.C. from our Mighty Mavericks.

Monday, April 28, 2014

WINN StuCo takes "Sweepstakes" at TASC


The C.C. Winn High School Student Council attended the TASC State Convention in Arlington, TX on April 13, and achieved a "sweepstakes" status after being awarded an outstanding achievement in a total of FIVE different committee reports. TASC recognizes outstanding student councils in multiple categories each year based on published criteria and a point system.  This is the 7th year in a row Winn StuCo wins sweepstakes at the state level!
Areas Awarded include: Outstanding Pride and Patriotism ,Outstanding Energy and Environment, Outstanding Community Service, Outstanding Drug, Alcohol, Safety and Health, Outstanding Student Council


C.C. WInn Student Leadership Recognition Luncheon

C.C. Winn High School held its annual Student Leadership Recognition Luncheon, on April 14 at the  Winn band hall, for student leaders who are members of student organizations, honor societies and student council.
Student leaders play an important role in school, and our community.  They also guide the student body to higher levels of achievement.  
Every student leader was challenged to: "Lead Strong!" and promote the idea that new skills, values, and perspectives are essential to strong student leadership in the 21st Century.
C.C. Winn invited over 30 presidents, captains and leaders to represent their organizations.  The luncheon acknowledged and thanked those students who have stepped forward to provide leadership to the student body and school. Strong student leaders and activities engage more students,  and provide a more positive school climate for all. 

EPISD is fortunate to have such a wonderful group of students with a strong understanding of what it takes to carry Winn to new levels of excellence.

Winn Announces Gates Millennium Recipient, Arianna Gomez

C.C. Winn High School is proud to announce Arianna Gomez as their 10th Gates Millennium Recipient since they began their college advising program.  The Gates Millennium Program was first initiated by Bill and Melinda Gates to help excelling minority students complete a successful career path.  Program selects 1,000 talented students each year to receive a good-through-graduation scholarship to use at any college or university of their choice.  The scholarship helps students with the self-help portion of financial aid and allows students to get "full assistance" based on academics, community service and financial need.

Arianna Gomez, who is thankful to Mrs. Maria Uriegas and Mr. Randy Laurence for believing in her potential as a scholar will be attending Baylor University's Honors College this fall. She has been awarded Baylor's Presidents Gold Scholarship for $56,000 based on merit.  The Gates Scholarship will cover her cost of attendance after financial aid from the government and institution.
 
Congratulations to C.C. Winn on another WINN-ER!


 

Rising Discus Star, Maribel Rodriguez

The 29-5A Track Meet was held Friday, April 14th, at the Laredo United Student Activity Center.  Congratulations to C.C.Winn Power House Maribel Rodriguez who placed 1st in the Varsity Discus competition.  

Maribel, who is coached by Rey Jimenez, was the only female at Winn to "WINN" a district championship.  Her personal best throw was 98"11.  Maribel is only a sophomore and showcases endless potential.  She is an extremely talented and motivated student. She is also involved in UIL Academics and maintains a high GPA balancing academics and athleticism.

Winn Competes and Excels at UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest

C.C. Winn Symphonic Band (1st Group) and Concert Band (2nd Group)  both received Sweepstakes Awards at the Concert and Sight-reading Contest held in San Antonio, TX on April 16-17.  Both bands are under the direction of Carlos Martinez, Ruben Rodriguez, Roberto Rodriguez, and Alejo Garza.
Most people might assume that band students only have performances and competitions during football season, but the concert and sight reading contest is actually the culmination of displaying what has been learned throughout the year.
Each group, according to their level selects three state approved musical pieces to perform for the concert portion and must also perform a piece that they have never seen for the sight reading portion of with minimal explanation.
The knowledge and talents of the band students at C.C. Winn is truly on display for these judges to evaluate.  The UIL rating system for music is a ONE, the highest possible rating, down to a FIVE, the poorest rating given.  Of about 130 students, all together, both bands earned a Division ONE from each of the six judges. For a judging panel to all agree that a band had a superior performance is a very special accomplishment.
Congratulations to both bands and the efforts these students put in throughout the year.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Robert E Lee is recognized by TEPSA

