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Weslaco high school juniors are busy preparing for the ACT college entrance exam to be administered March 26.  Weslaco ISD is offering this essential exam at no cost to the Class of 2026. 

“The ACT is one of the predictors for college readiness,” Weslaco East High School College, Career and Military Specialist Maria Flores said.  “Students start applying for college the summer going into their junior year, if they want to be more competitive for scholarships and things like that, they are going to want that higher ACT score.”

Scholarships, admissions and financial aid to top universities are all at stake.  Also, a strong ACT score qualifies students for TSI exemptions, allowing them to bypass additional college placement tests. The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessments measure college readiness in reading, writing and math for college placement purposes.

All Weslaco ISD high school juniors are eligible to take the ACT college entrance exams at no cost and the exam is taken on-site during regular school hours.

In preparation for the ACT exam, Weslaco High and WEHS have provided numerous online and in-person resources.  Both high schools have hosted boot camps to help students prepare for the exam.

Through the ACT Boot Camp, students reviewed English, Math, reading and science content strategies as well as pacing, time management and other test-taking strategies.

“I want a good score,” WHS junior Jacquelyn Saenz said.  “(The camp) will help me find out what’s on the ACT so I can be more prepared when the test comes.”

Over 600 juniors will be taking the exam March 26.

There is no place like home! The Weslaco High School Varsity Baseball Team kicked off the 2025 season with a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday. The new field now features artificial turf, new fencing, dugouts and netting.  Superintendent Dr. Richard Rivera, school board members and school officials took part in the ceremonial first pitch and helped celebrate the opening of the A. N. (Tony) Rico Tournament.  The Panthers hosted the Laredo Nixon Mustangs.

Good luck Panthers for the upcoming season!

Friends, family and fans turned out for the Weslaco East High School softball and baseball ribbon-cutting ceremonies held earlier this week. School district officials including Superintendent Dr. Richard Rivera and School Board President Isidoro Nieto were present for the ceremonial first pitch. Both fields now feature synthetic turf, new netting and padded walls as part of ongoing renovations of WISD athletic facilities. The Lady Wildcats faced off against the Harlingen South Lady Hawks and the Wildcats faced off against the Brownsville Pace Vikings.

Congratulations WEHS, the District 32-5A schedule is well underway! 

Weslaco High School teacher Mary Martin was recently notified that she is a finalist for 2025 HEB Excellence in Education Lifetime Achievement – Secondary Award.  Martin is eligible to win a $25,000 cash award for herself and a $25,000 grant for her school. 

“I’m really excited to represent Weslaco High School and Weslaco ISD.  It is overwhelming and exciting that as a proud Family and Consumer Science teacher I get to represent our school in our subject area,” she said.

Martin will travel to Austin where she will be interviewed by four school superintendents for the final round of this competition.

“I look forward to meeting some of those individuals from elementary to secondary.  It’s going to be a room full of educators that work their heart out every single day and to be among them to be in their company, how special that’s going to be,” she said

Martin received a $1000 scholarship and a $1000 grant for her school.

As the sponsor of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America student organization, Martin has already earmarked the grant to the ongoing park beautification project.

“We are going to use that $1000 to buy new equipment to help us continue our journey at Gibson Park.”

During the final round, one elementary and one secondary teacher will be selected from each of the three categories: The Rising Star Award, Leadership Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.

This time it was the KWES coverage that won a championship of sorts.  The Weslaco ISD KWES department won a Crystal Commendation for their coverage of the historic softball state championship of the Lady Panthers during the Texas Schools Public Relations Association Conference held in San Antonio recently.

“What a great story to tell,” Chief Photographer Mike Palacios said. “Our KWES crew captured the moment flawlessly.” 

