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WISD family..  did you know there is a supper program for students? The purpose of the program is to help schools integrate nutritious meals with organized after school programs. Meals are free to enrolled WISD students and the community children and youth under the age of 18.

What’s better than a cap and gown? The Weslaco ISD Career and Technical Education Department recently hosted a ‘white coat’ ceremony for students enrolled in the practicum-level courses in the Pharmacy Technician, EKG/Patient Care and Certified Nurse Aide programs.

For health science students, the white coat symbolizes the beginning of a medical career and what better way to kick off this journey.  

“Typically, doctors get their white coats at the end of medical school,” CTE Director Eliza Gomez said.  “We are doing it at the beginning of the programs as an incentive.  For our students tonight, it is a profound beginning.”

Workforce Solutions Outreach Specialist Myra Irene Garcia served as keynote speaker.

“This moment marks the beginning of your journey that is deeply imbedded in our community,” she said. “Every one of you plays a vital role in strengthening care close to our home.  Your training, your certification and your commitment is part of that solution. You are the future of healthcare in our region.”

Mary De Leon, longtime CTE instructor and founder of the Weslaco High School Health Occupations Students of America chapter, received special recognition for her pivotal role in the establishment of the health science programs in the district.

“It’s great to see that you kids are following a medical career,” the guest of honor said. “It’s one of the most rewarding careers.”

Gomez thanked health science instructors Gladys Marie Doyno, Maria M. Ramirez, Laura Zavala and Patricia Treviño for their mentorship and dedication to their students.  She also thanked the CTE staff and WISD administration.

Pictured below:  Students recite a ceremonial oath after putting on the white coats.

Above, Pharmacy Technicians are: Fabiola Deyanira Vasquez Cantu, Addison Marie Gonzalez, Holden Usiah Grajales, Kayla Marlen Guillen, Ivan Valentin Ortiz Gutierrez, Haylee Bree Hernandez, Kianna Herrera, Leslie Carolina Herrera, Naomi Star Herrera, Adriel Isael Herrera, Jennifer Deliah Lopez, Brianna Monsivais, Jotham Joel Pineda, Sebastian Efrain Rangel, Andres Antonio Rodriguez, Hannah Michelle Rodriguez, Italia Aylin Torres, Mayrin Yamileth Torres and Rafael Zepeda Jr.

Above, EKG/Patient Care students are: Brianna Marie Almanzar, Allyson Kaileen Avila, Emily Balderas, Alanah Renae Bautista, Adolfo Isaiah Belcher III, Adamaris Castillo, Virginia Ashely Cerda, Marely Franco, Angela Aymar Tello Gallegos, Stephanie Gallegos, Jonah Tyler Garcia, Jailyn Guerrero Garza, Unique Lee Garza, Wendy Nicole Gonzalez, Eduardo Hernandez III, Amanda Lee Hernandez, Cristina Marie Hernandez, Isabella Maria Hernandez, Anagalide Carolina Herrera, Andrew Jimenez, Alicia Suzex Maradiaga, Aaliana Marinez, Khloe Savannah Martinez, Nathan Isai Martinez, Chloe Mata, Allison Rose McCaslin, Jazmin Lee Medina, Brissa Assanet Montes, Ezabella Sienna Montoya, Miriam Morales, Cristian Catarino Peña, Katelynn Jo Peña, Noelee Victoria Peña, Monic Alexa Ponce, Andrea Emilia Quintero, Melany Fernanda Calles Rodriguez, Ashlye Marie Rodriguez, Cyrina Rosalinda Rodriguez, Isabella Lucia Rubio, Destiny Arlene Saenz, Diego Adrian Serna and Montserrat Alejandra Zuniga.

