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FROM THE EDITOR Heading Back To Class PUBLISHER Sandra Castillo EDITOR Karen Gleason WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Brian Argabright Xochitl Arteaga Karen Gleason Antonio Morales Atzimba Morales Elizabeth Rockey Diana Vela ADVERTISING Xochitl Arteaga Ludie Gonzalez Jose “Freddy” Patiño PRODUCTION Jorge Alarcon Roland Cardenas Antonio Morales EDITORIAL karen.gleason@delrionewsherald.com 830-775-1551, Ext. 247 ADVERTISING xochitl.arteaga@delrionewsherald.com 830-775-1551, Ext. 250 STORY IDEAS karen.gleason@delrionewsherald.com

2205 North Bedell Avenue • Del Rio, TX 78840 delrionewsherald.com Del Rio Grande is published by the Del Rio News-Herald.

No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without written permission of the publisher. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher of this magazine.

Editorial and advertising does not constitute advice but is considered informative.

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GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

Hard as it may be to believe, this month kids will be back in school all over Del Rio and Val Verde County.

I remember always being excited to go back to school. I loved those seemingly endless summer days, but I was always happy the moment I saw school supplies being put out on store shelves.

I got even more excited about those school supplies when my son Tim was in school. I think I had much more fun than him picking out new pens and pencils, backpacks, notebooks and other miscellany. Tim was Tim: He just rolled his eyes, shook his head and sighed patiently. (He’s a lot like Michael G. that way.)

I’ve been out of school for a while now; at least out of formal schooling.

I realized as a grown-up that you never really leave school: As long as you are alive, you are always learning something, and life itself is the biggest classroom there is.

I think as long as our schools teach something along those lines, our children will be well-prepared for their own big journeys.

In Del Rio, there are some extraordinary educators trying to impart just those lessons to their students, lessons that prepare them for happiness and success when they spread their wings and leave the nest of academia.

This month, we were fortunate enough to catch up with the county’s First Lady, Sylvia Owens, who is currently serving as president of the Del Rio Education Foundation, a group of committed individuals who work hard to raise funds to underwrite innovative educational projects by our local teachers.

The foundation’s work is truly remarkable, and I encourage Del Rio businesses and individuals to become sponsors.

We were also able to talk to some of the educators who have received grants from the foundation and hear the stories about how the projects they initiated have changed the faces of their campuses and enriched the learning experience for their students.

This month we split our Closet Confidential feature so we could introduce you to two of Del Rio’s top educators – Mayra Alvarado Lopez and Robert Norton. I only wish we had the space to delve more deeply into the lives of these two truly extraordinary human beings. We are blessed to have them working in our schools.

We also bring you the story of educator Hector Garcia, another extraordinary man, who walks in the world with joy in his heart and a song on his lips. Marvelous!

Hope you enjoy!

Karen Gleason Del Rio Grande Editor

GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

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CONTENTS 8

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CALENDAR

ACE YOUR STYLE

Keep busy this month at these local events.

Students show off best back-to-school looks.

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SEED MONEY

Education Foundation funds innovation.

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OATMEAL SMOOTHIES

Start the hectic day with a healthy drink.

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A GRANDE LIFE Teacher Hector Garcia shares his passion.

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GRANDE PICKS

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Great choices are easy on the wallet.

BUDDY BENCH

Easy-to-make snacks for after school.

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Ruben Chavira project promotes kindness.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS Calderon students become business saavy.

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EVERYTHING’S CONNECTED Lamar ecosystem teaches life lessons.

APPLE RABBITS

BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR

Thousands served through annual event.

MIND - BODY BALANCE Getting kids ready for school and life.

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LAST LOOK

Award-winning teachers share their styles.

Writer and photographer Brian Argabright wraps up this month’s issue.

CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL

ON THE COVER: Taylor Leeann Polanco will be a junior at Del Rio High School during the 2019-2020 school year. Taylor is the daughter of Rolando and Rita Herrera and served as president of the sophomore class in the 2018-2019 school year. She is a veteran member of the varsity cheer team, a member of the National Honor Society and the Technical National Honor Society and a youth minister for the St. Joseph Parish, where she is also active in Teen Acts. Taylor hopes to become an obstetrician. Photo by Diana Vela.

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AUGUST CALENDAR

Keep busy this month at these fun local events 2, 16

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Conjunto Mi Rey performs at Noches on Aug. 2 and Noches Musicales ends its summer of 2019 series on Aug. 16 with a performance by Family Jewelz and special guest Abdias Ernesto Garcia.

This is a free event: Bring a chair and enjoy the warm Friday summer nights at the historical Brown Plaza. Bring your family and have dinner with great company, plenty of food vendors.

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MATT TARDY STUNT JUGGLER • 10:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. VAL VERDE COUNTY LIBRARY • 100 SPRING ST.

Don’t miss an out-of-this-world performance by stunt juggler Matt Tardy, presented by the Friends of the Val Verde County Library. Tardy has performed all over the world, including Disney Cruise Lines, the White House and on David Letterman. Strollers must be parked in designated spot inside the library.Visit http://valverdecounty.texas. gov/182/Library-Programs to get information on more programs.

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DEER DAY • 8 A.M. – 1:30 P.M. DINK WARDLAW AG COMPLEX • 300 E. 17th ST.

Presented by the Val Verde County Extension Youth Summer Natural Resources Learning Series, this program is filled with hands-on learning adventures. For incoming first through fifth graders. Program is limited to 40 participants; entry fee of $10 includes lunch. Register online at valverdeextension.ticketleap.com/19ynrs or call 830-7747591.

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DEL RIO FARMERS MARKET • 9 A.M. – 11 A.M. DEL RIO COMMUNITY GARDEN • 210 JONES ST.

Purchase fresh, locally-grown, organic produce in this minimarket held on the grounds of the Del Rio Community Garden. Also available are locally-raised, farm-fresh eggs and products created by local, small-batch makers.

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DEL RIO ANTI-BULLYING EXPO • 10 A.M. – 6 P.M. DEL RIO CIVIC CENTER • 1915 VETERANS BLVD.

Baca-Con is Del Rio’s first comic con that will focus on helping kids and mentoring them in schools and at the event. Justin Nimmo of Powers Rangers fame is expected to attend. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door; $10 in advance for adults and $15 at the door. Text 850612-2849 for more information.

Contact our new Sales Manager, Ross Wright at 830-775-7577 for our Back to School Special.