KWES faced off against school districts from across the state to win the Crystal Commendation in the Video Portfolio category.  KWES video portfolio included, video features of key players, game recaps from Austin, social media coverage, school district and city recognitions and live coverage of the celebration parade during the girls’ state championship run. Photographer Vinny Berry and Reporter Mike Gonzalez covered the game from Austin. Photographers Don Ramirez, Val Zamora and Palacios captured events and created video features that were in the portfolio. Graphic Artists Nate Pena and Sam Holly featured the team on social media.

“This is what you live for, to cover a historic event that comes once in a lifetime. I am very happy for the team,” Carlos Robledo Executive Director of District Communications said. “We covered every angle possible, we even had one person in charge of capturing all the headlines from the media across the state and nation like Texas Monthly, the Dallas Morning News and ESPN.”

The KWES department also received several Best of Category - Gold Medals.

Gonzalez and Zamora earned a Gold medal for their story on the Food Bank Produce visit to Memorial Elementary.

Robledo, Ramirez and Palacios earned a Gold medal for their video commercial Find Your Passion at Weslaco ISD. The commercial featured the WISD Culinary Arts cafe.

Robledo, Ramirez and Palacios won another Gold Medal in the Video Training/Instruction category for their feature on the book vending machine at Rico elementary.

The crew also received numerous Gold Star certificates in other categories.

“It’s so rewarding to be able to highlight our students. Our district had a tremendous year and we were able to capture those moments as only we know how. Our crew is a great team,” Palacios said.  

Love is in the air… Weslaco ISD administrators surprised about 200 teachers with a very unique Valentine’s Day gift.  These elementary, middle school and high school educators are proposed to receive the Texas Education Agency Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), earning one of three levels of designation – Recognized, Exemplary or Master.

“I am very proud of the hard work of everyone involved,” Director of Curriculum and Instruction John Garlic said.  “But in the end, it is all about benefiting the boys and girls of Weslaco by ensuring they have the best possible teachers.”

TIA is part of House Bill 3 and is intended to help recruit and retain the most effective educators and recognize high performing teachers based on teacher evaluations and student growth.

TEA notified WISD that 92 educators earned the Recognized distinction, 87 earned the Exemplary distinction and 19 teachers earned the Master distinction.   

Pictured above:  The entire MHMS student population turned out for a special parade and assembly for their TIA  teachers!!

A warm February evening was the setting for the Weslaco High School softball field ribbon-cutting ceremony held yesterday.  Weslaco ISD superintendent, school board members and administrators were on hand to throw the ceremonial first pitch.  The softball field renovation which included the installation of synthetic turf, was recently completed and is one of a number of projects WISD has scheduled for athletic facilities.

The Lady Panthers faced St. Gerturdis to kick off the 2025 season. The defending Class 6A state champs rallied from an early deficit and came away with a walk-off, 11-10 win.

Hoping that nature will help nurture her classmates, Weslaco High School senior Cora Ford is launching a unique project aimed at tackling mental health issues.  Ford is working with school officials to install Cowboy Corners, outside, garden-like spaces to help students destress.

“It’s going to be a space that is open to the entire school, that students can use during lunch,” Ford said.  “The biggest purpose is for counselors to use if kids are ever going through some kind of circumstance where they need to talk to students, taking them outside where they can interact with nature will help them calm down.”

After meeting with the school district student support services director, Ford determined that students needed help with emotional self-regulation.

“I really hope that this project impacts that need directly,” she said. “Since these spaces will be used by counselors and students, I hope it helps them build a relationship with their counselor where they can talk to them about the issues they are facing.”

The Corner will include flower beds, murals, benches and water features designed to provide a calming atmosphere that will be accessible to students as needed.

“Now, everyone is so plugged in to their phones, I think it may also be a good moment where kids can kind of disconnect from technology and just get some time to themselves where they can think and be comfortable,” Ford said.

Ford anticipates a ground-breaking ceremony for April and a complete installation of the Cowboy Corners by May. A Cowboy Corner is projected for WHS, Central Middle School and Memorial Elementary.  

Also, as an FFA Ford Leadership Scholar, Cora must develop and execute a substantial and sustainable capstone community service project.  The purpose of this prestigious program is to develop leaders who make a positive impact in their community.

