Liger Family,
As I write this message, I am sitting at my computer thinking about what a wonderful year this has been. We have experienced many successes, and the students at Don Jose Gallego Elementary School have worked extremely hard to be the best at EVERYTHING!!
I think to myself, “I am the luckiest Principal!” This school is filled with happy smiling children every day and with teachers who are excited about teaching. It is tremendously gratifying to walk the halls of our campus and hear the sounds of laughter and joy, excitement and enthusiasm from both students and staff. This has been a truly amazing year, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Our 2017-2018 school year has demonstrated that when we believe in ourselves…anything is possible.
Together we experienced our first year with our Virtual Reality Lab. Students took virtual trips to places never imagined. Our extra-curricular plate was full, and students got an opportunity to be a part of many important clubs at school. We had numerous victory parades as we celebrated our students’ successes in UIL, Athletics, Special Education, Chess, Spelling Bee, Technology Showcase and many more. The Liger Cheerleaders rocked the streets of Laredo at the Youth Parade under the Stars. We proudly dedicated our gym in honor of Mr. Ignacio Garcia, who is a major part of our Liger family. We had our first Valentine King and Queen coronation, which will probably become a tradition. 100% of our students met their AR goal for the year and, I kept my promise and ate a buffet of crickets, grasshoppers, worms, and squid. Students are performing better on STAAR compared to previous years, which lets everyone know that we are striving for success every single day!! No one can stop us from being the best!!
I believe that the future will bring many more exciting opportunities for us to shine in academics and sports !! I can’t wait to experience them with you!!
Students, you bring such joy and happiness to our school. We are truly fortunate to have such a wonderful group of children at Gallego Elementary School.
Parents, it has been my pleasure getting to know not only your child but you as well. Having parental support and open lines of communication is an essential part of any successful school year. Thank you for all you have done to make our year so fulfilling and memorable.
Faculty & Staff, I have been blessed with the most talented, professional, innovative, caring, inspirational and supportive faculty & staff any Principal can ask for. You are the heart of the school, and I thank all of you for your commitment and teamwork!!
Fifth Grade Students, as you prepare to embark on a new journey into middle school and adolescence, I want to share with you a quote from a book I recently read by Garth Stein.
"That which you manifest is before you."
It means you create your own path towards your future. At this stage of your life, it is very important that you take charge of your future, not to feel like you're a victim of circumstance or fate, but that you are an active participant in your future. Where you choose to focus your time and energy will directly impact what comes to you later in life. I encourage you to work hard in school, set goals for your life, and stay focused on those goals. Keep your eyes on the prize and don’t let anyone or anything keep you from achieving your dreams.
Thank you for another great year.
Respectfully,
Imelda Charó Martinez, Principal