Laredo C.A.R.E.S. - United Independent School District

Vol. 15, No. 10/June 2012 

United Independent School District 

K-9 Team Receives Top 

Honors at Competition 

United Independent School District 

K-9 Officer Ben Bondoc and K-9 Miramar 

excelled at the 2012 3rd Annual Laredo 

Police Week Narcotic K-9 Competition 

which was held in May. Bondoc 

and K-9 Miramar placed first in Vehicle 

Search Competition and third in the 

Article Search Competition. Miramar 

also took the “Top Dog Overall” award 

in the event, a title Miramar claimed at 

the competition in 2010. The competition 

included 25 K-9 teams representing 

U.S. Customs, U.S. Border Patrol, Laredo 

Police Department, La Joya Police 

Department, and Webb County Sheriff’s 

Office. Bondoc and Miramar have been 

working as a team for United I.S.D. for 

seven years. 

Laredo C.A.R.E.S. 

Laredo C.A.R.E.S. (Children Advocates 

for Raising Education Standards 

for Migrant Students), hosted their First 

Migrant Scholarship Awards Ceremony at 

the (United I.S.D.), Bill Johnson Student 

Activity Center. During the ceremony, a 

total of 20 Migrant students from United 

High School, L.B.J. High School and United 

South High School each received a college/ 

university scholarship valued at $2,000.00. 

A.A. Lic. Eduardo A. Garza Robles of Uni- 

Trade, is the chair of the Laredo C.A.R.E.S. 

committee that also includes Ing. Humberto 

Gonzalez Betancourt, Mr. John Galo, and 

Mr. Renato Ramirez. Laredo C.A.R.E.S. addresses 

the many needs of Migrant students 

and also provides them with opportunities to 

attend institutions of higher learning. 

Pictured left to right: United I.S.D. Partners in Migrant Student Education, Ing. Humberto Bentancourt, 

Gateway Electric, Silver Sponsor; Mr. Renato Ramirez, Bronze Sponsor; A.A. Lic. Eduardo A. Garza Robles, 

Uni-Trade, Gold Sponsor; and Mr. John Galo, Bronze Sponsor. 

The Family Leadership Institute Celebrates their 

First Class of Graduates ........................................................ Turn to page 6 for story 

Summer Food Service Program at United I.S.D. ............Turn to page 10 for locations

Roberto J. Santos 

Superintendent 

Greetings United I.S.D. employees, 

We have made it to the end 

of another busy and productive 

school year. I must start by saying 

that I am continually proud to 

represent the United Independent 

School District. Our employees 

do a phenomenal job of providing 

education and guidance to all 

our students. I was pleased 

to attend the commencement 

ceremonies for all four of our 

high schools. It was especially 

gratifying to see the smiles of 

our 2,600 graduating seniors and 

their families as we celebrated 

academic success together. I am 

proud of what we as a District are 

helping our students accomplish. 

I wish our graduates luck as they 

proceed to the next level, whether 

it be continuing their education, 

entering the workforce or pursuing 

the opportunity to serve in our 

armed forces. I humbly thank our 

employees for contributing to the 

success of not only our students, 

but to our District and community 

as well. 

Page 2 

Your Source for information and current events in United ISD 

On another note, great strides 

were made by United I.S.D. 

students who took the STAAR test 

for the very first time. I applaud 

the efforts of our teachers and 

faculty who earnestly prepared 

students for the new state 

mandated test. We have received 

preliminary results of the STAAR/ 

EOC testing for all students. These 

early results allow us to begin the 

task of improving, modifying and 

adjusting where necessary in the 

different subject areas. 

While some employees are 

taking extra time off during the 

summer, there are others who have 

already begun making preparations 

for the 2012-2013 school year. 

The next couple of months will 

give us all an opportunity to, 

reflect, reenergize, and enjoy our 

families. Whether you travel or 

stay home and unwind, I wish each 

one of you a safe, healthy, and 

happy summer. 

Best Regards, 

Roberto J. Santos

The Government Finance Officers Association 

of the United States and Canada 

(GFOA) is pleased to announce that United 

Independent School District has received its 

eleventh consecutive Distinguished Budget 

Presentation Award for its budget. The award 

represents a significant achievement by the 

entity. It reflects the commitment of school 

district accounting personnel to meet the 

highest principles of governmental budgeting. 

“On behalf of our Board of Trustees, I 

would like to congratulate the dedicated staff 

members of the Accounting Department,” 

said United I.S.D. Superintendent Roberto 

J. Santos. “To have consecutively attained 

these awards reflects their commitment to 

United I.S.D. and the taxpayers of this community,” 

he continued. 

In order to receive the budget award, the 

United I.S.D. had to satisfy nationally recognized 

guidelines for effective budget presentation. 

These guidelines are designed to 

assess how well an entity’s budget serves as: 

• a policy document 

• a financial plan 

• an operations guide 

• a communications device 

Budget documents must be rated “proficient” 

in all four categories, and the fourteen 

mandatory criteria within those categories, to 

receive the award. A Certificate of Recognition 

for Budget Presentation has been presented 

to the Accounting Department; which 

was designated as being primarily responsible 

for its having achieved the award. 

Page 3 


United I.S.D. Receives Government Finance Officers Association’s 

“Distinguished Budget Presentation Award” 

Overseeing the Department are Laida P. 

