TODAY’S SOUTH SANSouth San Antonio Independent School District - Summer Issue Volume 16, #10 • June 2016

2016 South San Antonio High School Top Ten

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Araceli Garcia Valedictorian

Stanford University

Claudia ZamarripaSalutatorian

Feik School of Pharmacy - University of the Incarnate Word

Echo RhodesThe University of Texas at Austin

Ernest GuerreroTexas Tech University

Kevin ValderasThe University of Texas at San Antonio

Crystal Alvarez Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Ester RodriguezThe University of Texas at San Antonio

April TellezTexas A & M University

Emily JimenezUniversity of North Texas

Abigail LunaThe University of Texas at Austin

A Message from the SuperintendentThe South San Antonio High School senior class of 2016 graduated 496 students with over 5.2 million dollars in scholarships awarded. We have numerous graduates who will attend colleges locally, in-state and across the country. In addition, many graduates will enlist in the armed forces and others may join the workforce. Regardless of which path is chosen, our current and former students will have

the knowledge and skills to be successful in this ever-changing and competitive world. Our goal at South San Antonio ISD is to provide the best education possible through our vision and core beliefs in creating a learning environment where students are empowered to create their future.

With the summer break, it is important that students enjoy their time off but continue to learn. The district is providing summer school for students who are in need of recapturing credits or require additional instruction for advancement to the next grade level. We are offering summer academies for students interested in Culinary Arts, English and Language Arts, Math, Cyber/Internet Security, Creative Writing, Animal and Veterinary Science, and Anatomy. Also, many of our students are involved in the Pre-Freshman Engineering Program (PREP) offered through UTSA and we will again partner with PREP to host a rocketry camp designed for elementary students. In addition, the athletic department provides daily opportunities for student-athletes to improve their skills through weight-lifting, open gym and athletic camps. There are many choices for students this summer to develop and improve their academic, athletic and extracurricular skills, but it takes a collaborative effort between the schools and families to ensure students are reaching their potential.

At the end of every school year, it is important that we recognize the efforts of our district employees who are dedicated to the success of our children. We have loyal employees who place the needs of students first and foremost and work hard every day to ensure our children have every opportunity to excel. I would like to also thank our retirees who have devoted their career to children and wish continued success on their future endeavors. Finally, I want to acknowledge our Board of Trustees for their daily efforts to improve the lives of the students and staff in South San Antonio ISD. It takes a team effort to fulfill the vision of our district to make certain that every student is college and career ready.

Enjoy your summer vacation!

Abelardo Saavedra, Ph.D.Superintendent of Schools

A Message from the Board President Another exciting school year has finally come to an end! The graduating Class of 2016 had their commencement exercise on June 10th. Class members had many academic accomplishments and we certainly expect the members of this class to continue their success. Congratulations to the Class of 2016 and may all your dreams come true.

We are already making preparations for the next school year, 2016-2017. Our budget work sessions will ensure that our schools and classrooms are ready for instruction. The public is always welcome to attend these important meetings.

This summer we will also receive the student results from the STAAR and EOC tests. These test results will determine the school ratings assigned by the Texas Education Agency. Everyone has worked all year long in preparing our students for success. We, especially, would like to thank our dedicated teachers, staff and caring parents for their efforts.

We have certainly faced a challenging year. However, we shall continue to remain focused on the children of our school district. For most of us, it is time to take a well-earned break. The school bells will begin to ring, once again, on August 22, 2016.

Until then, we wish you a great summer!

Sincerely,

Connie PradoBoard President

Abelardo Saavedra, Ph.D.

