resulted in the outline for the new facility taking shape in a matter of only a few weeks.

This is an exciting time, as we begin to see our new high school move closer to reality. I look forward with anticipation to the day when the students of George West can walk through the doors of this nice, new facility that our commu-nity so graciously approved in 2011.

Greetings,

I have often said that George West is a great place to be.

This Fall, as I have watched our students excel, I am again amazed at their talents, deter-mination, and hard work.

I have watched our Long-horns overcome adversity on many occasions. I admire these young men for how they have come together as a team, facing each Friday night confi-dently and meeting the chal-lenges before them.

Our Lady Horns have domi-nated our district and area. They should be commended for a truly memorable season capped off with exciting show-ing at the Regional Tournament against Poth.

Our Band has excelled once again, earning straight ones at district marching contest. A

feat they have accomplished now for five years in a row. What a tradition!

Additionally, I am so proud of the way other students have represented GWISD. We are blessed to have students in this community that have high ex-pectations and a willingness to do what it takes to be success-ful. We have had a great start to our school year that has in-cluded much success by our students and the George West staff that support them. It’s been fun to watch them com-pete.

In closing, I am also proud to report that our new high school is now well underway. At this point in the process, changes to the structure appear to be tak-ing place at a much faster pace. The concrete foundation is now complete and the structural steel is being installed. This has

From the Superintendent Ty Sparks

Stay Informed through Emails

Campuses have found new ways

to stay in communication with

parents and guardians. The High

School, Junior High, and Elemen-

tary Schools each have an email

“blast” system to send information

via email to parents.

If you would like to stay current on

the latest activities, sports activi-

ties, school meetings and testing,

sign up to receive periodic emails

from your child’s campus. Con-

tact emails for the campuses fol-

low.

JOIN EMAIL LIST:

High School:

kkeach@gwisd.esc2.net

Junior High:

hlee@gwisd.esc2.net

Elementary School:

sschuette@gwisd.esc2.net

Business Name

November 2012 Volume 11, Issue 2

Dates to Remember:

Thanksgiving Break

November 21-23

Early release

November 20

Christmas Break:

December 20-January 3

Early Release: Dec 19

Inside this issue:

Bassetts Donate Gift 2

Primary News 5

Elementary News 6

Junior High News 7

Primary Gets Surprise 5

Scholarships & CCCT

Distinguished Scholars

7

Lady Horn Champs 16

GEORGE WEST ISD Volume 11, Issue 2

November 2012

Newsletter

Stay informed about your child’s grades. Here are the dates for progress reports and report cards.

If you would like to check your child’s grades and attendance online, the district offers access through VSI (View Student

Information).

Through the generous donations from Valero, United Way and numerous other do-nors, and incredible support from the Live Oak County Welfare Board, renown speaker, Brooks Gibbs was able to share his timely message on bullying with the stu-dents of GWISD. Featured in Teen People Magazine, The Washington Post, and interviewed on CBS, Gibb’s inspiring personal stories and helpful strategies have reached more than a million students and counting. Campus Counselors were instrumental in scheduling the expert who explained to stu-dents that hate starts with a prejudice, then shows itself through discrimination, and finally acts out in something unfortunate.

A parent session was held for those who were interested in how to help their own children as they struggle through issues of childhood. Gibbs gave parents books and curriculum to use at home. Parents with further questions about this issue are encouraged to contact the campus counselor.

From the Director of Educational Services Robin Sellman

Bassetts Donate Longhorn to Students

Jim and Alice Ann (Allen) Bassett generously donated a longhorn steer mount that has been installed in GWISD Cafeteria. “Big George” lived on the Bassett Ranch for 21 years. The Bassetts had him mounted recently and donated the stately animal to GWISD in honor of The Class of 1962—Mrs. Bassett’s class. This year is the Class’s 50th Reunion, and they celebrated during Story-fest. The staff and students sincerely appreciate the Bassett’s generosity. The GWHS cheerleaders were on hand to thank the Bassetts as seen here in the photo.

