PEIMS Clerks, Attendance Clerks, Counselors, Registrars and Directors gathered for a districtwide Beginning of Year meeting
On Monday, July 28th, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD PEIMS Clerks, Attendance Clerks, Counselors, Registrars and Directors gathered for a districtwide Beginning of Year meeting in preparation for the 2025–2026 school year. The meeting focused on collaboration and procedures to ensure a successful year for all students and staff. It was a productive start filled with great conversations, shared ideas, and a collective commitment to
RIO GRANDE CITY GRULLA ISD
e Rio Grande City Grulla ISD Transportation Department is ready for a new and safe school year. We emphasize school bus safety with our on-going hands-on school bus safety training to all of our students and sta . We ask that parents encourage their sons/daughters to follow bus conduct rules and school bus safety tips so our school bus drivers can concentrate better in providing a safer bus trip to and from school. If you have any questions regarding bus routes and/or campus schedules, please call us at 956-370-4847.
• Get to the bus stop ve minutes early.
• Sit quietly in seat.
• Be quiet at train crossings.
• Stand away from the curb at least ten feet from bus.
• Do not wear clothing with loose strings.
• Make sure backpack straps are short and do not get caught on handrail or in the bus door.
• When stepping o bus, look to make sure no cars are passing on the shoulder.
• Before crossing the street, take ve giant steps out from the front of the bus, or until the driver can see you.
• Drop o and pick up your children in your school’s designated areas, not the middle of the street.
• Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops.
To our community motorists, we would like to remind them that in Texas it’s unlawful to pass a stopped school bus while the bus has activated its mechanical stop sign and ashing red lights for the purpose of receiving and discharging passengers. Also, the use of cell phones are not allowed in school zones and school property.
Texas School Bus Law
• Put away your cell phone. Cell phone use is banned in active school zones, and violators will face nes in school zones where signs are posted.
• Always obey school zone speed limit signs. Remember, tra c nes usually double in school zones.
• Be alert for children who might dart across the street or between vehicles on their way to school.
SCHOOL BUS SAFETY TIPS TIPS FOR DRIVING IN SCHOOL ZONE
Congratulations to all the recipients of the 11th Annual Starr County Employee/Dependent Children Scholarship! This recognition, made possible through partnerships for educational excellence, was presented on July
and
31st by Starr County Judge Eloy Vera. The award honors the academic achievements
potential of the students. Scholarship recipients are: Alyne Cerda, Armando Trevino, III, Cecily Abigail Fernandez, Christina Alaniz, Esmeralda Garza, Hector J. Quiroz, Marcia Guillen, Nylene Leal, Raul Pena, Ruben Eden Gomez, Rylie Rios, Trinidad Lopez, Jr., and Valentin Salazar Urdiales.
South Texas Health System Behavioral offering important advice to Valley parents on mentally preparing kids for a new school year
STHS Behavioral is encouraging parents to focus on their children’s mental health in the lead up to the 2025-26 school year while offering strategies to help prepare them mentally for a return to the classroom
For most children, the start of a new academic year is exciting for several reasons, including the opportunity to learn new things, reunite with friends and engage in extracurricular activities, But for some kids, especially those going to school for the first time or attending classes at a new campus, it can lead to anxiety and stress.
“Stress and anxiety about the new school year can stem from a number of factors, including academic pressure, social concerns
In fact, about 26% of parents report anxiety as the top emotion their child experienced during the last school year, according to a survey by RethinkFirst, with 43% indicating their children experienced high or extreme stress.
NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING FOR SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE
The Board of Trustees of South Texas College will meet on the 26th day of August 2025, at 5:00 p.m., at the Pecan Campus, Ann Richards Administration Building, Second Floor in the Board Room at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd., McAllen, Texas for the purpose of conducting a Public Hearing for the general public to be present and participate in the Hearing relating to the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 South Texas College Budget. A copy of the proposed budget may be viewed at the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services located at 3200 W. Pecan Blvd., Building P, Third Floor, Room 144, McAllen, Hidalgo County, Texas. At the termination of the Public Hearing, the Board of Trustees of South Texas College may adopt the budget for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 at such meeting or may adopt the budget at a subsequent meeting.
If any person needs special accommodations as specified under the Americans With Special Disabilities Act, please contact the Office of the President of South Texas College at (956) 872-8366 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the meeting.
SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE
BY: Dr. Ricardo J. Solis, President
and adjusting to a new environment,” says Leticia Sosa, MSSW, LCSW, LCDC-I., KAP, CLYL, EMDR- Therapist, Director of Outpatient Services, South Texas Health System Behavioral. “The fear of the unknown can also contribute to anxiety while past negative experiences like bullying or academic struggles can further exacerbate children’s fears.”
In children, stress and anxiety can manifest in a multitude of ways, including physical symptoms like stomachaches and headaches, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, irritability and mood swings, social withdrawal and difficulty concentrating.
“It’s imperative to address anxiety and stress in children because early intervention can prevent long-term negative impacts on their mental and physical health, academic performance and social development,” says Sosa. “Left untreated, anxiety can manifest, leading to mental health issues like depression, substance abuse and even suicidal thoughts. So, addressing any challenges early allows kids to develop coping mechanisms, build resilience and improve their overall well-being.”
To combat back-to-school stress and anxiety in their children, South Texas Health System Behavioral encourages parents to implement the following strategies:
Start a Routine Early: Begin shifting sleep and meal schedules at least a week or two before their first day of school. A consistent routine can help regulate children’s nervous systems and reduce anxiety about the unknown.
Talk About Their Feelings
Openly: It’s important to create space for your child to express any back-to-school jitters or concerns. Normalize their feelings and let them know it’s okay to feel nervous or unsure.
Watch Out for Red Flags: Keep an eye out for signs of stress, such as sleep disturbances, irritability, withdrawal or stomachaches. These may be subtle indicators that your child is having a tough time adjusting.
Be the Model of Calmness and Confidence: Kids often reflect our energy. Staying calm and positive (even if you’re a little stressed!) can help children feel secure and reassured.
Check In, Not Check Out: Stay connected during the first few weeks of school with simple daily check-ins. Asking questions like, “What was the best and hardest part of your day?” can go a long way.
Seek Professional Help When Needed: Be aware of the signs of excessive anxiety, like withdrawal, irritability of physical complaints, and consult with a school counselor, therapist or mental health professional of those symptoms persist.
“If parents notice any distress signals signs, it’s important to seek professional help promptly to address any underlying issues and provide the necessary support for their child’s mental well-being,” says Sosa.
For a confidential assessment, call the facility’s hotline at 388-1300 or visit southtexashealthsystem behavioral.com
Licensed mental health professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you or a loved one.
Teach Them How to Relax: Deep breathing techniques like smelling a flower or blowing out a candle can help calm them down when feeling stressed, while introducing mindfulness exercises or meditation can be used to promote relaxation and focus.
Career and Technical Education
Annual Public Notification of Nondiscrimination
RGCGISD offers career and technical education programs in
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Architecture and Construction
Arts, Audio Visual Technology and Communications
Business, Marketing, and Finance
Health Science
Hospitality and Tourism
Human Services
Information Technology
Law and Public Service
Manufacturing Engineering
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
Admission to these programs is based on non-discriminatory standards
It is the policy of RGCGISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Career and Technical Education
Annual Public Notification of Nondiscrimination
RGCGISD ofrece carrera y programas de educación técnica en:
Agricultura, alimentación y recursos naturales
Arquitectura y Construcción
Artes, Tecnología Audiovisual y
Comunicaciones
Negocios, marketing y finanzas
Ciencia de la salud
Hospitalidad y Turismo
Servicios Humanos
Tecnologías de la información
Derecho y servicio público
Fabricación
IngenieríaTransporte, Distribución y Logística
RGCGISD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.
Es norma de RGCGISD no discriminar en sus programas, servicios o actividades vocacionales y brinda igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos juveniles designados por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o impedimento, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación de 1972, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda.
For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator at 1S Fort Ringgold, Rio Grande City , Texas 78582 @ asalinas@rgccisd.org (956) 370-4629. Dr. Arcadio Salinas Jr. Assistant superintendent for Human resources & Title IX Director.
Continuous Notification of Nondiscrimination
As a sub recipient of funds local education agencies [LEAs] must take continuous steps to notify participants, beneficiaries, applicants, parents, employees (including persons with visual or auditory impairments), other interested parties, and unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with the LEA or campus that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. A statement of nondiscrimination shall be included on publications and other materials that are distributed to or accessible by students, parents, applicants, beneficiaries, employees, unions, or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with the district and other interested parties.