Ford is coordinating community outreach to find volunteers to help sustain this project after she graduates.  Interested individuals may contact Cora Ford at (956) 325-3447. 

Weslaco ISD students have access to top counseling services and these programs were recently recognized by the Texas School Counselor Association.  The counseling departments from 15 campuses earned the 2024-25 CREST (Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas) awards for their excellence in academic, social, personal and career development guidance.  

“Every counselor is supporting student success,” Student Support Services Director Dr. Cindy Cid said.  “The students are in good hands.  Every school in our district has an excellent counseling department.”

TSCA will present the awards to WISD during the annual conference to be held Feb. 2, 2025 in San Antonio.  CREST elementary schools include Airport Drive, A. N. (Tony) Rico, Cleckler-Heald, Dr. R. E. Margo, Justice Raul A. Gonzalez, Sam Houston, Memorial, North Bridge and PFC Mario Ybarra. Secondary campuses earning the CREST awards are: Dr. Armando Cuellar, Beatriz G. Garza, Central and Mary Hoge middle schools as well as, Weslaco and Weslaco East high schools.   

“This is a very rigorous application process,” Student Support Services Director Dr. Cindy Cid said.  “There is a lot of evidence that is presented.”

All CREST winners demonstrated a successful implementation of Texas Model devised by the Texas Education Agency. Each campus team had to demonstrate a comprehensive counseling plan that addressed four major components:  individual planning, responsive services, system support and curriculum.

“It’s a lot of work,” Dr. Cid said.  “We want to make sure that our students understand that we are here for them.”

AI is the talk of the town and Weslaco ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructors are tuning in to its potential.

“Incorporating AI into CTE lessons is about staying ahead of the curve and ensuring that our students are not only prepared for the jobs of today, but also the careers of tomorrow,” CTE Director Lisa Gómez, said. “By using AI, we can make learning more engaging and adaptable to each student’s needs while maintaining high standards for academic rigor.”

As part of a professional development series, CTE instructors met with author Mark White for a session focused on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into lesson planning and instruction. The event, part of a Professional Learning Community day (PLC), explored how AI tools can be leveraged to enhance the rigor, relevance, and engagement of CTE courses.

Throughout the session, educators engaged in hands-on demonstrations of AI-powered platforms that offer personalized learning experiences, automated administrative tasks, and provide real-time feedback to students.

The PLC aimed to equip instructors with the knowledge and skills to effectively incorporate AI into their curricula, helping students develop critical skills for the rapidly evolving workforce.

Teachers also discussed practical applications, such as AI-driven simulations in technical fields, data analysis tools for more effective instruction and virtual assistants that help students with real-time problem-solving.

This session marks a significant step forward in WISD CTE’s ongoing efforts to embrace emerging technologies and ensure that educators are prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven educational landscape.

Confidence, teamwork, and a sense of achievement are just as important as the medals our elementary students will receive during the 2024 UIL Academic Elementary District Meet to be held December 12 – 14.   This friendly competition is back after a four-year hiatus.

“Our kids need it,” Sam Houston Elementary Principal Selma Gutierrez said. “They need some normalcy. The kids need to be active in other clubs, especially academic clubs.” Gutierrez was one of the principals who advocated for the return of the district UIL meet after COVID canceled all extra-curricular events.

Approximately 240 students advanced to the district meet after placing in the top three at their campus UIL competition.

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) is designed to enrich students’ educational journeys by offering inter-school competitions that develop skills beyond the classroom. “UIL at the elementary level helps lay the foundation for academic and character growth, preparing students to be engaged citizens and learners,” Martinez said.

This year, the district meet will include contests in: Art for 4^th – 5^th graders; Music Memory for 2^nd - 5^th grade; Number Sense for 4^th and 5^th grade; Spelling for grades 3^rd – 5^th grade; and Storytelling for 2^nd and 3^rd grade. Other UIL events like Maps, Graphs and Charts, Ready Writing, Oral Reading and Chess Puzzles may return next year.