Connie Prado

During the Wednesday, April 20 board meeting, the Board unanimously approved the purchase of Focused Mathematics Interventions Level 5 and Level 8 student practice books to improve student learning of critical math TEKS. During the Wednesday, May 18 board meeting , the Board unanimously approved:• The professional services of Belt Harris Pechecek, LLP for the 2015 - 2016 Annual Financial Audit, with the option to renew for three (3) additional years, in one (1) year increments, with Board Approval. These services are for the purpose of understanding the information contained within financial statements to ensure the district can continue to provide a quality academic program to each child in the district.• Student device purchase to support and facilitate student learning and inquiry at the secondary level to enhance digital skills: o High School 1:1 iPad Initiative - Year 2 o Middle School Instructional Technology Chromebook Initiative• To award competitive sealed proposal #2016-4 to Port Enterprises, LTD, for the Five Palms Elementary roof renovation in the amount of $639,490.00 utilizing capital improvement funds. The roof renovation Five Palms Elementary is necessary to provide students and teachers with a safe and conducive learning environment.

For more information, visit www.southsanisd.net, click on school board, then Board approved minutes.

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School Board Meeting Highlights

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Congratulations andBest Wishes to the Class of 2016

Geni Hassan AbdiYulissa Abrego RamirezJustin Andrew Acosta +Briana S. Aguero +Gabriella Janel AguilarRebecca Pearl AguinagaAnthony Frank AlanizKayla Marizza Alexxis AlaquinezAlex AlbisoJacob Andrew AlcortaZachery Austin AlcortaCeleste Nicole AlfaroCurtis Hunter Allen +Abby Ann AlonzoAlyssa Nicole AlvaradoAndrew Radar Alvarado, Jr.Alberto Alvarez IIICrystal Alvarez +Karina De Los Angels AlvarezKimberly AlvarezRafael F. Alvarez, Jr. + Elvia Karen Alvarez HernandezIdelfonsa Alvarez SolisAlexis Marie AmadorEdrick Adrian AndradeEnrique Andrade, Jr.Albert Noah AraizaAshley ArmendarizDiana Fernanda Armijo MorenoAriel Nichole ArredondoSalyne Lillianna ArredondoAlexis Maxine ArrellanoVannessa Valerie AvendanoMario Rosalio Avila, Jr. Risa Loren AvilaSabrina Chantel AvilaAaron Andrew BalboaJavier Ballesteros IIILizzandra BarberenaVictor Barbosa De Oliveira CamposRomeo Barboza, Jr.Paloma BarratacheaSierra Lynn Barrientes

Miranda Elise Barrientos +Alexis Leeann BeltranDestiny Marie BernalBrayam Omar Bocanegra De La CruzKristjan Lee BredvadPaul Houston Brooks III +Deesire Bresyanna Buentello +Ronald Miles ButlerBrittney Enithina CabreraVictor Manuel Cabrera, Jr.Alexis Nichole CalderaAntonio Alvino CalderonAiram CamposGeorge Matthew CantuJames Christian-Tyler CantuNicolas Giovanni CantuJoseph Anthony Cape +Eduardo CapetilloNatalia Luz CarmondBrianna CarramanEmilio M. CarrancoJeremy Jacob William CarrascoAdrian Rene CarreonJerry Michael CarrilloGabriel Santana CasaresJosephine CasasDestiny Renee CasillasEsmeralda CastanoGerald Paul CastellanoNathan CastellanosJames Ray CastillejaRuben Anthony Castillo IIIDestiny Noami Castillo-PinaIsaac A. CastroAaron Alexander CavazosReymundo Enrique CazaresEliud Gabriel CenicerosJonathan CenicerosAlexis CervantesErnesto Alexzander Cervantes IIIRudy Cervantes, Jr.Sanjuana Chairez Chihuahua

Jose Luis Charles TorresAnner Francisco Chavarria SozaFrancisco Chavez JrMichael Anthony ChavezAndrew Chavez-JacoboTonis Alberto Chicas Guevara, Jr.Ryan Matthew CoderreJay Edward Compean +Rolando Contreras Mata, Jr. Angelo Demitrio CoronadoSarah Lynn CortezStephanie CortezSteven L CortezAndrea Jasmine CovarrubiaJonathan Andrew CrouchAmanda Marie CruzMark Allen CruzVictor Alexander CruzAnastashia Marie CuellarOmar L Cuellar, Jr.Alexis Renee DavilaSamantha Juliet De La FuenteCynthia Annette De La GarzaJeremy Rudolf Vazquez De La GarzaJohn Manuel De La GarzaAshley Kristine De La OAmber Lee De LeonSarah Elizabeth De LunaFrank DeLeon, Jr.Julia P De LeonJesus Delgadillo, Jr.Lazaro Delgado TorresCesar Osvaldo Diaz Gallegos, Jr.Graciela Jazmin Diaz ToncheAnthony Clay DickersonAdriana Carolina DominguezAngelica Maria Dominguez +Daniella Lynn DominguezGiancarlo DominguezMikaela Esmarie DuronSebastien EnriquezBianca Liliana EscalanteJesse Brandon Escamilla

