Winter 2022 NEISD Discover Magazine

WINTER 2022 MAGAZINE

North East Educational Foundation feeds innovation Learn how they support our students

Are you getting all our NEISD messages?

Find out how to make sure

Who doesn’t love free?

Read about special programs for our community members

NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

NORTH EAST

Contents

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Cover

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Page 3: Discover North East ISD Graphic fact sheet of District features

Shannon Grona, President, District 5 Terri Williams, Vice President, District 2 Sandy Hughey, Secretary, District 1 David Beyer, Trustee, District 4 Steve Hilliard,Trustee, District 6 Marsha Landry, Trustee, District 7 Diane Sciba Villarreal, Trustee, District 3

EXECUTIVE STAFF Sean Maika, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools Dan Villarreal, CPA, Chief Financial Officer Anthony Jarrett, Chief Instructional Officer Rudy Jimenez, Chief of Schools and Leadership Anthony Mitchell, Ed.D., Chief Operations Officer Aubrey Chancellor, Executive Director of Communications

Students enjoy creative learning thanks to NEEF

Page 4: North East Briefs News and information from across the District Page 5: Pre-K and kindergarten enrollment to begin Get all the information you need to sign up.

Page 6: On the front line of safety and security Meet two of the people leading and enforcing our District’s safety initiatives.

Page 7: Making a student’s dream come true NEPD officer goes above and beyond for a very special student.

Page 8-9: NEEF helps teacher projects come to life Find out about one of these innovative projects and see how you can help.

There’s something for everyone at NEISD Page 10: Learn about our magnet options, including our newest one which is out of this world.

Page 11: NEISD Alumni Spotlight Former students make a big impact.

Connect with us @neisd

@northeastisd

@northeastisd

North East ISD

@neisdschools

Page 12: Serving the needs of our community Learn about programs that engage and invite our community members.

Page 13:

Serving the needs of our students From registration to graduation to help in between

New faces from distant places Page 14: When teachers arrive to fill essential job openings, NEISD staff step up to help them.

Page 15:

Business Advertisements

Back Cover:

North East ISD is now hiring!

Graduation data is from May 2022. >>

1 Pre-K Academy 44 elementary schools 14 middle schools 7 traditional high schools

3 middle school magnet programs 8 high school magnet programs 1 magnet elementary school 1 magnet high school

4,204 teachers 4,213 school/ district staff

58,952 students

named one of america’s best employers by Forbes magazine

4,673 graduates in 2022 $74.2 million in scholarship offers 1,083 Summa cum laude graduates 124 military enlistments

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If you see something, say something.

Online or by phone.

North East Tip Line neisd.net/ tipline

NORTH EAST briefs North East Police Department Emergency Number 210-407-0911 Non-emergency Number 210-407-0925

NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF TRUSTEES To find the latest information on our NEISD Board of Trustees, including maps, policies, meeting dates, videos and agendas, visit: neisd.net/board

Are you receiving messages from North East iSd? In the event of an emergency, it’s crucial that your contact information is up to date in your Skyward Family Access account, so you are receiving pertinent, timely updates from the District.

Parents, please take a moment to double check your contact information. If you need to update your email address, emergency contacts or phone number, you can easily do so by logging into Skyward (neisd.net/skyward).

It may be possible that you inadvertently unsubscribed from text or email communication from the District. If you believe that’s the case, you can log into your account to double check.

When setting up your account, you have the option to select a language preference, such as English or Spanish. To update the language you receive messages in or if you have any other problems updating your contact information, please contact the Data Processor on your child’s campus.

In the event of an incident or emergency on District property, NEISD will communicate with you through several avenues, including email, text message, phone calls, social media and our District website.

Get your senior stars club card To qualify for a North East ISD Senior Stars Club Card, you must be 65 years old or older AND live within the North East ISD boundaries.

Show your Senior Stars Club Card to redeem these benefits: • Free use of NEISD swim facilities and tennis courts • Free admittance to NEISD athletic and fine arts events • 20% discounted registration for community education classes Call 210-407-0556 for more information.

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Online registration opens on Jan. 2, 2023.

