RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED EL PASO, TX P.O. BOX SOCORRO ISD

Transcripción

1 SOCORRO ISD P.O. BOX EL PASO, TX RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

2 Superintendent s Message It gives me great pride and joy to congratulate Team SISD on a successful and exciting school year! I firmly believe the best is yet to come, and I look forward to a new year filled with positive energy, high expectations, and unparalleled support. I am eager to welcome back our students, faculty, staff, and community to continue to achieve success as a team in the Socorro Independent School District. It has been a pleasure getting to know everyone at the schools, learning our stakeholder s perceptions of our campuses and district as a whole, and working together on our collaborative plan to take this district to the next level. I was inspired by the number of responses we received on the spring 2013 Climate Surveys. The results were overwhelmingly positive, which indicate that SISD stakeholders take pride in our schools and district. Along with celebrating our areas of strengths, the feedback we received from our students, parents and employees provided our campus leaders with guidance on developing action plans to improve their campus climate. Survey results and campus action plans can be found on our district website net. The valuable data we collected from Team SISD as well as document reviews was instrumental in the development of the May 2013 District Strategic Plan. I addressed the major objectives of our plan at our first-ever Achieving Success as a Team Live community forum, which was broadcasted live on television and the district website from the El Paso Community College TV station. The live community forum was an exciting, new way to communicate with all stakeholders in the district and share our vision of excellence that will ensure SISD becomes the best district in the nation. I d like to thank our Partners in Education at EPCC for supporting our new communication initiative. We will offer more community forums and interactive programming this school year to continue engaging our entire community. We are also very proud to be working closely with our faculty and staff as well as our community in selecting our new, dynamic campus leaders. Choosing a campus principal is an extremely important decision that I believe warrants the input and assistance of SISD stakeholders. Thus, we met with the faculty, staff, and community of all the campuses with principal vacancies and compiled a principal profile with their feedback that was used in the selection process. Once the best candidate was selected, we met again with faculty, staff, and community to introduce them to their new campus leader. I d like to thank our employees and parents for their excellent contributions to this important process. It is imperative that we have effective and innovative principals at every campus and motivated and highly skilled teachers in every classroom to ensure our students are receiving the quality education they deserve. Leading, Inspiring, Innovating Team SISD working together to move the district to next level Since his arrival in SISD last September, Superintendent Dr. José Espinoza has focused on establishing a clear, innovative strategic direction for the district that meets the needs of students, staff and the community at large and aligns with the Board of Trustee s vision. His mission was to thoroughly evaluate the district, collect data and input from SISD stakeholders and use his findings to develop a plan that incorporated best educational practices and the established strengths of the district. Along the way, he met with numerous SISD stakeholders, including teachers, parents, students and community members, attended a multitude of district and community events and collaborated with district administrators and the Board of Trustees. With the 2013 Strategic Plan in place, Dr. Espinoza has led and inspired Team SISD in pursuit of 100 percent student success District Strategic Plan The SISD Strategic Plan: Leading, Inspiring, Innovating has been produced to serve as the pathways to success focused on improving academic achievement of all students. Building on the success that SISD has accomplished, Team SISD is committed to working together in a unified direction for the district to meet the needs of 21st century learners. The district s strategic direction was based on what is already working in the district, the input shared by students, parents, teachers and community members and a focus on the shared vision of what SISD can become through collective action. Spring 2013 Climate Surveys In February 2013, SISD launched its first comprehensive school climate survey to assess stakeholders perceptions of SISD as a whole and at all campuses. The majority of the survey results were positive and provided valuable information on the strengths and areas of improvements. Safety and security, college and career readiness, maximizing academic learning time, effective staff, collaboration and accountability emerged as top priorities for the district. The data collected was instrumental in creating the 2013 District Strategic Action Plan and the Campus Action Plans, which are available on the district website. The results of the district and campus surveys are also on the website. Below is a snapshot of the 2013 District Climate Survey results. District Results Snapshot Applying a point value for each response (Strongly Agree = 5, Agree = 4, Neutral = 3, Disagree = 2, Strongly Disagree = 1), the overall average rating of all the survey questions was Seventyone percent (71%) of all responses were positive, agree or strongly agree, nine percent (9%) were disagree or strongly disagree, and twenty percent (20%) were neutral. In addition to outstanding educators, we must maintain and expand our world-class facilities to offer students a safe and supportive learning environment in our rapidly growing district. We are excited to be opening James P. Butler Elementary School and SSG. Manuel R. Puentes Middle School this year to accommodate the increasing population in the El Dorado area and offer students an exceptional educational experience in brand new facilities. I am also pleased to report that all of our other Bond 2011 projects are on time and within budget, staying true to our motto of Promises Made, Promises Kept. With new schools opening, vast improvements across the district, and an outstanding faculty and staff who remain committed to high student achievement, Team SISD is well on its way to reaching its goal of ensuring all students graduate from high school prepared for the college and career of their choice. I look forward to Achieving Success as a Team during the school year. I am extremely proud to be a part of this remarkable district and community! José Espinoza, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools 2 The culmination of the community engagement in was SISD s first-ever digital community forum Achieving Success as a Team live!, which was broadcasted live on television and the district s website. Involving the community is integral in the superintendent s plan for the district and he continuously invites parents and community members to provide feedback. Team SISD has contributed their ideas through the superintendent s easily accessible link on the district website, at the fall community meetings at the district s high schools, principal profile community meetings and ASAT-live. Dr. Espinoza unveiled the main points of the 2013 District Strategic Plan to SISD stakeholders during the program. He also led a panel, including Board President Cynthia Najera and administrators, to engage the community in a live Q&A session from the El Paso Community College television station. Viewers submitted questions for the panel and a live studio audience of district principals, directors, students, parents, volunteers and Partners in Education via , phone calls, Facebook and Twitter. Achieving Success as a Team live! generated great discussion on points important to the SISD community. Several communities gathered to watch at their schools, the website live stream drew 650 hits and 301 viewers have seen the recorded show on the SISD s YouTube channel. The show is available to watch at SocorroISD

