Sunday, May 28, 2006

Elementary Readers Awarded Walmart Trip


Several Skidmore-Tynan Elementary students were rewarded with a shopping trip to Wal-Mart for reaching the 100 point club. Many of these students had more than 100 AR points. This means they read well over 100 books during this school year. We are extremely proud of our readers! The rest of our students were treated with a shopping trip to the AR store in the computer lab. All of our students used AR points as money to buy items. -- Submitted by Mich Ortiz, FirstGrade Teacher, S-T Elementary

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Bee County Youth Board Seeks Young Leaders

The Bee County Extension Office, of Texas Cooperative Extension, is starting a Youth Board for Bee County. The Board will be made up of high school youth in Bee County. Members will meet at least two times a year, attend a leadership training day camp during the summer, and host at least one youth program each year.

We are looking for a “few good youth” to help start the inaugural Youth Board for Bee County. Candidates should possess a drive to help better Bee County youth programs and a willingness to participate. Members will be trained on the components of the Youth Board and implement the planning process for a youth-based program here in Bee County.

For many years, youth programs have been planned and lead by adults. While these programs may have been successful, research shows that when young people work with adult volunteers the programs will be more successful and have greater impact; the ability of young people to communicate well, solve problems, and work effectively with others will increase significantly.

The County Youth Board’s purpose is to help the county Extension agent determine what programs should be implemented from year to year, determine how to reach new youth audiences, and identify youth issues that should be addressed in Bee County. The benefits to youth serving on this board include being a significant part of the educational process, seeing the impact the Youth Board has on the county, seeing positive changes in program participants, and developing skills members can use for the rest of their lives.

The Bee County Extension office has received a Rural Youth Development Grant to fund youth programs in the county. As a part of this grant, Rusty Horn, Madelyn Juranek, and Allison Porter received special training in launching the Youth Board. This training will serve as the model for the training all Youth Board members will receive in July.

Youth on the Youth Board will have the unique opportunity to represent Bee County youth and experience first rate leadership and life skills trainings. Any youth interested in being a part of the Youth Board (or if you know a youth who would contribute to the youth board) may contact Rusty Horn, County Extension Agent – Family and Consumer Science, Bee County at 361-362-3280 or rrhorn@ag.tamu.edu

Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Jose Aliseda to Speak at S-T ISD Graduation Ceremony

Skidmore-Tynan High School is pleased to announce that former Bee County Judge Jose Aliseda will give the commencement address at its 2006 Graduation Ceremony. Judge Aliseda holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University Of Texas School Of Law. He is a former Beeville Attorney and served the county as County Judge for four years. In 2004, Governor Rick Perry appointed Judge Aliseda to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Although Judge Aliseda’s office is housed in San Antonio, he still continues to call Bee County home.

The Graduation Ceremony is scheduled Thursday, June 1, 2006 at 8:00 pm in the S-T ISD Events Center.

S-T ISD Summer Sports Camp Schedules

S-T ISD Athletic Director Adam Arroyo announces the following dates for summer sports camps. Camp sign-up forms will be made available to students at each campus before school is out, and during the summer.

Basketball: July 17-20, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Football: July 25-27, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Volleyball: July 24–27, 1:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cheerleading: July 24-27, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

New Skidmore Signal Print Schedule

Beginning with this month's issue (May, 2006), the Skidmore Signal print edition will go to press on the last day of each month for delivery on or about the 1st of the following month. We believe the new schedule will be easier to remember and hopefully save readers unnecessary trips to town looking for the latest issue. Subscriptions to the Signal are also available for those of you who would prefer delivery straight to your mailbox. Just send us your mailing address along with subscription check in the amount of $15 to: Skidmore Signal, P.O. Box 556, Skidmore, TX 78389.

