Uniting Universal Languages

Brownsville ISD, the University of Texas at Brownsville and Colegio de Educación de Matamoros present the 20th Bi-National Conference to be held on Friday, October 25 from 4-7 pm and Saturday, October 26 from 9 am – 3:30 pm at the Veterans Memorial High School auditorium. Distinguished keynote speakers and over 30 presenters from the three organizations will share education trends in the areas of mathematics, writing and educational technology skills that support the needs of English language learners. For more information, call the BISD Bilingual Department at (956) 548-8271. View the Bi-National Conference program here.

BISD Bands March Into History

All six BISD high school marching bands earned 1st Division, Superior ratings at the Annual Pigskin Marching Competition held on Saturday, October 19 at the San Benito Stadium. This is the first time in the 75 year history of the district’s band program that all bands earned top ratings. BISD bands competed against 24 UIL Region 28 schools for ratings from 1 to 5 on the level of mastery demonstrated in their performances. BISD schools gave exceptional, stand-out performances. Congratulations to the students, directors, parents, administrators, and Board Trustees who support this outstanding program. View the BISD results.

We Love Our Campus Leaders

Texas Governor Rick Perry has proclaimed October 2013 as “Principals Month” in Texas. Superintendent Dr. Carl A. Montoya, Board Trustees, and all Brownsville Independent School District stakeholders sincerely appreciate our elementary and campus administrators. The school leadership they provide is vital to the success of all district students. We applaud the positive difference that BISD school leaders make on student achievement in Brownsville. Thank you. View the Governor’s proclamation.

Way To Go!

BISD employees generously donated $309,492.96 to the district’s 2013 United Way campaign. Campus by campus, department by department, employees contributed so that the United Way of Southern Cameron County can continue providing support services to our local community. Thank you BISD employees for your strong support of this organization.

Conserving Energy at VMHS

Veterans Memorial High School is the site of a small-scale wind and solar energy demonstration project funded by a $240,000 grant from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts State Energy Conservation Office (SECO). Brownsville ISD received the grant award in April to purchase and install the renewable energy equipment used in the project. BISD contributed another $48,000 in matching funds which the district should recover in energy savings over the next 4 years. The equipment is expected to be fully operational by the end of October. Read the entire release.

Sick Leave Enrollment

BISD maintains a voluntary sick leave bank to assist employees in the event of a catastrophic illness that affects an employee or immediate family member. BISD employees who are currently enrolled in the sick leave bank will be automatically enrolled for next year. Employees who wish to enroll for the first time or discontinue membership must submit a form to the Human Resources Department, 1900 Price Road, Suite #106. The enrollment period is October 1 – November 22, 2013. No late applications will be accepted. For questions, call 548-8051, 548-8031, or 698-1244. Download an application here.

View Grades Online

Brownsville ISD sponsors the Home Access Center (HAC), an online software that keeps parents informed about their child’s academic progress at school. Using a simple login, parents can view grades and assignments for each course their child is enrolled in at school. To gain access, a parent/guardian must register and sign a user agreement at their child’s campus. School personnel will verify the information on the form and establish an account. Parents should contact the campus with questions regarding the Home Access Center.

BISD Acts on Bus Concerns

Posted October 10, 2013 BISD Acts on Bus Concerns Brownsville ISD officials are taking swift action in light of a second incident involving a school bus on Wednesday, October 9, 2013. At approximately 4:30 PM on FM 802 and South Padre Island Highway, Bus #447 experienced a fire in the engine compartment. The driver reported to the transportation dispatcher that smoke was emitting from the bus dashboard. The bus had 30 Rivera High School students on board at the time. The students and driver were safely evacuated and the driver was able to extinguish the fire. The bus was manufactured by International Corporation. Read the entire release.