“Through their involvement in UIL, we hope students gain confidence, learn the value of teamwork, and discover their unique strengths. The experience allows students to dive deeper into specific subjects or skills,” Advanced Academic Manager Claudia Martinez said.

Sam Houston Elementary will host the district meet for the Weslaco High School feeder campuses: Cleckler-Heald, Memorial, Justice Raul A. Gonzalez and Rodolfo “Rudy” Silva. North Bridge Elementary will host the Weslaco East High School feeder campuses: Airport Drive, Dr. R. E. Margo, A. N. (Tony) Rico and PFC Mario Ybarra.

In preparation for the meet, students have met after school with coaches to review the different competition requirements.

“This gives our students a sense of belonging,” Gutierrez said. “It pushes the kids to think outside the box.”

A life’s goal is becoming a reality for one of our kindergarten teachers. Rosa Rodriguez recently won the 2024 Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE) $1000 scholarship during the ‘Discovering and Unleashing the Power of Languages and Cultures’ conference held in Round Rock recently.

“I was so excited,” she said.  “It fills me with pride.  It humbles you and you are grateful.”

With this scholarship, Rodriguez will continue to work on her Master’s in Bilingual Education with a specialization in Biliteracy.

“Pursuing my master’s degree has always been a goal for me, but it took a backseat when I started my family and focused on their needs. I firmly believe that learning is a lifelong journey and that knowledge is empowering,” Rodriguez said.

As a former bilingual student herself, the Rodolfo “Rudy” Silva Jr. Elementary teacher hopes to apply her studies in her classroom and the district.   

“Bilingual education holds great significance for me because, as educators, we have a responsibility to show bilingual students that the ability to communicate in two languages is a remarkable gift,” she said. “In many ways, being bilingual is like having a superpower. My goal is to cultivate a sense of pride in being bilingual.”

To be selected a TABE scholarship recipient, Rodriguez along with bilingual teachers from across the state, completed several essays describing the importance of a bilingual education.  

“By gaining advanced proficiency in bilingual education, I learn and implement innovative teaching strategies that cater specifically to bilingual learners, thereby enhancing their language abilities and academic achievements,” she said. “In today's globalized environment, being bilingual provides a significant competitive edge in the job market.”

Rodriguez has attended several TABE conferences in the past and this is her second year as an official TABE member.

The trophy case at Weslaco East High School just got a bit more crowded.  This time a new piece of hardware will be on display after the Boys Varsity Cross Country Team brought home the 2024 5A Region IV Championship for the first time.

“We are real happy,” Cross Country Head Coach Tom Owens said.  “We’ve finished third and fourth before and never could quite get that regional championship.  The funny thing is we’ve beaten the team that won regionals at the state meet.  It’s not easy.  All the teams at regionals are pretty good.”

At regionals, the Wildcats faced off against 190 runners from Region IV which encompasses Districts 25-30 covering schools from Round Rock/Austin, San Antonio to Corpus Christi and Laredo to Brownsville.

Now Coach Owens has his sights on state and the team is staying focused.

“We are keeping sharp; these guys are staying sharp.  They are not satisfied with just getting to the state either. Winning the regional meet was nice but now we want to make the podium.”

Consistency, dedication and discipline has built a team culture of success.

“Last year our mantra was Operation Round Rock. This year we call it: The Path to the Podium,” he said.

The path has been a journey for the regional champions.

“I want the kids to know that we can go to state and make the medal stand,” he said. “We’ve done it once now, let’s keep doing it.”

Students representing Career and Technical Education programs came to together to offer a shockingly good time at the 2^nd annual CTE Spooktacular held at the Joe Cavillo Jr. Career and Technology Complex.  This showcase served to inform parents and community about the many programs, licensures and industry certifications available at CTE.