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Congratulations andBest Wishes to the Class of 2016

Stephanie EscobedoAntonio EsparzaVianca Marie EspinozaRobert Esquivel IIIRubiann EsquivelSteven Austin EsquivelSaul Ernesto Estevez ContrerasGuadalupe Alejandro Estrada +Raquel Lynn EstradaChristopher Gabriel Farias, Jr.Onassis Ruby Figueroa-GutierrezAndre FloresApril Victoria FloresGisel FloresJeremy Michael FloresJuan Manuel Flores, Jr.Karla Nallely FloresRamon Flores, Jr. Joseph Brenton FosterTania Sofia FuentesAaron Sebastein GaitanSeth Abraham GaitanFrancisco Eduardo Galaviz +April Renee GalindoKassandra Galindo OrtegaScarlett Alexandra GamezFernando Emillio Garanzuay IIElijah Michael GarayAlexis Legacy GarciaAraceli Alicia Garcia +Edward Garcia IVGilbert Davila Garcia, Jr.Hector Lee Garcia +Jasmine Gabrielle GarciaJasmine Guadalupe Garcia +Emmanuel Garcia UrbanoMichael Allean GarciaAshley GarzaChristiana Lyn GarzaJasmine GarzaJoseph Mathew GarzaJuan Gilberto GarzaRichard Andrew Garza

Ryan Lee GarzaBrandon Kyle Garza LunaDaniel GaunaAlyssa Brianna GomezDevan Manuel C. GomezEddie Gomez, Jr.Isaias L. Gomez IVJacob Ryan GomezMatthew Anthony GomezClaudia Marie GonzalesSarah Marie GonzalesArturo GonzalezBrandon Anthony GonzalezErika GonzalezOscar Gonzalez, Jr.Eunice Govea LealAmber Skye GranadoDanielle Payton GrieshaberJonathan Michael GriffithLaisha Jaylin Guajardo CerdaMarina Guadalupe Guardado Hernandez +Ernest Guerrero, Jr. +Mallory Misty GuerreroChristopher Felix GuillenIsaiah Michael GutierrezElisha Isaiah HardemanPreston Nygel HarrisonBenito Alfonso Hernandez, Jr.Carlos Enrique HernandezChristopher Joel HernandezElizabeth HernandezFatima Esmeralda Hernandez LemusJoe Anthony HernandezJoe Louis Hernandez, Jr.Luis Fernando Hernandez IINathan Paul HernandezNubia HernandezRobert Hernandez, Jr.Roland G. HernandezRyan Anthony HernandezEdgar HerreraEnrique Isaac Herrera

Monique Ann HerreraSusie Herrera Yezzett Viridian HerreraCanisa Leandro HinojosaCaleb Quinten HowardEddie HuertaMichelle Lee Ann HughesCitlaly Yaizet IbarraJose Daniel Tiger IbarraJuan Daniel IbarraTristin Alexander IbarraJonathon Isaiah IdrogoVictoria Ireta Naya Jordan JaimesDestinee Raeven JimenezEmily Rayne Jimenez +Erica Ann Jimenez +Juliana Lizett Juarez +Nadia Leann JuarezSamuel David JuarezAylin Deann KovarVivian Monique KovarJennifer Michelle Lee LandinDaniel Lee Landreth, Jr.Breana Danae LealAlexis Marie LedesmaRomeo Armando Leija, Jr.Oscar Limon MendezAlvaro Santiago LiraFabian Anthony LongoriaFrank Alexander LongoriaAbigail Celeste LopezAmber Christine LopezArrianna Izabella LopezElijah Israel LopezJonathan Albert LopezJose Angel Lopez, Jr.Katherine Nicole LopezMatthew Samuel LopezValerie LopezJhosselyne Lopez CedilloCarlos David Lopez LopezStorm Alexander Lozano