3 National Champions SHS NJROTC Most Outstanding Unit in the Nation (continued from cover) This is a marvelous occasion to honor the students of Socorro High School who participate in the NJROTC. They are great students and they have great leadership out there. - Rodney Hansen, President of the El Paso Council of the U.S. Navy League. The unit won the top area award after competing against schools from New Mexico, Colorado and Oklahoma. From there, the Socorro NJROTC was nominated for the national award. The unit was honored for its outstanding armed and unarmed teams, academic and physical teams and color guard. They were also commended for their countless hours of community and environmental service in the El Paso, Horizon City and Socorro communities. This is a great honor and it shows that the unit has put a lot of heart, time and effort into what we do, said Cadet Lt. Commander Joseph Anthony Perez and a junior at Socorro High School. As a team we will succeed in the future just as we have in the past and this will keep our dynasty going. SISD website, TV news, e-news Stay informed with new media SISD launched a newly designed website this summer to offer an updated, easy-to-navigate online experience. The website, features the latest district news, special features, videos, calendar, information on academics, jobs, schools and the Board of Trustees. You also will find easy access to the district s social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Other helpful links include New to Socorro, which offers important information for families transitioning to SISD, and Doing Business with SISD, which provides Last year, the Socorro NJROTC won third in the nation and first at the state level for the third consecutive year. The NJROTC unit won the national award once before in vendor resources. The school websites also have been redesigned to offer the same functionality as the district site. Parents and students can access e-hac and the student portal to find customized student and campus information. You can sign up for e-news on the new website. SISD e-news is an electronic newsletter that shares the latest announcements, special events and happenings in SISD. You can keep up with the latest in SISD by watching SISD-TV news on Time Warner cable channel 15.1, Time Warner digital cable channel 14 or El Paso broadcast channel The district s news program airs at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. Thursdays and 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. SISD-TV news also is available on the district s YouTube channel at www. youtube.com/socorroisd. Be sure to subscribe to SISD s YouTube channel to receive notices when future programming is loaded. SISD committed to safety and security The safety of students and staff is a top priority in SISD and the District Safety Committee has been diligently preparing and collaborating with campus leaders and local law enforcement to keep SISD secure. We need to do everything in our power to make sure our students and staff are safe and supported at every campus, said Superintendent Dr. José Espinoza. Our District Safety Committee Members are working closely with our campus administrators to ensure our staff and students are provided with multi-hazard trainings. Other safety measures include implementing a standardized district-wide emergency operations procedure, reorganizing the SISD security force to better assist all campuses, stationing staff members at the entrance of every campus to closely monitor all campus visitors, and conducting safety audits to ensure proper safety protocol at the campuses. The District Safety Committee met during the school year and at the last meeting district administrators, school staff and members of local law enforcement agencies joined forces to prepare for possible emergency situations. District employees, SISD police services, firefighters and officers from the El Paso, Socorro and Horizon City police departments worked case studies to prepare for emergencies that could occur on campuses. Obviously we can t consider everything that can happen, but being prepared as much as possible should make all parents feel better knowing the school district is doing everything in their power to keep our kids safe, said Philip Muller, a parent of four children in SISD and a Texas Highway Patrol sergeant. Parents can stay connected with Parent Portal The district remains committed to engaging the community through regular two-way communication. Subscribe to SISD e-news at Follow us on Twitter. www. twitter.com/socorroisd Like us on Facebook. www. facebook.com/socorroisd Subscribe to our YouTube channel. youtube.com/socorroisd The new principals shared their vision for the upcoming year and the future. The following communities welcomed new principals: Greg Hatch, Benito Martinez Elementary Nadia De La Rosa, Campestre Elementary Analia Jansen, Desert Wind School Veronica Candelaria, John Drugan School Jessica Macias, Robert R. Rojas Elementary Scan here Use this bar code to go directly to the new and improved Use your QR reader to scan the code. New SISD principals introduced to community Faculty, staff, parents, students and community members had the opportunity to meet the new leaders at their schools this summer at principal introduction meetings. Hatch De La Rosa Jansen Candelaria Macias The community has been integral in the principal selection process, providing valuable input about the qualities they would like to see in the new school leaders. The principal profile and principal introduction meetings have been part of SISD s commitment to involving the community in decisions and activities that are important to school success. SISD s Parent Portal is a web-based student information system that provides parents real-time access to monitor and stay informed of their child s progress in school. The system allows parents and students quick access to items such as registration, attendance, scheduling, report cards, homework assignments and standardized test scores. The Parent Portal can be accessed through the parents section on the district website, Usernames and passwords are automatically generated so all parents need to do is pick up the login information at their child s campus. Parents can sign up for the Parent Portal in late August. The portal is one more step in enhancing communication between SISD schools, homes and the community. For more information, please call the Department of Technology Services at or click on the The Parent Portal link on the district website. 3

