Lynn Balderas Recieves the President’s Volunteer Service Award

EPHS would like to recognize a much deserved senior at our campus, Lynn Balderas. As a Prudential Spirit of Community honoree in our community, Lynn was among a select group of very talented and dedicated young volunteers to be considered for state-level recognition in "The 2016 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program."  It is important that Americans of all ages think about how we can all make a positive difference in our communities. Lynn has spent a lot of his time battling environmental fairness in Maverick County and the Rio Grande River as well as cleaning up Elm Creek Park on Highway 277 North. Lynn Balderas is being recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award on behalf of President Barack Obama!! 

Congratulations for volunteering significant amounts of precious time to serve our community and country. “Lynn has demonstrated that young people across America are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their communities,” said John Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. “These honorees practice a lesson we hope all young people, as well as adults, will emulate,” said National Association of Secondary School Principals Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti.

EPHS Principal, Mr. John Cox, along with his Staff and student body would also like to thank and encourage Lynn to continue positively impacting our world!

Eric Herrera is Reserve Champion at the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo

EPHS Senior, Eric Herrera, recently competed at the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo Agricultural Science Fair in Animal Systems. He presented an experiment on how to transplant animal tissue into humans for human organ growth. The twenty minute presentation was done before a professor-based panel from Texas A& M and Texas Tech on Saturday, Feb 21, 2016. Eric was Reserve Champion. 

The 1^st Place recipient was ineligible to claim her prize enabling Eric to claim the $10,000 scholarship prize & banner, thereby advancing to compete at the Houston Stock Show and Rodeo March 2016.

Eric was a 1^st Time FFA & San Antonio Stock Show Competitor.  EPHS Career Tech Teacher, Mr. Charlie Cardenas introduced him to the competition and assisted Eric with guidance and the tools necessary to delivery his presentation. When asked what he would say about this experience, he responded “I could not have done this without my Agricultural Science Teachers.” Eric is the son of Noelia & Javier Herrera and the oldest of two children.

EPHS Principal, Mr. John Cox, along with his Staff and student body would like to wish Eric much luck!  The EPISD supports this hard working student, and wishes him continued success.

Informational Sessions Scheduled with DSHS

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Region 8 has recently identified a case of tuberculosis, or TB, in a student who happens to attend CC Winn High School.  DSHS staff will hold informational meetings for concerned parents, in English and Spanish, on March 3, 2016, at 6:00 pm, at CC Winn High School.

To prevent any other people from getting TB, DSHS Region 8 will perform TB testing for students, faculty, and staff identified as potentially exposed to TB.  Only people with prolonged, close contact with a person who has TB need to be tested.  DSHS will identify who needs a test and notify those people by letter during the week of March 7-11, 2016.  Parents of students who need a test will also receive a testing permission slip that must be signed and returned.  The testing will occur during the week of 21-25 March 2016.  The tests will be free for people who may have been exposed.

No one who might have been exposed to TB is in immediate danger.  TB is not easily spread and, when it does, develops very slowly.  The TB test identifies those who have TB infection so they can be treated.  The test is very accurate, but works best 8-10 weeks after exposure.  Anyone who tests positive will need medical treatment to prevent them from getting sick.  This treatment will be provided free by DSHS.

TB is spread by germs that float in the air.  The germs get into the air when a person with TB coughs, shouts, or sneezes.  Nearby people can inhale TB germs into their lungs.  

TB germs can live in your body without making you sick.  This is called TB infection.  Your immune system traps the TB germs and keeps them from causing disease.  Sometimes the TB germs break out of the trap and spread in the body.  The germs can attack the lungs or other parts of the body.  This is called TB disease.  Someone with TB disease may have a cough that won’t go away, feel weak, lose weight, have a fever, sweat a lot at night, or even cough up blood.  

With proper medical treatment, a person with TB infection will not get TB disease, and a person with TB disease will get better.

Update at Maude Mae Kirchner Elementary School

Students will report to class at Kirchner Elementary at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 23, 2016. Classes have been disrupted due to a minor power shortage.  
All other EPISD campuses will resume as regularly scheduled.

For more information on EPISD Inclement Weather Producers, faculty, staff and students can review the hazardous weather policy at this link: http://episdivision.blogspot.com/2015/01/if-inclement-weather-occurs-and.html

Information will be updated if needed on the EPISD Website: http://www.eaglepassisd.net/

Continue to stay connected with all the latest information and necessary updates at both our EPISD Facebook and Twitter pages.