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Congratulations andBest Wishes to the Class of 2016

Florence Marie LucioPaul Steven LuebkeJuan Diego Lugo OlveraCassadie Lei Lani Nechole LuhiauAbigail Marie Luna +Esmeralda Diamante LunaJulissa LunaViviana Esthefania Luna MartinezJacob Allen MaciasJason Lee MaciasSamuel C. Macias, Jr. +Alejandro MadridEsmeralda Elena Maldonado Munoz +Javier Eliezer Maltos Mojica, Jr.Austin Ledezma MannJimmy Ray Mann IIIJoshua Andrew MansoloRebekah Aracely MaresAlexis Inez MarquezGeorge Michael MartinAbel Martinez IIIAlan MartinezAnjelica Alysse MartinezAntonio Martinez +Arlette Andre MartinezBrianna Alejandra MartinezCesar Martinez, Jr. +Christopher Ray Martinez, Jr.Claudia Ivette Martinez MarinDiamond Dominquee MartinezElijah Eduardo MartinezFernando Martinez, Jr.Lorenzo Alexander MartinezLuis Alfonso Martinez, Jr.Matthew Xavier Martinez, Jr.Max Xavier MartinezMichael Anthony H. MartinezMiranda Denise MartinezShayla Victoria Martinez CastanedaJoanna Martinez GutierrezKevin Scott Martinez QuevedoElizabeth MataCourtney McHazlett +

Brianne Alexis MedinaIrving Alan Medina CruzNickohlas Joe MedinaRaven Alexsiandria S. MedinaBrandon Eric MelchorKristen Clara MenchacaJohn Paul MendozaMelissa MendozaMatthew Grant MeyerIsabel MezaJerry Miranda, Jr.Martin Guadalupe Miranda Alexa Patricia MolinaArthur Evander MolinaKeishaily MontañezJuan Valentin Baeza MontoyaEnedelia Monzon MartinezAlly Nicole MoralesAmeris Diane MoralesBrittani Robyn Dezerae MoralesIsaac Giovanni MoralesChristopher Rufus MorenoEdson Lee Moreno DominguezGiselle MuñizCassandra Rose Muñoz +Christine Mari Muñoz +Hector R. Muro, Jr.Humberto Agustin NeavezChristopher Javier NiñoGiovanni NiñoSisto Angel NuñezDaviana Delijah OchoaRobert Oliva, Jr. +Brenda Renee OlivaresJoe Daniel Olivares, Jr.Samuel Anthony Ramirez OlivarriVictor OlmosAntonio Orta IIIDevon Tristan OrtegaMiranda Lynn OrtegaStephen Christopher OrtizSaul Omar Ortiz Hernandez

Crystal Otero PerezBrandon Cross ParedesBrandon Joshua PeñaYasmin Monique PeñaAdolfo Perez, Jr.Christopher PerezDaniel David PerezEmilo Jose Perez, Jr.Isis Brianna PerezJacqueline Nicole PerezKimmy PerezPeter Perez +Pedro Jose Peterson IVNicholas Stephen PhillipsMarco Antonio PichardoKevin Lee PilatJacob Lee PonceAlejandro Antonio PreciadoBethany Lynn ProutyYulissa QuemadaValeria QuinonesFaith Arden RaineyChris RamirezEdith-Carolina RamirezMarissa Desirae RamirezMatthew Joseph RamirezNina Nichole RamirezRaquel Lin RamirezSantos RamirezDiego Alexandro Ramirez CarrilloJazmine Nicole RamosJennifer Ceballos RangelJose Nicholas RedingCeleste Mercedise RendonMario Fabian RenteriaMargarita Trejo RetanaAdolph T Reyes, Jr. IIIArturo Abdiel Reyes GarciaSarahi ReyesSteven Reyes, Jr.Echo Gabrielle Rhodes +Rodolfo Rincon, Jr. +Mateo Sebastian Rios

