S-T ISD Offers Parental Access to Student Information

Grades and attendance information are now accessible by the District’s grade reporting program GradeSpeed.

Follow these easy steps:

1. Contact Judy Garza (elementary and junior high students) at (361) 287-3426 ext. 237, or Helen Favre (high school students) at (361) 287-3426 ext. 218. Campus counselors will provide you with a username and password you will need to access the program.

2. Go to the Skidmore-Tynan ISD webpage at www.stisd.esc2.net and click on the “GradeSpeed” link.

3. Click on the "Parent" link and enter your username and password. From this site you may view your student’s grades as well as attendance records.

In an on-going effort to involve parents in the education of their children, S-TISD implemented this program to provide a quick and easy way for parents to access information about their students. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our students!

Advocate Reviews District 31-2A Football Teams

The Victoria Advocate takes a look at the competition in District 31-2A in their story Refugio among 31-2A favorites - Bobcats should battle S-T, Odem for district title.

In Memoriam: Enrique Garza

Enrique Garza of Skidmore, died Friday, August 25, 2006 at age 70. He was born October 22, 1935 in Monterrey, N.L., Mexico, to the late Eugenio and Juanita Davila Garza. He was a mechanic and welder for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and a Catholic.

Survivors include his wife, Genoveva Rosales Garza of Skidmore; daughters, Christina Lara of Wichita Falls, Kathy Lara of Victoria, Teresa Garza, Ruth Garza, Sandra Garza, Adriana Garza and Araceli Gutierrez, all of Corpus Christi, Monica Ruis of South Carolina; sons, Enrique Garza of Mexico, Fernando Garza and Oscar Garza, both of Corpus Christi; sisters, Alicia Garza, and Rosa Guadalupe Garza, both of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; brother, Ernesto Garza of Houston; and 38 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mr. Garza was laid to rest in Skidmore's Evergreen Cemetery.

In Memoriam: Eutimio Garza

Eutimio Garza of Beeville, died Friday, August 25, 2006 at age 70. Mr. Garza was born in Skidmore on August 3, 1936 to the late Hijinio and Dominga Morales Garza. He was a foreman at Bay Construction in Corpus Christi and a Catholic. He served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean war.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Bonham of Beeville; sons, Joe Garza, Martin Garza, Ray Garza and Robert Garza, of Beeville; daughters, Dominga Garza of Beeville, Guadalupe Garza of Corpus Christi, Denise Garza of Fort Stockton, and Diana Garza of Corpus Christi; stepson, Rodney Lee Bonham of Beeville; brothers, Erasmo Garza of Robstown, and Ramiro Garza of Beeville; and 33 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mr. Garza was preceded in death by his daughter, Rita Garza; a sister, Genoveva Naranjo; stepson, Donald Bonham Jr., and brother, Alfredo Garza.

Mr. Garza was laid to rest in Skidmore's Evergreen Cemetery.

Get on the Bishop Game Bus

S-T ISD will once again provide its popular gas-saving community bus service to the Friday, September 1 varsity football game in Bishop. Those wishing to reserve a seat on the bus must sign up early and pay a $2 fee at the S-T ISD administrative office. Riders are asked to arrive at the S-T ISD Events center parking area no later than 5:15 Friday for a 5:30 p.m. departure time. Go Bobcats!

S-T vs. Odem Game to See

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times includes the October 13 Skidmore-Tynan vs. Odem game in its list of Can't miss matchups.

Sports Pics - Preseason Football

Click here for Bobcat Mathis and Agua Dulce football scrimmage photos at Shutterfly.com

Yzaguirre One of Top Area Runners

Skidmore-Tynan senior Jairus Yzaguirre earned a brief mention as one of the area's top cross country runners in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times article King faces long road in defense of XC title.

Join Skidmore-Tynan 4H

Skidmore 4H seeks new members. Join 4H at the Skidmore-Tynan ISD Cafeteria September 6, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. Ages 1st through 12th grade are encouraged to join "TO MAKE THE BEST BETTER."