Each year the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP ) of Austin TX recognizes outstanding elementary and middle school Student Councils throughout the nation. This year the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) is proud to announce that Texas is celebrating 96 NAESP Student Council Excellence Award Recipients.
Of these 96 outstanding Student Councils, we were informed that Robert E. Lee Elementary was one of those winners. This is the VERY FIRST YEAR that Robert E Lee Elementary has received this award. This is a prestigious honor and is indicative of the outstanding work done on their campus to foster student leadership opportunities. 
 
Congratulations to the entire staff and student body of Robert E Lee Elementary. 
It has been pointed out to me that the MJH Varsity Band's seven year streak is not only the longest in MJH history, it is the longest active streak in the whole Region 11 CCC division. 
 Congratulations Memorial Jr. High

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

The MJH band was given a huge SHOUT OUT  by Congressman Gallego! The bands successes were recognized on his Facebook page! 

Take a look:
 
 


Happy Earth Day EPISD


EPHS Hosts Student Council State Convention

Mr. Pablo Cantu along with Student Council at Eagle Pass High School recently hosted the Texas Association of Student Councils (TASC) annual state convention April 13-15, 2014, in Arlington, making for an admirable finale of two years of hard work and endless effort preparing for an event of this magnitude.  Props and supplies had to be transported to Arlington, Texas in the EPHS Band Trailer.  Loading, unloading and again loading of a variety of uniquely designed decorations encompassed most of day 1 & 2 prior to actual convention commencement.

Eagle Pass High School was able to showcase it's local talent and encourage those in attendance to go with confidence in all they set out to do. There were performances by the EPHS Diamonds, Mariachi Aguilas Del Norte, EPHS Junior Ricardo Garza & EPHS Sophomore Moses Molina. The Career and Technology Department was able to display handcrafted decorations at the event.  

The entire student body at Eagle Pass High School made financial contributions in someway or other by participating in the Homecoming Pageant which consisted of a penny vote.  Paletas Uruapan were sold as part of the event fundraising.  Candies and other snacks were also sold campus wide.  Local community members also made important contributions.  EPHS hosted Karaoke for registered student council members in attendance which was a huge success.
Students were able to sing, dance and express themselves wholeheartedly and in good fun.
Congratulations to the success, hard work and effort that went into making this event possible. 

Thursday, April 17, 2014

MJH April Newsletter


 STAY CONNECTED WITH CHANNEL 16 I Vision ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
visit www.eaglepassisd.net and click on our icon to view your favorites
 



Eagle Pass schools and offices will be closed Friday, April 18 for Easter Break. Have a great 3-day weekend!
                         
 
 

 

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

April is National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month and the Eagle Pass Independent School District would like to thank our Education Foundation for the hours of time they spent to ensure the success of the recent EPEF 2nd Annual Gala that took place on Friday April 11th.
We are grateful for all the volunteers who donate their time and talents to support our schools and students. Thank you!

UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest

The Memorial Junior High bands received a first division Superior Sweepstakes rating at the UIL Concert and Sight-reading contest which was held at the SAC on Thursday, April 10. The varsity band has received a sweepstakes rating for seven consecutive years, making it the longest active streak in Eagle Pass.

The non-varsity band competed for the first time since 2006, and they received a sweepstakes rating. A sweepstakes rating involves making a first division in both the concert portion and a first division in the sight-reading portion of the contest. For the

sight-reading portion of the contest, the students have to perform a music selection that they have not seen. The director has only eight minutes to explain it to them before they perform and then its only talent that will see them through to a successful rating. Well done MJH Bands, Band Directors Mr. Jorge Vargas and Mr. Abel Granados.
 