Benavides, Assistant Superintendent for Business 

and Finance and Sam D. Flores, Director 

of Accounting. 

For budgets including fiscal period 2010, 

over 1,289 entities received the Award. 

Award recipients have pioneered efforts to 

improve the quality of budgeting and provide 

an excellent example for other governments 

throughout North America. 

The Government Finance Officers Association 

is a nonprofit professional association 

serving nearly 17,400 government finance 

professionals throughout North America. The 

GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation 

Awards Program is the only national awards 

program in governmental budgeting. 

Six UISD Students Achieve The Rank of Eagle Scout 

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest attainable rank in the Boy Scouts of America, a national organization that helps 

guide boys into becoming leaders of tomorrow. An Eagle Scout is the epitome of all scouts because he strives 

to live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law every day: “On my honor, I will do my best, to keep myself physically 

strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” The Scout Law is: “A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, 

courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” 

David J. Durden 

Troop 505 

Reynaldo Gutierrez, Jr. 

Troop 505 

Juan A. Molina III 

Troop 203 

Rolando Ortiz, II. 

Troop 407 

Travis D. Swisher 

Troop 407 

Aleskar Villarreal, Jr. 

Troop 407

TAMIU’s L.E.A.D. and Youth Leadership Laredo 

Students Join Together to Plant “Trees” and “Leadership” 

Page 4 


Texas A&M International 

University’s L.E.A.D. 

(Leaders Empowering Active 

Deeds) students and members 

of Youth Leadership Laredo 

are collaborating to plant 

trees at several schools in the 

United Independent School 

District. They kicked off the 

first of these events at Killam 

Elementary School where a 

ceremony with the Student 

Council and the Honor’s Elementary 

Choir was held. 

L.E.A.D. and Youth 

Leadership Laredo representatives 

state that the purpose 

of their project is to enhance 

the learning environment for 

younger students and help encourage 

a sense of social and 

community responsibility. 

Pictured left to right: TAMIU L.E.A.D. Student Representatives Joel Jurado (left-front), Carlos Pacheco (back-left), 

and Marco Ponce (back-right). In front is Connie Lerma, L.E.A.D. President who received an award from Gibby 

Loredo, Killam Student Council President. Joining Loredo are Cynthia Rodriguez, United I.S.D. Executive Director 

of Elementary Education and Linda Vera, Killam Elementary School Principal. 

“Dia De Los Niños” Celebrated 

at Newman Elementary School 

Newman Elementary School recently 

hosted a family picnic at their campus in 

honor of “Dia De Los Niños.” Many parents 

turned out for the event where they enjoyed 

lunch with their child, as well as, music and 

dance performances by students. 

Pictured: Violeta 

Gonzalez with her 

daughter Jocelyn. 

Pictured: Newman Elementary parent Tomas 

Cruz with his 4th grade son, Tommy. 

New Big Lots Store Donates to Nye Elementary School Library 

Nye Elementary School was the 

recipient of a $2,500 donation from 

the new Big Lots store located at 7807 

San Dario Avenue at the North Creek 

Shopping Center. They were invited 

to be part of the store’s grand 

opening where the donation was 

presented to them. Pictured from left 

to right (front row): Paz Biggs, Nye 

Elementary Office Clerk; Pat Campos, 

United I.S.D. Board Member; and Nye 

Elementary Principal, Patricia Lañas. 

Back row: City of Laredo Mayor Raul 

G. Salinas; Wade Kvapil, Big Lots 

District Manager; and Jim Golden, 

Big Lots Store Manager. The school 

will be using the donation to purchase 

additional books and equipment for 

their library.

Governor proclaims 

Internal Audit Week 

Each year, Governor Rick Perry designates a week in May 

as “Internal Audit Week” in an effort to increase public awareness 

about the important contributions of internal auditors. 

In his proclamation, Governor Perry mentioned how internal 

auditors “have the expertise necessary to ensure a higher level 

of efficiency, integrity and overall organizational excellence.” 

Pictured is the Internal Audit Department of the United I.S.D. 

From left to right: front row, Martha Esparza, Staff Auditor; 

Beatriz Gaytan, Staff Auditor; and Marta G. Stahl, CPA, Internal 

Auditor. Back : Alicia Gonzalez, Staff Auditor; Blanca O. 

Sanchez, Staff Secretary; and Laura Garcia, Staff Auditor. 

Trustee Campos meets with U.S. Congressman 

Hinojosa to secure funding for education in Laredo 

Pictured left to right: Pat Campos, United I.S.D. 

Board Trustee; Retired Laredo Community College 

Administrator, Blas Castañeda; with U.S. Congressman, 

Ruben Hinojosa. Campos and Castañeda spoke 

to the Congressman about securing funding for education, 

workforce, and industry in Laredo. 

Page 5 


Kennedy-Zapatata Rockets launched into the summer 

with the help from UNI-Trade Group who provided a delicious 

lunch from Chick-fil-A for all students. A.A. Licenciado Eduardo 

Garza-Robles and his wife Mrs. Juanita Garza, wanted to ensure 

that students started off their summer successfully. Mrs. Garza 

and the Chick-fil-A Cow visited the school on Wednesday, May 30, 

2012, to spend time with the students. Thank you to A.A. 