S-T ISD Trustees to Address Employee Level 3 Grievance

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Skidmore-Tynan ISD will be held August 28, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. in the S-T ISD Event Center Board Room. This month's regular meeting will be preceded by a 5:30 Public Meeting on the proposed tax rate.

Following administrator reports and approval of the consent agenda, Trustees will adjourn to closed session to address Employee Level 3 Grievance Presentation: Mrs. Diana Trevino (Mr. Rick Olivares).

Action items to be addressed include:

• Consideration and Possible Action on Employee Grievance: Mrs. Diana Trevino (Mr. Rick Olivares)
  
• Consideration and Possible Adoption of 2006-2007 Budget.
  
• Consideration and Possible Adoption of an Ordinance for a Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2007.
  
• Consideration and Possible Approval to Pay Bills for Legal Services.
  
• Consideration and Possible Approval of 2006-2007 District and Campus Goals and Objectives.

The next meeting of the S-T ISD Board of Trustees is scheduled Monday, September 11, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.

Trustees Approve Temporary Repairs to Old Gymnasium

A Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Skidmore-Tynan ISD was held August 14, 2006, at 6:00 PM in the S-T ISD Board Room.

Action items on the agenda include:

• Consideration and Possible Acceptance of the 2006 Certified Appraisal Roll with Taxable Value. This item was approved.

• Consideration of and Vote of Record for the Proposed Tax Rate to be placed on the Public Notice for the Proposed Budget and Tax Rate. This item was approved with the total proposed tax rate set at $1.45 per $100.

• Consideration and Possible Approval of Date for the Public Meeting for the Proposed Budget and Tax Rate. The public meeting was scheduled Monday, August 28, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.

• Consideration and Possible Action to Declare Emergency Damage to Old Gymnasium per Board Policy CV (Legal). Trustees voted to approve "quick fix" repairs to the support structures beneath the north key in the old gymnasium. Long term repair proposals will be presented for board approval later in the year.

• Consideration and Possible Action to Renew Administrators Contracts (Mr. Keith Petrus). This item was postponed indefinitely by a 3-2 vote with Keith Petrus and Ken Haggard dissenting.

• Consideration and Possible Approval of Personnel Recommendation(s). Trustees approved the hiring of Ms. Rita Stephens for the position of Speech/Language Therapist. Ms. Stephens, formerly with Calallen ISD, brings 13 years experience in speech/language therapy to our district.

The next regular meeting of the S-T ISD Board of Trustees is scheduled August 28, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.

Spohn Volunteers Host Recruitment Tea Party

The volunteers of Christus Spohn Hospital in Beeville are looking for new members. To this end, a recruitment tea party will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 30. If you are a man, woman, or couple with a few hours to spare, this could be a chance to help. Please don't assume you are too active to volunteer. The volunteers will work around your schedule and substitutes are ready to step in if you need to take a trip or will be unavailable for any reason. If you are interested in volunteering, please join us at the tea party on the 30th. For more information contact Dick Segelken at 287-3270.

In Memoriam: Danny Lamprecht

Howard Daniel "Danny" Lamprecht of Skidmore died August 17, 2006 at age 66. Mr. Lamprecht was an Army veteran, a farmer, and member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tynan.

Mr. Lamprecht is survived by his wife Joyce; two sons, Christopher Michael Lamprecht of Skidmore, and Darren Charles Lamprecht of Elgin; a brother, Richard David Lamprecht of Beeville; and three sisters, Judith Estelle Reynolds of Austin, Marilyn Joyce Dial of Bay City, and Mary Ann Wolf of Skidmore.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. August 21st, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

de Vaudrecourt Earns A&M Business Degree

Congratulations to Erin Paige de Vaudrecourt of Bastrop, Texas who recently earned a Bachelors of Business Degree with a major in Marketing from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a grade point average of 3.63. Ms. de Vaudrecourt recently received the Walter Sells Business Scholarship and will begin work on her Master of Business Administration degree this fall semester. She is the daughter of Bill and Mary de Vaudrecourt of Bastrop, Texas, and the granddaughter of Pat Petrus of Skidmore, Texas.

