Volume 24 • Issue 2
February 17, 2021
Page 2 • LIONS ROAR
February 17, 2021 November 25, 2020
Shout-Out to our wonderful School Counselor’s! We appreciate all you
Counselor Ermelinda Cavazos
Counselor Norma Becerra
Counselor Veronica Gonzalez
February 17, November 25,2021 2020
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Microeconomics The AP Macroeconomics students have been excited to start their new semester. Despite the struggles of online learning and constant screen time, the seniors have been tackling their second semester with renewed vigor after the Christmas break. They have enjoyed the various activities, such as being able to graph outside with sidewalk chalk. Ismena Alvarez stated, “It was nice to take a break from our regular lessons and be able to learn still using another format. Using the sidewalk chalk made my day and had me reminiscing about my elementary years.” Mrs. Gutierrez, the AP Economics teacher, stated, I like finding alternative interactive ways to conduct my lessons, and a bonus is the students don’t even realize they are working.”
La Feria High School AP Microeconomics Class
La Feria High School Backpack Giveaway
La Feria High School donated 112 duffle bags to the Rainbow Room in Harlingen which benefits foster children of Cameron County. This was for a state project “Reset A Child’s Life” for Texas Association of Student Council. At La Feria High School, we believe children deserve to have everything they need to learn and grow.
Lions Basketball Rolls On
Despite all the obstacles of the school year, high school sports have been continuing. The La Feria Lions 2020-2021 basketball season has been adjusted by life during a pandemic. A late start to the season, a condensed schedule, and the cancelling of the C.E. Vail Tournament, the oldest high school basketball tournament in Texas, have been only some of the obstacles that the team has endured this year. There is no way to change what can’t be controlled. But this year’s team has played through each and every setback. At the end of the season, when you look back at everything that has happened, the best way to describe this team will be “The team that never gave up!” Roll Pride!!!
February 17, 2021 November 25, 2020
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LA FERIA HIGH SCHOOL
POWERLIFTING
The Lions and Lionettes Powerlifting Are off to a strong start despite the challenges of a delayed start to the season. Despite a very different atmosphere this season the Lions and Lionettes are working hard. Over the last weekend of January the The La Feria Powerlifting team competed at the Bearkat Powerlifting Invitational in Raymondville. Every Lion and Lionette that competed earned a Medal. Congratulations to both teams for a great meet and to the following student-athletes for placing! Girls: 105 div. Emily Avila - 2nd place 105 div. Eneece Avila - 3rd place 123 div. Galilea Rodriguez - 1st place 165 div. Cassandra Villarreal - 2nd place 181 div. Victoria Alejandre - 1st place 181 div. Sydney Frausto - 2nd place 198 div. Gabriella Alejandre - 1st place Boys: 181 div. Travis Menchaca - 1st place 181 div. Evan Sanchez - 2nd place 198 div. Caleb Martinez - 2nd place 220 div. Orlando Morales - 1st place 275 div. Antonio Marroquin - 2nd place. SHW div. Triston Garza - 2nd place
LFHS Track & Field Team La Feria High Schools Boys Track and Field team has a record of being one of the best programs in District 32 boys certainly have the tenacity to work hard and earn an eighth district title," said Coach Sanchez. The Lions will open this year's 2021 season with the Albert Tijerina Relays in Raymondville. They will have notable Sophomore-Julian Trevino in the 800-meter run, Junior-Aaron Trevino with Senior-Christian Olivarez in the field events. -4A. The team has seven consecutive district titles under Head Coach Evy Sanches. "This year, given the current circumstance, we are fortunate to have a season and to bring some type of normalized routine to the kids”
A New Interactive Blitz
The U.S. History teachers are preparing a new interactive blitz review for this year’s STARR exam. Coach Flores and Mr. Cruz are excited and proud of the junior class’s benchmark scores. Mr. Cruz stated that “I do not doubt that this junior class is going to crush the exam. We are striving to rock 2021 despite the challenges we have had with COVID! Mr. Cruz is longing to listen to suavemente music after prepping the kids after the blitz.
February 17, November 25,2021 2020
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L A F E R I A AC A D E M Y
Counselor Appreciation Week
La Feria Academy 2021 Graduates La Feria Academy is proud to announce that there are three students who have met their graduation requirements and are graduates for the 2020 -2021 school year. They are as follows: Brianna Valverde, Daisy Perez and Vincent Loya. Congratulations to all and hope you continue your higher education. National School Counseling Week 2021, “School Counselors: All In for All Students,” will be celebrated from Feb. 1-5, 2021, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. Our campus appreciates Mrs. Haydee Rodriguez. Mrs. Rodriguez is an essential part of our campus as she helps our students achieve school success and plan for a career.
