San Benito CISD prides itself in offering progressive, innovative courses and programs to a student population of over 10,000. The district prides itself in providing students with top-notched academic programs, a wide array of extracurricular activities and state-of-the-art technology. Students begin their education with a solid foundation. The district focuses on early childhood development by placing the majority of our instructional aides in Pre-Kinder, Kinder and First Grade classrooms to assist the teachers so that students can gain the fundamental skills necessary to succeed academically. Approximately 1,400 employees help students achieve academic excellence and prepare them for the challenge of becoming lifelong learners.

San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy
The campus is home to the freshmen population and to students enrolled in specialized areas, including Law & Research, Engineering & Technology, Fine Arts and Health Sciences. The academy concept is an innovative, progressive approach which provides San Benito students with greater depth and scope in their area of interest. Academy students choose from the four areas of specialization where they get hands-on instruction and real-world job experiences. Using the latest techniques and technologies, students pursue a diploma that represents in-depth learning, broad understanding, and specialized expertise. Through internships, job shadowing partnerships and an integrated curriculum, students gain valuable, marketable skills before they leave high school.

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Bond Projects
In an effort to accommodate an increase in student enrollments, the district has built state-of-the-art facilities, thanks to voter approved bonds. These bonds were approved by voters in 1997 and again in 1999. The 1997 and 1999 bond projects have all been completed. The last of the 1999 bond projects, the San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy, opened its doors to students on Monday, Aug. 16, 2004.

2004 Bond Projects
In May, 2004 voters approved yet another bond election for additional facilities and improvements to existing schools. The projects are as follows:

Phase I Projects
•A new middle school in La Paloma will be located on Military Highway;
•New cafeterias at Ed Downs Elementary and Dr. Cash Elementary;
•San Benito High School Science lab upgrades; and
•Construction of four classrooms and technology labs at the Sonny Brazil Agriculture Science Complex.

Phase II Projects
•A new (city) elementary school; and
•New classroom wings at Miller Jordan Middle School.

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Technology
San Benito CISD has obtained more than $5,836,000 in technology grant funds in the past three years to purchase and support technology integration and utilization in our schools, libraries, offices and homes in our community. The district prides itself in the State-of-the-Art Technology which features approximately 3,500 instructional computers and about 500 administrative computers. All campuses in the district are wired for Internet and e-mail access.

The district has 4,500 multimedia networkable computers. Whether connected for direct instruction, as an instructional tool for teachers, and management station for administration, or as a district information support system, we are providing our students and staff a "direct connection" for educational success.

Fast Fact: Teacher to Computer Ratio - 1:1
Fast Fact: Student to Computer Ratio - 1:4.3 with a district goal of 1:3

We teach our kids, our teachers, our parents, and our entire educational team to utilize technology. We have an entire Instructional Technology Department that provides and sustains standard-based professional development to empower everyone with technological fluency and to ensure the integration of technology into teaching the learning.

Fast Fact: There is one instructional technology representative at each elementary school, two at each middle school, and four at the high school and academy. Each Technology Representative is also a classroom teacher.
Fast Fact: Robotics is taught at a select number of elementary campuses.
Fast Fact: Each of our teachers has an iBook Laptop computer.

It's not just computers in the classroom...we are broadcasting our work via Radio and Cable Television. Our schools feature Media Technology programs for students in grades 6th through 12th and Radio and Broadcasting activities at select elementary campuses. Our district’s educational access television station, KSBG TV 17, serves as a positive technological tool for promoting our district events and activities. Joined together at our news facility, the San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy, the innovative courses and television station engages students daily, immersing them in real-world radio/television broadcasting activities, equipping our students for continued success!

Not only do we use the technology our district has acquired, but our students master it. The Annual Districtwide Multimedia Contest is real proof that technology teaches. Each year more than 2,000 students from Kindergarten through the 12th grade compete for awards and recognition by creating multimedia and digital video projects that rival the professionals.

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Parental Involvement
We recognize the importance of a parent’s involvement in a child’s development, therefore, we strive to assist parents in gaining the knowledge and skills they need to better assist their children as they develop and grow into strong, healthy, young adults and community members who possess a desire to continue a lifetime of learning! For two consecutive years, our Parental Involvement Program has earned the Texas Association of School Board’s highest honor, the Texas Outstanding Parent Program Award. Parents participate in statewide activities via the Texas Parent Learning Network, earning recognition for the past three years!

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Special Services
Every child is different! We provide an education for each and every one of our students. Whether it’s Special Education, Migrant Education, Bilingual/English As A Second Language Education, Gifted & Talented Education, Advanced Placement, Career and Technology Education, Counseling Services, or any other special program needed, the district works to provide all necessary services to all students in need.

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Gifted and Talented Education
A gifted and talented student performs at or shows the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment and exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area, possesses an unusual capacity for leadership, or excels in a specific academic field. Services are provided for students in kindergarten through Grade 12.

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Migrant Education
The Migrant Education Program provides instructional, support, and community services for migrant children in an effort to help minimize educational difficulties stemming from their family’s moves for work. Services available are designed to supplement existing school programs. The program is intended to keep migrant students in school, improve their academic achievement, and increase their graduation rates.

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Bilingual Education / ESL Program
Bilingual Education is a program required by the State of Texas. The state policy mandates that every student in Texas having a home language other than English and who is identified as limited English proficient shall be provided a full opportunity to participate in a Bilingual Education or ESL Program. The local program offers classroom instruction in the student’s native language to ensure that the child does not stay behind academically while learning English.

