· · · · Edcouch-Elsa ISD gets an ‘A’ from TEA EDCOUCH
ELSA
LA VILLA
By Irma Ayala EDCOUCH — Edcouch-Elsa ISD received a superior rating in finance according to The Texas Education Agency. TEA released financial accountability ratings on Sept. 5, 2014. The 2013-2014 ratings are based on annual financial reports provided to TEA by districts and charters from the previous school year. The 77th Texas Legislature created the finan-
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cial accountability rating system in 2001. The School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas was fashioned to” encourage public schools to better manage their financial resources in order to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.” This is the first time that Edcouch-Elsa ISD has ever ranked superior in the history of the accountability system. This is pleasing news for a district that has been plagued by several years of
See TEA pg. 3
First female bus driver takes the wheel in La Sara By Irma Ayala La Sara-Set in a conservative rural community, La Sara School district has gone advant–garde and hired a female bus driver. Lisa Garcia is the first and only female to be a bus driver for the district. She has worked for the La Sara School District eight years as a paraprofessional working in the classroom assisting with
the Pre-K program for the first three years. She assisted a kindergarten classroom for a year, and then she was assigned for four years to work with the school’s special education population. Mrs. Garcia was also assigned as monitor on the bus. As a monitor, the school district sent her to training geared toward monitors and bus drivers. It is at these meetings that the seeds for
See WHEEL pg. 3
December 2014, Vol. 1 Issue 19 FASHION SENSE
Ashley Vasquez See Page 5 for more pictures.
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December 2014, Vol. 1 Issue 19
A way to live your life paying it forward
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Staff & Contributors Rina Diane Castillo CEO/Editor in Chief (956) 292-1590
aying it forward was something I learned at a young age. I grew up around my mom’s 13 brothers and sisters and parents.
What was taught in that household was treat others the way you want to be treated and help people if you can. Oh and I won’t forget about doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do. Seems pretty easy doesn’t it? But the simple notion of paying it forward often gets lost. Even the most kind-hearted people are too busy and overwhelmed in their own day to day lives. Now I’m 30 and I try my best to keep practicing this manner and I hope my little princess Sarah can follow this practice as well. I have bought fundraiser plates, raffle tickets and have sponsored and most importantly have put some volunteer time in fundraisers and community events. This is certainly a good way of living life. Helping others brings me happiness and makes me have a peace of mind for my purpose in life. Here are a few suggestions of acts of kindness: 1. Create a holiday to celebrate someone you love. Your appreciation day can be as simple as declaring the date of the holiday and writing a note of thanks each year to read out loud on that day. 2. Put 50–100 paper hearts or smiley faces in a box. On each cutout write something that is special about your lover or a good friend. Give her the box and tell her to pull out a heart or smiley face anytime she gets lonely or wants a pick me up. 3. Find opportunities to give compliments. It costs nothing, takes no time, and could make someone’s entire day. Don’t just think it. Say it. 4. Take five minutes to send “happy mail”(postal or email even TEXT) 5. On Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, remember any friends who have lost a parent the previous year, and check in with them. Those will be tough days. 6. Make little gift baskets for the kids in your neighborhood. (Easter, Halloween and Christmas basket. The cost of each basket was probably $5. 7. Collect soda can tabs to donate to Ronald McDonald House for sick children and their families. The charity gets paid for these. 8. If you’re a musician deliver a live, in-room performances to patients undergoing treatment or unable to leave their beds. Add a dose of joy to life in a healthcare facility by bringing the healing power of music to people who need it. 9. Put a surprise note or sketch in with your spouse’s or kid’s lunch. 10. When it’s summer and hot, give out cold Gatorades to your mail carrier and garbage men. When it’s freezing outside offer hot chocolate to crossing guards, police officers and others. “Helping contributes to the maintenance of good health, and it can diminish the effect of diseases and disorders both serious and minor, psychological and physical.” Allan Luks, after surveying 3,296 volunteers Thank you for being our Reader, Rina Castillo