It’s Time Texas
The It’s Time Texas! The It’s Time Texas Community Challenge is presented by H-E-B, BlueCross BlueShield of Texas, SNAP and other sponsors. It is a free 8-week, statewide competition in which Texas communities compete to see which communities can demonstrate the greatest commitment to healthy living. The 2021 Community Challenge kicked off on January 4th and ends at 5:00pm (CT) on February 28, 2021. La Feria ISD has accepted the challenge. There is a registration under our school and it will be awarded points upon filling out the profile. You can upload activities that will earn you and the community points. The specific rules for each activity type can be found on our community profile page. Individuals will be entered into drawings to win prizes during the competition. So let’s get healthy and join this challenge! For more information see itstimetexas.org!
Preparation for Higher Education
Our students have been busy reaching their goals of graduation and have completed their college applications as part of that process. They also have opportunities to meet with the colleges online. On Tuesday, January 26th, students attended a presentation for TSTC. We encourage our students to prepare themselves for higher education after graduation early on.
February 17, 2021 November 25, 2020
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NO E M I D O M I NGU E Z E L E M E N TA RY S C H O O L
Meet The New 5th Grade Teacher at Dominguez!
Hello! My name is Amanda Salinas. I was raised and educated in the city of La Feria. I recently graduated from University of Texas Rio Grande Valley where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Science. I am so excited to now be part of La Feria ISD School District, educating young minds in the very hallways that I once walked as a student. When I received the news that I got the position and I was going to start in the middle of the school year, I was nervous but eager to apply all that I had learned and worked so hard to achieve. With many familiar faces surrounding me with support and encouragement, I feel right at home. I look forward to learning more about the new style of teaching. I know it will be challenging, but I am prepared to accept the challenges, adapt to change and put forth every effort. This is the beginning of my career and I look forward to many more years to come. A FEW MORE THINGS…. An interesting fact: I am a mother to two beautiful children, and will return next school year with a new last name (I’m getting married in the spring). My favorite Sport: Softball Food: BBQ Book: Twilight Hobby: DIY projects Music: Country music
Disappearing Color Wheel
The 5th grade students at Noemi Dominguez Elementary are reading a popular novel among kids called, “Fish in a Tree.” During one of the chapters, Ally creates a color wheel that disappears when spun. This provided a great opportunity for teachers to create an interesting lesson for the students. This lesson would include subjects like Science, Technology, Have you seen any commercials lately? How about Engineering and Math. The students who are in those billboards on the side of the expressway? Did the classroom or remotely from home both had the opportunity to participate. They were all introduce to they convince you to do/buy whatever it is they were mentioning? If yes, then their persuasive techniques other lessons including primary colors, color wheel, the light spectrum, measuring angles, learning about worked! Our students have been hard at work this week circles, simple tools and even team building exercises. identifying argumentative texts seen throughout various forms of texts. The students are learning how to identify Great Work Team!! the structure of argumentative texts, understanding the purpose of them, and understanding and identifying the techniques the author was using to enhance their claims. Our students have been participating in class polls over different topics and discussions defending their viewpoints using strong reasons to back up their claims. As our students now say when discussing argumentative text, “If you wanna support an argument, you’ve gotta back it up” – Flocabulary.
Argumentative Texts
Mr. Mandujano on Virtual Learning
My name is Abraham Mandujano and I am a 5th grade teacher at Noemi Dominguez Elementary. Prior to becoming a teacher, I was a paraprofessional at Dominguez. I am a first generation graduate of UTRGV with a degree in Rehabilitation Services. As a first year teacher, teaching during a pandemic and experiencing virtual learning has been an exciting challenge. Although it is not a normal year, adjusting instruction via Zoom and Face to Face has had its benefits. Student communicate through a teacher supervised chat and video on Zoom. Students advance their technical skills by completing and submitting assignments through Google Classroom and other forums. Although it is not a normal teaching year, my students are making this first year a memorable one, to say the least.
February 17, November 25,2021 2020
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DAV I D G . S A NC H E Z E L E M E N TA RY S C H O O L
Multiplication Face-off
Ms. Berrones’ 4th grade students have been facing off in multiplication battles. During the battle students recite their multiplication facts and help each other out. Each team works hard and does their very best. The classmates cheer each other on and show good sportsmanship. These battles are helping the students to remember their multiplication facts more clearly. Students are also learning how to multiply with the help of their classmates proving that teamwork makes the dream work!
This Class Is “On Time” Team 2 waits to see what will be the next multiplication problem.
Enjoying the Outdoors
The students from Mrs. Miranda’s kinder class recently took their learning outside the classroom. Students practiced writing words from their phonics program on the sidewalk with colorful chalk. After writing, they were able to draw pictures while enjoying the beautiful day outdoors. Mrs. Miranda’s students practicing phonics outdoors.