The Cosmetology students offered face painting and the Culinary Arts students manned the frappe booth.  Students in the Audio-Visual production class hosted a haunted house and the Photography students helped participants capture the moment in print. Students in architectural design class gave out raspas and the popcorn machine was working overtime as the Auto Collision students passed out these tasty treats.    

Spiderman, Elsa from Frozen and several others were seen having a great time.

The bright stadium lights will not outshine the sparkle of the diamond-encrusted rings the Weslaco High School Softball State Championship Team will receive this Friday, October 25. This ring ceremony will take place during the halftime show of this week’s football game when the Panthers face off against the PSJA North Raiders.

Following UIL Texas tradition, the school district will present all team members and coaching staff with the 6A State Softball Championship Ring.

“This is the first female team sport in the Valley that has received a state championship ring,” WHS Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach Roy Stroman said.

After the PSJA halftime band performance, the stadium lights will be turned down for a KWES highlight reel.  The lights will then be turned on to reveal the team members at the 50-yard line. The rings will be unveiled to the team for the first time during the ceremony.

“We’re excited for this great night,” he said. “I’m pretty sure it will be emotional for the girls, seeing the rings for the first time. It’s a beautiful ring,” Stroman said.

The rings will serve as a lasting tribute to a unique group of individuals who came together and achieved tremendous athletic accomplishment.

“We are super excited that we are able to do this for the girls.  They will be our hometown heroes for the rest of our lives,” he said. “This was the most humble, grounded group, I have ever been around.  This is the definition of team.”

The team has already left a lasting impression. 

“The girls have kicked open the door for not only Weslaco but for the rest of the Valley. In south Texas, we have the athletes down here to accomplish great thing like state championships,” he said.

Weslaco ISD student representatives and the city of Weslaco officials gathered at City Hall to kick off the National Red Ribbon Week campaign for Oct. 21 – 25.  Students and guests were treated to the Hollywood Walk of Fame following this year’s theme: Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free. 

“Our students need to know that, they are the leading role in their lives,” Student Support Services Director Cindy Cid said.  “All the choices they make will affect the outcome of their own movie.”

City Mayor Adrian Gonzalez warned students about the pressure they may experience at school.

“You be yourself,” he said.  “Don’t try to be a popular kid by doing something you are not supposed to be doing.  Drugs are not going to be the way.”  

Weslaco Police Chief Dr. Joel Rivera also addressed the students and discussed the severe consequences of drug use.

“I am not going to sugar coat it,” he said.  “Drugs are ugly.  I have seen a man take his last breath on this world because of an overdose and try as I might to bring him back, I couldn’t.”

Licensed vocational counselor George A. Lopez also spoke with the students.

“I have had a chance to work with teenagers and even elementary students who already had problems with alcohol and drugs because they forgot who they were,” he said.    

WISD students will take part in several district-wide activities during this Red Ribbon Spirit Week. Students will fill out cards pledging to be drug free.  Winners of the Red Ribbon Week door decorating contest will be announced Friday, Oct. 25.

Secondary students are also submitting essay, poster or video entries for the National Substance Abuse Prevention Month contest for first, second and third place prizes.

Governor Greg Abbott recently announced that 14 Weslaco ISD schools have been awarded with the Purple Star Campus Designation across the state of Texas for 2024-2025. Dr. Armando Cuellar Middle School received a Purple Star recognition for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years.

“This is recognition of the district’s commitment to serving the unique needs of our military children,” Student Support Services Director Dr. Cindy Cid said.  “We provide a sense of belonging to students who move from one place to another.”   

Purple Star Elementary Schools include A.N. (Tony) Rico, Airport Drive, Cleckler-Heald, Justice Raul A. Gonzalez, Memorial, North Bridge, PFC Mario Ybarra and Sam Houston.  Secondary schools with the Purple Star designations are Beatriz G. Garza, Central, Cuellar and Mary Hoge, as well as, South Palm Gardens, Weslaco East and Weslaco high schools. The designations are valid for two years.