Weather: Edcouch, Elsa, Monte Alto, La Villa Tue 9
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Reanna Rodriguez Account Executive Irma Ayala Writer Oscar Gonzalez Jr. Designer DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION • 5,000 copies distributed bi-weekly • Available FREE at numerous locations through the Delta Area/Raymondville ADVERTISING OPTIONS • Advertisement space (different sizes) with in the newspaper layout • Inserts: reach our audience by giving us your flier, brochure, booklet and more to place inside our bi-weekly issue • Social media (Twitter and Facebook) The Community Press PO Box 1811 • Elsa, TX • Year 2014 Telephone: (956) 292-1590 Email: tcommunitypress@gmail.com
@tcommunitypress TEA from pg. 1 financial management problems. In the past, TEA cited EEISD’s financial position beleaguered by several deficiencies. The school districts are evaluated using twenty indicators. There were several reasons EEISD received a superior rating. Edcouch-Elsa has a total fund balance in general fund of 9,446,239. On a three year average percent, the school’s total tax collection has been 97.95%. Its debt related expenditures per student is $232. The school district complied with all laws, rules and regulations mandated by TEA. EEISD earned a total of 64 points in the indicators giving it its superior achievement. Historical ratings in the past are as follows: 2012 – 2013,
Superior; 2011- 2012, Above Standard; 2010 – 2011, Above Standard; 2009 – 2010, Standard; 2008 -2009, Standard; 2007 – 2008, Substandard. All school districts are required to report information and financial accountability ratings to parents and taxpayers. In addition, school districts and charters must hold a public discussion or hearing regarding its financial report which the EEISD fully complied with. Carlos Cantu, EEISD business manager presented the school board with all information pertaining to the school’s financial accountability at a regularly scheduled meeting. This is wholesome news indeed for the community setting the stage for countless additional positive things to come in the very new future.
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GOLDEN BEE | Thanksgiving
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WHEEL from pg. 1
wanting to get her CDL license were sown, and they took root. According to Ms. Garcia, no female had ever applied before. The school district was even having trouble finding and keeping competent drivers. “Maybe women hadn’t tried to apply out of fear,” speculated Garcia. She believes that larger school districts have more female drivers than male drivers. With encouragement, primarily from female bus drivers from Port Isabel and La Feria school districts, Garcia commenced the strenuous training
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required to become a bus driver. Garcia asked her transportation department supervisor if he would give her an opportunity if she applied as bus driver. He was very supportive, so when Garcia received her CDL on March 13, 2013, she began to drive for the district as a substitute bus driver. She continued serving in the classroom after this great milestone in her life; however, she felt it
wasn’t fair to the special education teacher she served with. Garcia was continually being pulled out of the classroom to help in the transportation department. Garcia says that the students and parents knew her from inside the classroom; so, they are slightly surprised to see her driving a bus. However, she feels that the female students have opened their eyes to the endless possibilities for a woman in today’s world. They realize that they can do whatever they choose to do. Garcia goes on to stress that bus driving was not always her dream. She is a product of the La Sara School District graduating valedictorian from eight grade in 1987. After receiving her GED, she later worked on her certification in data –entry and bookkeeping. She was in the nursing program but put her studies on hold when she became a parent. She currently lives in Raymondville and commutes to work in La Sara where her two children attend school.
