PIISD recognizes band students, counselors and teachers

Feb. 21 saw the regularly scheduled meeting of the Point Isabel Independent School District. After the pledge of allegiance, pledge to the state of Texas and the opening prayer, the board moved onto their agenda items, first of which was a presentation by Yvette Cavazos on the district’s plans for an early college high school.
Officially known as a College and Career Readiness School Model (CCRSM), there are 456 of these academies throughout Texas. The academies help to make sure students are ready for moving forward in life, whether it’s to go into a career immediately after high school or to go on to college. The district is wanting to rebrand the high school and remarket it in a way to ensure everyone, parents and students, understand what is on offer from the high school.
Cavazos said of the school, “I’m happy to announce that you have now joined the network for CCRSM and you are now going to be an early college high school.”
With the announcement, confetti popped and a banner was brought out saying, “Port Isabel Early College High School”. This will allow students to graduate with certifications for the workforce if they are not going on to college after high school. Superintendent of Schools Theresa Capistran also announced that this year there will be two students graduating with not just a high school diploma, but also associates degrees.
The next presentation made to the board was a recognition of the district’s junior high band students who participated in an all-star concert alongside the ATSSB Texas All Region Band recently. This was part of the 2023 Association of Texas Small School Bands Annual Region Clinic Concert. A few of the students earned an additional spot in the TMEA Middle School All-Region Band.
Being a member of this band is the highest honor a middle school music student can receive in the state of Texas. The process starts with students auditioning for judges, performing independent pieces and scales. Those selected become All Region Musicians. Over 25 students were selected from PIISD junior high bands for this honor.
The third presentation of the evening was titled Tarpons at the Texas Capital and was presented by Capistran. Courtney Hill and Debbie West were called up as during the district holiday on Feb. 13. They went to Austin to advocate for education, PIISD, the Rio Grande Valley and the State of Texas.
The two teachers met with many legislators and representatives to advocate for funding for education and putting money toward teachers and students. They argued that funding for education was funding for the future of the state. One of the large topics brought up in almost every meeting the two said was school vouchers, which they are against for the state of Texas.
The two teachers were thanked by the board for representing PIISD and were given a certificate of recognition for being the voice of the community at the capital.
The next presentation was over counselor recognition month. Capistran led this presentation, thanking school counselors for all the help they provide, not just to students, but also to teachers and faculty. All six counselors for the district’s campuses were called up and provided a certificate of thanks.