Page 2

Newsletter

Grading Period Progress Reports Report Cards

1st Six Weeks Tuesday, 9/18/12 Tuesday, 10/9/12

2nd Six Weeks Tuesday, 10/23/12 Wednesday, 11/14/12

3rd Six Weeks Tuesday, 12/4/12 Tuesday, 1/8/13

4th Six Weeks Tuesday, 1/29/13 Thursday, 2/21/13

5th Six Weeks Tuesday, 3/12/13 Thursday, 4/18/13

6th Six Weeks Tuesday, 5/7/13 Will Be Mailed Home

Love is Greater than Hate Love > Hate

Grade Release Schedule

Highly Qualified Teacher Report

Page 3

Volume 11, Issue 2

GEORGE WEST ISD 2012-2013 No Child Left Behind

Report of Progress toward Meeting the Highly Qualified Teachers Requirements November 13, 2012

School districts are required to report campus-level information concerning the number and percent of teachers and number and percent of classes taught by highly qualified teachers. This data must reflect the “highly quali-fied” status of both regular core area teachers and special education teachers at each campus and number of regular and special education classes or core area sections that are taught by highly qualified teachers as of Sep-tember 17th of the current school year. The chart below reflects the 2012-2013 school year data submitted to the office of No Child Left Behind - Highly Qualified Teacher Compliance Report. The data reflects that each one of the schools has 100% of the regular core and special education teachers meeting the definition of being highly qualified and that 100% of all of the core and special education classes and sections are being taught by highly qualified teachers for the 2012-2013 school year.

High-Poverty Schools – N/A

State Baseline Annual Target % of Classes Taught by Highly Qualified Teachers (State Aggregate)

% of Classes Taught by Highly Qualified Teachers (High-Poverty Schools)

% of Highly Qualified Teachers (State Aggregate)

% of Teachers Receiving High-Quality Professional Development (State Aggregate)

2006-2007 and beyond 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% % of

Classes Taught by Highly Qualified Teachers

% of Highly Qualified Teachers

% of Classes Taught by Highly Qualified Special Education Teachers

% of Highly Qualified Special Education Teachers

% of Teachers Receiving High-Quality Professional Development

George West ISD 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% George West Primary School 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

George West Elementary School 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

George West Junior High School 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

George West High School 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

George West ISD will have an early release for the Thanksgiving break on Tuesday, November

20, 2012. The Primary campus will be dismissed at 1:10 (Kinder at 1:05), while the Elemen-

tary, Junior High, and High School campuses will be released at 1:30 p.m.

Classes will resume on Monday, November 26, 2012. The district will also release classes at

the same times on Wednesday, December 19th for the Christmas Holidays. Students return on

Monday, January 7, 2013. Teachers have a scheduled workday for Friday, January 4, 2013.

Early Release Dates

November 2012

S M T W T F S

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 3 E 4 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19

Early Release 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

December 2012

S M T W T F S

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 ◊

Early Release 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31

January 1 2 3

Teacher Workday

Newsletter

Page 5

Estella Chapa and Sandy Cole, teachers at

George West Primary recently attended a rec-

ognition ceremony in Washington DC to re-

ceive the Primary’s recognition plaque and ban-

ner as a 2012 NCLB Blue Ribbon School.

Since 2003, George West Primary is the only

school in the state to receive this recognition

twice.

Primary Receives National Blue Ribbon in DC Pat James

The BLUE Bell Ice Cream truck traveled to the Land of Long-horn BLUE to help GW Primary School celebrate their Na-tional BLUE Ribbon Award. Blue Bell Representa-tive, David Lucio and his assis-tant passed out almost 350 Blue Bell ice cream sandwiches to all students and staff of the pri-mary school in an effort to con-gratulate them for their signifi-cant accomplishment. Impres-

sive to watch the delivery in action, the primary stu-dents used the kindest of manners and thanked Mr. Lucio in a true BLUE fashion. Principal, Pat James, ex-pressed his appreciation for the company recogniz-

ing the students. “It is nice that Blue Bell recog-nizes that our teachers and students have worked very hard to earn this award again. I’m grateful they came to sup-port us.”