Register Your Child Now for Head Start 2006-2007

The Bee Community Action Agency Head Start Program is currently taking applications for the 2006-2007 school year for the Beeville (815 N. Tyler) and Skidmore Head Start centers. When applying for the Head Start program parents must provide child’s birth certificate, 1040 tax return, and most recent check stubs. To be eligible for Head Start, your child must be at least 3 years old on or before September 1, 2006 and family income must meet the 2006 HHS Poverty Guidelines. For more information about the Head Start Program call 358-0583.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

S-T ISD Welcomes Two New Teachers

A Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Skidmore-Tynan ISD was held at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, 2006. The primary purpose of the meeting was to fulfill State mandated Trustee training in the Open Records and Open Meetings Acts.

Action items addressed in the short agenda included:

• Consideration and Possible Approval of Vehicle Purchase
Trustees approved the purchase of a 2006 Ford Taurus.

• Consideration and Possible Approval of Personnel Recommendation(s)
Trustees approved the hiring of 2nd grade teacher Frances Thomas and football Defensive Coordinator and Jr. High speech teacher Gary Alan Cunningham. Mrs. Thomas brings 26 years of elementary teaching experience at Mathis ISD. Mr. Cunningham has been a professional educator and coach since 1989 and comes to us from Robstown ISD.

The next meeting of the S-T ISD Board of Trustees is scheduled 6:00 p.m., Monday, June 12, 2006.

Monday, May 22, 2006

Schirmer Awarded SPEC Scholarship



San Patricio Electric Cooperative has awarded a $1,000 scholarship for the 2006-2007 school year to Sara Schirmer of Skidmore-Tynan High School. The scholarships are available to the students whose parents or guardians are active members receiving electric service from San Patricio Electric Cooperative, Inc. Sara’s parents are William and Lori Schirmer of Beeville,Texas. Sara plans to attend The University of Texas in San Antonio and plans to major in Biology with a career in forensics.

Hudson, Rackley, Earn TAMU-CC Degrees

Congratulations to Kristy Lynn Hudson and Abigail Elaine Rackley of Skidmore who recently earned degrees from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Ms. Hudson earned a College of Education, Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude. Ms. Rackley graduated with a Master of Science degree.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

S-T ISD TAKS Scores Up "Across the Board"

Newly Elected Trustees Sworn In - Parents Weigh In On Recent Negative Media Attention.

A meeting of the Board of Trustees of Skidmore-Tynan ISD was held May 16, 2006, at 6:00 PM in the S-T ISD Board Room. The meeting began with canvassing of the recent general election returns in which Ken Haggard, Esequiel "Zeke" Ortiz, and Keith Petrus were declared the winners. After being sworn-in by Pastor Fernando Gonzales, the newly elected trustees took their places at the board table.

Members of the community speaking in the Public Forum portion of the meeting included John Lynch, Betty Strong, Lisa Baker, Alice Gonzales, Thomas Mengers, Barbara Vinson, Ninfa Castillo, and Denise Scott. Most speakers expressed concern over recent media attention regarding an S-T ISD teacher who emailed a sexually explicit video clip to a student. Channel 6 News was the first local news service to report on the incident. The Corpus Christi Caller-Times and San Antonio Express later picked up the story. John Lynch suggested that board members and administration pull together to "work through the current media problem." Also speaking in Public Forum, Mrs. Ninfa Castillo expressed disappointment in the district's student transfer policy.

Student visual artists Brian Carabajal 11th grade, Celeste Taylor 10th grade, and Daen Luna 10th grade, received special board recognition as Congressional Art Participants.

In his Superintendent's Report, Dr. Brett Belmarez updated the board on the results of the recent legislative session and its positive impact on local tax rates and school finance.

Campus principals reported outstanding results "across the board" in TAKS scores. Partial results include 100% in 4th Grade writing, a 5th Grade science increase of 28%, 7th Grade writing 100% , and double digit improvements in all but two subject areas at the High School level.

Trustees briefly adjourned to closed session to discuss "Superintendents duties related to the use of district mailboxes."

Action items in Tuesday's meeting included:

• Consideration and Possible Action to Accept the Canvassed Returns of the May 13, 2006, Trustee Election.
This item was approved.

• Reorganization of Board of Trustees Officers.
The board elected Rick Olivares President, Ysrael Salinas Vice President, and Daniel Gonzales Secretary.