Licenciado Garza and his wife Mrs. Juanita Garza! 

Longhorn News 

UHS CHOIR BRINGS HOPE AND INSPIRATION 

TO FAMILY: United High School Choir Teacher, Paul Foster 

proudly stands with Mary and Amador Zapata, mother and father 

of fallen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent 

Jaime Zapata. The United High School Choir performed several 

patriotic and inspirational songs at the recent unveiling of their 

son’s bronze bust; which is housed at the Federal Building.

Several United I.S.D. Families 

Graduate from Family 

Leadership Institute Programs 

The United I.S.D. Parental Involvement recently held a graduation 

ceremony for parents who attended the Family Leadership Institute (FLI) 

Program. Former Laredoan and retired Lt. Colonel Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch 

is the creator of the FLI Program and has been dedicated to empowering 

a new generation of leaders. The FLI Program entails a series of ten 

modules where parents are provided the skills, abilities and attitudes necessary 

to enhance their own personal success and serve as better role models 

for their children. The workshops are conducted in both English and Spanish. 

Each workshop contains a series of lectures, participant discussions, 

storytelling, role-playing, group and individual activities. 

Page 6 


Arndt N.E.H.S. & Laredo Boy Scouts Pack #404 Unite Efforts 

Arndt Elementary spearheaded this year’s aluminum 

tab collection to support Ronald McDonald Charities, 

which oversees and operates the Ronald McDonald 

family rooms in Laredo and the Ronald Mc Donald 

house in San Antonio. The facilities provide waiting 

or overnight quarters for families of children with 

serious illnesses. Elsa Santos, Arndt Elementary 

kinder teacher and Chapter Advisor for the National 

Elementary Honor Society (N.E.H.S.), said that it 

was the combined effort of many people that resulted 

in the collection of thousands of aluminum tabs that 

will be recycled and converted into cash. “Our 4th 

and 5th grade students and the Arndt N.E.H.S. started 

collecting tabs from their friends and families. This 

year we received additional support from Dr. Eduardo 

Gomez -Vasquez and the Boy Scouts troop that 

he leads at Mary Help of Christians. In addition, we 

received assistance from Juan J. Garcia, Attorney at 

Law. All of these great people asked their friends and 

families to give us their aluminum tabs for a great 

cause’” said Santos. Pat Bivin, Executive Director of 

Ronald McDonald House Charities, said that several 

Laredo families benefit from the facilities in Laredo 

and San Antonio. “There are many occasions when 

local families must take their children to see out-oftown 

specialists. The Ronald McDonald House in San 

Antonio allows for overnight stays so that parents can 

remain close to their children,” said Bivin. Juanita 

Pictured left to right: back row, Dr. Eduardo Gomez-Vasquez, M.D.; Elizabeth Medina, Exec. Assistant, Ronald Mc- 

Donald House Charities; Pat Biven, Exec. Director, Ronald McDonald House Charities; Juanita Zepeda, Principal; 

Elsa Santos, Teacher and N.E.H.S. Chapter Advisor; Juan J. Garcia, Atty. and Alfredo Valdez, fifth grade teacher. 

Center row: John Paul Gomez-Aguirre, Enrique Mireles, Eduardo James Gomez-Aguirre, Ivan Franco, and Gerardo 

Gomez Aguirre, members, Laredo Boy Scouts Pack #404. Front Row: Grace Serna, Citlali Palapa, and Gilbert 

Cerda, Arndt students and N.E.H.S. Officers. 

Pictured from left to right: Mr. Gregorio Reyes, Jr., and Mrs. Esthela 

Reyes, FLI graduate, and their children Rodrigo and Regina. 

Zepeda, Arndt Elementary Principal, said she was 

happy that her campus was involved in a project that 

helps so many families. “It’s inspiring to know that we 

can make a positive difference, especially during tough 

economic times”, said Zepeda.

Pictured left to right: back row, Pat Campos, United I.S.D. Trustee; Jose Perez III, T.M.S.; David J. Rodriguez, 

A.G.M.S.; Amy Gutierrez, S.G.M.S.; Marcus Flores, G.W.M.S.; Christian Nguyen, U.M.S.; and Javier Montemayor 

Jr., United I.S.D. Trustee. Front Row: Carlos Ortega, L.O.M.S.; Timothy Willett, C.M.S.; Nathaniel Willett, C.M.S.; 

Abigail Arrambide, L.B.V.M.S.; and Karina Cortez, U.S.M.S. 

Page 7 


United I.S.D. Elementary School Track 

Meet Enthuses Students and Parents. 

The United I.S.D. Elementary School Track Meet presented a healthy 

challenge for United I.S.D. elementary school students in grades K-6. Parents 

and families were on board to cheer on their little athletes during the 

exciting competition, which included a 50, 100, and 200 Meter dash. A 400 

Meter relay race was also held. Roberto “Bobby” Cruz, United I.S.D. Athletic 

Director, said that the annual event was a great way to bring the schools 

together for some friendly competition. “I thank the parents for their support 

and also appreciate our coaches who organized and assisted with this 

event”, said Cruz. 

8th Graders of the year 2012 

United I.S.D. students who were chosen 

as “8th Graders of the Year” were all previous 

“8th Grader of the Month” honorees. 