Above, Certified Nurse Aides are: Leayah Marie Aldrete, Layla Leeann Alonzo, Kamylah Mylian Araujo, Madison Deevonna Arevalo, Valerie Barajas, Andrew Jay Baron, Rodney Jay Bazan Jr., Madison Klaire Bernal, Kara Celeste Caballero, Marlene Cabrales, Aiden Jay Canche, Madelynn Katy Cantu, Miranda Cantu, Makayla Audrey Carrasco, Devin Ray Carreon, Frida Gwen Ameerah De Alejandro, Danna Sofia Garcia, Norma Lidia Garcia, Maya Anai Gomez, Beatriz Cecilia Gonzalez, Naomi Mary Guevara, Dayana Dennis Hernandez, Demetrio Hinojosa Jr., Deveneeh Maree Hinojosa, Montserrat Lira, Alexis Guadalupe Lopez, Leila Nicole Lopez, Mayra Naylin Martinez, Vanessa Ileen Martinez, Estivalis Taylor Mata, Clarissa Marie Mejia, Denise Marie Meza, Emilenne Meza, Joseline Ortega, Andrea Nicole Ortiz, Priscilla Ortiz, Karyme Victoria Oseguera, Alexa Brooke Peña, Priscilla Marie Quintanilla, Madison Lee Ramirez, Aiden Richard Rodriguez, Desiree Marie Rodriguez, Roberta Rae Rodriguez, Valenie Elaine Rodriguez, Mia Salazar, Alyssa Marie Torres, Andreya Jazzlynn Torres, Anabell Trejo and Bella Koko Vargas.    

Parents are the first line of defense against online dangers. That was the message of the Internet Safety: Guidance for Parents presentation hosted by the Weslaco ISD Parent and Family Engagement Department.

“The digital world is all around us,” PFE Coordinator Erica Garcia said.  “There are great opportunities that it offers but there are also some negative aspects.  The more we know, the more we can protect our children.”

Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Jesse Garza spoke to WISD parents about how predators use social media platforms and online games to access children.  He also addressed cyberbullying.

“The world we grew up in no longer exists,” Garza said.  “You should be scared. Parents have conditioned their children to use devices since they were two years old.”

The Project iGaurdian presentation is designed to inform parents of the danger children face in the online environment.  This presentation covered tactics used by online predators through Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Discord and online games. Several scenarios were also reviewed to help parents understand how easily children can be victimized online.

“I want to tell you the truth. You are part of the problem,” he said.

Parents need to install parental controls on devices and should supervise their children at all times, he told the audience.

“This was necessary,” WISD parent Judith Perez Martinez said.  “I am very glad I came, now we know what to look for.  I strongly agree with the message.”

Only the very talented can play beyond the notes, that is exactly how the judges described Weslaco High School senior Juan Tijerina and his performance. Going beyond the gold medal win, Juan was selected as an Outstanding Performer during the 2025 Texas State Solo-Ensemble Contest.

“He is a very talented kid,” WHS Band Director Rodrigo Leal said.  “Only a very small percentage of students earn this distinction.”

About 100,000 students take part in the regional UIL music contests to qualify for State Solo & Ensemble and only about three percent of these musicians earn the coveted Outstanding Performer distinction.

“Awards of this nature do not come easily,” UIL State Director of Music Dr. Bradley N. Kent stated when Juan was notified this summer.

At state, Juan performed a Class I piece of music for the euphonium capturing the gold medal clearly impressing the judge.   

“He judges me on everything I’m doing in terms of technicality and musicality,” Juan said. 

Currently, Juan is performing with the WHS Panther Corps as a baritone section leader.  While he is busy preparing for Pigskin, he already is thinking about next year’s concert season.

“I want to be number one in state,” he said. “I’ll do my very best.”

Juan credits WHS instructors Michael Perez and Leal, as well as Dr. Norman Gamboa from UT-RGV for his accomplishments.  Juan also thanks his parents, Esmerlada and Juan Tijerina for pushing him to do his best.

Make plans to attend virtually a meeting to learn more about WISD Gifted and Talented Program. 

Please click on the Google Meet icon.

Selfless and generous can easily describe the 214 Weslaco ISD parents who attended the end of the year Parent Volunteer Awards Ceremony hosted by the Parent and Family Engagement Department.  Parents volunteered a total of 23,387 hours across the district.

“I’m excited that our parents continue to volunteer,” Parent & Family Engagement Coordinator Erica Garcia said.  “It all goes back to student academics.  If parents are involved, we know it directly impacts student success.” 

Parents who volunteered the most hours also received a special award.

Top elementary parent volunteers are Trudy Cazares, 1^st place; Cristina Tamez,  2^nd place; and Margarita Olvera, 3^rd place.

The top secondary parent volunteers are Maria Montoya, 1^st place; Maria Guadalupe Cervantes, 2^nd place; and Erica Castillo, 3^rd place.   

