The Prowler

Teachers, Staff, Parents, and Students:

Welcome Back

After the unexpected and overwhelming amount of rain and the devastation it caused this past weekend, we felt a deep sense of gratitude as we were able to reopen our doors to welcome back our dedicated staff and resilient students. It was a comforting relief to learn that many of our students and their families managed to weather the storm and remain safe despite the challenging conditions.

However, we also recognize that there were several areas heavily impacted by intense flooding, and these extreme conditions have had a severe and lasting effect on some of our families. Our hearts go out to those who have been directly affected, and we are holding them in our thoughts and prayers. We remain hopeful that the situation will resolve quickly and that our community can begin to heal and recover from this hardship.

Saturday Academies

Saturday Academies are specifically designed to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel on the upcoming STAAR assessments. These sessions serve as an invaluable opportunity for students to receive focused, personalized academic support outside of regular school hours. We recognize that each student has unique needs, and through these Saturday sessions, we are dedicated to providing the resources, expert guidance, and continuous encouragement necessary to help every student reach their full potential. Our goal is to foster an environment where students not only improve their academic abilities but also feel empowered and prepared to succeed on the STAAR exams. Together, we are committed to ensuring that every participant has the tools they need to perform at their absolute best.

Saturday Academies are held from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with breakfast served from 7:30 AM to 7:55 AM, and lunch served from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. Transportation is available for those who need it. The remaining Saturday Academy dates are as follows:

• Saturday, April 5, 2025

• Saturday, April 12, 2025

• Saturday, April 26, 2025

Attendance

We want to stress the importance of consistent daily attendance for all students, as it is crucial for academic success and personal growth. Being present each day enables students to fully engage with lessons and experiences that are vital to their development. Our goal is to achieve a school-wide attendance rate of at least 96% for the remainder of the year, and we need the support of our entire school community to make this happen.

We are grateful for the efforts parents are making to ensure regular attendance. Your dedication plays a vital role in our students’ success, and we appreciate your continued support in helping them reach their full potential.

Monday, March 31, 2025

• After School Tutorials 4:15-5:15

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

• RHISD Breakfast Cart & Retirement Benefits Presentation 8:30-4:30 --Jacob Schlosser

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

• Autism Awareness Day
• Paraprofessional Day
• Progress Reports Issued
• RHMS Band UIL
• After School Tutorials 4:15-5:15

Thursday, April 3, 2025

• College/University Day
• Project Love: Habit (Ms. Martinez-5th grade)

Friday, April 4, 2025

• School Librarian Day
• Instructional Framework Overview Presentation (TEAMS)--2:00-3:00
• TSL Executive Performance Management April Deep Dive 8:30-12:00
• Scholastic Book Fair Begins

• RHMS Bobcat Spirit Day

Saturday, April 5, 2024

• Saturday Academy #2 (8:00-12:30)

A heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Monica Hernandez, Rio Hondo Middle School’s Teacher of the Year for 2026! This recognition is a testament to her dedication, boundless compassion, and the lasting impact she has on her students and the entire school community. Even amidst the demands of the position, Mrs. Hernandez continues to lead with strength, success, and a deep sense of empathy. Her ability to balance her professional responsibilities while maintaining a warm, supportive environment is a true reflection of the kind of teacher, colleague, and leader she is. Her impact on Rio Hondo ISD is profound, and her contributions to our community will be felt for years to come. Congratulations, Mrs. Hernandez, on being named Teacher of the Year! We are incredibly fortunate to have you as part of the Rio Hondo Middle School family, and we look forward to all the continued success and inspiration you will bring to our school in the years ahead.

On Monday, March 24, 2025, two outstanding students from Rio Hondo Middle School had the honor of reciting the pledges and delivering the invocation at the regular board meeting of the Rio Hondo ISD Board of Trustees. Antonio Martinez, a 6th grader, and Aria Gonzales, a 7th grader, were selected to represent their school and showcase their remarkable achievements.

