Library Services Summer Projects - Reading Without Borders

With exciting challenges, present-day themes and fun prizes, a group of PSJA ISD librarians are inviting all students to join their summer-long reading adventure.

The librarians created their PSJA Summer Reads: Reading without Borders Program with the hopes of providing students with exciting learning and reading opportunities. 

“Nine of our dynamic librarians worked laboriously to do research, find educational links and develop amazing activities for our PSJA students this summer,” said PSJA Library Services Director Nora Galvan. “We are very excited to see how our students allow their creativity to run wild and participate throughout the summer.”

Students will be able to take part in virtual book clubs, begin their Battle of the Books readings, take reading breaks at a virtual cafe, find Manga, Anime and graphic novels, participate in art contests, take virtual trips, do arts & crafts and learn about “Woke” reading, which encourages individuals to challenge the social norm as well as provide information about those who have been unrepresented and oppressed. 

Students who would like to participate in the challenge can visit www.psjaisd.us/SummerReads for more information, as well as the PSJA Library Services page on Facebook for updates and details about all the challenges. 

"We commend the work of our librarians for helping us improve literacy and increase efforts to support students," said Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo. "With this work we are supporting the whole child and their families."

Successful Mentorship Programs
The following schools had an opportunity to highlight mentorship programs that have contributed greatly to their success and overall school climate:

• Carman Elementary's Bow Tie and Tiara Club - teaching social and etiquette skills to students 
• Murphy Middle School's Advisory Period and Circle of Trust - to encourage restorative practices and open dialogue about important topics such as social and emotional welfare
• PSJA T. Jefferson T-STEM ECHS Big Titan and Little Titan Program - matching students based on interest to support them throughout their transition to high school - this includes assisting students through Capstone Projects (Did you know? PSJA T-STEM is a designated AP Capstone Diploma School)

For the recording of this meeting, which took place on Wednesday, June 10, 2020

New Developments

• The investment of the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Facilities Assessment will include:
  • Live Virtual Updates of District Facilities and Assets
  • Forecast Capital Spending Toward Construction/Renovation Projects
  • Complete Roof and Heating and Ventilation Assessment
  • Road Map Toward Investment of District Facilities

This TASB Assessment will jolt The Energy Management Section to another level. This team will be able to gain deeper data, see energy trends, and continue lead the Region in capturing heavier energy savings, to add to their $1 Million dollars they saved last year. 

Ongoing Projects
LBJ Middle School Improvements – Bids for the project will be collected in August and it is a 12-month project. 

Custodian, Transportation, and Child Nutrition Academies – launching this summer to prepare for back to school new protocols established due to COVID-19 learning environment.

School Landscaping for all Schools – A deeper coverage and focused schedule to recoup grounds maintenance at all facilities after COVID-19 closure.

Please follow updates on construction projects, updates, celebrations and info with the Division of Operations Newsletter: Click HERE to view the latest newsletter.

New

• The Property Control team has meshed with the Maintenance Department to increase hand sanitation units in the facilities by 2,500 dispensers.  An inventory was completed, and the new units will be placed in more strategic areas. 
• The Division of Operation’s Re-Integration of Students and Staff Task Force (RISSTF) has been developed since May 13. This Task Force has been instrumental in their focus and goals to care about our PSJA Family’s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being, while cementing new Standard Operating Procedures during this COVID-19 environment.