(MEDINA VALLEY ISD — August 11, 2023) — Cheers roared throughout the Medina Valley HS Fine Arts Center as staff rang in the new school year at two separate convocations.
More than 250 child nutrition, maintenance and transportation staff gathered August 10 and more than 800 campuses and central office staff reunited August 11. This year, the district’s theme is “Let’s Grow Together.”
“Our theme has many meanings for our fast-growth school district,” said MVISD Superintendent Dr. Scott Caloss. “For our students, parents, staff and community, we are all growing together each and every day. As a district, we want to continue to honor and celebrate our district’s rich history while also embracing our future. As we know, with growth comes change and the need for adaptability.”
This year’s convocation was student-centered with MVHS seniors Manny Ramirez and Tanith Chappieemceeing the event and MVHS student council along with their sponsors helping host.
MVHS cheerleaders and band students performed and AFJROTC cadets presented the colors. During our staff luncheon on both days, MVHS athletes assisted anything they could.
On the first day, keynote speaker Mills Rodgers spoke to staff about how their support makes an impact on student lives. On the second day, keynote speaker Jonathan Alsheimer engaged staff with his speech about teaching with passion.
MVHS students Elena Gonzales, Mary Aguirre and Cristian Maldonado shared heartfelt testimonies about their experiences within our school district.
In one of her speeches, Aguirre said the transportation department held a special place in her heart as she witnessed firsthand from her grandfather, a bus driver, the hard work that goes into the job.
“My grandfather has been a bus driver for the district for 9 years,” she said. “The amount of patience, kindness, and dedication that you show daily amazes me. Many of you start your routes before dawn, often providing transportation for more than 30 kids at times, and that is just mind-blowing to me because my mom says she can barely handle two kids.”
“I can assure you that your students don’t forget the teachers that made school fun,” she said. “The teachers that made us laugh in class, or helped us pass a test we were unsure of, or just gave the most exciting lessons that we ended up telling our parents about when we got home.”