 

Silverline Dancers compete to WINN


The C.C. Winn Silverline Dance Team traveled to St. Mary’s University on April 5th and 6th to compete in the Redline Cheer and Dance Grand Nationals. 
They competed in the OPEN division and brought home a first ever national championship. We are also proud to announce that the team were runner-up in the competition’s  Dance Grand Championship that included all dance groups from every division entered. C.C. Winn High School was the only school that was in the top 3 of the dance competition.
 
Congratulations Girls and keep making C.C. Winn and Eagle Pass Proud!!

 

Congratulations EPISD School Bus Drivers.




Six EPISD School Bus Drivers competed with Regions 20 - 13 Bus Rodeo on April 12, 2014.  The competition consist of 12 events, Vehicle Inspection, Offset Alley Event, Railroad Crossing, Straight Line, Diminishing Clearance, Back Up, Left Turn, Parallel Parking, Student Loading, Curb Line Event, Stop Line Event and General Knowledge Test.  Region 20 – 13 consist of school districts from the surrounding areas from Austin, San Antonio, and Eagle Pass.  Mr. Rogelio Gonzalez placed 2nd on the Rodeo and will now compete at the state level on June 21 in Corpus Christie Texas.
Bus Drivers from left to right are Renaldo Gonzalez, Raul Rodriguez, Maria Valadez, Rogelio Gonzalez, Humberto Araiza, Susana Olivares, and David Santos. 
 

Wednesday, April 9, 2014


2014 Exemplary Migrant Student Ceremony recognizes EPISD Standouts

 
The Migrant Student Graduation Enhancement Program held its annual Migrant Student Recognition Ceremony on March 31 at the Etter Harbin Alumni Center on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin.  The program provides courses and services to help migrant students earn high school credits without limitations of time or distance.  The graduation program meets the needs of migrant students who face unique challenges and unavoidable educational circumstances when they migrate throughout the state and sometimes throughout the country.

 Eagle Pass Independent School District students Alfonso Ainslie and Yoseline Sandoval (EPHS), and Karla Santos and Ashley Franco (WINN)  were among the 40 migrant students who were honored at the for their exemplary achievements during the university’s annual Migrant Student Recognition Ceremony, which was attended by 350 guests, including migrant students from 25 high schools and 17 Texas school districts. More than 750 Texas migrant students are completing their high school graduation requirements this year through the program, which is administered by the Distance Education Center within the university’s Division of Continuing & Extended Education.

It is an honor to congratulate these students for their extraordinary accomplishments in both their personal and academic lives.  The sacrifices and determination they have given to achieve in academics, extracurricular activities and community service demonstrates perseverance and dedication.   By receiving this recognition as exemplary migrant students they have earned a place amongst Texas Best and brightest young scholars. 

It should be noted that Alfonso Ainslie, Ashley Franco and Yoseline Sandoval also received runner up recognition for their artistic abilities in this year’s Creative award category.  Where students we encouraged to showcase creative talents and skills.

 
Since the Migrant Student Graduation Program was started in 1987, it has enrolled nearly 16,000 students. With funding from the Texas Education Agency and special project grants from the Microsoft Corporation and the Beaumont Foundation of America, the program provides tools, services and courses to help migrant students.
 



 

EPISD Teacher of the Month Mr. Randy Laurence


EPISD Teacher of the Month

The Eagle Pass Independent School District has partnered with local businesses throughout our city to highlight the Teacher of the Month program, which honors educators who have made a difference in our community.  The program recognizes outstanding kindergarten, elementary, junior high, and high school teachers in Eagle Pass, Texas.
Mr. Randy Laurence, of C.C. Winn High School was named April 2014 “Teacher of the Month.” Randy, a teaching veteran spends countless hours working with students inside and outside the class room enhancing not only their knowledge but their life skills as well.  He is a talented, educator who is passionate about his career and finds creative ways to make science come alive for his students.  Specifically, Randy works with students on climate monitoring, river pollution and environmental control. He chairs his schools science department, and is an advisor for the National Honor Society. Randy is also the coach of the UIL Lincoln Douglas debate and Cross Examination debate teams that advanced to state competition this past February.  Mr. Randy Laurence connects concepts from the classroom to the real world.  It is for all these reasons that he is an outstanding EPISD Teacher and the Teacher of the Month for this April.
A segment will appear on iVision throughout the month of April detailing many more accomplishments of Mr. Laurence.  This month he will also appear on community media, news publications and the EPISD website throughout April 2014.