Career Day at Sam Houston

On February 18, 2016, Sam Houston Elementary hosted a career day where students learned about the different career paths available to them.
The goal for this event was to inform and motivate students to stay in school, strive for good grades and become role models.  Students enthusiastically visited the different stations and learned about the tools and gears needed to accomplish the different jobs as well as the educational requirements for each career.  The EPISD would like to thank all community leaders who volunteered their time and expertise with the students of Sam Houston.

EPHS Rodeo Team

Congratulations to the EPHS High School Rodeo Team. All three are State- qualifiers and EPHS SENIORS: Colin Byrne, bull riding (3 time State- qualifier) Colin is the son of John & Rose Byrne. Isaac Cardona, Team Roping (3 Time State- qualifier ). Isaac is the son of Saul & Esperanza Cardona. Alexis DE LA Garza, Pole Bending (1st time state qualifier) Alexis is the daughter of Eliseo & Debbie De La Garza. State championship rodeo will be held in Abilene on June 6 thru June 10.

All three also received scholarships from the Texas High School Rodeo Association. Alexis received $1000.00; Colin received $500.00 and Isaac received $250.00.

EPISD Teacher of the Month, Norma Heredia

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.

Mrs. Norma P. Heredia, of Liberty Elementary School, has been selected as the “Teacher of the Month” for February 2016.  Mrs. Heredia has been described as a highly compassionate, reliable, caring, and dedicated teacher.  She demonstrates every characteristic of an accomplished veteran educator.  Day after day, Mrs. Heredia walks onto campus, with what has been described as an “infectious positive attitude.”  As a Reading Interventionist, Mrs. Heredia works with small groups and has countless success stories with her students.  Her one-on-one approach allows the struggling reader or ELA student to confidently approach and master the subject.  Mrs. Heredia teaches with purpose and her techniques are respected by coworkers and administration on campus.  Her highly effective, caring, and enthusiastic attitude personifies what it is to be an excellent educator.  She teaches with real passion from the heart, with integrity, and above all a real concern for the success of her students.  It is because of all these reasons that Mrs. Heredia, of Liberty Elementary is our “Teacher of the Month” for February 2016. 

A segment will appear on iVision throughout the month of February detailing many more accomplishments of Mrs. Heredia.  This month she will also appear on community media, news publications and the EPISD website throughout February 2016.  

A teacher will be selected each month through June 2016 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 innovative programs and 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.

Each T.O.M is receiving a “V.I.T (Very Important Teacher) Parking Pass”, a jean voucher for a month, 20 free meals at the Campus Café, and Class Cash to purchase class room supplies. Additionally, each “Teacher of the Month” will receive donations from local businesses, Ancira Ford–Eagle Pass, Ashley Furniture, and Bath and Body Works.     

   

FAFSA NIGHTS

Eagle Pass ISD - As our high school seniors finish up their college admission applications, their attention turns to the pending deadlines for financial aid forms.  Financial Aid can be a source of stress and frustrations for students and parents alike. That is why EPISD students can turn to “Financial Aid Nights” taking place this month for free assistance with successfully completing these forms correctly and in a timely manner.  

Seniors  students, along  their parents are encouraged to attend this informative sessions to get a better understanding of the student aid process and how best to begin planning to fund their higher education.

College Advisors from both high schools will be available to provide information and answer questions and concerns.  Parents and students will learn what they need to do to apply for all types of financial aid, and will complete the FAFSA which is required to qualify for most student aid programs such as the Texas Grant, Federal Pell Grant, institutional awards and low-cost federal student and parent loans.  

Participants will also be briefed on the importance of searching out free money awards like scholarships to help pay for education costs.  Please bring with you social security numbers, driver’s license number, last year’s tax information or tax returns for you and your child.  

Attending Financial Aid Night can be a good first step for parents and students with plans of attending college. Financial Aid Nights will be held:

C.C. Winn High School                    Eagle Pass High School

February 25^, 2016                             February 24, 2016

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.                         12:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

“Our district has made great strides at preparing students for college, but the cost of higher education has never been more challenging” stated Superintendent of Schools, Gilberto Gonzalez. “Just sending kids to college is not accomplishing the ultimate mission. Parents, completing the FAFSA form are a critical continuation to your child's education.  It is one of the most important things you can do with your child for their future.”

