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Tribal News

Donna ISD's Monthly Newsletter

Tribal NewsDonna ISD's Monthly Newsletter

March 2023

First Alumni Association Meeting

Donna ISD invited members of the district's new Alumni Association to come together and meet for the first time as an organization. The meeting was held March 23rd at the Administration Boardroom. Superintendent Dr. Angela Dominguez welcomed the group and thanked them for their interest in joining the new association. She also shared her vision of what she would like to see from the organization and talked to them about the importance of engaging and supporting their alma mater, whether it be by serving the district as guest speakers at events, student mentors, volunteers or by contributing in any other way. The group will be forming a committee to develop a plan of action for the association. If you would like to get involved, you can sign up to be a member here: https://bit.ly/3YoLPWj

2023 Bond Election

Beginning in April, eligible voters in the City of Donna will have an opportunity to vote on a bond proposition that will affect Donna ISD students, staff, and our community. Only one proposition will be on the ballot, which if passed will authorize Donna ISD to issue $120 million in school bonds for instructional facilities upgrades and additions. Early voting will be held from April 24th-May 2nd. Election Day is Saturday, May 6th. For election poll sites and to learn more about the bond election, visit our 2023 Bond Election Webpage. It is available in English and Spanish.


View here:
English: https://www.donnaisd.net/domain/1027

Español: https://www.donnaisd.net/Page/2653

Bond Presentations

Bond presentations are being held across the district and community to inform Donna ISD staff and members of the public about the 2023 Bond Election. Participants also have the opportunity to ask questions. We would like to remind you to exercise your right to vote.

Elementary Student Wins First Place in Jr. Breeding Rabbit Category

Fourth grade student Miles Chavez from J.W. Caceres Intermediate Discovery Academy is already making a name for himself as an exceptional student. For starters, Miles was selected as Donna ISD's first elementary Distinguished Reader after he read one million words. Then, he helped his team capture third place in the prestigious and competitive Destination Imagination Contest where he served as writer and director. Most recently, Miles joined Caceres' newly created Jr. Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization, and won first place in the Jr. Breeding Rabbits Class 4 Category at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show in Mercedes. In January, Miles took on the challenge of raising his new best pal he named "Roger Rabbit". He visited him daily at the FFA Farm in Donna and sometimes worried he would not be able to check in on him due to family obligations. Fortunately, he did and is thrilled he was rewarded with a first place ribbon.
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DHS Bravette Captures State Championship Title In Powerlifting

Donna High School Powerlifter Rhonda Valdez was planning on quitting her school's team at the start of the new year following the unexpected tragic passing of her older brother. She was having a difficult time dealing with her emotions and didn't have the will to carry on with her intense and time consuming workouts. As a result, she lost muscle and strength. In time, and with the support of her coaches and team members, Rhonda returned to the sport she loved, made it to the state powerlifting meet in Frisco, Tx. and ultimately won gold in the 132 weight class. Congratulations Rhonda!
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DNHS Chief Captures State Championship Title In Powerlifting

This year was Donna North High School Powerlifter Deondre Moody's second appearance at the Texas High School Powerlifting Association State Meet and this time the senior came back with gold. Deondre not only captured the state championship title in the 123-pound weight class but broke the record set by Donna North's Louie Cavazos who won a gold medal in the same weight class in 2022. Deondre credits his coaches and teammates for keeping him positive and is grateful to his family especially his mother who he says is his biggest supporter. Congratulations Deondre!
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DHS D'ettes Makes History At State

The Donna High School D'ettes made history this year when the 28 member team won it all at the Showmakers of America Contest held at Texas State University in San Marcos. The D'ettes outscored all of the dance groups from schools of all sizes and walked away with the Overall Team Champions State Title. In addition, the team was named Overall Officer Champions and received recognition for Outstanding Technique, Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Precision and Outstanding Entertainment. Congratulations D'ettes!
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Elementary Playgrounds Undergo Major Upgrades

Elementary playgrounds across the district have received much needed upgrades. Crews recently completed the foundation at the Munoz campus where the playsets now sit. A few other improvements at Munoz are in the works.
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Life Skills Classrooms Get A Refresh

More than 40 Special Education Life Skills classrooms across the district received a much-needed refresh. The classrooms were painted a calming blue color, providing a soothing, more comfortable and accommodating environment to help improve the students' learning experience.

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A New Look For Elementary Libraries

The libraries at elementary campuses across the district underwent upgrades by having carpets removed and replaced with LVT flooring. The benefits are less allergens and a cleaner environment for our students.