Write On, Young Authors!
Mrs. Avila’s students demonstrate some of the time telling devices they are learning to use.
Mrs. Avila’s second grade class is learning about TIME. Whether her students are learning online on Chromebook, through Zoom, or in person in the classroom, they are using different manipulatives to learn how to tell time on different clocks. Her students know that mastering how to tell time in a variety of ways is a necessary, lifelong skill. So, what time is it? The bilingual students of David G. Sanchez Elementary It’s time to LEARN! have had the opportunity to participate in an Author’s Club since late September. This club inspires young writers to use their imaginations to creatively express themselves. The students who are participating in this club work hard every week to reach their goal of publishing their own book by the end of the school year. Fellow students and staff look forward to seeing the final products. Good luck and write on! Students participating virtually in Author’s Club
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February 17, 2021 November 25, 2020
W. B . G R E E N J U N I O R H I G H S C H O O L
8th Grade Science
by Matthew Guzman My name is Matthew Guzman and I am an 8th grade science teacher at W.B. Green Jr. High. This year has brought many obstacles and challenges. There is no denying that the classroom setting looks very different this year, but there are still many great things happening at W.B. Green Junior High. Right before the Christmas break, the students designed “ugly Christmas sweaters” with their own ideas and some science related themes. I displayed all the sweaters along the F-Wing hallway for everyone to see. This made the students on campus very proud of their work, as well as the students who are online after I showed them a picture of all the sweaters. The topics we are currently learning is Newton’s three laws of motion, speed, velocity, and acceleration, which are the most hands on units that we learn in 8th grade. This year, instead of doing hands on activities in class, we have resorted to doing the experiments and projects from home and then uploading videos onto different platforms, like Flip Grid or Google Slides. Students created “balloon cars” using materials such as an empty water bottle, a balloon, at least 4 wheels of their choice, and a straw. The idea was to demonstrate Newton’s third law of motion or “Newton’s Law of Action/Reaction” by accelerating the car using only air from the balloon. The students uploaded videos onto Flip Grid of their cars in action! We have been using Google Classroom for the majority of our assignments, and we meet through ZOOM. There are two ways that we can view this type of learning-- as a drawback, or an opportunity, and although it has been a learning curve, I strongly believe that my students are making great progress and adapting very well. The creativity and willingness of the students to do their work this year has really impressed me as their teacher. I am extremely proud of how they have taken the current situation and made the best of it.
Diego Fernandez
Noah Rosales
Kennedy Leal
Mia Cerda
Isabella Saldivar
Yessenia Quezada
February 17, November 25,2021 2020
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W. B . G R E E N J U N I O R H I G H S C H O O L
Adapting to Technology!
When the global pandemic threw our education system into a place we had never been before in March of 2020, teachers all over the world had to transition to virtual learning without any preparation. This was not only scary for us teachers, but our students as well. The 2019-202 school year finished, summer flew by, and teachers began to prepare and learn all they could to have a successful 2020-2021 school year online and in the classroom. Teachers all over the country were as prepared as they possibly could be, however, how prepared would the students be for this new learning experience? As we all know, it was a rough start and took time to adapt and teach our students everything they needed to know about all the online tools and programs they would be using throughout the year. It took patience, time, and a lot of practice and repetition to get the students to where they currently are. They don’t ask many questions about how to physically do the assignments anymore, they ask questions based on the academic content in the assignment. Our teachers have done a great job showing kids how to create documents, edit pdf assignments, submit work, and how to access and maneuver through the many different programs that are used throughout the day in their classes. Seeing our students’ knowledge of technology and what a computer can actually do is nice to see. It is learning in action. Now, is it perfect? No. I believe that we all can’t wait for the day when we have all of our students back in class face to face with us. By Mr. Moraida
To Use a Dictionary or Not? That is The Question.
Restrictions Will Not Hold the Cubettes Back!
