Message from the Superintendent

Dear Parents, Community/Business Members and Staff,  

The start of this school year began with the visit from Hurricane Dolly and its aftermath. This coupled with Bond Construction Program has challenged us to several trials and tribulations. Our modified school start date has been approved by the Texas Education Agency to begin on September 8, 2008. Our entire staff has met this delay with great patience and willingness to learn at the staff development provided for them during this time. Our community quickly responded to our needs as the Long Island Village Resort, Our Lady of the Sea Parish Hall, the Port Isabel Public Library and Community Center facilities were provided to house the massive staff development sessions. We are honored and privileged to have our community come together and assist us in a time of dire need.

It gives me great pleasure to recognize that Derry and Garriga Elementary Schools were both State Recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). All four campuses improved significantly in the state assessments. We continue to acknowledge that teaching students to be lifelong learners is of utmost importance. Although we are measured by means of state and federal assessments, we are adamant to teach our children beyond basic skills.  This has proven to be a challenge that would be next to impossible without the support of our parents, community/business members.

Academically, we captured the UIL Academic District Championship at our elementary schools and Junior High School. Port Isabel Junior High School was recognized as one of the Best Middle Schools in Texas as per the Texas Monthly. We increased the number of Gold Performance acknowledgements at all 4 campuses as well as the District level. Furthermore, we are very proud of our extra-curricular and co-curricular activities as we had numerous district championships, 1st place divisions, all valley, all area and all state recipients.

As your proud superintendent, I am prepared to continue taking on the challenge of reaching "Exemplary" status and commit to you a successful school year filled with "Class, Dignity, and Pride!" Please accept my humble appreciation for your continued support and cooperation in all our educational endeavors. "Our Time is Now!"

Respectfully,

Estella R. Pineda                                           

Estella R. Pineda, Ed. D.                              

Superintendent