4 Breakfast in the Classroom to be offered at SISD middle schools All SISD middle schools will be participating in the Breakfast in the Classroom program during the school year. The Breakfast in the Classroom program is already in place at SISD elementary schools and makes a huge impact on our students and district. SISD s expansion in the Breakfast in the Classroom program will be a great benefit for middle school students by providing them the nutrition they need to boost learning, said Shelley Chenausky, Director of Child Nutrition Services. Breakfast in the Classroom will provide breakfast for all SISD elementary and middle school students for free. Apply for meal benefits To apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits, parents may submit an application online through the district website, Following the simple step-bystep procedure online will allow Child Nutrition Services employees to process the applications faster than ever. Also, parents may register on MyLunchMoney.com to view their child s meal account history and balance. Parents may also make online pre-payments for a small convenience fee. For more information, contact the Child Nutrition Services department at or visit the Child Nutrition Services page on the district website. Bond, financial ratings show SISD is financially strong The Socorro Independent School District operates efficiently and effectively to maintain a balanced budget with transparency, accountability and responsibility. The district s commitment to solid financial and organizational management is reflected in the strong bond and financial ratings from the state and independent evaluators. Moody s Investors Service assigned a Aa2 underlying bond rating and stable outlook to SISD in June citing continued growth in the district s large tax base, solid financial operations that are supported by state revenues, healthy reserve levels and an elevated but manageable debt. The Fitch Ratings assigned the district a AA- underlying rating based on a strong financial profile, significant state support, promising growth prospects and maintaining solid reserves. In addition, SISD received a perfect score of 70 and a Superior Achievement award in the preliminary Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) rating for fiscal year The FIRST rating given by the Texas Education Agency is for the financial activity incurred in It is the second year in a row the district has earned a perfect score and superior rating. SISD Board of Trustees elects new officers STAAR Assessments Rigorous instruction will continue to prepare SISD students The Socorro Independent School District is dedicated to high student achievement and SISD teachers and administrators are working hard to ensure students are successful in all content areas, grade levels and prepared for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR ) tests. During the school year, the passing standards will continue to increase as STAAR results will be moving into Phase II accountability standards. SISD is up for the challenge and teachers and principals will continue implementing the instructional strategies, preparations and motivators that they have been instilling in SISD students. Results from the first administration of 2013 STAAR tests show improvements in SISD s student performance in the majority of subjects, including Science and Social Studies. However, much work remains to be done to ensure all students are performing at high achievement level across all subjects. SISD is committed to continue with rigorous and relevant instruction to provide a high quality education for all students. In addition, as a result of House Bill 5, which was passed by the 83rd Texas Legislature and signed by the governor, high school students are now required to pass five STAAR end-ofcourse exams to meet the new graduation requirements. This means Algebra I, English I Reading & Writing, English II Reading & Writing, Biology and U.S. History are now required for graduation for all students who entered the 9th grade in Fall HB 5 also eliminates the 15 percent grading requirement, which would have required the STAAR end-of-course exams to be counted as 15 percent of the student s final grade in each tested subject area. For more information contact your campus administrator or visit New SISD head coaches ready to lead their teams to success New head coaches will take the helm in various sports at Socorro High School and Montwood High School this coming season. Leopoldo Gonzalez is the new head coach for Socorro High School varsity football. He was the offensive coordinator for 11 years at Montwood High School. I hope to establish a winning attitude and bring success to the football program, Gonzalez said. By instilling a strong work ethic and positive attitude in these student athletes, I feel confident that they can thrive and become successful on and off the field. Jeremy Vanley is the new Montwood High School boys varsity basketball coach. Vanley was the head coach at Parkland High School. I want to carry on the tradition that was set by Coach Harper, Vanley said. I m real excited to meet the guys and start working with them and get the ball and start running. The new Montwood High School girls varsity basketball coach is Diana Rico. Rico has been the JV coach at Montwood High School for the last several years. I m ecstatic and grateful for this opportunity. I m ready to work with these girls who pride themselves on hard work, Rico said. The new varsity baseball coach is Willie Romo. Romo served as the interim head coach last year and led the Rams to a district title and bi-district title. I m truly honored, truly humbled to be part of Montwood baseball, Romo said. I ve been part of Montwood baseball for 10 years as an assistant. We competed, we won a district title and a bi-district title and hopefully we ll pick up where we left off next year. IB art project gives students real-world, global experience Seven students in the International Baccalaureate program at El Dorado High School wrapped up their senior year with a rigorous art project which gave them real-world experience and intense evaluation from various art educators. Najera Guerra Rodriguez The SISD Board of Trustees voted on new board officers at the regular board meeting on May 21. Board trustees voted unanimously for Cynthia Ann Najera for board president and for Paul Guerra for board vice president. Angelica Rodriguez was voted unanimously as board secretary. Najera represents District 2 and Guerra represents District 4 in SISD. Rodriguez represents District 3. In addition, the SISD community elected a new member to the board in the May 11 election. Hector F. Gonzalez was elected to represent District 1. 4 The students created 12 works of art and two books of research, reflections and sketches over two years. The evaluation of their work included three assessments: one by their teacher, a second by an external local evaluator, and a third by an art educator in Jerusalem. They get to pick something that they are very passionate about, research it in depth and find out how their passions are connected throughout the world, said Candace Printz, El Dorado High School art teacher. It makes them think outside the box, but it also makes them realize that everything they do within the world and the community, it s all connected. The assessment process reflects the IB program mission to teach students to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world. The IB program also supports SISD s primary goal to ensure students graduate prepared for college and a career. It taught me a sense of freedom, in that there was not a teacher with me through every step of the project, said Ernesto Acosta, an El Dorado 2013 graduate in the IB program. It taught me a lot of responsibility. In addition, the students art work was displayed at Sierra Providence East Medical Center giving the students the professional experience of having their work displayed for the public to enjoy.