BISD Teacher Named CATCH Champ

The University of Texas Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) Team has selected Yolanda Cortinas, an Ortiz Elementary physical education teacher, as one of seven Texas CATCH Champions of the Year for 2013. Ms. Cortinas was selected for this award based on her dedication to creating healthy environments for children. She will be joined by six other CATCH Champions from schools, districts, and communities in Texas who will be honored on Thursday, December 5 at the Sheraton Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

Hanna Tennis Playoffs

The Hanna High School Tennis Team, led by Head Coach Terry Hoover, will compete in the UIL Area Team Tennis Tournament on Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12 at a site to be determined. This will mark the first time that an Area Team Tennis Tournament will be played since the area round just took effect this school year. Previously, the top two teams from each district would advance to the 16-team regional tournament. Now, only 8 teams will advance to regional competition. Go Hanna Eagles!

A Tradition of Excellence, 1915-2013

For 98 years, Brownsville ISD has provided a quality education for our community’s children. The addition of more students and schools has not changed that mission. Every BISD campus from the historic Putegnat Elementary School to the recently constructed Daniel Breeden campus has a fascinating history. Click here and select a BISD school to learn more.

Believe in BISD and Win

Brownsville ISD continues to roll out additional components of the district’s new Believe in BISD campaign which is designed to improve student attendance and increase enrollment. Sincere thanks to Cardenas Autoplex, Inc. for the generous donation of a new 2014 Mazda 3 which will be used as an incentive in the BISD Perfect Attendance Car Giveaway for high school students. The car will be on display at Sams Stadium during all high school football games. Beginning Monday, October 7, 2013, BISD high school students in good standing with perfect attendance may be eligible to win this Mazda 3 in June 2014. View the contest details.

October is Pigskin

It’s time for Pigskin! Make plans to attend the 71st Annual UIL Pigskin Marching Competition on Saturday, October 19 at the San Benito High School Football Stadium. The 5A bands will begin performing at approximately 7 pm. Tickets are $8 and can be obtained from any high school band director beginning October 7 or at the stadium gate on the day of the performance. Seats sold by the band directors are grouped together by campus. Everyone is invited to support the BISD marching bands from Hanna, Lopez, Pace, Porter, Rivera and Veterans Memorial High Schools. BISD marching band students have been preparing for Pigskin since June and they are ready to entertain you with an enjoyable evening of music, dance, and precision. View the entire Pigskin schedule.

BISD Goes Paperless on Check Stubs

The addition of the new Employee Online feature, located on the BISD homepage, provides employees with an opportunity to access their own payroll and benefit information with just a few clicks on the computer. Beginning on Friday, November 1, 2013, Brownsville ISD will no longer issue check stubs to employees in conjunction with direct deposit on payday. All employees will have access to a computer and printer at their campus or department work locations to view or print their own payroll or benefit information including a check stub. BISD is going green on check stubs to save on paper and other district resources. For assistance logging onto Employee Online, call the Business Software Help Desk at 698-1254.

BISD Welcomes the State Commissioner of Education

The Texas Commissioner of Education, Michael L. Williams, will visit Brownsville ISD on Thursday, October 3 as part of his “Texas Tour” of public schools. His visit will be led by District 2 State Board of Education member and Brownsville resident Ruben Cortez, Jr. Commissioner Williams and Cortez, accompanied by Superintendent Dr. Carl A. Montoya, will visit Yturria Elementary School at 9:15 am where Williams will address the BISD elementary principals. A little after 10 am, Williams and his entourage will visit Veterans Memorial High School to look at career and technology education programs. The Commissioner will visit schools in four Rio Grande Valley districts on Thursday. View the entire media release.

Garden Park Teacher GT Advocate

Dora Garcia, a 5th grade teacher at Garden Park Elementary, was selected by the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT) as the 2013 Gulf Coast Area Advocate for the Gifted. The TAGT Gulf Coast Area consists of five of the state’s Education Service Center Regions making Garcia’s recognition even more significant. She will be recognized during the 2013 TAGT Annual Conference scheduled on December 4-6 in Houston, Texas. This state recognition highlights Dora Garcia’s dedication and devotion to her students.