Blue Bell Visits Primary Campus

Volume 11, Issue 2

Page 6

Newsletter

Home & School Stephanie Schuette, Elementary Counselor

George West Elementary spends a lot of time focusing on the positives! Our students are taught in the classroom and by example, self-control skills, positive self talk, and ways to cope with the everyday stressors at school and home. For example, The Self-Control Skill that every student learned in the classroom is a 5 step process: 1. Stop. 2. Think about what will happen if you lose control. 3. Ask yourself why you are really angry. 4. Reduce your anger (deep breathing, journal write, and/or exercise). 5. Reward yourself. This technique can be useful in many situations our students face at school and home. Another strong focus is on Positive Self Talk. This is when you say nice things to yourself all day, in every situa-tion, at any given moment and you keep doing this over and over again. Then it becomes a habit to say nice things to others, feel good about yourself, and it helps to decrease the amount of negative put- downs in our school. Lastly, a positive way to handle stress, anger, sadness, and cope with everyday issues is through Journal Writing. It’s easy to W.R.I.T.E. Just five easy steps, and you will be writing! W What do you want to write about? What is going on? How do you feel? What are you thinking about? What do you want? Name it. R Review or reflect on it. Close your eyes. Take three deep breaths. Focus. You can start with “I feel…” or “I want…” or “I think…” or “Today….” or “Right now…” or “In this moment…” I Investigate your thoughts and feelings. Start writing and keep writing. Follow the pen/keyboard. If you get stuck or run out of juice, close your eyes and re-center your-self. Re-read what you’ve already written and continue writing. T Time yourself. Write for 5-15 minutes. Write the start time and the projected end time at the top of the page. If you have an alarm/timer on your cell phone or home clock, set it. E Exit smart by re-reading what you’ve written and reflecting on it in a sentence or two. “As I read this, I notice…” or “I feel…”. Note any action steps to take.

In summary….. It is easy to W.R.I.T.E.!!! W hat topic? R eview/reflect I nvestigate T ime yourself E xit smart

Journal writing can be fun for the entire family and can open up the lines of communication between you and your child. It is also a way for the teachers, counselors and staff to get to know our students and help them through an issue they might have at that time. Most of all, it is a healthy way to express our feelings.

Working Together for School Success GW Elementary

Page 7

Volume 11, Issue 2

GWJH - Preserving Our Watershed

Mrs. Keadle’s 7th grade science class hosted Mrs. Almaraz and Mr. Sugarek from the Nueces River Authority. The students learned about the Nueces River Watershed and how human ac-tivity can affect the water quality of that system. They were also shown a groundwater/water well model that exhibited how drinking water can be easily contaminated by foreign sub-stances.

Submitted by Mrs. Keadle

GWJH - Reaching for the STAAR Texas students will be taking the STAAR assessment in the spring. Students in 7th grade will take the Reading, Mathematics, and Writing assessments and 8th graders will take the Reading, Mathematics, So-cial Studies, and Science assessments. The State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) replaced the TAKS tests last year. STAAR is a test of “Academic Readiness”. The TAKS test assessed if our students learned what they were supposed to learn in their current grade or course. The STAAR is designed to assess if students learned what they were supposed to learn in their current grade or course, assesses if they are ready for not only the next grade/course but the one after that as well. And ultimately, are the students ready for college or a career? The STAAR continues to test the Texas Essen-tial Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) which have been divided up into three standards: readiness standards (which will have more items on the STAAR test), supporting standards (fewer items on the STAAR test), and process standards (the skills and will be assessed with other standards). “The STAAR test is signifi-cantly more rigorous than the TAKS.” The questions are more complex and require more thinking. It is a longer test than the TAKS with the number of questions increasing from 2 to 12 depending on the grade level and subject. There will also be additional writing prompts. “STAAR requires more THINK-ING!” It is not a strategy type test. In addition to the rigor and amount of questions increasing, students must complete the assessment in a 4 hour time period. All 8th graders must meet the passing standard for the Math and Reading assessment to meet one of the criteria for promotion to the 9th grade.

