Antonio Ibarra needed two high

school credits to graduate from

high school and RGCCISD Chance 2B

Education Center provided online

courses that enabled him to meet his

graduation requirements on November

15, 2011 . Antonio Ibarra was raised in

a family of six and moved from

Guanajuato, MX when he was twelve

years old. He attended Ringgold

Middle School and Rio Grande City

High School. Every summer, he

migrated with his family to La Mesa,

TX to work in the cotton fields. He is

the first in his family to graduate from

high school and will be attending STC

next semester. He would like to pursue

a career in Automotive Technology.

Antonio was honored for his

achievement on November 16, 2011 at

CHANCE 2B CENTER HOLDSFIRST GRADUATIONCEREMONY

It’s another year, and the spirit of the

holiday is here. I would like to share a wish

with everyone in the Rio Grande City CISD

family, the merriest of blessings during this

holiday season. On behalf of the Board of

Trustees and administration - we wish all of

you Happy Holidays and a wonderful New

Year.

Our family has weathered the financial

storm through the tough economic times.

Together our extended family has stayed the

course and remained steadfast-looking

onward toward tomorrow’s horizon. It is the

Roel A. Gonzalez

RGCCISD SUPERINTENDENT

RGCCISD

DEC 2011

02

vision and determination of our own

personal desire to succeed- which makes us

all a positive integer of whom and what we

are. We are a caring and loving family who

is here to educate and guide our children

through tomorrow.

Happy Holidays and Prosperous

New Year!

Mr. Roel A. Gonzalez

RGCCISD Chance 2B Education Center.

Family members, teachers, administrators,

and Superintendent, Mr. Roel A. Gonzalez

were all in attendance. Congratulations

Antonio for your accomplishment and good

luck on your future endeavor.

Hugo Alvarado needed one and a half high school credits to graduatefrom high school and RGCCISD Chance 2B Education Center

provided online courses that enabled him to meet his graduation

requirements on November 21 , 2011 . Hugo Alvarado was raised in a

family of three and moved from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, MX when he

was five years old. He attended Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary, General

Sanchez Elementary, Ringgold Middle School, and Rio Grande City High

School. Every summer, he migrated with his family to Springfield, Illinois

to work on the fields. He is the second in his family to graduate from

high school and will be attending STC next semester. He would like to

pursue a career in Structural Welding. Hugo was honored for his

achievement on November 22, 2011 at RGCCISD Chance 2B Education

Center. Family members, teachers, and administrators were all in

attendance. Congratulations Hugo for your accomplishment and good

luck on your future endeavor.

RGCCISD Chance 2B Education Center is proud to announce

its second high school graduate, Hugo Alvarado.

RGCCISD Chance 2B Education

Center is proud to announce its first

high school graduate, Antonio Ibarra.

VMS Mariachi Juvenil de Americawins first place at the 17th Annual

Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza this

past Friday, December 2nd of 2011 .

This group of dedicated and talented

students delighted the crowd with

their amazing performance. It was

noted that the judges, (Mariachi

Vargas) dropped their pencils and

jaws as Juvenil de America played

their first notes. The energy and

enthusiasm of these young Mariachi

students filled the Lila Cockrell

Theatre, making everyone cheer with

joy as they were entertained. Juvenil

de America performed with such

passion that even High School and

University level students expressed

their true admiration and respect for

them. As a result, Veterans Middle

School Mariachi program is now

considered to be one of the best

mariachi programs not just in the state

of Texas but in the nation! A fan was

quoted,” Opening for the Best

Mariachi in the world is an honor,

doing it twice in a row is

phenomenal! ” Also, one of the

judges, member of Mariachi Vargas,

Federico Torres personally

congratulated VMS Mariachi

students and director – Mr. Eloy

Garza, saying, “Congratulations! I’ve

never congratulated a mariachi group

in my career; today I make an

exception and give my

congratulations to these talented

group students for a job well done.

These students are at a different level

and are showing true discipline on

and off stage, interpreting and

representing the true essence of

mariachi music with love and

passion.” VMS Mariachi continues to

resonate every where they go always

representing their school and

RGCHS & VMSMARIACHI BACK­TO­BACK NATIONAL

RGCCISD

DEC 2011

03

Congratulations to the Rio GrandeCity High School MariachiCascabel for striking for the second

consecutive year as National

Champions at the 2011 - 17th Annual

Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. The

competition was held in San Antonio,

Texas at the Henry B. Gonzalez

Convention Center-Lila Cockrell

Theatre on December 2, 2011 .

Mariachi Cascabel had the honor of

opening the concert for the Best

Mariachi in the World- Mariachi

Vargas de Tecalitlan on December 3,

2011 . Member of Mariachi Cascabel

are: Aleida Aguilar, Maria T.