The finalists were asked to compose essays 

about how they would approach the issue 

of bullying in our community. Gifts were 

furnished to the students who submitted 

the best entries. The 3rd place winner(s), 

Nathaniel and Timothy Willett from Clark 

Middle School, received “Coolpix” cameras. 

2nd place winner David J. Rodriguez, 

from Gonzalez Middle School, received an 

I Pad. 1st place winner, Christian L. Nguyen, 

from United Middle School, received 

a Toshiba laptop computer. In addition, all 

“8th Graders of the Year” were awarded 

$25.00 gift certificates from the Emperor 

Garden, $25.00 gift certificates from Best 

Buy, $20.00 gift certificates from Cinemark, 

and $20.00 gift certificates from Jett 

Bowl. The recognition was sponsored by 

the Laredo Police Department, Armadillo 

Homes, KGNS-TV/Telemundo/Laredo’s 

CW, Laredo Medical Center, and Paul 

Young Family Chevrolet.

During a recent Webb County Commissioner’s 

Court meeting, students enrolled in 

the Business Magnet Program of United South 

High School’s (U.S.H.S.), Academy of Global 

Business and Advanced Technology were presented 

with Certificates of Achievement. The 

certificates signified completion of a nine-week 

internship in various county departments. The 

supervised internship challenged students to 

apply knowledge and skills learned in their 

Practicum in Business Management course, 

which teaches the legal, financial, managerial, 

and ethical aspects of business. “Our students 

had a great time learning, and collaborating 

with all the employees at Webb County,” said 

Claudia Saenz, U.S.H.S. teacher. “The internship 

allowed students to implement personal 

and interpersonal skills. This kind of experience 

helps to strengthen individual performance 

in the workplace and prepares students 

for a successful transition to the workforce or 

postsecondary education. I am confident that 

the skills and experiences they acquired during 

these past nine weeks will accompany them 

throughout their academic and personal lives,” 

Saenz continued. 

Borchers Elementary 

School hosted a “Relay 

Recess” event at their 

campus. The event is 

a unique fundraiser for 

the American Cancer 

Society that includes 

education, fundraising, 

and physical activity. 

Pictured are fifth grade 

students Miranda Vela 

and Mika Sanchez, 

competing in a relay 

activity as other students 

look on. Also pictured 

above is Luis Rodriguez, 

HEB administrator, who 

spoke to students about 

the importance of eating 

nutritious foods and 

maintaining a healthy 

lifestyle. 

Page 8 


United South High School Academy of 

Global Business and Advanced Technology 

Pictured left to right: back row, Mr. Michael Soto, U.S.H.S. Teacher; Francisco Vasquez; and Christopher 

Esparza. Front row; Ms. Claudia Saenz, U.S.H.S. Teacher; Melecio Villarreal; Delilah Gomez; Hugo 

Garza; Andrea Martinez; Israel Lopez; and Jocelyn Gaytan. 

Girl Scout Troop #9102 Working on 

Bronze “Energy Awareness” Award 

Girl Scout Troop #9102 recently planted trees at Trautmann 

Elementary School to help beautify the campus and to work 

towards their bronze “energy awareness” award. In addition 

to earning badges, the group of 5th graders worked on 

various community projects. 

Pictured: Girl Scout Troop #9102 standing in front of one of the trees they planted. 

Troop members are: Sydney Lara, Irma Garcia, Amanda Flores, Victoria Padron, 

Sabrina Peña, Elyssa Esparza, Aryana Hernandez, Regina Alvarez, and Jocelyn 

Flores. Troop leader is Raquel Esparza.

Page 9 


UISD Seniors Sign Scholarships 

Rainy Castañeda from United South signed her national letter of intent 

for the University of the Incarnate Word. Pictured left to right: Coach 

Juan A. Salazar; Suzie Castañeda, Mother; Jessie Castañeda, Father; 

David Canales, United South High School Principal; Rainy Castañeda; 

Priscilla Muñoz, United South High School Magnet Dean; Coach Judy 

Cantu; and Coach Sergio Salinas. 

United High School seniors Karina Garcia and Ana Martinez 

signed scholarships to play soccer at TAMIU. The longtime friends 

were exhilarated on the occasion of signing their individual letters of 

intent on the same day. “I’m so excited, I’ve wanted to do this for so 

many years. I had outside offers but I wanted to stay close to home. 

I thank my parents and coach Vera for all their support and inspiration,” 

said Karina, who plans to study psychology at TAMIU. 

Ana Maria said she was excited about the scholarship and expressed 

determination to help take the TAMIU soccer team to the 

next level. “I feel so much passion for what I do as a goalie and 

I think that playing for TAMIU is going to be awesome. I want to 

thank my parents and coach Vera for always believing in me,” said 

Ana, who wants to study Physical Therapy and Biology. 

Pictured left to right: UHS Soccer Coach Jerry Vera (standing), looks on as Karina 

Garcia and Ana Martinez sign their TAMIU scholarships. Seated: Fernando Garcia 

and Luz Garcia, Parents; Karina Garcia; Ana Martinez and her Parents Ana Cristina 

Martinez and Manuel Martinez. 