• "To take action, decision or determination or vote on matters discussed in closed session." (Mr. Rick Olivares)
This item was resolved in closed session.

• Consideration and Possible Approval of the Recommended Compensation Plan for the 2006-2007 School Year.
This item was tabled pending legislative action at the state level.

• Consideration and Possible Approval of Board Policy FFA (Local): Student Welfare: Wellness and Health Services.
This item was approved.

• Consideration and Possible Approval of Personnel Recommendation(s).
No personnel recommendations were made at this time.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled Monday, June 10, 2006, 6:00 p.m. A special meeting to conduct mandatory trustee training on the Open Records and Open Meetings Acts will take place Tuesday, May 23, at 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Rain!


All you folks praying for rain keep up the good work! As of 9:00 p.m. Sunday, the Signal "weather station" recorded 1 inch of rain in Skidmore. Let's hope for a few more showers over the next 24 hours.

Saturday, May 13, 2006

Unofficial S-T ISD Trustee Election Results

3 year term - 2 open positions:
375 Votes: Esequiel "Zeke" Ortiz
288 Votes: Keith Petrus
278 Votes: Lauro "Larry" Ramos
219 Votes: Alice Gonzales

1 Year unexpired term - 1 open position:
351 Votes: Ken Haggard
248 Votes: Jerry Rodriguez

Results will be canvassed and winners declared at the May 16 board meeting.

Friday, May 12, 2006

Election Results to be Canvassed at May 16 School Board Meeting

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Skidmore-Tynan ISD will be held May 16, 2006, at 6:00 PM in the S-T ISD Board Room.

The meeting will begin with canvassing of the returns of the S-TISD Trustee Election of May 13, 2006. The election judge's report will be heard and winners declared.

The meeting will adjourn to closed session to discuss "Superintendents duties related to the use of district mailboxes." "In closed session the Board will discuss the Superintendent's performance in relation to the use of the mailboxes and compliance with policy." (Mr. Rick Olivares)

Action items include:
• Consideration and Possible Action to Accept the Canvassed Returns of the May 13, 2006, Trustee Election
• Reorganization of Board of Trustees Officers
• "To take action, decision or determination or vote on matters discussed in closed session." (Mr. Rick Olivares)
• Consideration and Possible Approval of the Recommended Compensation Plan for the 2006-2007 School Year
• Consideration and Possible Approval of Board Policy FFA (Local): Student Welfare: Wellness and Health Services
• Consideration and Possible Approval of Personnel Recommendation(s)


The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled Monday, June 10, 2006, 6:00 p.m.

Estrada Earns Degree

Congratulations to Veronica R. Estrada who will graduate this spring from Del Mar College with an Associate in Applied Science degree (Cum Laude).

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Student Art Exhibit Saturday

S-T ISD Online reports a High School Arts Exhibition is scheduled Saturday from 1:00 pm - 3:00pm at the S-T Events Center. The community is invited to the viewing, with music provided by members of the Bobcat Band.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Bobcat Band Just Keeps Getting Better and Better


Skidmore-Tynan's bound-for-state trumpet trio performed at Thursday's concert.

Under the tutelage of instructor Florencio Lara, Bobcat band members continue to improve and expand on their musical abilities. The band performed at the S-T Events Center Thursday, May 4th, to the enjoyment of all. Of particular note were excellent performances by the State-bound trumpet trio Trevor Dragon, Stephanie Schirmer, and Beth Gonzales - and saxophone quartet Cody Wilson, Alan Hinojosa, Victoria Lopez, and Nick Gentry.

The Bobcat Band recently earned a II rating in competition in Falfurrias - up from a III in last year's competition. The Signal congratulates band members on their continued success and Mr. Lara for inspiring his students to excel.


Senior Drum Major Josh Gentry takes over for Mr. Lara. - one last time.