W.B. Green students are currently working on Dictionary skills. Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? Well, in reality, it truly is not. In today’s modern world students are not bothering to learn a very important skill: how to This will definitely be a year to remember in regards to Junior High Athletics. Along with all the use a dictionary properly. Because of Google, on-line Dictionaries, and restrictions and safety precautions set in place to protect the student athletes, the Cubettes have done any other dictionary type apps, dictionaries and thesauruses are becoming well adjusting. Those students that are remote receive daily workouts that need to be done at home, obsolete. Today’s students are so “tech” savvy that they literally have the while the students on campus get the same workout regime and complete it on site. The Cubettes “world at their fingertips”. Long gone are the days of having to trudge have been working on running endurance, strength and conditioning while using their own body around the house or classroom looking for a dictionary to figure out what weight, and speed work. We all applaud all the girls for putting in the effort to get these workouts an unknown word means. Thanks to cell phones, everyone now carries complete. Keep on working ladies. a mobile dictionary, either in their hand or in their pocket. Is this a good thing? Yes, anything that helps a learner succeed is a very good thing. However, because of state mandated testing, students are still required to look up words the “old fashioned way”, by literally picking up a book, thumbing thru the pages, and locating a particular word. Students consider this to be quite time consuming, so many forgo the definition of the word, and simply ignore the word. They may feel this is an unneeded skill. While many people may consider dictionaries outdated, most English Language Arts teachers do not feel the same. Dictionary skills is one of the TEKS, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, which must be taught. As most students are not allowed to use any type of electronic device during the STAAR test, students will have to use a dictionary. Many people believe that if a dictionary is outdated it is no longer a viable tool for students. This assumption is completely incorrect. Older dictionaries are just as useful as newer dictionaries. In conclusion, teachers and parents need to encourage students to look up words in the dictionary, as opposed to saying, “Google, how do you spell…”, or just skipping over the word. With practice, using a dictionary can be a quicker and more effective tool than an electronic device.
February 17, 2021 November 25, 2020
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C . E . VA I L E L E M E N TA RY S C H O O L
Bamboozled at CE VAIL!
Students in Mr. Zepeda’s fourth grade class have joined in on the Bamboozled craze! Bamboozled is an interactive game that gives remote and face to face students the chance to compete in a gameshow type setting. Students are divided into teams of three or four and are then asked to choose a number on the screen. Every number has a unique teacher created question that students will get points for if answered correctly, but WATCH OUT some numbers give your points away to another team! This game has definitely been a hit with students and keeps students who are remote and face to face engaged and interacting. Madison Dixon states, “Bamboozled is super fun I love competing against my classmates to see who wins.” Madison is just one of many students who enjoy competing. Dante Hayes and Victor Hernandez both agree that this game has helped them with their multiplication facts as they try to answer every question correct to avoid the dreaded “BUZZZZZZZ” noise when answered incorrectly. It’s safe to say that this game will continue to cause excitement as the school year goes on.
Kinder Fun
Our kindergarten students at C.E. Vail Elementary have been working hard after coming back from the holiday break. Every week, the students expand their knowledge by learning a new letter, sound, and sight words. Working on the letters and words all week also helps them practice their reading skills. The students are excited to work on different activities, such as rainbow color the word or roll a word family, to help them practice the new letters and words. They used their creativity on the sight word “funny” by coloring a clown to represent the word. The students really enjoyed working on their clowns, and were excited to show their pictures to the class.
Biography Project
In Mr. Martinez’s class, we have been learning about amazing people in our past! We have read biographies about people like Elizabeth Blackwell, the first women to receive a medical degree. Martin Luther King, one of many civil rights activists who inspired change and void segregation. These were just a couple of amazing people our second graders became acquainted with. Currently, my second graders are getting the opportunity to become experts by creating their very own biographies out of a coke bottle! We have amazing people ranging from our first president, George Washington to Houston Texan, J.J Watt! They’re compiling their research and presenting their biographies to their classmates, next Friday! I’m excited to learn some exciting facts and hear some interesting stories from our experts!
February 17, November 25,2021 2020
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S A M H OU ST O N E L E M E N TA RY S C H O O L
Celebrating 100 Days of School
Sam Houston teachers are gearing up for the 100th day of school! This year, the milestone day will look a little different, but it’s still a special day to celebrate. For the students at school, teachers will have students engage in activities like counting to 100 with edible snacks, math and reading activities dealing with 100, and much more. Students at home will also join in on the fun virtually, by completing digital 100th day activities and making 100th day of school shirts.
Spelling Bee
Several third and fourth grade students from Sam Houston Elementary showed off their spelling skills during last week’s Spelling Bee! Among the participants were third graders, Celine Doyle, Allie Rodriguez, and Jason Sanchez. And fourth grade contestants were Merick Marin, Celeste Lopez and Eliana Flores. Although they were just shy of placing, the students took on the stage and gave it their best shot. Congratulations to them!
Counselor Appreciation Week
National Counselors’ Week is from February 1st to the 5th, and Sam Houston is grateful to have a counselor who is all in for our students. Every day, Mrs. Liza Juarez enters the door ready to help with anything she can. Whether it’s working with students having a hard time at school or home, lunch duty, extracurricular programs, and anything else in between, Mrs. Juarez takes on any challenge with grace. While we will be celebrating her this week, we want her to know that she is an essential part of our campus, and we appreciate her very much.
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February 17, 2021 November 25, 2020
Congratulations to our District Spelling Bee Champions! You’re un-BEE-lievable spellers Erick Altamirano - First Place Angelic Gurrola - Runner Up