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December 2014, Vol. 1 Issue 19
City of McAllen, UTRGV and DHR announce new medical school research center McALLEN — The City of McAllen, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and Doctors Hospital Renaissance unveiled plans for a new medical school research center in McAllen. The City of McAllen is donating 50 acres of land to be developed into a Medical Education and Research Complex for a “DHR South Campus” as well as an UTRGV McAllen campus focusing on medical research. DHR’s South Campus will create new opportunities for research and graduate medical education at the UTRGV School of Medicine. DHR will invest over $200 million in infrastructure to build the
medical complex that will house space for clinical services, research laboratories, medical offices and residential living for the newly accredited residency programs. McAllen will provide $5.4 million in financial assistance to prepare the site for research and medical facilities. “This is an exciting time for the Rio Grande Valley with the expansion of medical research, graduate medical education, and clinical services. I thank the City of McAllen for their generous donation of land and their financial investment to help put UTRGV at the forefront of education, technology, and
healthcare,” stated Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. “I also thank and applaud Doctors Hospital Renaissance for their innovative vision in creating a medical complex of the future and their commitment to our region and medical school. I am proud to support the new medical center and the investment in the future of our community and the health of our families and children,” Hinojosa concluded. DHR’s South Campus will be located along Dove Avenue between McColl and Jackson Road in McAllen. Over 200 new jobs are anticipated that pay an average of $65,000 as well as increased access
to care for our families in the Rio Grande Valley.
Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and is a member of the Senate Committees on Natural Resources; Criminal Justice; Agriculture, Rural Affairs and Homeland Security as well as the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) and the Sunset Advisory Commission.
Senator Hinojosa files legislation to creat a Texas resident driver’s permit AUSTIN — Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (SD20- McAllen), along with joint-authors Senator Jose Rodriguez (SD 29- El Paso) and Senator Sylvia Garcia (SD 6- Houston), filed Senate Bill 132 today to create a Texas resident driver’s permit. The Legislation would allow access to driver’s permits regardless of immigration status as well as promote safety and accountability. Ensuring that all drivers are driving legally and insured supports broader public safety goals such as increasing the likelihood that drivers know state traffic rules. Many immigrants, including undocumented persons, are working in Texas and continue to drive to work to provide for their families and other day-today activities.
Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa stated: “Currently millions of Texas workers cannot obtain a driver’s permit and insure their vehicles because of their citizenship status. These workers drive vehicles on Texas roads every day. These uninsured and unlicensed drivers present public safety concerns and liability issues for other drivers. S.B. 132 will allow certain Texas residents to obtain a driver’s permit so that they too can be responsible drivers” Senator Jose Rodriguez stated: “I look forward to working on this common sense legislation that will help immigrant communities access insurance, allow law enforcement to focus more on criminals and less on immigrant workers, and promote community
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safety.” Senator Sylvia Garcia stated: “This bill is about making our roads safer and saving money in insurance rates for Texas consumers. A Texas resident driver’s permit will ensure all drivers know our traffic laws and have affordable access to car
insurance. This will help every driving Texan.” According to the National Immigration Law Center, eleven states including the District of Columbia have enacted laws to issue driver’s licenses to people who are residents but not citizens of the United States.
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December 2014, Vol. 1 Issue 19
LBA approves additional $86.1 million for ongoing border surge AUSTIN — The Legislative Budget Board (LBB) voted unanimously to approve an additional $86.1 million to continue the state’s border security efforts through August 2015. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa is the only border legislator to sit on the LBB, the joint committee of the Texas Legislature that develops budget and policy recommendations for legislative appropriations. The new funding will be used to wind down the presence of National Guard troops along the Rio Grande Valley border from about 1,000 to 200 between January and March. An
By Irma Ayala
additional 640 DPS troopers will be hired to increase existing enforcement forces, while camera and aircraft surveillance will also be expanded to protect our Texas citizens and to eliminate cartels engaged in smuggling of illegal drugs, people, and firearms. Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement: “Monday’s LBB vote is a significant step in our state’s ongoing border security plan that will continue to be a critical issue this coming session. I voted to approve the $86.1 million funding because we do need additional DPS troops and Parks & Wildlife
wardens to support our local law enforcement and border security efforts. At the same time, this funding will be used to wind down the National Guard presence along the Rio Grande Valley border, a presence I have opposed from the very beginning. Utilizing the National Guard creates an image of militarization of the border and sends the wrong message. There is also a concern with the lack of coordination between the National Guard, DPS, and our local law enforcement. We can make better use of our money on border security by investing funds in a DPS training fa-
cility in the Valley so that troopers will become acclimated and familiar with our Valley culture and communities. We can also invest in raising salaries of DPS troopers so we can compete with police officers in big cities as well as providing additional funding to our local communities who need more resources to hire more police officers and deputies. It is my priority to ensure the safety of our families in the Valley and to support the strained resources of our local law enforcement through cost effective and carefully crafted border security efforts.”