Hernandez, Valentin Gomez,

Stephanie Rodriguez, Leslie Saenz,

Brigido Lagunes, Carolina Cantu,

Arlet Villarreal, Javier Saenz, Jr. ,

Jaime Marroquin, Emmanuel Pena,

Gladys Marroquin, Mario Rodriguez,

Mario Gutierrez, and Luis Barrera.

We would like to thank their director,

Mr. Alex Rodriguez, for his hard

work and dedication in ensuring

student success. A special thanks to

Mr. Adolfo Pena- RGC High School

Principal, Parents, our School Board,

Superintendent and Administration

for their unselfish support.

community with great pride! Special thanks goes to RGCCISD Superintendent –

Mr. Roel Gonzalez, Board Members, VMS Principal – Mrs. Maricela Garcia &

administration, VMS family, community, and all parents & family members for

their support. Congratulations! ! ! Go VMS! ! ! GO RIO! ! !

RGCCISD

DEC 2011

04

Rio Grande City High School Rattlers crowned Rudy Saenz and

Larissa Cardoza as their 2011 -201 2 Homecoming King and Queen on

Friday, October 28, 2011 during halftime as the Rattlers took on the

Hidalgo Pirates. The Rattlers were victorious as they made the

Pirates walk the plank with a score of 35 to 1 5.

The local H.E.B. hosted the 8th Annual

Feast of Sharing on Thursday, December

1 , 2011 at the Ringgold Elementary

cafeteria. This event is an H.E.B.

initiative but leaders of the local business

collaborate with many community entities

to make this event possible. The Rio

Grande City CISD has a vital role in this

event due in part to the event being held

at one of the district’s schools.

Starr County residents lined up in

anticipation of a delicious meal and

awaited to be entertained by local talent.

Rio Grande City CISD and Roma ISD

brought in several dance and musical

groups to entertain the crowd as they

enjoyed the beautiful evening. This year

H.E.B. incorporated a new initiative for

all children called “Read 3” which is a

literacy program. H.E.B. distributed one

book for each child as they encouraged

them to read or have someone read to

them at least three times a week.

“This is our 8th Annual Feast of Sharing

and every year we think of new ways of

making this event even better than the last.

This year we incorporated the Read 3

Initiative and also provided the audience a

musical number by local community

leaders. It is important for us to give back

to our community and thank everyone for

their loyal patronage,” said Emigdio

Cahue, Rio Grande City H.E.B. General

Manager.

The Feast of Sharing is a project backed

by H.E.B. in an effort to combat hunger

year round throughout Texas and Mexico.

It originally started in Laredo and Corpus

Christi in 1989 and H.E. B. has been

providing hot meals for thousands of

people in the last 22 years. Their efforts

have extended from Waco Texas all the

way to Saltillo, Mexico and many cities in

between. It is annual event in which

H.E.B. employees are happy to provide

this service to everyone during the holiday

months ofNovember and December.

H.E.B. SHARES FEAST WITHTHE STARR COUNTYCOMMUNITY

RGCCISD

DEC 2011

05

DR. MARIO RAMIREZ ELEMENTARY

RGCCISD

DEC 2011

06

The Rio Grande City CISD organized a community

wide District Pep Rally on Thursday, November 10,

2011 in celebration of both Varsity Football teams

making the Playoffs. The Grulla Gators and the Rio

Rattlers were honored for such a great achievement.

The bleachers were filled with many people from

throughout the district and community who support

both the Rio Grande City CISD football teams.

The JROTC for both high schools presented the

colors at the beginning of the ceremony to kick

things off. The Rio Grande City High School Band

and the Grulla High School Band performed a

couple of musical selections each to motivate their

teams. The Gator Cheerleaders and Rattler

Cheerleaders cheered their teams on along with the

elementary school’s cheer squads.

Throughout the evening the crowd was

entertained by Mariachi Cascabel and

Grulla Mariachi de Plata.

The 2011 football season turned out to

be a great one for both football teams in

the district with both earning a Playoff

bid. The Grulla Gators are relatively a

young team and only in their second

season but have made incredible strides

under the leadership of Coach Abel

Gonzalez. The Rio Grande City Rattlers

also have Coach Carlos Longoria leading

the way for a second season and a coach

who has motivated his players to achieve

greatness.

The Rio Grande City High School

Rattlers traveled to Flour Bluff to take on

the Hornets and gave them a fight to the

end while the Grulla Gators battled it out

with the Raymondville Bearkats on their

home turf. The Rattlers ended their season

with 6-5 (3rd in district 32-4A) while the

Grulla Gators ended with 7-3 (2nd in

district 32-3A). Congratulations to the

Grulla Gators and the Rio Rattlers for a

fantastic season.