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Congratulations andBest Wishes to the Class of 2016

Roman RivasAsia Marie Rayos RiveraDarlene Angel RiveraRogelio RiveraAlyssa Danielle Rivera-CarpioFrancisco Xavier Rivera FrancoDanshea Artis RobinsonSelena Robles MartinezDaniel Valentin RochaLuz Victoria RochaPamela Nicole RochaPatrick Nicholas RochaVictoria Lee Rocha +Adam Israel Rodriguez +Arnold Edward RodriguezCarla Marisol Rodriguez Maldonado +Celia Roxan RodriguezChant Devon RodriguezEster Abigail Rodriguez +Isaac Michael RodriguezJasmine Marie RodriguezJulian Ray RodriguezKelsey Joleen Rodriguez +Kimberly RodriguezManuel Fernando Rodriguez, Jr.Pedro Antonio Rodriguez, Jr. Robert Lee RodriguezSamuel Gustavo Rodriguez, Jr. Simon Rodriguez IIIJose Armando Rodriguez Perez, Jr. Esmeralda RomeroTony Joe Rosas +Claudia Veronica RubioClarissa Amber Ruiz +Gabriel Ruiz Kayla Bobbie RuizHomero Ruvalcaba VillarrealFrank Saenz IIIEdward Matthew SalasMichelle Oneida SalasAngelica Maria SalazarCeleste Noemi SalazarRuben Salazar III

Victoria Salazar MarchanJuan Ambrocio Salazar-SanchezAmado Jesus SanchezJames Andrew SanchezJose Manuel Alejandro Sanchez PinedaJovonne Danielle SanchezLendi Amayrani Sanchez Cruz +Sara Nicole Rose SanchezSerena Rocksann SanchezTabitha Star SanchezSaul SandovalJuan SantosArantxa Saucedo +Khaibet SaucedoDestiny Nichole SegoviaRodolfo Sierra IIIDavid Silva MartinezJustin Lee SilvaFrank Alexander SolisJaret Ethan SolisJesus Antonio Solis, Jr.Yasmine Nicole SonoraNorma Ann SosaSelena SotoKirsten Reve Story +Jannette TalamantesTaylor Dane TalamantesAlitcha Deangela TalamantezKayla Danielle TaylorApril Tellez +Mari Lynn TergaMathew Z TijerinaLilianna Yesenia TinsleyVincent TobiasJacylle Desiree TorresKline Luis TorresNancy Guadalupe TorresJames Alexander TorrezAbigail Celine TrevinoCynthia Marie-Elizabeth TrevinoVictor Manuel Trevino, Jr.Antonio Tristan III

Briana Gabrielle TristanAutumn Rose TrujilloElijah Theodis UribeFaith Elise UriegasJavier UrrietaKevin David Da Silva Valderas +Bryan ValdezClarissa ValdezGerardo ValenzuelaGuy Anthony Vargas, Jr.Isaiah Nathaniel VargasRuben Vargas IIIJuan Jesus Vazquez ZacariasNancy G VazquezMadeline Olivia VegaMargaret Vega +Brianna Marie VelasquezRamiro Velasquez, Jr.Carolina Anahi VerastigueCindy Marie VidalesFelipe Neri VillaLaura Lisa VillanuevaMartin Villanueva, Jr.Brandon Matthew Villareal +Brandon Anthony Lee VillarrealLourdes Mariana VillarrealRayven Kaytlin VillarrealDaniel VillegasAdriana Edith Viramontes RomeroBrittany Lauren WardAlleah Jen’nae WilliamsDarius Allen WilliamsEvangelica Rose XimenezYessenia YbarraClaudia Alejandra Zamarripa +Jonathan Angel ZamarripaOmar Sebastian Zarate CarrilloBlanca Esthela Zavala OrtegonEddie Zertuche

+ Denotes Top 10% of the Senior Class of 2016.This is a duplicate list of the 2016 SSAHS Commencement Program.