Killer Wasp No Threat to Humans

It's a killer alright, but it turns out noisy summertime Cicadas are its only victims. Wanda Mortensen sparked my interest in the "Cicada Killer" wasp after posting photos of the insect to her blog. I too had seen the frighteningly large - up to 2 inch - wasps hovering around a tree in my back yard. After doing a little research on the internet, I learned the Cicada Killer earned its name by its habit of laying eggs on the paralyzed bodies of Cicadas. The wasp digs tunnels in the earth, each of which contains a single egg and "Cicada Happy Meal" for the wasp larva to consume before starting the cycle all over again. The Cicada Killer is capable of stinging but generally ignores humans as it goes about its morbid business. No need to grab that can of wasp spray!

Bee County Crime Stoppers Receives Certification

The Texas Crime Stoppers Advisory Board certified Bee County Crime Stoppers at their meeting in Tyler, Texas on August 8, 2006. Local Crime Stoppers representative Cathey Brown of Papalote rode to the meeting with Advisory Board member Nelda Garcia from Crime Stoppers of South Texas.

"Certification will result in some monetary benefits," says Mrs. Brown "but the most important benefit is knowing that we are now a legitimate Crime Stoppers organization and we join with all of the Crime Stoppers organization around the world to help local law enforcement solve crimes."

Anyone who has knowledge of a crime is asked to call the Tips Line at 597-0206. Rewards up to $1000.00 will be paid for tips leading to an arrest and indictment.

S-T ISD Cafeteria Reminders

Skidmore-Tynan ISD Support Services provides the following reminders about the school cafeteria and student lunch program options.

Free & Reduced Lunch Applications Due

• We ask that all students get their free/reduced lunch applications turned in within the first week of school. It is extremely important that all students and parents get this form submitted even though the student may not be eligible.
  
• Students will still eat breakfast in the classroom for free during the 2006-2007 school year.
  

Lunch Costs:
$ 1.75 – Middle/High School
$ 0.40 – Reduced Fee

Note: If students owe a bill from last year, they will not be allowed to charge until the bills are paid up-to-date. No more than three (3) charges are allowed before the cafeteria will provide a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with milk (at no cost) to the student instead of a regular plate lunch.

FBC Cookbooks Feature Local Recipes

The First Baptist Church of Skidmore Women's Ministry is selling Cookbooks. The $10 cookbooks contain a collection of recipes submitted church members and includes recipes from members who have passed on. The cookbooks may be purchased at the church (287-3826), or by contacting Jennifer Chambers (318-5324) or Marian Stroman.

S-T ISD Transportation Reminders

With the start of a new school year just days away, Skidmore-Tynan ISD Support Services has the following transportation related reminders for parents.

Bus Unloading Location

• Buses will unload students across from Papa’s store near the school district tennis courts. Inclement weather drop-off will occur in front of the Elementary School.
  
• Drop-Off Time at school will be between 7:45-7:55 A.M
  
• Students may not leave the school grounds once they are dropped off, or they will be considered truant. Trips to the local stores will be considered truancies or unexcused absences or will result in disciplinary action.
  

Note: PLEASE DO NOT DROP-OFF YOUR CHILD AT THE SAME LOCATION THAT THE BUSES UNLOAD BECAUSE THIS MAKES A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN BUSES START MOVING.

Bus Loading In The Afternoons

• Buses leave the District at approximately 3:40 p.m.
  
• Buses load in front of the school district event center. Inclement weather loading will occur in front of the Elementary School.