Antonio is the son of Eufemio and Danielle Martinez. Throughout this academic year, Antonio has demonstrated exceptional commitment and resilience, consistently showing a strong work ethic and determination. He has gone above and beyond to maintain his status as an honor student, pushing himself to excel in every aspect of his education. Antonio’s perseverance was truly tested when he broke his arm just days before the UIL district meet. Despite this setback, he chose to compete in the event, showing remarkable courage and dedication. Antonio competed alongside 7th graders and earned 3rd place in Listening Skills, an impressive feat given his injury.

Aria is the daughter of Noe and Angela Gonzales, and she has also made a significant impact through her achievements. Known for her collaborative spirit, Aria has been an invaluable member of every team she’s joined this year. Her academic prowess has earned her a well-deserved spot as one of the 20 Civics Bee finalists selected from across the Rio Grande Valley, where she will compete this April. Aria is not only an excellent student who quickly grasps new concepts, but she is also highly involved in extracurricular activities. As a dedicated member of the school band, she continues to shine in both academics and the arts. Recently, Aria’s hard work in science was rewarded when she placed 1st in the UIL 7th grade Science competition.

Both Antonio and Aria exemplify the qualities of perseverance, dedication, and excellence, and they continue to inspire their peers and the school community through their remarkable accomplishments. Their presence at the board meeting served as a testament to the outstanding students at Rio Hondo Middle School and the bright future they have ahead.

At the regular board meeting of the Rio Hondo Independent School District (RHISD) held on Monday, March 24, 2025, several teachers were honored for their outstanding achievements through the Teacher Incentive Allotment. RHMS teachers recognized for their exceptional contributions to education included:

Michael Alvarez, awarded as a Master Teacher
April Barboza, also honored as a Master Teacher
Amanda Quintana, recognized as an Exemplary Teacher
Refugio Lira, named a Recognized Teacher
Benjamin Perez, also named a Recognized Teacher

These awards reflect the dedication, passion, and hard work these educators put into their roles, significantly impacting their students and the broader school community. Congratulations to each of you on receiving these very well-deserved accolades! Your commitment to excellence in teaching is truly commendable.

The Rio Hondo Middle School Symphonic and Honors Bands delivered outstanding performances at the Port Isabel Pre-UIL Concert & Sight Reading Contest, showcasing their incredible musical talents and dedication.

The Symphonic Band received an impressive 2+ "Excellent" rating in the Sight Reading portion, demonstrating their ability to interpret and perform unfamiliar music with skill and precision. On top of that, they earned a Division 1 "Superior" Rating for their stage performance, reflecting their excellent preparation and musical excellence. This remarkable achievement earned them a well-deserved Division 1 "Superior" Rating trophy, a symbol of their hard work and outstanding performance.

The Honors Band also shined brightly at the event, securing a Division 1 "Superior" Rating in both the stage performance and Sight Reading categories. Their consistent excellence throughout both components of the competition truly exemplified their talent, discipline, and commitment to their craft.

Both bands’ accomplishments reflect the dedication of their directors and the hard work of all the musicians involved. Their impressive results at this prestigious contest set a high standard and pave the way for future success at the upcoming UIL competitions.

A friendly reminder to all our RHMS parents...If you have not yet done so, Mr. Moreno highly encourages all parents to join the Remind App. Information regarding upcoming activities/events, The Prowler newsletter, and other important campus information is shared weekly via Remind. Here are the codes you need by grade level:

5th Grade: Text: @9cee34c To: 81010

6th Grade: Text: @ahg2db To: 81010

7th Grade: Text: @gk3dd3 To: 81010

8th Grade: Text: @mrmorenorh To: 81010

PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE REMIND CODES ARE FOR PARENTS ONLY.

“You are someone’s reason for coming to school tomorrow. Be who they think you are.” #teachergoals

“Say hello to the custodian, hold the door for people, pick up trash off the floor, be kind even when people are rude or mean, set a good example for your students whenever you can. Teach them that even the smallest acts of kindness are contagious. Teach them that we all control the future, one choice and one small act at a time.” @Bored_Teachers