>>>

Provide your child with an exceptional early learning experience in North East ISD with highly-qualified, state-certified educators at 37 campuses across the District. Enroll and have your child benefit from: S Inquiry-based, hands-on approach to learning S STEM exploration S Outdoor learning experiences S Full-day program S Transportation S After-school care

PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN 2023-2024 ENROLLMENT

■ Pre-K and kindergarten round-up events will be held at each campus.

■ 3-year-olds will be served at Pre-K Academy at West Avenue.

■ Tuition seats are available for nonqualifying pre-K students.

■ For information on eligibility criteria, tuition applications, and round up dates, visit: neisd.net/roundup

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on the front line of safety and security Safety and security have always been priorities at North East ISD, but this year, our District has added some reinforcements.

NEISD has hired a former Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service to serve as our new Senior Director of Safety and Security.

Paul Duran spent nearly 30 years with the Secret Service, working on protective and investigative missions before coming to NEISD. “I am excited for this new position and getting on campuses to work with staff and students,” said Duran.

Most recently, he was the Special Agent in charge of the San Antonio Secret Service field office, overseeing all Secret Service operations in south and southwest Texas.

He was also appointed to the Presidential Protection Division under the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations. During that time, he worked as part of a team to design and implement security plans for domestic and foreign visits of the Presidents, their families and other top officials.

In his role with our District, Duran will provide the strategic direction and leadership for our safety and security program. He will also develop, establish and enforce safety and security policies and procedures.

Joining him in his efforts is our new Safety and Emergency Specialist Andrew Olivarez.

Olivarez brings 13 years of law enforcement experience to his role in NEISD. “I think not only as a police officer but as a school officer.

I was a resource officer,” said Olivarez. “But I also think like a father. I have two kids in the District. So for me, being involved in their safety and security was very important. When I do this job, it’s knowing that not only am I concerned with my two children, but all the children and staff in our District.”

And they wasted no time getting right to work. On one particular afternoon, Duran and Olivarez, made the rounds at Garner Middle School, looking for potential security issues. After checking all 103 exterior doors, they moved inside to check interior doors and any other issues the administration wanted them to look into. This will continue at every campus and facility.

And while they are a part of a comprehensive plan to

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reinforce safety and security in NEISD, it takes all of us to make our community safe.

If you see something, say something.

The North East Tip Line (neisd.net/tipline) gives you a safe and confidential way to report a wide variety of safety concerns.

You can also call the NEPD non-emergency line at 210407-0925.

Making a student’s dream come true North East Police Department (NEPD) Officer John Trevino met Antonio Ortega in the hallways of Driscoll Middle School. He remembers the moment a teacher told the sixth grader that Trevino was a police officer. Antonio lit up and reached for his uniform, smiling as his fingers found his badge.

Antonio has Batten Disease, a rare terminal illness that impacts his nervous system and has caused him to become visually impaired.

Antonio has always idolized police officers and even dreamed of becoming one.

“When he was three years old, he saw an officer on a motorcycle and has wanted to be an officer ever since,” said his mom Alondra Ortega.

Once Officer Trevino found out about this, he came up with a plan.

Antonio’s sister plays volleyball for the school, and so before one of her games in October, and in front of the entire gym of spectators, Antonio was surprised with the opportunity of a lifetime. NEPD would induct him as an honorary officer and give him all the official gear to wear.

“It’s his dream to be an officer so his story tugged at my

heart strings,” said Trevino. “We started taking donations to cover the uniform. The uniform shop paid half, and NEPD pitched in and Driscoll staff pitched in to cover an embroidered uniform, boots and duty belt.”

Antonio ran his fingers over the stitching in his uniform and felt every ridge of his badge. With a huge smile on his face, he gave Officer Trevino a big hug as his mom wiped tears from her eyes.

NEPD’s priority is the safety of all students, staff and visitors within the NEISD community. But these officers also don’t underestimate the importance of making personal connections.

It was a small gesture for Officer Trevino and the many individuals who helped, but Antonio’s mom will never forget the kindness and compassion the NEPD and his school showed her son.