See more Junior High news on Page 6

Word from the Junior High Heather Lee, Principal

Page 8

Junior High – REGISTER TAPES FOR EDUCATION

Thank you to everyone who has donated their tape registers either in the box at Lowe’s or has sent them to the school. We appreciate all of your help. So far, we have gathered over $20,000 worth of receipts. We will continue to collect the receipts through March 31, 2013. With the holidays around the corner, we ask that you please continue to submit your receipts. The program is sponsored by Lowe’s (food stores – formerly Super S), Fiesta Foods, Big 8 Food Stores, Super Save, and Avanza Supermarket. Remember, you may turn in your receipts to the Junior High office, give them to any JH student, or mail them to 900 Houston Street. If you would like to be entered for their drawing for an iPod Shuffle or $500 in free groceries, please come by the office and com-plete the required form with your receipts by January 15, 2013. The GWJH school code is 51822. Thank you for your support! For complete contest rules, please visit www.shoppercredit.com/shoppercontest. Last year, we collected over $27,000 worth of credit and were able to purchase pencils, awards, and an MP3 Player/Recorder. We are set-ting our goals high this year and would like to collect over $1.7 million for a class set of iPads. We are well on our way of beating last year’s amount!

How can parents help prepare their children for the STAAR? Encourage students to complete all assignments – homework, class work, projects, AR reading, etc. Have meaningful discussions with your child about what they are learning in their classes. Be willing to ask your child “how” or “why” questions. Encourage your chil-dren to write more often and properly (no texting lingo). All JH teachers are requiring stu-dents to produce more written work using proper grammar. Quiz them on their basic

math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). If they do not remember them, have them study flashcards. If students are struggling with a concept, encourage them to ask questions and go to their teachers after school for extra help. All of the JH staff are here until 4:00 and the majority are here long past 4:00. We are here to help! Students can also access two of our on-line programs at home. Study Island, www.studyisland.com, and Reading Plus, www.readingplus.com (site code 900west), are both available to students anytime. We are working hard on preparing our students not only for the STAAR test this year, but for the years to come and hopefully college or a career! More information on the STAAR tests can be found at the TEA website: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=2147485434&menu_id=692&menu_id2=796&cid=2147483661

Junior High Continued

Newsletter

Page 9

Volume 11, Issue 2

Congratulations to the Lady Horns! 36-5 record

Jordan Hensley, Raye Bednorz, Tara Liska, Kelsi Bartlett, Elly Williamson

Bethany Brysch, Caroline Bellows, Blake Mosley

Caysi Holt, Allison Bryce, Mary Cansino, Kaylee Brysch, Marley Snider

Coaches Cathy Taylor, Tamara Bednorz, Kayla Stewart

2012 Area Champs!

2012 District Champs!

2012 Region IV Semi-Finalist!

Volume 11, Issue 2

Newsletter

Texas Student Housing Scholarship- deadline: January 31, 2013- open to senior students accepted to colleges in

Austin, College Station, or Denton- must show financial hardship- scholarship- available in counselor’s office

AXA Achievement Scholarship- - open to seniors who have been active in community projects and have overcome

personal challenges- www.axa-achievement.com; two scholarships available with deadlines of December 1, 2012 and

February 1, 2013

Burger King Scholars Program: seniors must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, work part-time for a minimum of

10 hours per week or 40 weeks per year, and demonstrate financial need;

www.bkmclamorefoundation.org; deadline- January 10, 2013.

Gates Millennium Scholars Program: students may apply that are of minority descent, have a 3.3 GPA, and meet the

Federal Pell Grant eligibility; www.gmsp.org; dealine: January 16, 2013

KFC Colonel’s Scholars Program: senior students must have a 2.75 GPA and demonstrate financial need;

www.kfcscholars.org; deadline: accepting applications December 1, 2012 to February 10, 2013

Valley Telephone Cooperative Scholarship Program: student must be a dependent of a current member of Valley

Telephone; www.vtci.net; deadline: March , 2013 (date to be posted later)

Texas 4-H Opportunity Scholarship- all senior 4-H members may apply- deadline- January 18, 2013- at the

LIVE OAK COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE- http://texas4-H.tamu.edu- Please note that a FAFSA report is in-

cluded in this as well.

