Tag Archives: el dorado high school

El Dorado High School art teacher Candace Printz, well-known for promoting environmental awareness and proactive recycling efforts through her It’s Your World & Green Hope nonprofits, won an Environmental Excellence Award at the first-ever Texas Senate District 29 Environmental Excellence Recognition.

“I feel great that the years we have put into this program are now gaining attention at the local and state level because it’s going to improve the world we live in,” Printz said. “I’m also pleased that more organizations are creating programs that acknowledge and praise groups that are trying to make positive environmental change.”

The Environmental Excellence awards program was initiated by Senator José Rodríguez’ Environment Advisory Committee, in conjunction with the City of El Paso Environmental Services Department.

The program helps identify, articulate and strengthen a regional culture of conservation, preservation and best practices for the environment.

Printz launched the It’s Your World project in 2015 by organizing desert clean ups and making artwork from the debris that was collected. The former school club of 60 students has evolved into Green Hope Project, a non-profit organization that furthers education, the arts and environmentalism through work with scientists and engineers.

“We want to work with engineers and scientists to create solutions to the overabundance of plastic that is clogging our oceans and landfills,” she said. “We also want to re-purpose materials for housings, playgrounds, and artwork to decrease the amount of items that are discarded.”

Karl Rimkus, chairman of the EAC and Operations Manager for the El Paso Environmental Services Department said they were happy to recognize worthy endeavors in the advancement of environmental issues in our community.

“For the first time we will be able to not only highlight environmental projects worthy of recognition, but will maintain an archive of these projects for future reference and inspiration,” Rimkus said.

The EAC suggests legislation and engages in discussions that empower the community to have a role in policy change in regard to environmental affairs.

“This local, regional, and state attention is important to us because we want to continue this momentum and propel this project to higher levels,” Printz said.

The honor was awarded in April.

This Saturday, an opening reception will be celebrated for the Metamorphosis Art to Treasure III exhibit, which features artwork made from recycled materials.

The artists created the pieces for the annual contest in a community project spearheaded by El Dorado High School art teacher and event organizer Candace Printz.

The event is part of the It’s Your World community art project, in which participants create artwork from recycled material and raises awareness about environmental conservation, and Green Hope Project, a new nonprofit that is an offshoot of It’s Your World.

El Dorado students and community members involved in the project regularly take part in desert cleanups and turn the trash into art. The contest for the Metamorphosis exhibit invited all community members in the El Paso, Las Cruces and Juarez area to enter their artwork created from recycled materials.

In addition to promoting the arts and recycling, the Metamorphosis exhibit supports non-profits in the area, such as the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition, which helps preserve the local land, and MuttLove Dog Rescue, which helps take care of abandoned or sick animals that the It’s Your World community project members have found at the desert cleanups.

Proceeds from the sale of select works at the exhibit will go to one of these organizations or Green Hope Project.

At the event, both groups and the City of El Paso’s Environmental Services will set up informational booths. MuttLove also will have a dog adoption event. Entertainment will be provided by a DJ and the event will be catered.

Award winners will be presented at 3 p.m. during the reception.

The Metamorphosis Art to Treasure III exhibit will be on display from April 27 through May 17 at the International Museum of Art.

What:             Metamorphosis Trash to Treasure III recycled art exhibition

Who:               El Dorado High School art students and teacher; El Paso, New Mexico and Mexico artists; community members

Where:           International Museum of Art |   1211 Montana Avenue

When:             Saturday, April 27, 2019 –  Reception from 2 to 4 p.m., awards at 3 p.m.

Earlier this month, El Dorado High School had an opening reception for its 2019 International Baccalaureate art exhibit in the Founders Hall at the Hospitals of Providence East Campus.

The annual exhibit featured the artwork that El Dorado students created as part of a two-year project in the International Baccalaureate program. The IB program is one of the Socorro Independent School District’s advanced academics academies, which provides students a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum that prepares them for college and careers and to be active participants of a global society.

“This is the culmination of everything they have been working on,” said Candace Printz, art teacher at El Dorado. “This reception is for the students so they can show their family and friends what they have been working so hard for.”