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in its programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Dr. Arcadio Salinas : asalinas@ rgccisd.org, ( Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Title IX Department Director @ 1 S Fort Ringgold ,Rio Grande City , Texas 78582 @ (956) 370-4629.
RGCGISD tomará las medidas necesarias para asegurar que la falta de habilidad en el uso del inglés no sea un obstáculo para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y vocacionales.
Para información sobre sus derechos o procedimientos de quejas, comuníquese con el Coordinador del Título IX en1S Fort Ringgold, Rio Grande City , Texas 78582, asalinas@rgccisd.org (956) 370-4629. Dr. Arcadio Salinas Jr. Assistant superintendent for Human resources & Title IX Director.
Rio Grande City La Grulla ISD no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, o discapacidad en sus programas o actividades y brinda igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos juveniles designados. La siguiente persona ha sido designada para manejar consultas sobre las políticas de no discriminación: Dr. Arcadio Salinas: asalinas@rgccisd.org., , ( Superintendent de Recursos Humanos & Titulo 9 ) @ 1 S Fort Ringgold, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 @ (956) 370-4629.
Cinco consejos para estar preparado antes de un desastre
Todo el mundo quiere estar preparado para un desastre.
Estas son cinco maneras fáciles de empezar:
•Instale una aplicación meteorológica en su teléfono. Active las notificaciones o revísela antes de que llegue el mal tiempo para saber lo que se avecina.
•Haga una lista o inventario de las cosas que tiene en su casa. Envíesela por correo electrónico o guárdela electrónicamente. Incluya los números de modelo y de serie de los artículos. Tome fotos o vídeos de cada habitación
de su casa, incluyendo los armarios y cajones. La lista y las fotos serán de gran ayuda si tiene que presentar una reclamación.
•Prepare un “kit” con suministros que pueda llevarse si tiene que salir deprisa. Incluya agua, comida, ropa, cargadores, medicinas y artículos para mascotas. Tenga copias de sus tarjetas de seguro de vivienda, de auto y su plan de salud.
•Considere la posibilidad de comprar un seguro contra inundaciones. La mayoría de las pólizas de seguro de vivienda no cubren los daños por
inundación; necesitará una póliza de inundación por separado. Las pólizas contra inundación suelen tener un periodo de espera de 30 días antes de entrar en vigor.
•Verifique que sus pólizas de seguro están al día y que tiene suficiente cobertura. Los límites de su cobertura podrían ser demasiado bajos si ha hecho modificaciones en su casa o ha comprado muebles o aparatos electrónicos.
¿Tiene preguntas sobre seguro?
Llame al Departamento de Seguros de Texas al 800-2523439 o visite www.tdi.texas.gov.
January might mark the start of the year, but for many of us, especially here in Rio, August is when life truly resets. There’s a shift in the air. Families are making their way back to town from vacations out of town. Time to go back to routine. “Back to school” ads take over from our town billboard to daily social media posts. Supplies and uniforms are being taken out. Alarms are starting to get set to weekdays again and everyone is just preparing for another round of normal.
But for some of us, this August is different.
While most are getting ready
As temperatures begin to increase this summer, American Red Cross would like to share some heat tips to keep your pets happy and healthy. Pets are part of our family so let’s make sure to keep them safe and look out for any signs of heart stroke.
If you suspect your pet is having a heat stroke:
1. Get your dog out of direct heat.
2. Check for shock. Signs include, collapse, body temperature 104° F+, bloody diarrhea or vomit, depression stupor, seizures or coma, excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, salivation.
3. Take your dog’s temperature.
4. Spray your dog with cool water then retake temperature.
5. Place water-soaked towels on the dog’s head, neck feet, chest and abdomen, turn on a fan and point it in your dog’s direction, rub Isopropyl alcohol (70%) on the dog’s foot pads to help cool him but don’t use large quantities.