“It was a dream come true for him. Thank you so much.

He’s the joy of my life. He’s everything to me. I’m very blessed to have my son and we’re going to be there for him no matter what.”

And our police officers will always be there to protect, serve and care.

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Merge cubes bring learning to a new dimension This year, STEM Academy at Nimitz Middle School is using their North East Educational Foundation (NEEF) Innovative Grant to elevate learning in math and science classes. With the $1,770 grant, STEM Academy Director Jennifer Jensen purchased Merge Cubes and virtual reality headsets. The Merge Cubes and headsets are engaging alternatives to physical teaching aids, such as textbooks and videos.

Virtual reality is being implemented in several classrooms across our District. Students can interact and learn relevant course content in meaningful and engaging ways. Virtual reality tools, like the Merge Cubes and headsets, hook students as they become active participants instead of spectators. It is opening a whole new world of possibilities and impactful learning to students.

With these tools, students can hold specimens in their hands and can use tactile learning to help bring more understanding to the topic of study. These tools provide students with a broader sense of concepts of study from micro (DNA) level to the macro (planets) level. Students can explore new concepts with a multisensory approach using visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile senses to deepen their understanding.

This school year, NEEF awarded more than $270,000 in innovative grants. The generosity of dedicated parents, community members and business partners make these programs possible.

For example, in a seventh-grade science class led by teacher, Cheryl Hernandez, the students were studying the earth’s layers down to the core.

Students use the Merge Cube to learn about the earth’s layers. The students can sync the Merge Cube with their virtual reality goggles to view the lesson in virtual or augmented reality, thus elevating their experience.

Hernandez’s seventh grade class is entering a TechRise competition sponsored by NASA, in which they will use the Cubes and goggles to design, build and launch experiments for real high-altitude balloon flights. The winners will receive funds to build their payloads and launch them on a NASA-sponsored commercial highaltitude balloon flight.

The North East Educational Foundation (NEEF) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable corporation chartered in 1986. Its purpose is to develop and expand educational opportunities for students in North East ISD. NEEF underwrites projects and programs that enhance the basic required curriculum and broaden the range of students’ educational experience.

Each year, teachers can submit grant applications for their innovative projects. If a project meets the criteria, NEEF will award them a grant to help bring their idea to life. Many new teachers also receive classroom supply grants at the beginning of the year. NEEF couldn’t do what it does without the support of staff, community members and business partners.

Will you help support projects like the one these STEM Academy students are enjoying?

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How can you help?

There are several ways to support NEEF in its mission to fund innovative grants for our teachers and students. Here are just a few.

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There’s something for everyone at NEISD North East ISD is launching a new magnet program for the 2023-2024 school year.

Space and Engineering Technologies Academy Courses at SETA will be centered around engineering in aerospace, manufacturing, computer science, aviation technology and mechanical industries.

SETA will launch with sixth and ninth grade classes at Krueger Middle School and Roosevelt High School starting in the 2023-2024 school year. Each year, grades will be added.

But did you know the District also has 10 other magnet programs?

Agriscience Magnet Program animal sciences and agricultural business North East School of the Arts (NESA) cinema, musical theater, visual arts, technical theater, creative writing, dance, music International School of the Americas project-based learning in preparation for a growing global society Institute of CyberSecurity and Innovation cybersecurity and computer networking STEM Academy (middle and high school) science, technology, engineering and math coursework Design and Technology Academy (middle and high school) animation, audio/video production, graphic design and digital arts, video game design MAC UP coursework to prepare future educators including college credit in a partnership with UTSA Career and Technical Education Center instruction in dental and medical assistance, automotive and diesel mechanics, carpentry, HVAC and more

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The deadline to apply is Feb. 6, 2023 (NESA has additional deadlines).

Application requirements vary. For more information on any of these, visit: neisd.net/magnetprograms

North East ISD is proud of the men and women who graduated from our District and went on to make a positive impact on the world.

Ricardo Chavira - Lee Class of 1990

Mike Ryan - MacArthur Class of 2004

“I feel lucky,” said Ricardo. “I feel like I have won the lottery with some of the work I have done.”