Soap or Towel Ticket to Football Scrimmage

Coach Adam Arroyo informs the Signal that entry to Saturday's football scrimmage versus Mathis will require a somewhat unusual entry fee. Fans are asked to bring a bath towel or bar of soap - two items of which the athletic department regularly runs short in supply.

The scrimmage starts at 9:00 am with the Junior Varsity, immediately followed by the Varsity squad. Come on out and support our Bobcat football program as they make a "clean start" on a new season.

AT&T High Speed Internet Comes to Skidmore

Left to Right- County Commissioner Ronnie Olivares, State Representative Yvonne Gonzalez-Toureilles, and AT&T Area Manager Sandra Alvarez.

AT&T Inc. announced Tuesday expanded availability of AT&T Yahoo!® High Speed Internet to homes and businesses in Skidmore. The announcement was part of an unprecedented $800 million investment to bring the latest high-speed communications to more Texans following passage of Senate Bill 5 by the Texas Legislature last year.

“Having this technology will make a big difference in Skidmore,” said Commissioner Ronnie Olivares. “We know it is happening because of the hard work of our legislators. Bringing this technology here is something they can truly be proud of.”

State Representative Yvonne Gonzalez-Toureilles and State Senator Judith Zaffirini were credited for helping create pro-consumer public policy that encouraged technology investment.

"Few laws impact directly the everyday lives of persons living within our community, especially the way one lives and works," Senator Zaffirini said. "It is fair to say that SB 5 makes such an impact, and I truly am pleased to have been an integral part of its passage. The positive effects broadband will have on this community's quality of life are unsurpassed," she added.

“The benefits of broadband technology are plentiful, especially for rural communities. It is more than surfing the Internet at high speeds; distance learning, telemedicine and economic development all require broadband access," said State Representative Yvonne Gonzalez-Toureilles.

In Memoriam: Sara De Los Santos Mireles

Sara De Los Santos Mireles of Robstown died August 14, 2006 at age 94. Mrs. Mireles was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and is survived by five daughters, Adela Hernandez of Sinton, Inez Torres of McAllen, and Connie Perez, Esperanza Cantu, and Rose Ann Garza of Robstown; three sons, Sixto, Gilbert and Pablo Mireles Jr., all of Robstown; two sisters, Pauline Amador of Skidmore and Santos Barrera of Victoria; 30 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Mrs. Mireles was laid to rest in Robstown Memorial Park.

Sportsmanship Main Theme at Athletic Social

S-T ISD Athletic Director Adam Arroyo addresses the audience at Thursday's Athletic Kickoff Social.

Student athletes and parents enjoyed burgers, chips, and dessert at the S-T ISD Athletic Kickoff Social - courtesy of the Bobcat Booster Club. Booster Club president Tryne Mengers welcomed everyone to the annual event and took advantage of the opportunity to encourage parents to become active Booster Club members.

Athletic Director Adam Arroyo urged parents to be on their best behavior at Bobcat and Ladycat sports events, citing statements by league umpires and referees that Skidmore-Tynan had developed a bad reputation among UIL officials. Coach Arroyo further encouraged parents to avoid making negative statements towards the coaching staff in front of student athletes. "We are here for the kids," stated Coach Arroyo. "We are doing everything in our power to win and do what is right for the kids." Coach Arroyo suggested that parents with questions or concerns arrange to meet with the coach on the day after the game.

The Signal encourages Bobcat fans to throw their support behind our excellent coaching staff so that we may enjoy another great season of Bobcat and Ladycat sports - win or lose!

S-T Junior High Registration Packets Due Friday

Skidmore-Tynan Junior High School students who are returning need to pick up a registration packet at the Jr. High school this week. Junior High students are expected to bring their completed registration packets, with parent signatures to the Junior High School office by Friday, August 18th. Once the completed registration packet is returned, the students will be given their 2006-2007 school class schedules.