5 Student attendance strong with Make it Count campaign SISD s Make it Count attendance campaign encouraged students to attend school every day to make the most of their learning time in the classroom. At the end of the second year of the campaign, SISD student attendance improved to 96.2 percent and students again were rewarded with prizes for having perfect attendance. The grand prizes at the end of the year were bikes for elementary students, ipod Nanos for middle school students, 16GB Nooks for freshman through juniors and 32GB Nooks for seniors. Throughout the year, eligible students were picked at the end of each nine weeks to win other prizes donated by Partners in Education. I think it s great that the kids are being rewarded for doing good things in school, said Miguel Abbud, parent of a second grader at Elfida P. Chavez Elementary who won the bike grand prize. We don t see this in other districts and I think it is great that Socorro is doing this. During each nine-week period, students were eligible to earn up to three tickets for the prize drawing. At the end of each three-week progress report, students who attended school the entire three weeks without an absence earned a ticket. Students had the opportunity to earn 11 tickets total for the grand prize drawing at the end of the year. Students and parents were able to keep track of the tickets they had earned on their student parent portal. SISD encourages all students to Make it Count by attending school every day to boost achievement, improve the quality of their education and have a chance to win prizes. Click on the Make it Count link on the district website for more information. SISD Foundation - Excellence in Education 23 seniors earn Foundation scholarships; golf tournament fund raiser set for October The Socorro Independent School District Education Foundation awarded $51,000 in scholarships to Class of 2013 graduating seniors. Twenty-three SISD students received various amounts to go toward their college or university education. Thirteen students won $3,000 SISD Foundation Scholarships and four students won the $1,000 W.E. Barber Scholarship. One student each also won the Dr. Sue Shook Scholarship, the Marian McQuiddy Scholarship, the Al Cardenas Scholarship, the Cordova Broadcast Media Scholarship, the SHS Alumni Legacy Scholarship and a scholarship from the 19th Rifle Co., USMCR Foundation. Since the foundation was established in 2006, it has provided more than 134 students with scholarships worth $150,000. For a list of scholarship recipients, visit the SISD Foundation webpage on the district website. Sixth Annual Socorro ISD Foundation Golf Tournament The annual Foundation golf tournament will be Oct. 11 at the Butterfield Trail Golf Club. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with a shotgun start at noon. The tournament is a four-person scramble. The cost is $165 per person and includes 18 holes of golf, cart, range balls, lunch and dinner. There will be an awards presentation and dinner directly after golf. You may pre-register at The golf tournament is the Foundation s biggest fund raiser of the year. Sponsorships are available at the platinum ($5,000), gold ($2,500), silver ($1,000) and bronze ($500) levels. A team sponsorship ($660) is also available. The Team Sponsorship Level includes a round of golf, commemorative golf shirt, goodie bag for each participant, lunch, dinner and door prizes. Other sponsorships include: the Lunch Sponsorship ($3,000) - one foursome in golf tournament, company logo on lunch tickets and tee box; Dinner Sponsorship ($6,000) - two foursomes in golf tournament, company logo on dinner tickets and tee box; or the Shirt Sponsorship ($5,000) - two foursomes in golf tournament, company logo on golf shirts and tee box. To sponsor or for more information, contact Gracie Tovar at SISD Public Notices The Socorro Independent School District is dedicated to providing a comprehensive, quality education for all students in the District and to offer parents the resources and knowledge to help their children succeed in our schools. In addition, the District is committed to keeping parents and community members informed on services, procedures and regulations that the District must abide by at the state and federal level. As such, please see the following public notices from the Socorro Independent School District. SPECIAL EDUCATION/ CHILD FIND The Socorro Independent School District provides services for children who are eligible for special education. Eligible special education students will be afforded a free, appropriate public education beginning on their third birthday and continuing through their 21st year. Children who are identified as auditorially impaired, visually impaired or deaf-blind may be served from birth through 21 years of age. The Socorro Independent School District provides special education and related services to students residing within the District boundaries. A student with a disability must meet eligibility guidelines in one or more areas including physical disability, mental retardation, emotional disturbance, learning disability, autism, speech disability, traumatic brain injury, visual or auditory impairment. This impairment must significantly affect the student s ability to progress adequately without support services. If a child is experiencing learning difficulties, the parent may contact the person listed below to learn about the district s overall general education referral or screening system for support services. This system links students to a variety of support options including referral for special education evaluation. Students having difficulty in the regular classroom should be considered for tutorial, compensatory, and other support services that are available to all students. At any time, a parent is entitled to request an evaluation for special education services. Within a reasonable amount of time, the district must decide if the evaluation is needed. If the evaluation is needed, the parent will be notified and asked to provide consent for the evaluation. The district must complete the evaluation and the report within 60 calendar days of the date the district received the written consent. The district must give a copy of the report to the parent. If the District determines that the evaluation is not needed, the district will provide the parent with a written notice that explains why the child will not be evaluated. This written notice will include a statement that informs the parent of their rights if they disagree with the district. Additionally, the notice must inform the parent how to obtain a copy of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards-Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilities. For more information, contact the Director of Special Education, (915) at Rojas Dr. STUDENT RECORDS Access to any personally identifiable student records will be available to the parents or adult students. If material in the records includes information relating to other students, the parent only has the right to review and inspect the information relating to their student. Personally identifiable information in the records may be released without the written consent of the student s parents to school officials, including teachers who have legitimate educational interests. Those individuals with legitimate interests would