Sunday's Internet Edition, September 05, 2010.
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| KLEBERG SCHOOL RECOGNIZED — The staff at Kleberg Elementary School poses for a photo during preparations for the return of students on Monday. Kleberg Elementary School was designated as a recognized campus by Texas Education Agency based on its 2007 TAKS scores. Lamar and Harrel, the two feeder schools to Kleberg, automatically received a recognized rating. Pictured first row seated from left are Belinda Perez, Elsa R. Gonzales, Christina Ramirez, Judy Mae De La Garza, Annie Cuevas, Cris Carmona, Erica Jaime, Diana Guerero Pena, principal. Pictured second row seated from left are Pauline Utlely, Emelda Lopez, Rosie Hofstetter, Juilissa Ibanez, Mary De La Mora, Anna M. Garcia, Gloria Mendietta, Alma Posada. Third row pictured from left are Ida Maldonado, Linda Mendietta, Gracie Y. Rojas, Erica Salazar Leonor Fernandez, Marta L. Torres, Carolina Midobuuche, Sara Jean Davis, Diana Leyba, Rosie Casarez, Randy Medina, Ella L. Ramos, Dolores Garcia, Delma Soza, Noelia Gonzalez, Terrie Cardoza, Arceli Salinas, Sara Vallejo, Monica Ramirez, Carmen Soliz, Evelyn L. Wright. Back row from left are Santiago Munoz Jr., Rita Hernandez, Joe Vilches, Valerie Lanmon, Noelia Gaytan, Yolanda Salazar, Bilma Garcia, Barbara Elliott, Gail Diaz, Reyna Britain, Bobbie Ryan, Debbie Griffith. (Photo by Gloria Bigger-Cantu). |
Kleberg Elementary School received a status rating of being a recognized campus based on its 2007 Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills tests. Because of Kleberg’s TAKS scores, Lamar and Harrel elementary schools automatically become recognized campuses.
Those two campuses are referred to as “feeder schools.”
Lamar and Harrel schools have students pre-kindergarten to first grades.
Kleberg School, with an enrollment of 430 students, has grades second, third, and fourth grade.
The staff includes 40 people with 29 of them being teachers.
Three of those teachers have been commended and honored for their expertise in their field. Judy Mae De La Garza, a second grade teacher, was named “Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year.” The school received $1000 and De La Garza received gifts from Wal-Mart. De La Garza will be the new science lab manager this year. Chris Carmona, a resource teacher, was honored as the Kingsville Independent School District’s 2007 Elementary Teacher of the Year. Barbara Elliott, a choir teacher was named 2006 KISD’s Elementary Teacher of the Year.
“It is honorable to reach that level and status considering that the standards went up from 70 percent to 75 percent,” said Kleberg Principal Diana Guerrero-Pena.
“The recognized status is due to the teacher’s positive attitude, cohesiveness, teamwork and pride,” said Guerrero-Pena. She added she was very proud of the whole staff for their passion and commitment to the school.”
The principal said that in spite of the hardships of the staff the school still achieved a recognized status. This year the school lost a student, a teacher, and one of the teacher’s husband.
One disadvantage was not having a reading coach for the whole year because they could not find one. Passing the TAK reading portion for third graders is crucial because they will not be promoted if they fail.
Another academic challenge for the school is that children that are in self-contained units at Kleberg School are also required to take a state assessment test. their scores are included with the Texas Education Agency TAKS accountability ratings. Kleberg has 24 special needs children who have physical impairments and are also included in classroom activities.
Despite the fact that Kleberg has the lowest socio-economic enrollment in a second to fourth grade campus, attendance is high and the students have excelled as a recognized campus.
Kleberg teachers seem happy at the school because they receive the support of the principal who allows them to conduct their classes and do what is professionally expected of them.
Carmen Soliz, a fourth grade math, science, social studies and writing teacher, credits the academic success of Kleberg School to Guerrero-Pena and the staff for their united efforts.
“We have administrative support that makes our job much easier and helps us get the job done,” Soliz said.
Another success factor is that children receive immediate recognition and rewards for their achievements.
Soliz tries to enhance math skills by making them more interesting through activities, games and real life applications.
Bobbie Ryan, a third grade reading and language arts teacher, said they work in a very supportive campus with a very positive force in a school that does more for the kids.
“It takes a lot of hard work that includes tutoring beginning in November and continues throughout the year,” Ryan said.
Evelyn Wright, a fourth grade reading, language arts, and writing teacher, believes one of the children’s’ academic success is the motivational consistency of the day.
“Each morning Mrs. G.P announces over the intercom that ‘Failure is not an option and together everyone can achieve more’ and this gives wisdom to the school,” Wright said.
She said the principal was always open-minded to new ideas and let the teachers do their jobs.
“Kleberg is driven to success and we are certainly seeking that exemplary status,” said Guerrero-Pena.
Dr. Vita Canales, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and Evanita Ramos, Director of Instructional Services, praised Kleberg School and the two feeder schools Lamar and Harrel for achieving the recognized rating.
Evidence of the positive atmosphere of the school is the large sign that states: “Home of the Eagles.” The mission of Kleberg School is to meet the needs of all students in an academically, challenging, supportive and safe environment.”