A teacher will be selected each month through June 2014 for a total of nine (9) honorees.  The “Teacher of the Month” will be chosen based on educational achievements in the classroom, community contributions and innovativeness of the program/techniques used by the teacher. The “Teacher of the Month” will receive a certificate of recognition and will be featured on iVision, local media news, news publications and radio broadcasting.  Additionally, each “Teacher of the Month” will receive donations from local businesses.

 
This month we would like to thank our sponsors, Lowes, Yaya’s Yummy Treats, and Ancira Ford – Eagle Pass.  

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Ready,Set.....Purple Up

It's almost time to Purple Up! Next Tuesday, April 15 join students across the state by wearing purple to honor military youth affected by deployment. Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military. Are you ready to "Purple Up! For Military Kids?!"
The Eagle Pass Independent School District will have their monthly School Board Meeting tonight at 6 p.m.

The meeting will be held at 1420

Eidson Road.

 

Thursday, April 3, 2014



 
 
 
Today is World Autism Awareness Day! Show your support by wearing blue TODAY

General Information on the STAAR


In fulfillment of the requirements of House Bill 3 passed by the 81st Texas Legislature and incorporated into Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 39, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) developed the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR). STAAR is a more rigorous assessment program that provides the foundation for a new accountability system for Texas public education.

STAAR replaced the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) in spring 2012. The STAAR program at grades 3–8 assesses the same subjects and grades that were assessed on TAKS.

At high school, however, grade-specific assessments were replaced with end-of-course (EOC) assessments.  House Bill 5, passed by the 82nd Texas Legislature, lowered the end-of-course requirements from 15 assessments to 5 assessments: Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, and U.S. History. STAAR EOC began with the entering 2011-12 9th graders.


2014 Winn High School

 CHEER CAMP

Please join the C.C. Winn High School Cheerleaders for their 2014 cheerleading camp for children in K to 11th grade that are interested in learning the techniques of cheerleading.




Who:  K to 11 Grade students

WhatCheer Camp hosted by CC Winn Varsity Cheer

Where:  CC Winn High School Gym

When:  Saturday, April 12,2014
Drop Off Time : 9:00 a.m.
Pick up Time :    11:30-12:00p.m
 
Why:  The purpose of this camp is to teach the fundamentals of cheer, dance and jumps

Fee:   $20 per participant

Also, all CC Winn Cheer Camp parents of participants are invited to attend at 11:30

 
Daily instruction will include:

• Chants

• Cheers

• Dance

• Jumps

 
WHAT To WEAR: White shirt, black shorts (no jeans), tennis shoes, socks, and NO jewelry.

Campers will rotate through activity stations.


Registration form for each participant is required!

 
For more information call C. C. Winn at (830) 757-0828.

Email: Angelica Venegas at avasquez@eaglepassisd.net

Email: Melissa Jacquez
at mjacquez@eaglepassisd.net

Wear purple on April 15th

April marks the nation’s Month of the Military Child. As a way to honor youth affected by deployment, school district employees and students across the state are encouraged to wear purple on Tuesday, April 15, as part of "Purple Up! For Military Kids."

Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, because it is the combination of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red, and Navy blue. The program is organized by Texas Operation: Military Kids (OMK) as part of the 4-H Youth Development program of Texas AgriLife Extension to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifice.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Congratulations to Ashleigh M. Gil

Congratulations to Ashleigh M. Gil
 
The EPISD is proud to announce that Health Occupation Student Association (HOSA) member Ashleigh M. Gil has reached national level recognition in this years annual HOSA competition.
 