include anyone providing educational or supportive services to that student. The school must maintain a record of access that indicates all individuals, agencies, or organizations that requested or obtained access to the students educational records. Confidentiality of personally identifiable information in collection, storage, disclosure and destruction or records is protected for all students in the District. The Socorro Independent School District also abides by all business associate requirements related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). Confidentiality requirements apply to the records of non-disabled and disabled students. Information may be withheld by request if parents or eligible students (18 years or older) request in writing that they want directory-type information withheld from public information. Directory-type information includes the student s name, phone number, and address. For more information or to request withdrawal of information from public information documents, contact Patrick O Neill, Rojas Dr., or call (915) NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION The Socorro Independent School District offers career and technology and special education in a wide variety of programs. Admission to these programs is based on age, grade level, or need for services. It is the policy of the District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in its career and technology and special education programs, services or activities as required by Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1972, as amended. The Socorro Independent School District will take steps to assure that a lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all special education and career and technical education programs. For information on your rights or grievance procedures contact the Department of Human Resources (915) , the Director of Career and Technical Education, George Thomas (915) , the Director of Special Education, (915) or the Director of Bilingual Education, Jennifer Davila (915) at Rojas Dr. 504 Child Find Notice Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the District has a duty to identify, refer, evaluate and if eligible, provide a free, appropriate public education to disabled students. For additional information about the rights of parents of eligible children, or for answers to any questions you might have about identification, evaluation and placement into Section 504 programs, please contact the District s Director of Special Education, (915) or the Director of Bilingual Education, Jennifer Davila (915) at Rojas Dr. ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN NOTIFICATION The Socorro Independent School District, in compliance with government regulations requiring the development of a written plan for the management of asbestos containing materials (ACM) in schools, has completed and updated Management Plans for all facilities in the District. School districts nation-wide have expended a great amount of effort and a substantial number of dollars in identifying materials in our buildings which may contain even small amounts of asbestos. Many of these materials are the same materials we have in our homes; some are located in areas not accessible to students or teachers; others are covered with protective coverings, which restrict direct access. The intent of the governmental requirements is to identify these materials and develop a written document dealing with the ways of managing them to ensure that they continue to be non-threatening. This document is available as a reference for public inspection by parents and employees, should they so desire. Copies can be made for which the District will charge a reasonable cost. The Management Plan is available for inspection during normal business hours at either the administrative office of the school or at District Operations. The contact person is Rafael Padilla Jr. and he may be reached at (915) or rpadil05@sisd.net 5

6 A total of 161 photographs were sub through June 4. The photographs we originality and quality in 5 categories student, high school student, SISD par The winning photos are featured on The photographers will be honore Congratulations to the Smile, Team SI and thank you to all of the participan Socorro Independent School District students, staff and community members participated in the Smile, Team SISD: Superintendent s Photo Contest and captured the finest moments of the school year. The SISD Class of 2013 earned a total of $28.5 million in scholarships, grants and military funds to continue their education in colleges, universities and military academies. About 2,800 graduates from five high schools in the Socorro Independent School District celebrated their graduation ceremonies on May 31 Sonrían, Miembros del Equipo de SISD Los estudiantes, el personal y m Escolar Independiente de Soco and June 1 at the Don Haskins Center. Faculty and and friends joined in to congratulate the graduating accomplishment. Superintendent José Espinoza told th always believe in themselves and work hard to accom and he thanked them for Building on Excellence in SISD. first graduates as a member of Team SISD, so this grad special for me, he said. Thank you, graduates, for yo to our district s success!

7 bmitted in the contest that ran from April 24 ere judged based on creativity, composition, s: elementary school student, middle school rent and SISD employee. the district website and social media sites. ed at an SISD Board of Trustees meeting. ISD: Superintendent s Photo Contest winners nts. D: Concurso de Fotografía del Superintendente miembros de la comunidad del Distrito orro participaron en el Concurso de d staff, families seniors on their he graduates to mplish their goals. These are my duation is extra our contributions Fotografía del Superintendente: Sonrían, Miembros del Equipo SISD y capturaron los mejores momentos del ciclo escolar El concurso recibió un total de 161 fotografías. Este se llevó a cabo del 24 de abril al 4 de junio. Las fotografías fueron calificadas en cuanto a creatividad, composición, originalidad y calidad en 5 categorías: alumnos de primaria, alumnos de secundaria, alumnos de preparatoria, padres de familia y empleados de SISD. Las fotografías ganadoras aparecen en la página web del distrito y en los medios sociales. Los fotógrafos recibierán un reconocimiento en la junta de la Mesa Directiva de SISD. Muchas felicidades a los ganadores del concurso y muchas gracias a todos los participantes. La Generación 2013 de SISD obtuvo un total de $28.5 millones de dólares en becas, ayuda monetaria y fondos militares para continuar sus estudios en universidades y academias militares. Alrededor de 2,800 graduandos de cinco preparatorias del Distrito Escolar Independiente de Socorro tuvieron su ceremonia de graduación los días 31 de mayo y 1 de junio en el Centro Don Haskins. Los maestros y el personal, así como familiares y amigos se reunieron para felicitar a los graduandos por sus logros. El Superintendente José Espinoza aconsejó a los jóvenes siempre creer en sí mismos y trabajar duro para lograr sus metas y les dio las gracias por Forjar la Excelencia en SISD. Como miembro del Equipo de SISD, estos son mis primeros graduados, lo que hace que esta graduación sea aún más especial para mí, dijo. Gracias graduados por contribuir al éxito de nuestro distrito!.