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SFDRCISD Education Foundation Board of Directors, seated, from left, Dora Fernandez, Sylvia Owens and Griselda Martinez; standing, from left, Dr. Carlos Rios, Eddie Amezcua Jr., Mayté Casas, Becky West, Aaron Rodriguez, Terry Fernandez, Janie Garcia, Sandra Hernandez, F. David Ortiz and Roberto Chavira.

Seed Money SFDRCISD Education Foundation growing to provide grants for teachers, students Story by KAREN GLEASON; photos contributed by the Del Rio Education Foundation

S

ince 2012, the SFDRCISD Education Foundation has provided funds to grow the innovative ideas proffered by enterprising and dedicated teachers in the local public school district.

The education foundation is a non-profit organization whose stated vision is “to enrich, strengthen, enhance and support” the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District “by funding educational projects and activities not otherwise provided for by public monies that directly benefit SFDRCISD staff and students.”

Sylvia Owens, executive vice president for the Texas Community Bank company and the regional president for

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Texas Community Bank’s Del Rio bank, currently serves as president of the SFDRCISD Education Foundation Board of Directors.

Other members of the board include Griselda Martinez, vice president; Dr. Carlos Rios, secretary; Dora Fernandez and Terry E. Fernandez, co-treasurers; Roberto Chavira, Eddie Amezcua Jr., Janie Garcia, Sandra Hernandez, Becky West, David Ortiz, Mayté Casas, Aaron Rodriguez and Elaine Trevino.

Owens said the foundation was the brainchild of Del Rioan Emily Cooper.

“She was our first president, and she had a great deal to do with the formation of the foundation, and its purpose

Del Rioans participating in the “Dinner on the Creek” fundraiser enjoy a sumptuous meal on the banks of the San Felipe Creek.

to support projects that the teachers could do with students that were not funded by public monies,” Owens said.

Cooper served as the foundation’s president for the first two years, then Del Rio attorney F. David Ortiz took the reins. Del Rioan Belinda Reyes became the foundation’s third president.

“Belinda did a tremendous job. She was living, eating, sleeping, breathing the foundation. She was a major advocate for the foundation and its work,” Owens said.

Other community leaders who were in on the foundation’s first years included Tuffy Whitehead, Sid Cauthorn, Bobby Fernandez, Gilbert Rodriguez and the late Marta Galindo.

Owens said when she was initially approached about joining the foundation, she was skeptical.

“You think there’s a lot of money there (in the school district), but when you get into the nitty-gritty of it, you find out that the monies that come in for education are for the set curriculum. If there’s an innovative teacher that’s got some brilliant ideas that are completely outside the box, that doesn’t get funded by public money. So if the teacher really wants to do that, where does it get funded? It gets funded from their own pockets,” Owens said.

She said she was further convinced when she learned of her daughter’s experiences in the classroom.

“Lewis and I actually saw that first-hand because our daughter Mercedez is a teacher. She did a lot of programs outside the box, and, obviously we’re proud of her, but we saw her do that.

Teachers are on a very humble salary, and when they’re taking out of their own pockets to do these things with these students and you can see the difference it’s making, it’s amazing. Then I was 150 percent in,” Owens said.

Foundation funds are offered through an application and

review process, Owens said.

“The teachers apply through a process that is described on our web site. We then grade the applications based on their creativity, the innovation of the project, different scores we take into consideration. The first year we gave about $3,000, then it was $10,000, then $12,000, $14,000, to $25,000, then $26,000. Last year, we gave just shy of $43,000, and this year, I’m so excited, because our fundraiser was off the charts,” Owens said.

The much-anticipated “Dinner on the Creek” has been the education foundation’s major fundraiser for the past five years.

The “Dinner” offers ticket buyers the chance to eat an elegant meal along the banks of the San Felipe Creek.

“Every bit of the money goes to the projects,” Owens said.

The foundation’s board of directors is always coming up with new ways to raise funds, Owens said.

Another fundraiser for the group is the sale of brass seat placards in the school district’s Student Performance Center, located in the administration building on Griner Street.

“Something exciting that’s coming up is an event we’re doing called ‘Adventure on the Creek.’ That’s coming up on Sept. 14.

Since we have our ‘Dinner on the Creek’ fundraiser, we kind of wanted to keep with the theme of the creek. It’s going to be an adventure race: bicycling, running and kayaking, all on the creek.

The course has already been set, and it will end at Del Rio Rotary Park, at the splashpad,” Owens said.

Owens said organizers are looking at the event as a “warmup” for the bigger adventure race hosted annually by Laughlin Air Force Base later that month.

Teachers can begin applying for foundation grants in February, with the deadline to apply coming at the end of the school year.

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Del Rioans visit and talk during a recent “Dinner on the Creek” fundraiser for the education foundation.

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“Dinner on the Creek” is one of the main fundraisers for the SFDRCISD Education Foundation.

The board reviews the applications in the summer and announces the recipients during the school district’s convocation ceremony, which takes place just before the start of the new school year.

“The children, their parents and the projects that I’ve been able to see through from beginning to end, the excitement and the difference that it’s making in their lives; some of these children would never be exposed to these types of projects,” Owens said.

“An example is the ecosystem at Lamar Elementary. They did a garden, a mulching system, a pond, and in this ecosystem, students got to see how things work, how nature works, and the excitement in their faces and the reality of understanding something that’s not from a textbook, seeing it firsthand, I was sold from the get-go,” she said.

Owens said she also became involved with the Young Entrepreneurs program at Calderon Elementary School.

“These are elementary school students who are learning how a business works, so they came up with a little business plan. They bought supplies; they had an assembly line. They made jewelry, and then they had a sales team. That’s music to my ears, and they got to see firsthand how business works,” Owens said.

Another project that was grown by foundation funding was “Written Art,” the Del Rio High School’s literary art magazine created by a group of high school students and their teachers.

“You have some really amazing teachers out there pushing these children to do something creative. Everything in that magazine, the stories, the poems, the photographs, the drawings, everything was done by our high school students. They came up with this amazing magazine, and then they started selling it, and today they’re self-sufficient, and we can back off. We kick-started something really amazing at the high school. They’ve won awards,

and these are just three examples of the many things out there of how these teachers are able to make a difference,” Owens said.

“We have amazing teachers. They do want to make a difference.