Leopoldo Hernandez, a United High School student, signed on for a 

golf scholarship at TAMIU. This fine student graduated in the top five percent 

of his senior class and has been playing golf since he was three years 

of age. “I want to thank my parents and God. I also want to thank coach 

Julian Palacios for spending a lot of time coaching me day in and day out, 

no matter what the weather. I am the first in my family to play collegiate 

sports and that makes it extra special for me. I’m excited about the opportunity 

to play at the next level,” said Hernandez. Hernandez plans to study 

mechanical engineering. 

3 

Lyndon B. Johnson High School recently held a scholarship 

signing ceremony for senior students Rudy Ramirez and Nicolas 

Madrigal. Ramirez, pictured left, was accepted to Wiley University 

in Marshall, Texas. He received a full academic scholarship and 

will play on the University’s soccer team. Madrigal, pictured right, 

was accepted to Post University in Waterbury, Connecticut. He 

also received a full academic scholarship and will be playing for 

the University’s football team. At the scholarship signing event, 

from left to right, were: LBJ Head Soccer Coach, Eduardo Javier 

Silva; Ramirez, LBJ Principal, Maggie Martinez; Madrigal; and 

LBJ Head Football Coach, Oscar Villaseñor. 

Brian Swain a 

student from Alexander 

High School has agreed 

to play for Hampton 

University in Virginia. 

Hampton is a D I school 

and is in the MEAC 

conference. Swain is 

also ranked ninth in the 

state of Texas in all time 

passing yards and was 

selected all district three 

years in a row. Swain 

also added MVP to his 

resume his senior year. 

Pictured left to right: Leopoldo Hernandez Jr., Father; 

Leopoldo Hernandez; and Sarah Hernandez, Mother.

The message Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd 

Staples gave to students at Killam Elementary as he kicked-off 

the Summer Food Service Program. 

The SFSP, which is administered through the Commissioner’s 

Office, offers free breakfast and lunch at participating 

sponsor sites to children between the ages of one to 18 years 

old. These free nutritious and healthy meals will be served 

beginning June 4 at 23 schools throughout the United Independent 

School District, as well as, recreation and community 

centers for all students to enjoy. 

“Child hunger does not take a vacation when school is out 

for the summer months,” Texas Agriculture Commissioner 

Todd Staples said. “We want parents to know nutritious meals 

are still available in their communities to help nourish their 

growing children during the summer break. Children with 

proper nutrition generally have fewer medical needs and perform 

better academically. My goal is to not just provide for 

the immediate nourishment needs, but build a bridge that leads 

to healthy lives and self-sufficiency.” 

At the kick-off event, the Killam Elementary City Champion 

Basketball Team dazzled Commissioner Staples and the 

crowd with their own rendition of a “Harlem Globe Trotters” 

performance which included “ball handling wizardry and 

basketball artistry.” 

The Killam Elementary Honor’s Choir also amazed the 

crowd with a song especially written for the event. “Texans 

Bring It,” was written by Killam Elementary music teacher 

Ramon Godines and the students dedicated this song to Commissioner 

Staples. It emphasizes his message of the three E’s 

– education, exercise and eating right. 

In attendance were members of the United I.S.D. Board of 

Trustees, Superintendent Roberto J. Santos, United I.S.D. Administrators 

and staff members of the District’s Food Service 

Department. Other sponsor site participant representatives 

from the City of Laredo Parks and Leisure Services Department 

and Webb County were also in attendance. 

Page 10 


Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples Kicks Off Summer Food Service Program at United I.S.D. 

“Education, exercise and eating right.” 

SUMMER PROGRAM SITE 

ADDRESS - PHONE # BREAKFAST LUNCH DATES 

United High School (1) 

2811 United Ave - Ph:473-5672 8:45-9:45 a.m. 11:00-1:00 p.m. 6/11-7/12 

United South High School (1) 

4001 Ave. Los Presidentes - Ph:473-5459 8:45-9:45 a.m. 11:00-1:00 p.m. 6/11-7/12 

Clark Middle School (1) 

500 Hillside Rd (rear) - Ph:473-7500 8:15-9:15 a.m. 11:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-6/28 

Lamar Bruni Vergara (1) 

5910 St. Luke Blvd. - Ph:473-6628 8:15-9:15 a.m. 11:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-6/28 

United South Middle (2) 

3707 Ave. Los Presidentes - Ph:473-7726 8:15-9:15 a.m. 11:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-8/10 

Washington Middle (2) 

10306 River Bank Drive - Ph:473-7626 8:15-9:15 a.m. 11:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-8/03 

Malakoff Elementary 

2810 Havana Drive - Ph:473-4806 7:45-8:45 a.m. 11:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-8/03 

Finley Elementary (1) 

2001 Lowry Rd. - Ph:473-4518 7:45-8:45 a.m. 11:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-6/28 

Roosevelt Elementary (1) 

3301 Sierra Vista Blvd. - Ph:473-3418 7:45-8:45 a.m. 11:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-6/28 

Gutierrez Elementary (1) 

505 Calle Del Norte - Ph:473-4416 7:45-8:45 a.m. 11:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-6/28 

Juarez-Lincoln Elementary (1) 

1600 Espejo-Molina Rd. - Ph:473-4320 7:45-8:45 a.m. 11:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-6/28 

Perez Elementary (1) 