Big Sun Athletic Scholarship- open to all senior athletes- students may apply at www.bigsunathletics.com- deadline:

June 21, 2013

Sam Walton Community Scholarship: open to seniors with a 2.5 GPA- may apply on-line at www.act.org/walmart/

community- deadline- has not been announced- watch website

National FFA Scholarship- senior students that are members of FFA may apply- application will open in November-

deadline February 15, 2013- www.ffa.org

Dell Scholarship- senior students may apply that have at least a 2.4 GPA and demonstrate financial need at

www.dellscholars.org- deadline: January 15, 2013

Texas Engineering Foundation- must have a 3.0 GPA, enroll in an accredited engineering program; must meet ACT

or SAT score requirements; deadline: January 11, 2013

Abbott and Fenner Business Consultants Scholarship: available to high school seniors; students need to write an

essay and submit it by the deadline; www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships; deadline: June 14, 2013

GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program: Senior students may apply that have demonstrated exemplary leader-

ship, drive, integrity, and citizenship.

Senior Scholarship Listings Kelly James, GWHS Counselor

Page 10

Newsletter

Page 11

FFA District Leadership Contest Mia Balko, Advisor

Volume 11, Issue 2

George West FFA Members Compete in District Leadership Contest

Kingsville – Students from three different FFA districts, representing approximately 43 school districts con-

verged on Texas A&M University in Kingsville on Thursday, November 15, 2012 – all of them hoping to ad-

vance to the Area X contest to be held on November 19, 2012.

Leadership Development Events (LDEs) focus on creating situations for members to demonstrate their abilities

in public speaking, decision making, communication and their knowledge of agriculture and the FFA organiza-

tion. Team and individual events are used to reinforce what is taught in agricultural science classrooms.

Teams that placed 1st or 2nd in their event advanced to Area competition. George West FFA members that

competed at the Gateway District LDE include:

Page 12

Newsletter

Page 13

GEORGE WEST HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

NAMED CITGO/ CORPUS CHRISTI CALLER TIMES DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS

Three George West High School Seniors have been named 2012 Citgo/ Corpus Christi Times Distinguished

Scholars. This award recognizes seniors from across the Coastal Bend who have demonstrated superior

academic achievement in the following areas: Fine Arts, Science, Career, Service and Leadership, Commu-

nication, Student Athlete, General Academic, Spirit, Technology, and Achiever. A panel of judges picks

two students per category and these students receive a $1000 scholarship and are featured in the Corpus

Christi Caller Times.

Senior, Ashley Keadle was chosen as a Distinguished Scholar in the area of Science. Ashley has been very

active in the George West High School UIL Science Program where she has participated at local meets and

at the District level.

She has also been very active in the George West FFA Chapter. As President of the George West FFA

Chapter Conducting Team, Ashley and her teammates have participated in the Texas FFA State LDE con-

test for two years. She also has received her Greenhand, Chapter Farmer, and Lone Star Degree Awards.

Ashley is very involved in her school and community. She is a member of the Brush Country 4-H Club,

National Honor Society, UIL Club, and has participated in Volleyball, Basketball, and Track.

Ashley will be attending Texas A&M University in the Fall as a Biomedical Science major.

Katelyn Keach was honored as a Distinguished Scholar in the area of Communication. Katelyn has re-

ceived numerous awards in this area. She has been a member of the District 30/31 AA 1st place Journalism

team for two years, Region IV AA Qualifier in Headline Writing for three years, State AA Qualifier in

Headline Writing, and qualified for the Texas State FFA LDE Radio Broadcasting competition.

Katelyn’s extra-curricular memberships include 4-H, Business Professionals of America, Drama Club,

FCCLA, Methodist Youth Fellowship, National Honor Society, Physics Club, Student Council, UIL Club,

and has been a member of the George West High School Marching and Symphonic Band.

As a George West FFA member, Katelyn has received the Greenhand, Chapter Farmer, and Lone Star De-

gree Awards. She has also attended the Texas FFA State LDE competition in Chapter Conducting as a

Freshman and Junior.

Katelyn plans to attend Texas Tech University as an Agriculture Communications major.