Winn ADVANCES at 29-5A District Cross Examination Tournament

This past Saturday, February 6^th, the 29-5A District Cross Examination Tournament was held at Martin High School in Laredo Texas.  This competition is held to decide who will advance to the state tournament to be held March 18-19^th in Austin.  

Representing the C. C. Winn Mavericks in this competition were the debate teams of Adrian Gonzalez/ Issac Turrubiate, Erik Chavarria/ Juan Ortiz, and David Gonzalez/Francisco Becceril.

After three rounds of preliminary debate, the Maverick debate teams of Adrian Gonzalez/Issac Turrubiate and Erik Chavarria/ Juan Ortiz both advanced to the semifinal rounds.

The Maverick teams won their semifinal round, which automatically advanced them both to the state tournament.  Rather than calling it a day and going home, both teams opted to debate the final round rather than the option of a coin flip.

In that tightly contested round decided by a 2-1 judge panel decision, Adrian Gonzalez & Issac Turrubiate defeated their teammates to win gold medals for the second year in a row the District 29-5A Championship.  Awarded silver medals were Erik Chavarria/ Juan Ortiz for their second place win.  The Maverick debate team’s performances also won the Championship Team award for our school.

We send the best of congratulations to the whole Maverick CX Debate Team, and the best of luck to both qualifying teams in the upcoming state tournament next month . Way to Go MAVS!

EPHS Valentines Day Guidelines

Please be advised that the following guidelines will be strictly enforced for delivery of Valentine Gifts on Friday, Feb. 12, 2016:

1.     Deliveries should ONLY be made between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12 NOON through front campus entrance.  Arrangements will NOT be accepted after 12:00 p.m.

2.     Name, ID #, Grade, Date of Birth and Student/Staff/Cafeteria Indications must be included on gift upon arrival.
3.     If student leaves school early, please include departure time for student.
4.     EPHS will not handle student to student delivery of gifts.

EPHS will not be responsible for lost gifts.  If multiple gifts are delivered for someone, they must be taped or attached to each other. In order to better handle the high quantity of deliveries, please adhere to the above mentioned requests as these will be required for proper distribution. In advance, we appreciate your patience during this very busy day. 

El Dia del Amor y la Amistad se acerca y el plantel de Eagle Pass High School quiere hacer todo lo posible para hacer propia entrega de regalos.  Los siguentes requisitos son necesarios para hacer esto posible. 

1.        Regalos solo se aceptaran entre ocho de la mañana y medio dia por la entrada principal del   plantel.  (8:00 a.m. – 12 del medio día)

2.       Favor de incluir nombre, numero de identificacion, fecha de nacimiento y grado. Favor de indicar si recipiente es parte de la administración o del departamento de cafeteria, etc.

3.      Si el almuno sale temprano del plantel, favor de incluir la hora de partida.
4.      Eagle Pass High School no se hara responsible por la entrega de regalos entre estudiantes.

Puesto que la cantidad de regalos es tan grande, Eagle Pass High School no es responsable por regalos extraviados.  Se les pide a todos los padres de familia cumplir con estos requisitos, ya que solo de esta manera se nos podra facilitar la entrega. Agradecemos su pacencia, de antemano, durante este 12 de febrero del 2016

WE LOVE OUR COUNSELORS

Happy National School ❤Counseling❤Week
(Feb 1-5, 2016) to all EPISD Counselors!
"School Counseling: The Recipe To SUCCESS!!!"

National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 1–5, 2016, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century.

UIL Cross-Examination District Meet

EPHS’ UIL Cross-Examination team, composed of Jacob Ayers-Briseño and Marlowe Zamora, advances to the UIL State CX Competition after placing second at the United South High School Cross-Examination District Meet in Laredo, Tx. On Friday, January 29 & 30, Ayers and Zamora earned four back to back debate wins against other 6A district schools advancing to the semi-finals and then the finals placing Second overall only after United High.

Jacob Ayers-Briseño and Marlowe Zamora will travel to UT Austin to compete at the 6A Cross-Examination UIL State Meet on March 17, 18, & 19, 2016. Their CX coaches and EPHS teachers Dolores Rodriguez and Carmen Castañeda are very proud of the boys and wish them the best of luck. “This is an impressive win. Jacob & Marlowe have only been doing this for a year, so this is a major accomplishment for them. Especially when you consider they beat more seasoned and experienced competitors from the strong Laredo schools.  They will now be going up against even tougher competitors so we must work hard in the next weeks to prepare for this next contest,” stated D. Rodriguez.