BOARD COMMUNICATIONS MEMORANDUM
DR. BOBBIE TREVINO, SUPERINTENDENT | March 2024Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment & Accountability | Human Resources & Leadership Development
Business & Finance | Innovation & Technology | Operations & Support Services | Compliance & School Safety
ZCISD: EMPOWERING TOMORROW’S LEADERS
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS:
As we reflect on the achievements of March, I am delighted to share the positive strides our district has made. Our schools continue to be vibrant hubs of learning, fostering environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive From innovative classroom projects to inspiring extracurricular activities, our students consistently demonstrate creativity, resilience, and a passion for learning
Throughout the month, our educators have gone above and beyond to engage and support our students, providing enriching learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Their dedication and commitment to nurturing the academic and personal growth of every child are truly commendable.
I am also proud to highlight the numerous accomplishments of our students Whether it’s academic achievements, artistic endeavors, or athletic triumphs, our students continue to excel in various areas, showcasing their talents and determination. Their achievements not only bring pride to our district but also serve as a testament to their hard work and perseverance.
Additionally, our district remains committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community where all students feel valued and empowered to succeed. Through varied initiatives, we are working to create an environment where every student feels respected, supported, and able to reach their full potential.
As we look forward to the coming months, I am confident that our district will continue to build on the momentum of success, further enriching the educational experience for all students. Together with the dedication of our educators, the support of our families, and the enthusiasm of our students, we will continue to make great strides towards our shared vision of Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders!
Strategic Goal #1
We will ensure innovative, relevant, and high-quality learning opportunities are provided to all students in pursuit of college, career, and military readiness.
The month of March was a very short month filled with exciting events for Zapata County ISD. On March 1st, our new teachers completed the first cohort of lead4ward First Year Teacher Academy with our amazing consultant Stephanie Zelenak. ZCISD Science teachers teaching 5th, 8th, and Biology engaged in lead4ward trainings to help them prepare instruction and learn all about the new Science TEKS. Zapata County ISD students participated at the very 1st Super Special Livestock Show at the Zapata County Fair Zapata County ISD students and staff took some time off from school to enjoy our fair and Spring Break. Upon returning, our teachers planned and began executing our 10 Day Rockin’ STAAR Review to fully prepare our students for STAAR Assessments. One of the biggest highlights of this month was visiting PSJA ISD Elma Lopez, Elementary Education Director, collaborated with Region One and PSJA to organize campus visits to two elementary schools at PSJA. ZCISD Pre-kindergarten, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade
Bilingual Teachers, along with their principals, participated in learning that was engaging, relevant and focused on the needs of our students Walking the halls, observing the classrooms and having conversations with the principals, teachers,
and students solidified our purpose towards our district initivative for the Dual Language Program ZCISD continues to focus on learning and teaching to ensure we provide our students with the best academic experience!
Our librarians are dedicated to nurturing a culture of literacy, empowering students to become lifelong learners. During this year ’ s Read Across America Celebration, each campus library curated a week brimming with activities aimed at kindling the love for reading among students
Themes for this year's celebration included:
● "Wearing green, nurturing minds: Cultivating literacy, one leaf at a time."
● "Step into a world of whimsy and wonder with Silly Socks: Where every pair is a story waiting to be read!"
● "Empowering minds, shaping futures: Where knowledge begins with the turn of a page."
● "Let your imagination run wild with Crazy Hair Day: Where Dr Seuss meets the elated wonder of art!"
● "Parading through whimsy with Dr Seuss: Where imagination meets the streets in orful rhyme!”
notable enhancement this year was the incorporation of dedicated literacy lessons alongside delightful elements of crazy hair day and silly socks.
e culminating activity of a parade in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday and guest readers was a at success! Over 25 guests from central office enthusiastically joined the elementary mpuses to read to students in their classrooms Thank you guest readers! And a shout out to to child nutrition for providing ‘Green Eggs & Ham’ breakfast to all of our students!
Strategic Goal #2
We will promote a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment to meet the needs of all students
C
ry, counselors across the district led student group presentations and d erseverance, always trying your best, using self control, self discipline, thinking before you act and being accountable for your choices. There are two key concepts that responsible people should understand. First, that life is full of choices and second, we are in charge of our choices. Responsible people know the difference between what they have the right to do and what is right to do. It is also important to remember that no choice is a choice. “The person who makes success of living is the one who sees his goal steadily and aims for it unswervingly That is dedication ”Cecil B. De Mille.
(Pictured) On Saturday, March 2nd, ZCISD students participated in the 2024 Say What! Action Summit-Connecting for a Healthier Texas in San Antonio, Texas Summit included activities and discussions that address teen leadership development, team building, and connecting with students from schools across Texas.
Policy Review Summary: Thank you to our board members for their attendance and participation at the March Board Workshop. As presented, at the beginning of the 2023-2024 School Year, the district contracted Texas Association of School Boards, TASB, to conduct an on-site policy review. The on-site review identified 41 policies – from Governance to Business, Personnel to Instruction The proposed changes to our policy manual resulting from the PRS was intended to:
● better reflect the district’s current practices,
● omit provisions that are no longer necessary in board policy, and
● align with current law.
Health Services: The district hosted a district pilot program open only to district employees and their families on Cervical Cancer Awareness on February 19th This program was a collaborative effort between the ZCISD Health Services Department, UTRGV Health and MD Anderson Hospital. The success of this pilot sparked conversations between the leaders of the program at MD Anderson and Ms. Teresa Hein on the need to reach more women in our area. As such, the Commissioners Court approved a county wide initiative which will be h ld A il th t th Z t C t C it Center from 8:30am to 1:00pm - spreading awareness and the resource self screen for cervical cancer to all women of Zapata County.
Board Relations: Administration began the March 26th Regular S Meeting with a very heartfelt message honoring the life and legacy of Trevino Jr , a dedicated educator who devoted 48 years to the field Throughout his career, he served in various roles such as a teach coordinator, director, and as a school board member after retirement. passion for teaching and commitment to shaping young minds have impact on the countless lives he touched. As we reflect on his contributions to the education in his beloved Zapata County, we must r unwavering dedication, kindness, and love for learning May his memor inspire future generations of educators and students, keeping his spir hearts and in the pursuit of knowledge and growth.
School Safety & Security Update: Our district campuses continue safety and security drills/strategies to ensure that our kids are read emergency ever arises These are some of the safety & security activities that occurred during February and March.
● Lockdown drills were conducted at South Elementary, A L Benavides Elementary, Zapata Middle School, North Elementary, and Villarreal Elementary.
● Shelter in Place for Severe Weather Drill was conducted at South Elementary
● Shelter in Place for HAZMAT Drill was conducted at Zapata High School.
● Fire Drills were conducted at South Elementary and Middle School.
● TAPR Report on Violent or Criminal Incidents and Fall Semester Discipline Report were shared with board members during the February 13th board workshop.
● TEA Intruder Audits were conducted at A.L. Benavides Elementary on February 7th and at North Elementary on March 19th The reports for these schools had no findings which means our exterior doors are locked, secured and functioning properly.