500 Sierra Vista Dr. - Ph:473-3617 7:45-8:45 a.m. 11:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-6/28 

Killam Elementary (1) 

5315 Fairfield Drive - Ph:473-2606 7:45-8:45 a.m. 11:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-6/28 

Salinas Elementary (1) 

1000 Century Drive West - Ph:473-3218 7:45-8:45 a.m. 11:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-6/28 

Zaffirini Elementary (1) 

5210 Santa Claudia Lane - Ph:473-2923 7:45-8:45 a.m. 11:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-6/28 

Haynes Recreation Center (2) 

2102 Clark Crossing Drive - Ph:729-4600 8:00-9:00 a.m. 11:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-8/03 

El Cenizo Community Center (2) 

3519 Cecilia Lane - Ph:718-8531 9:00–10:00am 12:00-1:00pm 6/04-8/10 

Rio Bravo Community Center (2) 

1006 Orquidia - Ph:728-9898 9:00–10:00am 1:00-2:00 pm 6/04-8/10 

Santa Teresita Center (2, 3) 

U.S. Highway 59 - Ph:(956) 418-6563 11:00-12:00 p.m. 6/04-6/29 

Northeast Hillside Center (2) 

320 Wyoming - Ph:795-3045 8:30-9:30 am 11:30-1:00 p.m. 6/04-8/03 

El Eden Recreation Center (2) 

4735 Loma Vista - Ph:794-1760 8:30-9:30 a.m. 12:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-8/03 

Fred Bruni Community Ctr. (2, 3) 

452 W Rancho Penitas Rd - Ph:417-3330 12:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-8/03 

Children’s Advocacy Center(2, 3) 

111 North Merida - Ph:712-1840 12:00-1:00 p.m. 6/04-7/13 

La Presa Community Ctr2 

1983 Magana Hein Rd. - Ph:795-1661 12:30-1:30 p.m. 6/04-8/03 

Rosemont at Larga Vista2 

5606 St. David Lane - Ph:717-2991 11:00-12:00 p.m. 6/04-8/03 

Revised: April 12, 2012 

(1) These sites will open from Monday through Thursday only. (2) These sites will open from Monday through Friday. 

(3) These sites will not serve breakfast. (1) Estos sitios abrirán de lunes a jueves solamente. (2) Estos sitios abrirán de lunes a 

viernes. (3) Estos sitios no servirán desayuno.

KENNEDY-ZAPATA CHESS PLAYERS 

CONGRATULATIONS to Fernando Saucedo a 2nd grade student who received 

First Place in the Primary Section as well as Manuel Rodriguez a 4th 

grade student who received First Place in the Elementary Section in the 1st 

Annual Chess Tournament at Nixon High School held on May 5, 2012. 

Pictured left to right: Alfonso Gonzalez (6 th Place), Manuel Rodriguez (1 st Place), and Fernando Saucedo (1 st Place). 

United South High School Marine Corps 

JROTC Unarmed Drill Team won the overall 

Challenge Level National Championship in 

Daytona Beach, Florida on May 5, 2012. 

The cadets competed against 31 teams from 

across the country. Included in those teams 

were service champions from the Air Force, 

Navy, and Army. Additionally, there were 

teams that won their state championships 

and were regular competitors at the national 

level. The USHS cadets captured 1st place 

in the Color Guard event and 2nd place in the 

Inspection event. The team also placed in 

two other categories (Exhibition and Regulation 

Drill) which provided the team sufficient 

points to capture the overall title. The cadets 

were judged on their ability to execute drill 

movements with precision, technical difficulty, 

and unity. With this win, the team will 

now move up to the Masters Level next year. 

Page 11 


The United InSiDer 

is a monthly 

publication of 

United I.S.D. 

To submit stories, information, and/or 

photos for this publication, you can email: 

• Paola Arcos 

parcos@uisd.net 

• Alex Meyer 

ameyer09@uisd.net 

All pictures must be of high quality 

(sent in JPEG format) and must 

identify everyone, from left to right in 

the photo (with first and last names, 

including titles or grades levels). 

It is the policy of United I.S.D. not to discriminate on the basis 

of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in its programs, 

services, or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights 

Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments 

of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as 

amended. 

United South High School Marine Corps JROTC 

Garners National Championship Trophies

The Fasken Elementary Cheerleaders were recognized by City Council members for their 

distinguished awards earned during the 2011-2012 Season. 

First Ever Lady Bobcats Fashion Show 

George Washington Middle School hosted 

the very first Lady Bobcats fashion show. Maria 

Zermeño, a former model, volunteered her time 

to provide professional instruction to the young 

ladies who displayed their newly learned skills 

during the course of the show. The show was 

well attended by parents as well as G.W.M.S. 

teachers and students. All of the wardrobes were 

provided by Zorba’s Fashions. The Lady Bobcats 

club focuses on teaching young ladies about the 

importance of proper etiquette and manners, 

All four high schools held their final attendance 

rally for students who maintained 

perfect attendance during the school year. 

Drawings were held for DVD players, MP3 

Players, television sets, and video game 

systems. 

Each school raffled a Grand Prize. The 

prize package includes a 4-day/3-night stay 

at the J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country 

Resort, season passes to Six Flags Fiesta 

Texas, and movie tickets to the Santikos 

Palladium IMAX Theatre. 

leadership, goal setting and time management. 