The students created numerous pieces and curated the exhibit. They wrote their biographies and created artist statements, creating an art portfolio to display professionally.

As part of their grade, the students spent part of the day defending their work to an art examiner.

“They had to be articulate and learn to explain themselves,” Printz said. “I found that the process helped a lot of the kids. It built their self-esteem.”

Many students sold their works and received 100 percent of the sales price they set.

Natalie De Santiago’s art intrigued a doctor, who walked by the exhibit. He bought one of her paintings and commissioned another.

“I honestly thought my work wasn’t that good,” said De Santiago, who hopes to become a psychologist and receive a minor in art therapy. “I was genuinely surprised that somebody would actually want my work. Being in this class opened that door for me.”

The two year project helped her discover an art style and uncover the kind of medium she prefers (painting). She learned so much about herself through her art work, De Santiago said.

“Art is so therapeutic,” she said. “It provides an escape for me. I am so grateful to have the IB program at El Dorado. It has led me to become a well-rounded student.”

De Santiago and her classmates’ experience would not have been possible without the help of the Hospitals of Providence East, who hosted the reception and exhibit, Printz said.

“They hang the show, provide the invitations, help celebrate our students with a luncheon and host the reception,” Printz said. “For somebody to be just down the road, be a Partner in Education and be able to step in and do that, it means the world to the kids. I am so grateful to the Hospitals of Providence for all they have done.”

El Dorado student art exhibit event photos

El Dorado High School art teacher Candace Printz was named the 2019 Environmental Educator of the Year as part of the 2019 Texas Environmental Excellence Awards given by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

“This is an honor,” Printz said. “I hope that this attention can propel our future efforts with the Its Your World Project club, in addition to our newly founded non-profit, Green Hope Project, that furthers education, the arts and environmentalism through work with scientists and engineers.”

Printz was recognized for her creative conservation efforts with her It’s Your World clean-up, recycling and art project. With the statewide recognition, Print was awarded a $2,500 grant to go toward the It’s Your World project.

She was credited for educating students and the public, for utilizing volunteers, and for creating conservation projects. She was chosen by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and TCEQ commissioners.

Printz began the innovative It’s Your World project during the 2015-2016 school year. Seeing trash piling up in the El Paso desert, Printz and her students decided to collect debris and turn it into artwork. Their art educated the public on how much pollution there was in their community.

Her effort won a national contest sponsored by Barnes & Noble. Former first daughter, Chelsea Clinton, who was involved in the contest, visited El Dorado High School to recognize the school’s efforts and came back to El Paso a year later to attend an art exhibit that resulted from the recycling art project. Since then, she has continued growing her conservation art project with clean-ups, art shows, presentations, and workshops and has involved dozens of students and community members in the efforts.

“Ms. Printz’s hard work and dedication have once again brought credit to her and Socorro ISD,” said Ronald Pingor, SISD assistant director of fine arts. “Congratulations on a job well done!”

She will be recognized at a banquet on May 15 as part of the TCEQ’s Environmental Trade Fair and Conference at the Austin Convention Center

In the nightcap of a doubleheader at Socorro ISD’s SAC, the Eastlake Falcons played host to the El Dorado Aztecs.

The Falcons wasted no time, quickly rolling up the Aztecs en-route to a 28-2 victory.

Our very own Andres ‘Ace’ Acosta was there and we bring you his view of the game in this ‘Story in Many Pics’

It was a fierce night at Socorro ISD’s SAC, as the Bel Air Highlanders battled the El Dorado Aztecs.

When the clock struck ‘0’ at the end of regulation, it was all knotted up and the teams went to overtime, where the Aztecs struck gold, downing the Highlanders 34-28.

–

El Dorado High School students took a behind the scenes tour of the El Paso Zoo giving them the opportunity for project-based learning in their International Baccalaureate biology class.

The unique experience was made possible after their teacher, Amber Berestein, won the Innovative Teaching and Training grant by the Texas IB Schools Association (TIBS). The award recognizes outstanding IB teachers and programs, and provides enriching academic experiences for students.