They need the resources to be able to do those things, and they’re creating brilliant minds out there. They’re molding these children to do some really creative things,” she added.

Owens said, “Some of the projects that are going on at the high school today blow my mind.”

She said she was able to sit and interview some of the school district’s student CTE ambassadors during the past school year and said she was extraordinarily impressed by the students’ confident, articulate maturity.

“It’s amazing what our students are doing, and I think it’s because the teachers are bringing them to a different level. They’re allowing them to think outside the box and blossom, and I believe the education foundation has a little bit to do with that. It’s just a way to be able to support the teachers in a way that they’re not able to get from public funds and allow them to do things with our students that normally wouldn’t happen,” Owen said.

Over the past year, the foundation has also started awarding student scholarships.

“Our original purpose was to help fund these teacher projects.

The next thing was, how can we recognize some of our students that are doing exceptional work, and so we decided to give some scholarships. Last year, we gave $3,000, three $1,000 scholarships. This year, we gave 15, five $1,000 and 10 $500, and we were very excited to be able to do that,” she said.

Individuals and businesses who want to donate can do so on the foundation’s page. It can be accessed at www.sfdr-cisd.org/ community/education-foundation/ •

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Ruben Chavira Elementary Counselor Debbie Escamilla sits upon the “buddy bench” a project well received by students, staff and parents.

Buddy Bench Story and photo by ATZIMBA MORALES

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he SFDRCISD Education Foundation continues to fund more education projects each year and to watch these projects not only benefit students but the overall community.

Debbie Escamilla is one of the many recipients of education foundation funds and used them to establish a “buddy bench” at Ruben Chavira Elementary. Escamilla initially came up with the idea in the 2015-2016 school year.

At the time she had just begun her position as a school counselor at Ruben Chavira and wondered what she could bring to the campus that would make a difference. After searching through various blogs targeted specifically for school counselors, Escamilla came upon the story of Christian and the buddy bench.

“It (the buddy bench) actually originated from Germany. It was brought to the U.S. by a student in Pennsylvania, Christian, and he implored his principal to bring it in,” Escamilla said.

She added Christian did not want his

Escamilla added it’s a group effort because the classmates to be lonely on the playground. Christian’s teachers also help out. story inspired Escamilla to add a bench at Ruben “Teachers that are out on the playground watch Chavira. everything that happens. So when they see a child has The bench is a simple idea and is meant to eliminate not come to help out, then one of them will step in and the feeling of loneliness and to foster friendships. help the student,” Escamilla said.

Escamilla reached out for school funds to place the There’s one important rule a child must follow bench on campus and then discovered the education when sitting on the buddy bench: say yes. Escamilla foundation. At first, Escamilla said she was nervous explained the rule encourages those sitting on the applying for funds from the education foundation, buddy bench to accept any invitation. because she thought the funds were only for San Word of the buddy bench has floated around the Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School school district, and other elementary schools now District teachers. want to establish their own benches. When asked “What I read was that (the education foundation about this, Escamilla smiled and added the North fund) was a teaching grant. I was thinking, ‘Does Heights counselor already approached her with this fall under the counseling portion?’ but I also do questions. instruction in the classroom,” “It’s useful for the students.

Escamilla said.

There’s some that are new to That did not stop her from Children can sit on the school, their best friend is trying. Instead, she filled out the the buddy bench gone or absent for the day, and application form, prepared her when they are feeling they don’t have anybody to play presentation and was awarded lonely and if another with,” Escamilla said. the funds in the fall of 2015.

The bench has been received Now the bench is a student sees the child, positively by Ruben Chavira recognizable fixture on the they are encouraged staff and parents. “There’s a lot school playground. Escamilla to approach and ask more caring and empathy with made sure the bench had a them to play. these students,” Escamilla said. permanent way for students to Escamilla added there has identify it: Its name is etched been a decline in emotional into the backrest. issues with the students and Escamilla added Ruben referrals. Bullying has also declined with the addition Chavira staff were excited to add the bench onto the of the buddy bench, she said. campus playground.

Empathy and caring are some skills deemed During the first two weeks of school, Escamilla said especially important to the younger students on she introduces herself to the students and explains campus. “With the kinder, first and second graders, the purpose of the buddy bench. “I do a presentation we’re still helping them with their social skills,” with our (Ruben Chavira) kindergartners, first and Escamilla said. second graders, but not with the third through fifth The incoming Ruben Chavira fifth graders were the graders,” Escamilla said. group introduced to the buddy bench and grew up She explained the concept of the bench is simple for with it. children to understand.

A few parents have stopped by the campus and Children can sit on the buddy bench when they are shared their excitement about the bench to the staff. feeling lonely or don’t have anybody to talk to and if Escamilla said she is grateful for the funds she another student sees the child, they are encouraged to received from the education foundation; it allowed approach and ask them to play. her to organize her ideas, to prepare the plan and to “If there are two students on the bench, they can watch the buddy bench grow into an important piece talk to each other and invite each other to play,” on her campus. • Escamilla said.

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Young

Entrepreneurs Story and photos by ATZIMBA MORALES

Members of last year’s Young Entrepreneurs eagerly wear their club shirts.

A

group of teachers were able to establish a club with funds from the SFDRCISD Education Foundation. This club teaches students skills any entrepreneur needs in their career, but it also gives the students an opportunity to explore beyond their city.

Almost three years ago a former Dr. Fermin Calderon Elementary teacher came up with the idea for Young Entrepreneurs, according to Dr. Fermin Calderon Art Teacher Erica Hernandez.

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GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

“She (the teacher) wanted for these kids to learn how to be leaders and incorporate math, reading, writing and art skills,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez got involved and helped the students make creative stuff they could sell.

Calderon students interested in joining the club have to go through an application process before they are accepted.

“In order for us to get our group, we did applications

Clockwise: Paper-mache pencil piggy banks, coasters and bracelets are some of the items Young Entrepreneurs created with their own items and ideas.

GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

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Ruben Chavira Elementary Kindergarten Teacher Yasmine Zuniga and Art Teacher Erica Hernandez prepare for this year’s incoming Young Entrepreneurs.

(for the students) to tell us what they like about art, they had to research the meaning of the word ‘entrepreneur’ and there were other questions they had to fill out,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez added they had about 50 applications within their first year. Last year they received 120 applications.

Out of those 120 applications, they only took in 25 to 30 students. The club is designed for third, fourth and fifth graders.