Weslaco ISD celebrated Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week April 21–25, to mark a national observance dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions of those who work with students during out-of-school hours. These professionals play a pivotal role in supporting academic achievement, fostering social-emotional growth, and providing safe, enriching environments for our youth.

The WISD ACE Program offers free academic support, tutoring, and enrichment activities to students, particularly those in Title I schools. By extending learning opportunities beyond the traditional school day, our ACE staff help bridge educational gaps and support working families in our community.

Our Weslaco ISD students continue to thrive thanks to our ACE staff and we truly appreciate their dedication to our students' success!

It’s been quite a journey for first grader Mila Whitaker and her painting.  No one could have predicted that what started out as an art club project would end up at the state capitol adorning the office of the governor himself.

The seven-year-old from PFC Mario Ybarra Elementary first took part in her teacher’s project in November and created a ‘Catrina’ using mixed media; a combination of acrylic paint, glitter and plastic flowers. The artwork depicts the iconic female skull image popular in Mexico’s Dia De Los Muertos celebration. Mila’s ‘Catrina’ was selected to represent her grade level and at the Weslaco Museum.

“I was very happy that they liked my painting,” Mila said. “My parents tell me I am a great artist.”

As it turns out, a lot of people liked Mila’s painting.  Her first-grade art teacher Cynthia Duran submitted her artwork to Region I as part of the Youth Art Month celebration in March. Mila’s ‘Catrina’ was among the 500 entries that took part in this exhibit and once again her painting stood out.  Region One submitted Mila’s entry to take part in the 2025 Texas Art Education Association – Youth Art Month Spring Exhibition at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin.

It was during the TAEA closing ceremonies, that Mila’s ‘Catrina’ caught the eye of the First Lady of Texas, Cecilia Abbott.  She selected 16 entries to be displayed for one year in the Governor’s Office and Mila’s ‘Catrina’ will represent Weslaco ISD in the Governor’s Gallery.

Mila said she was very excited about her artwork and she hopes to be an artist when she grows up.

“I like drawing and I have a lot notebooks and sketchbooks at home and I always draw,” she said.   

Weslaco ISD kicked off Month of the Military Child with a proclamation signing at City Hall last week. ‘Readiness and Resilience’ was the theme honoring WISD students who are part of our military community.

“We honor the children of our service members for their readiness to face change, your resilience in overcoming obstacles, and your ability to thrive despite the challenges that come with being part of a military family, Student Support Services Director Dr. Cynthia Cid said to the audience.  “As a community, we stand together to provide support, celebrate your achievements, and ensure that you have the resources and opportunities you need to continue thriving.”

The event included a military child panel discussion. Several WISD students answered questions and shared their personal experiences describing the impact of frequent moves and deployments.  Weslaco High School JROTC instructor Colonel Eloy Cuevas, along with several JROTC cadets, demonstrated the significance of the flag-folding ceremony.

Weslaco East High School Assistant Principal Dr. Araceli Chavarin read Storytime with Mima, a book about a young boy with a father in the military. Dr. Chavarin’s son is currently stationed in South Korea.

Also, Airport Drive Elementary Counseling Assistant Elia Zamora, who served in the U.S. Army, shared the unique challenges faced by military families, especially the children.

City of Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez read the proclamation to conclude the program.

“I call on all citizens, businesses, organizations to join me in honoring and supporting military-connected children,” he said. “You guys are amazing and your parents are the true heroes.” 

The ceremony closed with a rendition of God Bless America performed by Weslaco High School students Athena Gonzalez and Madison Zamora.

Weslaco ISD recently celebrated school district counselors in a Hollywood-themed reception held yesterday.  Adrianna Cantu from Sam Houston Elementary was named Elementary Counselor of the Year and Mary Tafolla from Dr. Armando Cuellar Middle School was selected as the Secondary Counselor of the Year during the luncheon.

“They represent the outstanding implementation of the guidance and counseling programs in Weslaco ISD,” Student Support Services Director Dr. Cindy Cid said.   

Licensed professional counselors, social workers, GEAR-UP coordinators and counseling assistants also attended the red-carpet celebration.

All counseling staff were also honored for their recent CREST awards and campus Purple Star designations.  

School Board President Isidoro Nieto and trustees Armando Cuellar and Eddie Serna were on hand to help honor the counselors.

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.