Hector J. Garcia Early College High School

Reminder: GECHS will be having a Recruitment Open House on Nov. 5, 2022, from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. If your child is interested in attending GECHS or knows anyone interested, please have them stop by for a visit. For more information, please call the front office at 956-273-7700 Click on the link to access the application: https://bit.ly/3sILUaa

LISD Specialty Schools open application process Students interested in attending any of Laredo Independent School District’s early college academies/high schools, magnet campus, and specialty schools can now apply for admission for the 2023-2024 school year. Applications must be completed online and returned before Friday, December 2. To initiate the application process, students can apply by scanning the QR code located on the LISD website at www.laredoisd.org LISD will be hosting its annual Specialty Schools Open House at each campus for eighth grade students and their parents on Saturday, November 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The six specialty schools will open their doors to the community and invite eighth grade students to tour the campus and apply for admission for the 2023-2024 school year. The event is aimed at recruiting students who may be interested in attending any of LISD’s early college academies/high schools, magnet campus, and specialty schools. The five early college high schools and magnet school include the Business, Industry, and Public Services Early College Academy at Nixon High School, Sabas Perez STEM Early College High School at Cigarroa High School, Dr. Dennis D. Cantu Health Science Early College High School at Martin High School, Hector J. Garcia Early College High School located at Texas A&M International University, Pathways to Technology Early College High School at Cigarroa High School, and the Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts Magnet School. Students, counselors, and administrators from the specialty schools will be on hand to share their experiences and to answer any questions concerning the admissions and application process with prospective incoming freshman. Each program is unique and will provide students with the skills and experience essential to their career path. “LISD wants to provide students every opportunity to gain the skills needed for today’s workforce and to pursue a higher education in the field of their choice,” said Cindy Dominguez, LISD College, Career and Military Readiness Coordinator. “The recruitment events will give our middle school students and their parents the opportunity to consider their academic futures.” The Business, Industry, and Public Services Early College Academy located at Nixon High School offers students the opportunity to earn up to 60 college hours and/or an associates degree with a concentration in Law Enforcement, Education, Cosmetology, Welding, Accounting, Distribution and Logistics, and Auto Collision Repair from Laredo College. Students looking for a career in Science and Math field can attend the Sabas Perez STEM Early College High School at Cigarroa High School. The STEM Early College High School allows students to prepare for careers in the field of engineering design, robotics, mobile application design, animation, game design, and cybersecurity and computer science. Students gain practical experience in engineering practices and design using 3-D printers to create working models of their designs. Students will earn their high school diplomas while earning up to 60 college hours and/or an associates degree from Laredo College. For those students wanting a career in the medical field, the Dr. Dennis D. Cantu Early College High School at Martin High School provides an opportunity to explore careers and gain hands-on experience in nursing, emergency medical technician, and dental assistance. Students graduate with up to 60 hours of college credit, an associates degree from Laredo College and certification programs allowing them to work either full-time or part-time while they are pursuing advanced degrees and certifications in the medical field. The Hector J. Garcia Early College High School allows students to finish high school and their first two years of college simultaneously while accumulating college hours at Texas A & M International University. Many GECHS graduates finish high school with more than 60 hours of university credit. Students choose a college major and begin taking required coursework towards completing their degree while fulfilling high school graduation requirements with tuition and books provided by LISD. The GECHS was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2017. U.S. News and World Report also ranks it among the nation’s top high schools. The Dr. Leo G. Cigarroa Pathway-to-Technology Early College High School prepares students for the workforce with a hand-on approach in Heating/Ventilation/Air-Conditioning (HVAC), Plumbing, Welding, Electrical, and Architecture with an emphasis on Auto Cad. Students have an opportunity to acquire an associate degree with up to 60 college hours or technical industry certificate from Laredo College, which will prepare them for the construction industry of the 21st century. Students interested in the Arts can apply to the Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts. VMT provides students an opportunity for comprehensive course study in communications and fine arts with an emphasis on creative development and artistic performance in communications, dance, music, theater arts, and visual arts. The school also provides a rigorous academic instructional program that complements and supports all visual and performing arts. Students can earn up to 21 college hours from Laredo College. The Texas Cultural Trust named the Trevino Magnet School as the recipient of the Texas Medal of Arts in 2018. LISD provides transportation for students to all Specialty Schools. For more information, please contact LISD College, Career and Military Readiness Coordinators, Cindy Dominguez at 956-273-1864 or Mayra Garcia at 956-273-1863.

Mark your calendars: GECHS will be having a Recruitment Open House on Nov. 5, 2022 from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. If your child is interested in attending GECHS or knows anyone interested, please have them stop by for a visit. For more information, please call the front office at 956-273-7700

Sames Drive For Education Attendance Incentive Program. Every 9 weeks students that have perfect attendance will get a voucher for a chance to win a new car. Vouchers need to be turned in to a Sames Dealership on San Dario or Zapata Hwy.

GECHS participated in the STAAR EOC lock-in on Friday, Oct. 21. #PhoenixPride

GECHS Virtual Parent Meeting Friday, October 21, 2022 3:00PM Google Meet Info: https://meet.google.com/kvf-gfso-nqr Or dial: ‪(US) +1 731-307-2875‬ PIN: ‪605 598 675‬# For More information contact Mrs. Karen Castro at (956) 273-7712.

National School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties – to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety. Designed to promote school bus safety, school districts throughout the country observe School Bus Safety Week. LAREDO ISD celebrates and are THANKFUL to our School Bus Operation!

GECHS faculty, staff, and students Wear and Share Orange in support of bullying prevention!

GECHS faculty, staff, and students like to wish Mrs. Taboada a Happy Boss Day! All of us appreciate your guidance and leadership. Thank you for everything!

GECHS Parent Virtual Session Tuesday, October 18,2022 Time: 9:30 AM Google Meet info: https://meet.google.com/bub-khav-qsk Or dial: +1 929-249-3621 PIN: 313155067 For more information contact Mrs. Castro at (956) 273-7712.

Report Card Day.

Garcia ECHS culminated National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations with their 1st pep-rally. A big shout out to Ms. Rodriguez and members of the Spanish Honor Society for all the great events: salsa tasting contest, dessert tasting contest, and pep-rally activities. Great Job!!!! 🎉 Click link to watch 16 de septiembre and Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at GECHS https://youtu.be/9sq8rReX55E

Let’s show our support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, wear pink tomorrow! #PhoenixPride

Reminder: PSAT Exam is Tomorrow, October 12, 2022. Be at school on time! Know what room you are testing. Rest up, and see you all tomorrow.

GECHS staff participated in bowl-a-ton.

Congratulations to Mario Alvarado for being named U.S. Border Patrol Youth of the Month for October. #PhoenixPride

Parents we invite you to join us virtually for our GECHS Annual Title I Meeting. You may join any of the following sessions. Session #1: Monday, October 10 at 6:00 PM Session #2: Tuesday, October 11 at 9:00 AM Google Meet Info: https://meet.google.com/svz-gdei-aht Or dial: ‪(US) +1 978-806-3198‬ PIN: ‪467 887 906‬# For more information Contact Mrs. Karen Castro at (956) 273-7712.

Happy National Custodial Day. Thank you for all your hard work!

GECHS October Calendar

Due to Staff Development, there are no classes for 9th-grade students on Monday, Oct. 10. Classes resume regular schedule on Tuesday, Oct. 11. TAMIU will have classes for grades: 10, 11, and 12. See the flyer for the bus schedule.