Hernandez explained some lessons within the club are implicit, lacking in direct explanation, and are easier for the bigger kids to understand. Dr. Fermin Calderon Elementary Kindergarten Teacher Yasmine Zuniga added children between kindergarten to second grade require more explicit lessons.

Zuniga recently joined Young Entrepreneurs and

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looks forward to contributing next year.

Zuniga helps monitor and develop the students’ ideas. She was also in charge of finding events where Young Entrepreneurs could participate and showcase their items.

Some of the items the entrepreneurs have made include bracelets, coasters, paper-mache piggy banks designed as pencils, t-shirts and ornaments.

“The outcome was amazing. They would even take it home (to work on),” Hernandez said. She added she would tell the students they could continue to work on their items the following week but the students would insist on taking it home.

Hernandez added parents have been super grateful about the program. “As you know, Calderon has some of the low income kids,” Hernandez said.

This past school year Young Entrepreneurs were

Young Entrepreneurs present their items at various events to the public throughout the school year.

able to go on a field trip. This trip was an important moment for parents and students because for some of the students this would be their first time out of Del Rio. “For instance, we had a little girl and we passed Uvalde and she said, ‘This is the farthest I’ve been,’” Hernandez said.

Parents thanked the teachers for giving their children the opportunity to see things they are not able to provide.

Just like any other teacher applying for an education foundation grant, Hernandez and Zuniga were just as nervous. They were excited about the idea and after sending the application was a matter of waiting.

“Even if we didn’t get it (at the time), we still would’ve tried to do it with fundraisers,” Hernandez said.

The teachers are thankful the education foundation awarded them a grant and believed in their idea. There

is a sense of pride within the students when they receive their shirt and the teachers enjoy seeing them shine in their success.

Teachers from other San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District campuses have approached Hernandez and Zuniga with compliments about the program. So far no one has approached the women in regards of implementing the idea at another campus.

Young Entrepreneurs teaches students how to make and sell their merchandise, but there are also unspoken lessons the students take away with them when they head off to middle school.

Some of those lessons include responsibility, respect, language skills, social skills, pride in making something out of nothing and watching their own progress throughout the journey. •

GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

21

Lamar Habitat innovator Belinda Hernandez, left, and a group of Lamar Elementary students harvest potatoes grown in the habitat.

EVERYTHING’S CONNECTED L Life lessons from the Lamar Habitat Story by KAREN GLEASON; photos contributed by BELINDA HERNANDEZ

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amar Elementary School’s Habitat gives students the opportunity to study math, science, biology and a variety of other disciplines, but it also imparts lessons that may be even more valuable: concepts like the interconnectedness of all life.

The habitat/ecosystem/garden is tucked into an interior courtyard of the school. The living classroom is the brainchild of second-grade teacher Belinda Hernandez, a Del Rio native.

“I’m originally from here, but I moved away to Houston and was working in an Angleton school for the special education department, and we had a wildlife habitat there, and when I came back here I thought, ‘Well, if they can do it there, we can do it here,” Hernandez said.

“It’s been a very engaging program that teaches not only science, but leadership, ownership, and I think it leads the kids to ask questions and understand their connection to nature, to where they’re more aware that they not only can enjoy the environment, but that they

have to protect it as well.

“So those are some of the things that we stress and also the welcoming of parents, the community.

Anybody can be part of our program, of course, within the school’s guidelines, but it can be a mom, a grandma, anyone. Everyone in our community has value and is welcome,” Hernandez said.

The Lamar Habitat is open to any student in any grade at Lamar Elementary School.

In the spring, Hernandez said, every teacher in the district is giving a set of lessons to teach students about planting, learning how plants grow, the parts of a seed.

“So what a lot of the teachers do is they’ll take their students out and plant things. I have three planting beds and those are designated for kinder, first and second,” she said.

Students in those grades lay out the plants beds, and Hernandez said she tries to incorporate lessons into every aspect of creating the garden

“Before the planting even begins, they go out with yardsticks and rulers and string,” she said. “They get to the understanding that there are certain tools for certain jobs. It’s problem-solving, and we try to incorporate a little bit of everything.”

The habitat serves as a year-round classroom at the school.

“It can be a teacher taking her class out on a sunny day and putting down a blanket and reading to her kids. It could be an introduction to science, how observation is essential to science and they need to learn to observe. So the teacher sends her first-graders out with a piece of paper, a pencil and a magnifying glass, so they’ll go out there and ask, ‘What can I see?’

And the fifth-graders can do the same thing, but at a different level. They could look for invasive species, ask if one plant taking over a certain area and ask why it is thriving. It can be used at any grade level, on a daily basis,” Hernandez said.

Retiring Lamar janitor Sotero Chávez shows off a cabbage grown in the Lamar Elementary Habitat.

With him are Lamar students Juan and Carlos, no last names available.

GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

23

Lamar Elementary Principal Maryvel Flores, in sunglasses, stands with a group of Lamar students before a morning of work in the school’s habitat and garden.

Nora Padilla, of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, speaks to a group of Lamar students about environmental balance during an outing along the San Felipe Creek.

The habitat includes three trees, including two oaks.

Hernandez said she found three massive planters formerly used by the city at the landfill, and the city agreed to donate them for the project.

The habitat also includes a pond, which is down at the moment because it needs a new filtration system.

There is a composting area donated by Sutherlands.

“We have a side where everything decomposes, and in the other side, we put down plastics and Styrofoam, so they can see what impact throwing that straw in the river will have and how long it takes to decompose,” Hernandez said.

Another aspect of the habitat is a new rain-harvesting station that includes an old-fashioned water pump to allow students to draw water for the plants in the garden.

In the center of the habitat is a small patio with a table and chairs and a sunshade. This area is often used by teachers, who sometimes have lunch there.

Hernandez said the habitat also includes a weather station and a windmill and includes a rain gauge, thermometer and an anenometer.

Hernandez said the habitat also has a butterfly garden that includes flowering plants to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

“The kids hear words like pollination, but they don’t know what it means. This way they don’t just see it in a video, they can experience it in real life. Why do we need bees? Why should we not kill every bee we see?

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Lamar students paint cinder blocks to create planting beds in the school’s habitat.

How does it all interconnect?” she said.

There is also a birdbath and a bird feeding station.

In an alcove are the three planting beds.

“We’ve grown cabbages, potatoes, watermelons, peanuts,” Hernandez said.

