PEÑITAS—The Peñitas 2nd Annual Christmas Posada and Toy Giveaway is not like your average toy distribution; the city has competitions, food, toys and games fit for the whole family. The posada is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 8, from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Peñitas City Park.

Read more: Peñitas plans Chirstmas Posada and Toy Giveaway

ALTON—The Christmas Parade for the City of Alton is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. Citizens will be able to enjoy performances, treats and gifts from Santa Claus.

Read more: City of Alton throws Christmas Parade tomorrow

Services are scheduled this Saturday for prominent Mission businessman and civic leader Jim Schroeder. He passed away last Sunday, Dec. 2, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg.

Read more: Services scheduled Saturday for Mission businessman Jim Schroeder

Several area Future Farmers of America students placed at a recent State FFA Leadership Development Event (LDE) in Huntsville. The students first had to place in their division and area before competing at the state level.

Read more: Sharyland FFA, Mission FFA teams win state

PEÑITAS—Jose Roel “J.R.” Flores has been chosen as the newest addition to the City of Peñitas Council, and as a new member Flores is excited to push safety and business growth in the expanding city.

Flores moved to Peñitas in 2002 with his wife and two children. He has earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling and engineering.

Read more: City of Peñitas will add La Joya Migrant Services Director to city council in December

MISSION—The 23rd Annual Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled today, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Leo Peña Plazita. Parks & Recreation Administrative Assistant Jennifer Zamora explained the turnout each year has been successful, and 400 - 600 bags of candy are distributed to attendees.

Read more: City of Mission Annual Tree Lighting Celebration starts today

MISSION—School districts across the state have had difficulty meeting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards, especially with the most recent changes in 2011.

With 56 percent of schools in Texas missing AYP for the 2011-2012 school year, according to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), schools are trying to better equip their campuses for the Texas assessment exam that will require a 100 percent passing rate in 2013. The required passing rate for 2011-12 was 87 percent for English Language Arts and Reading (ELA), and 83 percent in Mathematics.

Read more: State helps school districts that miss AYP standards

Monday, area residents came out to protest a proposed annexation of their homes and property by the City of Mission. One resident presented Mayor Norberto Salinas with a petition with almost half of the area’s 280 to 300 property owners attesting their opposition to the annexation. Most said the tax burden would be more than they could bear.

Read more: Residents fight annexation by City of Mission