Berestein was one of six Texas educators to earn the $1,000 TIBS grant for her unit of study IB Biology HL Zoological Cooperative. The program is the first of its kind in El Paso. It allowed students to learn about wild animals, their habitats, conservation issues, and the ways in which they can contribute to their preservation.

“Ecology and conservation are a very important part of our curriculum,” Berestein said. “It’s one thing to talk about it in the classroom, but I wanted to bring the kids to ecology and conservation, and what better way than at the El Paso Zoo.”

Students appreciated the two-day hands-on approach to zoological preservation. Aside from seeing the exotic animals, they signed petitions to help the critically endangered Mexican Wolf, visited the medical facility, and the commissary where the animals’ diets are prepared.

“I really enjoyed the firsthand experience,” said Riley Perez, a senior at El Dorado. “I was never aware of the conservation project that the El Paso Zoo is a part of, and the role they play in conserving different species and animals.”

Another student, Kaitlyn Rodriguez, said her favorite part was touring the medical center, seeing the equipment they use on animals, and how they care for them to keep them healthy.

“This has been a really cool,” Rodriguez said “It’s relatable to what we learn in school. It’s like we get a visual of what we are learning.”

The program will help students become better ambassadors for environmental protection and conservation, Berestein said. 

“My students were impressed with the conservation programs,” she said. “They couldn’t believe how big behind the scenes is. It’s important to expose them because a lot of them haven’t been to the zoo since they were small and some of them haven’t been at all.”

The El Paso Zoo will work with Berestein to leverage the opportunity as a pilot for future high school programs with a science focus, said Zoo Director Steve Marshall.

“(Berestein) is an example of innovative teachers all over this region that think creatively and see the zoo as a powerful classroom resource,” Marshall said.

To view a gallery, courtesy SISD, click here.

The Socorro Independent School District launched its seventh advanced academic academy at El Dorado High School at the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

“Our students will be exposed to architecture all four years,” said Luisa Valenzuela, the academy instructor and an El Paso area architect. “They will build their knowledge and by their senior year they will know what it is like to be an architect. They will become excellent designers, they will have the opportunity to present to professional architects and civil engineers so that when they graduate they are prepared for the college environment and be ready for the real world.”

SISD officials add, “The Aztec Architectural Academy, the only one of its kind in the El Paso region, is a rigorous, hands-on program that allows students to gain a foundation in the fields of interior design, construction, civil engineering, and architecture.”

Students also earn dual credit and take career and technical education courses that will have them on an advanced pathway to earning a degree in architecture.

Forty-five students are in the academy’s first cohort. They will delve into several hands-on projects, including creating an actual blue print of a home and then building a small model of it; completing 25 hours of community service with an architect; and learning all mechanical, electrical, plumbing and green building codes, she said.

“It’s everything a college student would be taking in an architecture class,” Valenzuela said. “I want them to graduate ready for college. It’s an excellent opportunity for our students.”

The academy class is divided into two groups. One class meets is in the morning. The other in the afternoon. The classroom is set up much like an architectural office with draft tables, metal architect swing arm, LED desk lamps, architect and engineer scales, protractors, sketchbooks, colored lead pencils, liner pens, tracing paper and storage tubes. New computers and projectors on either side of the room top out the class amenities.

“We want to make sure students have all the necessary tools to succeed,” said El Dorado High School Principal Cynthia Retana.

AAA will be working closely with the El Paso Community College architectural program. A committee from the college oversees the academy and, this past summer, students took a tour of the architectural facility at El Paso Community College.

“We are here to help you,” Alejandro Mireles, architecture coordinator at El Paso Community College, told students who attended the inaugural meeting. “Architecture is constantly changing. It’s competitive and this will challenge you, but it also will be a very exciting experience.”

The decision to create an architectural program occurred after SISD’s Career & Technology department received many requests from students interested in the field, Retana said.

“It’s exciting to offer an endorsement that many students are interested in,” Retana said. “It’s another opportunity for students.”

Desiree Cuevas, 14, can’t believe that the district is offering something she has been wanting to do since she was a little girl.