“I think the habitat connects everything together for them.

You can read out there. You can write a poem. You can get inspiration. You can learn how things grow and change and write about them,” Hernandez said.

The SFDRCISD Education Foundation was one of the initial sponsors of the Lamar Habitat project.

“Just the opportunity to be able to apply for these funds to get us started was wonderful. I knew the program would have to become independent eventually, but to have the opportunity to get the funds to go buy the plants we needed, to buy tools for the gardening, fertilizer, everything else, that’s not within our regular school budget, so they really gave me the opportunity to bring this idea to life,” she said.

“So much of our world is technology, but in order to be successful, our children have to know technology, yes, but these also have to have certain values, and by giving us the chance to apply for that grant, we were able to start the program. If it hadn’t been for the foundation, I would have had to do this project mostly out of my own pocket,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez said she received several $3,000 grants for the habitat from the foundation over the course of several school

years.

“The fact that this group exists in the community and they were willing to look at teachers and know that we are able to teach more than just reading and writing, that we have ideas on how our children can learn by doing things beyond the classroom and learn ethics and ownership and responsibility, that’s wonderful,” she said.

“It gave us the opportunity to start something great. It gave us the opportunity to commit ourselves to doing something for the school that didn’t have to come from our own pockets,” she said.

Hernandez said the work begun through the habitat also has evolved.

“From the habitat, we started a Pony Ranger Club. These are kids from third through fifth grade, and they become leaders of the habitat. We’ll come in on certain days and have work days.

They do the watering and the maintaining. When we had our ribbon-cutting, they each ran a station and explained to visitors what its purpose was,” Hernandez said.

What does she hope having the habitat will accomplish?

“I think that we’ve offered the kids an opportunity to see the value, to make connections to the world, to learn ownership, to have pride in something they’ve done, and to know that everyone is valuable, from our janitor, to their grandmas, to our principal,” Hernandez said.

“Kids just need experiences, opportunities that will help them succeed,” she added. •

GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

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Oatmeal

Breakfast Smoothie Recipe and photo by XOCHITL ARTEAGA

I

t’s back to school time and a healthy oatmeal smoothie is just perfect for busy mornings before school. Making sure my kids eat a healthy breakfast is always a challenge on school mornings. There is not much time to cook, and with this oatmeal smoothie, I can make sure my kids can eat a balance of carbohydrates and protein to fuel them through the morning.

This oatmeal breakfast smoothie is a great choice because it is a good mix of whole grains, fiber and protein. Oats are also a great way to add fiber to smoothies without adding a lot of calories. Plus, they add texture and thickness.

I like to add frozen mango to smoothies because it blends up nice and creamy. A little bit of banana adds sweetness. I also make this smoothie with frozen strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. My little Valentina loves berries, so they are a must. For the milk I use unsweetened almond milk.

Ingredients • 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats uncooked • 1/2 medium banana (frozen optional) • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt • 3/4 cup frozen mango • 3/4 cup frozen strawberries • 3/4 cup frozen blueberries • 3/4 raspberries • 3/4 cup of milk – may be dairy, almond, soy, etc.

• Ice - optional

Method Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Have a happy return to school!!

GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

35

Apple Rabbits Recipe and photo by ATZIMBA MORALES

T

his snack is easy to do in a hurry and a great way to start off the school year. The first time I saw it, I was impressed by the simplicity of the recipe and just had to try to make it on my own. Any lunch box can have sliced fruit or vegetables, but the design will make it stand out from the others.

Ingredients • 1 apple (color of your choosing) • Bowl • Warm water • 2 tsp salt

Method Wash your apple and inspect for any bruises.

Bruises will make the inside of the apple have brown spots and will take away from the final presentation.

the apple. The top point of the triangle needs to be placed in the middle of the skin. The knife should cut past the skin with enough space to lift it up later.

Fill a bowl half way with warm water. Sprinkle the salt into the water. This will be used later.

Remove the triangle cut.

Use an apple slicer to cut the apple and remove the core. This will provide even slices.

Choose how many slices you will be using and put the remainder in the bowl.

Use a knife to cut a triangle onto the skin of

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Using the same knife, cut slightly below the skin of the apple and go all the way to the middle. This will lift up the skin and make it look like rabbit ears.

Repeat the process until you have enough rabbits to fill up a lunchbox.

GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

37

Back To School Fair A

fter 12 years, and more than 36,000 people helped, there seems to be no sign of slowing down for one of the longest-running, and largest, community events in Del Rio. For about four weeks each summer, the Southwest Texas Regional Back to School Fair helps families in counties around the area not only get ready to go back to school, but with services and information that has proved beneficial for entire families.

This year, the fair will serve nine towns including La Pryor, Batesville, Rocksprings, Nueces Canyon, Brackettville, Sabinal, Quemado, Carrizo Springs and Del Rio. The Del Rio fair will be held Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Del Rio Civic Center.

Hector Guerra, one of the fair’s co-founders, said the idea for the event came from an assessment he conducted in 2006 as part of his work with the state’s health and human resources program.

“

The purpose of this fair has always been to educate families.

“

“We began by doing small events for groups in the colonias, but we soon found families in need from this whole region. At the time, there was nothing of this size that served as a one-stop deal for kids as well as the whole family,” Guerra said.

Guerra initially met with officials from the San Felipe Del Rio CISD, Brackett ISD and Eagle Pass ISD. The first Del Rio fair was held in August 2007 at Del Rio High School.

“I thought we would get about 400 to 500 people max. We exceeded that number by at least three times.

The next year we had 2,000 people take part,” Guerra said.

That next year, Guerra approached city leaders and was able to secure use of the Del Rio Civic Center, and that’s where the fair has been held ever since.

“Technically, this event is bigger than the Feast of

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Hundreds of people line up outside Del Rio High School ahead of the first Back to School Health Fair in 2007. About 300 to 400 people were expected, but more than 1,000 attended the one-day event.

Story by BRIAN ARGABRIGHT; Photos courtesy Hector Guerra and Del Rio News Herald file photos.

WIC Director Luz Covarrubias helps event attendees gather necessary school supplies for the 20182019 school year.

Sharing since we fill both sides of the civic center as well as the smaller rooms at the civic center,” Guerra said.

Though the phrase “back to school” appears in the title of the event, Guerra explained that the services provided are for everyone – from the youngest members of the family to the oldest. He said it’s a way to reach out and aid more people at one time, especially those who need help the most.