Donna ISD Hosts Open House

Donna ISD hosted open house at secondary and elementary campuses. Parents and staff had the opportunity to spend time together and talk about their child's academic progress and accomplishments.
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Donna ISD PD Armed With Bullet Proof Vests

Donna ISD's Police Department wants to ensure that all its police officers are equipped with the latest protective gear to keep them and our DISD students and staff safe.

See video for details: https://youtu.be/gXdGRXj9ceM

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Donna ISD PD Awarded Bullet-Resistant Shield Grant

Donna ISD is excited to announce that we have been awarded the Bullet-Resistant Shield Grant in the amount of $205,581.24. The money will be used to purchase rifle rated level III ballistic shields for all district police officers. These type of ballistic shields are used by law enforcement agencies to protect their officers during tactical operations where officers have little or no cover. They will give our officers that added resource when responding to school safety emergencies.
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Donna ISD Awarded CTE Grant For Summer Program

Good news! Donna ISD has been awarded a Career and Technology Education (CTE) Grant from the Texas Education Agency to host a summer program for 20 of our 11th grade students. The program includes a Health Science Theory course followed by a paid one-week internship at a nearby nursing home or clinic. The main objective of this initiative is to help students jumpstart their careers while still in high school by earning industry-based certifications.

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Donna ISD Awarded Early College High School Grant

Donna ISD is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a $100,000 Early College High School Grant. This grant will give our students the opportunity to gain college credits while they're still in high school. With the support of this grant, we'll be providing targeted supports for our historically underserved students through rigorous instruction and accelerated postsecondary courses so they can reach their full potential and succeed in college-level coursework, at no cost to them.
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Donna ISD Awarded Vet Tech Grant

Donna ISD has been awarded a Career and Technology Education (CTE) Grant from the Texas Education Agency that will enable 20 of our 8th grade students to participate in a summer bridge program. This program will include a week-long paid internship opportunity at one of our local animal shelters or veterinary clinics, along with a Principles of Agriculture course. We are thrilled to offer this exciting opportunity to our students!

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Donna ISD Awarded Technology Lending Grant

Donna ISD is excited to announce that we have been awarded the Technology Lending Grant in the amount of $225,000 from the Texas Education Agency's Learning Acceleration Support Opportunities (LASO) program. With this grant, we'll be able to provide students with the necessary equipment to access and use digital instructional materials and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age. We've been working hard to bridge the digital divide and make sure everyone has access to technology -- and this grant is a big step forward!

Donna ISD Employee Wellness Health Fair

Donna ISD employees turned out in force to the district's Employee Wellness Health Fair held at Todd Middle School. Staff members were offered free glucose/blood pressure and cholesterol screenings and were provided with pertinent information on how to lead a healthy lifestyle. Thank you to everyone who took advantage of this event.
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4th Annual Superintendent's Student Scholarship Golf Tournament


You can help make our graduates' dreams come true by participating in Donna ISD's 4th Annual Superintendent's Student Scholarship Golf Tournament to be held Friday, April 21st at the Tierra Santa Golf Club in Weslaco. If you do not wish to play, you can still contribute any amount of funds to this important initiative. The net proceeds will go toward scholarships for Donna High and Donna North High School students pursuing a higher education. Click here for more information: https://bit.ly/3XTPJan

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2023 School Bus Road-E-O

It's Rodeo Time in Donna, Texas! The South Texas Association of Pupil Transportation will be having the 2023 Bus Road-E-O Saturday, April 1st at Bennie LaPrade Stadium. See these school bus drivers from all over the RGV as they compete and show off their driving skills. There will be vendor booths with food and beverages. Bring out the family and speak with DPS officers who are ready to answer all your questions on bus safety, traffic rules and any other question you might have. You can also meet representatives from the DISD Transportation Department. View video here: https://bit.ly/3ngxwpY
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Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

Donna ISD will be hosting its last COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for the school year. The clinic will be held April 19th at Salinas STEAM Academy from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00.p.m. We would like to thank all the DISD nurses and volunteers who have been helping with these events. We'd also like to thank our students, staff and community members who have been taking advantage of these opportunities to get vaccinated and protected against the virus.

Upcoming events


Apr. 1-30 Occupational Therapist Month

Apr. 2 World Autism Awareness Day

Apr. 3-7 National Assistant Principal Week

Apr. 4 School Librarian Appreciation Day

Apr. 5 Paraprofessional Appreciation Day

Apr. 9 Easter Holiday

Apr. 17-23 Public School Volunteer Week

Apr. 21 Early Release For Students

Apr. 21 Superintendent's Student Scholarship Golf Tournament

Apr. 22 Earth Day

Apr. 26 National Administrative Professionals Day

Apr. 28 Arbor Day