“I love building things,” Cuevas said. “I used to play with Legos all the time, making tall buildings and houses. This is pretty exciting.”

The El Paso-area high school football season got off to a rousing start Thursday night, as the El Dorado Aztecs took on their inter-SISD rivals the Pebble Hills Spartans.

In the arena known as the SAC – Student Activities Center – the Spartans quickly jumped out to a lead, with their defense preventing the Aztecs from striking gold until late in the game.

Our very own Andres ‘Ace’ Acosta was there, and brings you his view of the contest in this ‘Story in Many Pics.’

The Socorro Independent School District will begin the 2018-2019 school year on July 30 and continue its commitment to provide endless opportunities for students to succeed now and in the future.

More than 47,000 students are enrolled to begin classes at 48 campuses in Team SISD greeted by more than 3,500 educators.

Via a news release, SISD officials said, “[We] will continue working to ensure every student succeeds by providing a high-quality, well-rounded education with opportunities such as free Pre-K, free college classes, outstanding athletics and fine arts, advanced academic academies, top-notch career and technical education, the latest technology for digital learning, and state-of-the art facilities.”

Officials added that SISD continues to have the overall No. 1 student performance based on the latest assessment scores from the state, which shows the district outperforming the state and region overall in STAAR/EOC exams; while the district also has achieved its highest graduation rate ever at 91.5 percent.

The district also continues to provide a strong educational foundation to the youngest students in the community, as SISD provides free universal Pre-K to all 4-year-olds who live in the district.

A free half-day program is offered to all residents regardless if they meet state qualification requirements. A free full-day also is offered on a first-come, first-served basis to those who qualify based on state requirements, and a tuition-based half-day program is offered to those who do not qualify for free Pre-K to combine the free half-day with a tuition-based half-day for a full-day option.

In conjunction with the early childhood education, district officials said that Socorro ISD has “significantly increased” its free college classes at all high schools in the district giving students the opportunity to get ahead and save money in future college expenses.

Last year alone, Socorro ISD students collectively enrolled in college courses to earn some 26,000 college credit hours valued at some $9 million in college cost savings.

SISD also offers the most early college high school programs in the region – Mission Early College High School, Socorro Early College, Rams Early College and Trailblazers Early College. The early college high schools give students the opportunity to graduate with 60+ free college credit hours and an associate’s degree before they leave high school.

In addition, the Texas Education Agency has approved SISD to pursue an early college program in El Dorado High School, Pebble Hills High School, and Eastlake High School. This will establish an early college program in every comprehensive high school in SISD giving more students opportunities to earn free college credit hours to get ahead and save money.

To ensure a well-rounded education, SISD provides award-winning and competitive fine arts and athletics programs. The SISD fine arts program earned a second consecutive Best Communities for Music Education award by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) for its superb commitment to comprehensive music education for all students.

Last year, SISD’s athletics teams earned 34 team trophies – 12 district, 15 bi-district, 6 area and 1 quarterfinal title. Eighteen individual athletes qualified and competed at state and one wrestler won the state championship. In addition, 85 athletes earned scholarships to continue competing at the collegiate level.

Additional highlights for the 2018-2019 school year include a new advanced academic academy, a new school, afterschool and summer enrichment programs, and more technology.

The new Aztec Architectural Academy at El Dorado High School is the first advanced academics academy of its kind in the region. The unique program will allow students to gain a foundation in the fields of interior design, construction, civil engineering, and architecture. Students also will have the opportunity to take dual credit and career and technical education courses to be on an advanced pathway to earn a degree in architecture.

SPC. Rafael Hernando III Middle School has received candidate status as an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) for this school year. The innovative middle school program will give students a global experience with international studies and civic mindedness.

At the completion of the program, the Hernando IB students will be prepared for a smooth transition to the El Dorado International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The students in the El Dorado IB program commit to achieving academic success and serving their community in pursuit of obtaining a higher education and becoming active participants in a global society.

Currently, the El Dorado International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is accepting applications from out-of-district transfer students.

