LJISD to expand resources in the New Year

The La Joya ISD community can expect to see a slew of new buildings and centers in the year 2015. From a sports and learning complex to a partnership in business education, the district plans to expand its resources to provide more opportunity to its students and staff.

Their three main projects include a teacher resource center, pregnant teen resource center and the sports and learning complex.

The complex includes a golf course, natatorium, tennis courts, science fields, a planetarium and a homework center. The idea is to provide more positive activities for the students to keep them off the streets and out of trouble.

For teachers, there will be a single go-to zone for training materials, day-to-day classroom materials and a support network with the first-ever La Joya resource center.

“Because our teachers are truly the backbone of our school district, it is important to give them the adequate resources to teach in this ever-changing education field,” Superintendent Alda Benavides said.

According LJISD spokesman Eden Ramirez, the district has a high population of mothers to-be. To ensure that they continue with their education in a comfortable environment, the district purchased a home in which to conduct classes for those with child. The resource center will provide support groups and a customized educational experience.

“Keeping kids in school is our number (one) priority. And no matter the situation, we have to find innovative ways to provide a quality education to all children regardless of circumstances,” Benavides said. “In 2015, we are going the extra step, on top of all we already do, to provide our pregnant teens with the support they need to finish their education and not drop out because of pregnancy.”

When it comes to curriculum, La Joya is taking steps to prepare students for the business world. They’ve partnered up with Ford company for the Ford Next Generation Learning program, where they will be following a rigorous business model designed to supply secondary education students with skills they will need in the workforce.

Part of that preparation includes a technologically savvy youth, so the district will continue rolling out its iPad initiative with incoming freshmen.

Another first for the new year is the La Joya ISD Educational Excellence Foundation, an organization meant to raise funds for grants and provide teachers with innovative tools that help with student learning.

“We are committed to transforming the way our students learn, transforming their high school experience and, more importantly, renewing and strengthening our civic and business engagement amongst our communities,” the superintendent said.

The district finished off the 2014 year with a Met Standard achievement, and its leaders are only looking to further their accomplishments in 2015.