La Joya ISD’s new Chief of Staff anticipates creating district transparency by introducing new communication and parent engagement plans and utilizing Texas Education Agency strategies.   Entering the school year as LJISD’s Chief of Staff, Joseph Niedziela operates alongside Superintendent Marcey Sorensen and other cabinet leaders to accomplish district goals for student benefit.   “My…

Mirgitt Crespo, incoming La Joya ISD chief of business and administration services, is working to create a zero-based budget, educate the community on school finances, and create department transparency.   The role of Chief of Business and Administrative Services, which Crespo has held since April, oversees the business and financial operation of the school district…

The rain did not stop the celebration of Mission’s 9th annual Noche Mexicana Grito de Independencia last weekend.   The Mission Event Center hosted guests tinted in Mexico’s symbolic colors of green, white, and red. People of all generations, young and old, wore traditional clothes of their home states, walking the Ruby Red Ballroom with…

The Alton City Commission approved a bid for drainage improvements Tuesday evening and seeks to start additional residential street repairs before the end of this year.   The first meeting item touched on drainage bids submitted by seven contractors, with Texas Cordia Construction, LLC, who presented a low base bid amount of $774,000.   “As…

Mission first responders paid tribute to the lives lost during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at a memorial ceremony Wednesday morning.   Although normally hosted at the Mission Fire Department, this is the first time the Mission 9/11 memorial was a cooperative event.   Mission Fire Chief Adrian Garcia says the Mission Fire Department…

La Joya ISD’s new Chief of Academics and School Leadership is ready to focus on curriculum development, teacher engagement, and community support to improve and build upon district education.     Dr. Derek Little, a small-town Louisiana native, is leading the district through curriculum, teacher development, and supporting specialized learners in the La Joya school…

La Joya ISD’s incoming Chief of Operations, Dr. Sara Capwell Geary has her sights on improving system projects for facilities, transportation, and safety.     Geary’s department is an umbrella of systems and services, such as transportation, maintenance, school safety, custodial and child nutrition services, and energy management.   “I oversee…all the departments that create…

Peñitas’ White Wing Queen is using her platform to spread awareness of kindness and love after the debut of her first children’s book.   Ximena Lopez, Peñitas White Wing Queen, is spreading love and kindness to a younger generation through literature. She debuted her book at the Peñitas Public Library.   Her book, Pebble’s World,…

Driscoll Children’s Hospital is partnering with the city of Peñitas, the Peñitas Police Department and the Texas Department of Transportation to offer inspections for child car seat safety to kick off Child Passenger Safety Week.     On September 21, car seat technicians will offer their services to parents and caregivers in Peñitas to prevent…

South Texas Health System Clinics is seeing double after twins Juliana and Jacqueline Falcon begin their journey in family medicine.   After graduating from their residency program with Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance matched through the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, these sisters are making a difference as first-generation doctors.   “I think we made…