The Eldorado Success newspaper

Submitted by Traci Teaff
In January, a large group of SCISD English Language Arts teachers went on an amazing adventure to the Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts conference, 2 Walk in My Shoes, in Dallas.  This HUGE conference is held every year for teachers across the state.  Authors, teachers, education specialists, reading and writing experts, and outstanding leaders in our field came together to share, learn, and support each other as we take on the enormous task of reaching each of our students.

This year was an EXTREMELY exciting conference because our colleague, Katrina Gonzales, was the PRESIDENT of TCTELA!  This is the fourth year of five that she has served on this board comprised of ELA educators from all over Texas.
Katrina has been working tirelessly all year to make this conference a quality experience for all.  It was a GIGANTIC undertaking that would have scared a lesser person!  Her style, intelligence, and passion for education shone throughout the entire conference.  Educators from all parts of Texas were warmed by her bright and shining leadership.  The Schleicher County teachers basked in the spotlight created by Katrina.  It was an exciting and inspirational time for all of us.  
In addition to Katrina, Jennifer Engle from Eldorado High School serves on the board of the Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts as co-editor of the organization’s award-winning newsletter, Texas Voices.  This is Mrs. Engle’s second year to serve in this capacity.
Two other up-and-coming stars to the teacher’s arena were Lourdes Pasillas and Tim Maskill, both former EHS graduates.  They participated in various functions as conference facilitators.  We were all proud and excited to bring them into the fold.
Eldorado Middle School was represented in style by Javier Garcia, Jess Gonzales and Luis Miguel Martinez.  Their presentation awed and inspired all!  They had the honor of introducing Matt de la Pena, a very popular young adult writer.  Although the plan was for another author to present, Matt stood in for an ill Neal Shusterman.  Consequently, these EMS students and their fathers came up with an introduction that no one attending will ever forget.  As Matt de la Peña spoke, each of us was mesmerized by his story of evolving from a student to a writer.  We appreciate Katrina’s hard work and dedication to make sure we had an experience that inspired us in our challenging roles as educators.
We appreciate our administrators and School Board for allowing us to attend the conference.  Hearing the same speakers, having the same experiences, and coming back to SCISD to practice what we learned strengthens us as a vertical team of English language arts educators.  
In the end, it is the students of Schleicher County ISD who gain the most by having teachers representing all three campuses attend the TCTELA conference.

January 31, 2013

Paper work delays hospital/clinic opening

Hospital Administrator Paul Burke and Hospital Board President Randy Mankin made the decision late Tuesday afternoon to delay the opening of the new Schleicher County Medical Center hospital and clinic, previously scheduled for next Wednesday.

Additional $35 per year will provide coverage for entire household throughout AirMed system

Schleicher County citizens will have access to Shannon Hospital’s AirMed-1 air ambulance at a reduced price after county commissioners on Monday approved $15,000 to subsidize the service.