These campuses met the rigorous criteria which includes the establishment of a military liaison, the creation of a webpage with resources for military-connected families, a campus transition program for military-connected students, and support for this military family assistance initiative. 

“Each campus-based military liaison, and counselors/social workers provide our military students with resources to help them with social emotional issues,” Dr. Cid said.  “These students have to be resilient when their parents are not there because of deployment.”

Currently, 15 out of the 37 Purple Star schools in Region I are from WISD.

“Our district is committed to our military students,” Dr. Cid said.  “We support them throughout the school year.”

The district will celebrate Veteran’s Day with a special assembly on November 11.  The district also celebrates Child of the Military Month in April and high school students who are signing up for military service.       

The Purple Star Campus program was established in 2019 by the 86^th Texas Legislature. Texas is the second largest state with military-connected students in school.

It’s one thing to study history but it’s quite another to make history.  A variation of that word has been used to describe the Weslaco High School Lady Panthers Varsity Softball Team and the first-ever 6A state championship title: historic.  Now this unforgettable moment in time is on full display at the Weslaco Museum now through October 26.  The museum, located at 500 S. Blvd., will host a community reception for this “League of the Own” exhibit from 4 – 6 p.m. Saturday, October 5.  The reception is free to the community.

“As the keepers of Weslaco history, it is our duty to celebrate the latest milestone in our city’s rich history,” Executive Director of the Weslaco Museum Crystal Rodriguez said. “Many have seen highlight reels and videos of the game, but we wanted to delve a little deeper to showcase a more personal side of the big day. The perspectives from the girls and coaches add a unique touch to our exhibit that we hope the community will enjoy.”

Team member game uniforms, cleats, helmets and an autographed softball are among the exclusive artifacts that are part of the exhibit.  Seven golden softball gloves stand tribute to the winning 2024 season recounting the team’s trajectory from district, bi-district, area, regional quarterfinals, regional semifinals (Sweet 16) regional finals (Elite 8) and state semi-finals play. The state championship trophy clearly makes it presence among the celebratory hardware.   

News clippings from Sports Illustrated, Dallas Morning News, Laredo Morning Times and The Monitor are also part of the collection.  Visitors can relive that fateful 7^th inning against Waco Mid-Way with a special screening of the game.

The exhibit also displays messages from the players themselves.

“I found the exhibit truly impressive, not just from the historical perspective but also in how it’s thoughtfully put together,” Head Softball Coach Mario Rodriguez said.  “It offers a unique glimpse into the thoughts and emotions of the players and coaches throughout the championship game, allowing visitors to experience their mindset and feelings during those intense moments.”

In keeping with a Rio Grande Valley tradition, the museum will offer loteria cards featuring the 2024 state champions. According to Rodriguez, several items of the exhibit may become a permanent of the museum. 

“It’s such a blessing to take part in such a monumental season because I know how hard our girls and coaches have worked to accomplish something like this for the softball program,” Coach Rodriguez said.

Several team members will also attend the reception.

They are show stoppers. You will definitely notice the two new Weslaco ISD school buses that have recently joined the transportation department. Fully wrapped in purple and black, sporting the Weslaco High Panthers and Weslaco East Wildcats, these Ultra Coach Liners will transport our students to any academic, fine arts or athletic event in comfort and style.

The Weslaco High School Volleyball Team had the privilege of using the bus for the first time for their trip to a Laredo game last week.

“We feel really special to be honest,” senior Daniella Gonzalez said.  “At least we got to smell the new leather seat smell before all the football players. I really, really loved it. I think it’s such a great addition to this school.” 

Each bus will definitely make a statement when it takes to the streets.  The district’s long-standing competitive spirit is on full display, promoting and marketing WISD.

“It gives every sport a chance to feel really hyped up, to really feel into the game. It brings a lot more spirit, more personality to our school. I like that it has both the Wildcats and the Panthers, it makes us feel more together,” she said. 