ROQUE GUERRA, JR. ELEMENTARY

RGCCISD

DEC 2011

07

RGCCISD

DEC 2011

08

RGCCISD Grulla Gators crowned Jose (Cheeto) Martinez and Monica

Escott as their 2011 -201 2 Homecoming King and Queen on Friday,

September 30, 2011 during the game in which the Gators dominated

MMA with a score of 56 to 7.

The Academy of Academic

Excellence students from Mrs.

Jeannie Anderson's class engaged

in a Pumpkin Carving for

Expository Writing Experience

project on October 27, 2011 . The

students were divided in groups of

five and under adult supervision

carved pumpkins. The following

day, students worked together to

create a composition detailing the

steps in pumpkin carving. The

pumpkins were judged by Laura

Barrera and Marvelia Barrera and

the winning team received candy cups as a prize. The following day each group

had their names placed in a bag and the pumpkin was raffled off to one of the

Continued on Pages 1 0 & 11

La Union Elementary Vipers attended the Rio Grande Valley Vipers game at State

Farm Arena on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 . Pictured above is Coach Ramos,

the viper mascot, and Miguel Aldrete(4th grader).

LA UNION ELEMENTARY

Julian Franklin and Roosevelt Rat visited Grulla Elementary Students - Julian

presented BOOK BASHI, an interactive, educational, fun magic program for

kids. His message was good readers can have all kinds of adventures, good

readers can meet all kinds of people, and good readers can learn to do all kinds

of things. Julian autographed his books Roosevelt Rat’s Learn Magic from A-Z

and Roosevelt Rat’s Top Secret Adventure for the students.

Grulla High School College and Career Resource Center sponsored Senior

College Connection Night. Representatives from several universities and colleges

were on hand to answer questions that parents or students had in order to secure

financial assistance, entrance exams and application requirements on order for

students to attend college. Mr. Solis along with the guidance department work

diligently throughout the year to assist students in making the transition into a

higher educational facility a successful one. (Pictured are Joel Trigo-Principal and

Mr. Rick Solis with facilitating information to students).

Grulla Middle School would like to recognize the following students for their

outstanding accomplishment in earning placement in the 2011 -2012 TMEAALL-

Region Band. These students were selected from over 700 students in their

respective instruments. This competition, which is one of the largest in the state,

was held on Dec. 11 , 2011 , at PSJA HS in San Juan, Texas. Congratulations again

to those students, parents, teachers, and the GMS community for their combined

support. Pictured from left to right are: front row-Pedro Tinajero and Marlen

Diaz. Back row- Alvaro Molina Jr., Gilbert Garcia Jr. , Daniel Garcia Jr, Jose

Rosas, Jose A. Velasquez Jr, Edgar Lopez and Ramon Perez.

GRULLA ELEMENTARY

GRULLA MIDDLE SCHOOL

GRULLA HIGH SCHOOL

RGCCISD

DEC 2011

09

ACADEMY OF A.E.

Miss Texas, Kendall Morris from Ennis, TX visited Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary

in November. She talked to students about the importance of reading. She shared

a book she wrote and illustrated about growing up and following her dreams. She

can baton twirl, play piano, and hula-hoop all at the same time. After her

presentation, she assisted the librarian, Ms. Ana Lisa Hernandez distributing

Reading is Fundamental (R.I.F.) books to students. Students enjoyed listening to

Kendall and her performance. RGE would like to thank Mrs. Adelina Villarreal

for inviting Miss Texas to our district and to Mr. Joel Salinas for making RIF

possible.

ROQUE GUERRA, JR. ELEMENTARY

Stay Curious: READ- North Grammar Elementary held its first RIF distribution

with the help of a very special guest. Curious George visited with several of the

students as they made their selections from the vast assortment of titles available.

Curious George encouraged all of the students to feed their curiosity by reading

every day.

GENERAL RICARDO SANCHEZ ELEM.

Congratulation John & Olive Hinojosa Elementary Cheerleaders for earning 1 st

place at the cheerleading competition sponsored by the Rio Grande City Parks

Dr. Mario E. Ramirez Elementary Diamondback Cheerleaders celebrated as they

took 2nd place in the cheerleading competition sponsored by the Rio Grande

City Parks and Recreation. The competition was held on Saturday, November 19,

2011 at the Ringgold Middle School Gym.

“Miss Texas Visits General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary Students” - On

November 28, 2011 , kindergarten students visited with Miss Texas who came to

motivate students with her story in which determination and hard work were

essential components that led to her success; she also highlighted the importance

of reading. Miss Texas shared her autobiographical book Kendall Can through a

read-aloud. Students were also gifted a RIF book and a personalized Miss Texas

bookmark.

RGCCISD

DEC 2011

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NORTH GRAMMAR ELEMENTARY

DR. MARIO RAMIREZ ELEM.

