Tag Archives: Montwood High School

Montwood High School audio/visual production students created a winning video for the 2020 Census Make Your Voice Count High School Competition.

Ruby Reza, Vanesa Martinez and Kaylee Reyes earn third place in the contest by developing a short Instagram video that garnered them 101 points out of 120.

“It was a really fun experience and we learned a lot about time management and organization,” said Ruby Reza, a Montwood sophomore. “It was really just about having a good time.”

The students had half an hour to develop a social media message to promote the 2020 Census and were judged on creativity, audience reach and messaging.

The competition was open to all high school students within Region 19, in teams of three, and challenged them to promote the 2020 Census using a social media platform of choice.

The students presented their video to three judges.

Montwood High School audio/visual teacher Marvin Hanley encouraged his students to join the competition.

“I’m very proud of the students and what they were able to accomplish,” Hanley said. “They did a great job.”

Hanley said he hopes the experience showed the students how things they learn in class, such as problem solving, teamwork and writing, can be applied in the real world.

The 2020 Census will begin March 12, and this will be the first year residents can fill out the Census survey online and over the phone. For more information, visit 2020census.gov

A special guest speaker spoke with groups of seniors at Montwood High School about the importance of being an organ donor on National Donor Day, which is celebrated annually on February 14.

The school, in partnership with the Southwest Transplant Alliance, invited guest speaker Rene Moreno Sr. to discuss his late son’s legacy of saving lives through organ and tissue donation.

“I’m here to keep my son’s memory alive for what he did,” said Rene Moreno Sr. “My son became an organ donor at the age of 16. He was just an amazing kid.”

Rene Moreno Jr., who died of a brain tumor, saved six lives through organ donation and helped save and enhance 50 more lives through tissue donation.

“We just want everyone here at Montwood to be a lifesaver,” said student body secretary Jinelis DeJesus. “As we go out into the world, I feel like we need to be educated about being an organ donor and how it can save many lives.”

The Southwest Transplant Alliance worked with Montwood High School to bring awareness of organ donation to seniors and honor those who have saved lives by being an organ donor. The organization serves as a bridge between those who make the decision to donate their organs and tissues to those awaiting a lifesaving transplant.

“Currently, there is more than 10,000 people in the state of Texas waiting for a transplant,” said Karla Martinez, community relations specialist for the Southwest Transplant Alliance. “Registering your decision to be an organ donor is very important, even if you’re under the age of 18. We want these students to have that conversation with their parents so they can be educated about it.”

According to the STA, every 10 minutes another person is added to the national transplant waiting list, 8,000 deaths per year are recorded because organs are not donated on time, 82 percent of patients are in need of a kidney and every one out of three deceased donors is over the age of 50.

“I wish to meet the gentleman who has my son’s heart, because I want to hear his heart one last time,” said Moreno Sr. “It was a sacrifice my son made at the age of 16, he gave them a second chance at life. He gave the gift of life to others.”

Father of organ donor tells son’s story event photos

Montwood High School senior and Emerald Dancer Giselle Montford had an opportunity to perform for a national audience when she participated in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Montford performed with the Spirit of America Productions team, which included some 1,200 cheerleaders and dancers from across the nation. The group, featuring performers ages 13 to 18, made its 34th consecutive appearance in this year’s parade.

“I’m very excited to meet and perform with other artists from across the United States,” Montford said before her appearance in the parade.

The Montwood senior has 12 years of dance experience and has been an Emerald Dancer at the high school for two years.

Spirit of America seeks out the most talented cheerleaders and dancers from across America and is one of three of the longest running parts of the show, along with Santa Claus and the Radio City Rockettes.

Montford said she was on Facebook when she saw the ad and emailed the organization explaining how it was a dream of hers since childhood to be a part of the parade.

“I feel so happy and excited, it is a dream come true,” she said.

Montford, along with her fellow dancers, experienced a fun-packed week in New York City, including the opportunity to view all the famous sights like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Times Square. The performers also attended the Broadway show “Frozen.”

“It’s my first time in New York and I can’t wait,” Montford said as she prepared for her trip.

Socorro Independent School District high schools revved up the school spirit at 2019-2020 homecoming celebrations, which included pep rallies, parades, football games, and dances.

Students, teachers, staff and alumni celebrated a week of festivities by showing off their school spirit and many enjoying victorious homecoming games.

El Dorado High School

El Dorado High School’s festivities were Sept. 9 to 14. The Aztecs theme was “Can I Have This Dance” from Disney’s High School Musical.  Their parade was Sept. 11 followed by the Birth of the Aztec Sun ceremony in the football field.

“Everyone is so excited for today, because the parade just starts the year off on a positive note,” said Theresa Maya, El Dorado student activities director.

They celebrated the pep rally on Sept. 12, followed by the El Dorado vs. Andress homecoming game at the SAC. Their homecoming dance was Sept. 14 at the Empire.