6. Take your dog to the nearest veterinary hospital.
August
to return to their normal, we’re getting ready to leave ours behind. Our family. Our rooms. Our town. We’re getting ready to let go of our daily routines. We’re not just starting a new school year. We’re starting a new life. There’s a mix of feelings. Of course we’re excited, but there’s also a quiet kind of fear. A little hesitation. But with that comes a drive to live for the hope of it all. We don’t know what is going to happen, but we are learning to be okay with that. From getting ready in our dorm rooms instead of our childhood bedrooms to walking cities that may feel like
Pet Heat Safety
During a heat crisis, the goal is always to decrease the dog’s body temperature to 103° F in the first 10-15 minutes. Once 103° F is reached, you must stop the cooling process because the body temperature will continue to decrease and can plummet dangerously low if you continue to cool the dog for too long.
Even if you successfully cool your pet down to 103° F in the first 10-15 minutes, you must take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible because consequences of heat stroke will not show up for hours or even days. Potential problems include abnormal heart rhythms, kidney failure, neurological problems, and respiratory arrest.
It is important to know if your pet is predisposed to dog heat stroke, which is true of dogs with short snouts such as bulldogs, pugs and many other breeds.
Other common causes of heat stroke include: a previous episode of heat stroke, leaving a dog in a parked car, excessive exercise in hot, humid weather (this may be exercise that your dog can usually handle but not in warmer weather), lack of appropriate shelter outdoors, thicker-coated dogs in warm weather and underlying disease such as upper airway, heart of lung disease.
Never leave your pet in the car
In nice weather you may be tempted to take your pet with you in the car while you travel
home one day. This August, we are not just stepping into something new. We’re slowly walking away from what we’ve always known. In a way we’re all going back to normal, we are just building our “normal” from scratch this year. It’s going to be hard, but every goodbye, lesson, and memory will prepare us for that exact moment.
This isn’t just the end of summer. It’s the beginning of everything. And before we know it, August will slip into a moment of time.
-Alma R. Peña RGC High School Class of 2025
or do errands. But during warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you’re parked in the shade. This can mean real trouble for your companion animals left in the car.
If you do happen to see a pet alone in a car during hot weather, alert the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control or the police department immediately.
Keep your pets safe and healthy year-round
Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and identification tag. If you are separated from your pet, an ID tag may very well be his or her ticket home.
Check with your veterinarian to see if your pets should be taking heartworm prevention medication. Heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal in both dogs and cats. Another warm weather threat is fleas and ticks. Use only flea and tick treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Some over-thecounter flea and tick products can be toxic, even when used according to instructions.
Download the Pets First Aid App! This will provide critical first aid information for your pet at your fingertips. Find it in the Apple App Store », Google Play », or Amazon Marketplace »
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2026 YOUNG MASTERS CLASS
The Texas Commission on the Arts and the Texas Cultural Trust Will Award Grants to Outstanding Student Artists
The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) and the Texas Cultural Trust are accepting applications for the 2026 class of Young Masters, a joint initiative that provides exemplary Texas student artists in grades 8-11 with the financial help they need to pursue advanced study in the areas of visual arts, literary arts, music, theater, dance, musical theater, folk arts, and media arts.
The state’s most talented young artists will receive the title of “Young Master” and be awarded grants of $5,000 per year to further their studies in their respective disciplines. Students are eligible to receive the grant for two years, but they must submit a report and an update.
The students selected for this program will represent the 13th class of Young Masters, which is generously supported by the Butler Texas Young Masters Endowment.
To date, the Trust and TCA have given 431 grants to 199 Young Masters, awarding more than $1.3 million. “The Young Masters grant program was created as a way to recognize and support young people
pursuing the dream of becoming prominent Texan artists of the next generation,” said TCA Executive Director Gary Gibbs. “We look forward to receiving applications from candidates who are already demonstrating outstanding artistic ability, talent and dedication to developing their knowledge in their chosen discipline.”
Applications, information and guidelines are available online at arts.texas.gov/initiatives/ young-masters/. Applications and required supporting materials must be submitted by November 3, 2025. To be considered for the grant, students must be legal U.S. residents living in Texas and participating in a school-based program, a summer institute, or a specialized course of study or receiving private lessons from a qualified professional instructor. They must also maintain passing grades in all academic areas.
The Young Masters will be selected by a panel of arts experts from across the state based on artistic excellence, level of commitment and quality of their proposed plan of study. The 2026 Young Masters recipients will be
honored at a celebration in spring of 2026 in Austin, Texas.