8 Mensaje del Superintendente Me da mucha alegria felicitar al equipo SISD por el gran éxito del ciclo escolar Se que lo mejor esta por venir y espero este proximo año con la misma energía, entusiasmo y apoyo. Estoy ansioso por dar la bienvenida a los estudiantes, maestros y miembros de la comunidad al personal podrá seguir logrando un gran éxito como equipo en el Distrito Escolar Independiente de Socorro. Ha sido un placer conocer a todos en las escuelas, escuchar las opiniones de la comunidad en cuanto a nuestras escuelas y distrito para trabajar en nuestro plan de colaboración juntos y hacer que este distrito suva de nivel. Fui inspirado al ver la cantidad de respuestas de las Encuestas del Clima escolar que recibimos durante la primavera Los resultados fueron muy positivos mostrando que todos aquellos que forman parte de nuestro distrito están orgullosos de nuestras escuelas y se enfocan en asegurar los grandes logros de nuestros estudiantes. Aparte de reconocer las fortalezas del distrito, las sugerencias que recibimos de los estudiantes, padres y empleados, fueron guianza en cuanto a nuestro plan de acción para asi mejorar el clima escolar. Los resultados de las encuestas se encuentran en la página de web del distrito ( Los datos que recibimos del equipo SISD fueron muy valiosos en el desarrollo del Plan Estratégico del Distrito de Mayo En el primer foro comunitarito Logrando el Éxito como Equipo - En Vivo abordé los principales objetivos del plan. El foro fue transmitido en vivo por televisión y sitio web del distrito desde la estación de televisión de El Paso Community College. El foro comunitario en vivo fue una manera nueva y emocionante de comunicarse con todas las partes interesadas del distrito y de compartir nuestra visión para hacer que SISD se convierta en el mejor distrito de la nación. Quiero agradecer a EPCC, nuestros Socios en Educación, por apoyar nuestra nueva iniciativa de comunicación. Este año ofreceremos más foros comunitarios y programación interactiva para que la comunidad siga siendo participe. Tambien estamos muy orgullosos de trabajar con nuestro personal docente y administrativo y la comunidad en cuanto al proceso de selección de nuevos directores dinamicos en nuestras escuelas. Escoger a un director escolar es una decision importante cual debe implementar la opinion y ayuda de partes interesadas del distrito. Nos juntamos con todo el personal administrativo, la comunidad y todas las escuelas con posiciones vacantes para crear un perfil principal que formo parte del importante proceso de selección. Es importante tener directores efectivos e innovadores en cada escuela, así como maestros motivados y altamente calificados en cada salón para asegurar que nuestros alumnos estén recibiendo la educación de calidad que merecen. Además de contar con educadores excepcionales, debemos mantener y expander nuestras instalaciones de clase mundial para ofrecer a los estudiantes un ambiente de aprendizaje seguro y cómodo en nuestro distrito que crece rápidamente. Estamos muy emocionados por la próxima inauguración de la Escuela Primaria James P. Butler y Secundaria Sargento Manuel R. Puentes para recibir a la creciente población del área de El Dorado y ofrecer a los estudiantes una experiencia educativa excepcional en instalaciones completamente nuevas. También estoy contento al poder reportar que todos los proyectos del Bono 2011 están a tiempo y dentro del presupuesto, haciendo honor a nuestro lema Promesas Hechas, Promesas Cumplidas. Con la inauguración de las nuevas escuelas, mejoras a lo largo del distrito y maestros y personal de clase mundial que permanecen comprometidos a los grandes logros de estudiantes, el Equipo SISD va por buen camino en alcanzar su meta de garantizar que todos los estudiantes se gradúen de la preparatoria listos para la universidad y carrera de su elección. Estoy sumamente orgulloso de pertenecer a este extraordinario distrito y espero que continuemos trabajando juntos durante el ciclo escolar para Lograr el Éxito como Equipo. Atentamente José Espinoza, Ed.D. Superintendente de Escuelas 8 Dirigiendo, Inspirando, Innovando El equipo de SISD trabaja en conjunto para avanzar al siguiente nivel Desde su llegada el pasado mes de septiembre, el Superintendente, Dr. José Espinoza, se ha enfocado en establecer una dirección clara, innovadora y estratégica para el distrito que cubra las necesidades de los estudiantes, el personal y toda la comunidad y que a su vez esté alineada con la visión de la Mesa Directiva. Su misión fue hacer una evaluación a fondo del distrito, recolectar datos y obtener la opinión de todas las partes que forman SISD y utilizar los resultados para desarrollar un plan que incorpore las mejores prácticas educativas y fortalezas ya establecidas del distrito. A lo largo del camino, se reunió con numerosas partes interesadas de SISD, incluyendo maestros, padres de familia, estudiantes y miembros de la comunidad. Tambien atendió a una multitud de eventos del distrito y de la comunidad, y colaboró con los administradores del distrito y con la Mesa Directiva. Con el plan estratégico en vigor, el Dr. Espinoza dirigirá e inspirará al Equipo de SISD en busca del 100% del éxito estudiantil. Plan Estratégico del Distrito 2013 El Plan Estratégico de SISD (Dirigir, Inspirar e Innovar) ha sido creado para servir como un camino al éxito y se enfoca en mejorar los logros académicos de todos los estudiantes. Basándose en el éxito que SISD ha obtenido, el Equipo SISD está comprometido a trabajar en conjunto en la misma dirección para que el distrito cumpla las necesidades de los alumnos del siglo XXI. La dirección estratégica del distrito se basó en lo que actualmente funciona para el distrito, en la retroalimentación