Click here for more Bobcat Band Concert photos at Shutterfly.com
Shutterfly

Ionic Air "Purifiers" Produce Indoor Smog

If you own one of those "ionic" air purifiers, you should read the following story. Isn't it Ionic? Air Purifiers Make Smog. In addition to being a potential health hazard, ionic purifiers don't even work, as reported last year by Consumer Reports Magazine.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Student Athletes Honored at Annual Sports Banquet


Bobcat(s) of the Year, Garrett Gonzales and Jordan Haws. Ladycat(s) of the Year, Stephanie Coker and Stephanie Estrada.

The 2005-2006 Athletic Awards Banquet was held Monday, May 1, 2006 at S-T ISD Cafetorium. The annual event, sponsored by the S-T Athletic Booster Club, honors the year's student athletic achievements. Booster Club President, Lori Schirmer, welcomed everyone to the banquet. S-T Junior High Principal Lawrence Carranco led the blessing of the meal. Individual awards were presented by Athletic Director Adam Arroyo and members of his coaching staff.

Congratulations to Garrett Gonzales and Jordan Haws who were named "Bobcat of the Year." Congratulations also to "Ladycats of the Year" Stephanie Coker and Stephanie Estrada.

"Player of the Year" awards in individual sports follow:

FOOTBALL: Offense Josh Owen
FOOTBALL: Defense Cory Markham
VOLLEYBALL: Stephanie Coker
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Stephanie Estrada
BOYS BASKETBALL: Garrett Gonzales
POWER LIFTING: Jarrod Henry
BOYS TENNIS: Chris Patrova - Zach Petrus
GIRLS TENNIS: Meghan Bloemer
BOYS GOLF: Chris Patrova
BASEBALL: Jordan Haws
SOFTBALL: Valarie Flores
CROSS COUNTRY: Jairus Yzaguirre
BOYS TRACK: Jairus Yzaguirre - Josh Owen
GIRLS TRACK: Liz Torres

Special thanks to Mrs. Schirmer who put together the sports-highlights slide presentation. This year's banquet was catered by Anthony's BBQ.



Click here for more S-T Sports Banquet photos at Shutterfly.com
Shutterfly

S-T ISD Election Update

Tuesday, May 9th, marked the end of early voting in the 2006 S-T ISD School Board Election. As of Tuesday, 111 ballots had been cast by mail, and 248 by personal appearance. Election day, Saturday, May 13th, presents the last opportunity for the district's voters to cast a ballot for the candidate of their choice. Voting will take place at the school's Board Room from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

School Board Election Underway



Voting in the 2006 S-T ISD Trustee Election if currently in progress. As of Tuesday, May 2nd, just under 90 mail-in ballots had been returned and 46 residents voted by personal appearance.

Early voting continues through Saturday, May 6th, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and resumes Monday, May 8th and Tuesday, May 9th. Voters may also choose to wait until Election day Saturday, May 13th to cast their ballot from 7:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m. Click here to view a sample ballot.

The polling place is located in the S-T ISD Board Room on the south side of the administrative offices facing W. Main Street (CR 797).

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Don't Toss that Old Cell Phone!

Bee Proud Bee Clean’s used cell phone and ink cartridge recycling project is back for the summer! If you have a used cell phone collecting dust somewhere in your home or office now is the time to see that it is disposed in an environmentally friendly way.

The average American replaces his or her cell phone every 12 months. The result is that Americans discard more than 130 million used cell phones a year. That’s four cell phones per second! All of which adds up to 65,000 tons of potentially toxic waste generated annually. Bee Proud Bee Clean in cooperation with EcoPhones, a Texas cell phone recycler, seeks to address this growing concern while simultaneously raising money for its community projects. In the Cell Phone Recycling Fundraiser, the group is paid for each digital cell phone collected. EcoPhones refurbishes and resells cell phones that have value and recycle the remainder in accordance with EPA regulations. Used printer ink cartridges are also being collected.

Cell phone and ink cartridge collection boxes are available at the Bee County Tax Assessor-Collectors Office located at 411 E. Houston, Beeville. Used cell phones and ink cartridges (those that will fit in the palm of your hand ONLY) may be dropped off during regular office hours at this location. Cell phones are also being collected at Charlies Treasures, located at 300 W. Corpus Christi. For more information on the cell phone and ink cartridge recycling project please call 375-2558.