“The purpose of this fair has always been to educate families. We’re providing information to folks and helping put them in touch with services they’re eligible for,” Guerra said. “Some of the services that the vendors, or friends, as we call them, have provided include free sports physicals,

medical services, oral services, school supplies, employment opportunities, transportation resources and infrastructure aid. Everything at the fair is free.”

Planning for the fair typically begins in October or November, and the first meetings with agencies and vendors begins in January or February.

Guerra said he has a core group of eight to 10 volunteers who help to organize this event, which in the past has drawn about 70 different agencies.

“We typically have representatives from the health department, clinics, social service, mental health, home health providers, insurance companies, health and human services, state services such as SNAP, food banks, rehabilitative

GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

39

services, United Medical Center, Val Verde Regional Medical Center, Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services and more. We even have J’s Barber and Beauty Shop there providing free haircuts for the kids.

From newborns to the elderly, it’s for the whole family,” Guerra said.

The event runs on donations from private entities, such as businesses and private citizens. One of the biggest donation drives the fair utilizes is Buck$ for Back Pack$, which was held July 6 in the parking lot of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Guerra explained the monies collected at that drive would be used to purchase backpacks which will then be donated to youth at the health fair.

“We want those students to be prepared and not worrying about what they need in terms of backpacks to go back to school. We have faithbased organizations providing school supplies, but we provide the backpacks, and we purchase those through donations,” Guerra said.

“It’s very rewarding to see when a kid receives a backpack of supplies.”

“We definitely need the community to come together for this as they do for

These are just some of the nearly 3,000 people and vendors that took part in the Southwest Texas Regional Back to School Health Fair at the Del Rio Civic Center. The fair will celebrate its 12th year of providing free services, supplies and information to attendees in Del Rio. Del Rio is one of nine towns that will host a back to school health fair as part of this group.

Families with family members of all ages filled Del Rio High School in 2007 for the first Back to School Health Fair. The event has since been renamed the Southwest Texas Regional Back to School Health Fair.

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all the other things that go on here. This is for our kids; this is for our future. We need our kids to go back to school and do their best and not worry that they don’t have what they need to succeed,” Guerra added.

Guerra said he has seen the fair grow from fewer to 2,000 people served to its largest turnout of 3,200. He said on average, the fair draws between 2,600 to 3,000 each year.

Though the fair doesn’t officially open until 10 a.m., Guerra said it’s not unusual for people to show up two hours before the doors open.

Sometimes, Guerra said, people will line up around 7 or 7:30 a.m. He said even though the response is always large, people still have to follow the rules to get a backpack. Attendees receive a form that they need to take around to a specific number of agencies and have signed before they can even get in line for backpack. That shows they have taken the time to visit the vendors and learn about the services being offered.

Jimmy Olivarez, barber at J’s Beauty and Barbershop, gives Nicolas Montano a back-toschool haircut.

This mobile health laboratory from the University of Texas at San Antonio helps provide screenings and other medical services as part of the annual Southwest Texas Regional Back to School Health Fair. While many of the same agencies participate each year, there are also different agencies that take part in different years.

In the past there have been some concerns as to whether or not the fair is reaching the right people, or whether there’s no oversight as to who exactly is receiving the backpacks. Guerra said people need to understand that the bottom line is the fair is there to help.

“If you feel a person is in need, do you ask them for information, or do you help them?

Nothing is 100 percent, but we’re there helping those who deserve it. When someone asks me if we’re helping Del Rioans or people from Mexico or wherever, I always ask them if they’ve ever volunteered or if they’ve helped someone like a neighbor or a family member or if anyone has ever helped them. I try to offer them a different perspective to their question, and for those who are actually listening to what you tell them, a high percentage of them will understand,” Guerra said. “All the people we help are human beings.” •

Lupita De La Paz and Candace Lee share information about soft drink sugar content with Nicole Torres, who entered the fourth grade in August 2018.

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Robert

Norton Editor’s Note: I’ve known Robert Norton since he was a patrol deputy with the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office, where his courage and intelligence, not to mention the humility of a true servant, made him a standout. I have watched with admiration as he continued to reinvent himself and his role in the community, first as a member of our city fire department, then as a teacher in our public school district. I was not surprised at all when we learned that he had been named the 2019 Secondary Teacher of the Year for the school district, and even less when I learned he has been promoted to the position of assistant principal for Buena Vista Elementary School. Shine on, Robert!

Tell me a little bit about what you do:

“This is typically how I dress when I’m going into the classroom to teach.”

CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL

Story and photos by KAREN GLEASON

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“I started off with the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District five years ago, teaching seventh grade English language arts (ELA) for a year, then eighth grade ELA for four years. The majority of my students are English as a second language students.

“I credit working at the sheriff’s office with teaching me a lot of emotional maturity. I had a lot of good influences out there that I was able to pull from, and they always encouraged me to keep growing.

“I decided to go to the fire department so I could have more time with my wife, Christina, and our four children, Matthew, 13; Kathryn, 11; Joshua, 8; and Andrew, 5; and I left the fire department after five years for the school district for the same reason, to spend more time with my family. I love being a better father to my kids, and I love to serve.” •

“

“

I’d wear this to a backyard barbecue.

“This is the helmet I had when I was at the fire department. I loved working there. It really is a brotherhood.”

“This is the ‘rig’ I wore when I was a sheriff’s deputy.

I had the belt made in Uvalde. I worked for the sheriff’s office for eight years full-time and two years part-time.”

“My mother’s grandfather, Anastacio Boteo, gave me this family Bible in 1987, when I was eight years old. It’s one of those things that’s very near and dear to me.”

“This is one of the belt buckles my grandfather collected. He always had a thing for them, and he had a huge collection, and he left them to me. The first year after he died, I wore them one at a time; one every day.”

“These are the badges I wore when I worked for the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office. It’s my name plate, the badge I wore when I hired on as a dispatcher, one I wore as a patrol deputy.

The other badges are from when I was promoted to sergeant and then lieutenant when I helped establish and run the sheriff’s office academy. The sheriff’s office is really where I grew up.”

GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

45

“I would wear this to a social gathering, a pool party or a barbecue; I’ve even worn it to church. I bought it at a ‘hideaway’ boutique in San Antonio called Montage.”