Fashionista in Elsa
What do New York City, Paris and Elsa have in common? They are all fashion hubs! On November 22, 2014, Ashley Vasquez transformed Elsa into a fashion center in the valley. It was her first fashion show and the only fashion show that has taken place in the Edcouch-Elsa community. Vasquez’s fashion show received great reviews from an RGV fashion critic who traveled from Brownsville to Elsa just to experience it. Jane Russell commented, “Last night, she had the opportunity to put on a kickass fashion show at a local ballroom. Opportunity taken, she surely made a name for herself. It’s people like her who give “fashion” a good name here in the valley.” The rest of her comments can be seen on youth-nation. us/fashion/valley-shows-pt-2/. Vasquez credits the EEHS cosmetology class for their contribution to the success of the fashion show. Cosmetology teachers and students did hair and makeup for the models. Most of the models were EEHS students and alumni. The event was extremely successful despite the weather. The fashion show was at full capacity, 200 viewers at Guerra’s Ballroom. It was innovative to the locals who attended, but they all seemed to enjoy themselves immensely. Ashley Vasquez’s dream for a
fashion show in Elsa sprang from very humble beginnings. Vasquez had a blog on which she showcased boutiques from around the valley. On instagram,@fashion.lista, she
urged buyers to focus on these boutiques rather than the mall or outlets. When she realized that she had over 6000 followers, she decided to create an online boutique which launched
on December 2, 2014. The online boutique caters to the contemporary young women. Vasquez’s dream was made a reality by the contributions of Belen Sanmiguel, owner of former Kenya Rose. Sanmiguel viewed Vasquez’s blog and made her a business offer. She invested in Vasquez’s inventory and financed the fashion show. Vasquez is still walking on cloud nine saying, “I will continue to shine a light on fashion in the RGV, especially in Edcouch-Elsa. Black and gold will always be my signature colors.”
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Monte Alto ISD tax ratification project As you are aware, on September 13, 2014, the community approved the Tax Swap Election which did not increase the taxes. The tax rate has remained unchanged at $1.35. Because of the successful election, Monte Alto ISD will receive a significant increase in funds from the State. The following information outlines the goals set for the 20142015 school year: • Maintain competitive market pay for teachers and staff • Upgrade technology infrastructure • Provide additional technology integration in the classrooms
• Include additional library resources • Offer after-school enrichment activities • Provide additional security resources • Build savings for possible future construction projects At this time, the administrators are working on starting the after school enrichment activities and working on the technology upgrade and adding more technology devices. The Monte Alto ISD Board of Trustees, administrators, and staff thank you for giving us the opportunity to provide more for our students by voting for the Tax Swap.
December 2014, Vol. 1 Issue 19
We are proud of you, Aisha Palomin!
Love Mom & Dad Gaby& Bundy Palomin
Raymondville expands on dual-enrollment program Only two years after implementing a dual-enrollment program at Raymondville High School, the college prep program is finding success quickly there and the surrounding areas. After negotiating with schools such as the University of Texas-Pan American, Texas Southmost College and Texas A&M-Kingsville, the program has been working almost exclusively with TAMUK after the university showed a
profound interest in the high school-college combination. “TAMUK was communicating with the superintendent as far as offering dual enrollment here at Raymondville,” said Ed Galvan, who was charged with starting the program by superintendent Johnny I. Pineda. “(TAMUK) were looking to expand to the north side of the Valley. Students in high school, once they have taken a collegeready exam and successfully
passed, can enroll in college courses, most of which are taught at Raymondville High School. Students earn college credit for passing the classes that can be applied toward Texas public colleges and universities. For the fall semester Raymondville is offering classes in psychology, speech/communications, English composition I, and college algebra. Next semester they’ll add political science to the mix.