The new bus acquisitions are part of the district’s ongoing efforts to make things better for our students.  These new charter-style buses offer a nicer ride for travel to competitions outside the Valley. Aside from the additional leg room, students will also have more space for their gear or luggage in compartments available above and below the seats.  Each seat is also equipped with vents to allow students to control their own air flow.  The fully-cushioned seats also recline and have built-in chargers.

WISD ordered two additional buses of the Safety Liners class which will be delivered in November.   

The tabulations are in, and the Weslaco ISD Business Office has received a perfect score of 100 points from the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for sound financial planning. This is the ninth consecutive year that the Business Office has received this Superior rating from the Texas Education Agency. FIRST provides accountability for Texas public schools on the quality of their financial management practices.

Accounting for a $200 million operating budget is a monumental task considering that every employee has contact with the Business Office in one way or another.

“It is a team effort to get these points, everyone has to do their part and making sure that we follow the current guidelines and policies that the district has, and just by doing that great things happen here,” WISD Chief Financial Officer David Robledo said.

WISD is one of nine districts out of 38 in the Valley that received a perfect score.

“This is due to the hard work of all the staff at the Business Office and the campuses and departments,” Robledo said.

FIRST utilizes 21 indicators to assess the district’s finances; if the district does not pass the first five indicators, a perfect score cannot be obtained. For example, FIRST tracks district payments to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to determine if they are made in a timely manner. The rest of the indicators are part of the yearly audit.

During the audit, balances are confirmed with banks, all TEA funding is accounted for; and local, state and federal monies are tracked. The district’s investments and revenues are also checked. Also, during an audit, a batch from the tens of thousands of checks paid by the district are spot checked to ensure that the correct accounts were used.

FIRST provides TEA with budget oversight that also flags school district that may not be performing optimal financial practices.

Weslaco ISD kicked off the inaugural 2024 water polo season with its first district game last week when the Weslaco High School Panthers faced off against the Weslaco East Wildcats in a historic crosstown game.   The Panthers came out on top winning both boys’ and girls’ games.    

“It was really interesting just to see this brand-new sport,” WHS Water Polo Head Coach David Ortiz said.  “This was history in the making for both teams. It has been a learning process for all of us.”   

It was a close game for the Lady Panthers and Lady Wildcats with both teams going back and forth until the third quarter when WHS began to pull away. 

Melany Bautista scored three goals and Ari Angulo scored one for the Lady Wildcats.  On the purple and white side, Maya Peña netted three goals, Alexa Ortegon made two, Tessa Martinez, Lourdes Moreno, and Leelee Ipiña finished with one goal.  The final score was 8-4.

In boys’ action, for the Wildcats, Joeleo Carrizales netted two goals, Octavian De La Serna and Eduardo Zuniga finished with one goal.  Representing the Panthers, Julius Casanova scored four goals and Jaiden Lopez scored three. Michael Mata, Carlos Reyes,

and Diego Garza each had two goals. Daniel Cavazos and Devin Solis also added one goal each.  The final score was 15-4.

“I thought we had a good turn out,” Ortiz said. 

After an initial slow start, both Weslaco ISD programs have gained momentum. 

“It has been with the UIL for the past 2.5 years and Weslaco moved forward to incorporate it as part of athletic programs,” WISD Athletic Director Desi Rodriguez said.  “We want all Weslaco athletes to get every opportunity other athletes from around the state are receiving.”

Currently, there are 12 teams that have water polo in the Valley. WISD competes in a district which includes Mission, Mission Vets, Sharyland High and Sharyland Pioneer. The season consists of 10 district games.

Central Middle School 6^th grader Ethan Guerrero is the only student in the State of Texas to be selected as a Summer Math Splash contest winner. Ethan spent the better part of his summer days reviewing and completing over 100 math problems through the online Imagine Math program.  Upon completion, Ethan was eligible for a grand prize and he was selected from the group of participants from across the country.

“I was shocked because this never happens to me,” Ethan said.  “I was surprised.”

