One for the Record Books

Librarians presented on a variety of topics for the August LevelUP Conference. Sessions shared included: Unlocking the Power of Accelerated Reader, MackinVIA Mastery: Unleashing Digital Learning Resources, Integrating Test Prep with Future Goals, Learn360-Region One Library Services, and Tradition of Excellence Texas Youth Creators Awards. Special thanks to the following librarians pictured above for creating engaging sessions and presenting: Nicole Cruz, Josie Saldana, Thanya Montemayor, Oneida Aleman, Elizabeth Moreno, Patricia Ramos, and Denise Cirlos.

by Elizabeth Moreno

Valeria L. Moreno, the daughter of Elizabeth and Jose Moreno, completed her studies at the University of Texas at Austin this past May. Through dedication and hard work, she earned her degree in Journalism. Her parents are thankful to God and are especially proud of her perseverance and commitment, which has truly paid off. Her family celebrates this achievement with her and looks forward to the next chapter and her future successes.

by Nicole H. Cruz

Anastasia is the daughter of Paul and Nicole Cruz, both Sharyland ISD educators. She was a 2020 Sharyland High School graduate. She graduated from Texas A&M University on August 10. She was the only one of 555 graduates to be a recognized as an Honors Program Graduate. She plans to pursue a career as a federal agent.

by Monica Silva

My name is Monica Silva, and I’m thrilled to serve as the librarian at John H. Shary Elementary. I have two amazing children who are the center of my world. My son, Daniel, recently graduated from Pioneer High School and will be continuing his education at UTRGV. My daughter, Bianca, is starting her sophomore year this school year. I am enthusiastic about all the wonderful memories we will continue to create together.

In the library, I strive to create a welcoming and inspiring environment where students can explore new ideas, discover their passions, and develop the skills they need to navigate the world of information. Whether it’s recommending a great book, guiding a research project, or teaching digital literacy, I’m here to support and encourage every student's journey.

I look forward to a successful school year that's filled with discovery, creativity, and growth!

by Denise Cirlos

I’m thrilled to be back at the B. L. Gray Junior High Library after an amazing summer! All library programming will kick off on August 26th. This week has been spent ensuring all scholars can access their Google Classrooms, supporting teachers with everything they need, and preparing the library for all our students. A big thank you to my Library Ambassadors for their incredible help!

by Elizabeth Moreno

Pioneer High School Librarian Elizabeth Moreno welcomed Mr. William Cheatham to the role of library aide. Mr. Cheatham has worked at all levels of education, from elementary to high school, mostly in Special Education. This is his ninth year with Sharyland ISD. He is an avid reader and a major tech enthusiast, often adapting new technologies before they become mainstream. Mrs. Moreno is excited to have him on the library team and is already seeing his positive impact on both staff and students. Welcome, Mr. Cheatham!

by Thanya Montemayor

The RHE Librarian has been a busy bee! With IDs printed and passed out, Chromebooks getting checked out, and learning the names and faces of all the wonderful new students at RHE, there’s been no time to be tired. The RHE library will be a hub of activity and creativity in this 2024-2025 school year! RHE is the place to be! Everyone matters and everyone counts!

by Albert Ramos

One of our goals this year will be promoting Literature in all its forms at Jessie Jensen Library! Our goal will be for students to become familiar with works of Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Folktales, and other forms. We would like for students to think of the library in a broader term than what they are used to.

by Oneida Aleman

RDM librarian presents library updates. The librarian explained the new AR District Guidelines to the teachers, which all librarians will follow across the district. Also, teachers were updated on HB900 and how it affects our school and classroom libraries. Together we can all achieve one goal, foster a love for reading. I am extremely excited to see all the students engage in new hands-on lessons.

by Jose Guerrero

This year Bentsen Elementary will team up with Panda Express to inspire and excite reading with students. Bentsen will be participating in the Panda Express Read with Me Program.

Students will have individual goals from Panda Express and encouragement to school goals. The incentive is a delicious Kids Meal at Panda Express. Can't wait to see all the exciting faces to read and enjoy a free Panda Express meal.

by Josie Saldaña

The SNJH library has a new look. The library has updated signage to help students locate books. Our non-fiction section has numerical signage as well as visuals displays to aid students in finding various topics. Whether they are looking for books about UFOs, medicine, or geography, all students have to do is look around and signage will guide them in the right direction. We now have a dedicated Spanish/Bilingual section. Spine labels on books will ensure students can identify Spanish/Bilingual materials easily. Signage isn’t the only update in the library. Over the summer our library was painted white and gray to brighten the space. This year, our reading area has been relocated to the front right of the library among the fiction books. Our goal is to ensure our students can navigate the library confidently while providing an attractive space for them to read, learn, and relax.

by Nicole H. Cruz

On August 7th, SHS Librarian Nicole Cruz, provided a staff development session to new teachers on the Sharyland ISD Education Foundation Grant application process. She gave them the basic tips on how to write a successful grant. Best of Luck to all of our educators. Deadline to submit your grant is September 6.

Application Link

by Wally Trevino

Who’s ready to read? It’s another exciting year at Garza Elementary. We are excited about the new school year and all the amazing new books. Over the last year, we have acquired over 100 new books and bought more popular titles like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and I Survived. It's an exciting time at the Garza library. Ready Set and Read!

by Alma Paredes

The Harry Shimotsu administration team is ready to start the year by Capturing Kids Hearts! Let us make time for the little moments that make a big impact. Here’s to an amazing year ahead full of fun, growth, and a heart full of love. ❤️

by Josie Saldaña

This year, the SNJH will feature a special genre shelf in the library. We will highlight a new fiction genre each month! This month’s genre is FANTASY. Hundreds of books, ebooks, and audiobooks are all available for checkout through our campus library or campus MackinVia site. Our genre shelf will feature colorful decorations aimed to draw students’ attention. Additionally, books will be displayed utilizing dynamic shelving to make browsing easier for our students. Dynamic shelving means books covers are on full display and books in a series will be stacked in order. We look forward to helping students find their next favorite book.

"One for the Record Books" was recognized by the Texas Library Association for a PR Branding Iron Award in 2016. Submit photos and stories by the deadline each month to be included in "One for the Record Books." Please make sure any students are not on the "Do Not Photograph List" before submitting their photos for publication.

Email: ncruz@sharylandisd.org
Website: https://www.sharylandisd.org/departments/library_services
Location: 1216 North Shary Road, Mission, TX, USA
Phone: 956-580-5300
Twitter: @Cruz23Mac