obtenida de los estudiantes, padres de familia, maestros y miembros de la comunidad, y en un enfoque sobre una visión compartida de lo que SISD puede llegar a ser mediante una acción conjunta. La culminación del involucramiento con la comunidad durante el ciclo fue el primer foro comunitario digital de SISD, Logrando el Éxito como Equipo En Vivo!, el cual fue transmitido en vivo por televisión y en la página del distrito. El involucramiento de la comunidad es fundamental en el plan del Superintendente para el distrito y él de inmediato invitó a los padres de familia y a los miembros de la comunidad a expresar sus opiniones, así como sus necesidades e inquietudes. El Equipo de SISD ha compartido sus ideas a través del correo electrónico del Superintendente (cuyo enlace se encuentra en la página web del distrito), en las juntas comunitarias de otoño en las escuelas preparatorias del distrito y en las juntas comunitarias para el desarrollo del perfil de los directores. Durante el programa, el Dr. Espinoza reveló los puntos principales del Plan Estratégico del Distrito 2013 a las partes interesadas de SISD. También encabezó un panel en el que se encontraban la Presidenta Encuestas de Clima Escolar Primavera 2013 En febrero de 2013 SISD lanzó la primera encuesta exhaustiva sobre el clima escolar para evaluar la percepción que las partes interesadas tienen de SISD y de las escuelas. La mayoría de los resultados de las encuestas fueron positivos y proporcionaron información invaluable acerca de las fortalezas y las áreas susceptibles de mejora. Seguridad, preparación para la universidad, maximización del tiempo de aprendizaje académico, personal efectivo, colaboración, y rendición de cuentas, surgieron como las principales prioridades para el distrito. Los datos reunidos fueron decisivos para la elaboración del Plan Estratégico de Acción del Distrito 2013 y para los Planes de Acción de los Planteles, los cuales están disponibles en la página web del distrito. Ahí también se encuentran los resultados de las encuestas del distrito y de cada una de las escuelas. A continuación se muestra una fotografía de los resultados de la Encuesta sobre Clima Escolar del Distrito Representación de Resultados del Distrito La aplicación de un punto de valor por cada respuesta (Totalmente de acuerdo = 5, De acuerdo = 4, Neutral = 3, En desacuerdo = 2, Totalmente en desacuerdo = 1), la calificación de promedio general de todas las preguntas de la encuesta era El setenta y uno por ciento (71%) de todas las respuestas fueron positivas, están de acuerdo o totalmente de acuerdo, nueve por ciento (9%) no están de acuerdo o totalmente en desacuerdo y el veinte por ciento (20%) eran neutral. Padres Estudiantes Estudiantes Empleados Promedio de Primaria de Secundaria de las escuelas del distrito Primer Digital Foro Comunitario Totalmente de acuerdo De acuerdo Neutral En desacuerdo Totalmente en desacuerdo de la Mesa Directiva, Cynthia Nájera y algunos administradores, para involucrar a la comunidad en una sesión en vivo de preguntas y respuestas desde la estación de televisión de El Paso Community College. Los televidentes enviaron sus preguntas para el panel y para la audiencia en el estudio (directores, estudiantes, padres de familia, voluntarios y Socios en la Educación) por medio del correo electrónico, llamadas telefónicas, Facebook y Twitter. Logrando el Éxito como Equipo En Vivo! generó grandes discusiones en puntos importantes para la comunidad de SISD. Varias comunidades se reunieron para observarlo en sus escuelas. La página web fue visitada 650 veces durante la transmisión en vivo del programa y éste ha sido visto por 301 personas en YouTube (

9 Campeones nacionales La Unidad NJROTC de Socorro es nombrada la Más Destacada del País (continuada de la pasta) Es como ir al Súper Tazón o a las finales de la NBA (Asociación Nacional de Baloncesto de EU) y obtener el campeonato, dijo el Instructor Superior de Ciencias Navales, Michael Morales. Los estudiantes y sus padres son los que continuamente están apoyando este programa. Los felicito porque realmente es mucho lo que hacen. La unidad ganó el premio principal de la región, después de competir contra escuelas de Nuevo México, Colorado y Oklahoma. Fue entonces Sitio web de SISD, noticias por televisión y noticias por internet Manténgase informados con los nuevos medios SISD lanzó su página web rediseñada este verano para que las personas naveguen con facilidad por internet en una página que esté al día. El sitio, presenta las más recientes noticias del distrito, material especial, videos, calendario, información sobre lo académico, trabajos, escuelas y sobre la Mesa Directiva. Ahí también tendrá fácil acceso a las redes sociales del distrito como Facebook, Twitter y YouTube. Otros enlaces que pueden ser de utilidad incluyen New to Socorro (Recién llegado a Socorro), el cual ofrece información importante para familias que se están mudando a SISD, así como Doing Business with SISD (Haciendo Negocios con SISD), que tiene información para los proveedores. Los sitios web de las escuelas también han sido rediseñados para ofrecer la misma funcionalidad que el sitio del distrito. Los padres de familia y los alumnos pueden entrar al portal para padres y estudiantes con el fin de encontrar información específica de los alumnos y de la escuela. En la nueva página se puede suscribir para recibir las noticias por internet. El periódico electrónico e-news de SISD publica los comunicados más recientes, eventos especiales y acontecimientos del distrito. Puede mantenerse al día sobre las últimas noticias de SISD viendo el programa del distrito TV News que pasa por el canal 15.1 de Time Warner Cable, por el canal 14 de Time Warner Cable digital ó