Mayra Alvarado Lopez

CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL Story and photos by KAREN GLEASON

“My mom Veronica Alvarado gave me this ring eons ago. In life, you go through seasons, but no matter what kind of season I’m going through, I feel like I can rub on this ring, and it’s all going to get better.”

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Editor’s Note: I didn’t know Mayra Alvarado Lopez before I met her for our interview. By the time I left, she was a friend. Lopez, who was named the 2018-2019 Elementary Teacher of the Year for the local public school district, is one of those rare and precious souls who immediately puts everyone around her at ease, so her choice of careers should come as no surprise. Over delicious, homemade muffins, Lopez explained to me some of the ins and outs of dealing with her autistic pupils.

She also seems a creative, fun-loving and deeply caring wife and mother. We’re all richer because she is part of our community.

“My husband gave me this for my birthday. Because he works out of town in the oilfield, he wanted me to have something to symbolize our love for each other and our love for God.”

Tell me a little bit about what you do: “I absolutely love what I do. I’m a special needs teacher, and I work in the autism unit. I have been an educator going on 20 years now, and I’ve worked in special needs for about 10 of those years. . . I’ve primarily worked with autism, and when I came back to Del Rio from Arizona, they said that’s where I needed to be.

“I think what I like best about teaching is the unexpected, especially with the population I work with. No day ever repeats itself. . . This past year I had six kiddos, five boys and a girl, and I have to tell you. I absolutely love working with autistic kids because they are the most honest creatures on the face of the planet. They are real, they keep you humble, and you learn something from them every day.” •

“This is something I’d wear while going antiquing with my friends.”

“A really good friend of mine from church, Connie Hoke, surprised us and made this quilt for us. It’s so pretty, and it’s one of a kind. We took it with us when we went to New Orleans on our honeymoon. It’s so phenomenal.”

“My daughter Sarah Gerosa gave me this bracelet this past Mother’s Day, and she’s actually the original rock in my life, because she’s the one that made me a mom. I absolutely love the woman she’s grown to be.”

“I love wearing interesting t-shirts, especially ones with sayings on them.”

“This past April, which is Autism Awareness Month, I was completely excited to showcase our sensory room and our sensory garden at our campus . . . My assistant principal Mona Casillas walked into my classroom one day and said she saw this bracelet and thought of me. I wear it whenever I can.”

“I can’t wear really strong fragrances in the classroom, so this Hello Beautiful fine fragrance mist from Bath and Body Works is perfect.”

GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

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A GRANDE LIFE

Hector Garcia Story by ANTONIO MORALES; photo by KAREN GLEASON

F

or nearly four decades, Hector Garcia devoted his life to educating and molding young minds within the San Felipe Del Rio CISD. Now, the dedicated teacher returns to the classroom to help a new generation of students.

Garcia’s life began in Mexico. His father, Pedro Garcia, left the family to come to the United States in search of a better life. With help from the Whitehead family, Garcia was able to become a U.S. citizen. He then returned to Mexico to help do the same for his children, which included Hector as well as his brothers and sisters. In 1972, Hector Garcia arrived in Del Rio not knowing a single word of English.

“I moved to Del Rio with nothing and learned English with the help of the Spalding Phonics Program,” Garcia said.

Garcia and his family moved to Plymouth, Ohio, in 1974, and in 1978 Garcia graduated from Willard High School in Willard, Ohio. Longing to return to Texas, Garcia enrolled at Sul Ross State University, and in 1983 he graduated with a bachelor’s degree.

“I had to walk to college and back every day because I didn’t have the money for transportation at the time,” Garcia said.

The 1980s were full of life-changing events for Garcia.

He began working at Garfield Elementary School in 1983, then two years later he married Maria De La Luz. The two have been together ever since and have raised two children, Eduardo Garcia, 28; and Arianna Navarro, 32.

But his other love has been education.

“I started teaching first grade in 1983. I would get up early every morning to set up my classroom an hour before class. I was there for seven years then promoted to second grade for two years, and in 1992 I became a Gifted and Talented (GT) teacher for 20 years,” Garcia said.

After a brief stint at North Heights Elementary, Garcia returned to Garfield. It’s where he would spend the remainder of his 36 years of teaching.

“That was my home so I moved back to Garfield and became a fifth grade teacher, then fourth grade, had GT again for one year and a third grade class this school year,” Garcia said.

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Garcia brought a unique passion to his work. Every Friday morning, he would set up a sound system to play music to get the kids and parents who accompanied their children to class energized. As the years passed, Garfield relied on him more for special programs.

“I would get everybody to sit on the floor, and I would lead the singing; we would sing and I would wear costumes to entertain them at times,” Hector said.

Garcia said he was inspired to become a teacher through the work of one of his high school instructors, Roberta Krabill. He’s done his best to pass that love of teaching forward, especially within his own family as both Eduardo and Arianna have studied to become teachers as well.

“Our job as teachers is to help our students with their learning and their experience at school,” Garcia said.

Despite retiring from the San Felipe Del Rio CISD following this past school year, Garcia’s love of education hasn’t waned. In the fall, he plans to return to the classroom, this time at St. James Episcopal School. He recently earned bilingual certification and will be helping students whose native language is not English.

“I want the kids to be happy, and I want them to like coming to school,” Garcia said.

Looking back on his career, Garcia credits his health and his faith as the driving factors that allowed him to be an educator for so long. Of course, he also knows just what current Hector would say to the fresh-faced Hector who was just starting his teaching career in 1983.

“In the 36 years that I have been teaching I have never gotten sick. I am a very healthy man for being 60 years old. I eat healthy and walk in the morning,” Garcia said.

“I give credit to God because he has blessed me in many ways; I have a beautiful home and a loving family. I see God in everything, and I take it as him telling me to enjoy life.

“I like to sing Christian songs and some people may criticize me because I like to dance while I sing, but I know what I am singing, and God likes me to sing. My favorite song is ‘Way Maker’ in Spanish,” Garcia added.

“Of course, if I could give my past self any advice, it would simply be, ‘You are going to need a lot of patience, Hector.’” •

GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

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GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

51

THE MIND-BODY BALANCE:

Getting Kids Ready for School and Life

Story by ELIZABETH ROCKEY/ Val Verde Regional Medical Center Marketing Coordinator

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B

ack-to-school time is a great time to make some positive changes for you, your kids and the whole family. Adopting a few healthy habits for both the mind and the body can make a big difference. Balancing exercise/play time and study time can lead to success in school and in life.