Moreover, the club also focuses on subjects such 

as dating violence, teen bullying, drugs, gangs, 

and other topics. Participants also learn about 

future careers/options, leadership roles, goal setting 

and time management skills. The objective 

of the Lady Bobcats Club is to empower girls 

so that they can achieve whatever goals they set 

for themselves. Sponsor for the Lady Bobcats is 

Erika Ordoñez-Chapa. 

Page 12 


The H-E-B “Excellence in 

Education Awards” named 

Ada Joella Ballesteros as a 

semi-finalist in their Secondary 

Leadership category. She was 

awarded $250. Ms. Ballesteros 

is a teacher at George Washington 

Middle School. The H-E-B 

“Excellence in Education” Awards 

celebrate public school professionals 

whose leadership and dedication 

inspire a love of learning in students 

of all backgrounds and abilities. 

NBA 

NEVER BE ABSENT 

Grand Prize Winners LBJHS - Eduardo Llamas USHS - Juan R. Salas 

AHS - Sofia Elizondo UHS - Seth Saucedo

Page 13 


Texas Association of Secondary School Principals 

Recognizes Outstanding Secondary Administrators 

Maggie Martinez 

Principal of The Year 

Region One 

L.B.J. High School 

Beth Porter 

High School Assistant 


Region One 

United 9th Campus 

Ivan Villegas 

6th Grade Division 

Mrs. M. Canavati, Art Teacher 

David Guzman 

Middle School Assistant 


Region One 

G. Washington Middle School 

Each year, outstanding secondary 

school Principals and Assistant Principals 

are recognized by the Texas Association 

of Secondary School Principals 

(TASSP). The organization recognizes 

exemplary performance among campus 

level administrators in Texas. The Annual 

Outstanding Principal/Assistant Principal 

Awards are presented each summer 

during the TASSP Summer Conference 

held in Austin, Texas and nominations 

are submitted by colleagues, parents, 

students or self-submitted. United I.S.D. 

takes great pride in recognizing and 

congratulating three of its finest administrators 

for their priceless contributions 

to their respective campuses and to the 

District at large. 

Congratulations Trautmann Middle School! 

2012 Fine Arts Fiesta - “BEST OF SHOW” winners 

Carmen Obregon 

8th Grade Division 

Mrs. G. De La Garza, Art Teacher

2012 

Summer 

Learning 

Opportunities 

Professional 

Catalog posted online 

ERO & UISD Staff Development 

For assistance, please contact 

Staff Development Dept 473-2005. 

Page 14 


“Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.” 

John C. Dana 

Dates/Location: 

June 18,2012—June 21, 2012 

At 

Alexander High School 

And 

July 30,2012—Aug. 2, 2012 

At 

United South Middle School 

Targeted Audience: 

All Teachers & 

Administrators 

ERO Registration Required 

CPE hours/credits will be 

awarded 

Attendance can earn you trade off time for the 

2012—2013 on district’s designated day. 

Request for trade off days requires Principals 

approval. 

7.45 hrs is equivalent to 1 workday.

OPEN ENROLLMENT DATES 

Open enrollment will begin August 13, 2012 thru August 23, 2012. 

As a reminder, open enrollment will give employees the opportunity to 

make changes to their current coverage. Also, employees wishing to 

continue their Flex Medical or Dependent Care spending accounts are 

required to attend. These are the only two items that do not automatically 

re-enroll. On both Fridays during open enrollment, we will have Catapult 

Health conducting health screenings at no cost for employees. Only 

employees, who have Blue Cross Blue Shield with the District, will be 

screened. We highly encourage you to participate if you have not taken 

advantage of this United I.S.D. benefit. 

2012 Annual Insurance 

Enrollment Schedule 

First week 

Aug 13 - Mon 

from: 1-6 P.M. 

Kazen Cafeteria 

9620 Albany Dr. 

Juarez-Lincoln 

1600 Espejo-Molina Rd 

Rio Bravo, TX 78046 

Aug 14 - Tue 

from: 9 A.M. – 6 P.M. 

UHS 9th Grade 

Campus Library 

8800 McPherson Rd. 

USHS Library 

4001 Ave. Los Presidentes 

Aug 15 - Wed 

from: 9 A.M. – 6 P.M. 

UHS 9th Grade 



Aug 15 - Wed 

from: 9 A.M. – 6 P.M. 

USHS Library 


Aug 16 - Thu 

from: 9 A.M. – 6 P.M. 

USHS Library 


Second Week 

August 20 - Mon 

from: 1-6 P.M. 

UHS 9th Grade 



Aug 20 - Mon 

from: 9 A.M. – 6 P.M. 

Student Activity Center 

(Lobby) 

5208 Santa Claudia Lane 

Aug 21 - Tue 

from: 9 A.M. – 6 P.M. 

UHS 9th Grade 



Page 15 


Catapult Screening 

Aug 17 - Fri from: 7 A.M. – 12 P.M. 

UHS 9th Grade Campus Library 


Catapult Screening 

Aug 24 - Fri from: 7 A.M. – 12 P.M. 

UHS 9th Grade Campus Library 


Student Activity Center (Lobby) 


Aug 21 - Tue 

from: 9 A.M. – 6 P.M. 