El Dorado High School homecoming parade photos

Pebble Hills High School

The Pebble Hills Spartans also celebrated their homecoming Sept. 9 to 14 with their theme “Don’t Stop the Music,” a tribute to music festivals. Their homecoming parade was Sept. 11. The homecoming pep rally was Sept. 13 followed by the homecoming football game, which they won against Chapin High School.

“Homecoming is important because it’s the kick off to the start of the school year and it’s just a fun way to bring the community together,” said Emily Cancellare, student activities director at Pebble Hills High School.

The homecoming dance was Sept. 14 in the Pebble Hill’s courtyard.

Pebble Hills High School homecoming parade photos

Socorro High School

The theme for the Socorro High School homecoming was “Deep In the Heart of Texas,” which was celebrated Sept. 16-21. The homecoming parade and the pep rally were on Sept. 19.

“The parade is pretty important because it shows our school spirit, not only of Socorro High School, but of the district, because there are other schools involved in the parade from the elementary and middle schools,” said junior Jennifer Betancourt, who performed with the Socorro High School mariachi group.

The homecoming game was against Burges High School Sept. 20 at Socorro High School. Their homecoming dance was Sept. 21 at the Pit.

Socorro High School homecoming parade photos

Mission Early College

Mission Early College High School celebrated its homecoming week Sept. 16 to 21 with a pep rally Sept. 20 and homecoming dance Sept. 21.

“We didn’t always have homecoming, but for a lot of students it’s a coming of age thing and we didn’t want them to miss out on that,” said Ben Ortega, principal of Mission Early College High School.

Mission Early College High School homecoming parade photos

Eastlake High School

The Eastlake High School Falcons celebrated their homecoming the week of Sept. 23 to 27 with the theme “Around the World.” A parade and a community pep rally took place Sept. 25.

“We’re here today for my son, and my daughter is next in line. He’s going to be the first one graduating and then, hopefully, going off to college, so this is a big deal for us,” said Adan Martinez, a parent from Eastlake. “We try to be involved as much as we can with all his extracurricular stuff so we’re definitely excited for the parade.”

The homecoming football game was against Pebble Hills Sept. 26 at the SAC and Sept. 27 was the homecoming dance in the main foyer of Eastlake High School.

Eastlake High School homecoming parade photos

Montwood High School

Montwood High School homecoming was Sept. 23 to 28 with the theme of “Rams Take Over the World.” A parade and carnival were celebrated on Sept. 25 at the school.

“Homecoming is one of the events that brings the community together and that makes our community better,” said Humberto Galindo, a senior at Montwood High School.

The Rams won the homecoming football game against Eastwood Sept. 27 at the SAC and had their dance Sept. 28 in the school gym.

Montwood High School homecoming parade photos

Americas High School

The Americas High School Trailblazers celebrated their homecoming the week of Oct. 21 to 26 with the theme “New York State of Mind.” The homecoming parade was Oct. 24.

“I think homecoming is a great way of getting all the schools in the feeder pattern involved, which brings the community together,” said parent Viviana Amezcun, who attended the parade to support her Trailblazer, as well as her son and niece from the Vista Del Sol soccer team.

The Trailblazers won their homecoming football game against Pebble Hills High School Oct. 25 at the SAC. Their homecoming dance theme was “A Night in New York” Oct. 26 at Americas High School.

Americas High School homecoming parade photos

In a battle of the SISD titans, the Montwood Rams and the Americas Trail Blazers faced off at the Student Activities Center Friday night.

Our very own Andres ‘Ace’ Acosta was there, and we bring you his view of the contest via this ‘Game in Many Pics.’

While the fall chill was in the air at the Gem in Far East El Paso – Socorro ISD’s SAC – two of the city’s elite teams heated up the gridiron under the Thursday Night Lights.

However it was all Rams from the opening kickoff, as Montwood took the ball and scored on their opening drive. With the help of their defense, the Rams never looked back and pulled away from the Cougars to win the contest 36-16.

With the play of Rams quarterback Sebastian Galvan and running back Christopher Ramos the offense was firing on all cylinders.

On the other side of the ball, the Rams defense forced turnovers at key times and stopped the Cougar offense for much of the night.

Our very own Ruben R. Ramirez was at the blustery contest and we bring you his view via this ‘Game in Many Pics.’

Socorro ISD powerhouses Montwood and Pebble Hills collided Friday night at the Gem in Far East El Paso – The SAC – and the teams put on a show.

The two titans battled throughout, but in the end the Rams topped the Spartans 49-36.

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

The Montwood Rams hosted the Odessa Bronchos in game one of a Thursday Night Lights doubleheader at the jewel of the Far East: Socorro ISD’s SAC.

The Rams wasted no time, allowing Odessa only two scores en route to a 51-14 victory.

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

Montwood High School brought literacy and technology together with a new program called Virtual Book Tasting. The technique allows students to use their laptops to sample, checkout and read eBooks.

