By ALEXANDREA BAILEY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
The Port Isabel Rotary hosted this year’s State of the District Luncheon for the Point Isabel Independent School District [PIISD] at Pelican Station on Friday, Aug. 9. Superintendent of Schools, Theresa Capistran, delivered a presentation highlighting the district’s recent achievements.
In addition to its Bilingual Program, PIISD introduced the Dual Language program for pre-k, kindergarten and first-grade students last school year, and will continue the program this school year. Additionally, PIISD honored Hispanic Heritage Month with multiple guest speakers last year, to educate and celebrate students.
Last year, PIISD received the Summer Career and Technical Education Grant, which helped fund the district’s Summer CTE Paid Student Internship. The internship allowed students to learn different skills utilized in the medical field for two weeks. Students were monetarily compensated for their time and effort.
“We are constantly looking for ways that we can add programs for our students,” said Capistran.
The Texas Workforce Commission [TWC] presented PIISD with a $410,000 check for the CTE JET grant. PIISD also partnered with TWC for its Noble Teacher Paid Externship. According to Capistran, eighth graders participated in a TWC presentation as well.
Capistran says the CTE Advisory Committee has been busy ensuring teachers are properly informed on the necessary equipment and skills to lead students to success as they pursue industry-based pathways. In February, a CTE Open House was held for students and led by students.
“Our Junior High students will listen to other students before they listen to adults,” Capistran said light-heartedly.
According to Capistran, Junior High classes can participate in Texas A&M’s Engineering Extension Service, providing more opportunities to the district’s students.
“Our junior high students are going there and finding out all the careers, all the licenses, that are available to them,” said Capistran.
According to Capistran, PIISD was the only school district to participate in the HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division Student Mentorship Program, where medical field professionals mentor students to strengthen the success of future healthcare leaders.
On Feb. 15, renowned Chef Johnny Hernandez visited PIISD’s culinary students. Hernandez is an entrepreneur who is the founder and president of Grupo La Gloria and True Flavors Inc. Culinary students participated in Brownsville’s Charro Days, in February as well.
Special Education students attended the RGV Livestock Show and Special Kids Rodeo. Also, for the first time ever, PIISD hosted the Special Olympics Tennis Tournament in April.
According to Capistran, to close any academic gaps caused by COVID-19, PIISD participated in Curriculum Carnegie Math training as well as a multitude of other trainings for teachers and principals alike.
Other highlights from the school year shared by Capistran include the Young Women’s Leadership Summit, the ACE Program’s partnership with South Texas Coalition to receive over 200 books to be distributed to students at Literacy Nights, receiving the SAFE and Facilities Grant for $1,192,188 to continue with efforts ensuring the safety of the district, mental health support for students, a $44,000 grant to provide students with fresh fruits and vegetables, new restrooms and a staff lounge for the elementary campuses, and a new gym floor and auditorium for the high school.
School starts this year on Monday, Aug. 19.
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