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| The Reading First staffers at CCAISD posed for this photo last week. (Photo courtesy of CCAISD) |
- The Reading First program is a grant that CCAISD received for grades k-3rd. This grant provides teacher development and supplies that are needed to teach the students enhanced reading skills. The Reading First program started 5 years ago, this year being its last, but willingly the teachers will continue to use the strategies they have learned.
The students acknowledge better reading skills and read books on their grade level. It also gives them the foundation needed to learn on grade level, which is a big plus when they are going to take the TAKS test.
The core of the Reading First program is taught in 90 minutes of uninterrupted instruction in reading. The skills taught range from easiest to most difficult. They are aligned from one grade level to the next. The students move through a three tier model. The students who are having difficulties are moved to tier 2 or tier 3 for further individual instruction. The tiers are tested at the beginning, middle and end of the year with monitoring in between the periods.
Reading First is offered in nearby campuses, such as Pecos, Marfa and in many schools in El Paso. Our school is served by Gracie Fuentes. Gracie Fuentes is the RTA of the Reading First. The RTA attends training and comes to the campus and shows the teachers new strategies to use. Mrs. Ortega is the coach of Reading First. She supports the teachers with instruction and whatever else they need. Mrs. Upchurch makes sure that the teachers are meeting the requirements of the grant and that the money is spent properly.
“A program is only as good as the user,” stated Mrs. Upchurch. The Reading First teachers include: Mrs. Gonzalez, Mrs. Urias, Mrs. Garcia, Mrs. Hernandez, Ms. Lipsey, Mrs. McVay, Mrs. Calderon and Mrs. Carrillo. One goal of Reading First is to help students read on grade level, which reduces the number of student referrals for special programs. The biggest benefit is that students become successful in reading and passing the TAKS test. The district is fortunate to have had this program, and plans to continue building on the skills the students have acquired.
Junior High girls win at Grandfalls, boys take 3rd
The Van Horn Junior High track teams went to Grandfalls last Thursday and the girls again came home with the winning trophy. Our boys took 3rd place at the meet.
Coaches Anna Luna and Michael McBirnie both expressed gratitude for how well our kids performed at Grandfalls.
Shown below is how the teams did:
Girls Division:
Long Jump: Karina Ramirez took 3rd Place.
Triple Jump: Leslie Gonzales took 1st Place; Abril Padilla took 4th Place.
High Jump: Mireya Quintana took 2nd Place.
Shot Put: Kianna Fierro took 2nd Place.
Discus: Rebecca Onate took 6th Place.
2400 Meter Run: Abril Padilla took 2nd Place.
4 x 100 Meter Relay: Team of Leslie Gonzales, Elise Martinez, Kianna Fierro and Karina Ramirez took 1st Place.
100 Meter Hurdles: Mariela Garza took 3rd Place.
100 Meter Dash: Karina Ramirez took 1st Place.
800 Meter Run: Abril Padilla took 2nd Place.
4 x 200 Meter Relay: Team of Natalie Hernandez, Justine Quintana, Elise Martinez and Mireya Quintana took 5th Place.
300 Meter Hurdles: Mariela Garza took 5th Place.
Boys Division:
Long Jump: Sam Rivera took 4th Place.
Shot Put: Dalton Aumiller took 4th Place.
Discus: Dalton Aumiller took 3rd Place.
4 x 100 Meter Relay: Team of Daniel Quintana, Ryan Martinez, Cruz Travis and Sam Rivera took 2nd Place.
110 Meter Hurdles: Jacob Ontiveros took 3rd Place.
100 Meter Dash: Sam Rivera took 2nd Place.
4 x 200 Meter Relay: Team of Daniel Quintana, Ryan Martinez, Nathan Arrazate and Jacob Ontiveros took 3rd Place.
200 Meter Dash: Nathan Arrazate took 3rd Place.
The Junior High thinclads were at their District Track Meet in McCamey on Tuesday of this week. Results will be published in our next issue.
Career Fair set for SRSU next Tuesday
The Sul Ross State University Career Life Center will host its annual Spring Career Fair Tuesday, April 6.
The fair will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Espino Conference Center, Morgan University Center. Refreshments will be provided, and visitors may register for door prizes, to be distributed at the end of the fair.
Visitors will be able to investigate job markets, ask recruiters questions, explore different business resources or apply for available positions. Job Search Strategy information sessions will also be held during the fair, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in Room 210. Participants will learn about new approaches and rehashed old approaches to job searching. Appropriate business attire is recommended.
The Career Life Center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, contact Susan Fox-Forrester, (432) 837-8178, or sforrester@sulross.edu.