The Summer Math Splash contest is designed to help students retain and build math skills while school is out. Ethan’s parents encouraged him to participate in the program.

“My mom wants me to go into advanced math,” Ethan said.  “I’m doing good in my advanced math class, I think it helped me be ahead.” 

The Summer Math Splash Grand Prize consisted of a goodie bag that included a solar powered backpack filled with back-to-school essentials.

Weslaco High School graduate Maia Flores is looking forward to making a difference in the world and she is starting with her community.

As the only Hidalgo County recipient of the Mexican-American School Boards Association scholarship, Maia will use the $5000 grant to attend the University of Texas – Austin and major in advertising.       

“I had applied to so many scholarships and my financial aid hadn’t kicked in so I was really stressing,” she said. “It was incredible to see my hard work pay off. I spent a lot of time writing.”

Maia completed a series of essays centered around Latino issues and is one of six students to receive the MASBA scholarship in the state.

“We are thrilled to support these remarkable students as they embark on their college journeys,” MASBA Director of Organizational Advancement Pedro Ortiz stated.  “Their dedication and hard work embody the values we strive to promote within our communities and exemplify the thriving talent found in our public schools.”  

Maia hopes her degree in advertising will help her elevate how Latinos are portrayed in the media.

“Advertising is so diverse,” she said “My goal is making sure that Latinos are represented in an accurate and positive way,” she said. “It’s important for young people to see someone who looks like them and be inspired to do great things.”

Weslaco High School junior, Diego Calderon led the Future Farmers of America Citrus Valley District Leadership Camp to help empower FFA students. CVD student officers from Mission, PSJA, Progreso, Mercedes and Weslaco FFA charters attended the day workshop hosted at the Joe Calvillo CTE Complex.

As the CDV President, Calderon understands first-hand how the FFA organization can help students develop into a better version of themselves as officers.

“I have gained confidence and learned many life lessons,” Calderon said.    

Following the theme: Levels of the Ocean, the workshop consisted of 30-minute break-out sessions like “The Shoreline,” “The Twilight Zone,” “The Midnight Zone,” “The Abyss,” and “The Trenches,” to help students understand the role of a good leader.

“The first session shows students that they have to go through barriers to be successful,” Diego said.  “They will also understand how supporting a leader is transforming. I know that first hand.” 

About 59 students attended the camp.

“This event starts the FFA year for our officers.  We wanted to make a lasting impact and I believe we did,” Calderon said.  “We started strong and we need to keep it going.”

Calderon attributes the success of the camp to his district officer team and advisor Joey Gutierrez.  He also encourages students to consider joining FFA once the school year begins.

“Everyone should dive in FFA to see if it can change you! Try out your FFA program because you’ll never know if it is your jam!”

One more feather in their cap. Lady Panther Softball Team Day was officially declared during a special board meeting proclaiming June 1^st as a day to always to be remembered in the school district. The Weslaco High School Lady Panther Softball Team were the guests of honor during the reading of this decree.

Certificates of team post season distinctions were presented to the team members and Texas State Senator Morgan LaMantia also presented the team with certificates of excellence.

“You did a fantastic job,” she said. “Know that you are the pride of this community.”

The team also presented the board members and superintendent with signed softballs and UIL medals commemorating the state championship.

“I am so proud to be a part of this team and we are all thankful you are a part of our district,” Lady Panther 2^nd baseman Mia Rodriguez said.  “We know that you have cheered us on every step of the way. And so, we would like to present this token of our appreciation to our VIP fans.”

The board closed the meeting with words of encouragement.

“We are so excited for you,” Weslaco ISD School Board President Jaclyn Sustaita said. “I know you’ve heard a lot of inspirational words lately, but honestly you are the ones that inspire us.”

The City of Weslaco and Hidalgo County Precinct 1, in collaboration WISD, will host a parade for the Lady Panthers, Saturday, June 8 beginning at 9 a.m. to commence at Pike Boulevard on Texas Boulevard and conclude at 6^th Street.