Students new to Skidmore-Tynan I.S.D. must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. New students must present the following items at registration:

• Social Security Card
• Birth Certificate
• Report Card from previous school
• Up-to-date immunization record
• Most recent TAKS results from previous Texas public school

Ulloa Graduates from Army Fire Control Systems Training Course

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times reports Private First Class Urbina J. Ulloa has graduated from the Fire Control Systems Repairer Advanced Individual Training course. Ulloa is the daughter of Bobby and Urbana Garrett of Skidmore. Read more in the Caller-Times Military Notes: 08.12.06

Support Booster Club with Football Program Ad

The Skidmore-Tynan Athletic Booster Club seeks advertisers for the 2006 Bobcat Football Program. Ads range from $25 to $250 and may be purchased at Thursday night's Athletic Kickoff Social. The Social will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the S-T ISD Cafetorium. Support our Bobcat & Ladycat athletes!

Football Season Kicks Off with First Day of Practice

Football Season is officially upon us. Players arrived at the field well before sunset Monday morning to pick up equipment and run drills. Morning two-a-days will continue through Thursday, August 10th.

A week of hard work will be capped off with Thursday night's Athletic Kickoff Social. Players and parents are invited to share a meal of burgers and chips at 6:00 p.m. in the S-T ISD Cafetorium. After dinner, coaches will go over athletic guides and game information for all sports.

Click here to view practice photos at Shutterfly.com

Gonzales Earns Texas A&M Degree

Congratulations to Raynaldo Gonzales of Skidmore who recently earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Lions Rummage Sale Continues

The Lions Club Rummage Sale has been extended to Sunday, August 6th. Drop by the lot west of the Post Office (behind the Variety Shop) to take advantage of some great bargains. Items in the sale include gas and electric stoves, exercise equipment, gas heaters, stereo components, bicycles, a washing machine, and lots of clothing, shoes, and miscellaneous knick-knacks!

Coastal Bend Football Schedules

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times has published football schedules for the entire coastal bend area: Who's playing who and when this fall?

Pick Up the Latest Issue of the Skidmore Signal

This month's edition of the Skidmore Signal is now available at various locations around town. We experienced a slight folding mishap in post-press production - easily correctable by reversing the fold on the center section (you'll see what we mean).

Pick up your copy of the Signal at Chisholm Trail Cafe, Dalia's Cafe, Kwik Pantry, Lucky Horseshoe Saloon, Papa's Market, or the Taqueria Vallarta in Beeville. 1-year subscriptions are also available for just $15 mailed to Skidmore Signal, P.O. Box 556, Skidmore, Texas 78389. Thanks for reading!

Tax-Free Holiday August 4-6

For many of you, you need to start getting ready for your kids going back to school. Yes, I know: Finally!

Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales taxes on August 4, 5, and 6 - the state's annual tax holiday. Lay-away plans can be used again this year to take advantage of the sales tax holiday.

The law exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100 from sales & use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend:

• Most clothing and footwear priced at less than $100 will be exempt from sales tax. Customers will receive the break on individual items, regardless of the total amount they buy. For example, sales tax is not due if a customer buys six shirts each priced at $99.99. But full tax is due on a shirt sold for $100; the first $99.99 cannot be exempted.
  
  
• Clothing and footwear used primarily for athletic activities or for protective wear are not eligible for the exemption. Customers buying golf cleats or football pads, for instance, must pay sales tax. Athletic wear that is also used for participation in other non-athletic activities can qualify for tax exemption. For example, tennis shoes, baseball caps, and jogging suits are worn during everyday activities and thus may be purchased tax free during the holiday.
  
  
• Also excluded from the sales tax holiday are accessories such as jewelry and watches; items that are carried rather than worn, including handbags, briefcases and wallets; clothing rentals, such as formal wear and costumes; and repairs and alterations

The exemption also does not apply to school supplies or electronics. For more info on what is (and isn’t) tax exempt, visit the Texas Comptroller's website.