“When I was sitting in classrooms at Mac, I never imagined this would be in my future,” said Ryan. “There is so much history on that stage – to be associated with that in any way is certainly cool.”

When Ricardo Chavira was a student at Lee High School, he never dreamed his life would be filled with amazing acting credits.

Chavira has been in more than 50 television shows and movies.

He played Carlos Solis on Desperate Housewives, Francisco Vargas on Scandal and Selena’s father, Abraham, on Netflix’s Selena: The Series. But his first acting role was playing villain Bill Sikes in the Lee High School production of Oliver Twist.

Celina Lemmen Rice - Reagan Class of

2003

Some of Celina Rice’s favorite memories happened in the pool – from representing Reagan High School at the state swim meet to competing at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

“The Olympics was a lifelong dream come true! I got to walk in the opening ceremonies behind the flag bearer and it was amazing.”

Celina attended Hidden Forest Elementary School, Eisenhower Middle School and Reagan High School before moving to Austin her senior year.

In November, musician Mike Ryan got the honor of performing at the Grand Ole Opry. It was a dream come true.

Before landing his dream gig at the Grand Ole Opry, Ryan attended Oak Grove Elementary School, Garner Middle School and graduated from MacArthur High School.

trenton Estep - Churchill Class of 2018

It hasn’t been long since Trenton graduated from Churchill High School, but he has definitely kept himself busy.

“Since graduation, I have won the North American Championship with Porsche, the 12 hours in Abu Dhabi with Ferrari, and multiple race wins in Porsche Carrera Cup North America. I’m lucky enough now that my job consists of 35 race weekends a year and over 140 days traveling around the globe.”

He credits his teachers for helping him manage school while he turned his passion into a successful career.

We always want to hear from our amazing graduates, so if you are a North East ISD graduate or know of one you want to tell us about, reach out so we can tell your story! Drop us a line at neisd.net/tellyourstory

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academy of learning in retirement The Academy of Learning in Retirement (ALIR) is an all-volunteer learning academy, offering a variety of classes to anyone 50 or older. There are spring, summer and fall semesters, and for a fee of $85, members can take an unlimited number of classes per term. Each semester includes three luncheons, a member art show and lots of socialization.

Classes cover topics, such as history, painting, dancing, movies, health and wellness, quilting, technology writing and more!

Take a class, teach a class or do both!

For more information, visit: neisd.net/alir or call 210-407-0167.

adult education program Do you want to improve your English? North East ISD Adult Education offers free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for students 19 years and older. ¿Quiere mejorar su nivel de Inglés? North East ISD Adult Education ofrece clases gratuitas de inglés como segundo idioma (ESL) para estudiantes de 19 años en adelante.

Are you interested in going back to high school? NEISD also provides high school equivalency (HSE) (previously known as GED) preparation classes in English and in Spanish for students 16 years and older. ¿Estás interesado en volver a la escuela Preparatoria? NEISD también proporciona clases de preparación de equivalencia de escuela preparatoria (HSE) (anteriormente conocido como GED) en inglés y en español para estudiantes de 16 años o más.

For more information, visit: neisd.net/adult-programs or call 210-356-7550.

become a volunteer Parents, guardians, grandparents, business partners and any member of our community who wants to support our staff and students can apply to volunteer.

You can provide a variety of support to students, teachers and staff. From helping teachers in the classroom, going on field trips, lending a hand in the cafeteria, or serving as an extra set of eyes and layer of safety, volunteers are essential members of our NEISD family.

All volunteers must pass a secure background check and be at least 18 years old.

To learn more, visit: neisd.net/volunteer-program 12

new student registration The North East ISD online registration system was developed to help parents expedite their student’s registration process. Parents of students who are new to the District are encouraged to use the online system. You can access it on the main page of the NEISD website at neisd.net. It takes two easy steps.

Step 1: Register online and upload your documents. (birth certificate, proof of address, social security card, immunization records, etc) Step 2: Confirm your registration with your child’s campus.