por el canal de transmisión 13.2 de El Paso. El programa de noticias del distrito está al aire los martes y jueves a las 10 a.m., los jueves a las 5:30, y lunes y miércoles a las 7:00 p.m. SISD-TV news está también disponible en el canal de YouTube del distrito: Los nuevos directores compartieron su visión para el próximo ciclo escolar y también para el futuro. Las siguientes comunidades dieron la bienvenida a nuevos directores: Greg Hatch, Primaria Benito Martinez Nadia De La Rosa, Primaria Campestre Analia Jansen, Escuela Desert Wind Veronica Candelaria, Escuela John Drugan Jessica Macias, Primaria Robert R. Rojas cuando se nominó a la NJROTC para el premio a nivel nacional. La unidad recibió el reconocimiento por sus equipos armados y no armados, académicos y físicos, y por su escolta. También recibieron felicitaciones por sus innumerables horas de servicio comunitario y al medio ambiente en El Paso, la ciudad de Horizon y Socorro. Este es un gran honor y demuestra que la unidad ha trabajado de corazón y ha dedicado mucho tiempo y esfuerzo a lo que hacemos, comentó el Cadete Capitán de Corbeta, y alumno del penúltimo año en la Escuela Preparatoria Socorro, Joseph Anthony Pérez. Nuestro equipo cosechará éxitos en el futuro, tal y como lo ha hecho en el pasado, y esto mantendrá viva nuestra dinastía. El año pasado, la unidad NJROTC obtuvo el tercer lugar nacional y primero a nivel estatal por tercer año consecutivo. La unidad NJROTC ya había ganado el primer lugar a nivel nacional en Esta es una magnífica ocasión para reconocer a los estudiantes de la Escuela Preparatoria Socorro que participan en la unidad NJROTC, señaló Rodney Hansen, Presidente del Consejo de la Marina de los Estados Unidos en El Paso. Ellos son excelentes estudiantes y tienen un gran liderazgo. Asegúrese de suscribirse al canal de YouTube para que le informen cuando la nueva programación sea subida. Escanear aquí Utilice este código de barras para ir directamente a la nueva y mejorada Vaya a la página web de SISD hoy - Utilice su aparato electrónico para leer el código QR. Los nuevos directores de SISD fueron presentados a la comunidad Los maestros, el personal, los padres de familia, los estudiantes y los miembros de la comunidad tuvieron este verano la oportunidad de conocer a los nuevos directores de sus escuelas en diferentes reuniones. Hatch De La Rosa Jansen Candelaria Macias La comunidad ha sido esencial en el proceso de selección de los directores, aportando datos valiosos sobre las cualidades deseables del nuevo líder de su escuela. El perfil del director y las juntas de presentación de los mismos han sido parte del compromiso de SISD de involucrar a la comunidad en decisiones y actividades que son importantes para el éxito de la escuela. SISD Comprometido a la seguridad La seguridad de los estudiantes y del personal es una prioridad en SISD y el Comité de Seguridad del Distrito se prepara con diligencia y la colaboración con los líderes del campus y la policía local para mantener a SISD seguro. Tenemos que hacer todo lo posible para asegurar que nuestros estudiantes y el personal están seguros y apoyados en cada escuela, dijo el Superintendente Dr. José Espinoza. Nuestros miembros del Comité de Seguridad del Distrito están trabajando en conjunto con nuestros administradores de las escuelas para asegurar que nuestro personal y los estudiantes cuentan con entrenamientos multirriesgos. Otras medidas de seguridad incluyen la implementación de un procedimiento de operaciones de emergencia en todo el distrito, la reorganización de la fuerza de seguridad SISD para ayudar mejor a todos las escuelas, el colocación de miembros del personal en la entrada de cada escuela para vigilar a todos los visitantes del campus, y la realización de auditorías de seguridad para asegurar el protocolo de seguridad adecuado en las escuelas. El Comité de Seguridad del Distrito se reunió durante el año escolar y en la última junta los administradores del distrito, el personal escolar y miembros de las agencias policiales locales unieron fuerzas para prepararse para posibles situaciones de emergencia. Los empleados del distrito, servicios de policía del Distrito, bomberos y oficiales de El Paso, Socorro y la policía de la ciudad Horizon trabajaron casos de estudio para prepararse para las emergencias que pudieran ocurrir en los campus. Obviamente, no podemos considerar de todo lo que puede suceder, pero estar preparados lo más posible debe hacer que todos los padres se sientan mejor al saber que el distrito escolar está haciendo todo lo posible para mantener a nuestros niños seguros, dijo Philip Muller, un padre de cuatro hijos de SISD y sargento de Patrulla de Carreteras de Texas. El sistema Parent Portal comunica a los padres con las escuelas Parent Portal es un sistema de Information de los estudiantes a través de internet que permite a los padres y tutores tener acceso en tiempo real para monitorear el progreso de sus hijos en la escuela y estar siempre informados. Con este sistema, los padres, tutores y estudiantes pueden tener un rápido acceso a las inscripciones, asistencia, horario, boletas de calificaciones, tareas y calificaciones. Se puede entrar a Parent Portal a través de la pestaña Parents en la página web del distrito El nombre de usuario y la contraseña son generados automáticamente, los padres pueden obtener estos en la escuela de sus hijos. Padres de familia podrán inscribirse al fin del mes de agosto. Con Parent Portal se da un paso más para la mejor de la comunicación entre las escuelas de Socorro, los hogares y la comunidad. Si quiere saber más acerca del sistema Parent Portal, comuníquese al Departamento de Servicios de Tecnología al o visite su sección en la página web del distrito. 9