Brooke Schroeder was recognized as a CC Distinguished Scholar in the Achiever category. Brooke has

been an active volunteer in our school and community. Brooke has organized clothing drives for the Sun-

shine Room, Coat Drives for the youth of Live Oak County, provided Thanksgiving Dinners to needy fami-

lies, participated in Toys for Tots, distributed back-to-school backpacks, and has volunteered her time at

Vacation Bible School.

Distinguished Scholars Kelly James, GWHS Counselor

Volume 11, Issue 2

Being very involved in the George West High School FCCLA program, Brooke is known as “Ms. Deviney’s

Right Hand”. Brooke is the current President of the FCCLA. She is also a member of the National Honor

Society, Texas Association of Future Educators, FFA, and was on the Prom Committee.

Brooke has also been a livestock exhibitor at the State Fair, Houston, and San Antonio Livestock Shows where

she exhibited swine and steers. She has also shown swine and steers at the Live Oak County Fair.

In Brooke’s extra time, she loves hunting with her brother, Wyatt, and her friends. She was also crowned the

2012 George West High School Homecoming Queen.

Brooke plans to attend Texas State University and major in Criminal Justice.

Other senior students nominated as Citgo/Corpus Christi Caller Times Distinguished Scholars were: Fine

Arts-Mary Cansino, Career-Quest Newberry, Service and Leadership-Kate Jimerson, Student Athlete-Brady

Jones, General Academic-Derek Cantu, Spirit-Bailey Keith, and Technology-John Driskill.

Page 14

Distinguished Scholars George West High School

Ashley Keadle, Brooke Schroeder, Katelyn Keach

Newsletter

Page 15

GW FFA Member Attends National FFA ConventionMia Balko

85th edition of nation’s largest student gathering includes industry tours, national competitions, career exploration, community

service – and entertainment

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – More than 55,000 student members of FFA and their teachers from throughout

the U.S., Puerto and the Virgin Islands attended last week’s annual National FFA Convention & Expo. This

year’s event – the 85th consecutive gathering since FFA was founded in 1928 – ran Wednesday through Satur-

day. Members participated in general sessions, competitive events, educational tours, leadership workshops, a

career show and expo, volunteer activities and much

more. It is one of the largest annual student conven-

tions in the country.

Quest Newberry, George West FFA President and

the Area X FFA 1st Vice President, was selected to

serve as a voting delegate. The delegate process in-

corporates local and state level issues into a commit-

tee process. The representatives who attended the

State President's Conference determined the six dele-

gate issues which were considered during the 85th

National FFA Convention. Delegates began their

training on Tuesday and sat in business sessions on

Wednesday to make decisions that will impact the

National FFA Organization for the coming year.

Nine general sessions brought tens of thousands of

FFA members together at a single time under a single

roof during the four-day event at Bankers Life Field-

house and Lucas Oil Stadium. They also flowed

through the aisles of the Expo, an event that show-

cases nearly 400 corporations, businesses, organiza-

tions and colleges Wednesday through Friday at Indi-

ana Convention Center.

Figure skating star Scott Hamilton was the keynote

speaker during the convention's opening session.

Hamilton was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame and is a privileged member of the World Figure

Skating Hall of Fame. He captured the world’s attention 25 years ago with his Olympic gold-medal perform-

ances in Sarajevo. Since, Hamilton has been a sport commentator and best-selling author. He inspires others as

a speaker, philanthropist and cancer and brain tumor survivor.

Other keynote speakers included Dr. Lowell Catlett, a nationally renowned agriculture professor, former NBA

star Walter Bond and native Hoosier Josh Bleill, a former Marine-turned-motivational-speaker after losing

both legs while serving in Iraq.

Senior, Quest Newberry and FFA Advisor, Mia Balko attend

the FFA National Convention in Indiana.

Volume 11, Issue 2

The convention and expo and its various event components were closed to the general public.

Throughout the week, FFA members and teachers attended workshops and had the opportunity to take career

and educational tours of central Indiana businesses, including Dow AgroSciences, Elanco Animal Health,

CISCO companies, Chip Ganassi Racing, Purdue University, Hoosier Park and more.

FFA members from California to Maine and everywhere in between also competed for a host of national

awards during the week with the ability to learn more about careers and talk to company recruiters during a

career fair.