The idea is similar to a popular trend nationwide called book tasting, in which students look at three or four book titles at their school library and determine if they want to read the literature. But a virtual book tasting lets students use any mobile device to check out eBooks they like and return it when they are ready. There are no deadlines or late fees.

“The idea is for students to enjoy reading and to really develop a lifelong appreciation for reading and for literature,” said Dr. Kirk Macon, lead librarian at Montwood. “It’s the first time it is done anywhere in El Paso, not just in our district.”

The lesson blends the district’s DNA 1:1 initiative (one laptop for every high school student) MackinVIA (the SISD libraries’ eBook system), Nearpod (an instructional software with interactive learning experiences) and student choices about their own independent reading or finding “just the right book,” Macon said.

Students click on MackinVIA eBook summaries, develop their own “backpack” of books based on genres, and personal preferences of reading material, and then check out the items virtually, he said.

“We just have a lot of options out there,” he said. “The eBooks are great. This is what we will be doing from now on.”

Montwood library media specialist Jennifer Marquez said the students have really enjoyed the process.

“Every student we’ve served has been engaged and enthusiastic about the library and 21st century learning,” Marquez said.

Alyssa Orozco, ninth grader, found that the program made browsing, checking out and reading books easier.

“You don’t have to go through the aisles,” Orozco said. “You just search it on your laptop and its right there for you. I thought it was interesting finding out all the different types of books they have available. I like the variety. I find this is much more relaxing. I think it was really cool.”

Classmate Kayla Jimenez said she sampled four books and found one she liked.

“I’ve never done anything like this,” she said. “We got the chance to find w

In a Thursday Night matchup between the first and second schools ever opened in the Socorro district, the namesake Socorro Bulldogs traveled north to take on the Montwood Rams.

The Rams defended their home turf, defeating the Bulldogs 69-38.

As part of a very special series, Montwood High School football supporter and honorary team member Kieran Johnson scored in the second quarter.  (video below gallery)

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

The Montwood Rams hosted the powerhouse from the Permian Basin Friday afternoon at the SAC: the Midland Lee Rebels.

Our very own Johnny Mendiola was there and brings you his view of the game in the ‘Story in Many Pics.’

It was a battle of the Far East Side titans as the Montwood Rams hosted the Eastlake Falcons at the SAC Friday Night.

And battle they did as the Rams grounded the Falcons 22-13.

Our very own Julio Vasquez was there and brings you his view of the game in this ‘Story in Many Pics’

Fifteen Socorro Independent School District counseling teams are being recognized by the Lone Star State School Counselor Association (LSSSCA) for winning the 2017-2018 Lone Star Award.

The 15 SISD campuses were among the 32 counseling programs statewide that received the distinction. The Lone Star Award recognizes counseling teams for their effective school counseling programs that advocate for students.

“We are very proud of the 15 school counseling programs that received the Lone Star Bronze and Silver Awards,” said Tammy Mackeben, director of guidance and counseling. “This is a true testament to the quality counseling programs we have in Socorro ISD focusing on academic, career and social emotional needs of all students.”

Seven counseling teams earned a Silver Award and eight teams received a Bronze Award. The silver award recipients are Helen Ball, James P. Butler, Sgt. Roberto Ituarte elementary schools, Desert Wind and Paso del Norte K-8 schools, SPC. Rafael Hernando III Middle School and Montwood High School.

Bronze Award recipients are Chester E. Jordan, Hurshel Antwine, Lujan-Chavez and Purple Heart elementary schools, Bill Sybert and John Drugan K-8 schools, and Socorro and Capt. Water E. Clarke middle schools.

Next year, the association will create criteria for a Gold level award. The Lone Star Award is designed to progressively prepare school counselors to be recognized by the American School Counselors Association as Recognized ASCA Model Program winners. RAMP honors school counselors who are running a top-notch, comprehensive school counseling program at either the elementary, middle or high school level.

“Although the awards are exciting, the most important part of the recognition are the excellent services provided to Team SISD students,” Mackeben said.

The teams will be recognized at the 2nd annual School Counselor Conference Nov. 5-7, 2017 in Frisco, TX.

Montwood High School’s National Honor Society is hosting Sciencepalooza, a hands-on workshop and science demonstration for kindergarten to eighth grade students, on April 15 at the high school, 12000 Montwood Dr.

The science event will help younger students to better understand science, chemistry and other science-related fields.

The event is also a community service project for Montwood NHS to raise funds for La Posada Home for Women and Children, a non-profit organization in Downtown El Paso that helps homeless women and children.

Sciencepalooza costs $20 per child and students will receive a T-shirt, snacks and lunch.

What:             Montwood High School National Honor Society’s Sciencepalooza.

Who:               High school, middle and elementary students, Montwood High School National Honor Society, teachers

Where:           Montwood High School |  12000 Montwood Dr.

 When:             Saturday, April 15, 2017 |  8:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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