(Laredo, Tx)-TXDOT is pleased to sponsor the presentation of the Texas Safe Routes to Schools Course that will take place tomorrow Feb.1 at Alma Pierce Elementary School 800 E. Eistetter from 8a.m. to 4:30p.m.  Join community leaders, school officials, health and transportation professional, law enfor3ecement officers, parents and neighbors for a presentation using safe routes to school to make it safer and more appealing for children to walk and bicycle to school. 

For more information call the Alma Pierce Elementary School office at 956-795-4050.

 In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on Monday, January 16, teachers throughout Laredo ISD will be educating students through various activities on how the civil rights leader’s significant contributions impacted our country and changed the world. 

LISD students are expected in class at their schools as regularly scheduled on Monday, January 16.

 Cigarroa High Schools U.S. History and U.S. Government students will observe the day by participating in a march celebrating freedom and honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at 9:45 a.m. at the Cigarroa High School Bull Ring Courtyard.

 The Laredo Independent School District employees can learn more about this year’s Early Notification Incentive Program.

 “A series of meetings are planned to formally introduce the program to all of our faculty and staff,” stated David Garza LISD Director of Human Resources. “Meetings will be held on the following days and locations by feeder pattern.” 

Monday, January 9, 2012 – Cigarroa High School Library at 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 – Martin High School Library at 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012 – Nixon High School Annex at 5:00 p.m.

 In order to participate and qualify for the program this year, employees must have at least 10 years of service with the district inclusive of this school year. Those employees eligible for the program will receive 15% of their base salary if they notify the district of their departure within the specified time line.

 The first day to sign up will be on January 14, 2012, at the Nixon High School Annex from 9:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. The last day to sign up will be at the LISD Human Resources Office by 5:00 p.m. on February 14, 2012.

 In addition, meetings will also take place by departments during the day on the week of January 9th through the 13th. All meetings will be presented in English and in Spanish.

(Laredo, Tx)- Hooah, Locked and Loaded, Comms, Self-Sufficient Tactical Road March, and Call for Fire are not the typical words you will find on a word wall in Gilberto Gonzalez classroom at Macdonell Elementary School. Gonzalez, along with Humberto Frausto Jr, Martin High School Police Officer, used these words daily as part of their training exercise in the Kita-Fuji Training Area, Japan recently during the Orient Shield 2011 training exercises.

 Gonzalez and Frausto, along with 110 members from the Texas National Guard’s Third Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment joined members of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF), Eastern Army, 1st Division, and 1st Aviation in training exercises as part of this military operation.

The exercises are part of an annual bilateral combined arms training between American soldiers and members of the Japanese forces. The focus of the exercise was to develop tactical, bilateral operations and war-fighting skills, as well as reinforce our friendship and alliance between the U.S. and Japanese military forces.

 “Exercises like this promote our enduring relationship, goodwill, and mutual understanding in order to improve and sustain our bilateral operation with Japan,” said Gonzalez. “The experience of working with a foreign counterpart was amazing. You can learn something from everybody even just training with a new squad. So the opportunity to train with the Japanese is an opportunity we will always remember.”

 Throughout the two week training, the U.S. and Japanese counterpart performed mounted heliborne operations, road marching, field training, and infantry exercises. As part of the training exercises, the soldiers also participated in Culture Day where they experienced firsthand the Japanese traditions. One evening the soldiers were invited to dinner and were welcomed into the homes of local families.

 “Tasting the food and experiencing the culture by making Sameri hats was fun and amazing. The local community opened their house and made us fell like family,” added Gonzalez.

 Gonzalez and Frausto were joined in Japan by several LISD parents who are also part of the Texas National Guard.

(Laredo, Tx)- Laredo Independent School District campuses and administrative offices will be closed due to the Christmas Holiday beginning Monday, December 19, through Monday, January 2, 2012.

 However, the LISD Tax Office will be open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday December 19, 20, and 21, and Tuesday and Wednesday, December 27, and 28. The Tax Office is located at 904 Juarez Ave. and will be open during regular business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 LISD campuses and administrative offices will re-open on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 for staff development training and meetings. There will be no classes for students on Tuesday so that staff may attend their professional development courses.

 LISD administration, faculty, and staff will report to work on Tuesday morning for their required staff development training. Also, staff will start the morning and New Year with a Resolution Fit Walk at their respective campuses. Students resume their regular schedule on Wednesday, January 4, 2012.

(Laredo, Tx)- Laredo Independent School District high school students will be taking their mid-term final exams beginning Tuesday, December 13, through Friday, December 16. The mid-term exams will be administered to students in ninth through 12th grade.

LISD would like to share the following tips with our parents. Each student needs a good night’s sleep before their mid-term final exams. Eat a healthy breakfast; young minds perform better on tests when they have been well fed. Breakfast and lunch are available for free to every student at every LISD campus. Instead of rushing, stay calm by arriving early to school for the test. Your child needs a positive attitude about testing; share words of encouragement the day of the test; let them know how proud you are of their accomplishments. 

Mid-term final exams are scheduled as follows:

(Laredo, Tx)- Laredo Independent School District campuses and administrative offices will be closed beginning Monday, November 21, through Friday, November 25, in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. However, the LISD Tax Office will be open Monday, November 21 through Wednesday, November 23. The Tax Office is located at 904 Juarez Ave. and will be open during regular business hours, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They will be closed Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25. All LISD campuses and administrative offices will re-open Monday, November 29. Students will also resume their regular schedules on Monday, November 29.