“The Texas Cultural Trust is proud to invest in the next generation of Texas artists,” said Texas Cultural Trust Chief Executive Officer, Heidi Marquez Smith. “These Young Masters are not only advancing their creative education—they are building the foundation for Texas’ cultural future.
For many, this grant makes possible the kind of training and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. We are so grateful to the individuals and organizations that make these transformative opportunities available for young artists.”
8th Annual RGCGISD Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway!! Presented by Driscoll Health Plan: Thursday, August 7 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. RGCGISD Fort Ringgold Multi-Purpose Center, 1 S. Fort Ringgold Ave, Rio Grande City Free backpacks for the first 1,000 students—while supplies last!
THE COUNTY OF STARR SHERIFF’S OFFICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Chapter 263.153 of the Texas Local Government Code & Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Transportation Code 683, Subsection B, 683.012, of the Texas Department of Transportation that the County of Starr Sheriff ’s Office, Rio Grande City, Texas will hold a public auction on Saturday, August 30 , 2025, at 10:00 a.m. for said General Surplus, Equipment and Vehicles which have been forfeited to the State of Texas under the provisions of Chapter 59 Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Location: 2101 I-69C, Edinburg, TX 78542. Registration to bid live will be from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and will require a picture identification or register online at www.bondauctioneers.com. Examples of items to be auctioned are cars, trucks, heavy equipment, personal computers, electronics, office furniture, surplus, etc. All items will be sold “As Is - Where Is” to the highest bidder. Live & Online Buyer’s Premium 14%. All sales are final and must be paid on the same day with cash, major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express), Debit & Credit with a 3.50% processing fee. Cashier Checks accepted, No personal or business checks. For additional information, and terms, please contact the County of Starr Sheriff ’s Office, at (956) 487-5571 or visit our website www.bondauctioneers.com AUC#17532 - Jose A. Camarillo
CITY OF ROMA POLICE DEPARTMENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Transportation Code 683, Subsection B, 683.012, of the Texas Department of Transportation that the City of Roma Police Department, Roma, Texas will hold a public auction on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 10:00am for said vehicles, equipment & property items. Location: 2101 I-69C, Edinburg, Texas 78542. Registration to bid will be from 8:00am to 10:00am and will require a picture identification or register online at www.bondauctioneers.com . Items to be auctioned are vehicles, equipment, and property items. All items will be sold “As IsWhere Is” to the highest bidder. Onsite Buyer’s Premium 14%, Internet Buyer’s Premium 16%. All sales are final and must be paid on the same day with cash, major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express), Debit & Credit with a 3.50% processing fee. Cashier Checks accepted, No Personal or Business Checks accepted, only with a Bank Letter of Guarantee. For additional information and terms, please visit our website, www.bondauctioneers.com or contact Bond and Bond Auctioneers at (956) 283-0422 Jose A. Camarillo AUC#17532.
For Immediate Release
Date: 8-6-25
Website Provides Information on Property Tax Rates
Property tax information for Starr Central is available at www.starrcad.org. is is the o cial website on which property owners can easily access information regarding property taxes, including the amount of taxes that each entity that taxes a property will impose if the entity adopts its proposed tax rate. Property owners may also visit Texas.gov/PropertyTaxes to nd a link to their local property tax website.
Taxing units regularly update this website during August and September as local elected o cials propose and adopt the property tax rates that will determine how much you pay in property taxes.
e website allows property owners to provide feedback on the tax rate process and provides the following property-speci c information for each taxing unit authorized to levy a tax on the property, including:
•property values;
•proposed tax rates;
•an estimate of property taxes that would be imposed under the proposed rates;
•dates and locations of public hearings on the tax rates; and
•other useful information on taxing unit budgets, revenue and rate calculations.
Continue to check the website for updates throughout the tax rate adoption process in August and September. Contact Starr Central Appraisal District at (956) 487-5613 with questions regarding this website.
Such an amazing experience for Kinsley and her teammates!
These girls put in the work all summer, earned their spot at state, and showed they can compete with the very best. I couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and love for the sport. Along the way, they’ve built friendships that will last a lifetime. A big thank you to the coaching staff and Rio Grande City Parks & Recreation for
believing in this team!
Angela Mijares placing 6th overall in the Long Jump (8U Division)!