(Lobby) 


Aug 22 - Wed 

from: 9 A.M. – 6 P.M. 

UHS 9th Grade 




(Lobby) 


Aug 23 - Thu 

from: 9 A.M. – 6 P.M. 

UHS 9th Grade 




(Lobby) 

5208 Santa Claudia Lane

Employee 

Benefits Corner 

BENEFITS UPDATE 

The Employee Benefits Committee (EBC) is pleased to announce 

the contract renewals beginning September 1, 2012 for the following 

benefits: 

• Disability: Renewal with UNUM for three years at total cost 

savings of 45% 

• Vision: Renewal with Eyetopia with a rate guarantee for five 

years. Three tier selection for employees to choose from on Basic 

and Gold Plan. Upgrade to Gold Plan. Rates are as follow: 

Basic Plan Gold Plan 

Emp Only $ 7.50 $ 18.00 

Emp + One $ 14.00 $ 36.00 

Emp + Family $ 22.00 $ 50.00 

• Supplemental Life: Awarded to Sun-Life Insurance Company with 

a rate guarantee for five years at a total cost savings of 26%. All 

TRS eligible employees will be able to take advantage of enrolling 

for supplemental life with no questions asked up to the guaranteed 

issue amount of $350,000 or 7x annual salary, whichever is lesser, 

during open enrollment. 

Congratulations to the EBC for their hard work and dedication in 

looking out for the best interest in our employee benefits program! 

BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION 

Your life insurance beneficiary designation serves a very important 

purpose by making sure your benefits are distributed as you intended. 

Without a validly named beneficiary, the money in your life insurance 

policy will generally be paid to your estate, which means your family 

will most likely have to endure the complexity, expenses and costs 

associated with probate. 

With regards to TRS, it is important for you to have a current 

beneficiary designation on file with TRS. You may print a copy of 

Designation of Beneficiary form (TRS 11) from the TRS website www. 

trs.state.tx.us 

Reviewing your beneficiary choices to ensure they are current is a 

necessary step that can help you avoid unwanted outcomes or probate. 

Always consider changes in marital status, deaths or other life changes 

that may impact your beneficiary designation decision, and update 

accordingly.. 

Please note: A divorce does not automatically revoke your former 

spouse as beneficiary, nor the death of a beneficiary. 

To update your beneficiaries, please stop by the Risk Management 

Department, Portable #6, at 201 Lindenwood. Please have your 

beneficiary(ies) information such as Name, date of birth, Social Security 

number and address on hand when you stop by. 

Page 16 


HOT WEATHER DEMANDS CAUTION IN THE CAR 

A tragedy can result from leaving a child in the car for even a few 

minutes during the summer – even with the windows partly open. A 

parent may be reluctant to wake a sleeping child or forgets that a child 

is in the car. Many deaths happen because people just don’t know 

how quickly a car heats up inside. In 90-degree heat, it only takes 

10 minutes for a car interior to reach the level of an “excessive heat 

advisory” on the National Weather Service scale. 

Parents and caregivers should take precautions, such as creating 

reminders so that they don’t become distracted and leave the car 

without the child and by locking cars and trucks. About 30 percent of 

recorded heat stroke deaths happened when a child was playing in an 

unattended vehicle. 

Source: National Safety Council 

ULTRAVIOLET PROTECTION – MORE THAN 

JUST SLATHERING ON SUNSCREEN 

National UV Safety Month is a good time to remember that there is no 

such thing as a healthy suntan. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main 

cause of skin cancer – the most widely found type of cancer in the 

United States. Anyone can get skin cancer, but the risk is greatest for 

people with white or light-colored skin with freckles, blond or red hair 

and blue or green eyes. You can take these steps to help avoid skin 

cancer: stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., use sunscreen 

with SPF 15 or higher and cover up with long sleeves and a hat. 

Sunscreens form a thin film on the surface of the skin and soak up 

UV rays. Put on at least 1 ounce of lotion to exposed skin every 

two hours. Reapply after swimming or sweating. Even if you wear 

sunscreen every day, watch for skin cancer. Let your doctor know 

about new skin growths and changes to existing growths. 

Source: National Institutes of Health 

CHANGES IN YOUR STATUS 

Outside of open enrollment, IRS regulations, under Section 125, 

state you may make changes to your benefits if one of the following 

situations occur: 

1. Change in marital status; 

2. Birth or adoption of a child; 

3. Dependent reaches the age limit (Health/Dental is 26, all others 25); 

4. Death of spouse and/or dependent; 

5. Loss of health coverage under another plan; and 

6. Change of job status which reflects the inability to maintain coverage 

or have become eligible to enroll for insurance coverage; 

Please note: Changes to your coverage may result in an increase or decrease of premiums. 

HAS YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION CHANGED? 

If your name, address or telephone number changes, did you know that 

once you make these changes at Human Resources, you will also need 

to stop by the Risk Management Department? Your benefits information 

is based on the application we have on file. So if you request a new ID 

card(s), it will get sent to the wrong address. Also, you may make any 

changes to your beneficiaries during this time. 

Please note: these are not qualifying events for making changes to your benefits.

Laredo C.A.R.E.S. - United Independent School District

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