The district’s newest school, Sgt. Jose F. Carrasco Elementary, is opening for the 2018-2019 school year in the Pebble Hills area. It is the 48^th school in the district and welcomes some 750 students in Pre-Kindergarten to fifth grade. The school was built with savings from Bond 2011.

Just eight short months after voters overwhelmingly approved Bond 2017, SISD already has all major projects under contract and is ahead of schedule to break ground on major improvements.

The district remains committed to maintain “Promises Made, Promises Kept” in delivering Bond 2017 projects, which will improve existing facilities and address continuing growth in the district. The projects include: the reconstruction of Socorro High School, construction of two elementary schools and one middle school, improvements for three high schools, athletic facilities and support services, and the construction of multipurpose rooms at 16 elementary schools.

SISD has been awarded a $1.4 million 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant from the Texas Education Agency. Team SISD is one of 51 entities in the state to earn the grant and the only school district in the region to be eligible for four years of grant funding.

The grant will allow the district to enhance its afterschool and summer academic enrichment programs providing students an additional safe learning opportunity while school is not in session. The grant will be used to implement Texas Afterschool Centers on Education (Texas ACE) program at Campestre, H.D. Hilley, Hueco, Escontrias and Rojas elementary schools; Escontrias Early Childhood Center; Desert Wind and Ernesto Serna K-8 schools; and Salvador H. Sanchez and Socorro middle schools.

The Digitally Nurturing Academics 1:1 program (one student to one laptop) continues to grow in Team SISD providing more students with personal technology devices for 24/7 digital learning.

This year, all students at Socorro, Pebble Hills and Mission Early College high schools, and seventh and eighth grade students at SPC. Rafael Hernando III, and Salvador H. Sanchez middle schools will receive a laptop.

In addition, eighth grade students at John Drugan, Socorro Middle, Sun Ridge and Ernesto Serna School will receive laptops for the 2018-2019 school year.

On Saturday, April 21st, an opening reception will be held for the Metamorphosis Art to Treasure II exhibit, which will feature artwork made from recycled materials.

The artists created the pieces for the annual contest in a community project spearheaded by El Dorado High School art teacher and event organizer Candace Printz.

“We are so thrilled for the Metamorphosis: Trash to Treasure II exhibition this year. We will have live music from Carambola Community Music, food and giveaways,” Printz said. “We are so grateful to the El Paso Museum of Art for hosting us at such a beautiful venue. Our hope is that people will leave the show with a greater appreciation for art and information about how they can make a difference in their community.”

The event is part of the It’s Your World community art project, which creates art work with recycled material and raises awareness about environmental conservation. El Dorado students and community members involved in the project regularly take part in desert clean ups and turn the trash into art.

The contest for the Metamorphosis exhibit invited all community members in the El Paso, Las Cruces and Juarez area to enter their artwork created from recycled materials.

In addition to promoting the arts and recycling, the Metamorphosis exhibit supports non-profits in the area, such as the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition, which helps preserve the local land, and MuttLove, which helps take care of abandoned or sick animals that the It’s Your World community project members have found at the desert cleanups. Proceeds from the sale of select works at the exhibit will go to one of these organizations.

Metamorphosis Art to Treasure II exhibit will be on display from April 21 through May 13 at the El Paso Museum of Art. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m. during the reception.

For more information, e-mail or visit the It’s Your World project website.

What:             Metamorphosis Trash to Treasure II recycled art exhibition

Who:               El Dorado High School art students; El Paso, New Mexico and Mexico artists; community members

Where:           El Paso Museum of Art  |  1 Arts Festival Plaza

When:             Saturday, April 21, 2018 |   Reception from 2 to 4 p.m., awards at 3 p.m.

Candace Printz, a visual arts teacher at El Dorado High School, was awarded a grant by the National Society of High School Scholars’ to enhance the delivery of International Baccalaureate courses for the 2017-2018 school year.

“My students and I want to make a difference in our community by cleaning up the land, educating adults and children alike about the decisions they make, and raising awareness about our local non-profits,” Printz said. “We are doing this by cleaning up four miles of land, inviting local non-profits and the community to help, and turning the trash into artwork.”