Add a healthy diet and your child will have what they need to achieve and maintain balance.

PLAY & EXERCISE Physical play time is essential for kids of all ages and adults too!

An hour a day is the suggested amount (Harvard Health). School budgets are tight which means more resources might be focused on academics and less time on physical activities, music and art.

This means your child may not be getting as much play time at school as you think. So, go to the park or take a swim at the lake.

It’s a great time to get some exercise and bond as a family.

FOOD & NUTRITION The Mayo Clinic suggests the following nutrition guidelines for kids: Look for proteins low in fat and salt. A variety of fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruit daily. Vegetables in a variety of colors – dark green, orange and red should be consumed every day.

Dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese should be low fat or fat free. Whole grains like oatmeal, popcorn and brown rice are the best choices. Limit added sugar, fruit juice and any food with partially hydrogenated oil on the ingredient label.

Our local schools have been taking steps towards healthier meals. Check school lunch menus to see if they meet your needs. If not, send your child to school with a lunch from home.

Making lunches the night before can be a fun experience for kids and makes the morning easier.

IMMUNIZATIONS & CHECK-UPS Back to school time is also a great time for a physical. Yearly physicals help detect health problems BEFORE they become serious, keep your child up-to-date on immunizations, track development and help you build a relationship with your child’s healthcare provider. All important ways to help your kiddo stay healthy for life.

There’s a lot of information in the news lately about immunizations. The truth is, they can save your child’s life. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your child’s healthcare provider.

Studying and learning are also very important aspects of your child’s life. As a parent, you can support mind health hand-inhand with body health. There are a few areas where parents can be a positive influence.

HOMEWORK HELP CAN LEAD TO SO MUCH MORE Set apart some time every day to help your child with their homework or read with younger kids. With technology at our fingertips, you can be involved with your child’s school work through your phone or computer. Keeping informed about what your child is learning at school can help you help them. Aside from the obvious aspects of an adult helping with homework, this can also be a bonding experience and a chance for your child to communicate with you. Keeping the lines of communication open with your child and expressing a sincere interest in what they are saying can support healthy choices in adolescence and teenage years

KIDS AND ELECTRONICS Limit screen time whether it is gaming, social networking or watching TV. Your child should spend as much time in play/ exercise as they do in front of a screen. Monitor their use and be sure you know what they are seeing on those screens. There are a lot of predators on the internet who are very skilled at convincing youth to provide information which can lead to them putting themselves in dangerous situations.

After-school activities cans help limit screen time. Whether it is sports, dance, art or music, kids who are involved in supervised activities are far more likely to make healthy life choices.

BEING INVOLVED

SLEEP

Being involved is the very best thing you can do for your child.

Know what is going on with your child physically and mentally by keeping the lines of communication open. Make sure they get out and play, eat nutritious foods, get enough rest and limit their screen time. All the ingredients to help provide a great balance for future health and success.

Getting enough sleep is essential for good health. In fact, according to WebMD, kids 3 to 6 years in age need 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night, 7 to 12 year olds require 10 to 11 hours and tweens and teens need 8 to 9 hours. Do your best to be sure your child gets the appropriate amount of sleep.

Val Verde Regional Medical Center (VVRMC) Pediatric Clinic: 830-282-6020 VVRMC Medical Nutrition Therapy: 830-778-3652 VVRMC Pediatric Mental Health Counseling: 830-282-0855

GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

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Last Look

It’s the dog days of August, but for many of us it’s also time to get ready to go back to school.

The annual tradition of convincing kids to change their bed times, teachers and administrators psyching themselves up for another several months of important work, and parents becoming emotional at the thought of another education milestone passed

will soon be upon us.

In this issue of Del Rio Grande, we looked at the annual Southwest Regional Back to School Health Fair, which has been helping families for more than a decade; we discussed the importance of the SFDRCISD Education Foundation, which has been helping local educators fulfill their classroom wishes for several years now; and our writers talked to several local educators, including the reigning San Felipe Del Rio CISD Teachers of the Year – Robert Norton and Mayra Lopez.

When I first ventured out into the world after high school, my goal was to become a teacher. I went to Sul Ross State University in Alpine to become a history teacher. Several years later, I realized that maybe teaching wasn’t for me, and I steered my ship to the world of journalism, which had also been a part of my life since I was a senior at Del Rio High.

Those folks who decide to become teachers have my utmost respect because it’s one of those jobs that while you hope to mold and shape young minds, the amount of paperwork and complaints from people who aren’t teachers can make it a job not worth the headaches.

However, we have a lot of great teachers in our community, and we here at Del Rio Grande wish them and all the students headed back to school this month the best of luck as they take on the 2019-2020 school year.

As we bring our August issue to a close, we thank everyone who helped make this issue a success. We can’t do it without the wonderful support of the community and the ideas we hear from not only the staff here, but from our amazing readers.

Stay tuned to our official Facebook page – facebook.com/ derionewsherald – for information regarding our next issue and how you can be a part of it. No hints just yet, but we think you’ll really enjoy it.

Thanks for reading!

BRIAN Grande Writer/Photographer

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Clockwise from top: Grande contributor Antonio Morales, left; and Grande editor Karen Gleason, center; interview Del Rio teacher Hector Garcia.

Lovely Ortiz applies makeup to Del Rio High School student Emmalee Diaz at the start of the August fashion shoot.

Grande editor Karen Gleason, right, takes teacher Hector Garcia’s photo while Grande writer/photographer Atzimba Morales looks on.

Grande editor Karen Gleason, left, speaks to San Felipe Del Rio CISD Secondary Teacher of the Year Robert Norton.

Grande writer/photographer Atzimba Morales, foreground, prepares to record a video for the magazine’s online edition as Grande editor Karen Gleason looks on.

Contributing photographer Diana Vela, foreground, shoots DRHS students, from left, Luis Angel Arteaga, Dylan Casas and Taylor Polanco.

GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

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Back to School!

We know you have a busy back-toschool check list:

_____ New clothes _____ School Supplies _____ Wellness Check

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

830.282.6020

But don’t forget a wellness check!

Regular check-ups and immunizations help to ensure normal development, healthy growth, and protection from preventative disease. Healthy kids grow up to be healthy adults. Help your child gain a lifetime of great health with regular wellness checks.

Schedule an appointment TODAY! 56

GRANDE / AUGUST 2019

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