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Top Students recognized at the South Sansational Awards

On Thursday, May 26, South San Antonio ISD held its 20th Annual South Sansational Awards recognizing top 5th and 8th grade students. Students were recognized for the following categories: Super Citizen, Leadership, Academic Excellence, and Outstanding Overall. In addition,

SSAHS’s top two seniors were recognized as recipients of the Top Cat award. The emcee for the night was District Teacher of the Year Mary Ann Ochoa. School Board President Connie Prado, Secretary Angelina Osteguin, and Trustee Trinidad T. Mata gave out awards at the ceremony.

SSAHS Class of 2016 Commencement Ceremony

On Friday, June 10, nearly 500 South San Antonio HS seniors received their diplomas at the Freeman Coliseum during a ceremony that celebrated and honored their hard work and dedication to their education. Their four-year journey now complete, they can reflect on the

personal growth and skills they secured to be lifelong learners and productive citizens in their communities. The ceremony was live-streamed for the first time this year so that even more friends and family could witness this important milestone.

Athletics .............................977-7390Bilingual/ ESL Program ................977-7080Child Nutrition Services .........................977-7525Communications ...............977-7005Curriculum ........................977-7365Early Reading ....................977-7051Federal Programs ..............977-7055Health Services .................977-7090Hearing Officer ..................977-7508Human Resources .............977-7040

Maintenance ......................977-7085Migrant Program ..............977-7080Payroll................................977-7045Police Department ............977-7500Pupil Services ....................977-7380Purchasing .........................977-7070Records Management .......977-7345Special Education ..............977-7250Student Assessment ..........977-7370Technology .........................977-7375Transportation ..................977-7075Warehouse .........................977-7070

Departments

Questions, Concerns?For more information call. (All numbers are area code 210)

SchoolsArmstrong ES ....................623-8787Athens ES ..........................977-7475Benavidez ES ....................977-7175Carrillo ES .........................977-7550Five Palms ES ...................645-3850Hutchins ES ......................977-7200Kindred ES ........................977-7575Madla ES ...........................645-3800Palo Alto ES ......................977-7125

Price ES .............................977-7225Dwight MS .........................977-7300Kazen MS ..........................977-7150Shepard MS .......................623-1875Zamora MS ........................977-7278Career Ed. Center .............977-7350Alternative School .............977-7508South San Antonio High School ..................977-7400

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PRICE ES STUDENT WINS HONORABLE MENTION IN WORLDWIDE COMPETITION

Representatives from the Mexican Consulate visited Price ES to recognize

4th grader Salvador Vazquez Pulido in his classroom. Salvador won Honorable Mention in the Annual Children’s Drawing contest “This is My Mexico” that the Government of Mexico promotes through its 50 consulates and embassies worldwide. There were thousands of entries into the competition from around the world. Salvador’s drawing is included in a calendar and will be exhibited at the Museo Caracol in the Galeria de Historia in Chapultepec, Mexico City.

SSAHS STUDENT HAS PERFECT K – 12 ATTENDANCE

South San Antonio HS senior Elijah Garay has not missed a day of school from

kindergarten through grade 12. An amazing accomplishment from such a humble and intelligent young man. Elijah will be taking summer courses after graduation in June to get a head start in college and looks forward to a career as a doctor.

DISTRICT TEACHER OF THE YEAR Mary Ann Ochoa honored at KENS 5 ExCEL Awards

FIVE PALMS ES TEACHER SELECTED AS SAAABE 2016 BILINGUAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Five Palms ES Teacher, Ms. Delia Sanchez, has been chosen as the San Antonio

Area Association for Bilingual Education (SAAABE) 2016 Bilingual Teacher of the Year. In a letter to Ms. Sanchez, SAAABE states: Your outstanding contributions to the field of Bilingual Education are a testament to the commitment teachers display on a daily basis for all our students. It is an honor for us to salute individuals who have devoted their careers to the education of our future leaders. On behalf of the board, we congratulate you.