Nationally, HOSA is the one of largest student organizations that prepares members to enter the health care field. This is a tremendous accomplishment for Ms. Gil, instructor Mrs. Sandra Mello-Lopez and the entire CATE program. In the past, the CATE program has had previous national titles under the then-direction of Mr. G. Gonzalez.

Included is an essay that Ashleigh wrote about her experience in HOSA,

From an early age, I always knew I wanted to join the healthcare profession, but I didn’t know what I wanted to be. One day I knew I would figure it out. During my freshman year of high school, I enrolled in medical terminology taught by Mrs. Elizabeth Rodriguez and she informed me about the Senior certification program. At the time, there were three programs to choose from: certified Nurses Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, and Pharmacy Technician. With this opportunity to become certified presented to me, I explored more possibilities for my future. However, I needed to gain all my pre-requisite classes and decide which certification class to choose.

 Apart from the senior certification program, Mrs. Rodriguez introduced me into the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club. The following year, my sophomore year, I joined the club fundraising, community service, and online competition were all important aspects of the club. Since I was a new member, I focused on fundraising and completing my community service. My sophomore year ended and junior year as well on its way.

 I returned back to the HOSA club, but instead I focused on preparing for online competition. Out of all the events, I decided on nutrition because I simply liked to eat. I thought to myself, if I liked something, shouldn’t I also want to have some knowledge behind my interest. So I studied as much as possible and I took my first nutrition test as a junior. When the results were announced, Mrs. Rodriguez informed that I placed 1st in Area One. I advanced to state automatically.

After this I began studying harder. I read every day for an hour or two for four months. In April 2013, at state competition, I placed 6th out of 21 people. The top five are recognized and the top 3 advance to nationals. Disappointed but not discouraged, I vowed to compete in nutrition again to have a second chance the following year.

As my junior year ended, my HOSA club sponsor was promoted. Unfortunately, she could no longer be in charge of the club. Thankfully Ms. Amanda Garcia stepped in and organized the beginning of the club. With the help of Ms. Deborah Lopez, the club gained stability. It is because of these two ladies that the club continued to exist and allowed me to compete once more.

I dedicated myself to studying despite having prior knowledge from the previous year. I competed and when the results were announced, I placed third in Area One; I advanced to state again. When I realized this, I studied harder than ever before because I knew I wanted to go to nationals-especially since it would be at Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida. All of January and February of this year, I read for two hours five times a week. When March approached, I read an hour a day seven days a week.

My motivation to advance to nationals was simply that I wanted to go to Disneyworld. With all my preparation, I finally put my knowledge to test on Saturday March 29, 2014. I placed third in the State of Texas and advanced to Nationals. Currently, I am studying for my nutrition test and my pharmacy technician test. I hope to receive my certification by the end of May and place at Nationals in June. In the fall, I will attend Texas A&M University in college station and begin my four year journey to obtain my nutrition and dietetics degree and become a registered dietitian.
 

 

Eagle Pass Education Foundation

The Eagle Pass Education Foundation goal is to foster community involvement in innovative educational programs by generating and disbursing funds and other resources to provide enrichment for students of the Eagle Pass Independent School District in Eagle Pass, TX.

The  EPISD 2nd Annual Education Foundation Gala will take place at the El Residencial Banquet Hall on April 11, 2014 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.


MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
April 2014
School Library Month
4 School Librarian Appreciation Day
6-13 National Volunteer Week
8 Regular Board of Trustees meeting, 6 pm,  Board Room
13-19 National Library Week
18 Easter Break (schools/offices closed)
23 Administrative Professionals Day
 

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Twitter Fan

Are you following EPISD on Twitter ?
It's now available, making it three of the social media sites that can keep you up to date and informed on our school district on a day to day basis.
Keep up with our TWEETS, BLOG and YouTube channel.
 
 
Teachers and staff at Perfecto Mancha Elementary School  pumped up students for the STAAR test with a special song and test-taking advice. Good luck to all our students in Eagle Pass ISD taking STAAR tests this week!

Click on the link to listen in:
http://youtu.be/mN19s8UOyXg