Also falling into the mix is La Sara, which has teamed up with Raymondville and will offer biology beginning the spring semester. Students from Raymondville will be bussed to and from La Sara for the class. San Perlita will also join the dual enrollment agreement with the other schools in the spring semester. “We’re trying to make this are a dual enrollment academy,” Galvan said.
SWEARING IN | Edcouch-Elsa ISD
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December 2014, Vol. 1 Issue 19
SWEARING IN | Monte Alto ISD At left, Gloria Garate, below Raul Valdez and right, Olga Chapa, are sworn in by Judge Jesse Contreras.
SWEARING IN | City of Edcouch Far left, Eddy Gonzalez, left, Marylou Mendez and below Rina Castillo are sworn in for Edcouch city comission.
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Above, Erica Mata and right, Ignacio Lopez, Jr. are sworn in to the La Villa School Board by Judge Jesse Contreras.
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STREET NAMING | Lasara
On Friday, November 14th, 2014, 1st Street in Lasara, Texas was dedicated to Juan C. Cantu Jr.. Mr. Cantu was born in 1920 and has been a resident of Lasara since 1928. He is a World War II veteran having served in the United States Army and took part in the Invasion of Normandy (D Day). After the war, Mr. Cantu moved back to Lasara, married Maria (Rodriguez) Cantu and continued his selfless service around the small community.
December 2014, Vol. 1 Issue 19
VETERANS DAY PARADE | Mercedes
The Edcouch-Elsa High School Yellow Jacket Battalion led by their color guard is participating in the Mercedes Veteran›s Day parade held on November 11, 2014.
Angels in Heaven Roberta V. De La Pena ELSA — Roberta V. De La Pena, 79 passed away Monday, November 03, 2014 at Senior Care Edinburg Health and Rehabilitation in Edinburg, TX. Roberta was born March 27, 1935 in Wells, Minnesota to Carlos Vallejo and Lorenza Lopez Vallejo. She is preceded in death by her husband Baldemar De La Pena, her parents, brothers Romaldo, Jesus and Lauro Vallejo and her sister Isabel Valdez. She is survived by her sons; Jesus De La Pena, Carlos (Olda) De La Pena, Baldemar (Yolanda) De La Pena, Jr., Roldando De La Pena and Jose (Cristina) De La Pena, daughters; Guadalupe (Robert)
Juan T. Orozco Elsa— Juan T. Orozco, 78 passed away Wednesday, November 05, 2014 at Solara Hospital in McAllen, TX. Juan was born July 12, 1936 in Mateguala, San Luis MX. to Perfecto Orozco and Paula Tristan Orozco. He is preceded in death by his parents, son Juan Manuel Orozco, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. He is survived by his Mother, wife, Felicitas Orozco, sons; Fernando (Carmen) Orozco, Alfredo (Ronna) Orozco, Pedro (Teresa) Orozco and Juan (Patricia) Orozco, Jr. daughter; San Juana Orozco (Manuel), Rebecca O. (Martin) Mendoza and
Brown and Claudina De La Pena (Enrique Garza) also surviving are 19 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren. Visitation was held on Wednesday and Thursday, November 05 & 06, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. both days at Guerra Funeral Home of Elsa, TX. Funeral service was held on Friday, November 07, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elsa, TX. Interment followed to Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco, Texas Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home 304 E. Edinburg Ave. Elsa, TX 78543 956-262-2971.
Paula Orozco, also surviving are 36 Grandchildren and 22 GreatGrandchildren. Visitation was held on Friday, November 07, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Guerra Funeral Home of Elsa, TX. Funeral service was held on Saturday, November 08, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elsa, TX. Interment followed to Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco, Texas Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home 304 E. Edinburg Ave. Elsa, TX 78543 956-262-2971.