The 2012 National FFA Convention & Expo culminated Saturday with the election of a new, six-member Na-

tional FFA Officer team to help lead the organization for the next year.

About National FFA Organization

The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 557,318 student members as part of 7,498

local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive

difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and

career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter

granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The

U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and lo-

cal agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at www.FFA.org,

on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.

Page 16

Advisors for the

George West FFA Chapter are

Mia Balko and Matt Posey

High School Assessment News Kristy Keach, Instructional Facilitator

Students who took the End-Of-Course (EOC) tests as freshmen last year and did not meet the Level II passing standard need to re-take the End-Of-Course test in December. To graduate, a student must meet the cumulative score on each of the EOC assessments taken in each content area: English, math, science, and social studies. End-Of-Course Re-Test Schedule: December 3 – English I Writing December 4 – English I Reading December 5 – Algebra I December 6 – Biology December 10 – World Geography Please make sure your child is present on EOC Re-Test days. If you have any questions regarding End-Of-Course testing, please feel free to contact Kristy Keach at the high school.

FFA Continued

Newsletter

GWHS Band is off to an Awesome Start! Juan Rodriguez

As the year progresses the Big Blue Band has quite a few number of achievements to be proud of: five members auditioned and made the All Region Jazz Band members include: Trumpet players: Tyler Kerr and John Picasso, Bass Trombonist: Caleb White, Tenor Saxo-phonist: Sidney Freeborn, and Drum Set player: Preston Koenig. On Saturday, October 20, 2012, the band received a superior rating! This is their fifth consecutive superior rating at their annual UIL Marching contest that was held in Sinton. Judges complemented the band on their marching style, and their playing abilities. Now that the competitive side of our marching season is over, we look to the future and for what we have scheduled in the upcoming months.

The band traveled to A.C. Jones HS in Beeville to support our Lady Horns Volleyball team against Goliad, and then made the trek to Pleasanton to watch the Lady Horns defeat Marion. The Longhorn Band even took the time to attend the Regional tournament in San Antonio to watch the Lady Horns take on the Poth, following the Volleyball game we traveled to Luling to watch the Longhorns win their District championship by defeating Luling. Additionally, the Longhorn Band has performed at the Crime Prevention Block Party and Storyfest. We are here to support and cheer the entire way and hope to continue to be a visible presence in our District’s successes and in our community.

We hope you make it out to our annual winter concert to hear our fine: Junior High, and High School

bands. As always, it is a great day to be a Longhorn, or more importantly a Longhorn Band Member!

2012 Band Beau, John Driskill

2012 Band Sweetheart, Jessica Alonzo

Longhorn Band at UIL Marching Contest

Band plays at the Volleyball

Playoff Game in Beeville

Volume 11, Issue 2

Remember: “Results, Not Excuses.”

Newsletter

GW Girls’ Varsity Basketball Schedule

Volume 11, Issue 2

GW Girls’ Junior High Basketball Schedule

Newsletter

GW Boys’ Varsity & JV Basketball Schedule

Volume 11, Issue 2

GW Boys’ Yearling Basketball Schedule

Newsletter

George West ISD

913 Houston Street

George West, Texas 78022

Phone: 361-449-1914

George West ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,

as amended. George West ISD no discriminar por motivos de raza, religión, color, origen nacional, sexo o discapacidad en la

prestación de servicios educativos, actividades y programas, incluyendo programas vocacionales, de acuerdo con el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda, Titulo IX de las Enmiendas Educativas de 1972, la

Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmendada.

Notification to Parents

George West ISD will make available a verbal Spanish translation of this newsletter. If you would like a verbal Spanish translation, please contact the campus in which your child is enrolled.

Notificación a Padres

El Districto Independiente Escolar de George West hará disponible una tradución verbal en español de este noticiero. Si usted gustaria una tradución verbal en español, por favor de ponerse en contacto con la escuela en cual su niño este registrado.

We’re on the Web at

www.gwisd.esc2.net

Longhorn Football Playoff Information

AREA ROUND PLAYOFF GAME

George West vs Lago Vista

Friday, Nov 23

DW Rutledge Stadium

Converse, Texas (SA)

TIME : 7:30

Volume 11, Issue 2