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Districtwide Academic Events
The district also hosts an annual Spelling Bee as well as the Bilingual Spelling Bee for students whose primary language is Spanish. Students must spell words in Spanish and English. District winners compete at the state and national level.

A districtwide University Interscholastic League competition is held annually for students in elementary grades. The students compete for top prizes in events such as spelling, oral reading, writing, story telling and acting. An awards ceremony for the top winners is held in the evening.

The district also offers a Science Fair/Invent competition for elementary and secondary students. The winning projects are displayed for viewing at the Community Building and students are awarded top prizes.

An annual Math Olympics competition for students in grades 3-5 allows participants to compete in events such as number sense, fractions, and SuperQuiz. The competition is also designed for bilingual participants.

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Career and Technology Education Programs
Preparing students for the future is a priority for our Career and Technology Education (CATE) Programs. Last year, the San Benito Automotive Technology Program at San Benito High School was certified by the National Automobile Technicians Education Foundation and Automotive Youth Educational Systems. This national certification program provides input from auto dealers which allows students to be trained with the tools used in today’s highly technical automotive industry. Students participating in CATE Programs are also able to obtain certification in the following areas: nursing, pharmacology, phlebotomy and dental assisting.

Media Technology students attending classes at San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy are provided advanced skills development and application through immersion in a professional broadcast environment at KSBG-TV 17, the district’s educational access cable television station.

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Grants
The school district will receive a $1.5 million Texas Reading First Grant for each of five years from the Texas Education Agency. The grant totaling $7.5 million will help students in grades kindergarten through third at eight elementary schools improve their reading scores.

The schools receiving grant monies include:
•La Encantada Elementary
•Fred Booth Elementary
•La Paloma Elementary
•Dr. Raul Garza Jr. Elementary
•Frank Roberts Elementary
•Dr. Cash Elementary
•Rangerville Elementary
•Ed Downs Elementary

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Afterschool Programs
The district has worked diligently to secure afterschool funding in an effort to provide opportunities at all schools that extend beyond the normal school day. Students are reaping the academic benefits and taking part in enrichment opportunities. Local programming provides students with academic tutoring and enrichment activities geared towards a higher education. The grants will cover a three-year period with a possible two-year extension.

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Challenger Learning Center
The school district has partnered with the Challenger Learning Center of the Rio Grande Valley. The center provides a unique educational opportunity and creates a spirit of enthusiasm and hope for the youth of the Rio Grande Valley, affording them a chance to succeed in an everchanging world. The center, located at the former Berta Cabaza Middle School, provides tremendous benefits, including the availability of advanced educational opportunities and enhanced self-image building to introduce the practical applications of math, science and technology.

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Chess
San Benito students participate in chess activities. Students at all schools take advantage of this program, which is designed to help students achieve higher order thinking skills. Students have been competing in various local, state and national tournaments and have walked away with top honors.

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Tennis
Students are able to participate in a tennis program made possible through a grant through the United States Tennis Association and through USTA-Texas section incentives. The program is offered for elementary students during the school year and for secondary students during the summer months.

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Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
The district offers a Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps Program at the San Benito Veterans
Memorial Academy for students in grades 9-12. Students are introduced to the concepts of leadership and individual discipline. Habits of orderliness and precision are promoted, along with the study of military customs, traditions and history.

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Concurrent/Dual Enrollment
The district has partnered with The University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College to offer eligible students an opportunity to enroll in college courses while attending high school, and permits them to take courses in place of, or in addition to, the normal course load at their high school. The participants must meet the same requirements as other college students.

Dual college credit is earned upon successful completion of the course. Credit(s) may be applied towards an Associates Degree at UTB/TSC or may transfer to other colleges and universities. Under the concurrent enrollment, juniors and seniors participating in the program receive college credit only. The Concurrent Enrollment and Academic Dual Credit Program builds an academic bridge to college, providing students and their parents with a preview of post-secondary standards and expectations while studying in a familiar high school classroom setting.

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Advanced Placement Program
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program allows students to participate in college level courses and possibly earn college credit while still in high school. AP courses are both challenging and stimulating. As a result of the rigorous academic preparation, participating students taking AP courses are able to learn a subject in depth, develop analytical reasoning skills, and form disciplined study habits that can contribute to continued success at the college level.

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Counseling Services
The San Benito CISD Counseling Services program has been designed primarily to enhance the educational development of all students. The program’s primary goal is to counsel students toward fully developing their academic, career, personal, and social abilities. Areas of concentration include the following: suicide, anger and stress management, career awareness, wellness, substance abuse, and grief/depression.

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Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program
The district is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for students and staff. With this in mind, the district implemented the Community Oriented Policing Services several years ago. Made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, the program is comprised of eight fully certified police officers.

The officers have received school resource training, school violence training, basic crime prevention and fire arms training. The officers have taken a basic law enforcement instructor’s course designed to help prepare lesson plans and conduct classroom presentations. In addition to employing full time police officers, the district has the following measures in place:

•Security guards at all secondary schools;
•Bike patrol;
•closed campuses;
•surveillance system at the secondary schools & in school buses;
•trained canines; and
•metal detectors.

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Alternative Education Placement
The Joe Callandret Positive Redirection Center (PRC) is a program created to address students with chronically disruptive and/or violent behavior who have committed offenses that may result in suspension or expulsion from school. The primary focus is to offer redirection through resocialization. Students are placed at one of two levels based on violations addressed in the Student Code of Conduct. Students may be placed at the PRC from 15 days up to the remainder of the school year. The students follow a prevention level system developed by the school district.

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