Printz is one of 20 educators from 11 states, and the only one in Texas, to receive the $500 IB grant.

The grant will allow her to sponsor upcycling workshops and teach students, parents, teachers and community members how to create something useful out of discarded materials.

Printz, with the help of her students, pioneered various environmental programs such as the innovative It’s Your World community project and the Metamorphosis Trash to Treasure Art Contest.

“International Baccalaureate teachers are challenging our students to strive for excellence and our organization is pleased to be able to enhance their efforts,” said NSHSS president James Lewis, in a press release.”

Students in the El Dorado International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme are committed to achieving academic success and serving their community in pursuit of obtaining a higher education and becoming active participants in today’s global society.

El Dorado High School art teacher Candace Printz was recognized as a top educator in Texas and a 2017 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award finalist on May 7 at a special H-E-B awards ceremony in Austin.

The Socorro Independent School District educator was one of five Texas teachers selected as a finalist in the leadership secondary award category which honors educators for their outstanding dedication and commitment to students.

“I am extremely grateful to be an H-E-B finalist,” Printz said. “There are so many great teachers and amazing mentors in the state, so I’m deeply honored to have received this recognition.”

Earlier this year, Printz was recognized with a cash prize of $1,000 for herself and another $1,000 for her school during a surprise visit by H-E-B representatives and SISD Superintendent Dr. José Espinoza.

“We are extremely proud of Ms. Printz for being selected as a finalist of this prestigious award,” Dr. Espinoza said. “Her work, dedication and passion for students is admirable and truly embodies what our district is about. I commend her for her great work and thank her for being a role model to our children!”

Printz’ was nominated as a finalist for a plethora of accomplishments, including her innovative It’s Your World community project, which aims to collect trash and recyclables in the El Paso area and turn the waste into beautiful art; being the first-ever SISD Wall of Honor recipient in 2016; and being named an SISD campus Teacher of the Year in 2011 and 2017.

The educator plans to continue the project as well as start a non-profit organization with her students to continue creating an environmentally conscious culture in the El Paso community.

“We’ve learned so much this year and I look forward to continue this project by starting a non-profit organization where students who spearheaded the project can be our board members,” she said. “The objective will be to research our city’s laws, make suggestions and educate the community to be more progressive when it comes to recycling.”

This is the second year Printz has been recognized by H-E-B. Last year, she was one of 140 semi-finalists selected for the award out of the more than 1,400 submissions in Texas.

THE H-E-B award was created in 2002 as a way to support public education in Texas and pay tribute to educators who go the extra mile each day to serve their students, communities and inspire others to do the same, according to the H-E-B webpage.

In an effort to raise awareness and increase the number of organ donors within the state of Texas, student council organizations in the Socorro Independent School District partnered with Donate Life Texas to participate in “Dare to Dream. Dare to Do,” the annual Texas Association of Student Councils (TASC) campaign to help the cause.

The statewide project will allow Team SISD student council groups to educate the community about the need for organ/tissue donations, and encourage them to register as donors. The goal is to make a difference by saving lives.

According to Donate Life America, 125,000 men, women and children await lifesaving organ transplants, and every 10 minutes another person is added to the list.

“A few weeks ago I met a lady who shared her story of battling cancer for more than ten years and how grateful she was for her lung and kidney transplant,” said Flor Dominguez, senior student at Socorro High School and the student council community service chair. “It wasn’t until I looked into her eyes that I fully understood the impact a donor can have.”

Each campus will strive to meet its goal of 200 registrations to have a collective total of more than 1,000 registrations. The schools will promote registrations at basketball games, school assemblies, parent nights and on their school websites.

“This is a unique project,” said Lorraine Varela, student activities director at Americas High School. “It’s teaching students the importance of giving back and true service, helping one another. We are extremely excited to be a part of such a large project that will essentially help save lives.”

To learn more about the “Dare to Dream. Dare to Do” initiative click HERE. Below are the links for the SISD school campaigns.

Americas High School

Eastlake High School

El Dorado High School

Montwood High School

Socorro High School

Pebble Hills High School