For complete details, visit: neisd.net/registration If you are not sure what campus your child should attend, you can look it up online at: neisd.net/boundaries *The registration window for the 2023-2024 school year opens Jan. 3, 2023.

homework help Does your child need homework help? It’s now available Monday-Thursday from 6 - 8 p.m.

North East ISD offers virtual, after-hours homework help for elementary, middle and high school students.

Students bring the questions, and our NEISD teachers will help them discover the answers.

Visit neisd.net/homeworkhelp to find your homework helper.

graduation dates

It’s one of the most special times of the year in North East ISD! Mark your calendars for our high school graduations.

International School of the Americas (ISA) Churchill High School Johnson High School Legacy of Educational Excellence Madison High School MacArthur High School Reagan High School Roosevelt High School

May 26, 2023 May 27, 2023 May 27, 2023 May 28, 2023 May 28, 2023 May 29, 2023 May 29, 2023 May 29, 2023

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

2 p.m.

7 p.m.

2 p.m.

7 p.m.

2 p.m.

9 a.m.

All ceremonies, with the exception of ISA, will be held at the Alamodome. ISA’s graduation will be held in Laurie Auditorium at Trinity University. For more details, visit: neisd.net/graduation

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new faces from distant places Learn how NEISD staff opened their homes to teachers from other countries Twenty-two teachers from multiple Latin American countries joined North East ISD this school year after our District found itself in critical need of Dual Language teachers. Each of them moved to San Antonio with big dreams and whatever they could fit in their suitcase.

When they arrived, they were greeted by their new family – NEISD employees who graciously opened their homes to provide a place for them to stay until they could settle in and find a place of their own.

A few months ago, Julia Cercas stepped foot on an airplane for the first time in her life to move from Mexico to San Antonio. This new endeavor of teaching at Roan Forest Elementary School changed her life, but it wasn’t easy. She temporarily left her husband and child behind until they could join her later.

“They have done everything for us,” said Cercas. “As soon as I arrived at the airport, they were there.”

NEISD employees, many in our Dual Language department, have stepped up to take care of these valuable teachers. Not only did they house them, but employees drove them wherever they needed to go – whether it was a trip to the Social Security office, apartment hunting, shopping for groceries or clothes, or giving them a ride to work.

Campuses stepped up too. Many teachers, principals and

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colleagues donated household items, gift cards and money to help these teachers furnish their homes.

Sandra Bohorquez is a new Dual Language teacher at Bradley Middle School. She was blown away by the lengths the faculty and staff took to help her as soon as she arrived.

“We made our staff aware, and our teachers and administrators stepped up to buy her a bed, donated couches and other furniture, purchased food, dishes, towels, and all other sorts of household items along with Visa and Amazon gift cards,” said Brenda Cerroni, Bradley Principal.

NEISD works with the International Alliance Group (IAG) to hire qualified and experienced Dual Language teachers from outside the U.S. Alicia Alvarez-Calderon, Senior Director of the Bilingual/ESL department, says this partnership shows how committed our District is to hiring and providing the highest caliber teachers for our students.

“Just imagine, that would’ve been 22 classrooms without teachers. It’s going to be an amazing experience for everyone, not just the kids but the staff too. I think it’s important for the kids to see themselves in their teachers and to see what they’ve accomplished in their personal lives and as professionals.”

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SEEKING SUBSTITUTES “You can make such a contribution by signing up to be a substitute.

You’re making a difference in a time when we have teacher shortages and we’re concerned about student safety and learning.”

-- Substitute Teacher Mary Matthews NEISD accepts applications for substitute teachers with a minimum of 60 college credit hours. For more information on becoming a substitute teacher, visit neisd.net, and click the Careers button.

In accordance with Title VI-Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX-Education Amendment of 1972, Section 504-Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992, the North East Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap.

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North East ISD 8961 Tesoro Drive San Antonio, Texas 78217

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, TX Permit No. 399

ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER

Teachers . Counselors . Assistant Principals . Principals . Special Education Assistants . Custodians Instructional Assistants . Food Service Assistants . Bus Drivers . Bus Assistants . Accountants

Scan and learn more at neisd.net/jobs

www.neisd.net