JOHN & OLIVE HINOJOSA ELEM.

and Recreation Department on November

19, 2011 at the Ringgold Middle School

gym. Our students competed against all

other Rio Grande City CISD elementary

campuses. Their commitment, dedication

and determination to excel was exhibited

when they performed in front of hundreds of

spectators. The Rio Grande Valley Vipor

Cheerleaders were so kind as to judge the

event. Special thanks go out to all our

parents and our coaches, Maria Murillo,

Norma Garcia and Angel Montemayor.

RINGGOLD ELEMENTARY

Ringgold Elementary Pre-Kinder through 2nd grade had their 2011 Christmas

program Friday, December 9, 2011 titled Christmas in Candyland. All teachers,

teacher-aides and students did a fantastic job. A huge thanks to North Grammar

Elementary and Dr. Ramirez Elementary for the beautiful background and props.

Students, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings

thank you for your support in making Christmas in Candyland a success.

Pictured is Ms. Priscilla Weiler's class.

VETERANS MIDDLE SCHOOL – Veterans Middle School won the Rattler Spirit

Competition on October 7, 2011 . The contest was sponsored by the Rio Grande City

High School and involved all the schools in the Rio Grande City CISD. VMS

received the Most Spirited and Most Creative awards for their beautiful display of

Rattler pride on the school grounds. A special thanks goes out to the students and

staff for their time and dedication in making the handmade posters and decorations

that contributed to VMS being named Most Spirited and Creative.

Ringgold Middle School is proud to announce the launch of its first Book Club.

Ms. Deborah Delano, 7th grade reading teacher, has formed the group to foster a

love of reading in all RMS students. The club consists of ten members but is

excited about the prospect of more avid readers! The Book of the Month is Floors,

written by Patrick Carmen. This book was selected because of the similarities

between the bizarre hotel in the story and our very own La Borde House. Ms.

Delano hopes that the book will nurture a love of local history as well.

VETERANS MIDDLE SCHOOL

RINGGOLD MIDDLE SCHOOL

The Rio Grande City FFA competed at the Rio Grande Valley District

Leadership Development Competition. Rio Grande FFA teams were very

successful in their competitions placing very highly in each event. Pictured from

left to right Eli Lopez, Billy Ryan Melton and Epifanio Chavero who placed 5th

in the Senior Skills Event; Cody Lee Lara and Araceli Lopez in Official FFA

Dress who placed 4th in the Public Relations Event with Mrs. Randy Martin –

Rio Grande City FFA Advisor – between them; and Beto Garza Jr., Christian

Olivarez and Justin Cody Salinas who placed 3rd in the Junior Skills Event and

who will be advancing to compete at the Area 10 competition on November 21 st,

2011 in Kingsville, Texas.

RIO GRANDE CITY HIGH SCHOOL

Alto Bonito Elementary Fourth

Grade students attended a Rio

Grande Valley Vipers Game for

Kids Day 2011 . This event

promoted athletic enthusiasm and

good sportsmanship. The students

enjoyed cheering for the Vipers and

were entertained by several

mascots who performed stunts and

pumped up the crowd. The

students had a wonderful time.

RGCCISD

DEC 2011

11

ALTO BONITO ELEMENTARY

Texans benefit every day from the tireless work and

countless hours dedicated by a group of more than

7,300 men and women in communities across the state.

These public servants are elected to serve by local

constituents and receive no compensation for their

efforts. These men and women are the school board

members of Texas. January is School Board

Recognition Month and Rio Grande City CISD

will take this opportunity to thank these local

leaders for devoting time to support public

education and serve our local schools.

“Even though we are making a special effort in

January to show appreciation to our board

members, we realize their contributions reflect a

year-round commitment,” said Roel A. Gonzalez,

superintendent. “They selflessly give of

themselves to ensure that decisions directly

affecting our local schools are made by

representatives of this community. In these

RGCCISD

DEC 2011

12

Basilio D. Villarreal, Jr.

PRESIDENT

Roberto "Bobby" Gutierrez

VICE PRESIDENT

Cesar Gonzalez

SECRETARY

Leonel "Leo" Lopez

MEMBER

Noe Ricardo Gonzalez

MEMBER

Ruben Klein

MEMBER

Silvina S. Hinojosa

MEMBER

challenging times, they face difficult choices and

shoulder critical responsibilities. Their ultimate

goal is always focused on the future success of

every student enrolled in the district,” Gonzalez

said.

“Our district is enriched by the contributions of

these local citizens who truly care about our kids.

Serving as a crucial link between the community

and classroom, this board is responsible for an

annual budget of $103 million, 1 0, 896 students,

1 872 employees, and 15 campuses. We applaud

their efforts to serve as advocates for our children

and the voice of public education,” he said.