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Bandera County Courier is published weekly by Gail S. Joiner, 1210 Hackberry St., Bandera, TX 78003. Subscription price $26 per year in Bandera County, TX; $36 per year for other Texas counties; $40 per year out of Texas. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Bandera County Courier, P.O. Box 1704, Bandera, TX 78003. Periodicals Postage pending in Bandera, Texas.

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School articles in this section of the Courier:

Quick thinking by authorities mitigates BMS emergency	Published May 1, 2008
Ms. Fix It returns April 17	Published April 10, 2008
Project Grad reaches $10K goal	Published April 10, 2008
Local inducted into A&M honor society	Published April 3, 2008
Medina PreK registration set	Published April 3, 2008
Project Graduation Fashion Show	Published April 3, 2008
Class of 1978 plans reunion	Published March 27, 2008
Scholarships available	Published March 27, 2008
Schreiner holds graduate studies open house	Published March 27, 2008
Kindergarten, Pre-K roundup time	Published March 20, 2008
BISD schedules events of Texas Public Schools Week	Published March 20, 2008
Education workshop Saturday	Published Feb. 21, 2008
Bandera A&M honor student	Published Jan. 31, 2008
Lakehills woman earns Masters degree from Angelo State	Published Jan. 24, 2008
Horn graduates Schreiner University	Published Jan. 10, 2008
Bandera's Adamson makes national honor society	Published Jan. 3, 2008
Youngs graduate	Published Jan. 3, 2008
Project Graduation offers 'Delicious' fundraiser for 2008	Published Nov. 22, 2007
Project Graduation Barbecue Oct. 20	Published Oct. 11, 2007
Faux walls revealed at Club Ed	Published Sept. 13, 2007
GED Class set	Published Aug. 30, 2007
BCRW collects school supplies	Published Aug. 16, 2007
Schreiner, SAC team to offer CDA course this fall	Published Aug. 2, 2007
Tarpley student earns Schreiner University President's List distinction	Published Aug. 2, 2007
Songsangkhan on Dean's List	Published July 26, 2007
Jeremy Leland earns DDS	Published July 26, 2007
Leland Cantu earns MD	Published July 26, 2007
Songangkhan named to college president's list	Published March 22, 2007
Spring GED Registration	Published March 22, 2007
Clover Booster Club Scholarship	Published March 15, 2007
Celebrate Texas Public Schools Week March 5-9	Published March 1, 2007
Congressman Smith invites students to military 'Academy Day'	Published March 1, 2007
Drug use in Bandera schools outranks state average ­ or does it?	Published Feb. 22, 2007
Cailloux scholarship deadline Feb. 1	Published Jan. 4, 2007
Send a fourth grader a postcard	Published Oct. 19, 2006
Honor student wins Texas Student of the Year	Published Sept. 14, 2006
Bandera Electric Coop accepting school supply donations	Published Aug. 10, 2006
Jeffrey Scott receives a master degree	Published June 22, 2006
Rachel Payne Hallford graduates	Published June 1, 2006
An apple a day for area teachers	Published March 16, 2006
Scholarships available from Bandera County Republican Women's Club	Published March 16, 2006
Optimists donate $1000 to Special Olympics	Published March 9, 2006
ESL at Allende, Mexico	Published Aug. 25, 2005
Back to School ... Moments	Published Aug. 25, 2005
Medina ESL class goes to Mexico	Published Aug. 4, 2005
Christina Combs graduates	Published Aug. 4, 2005
Jureczki honored	Published July 28, 2005
English as a Second Language classes celebrate success	Published June 30, 2005
Twin Lakes Baptist Church offers affordable Christian education	Published June 23, 2005
Jessica Reid advances to international competition	Published June 23, 2005
Elton Pady attends Presidential Classroom	Published June 23, 2005
Bandera books scootin' to Mexico	Published June 9, 2005
Proposed House Bill would expand the Hazelwood Legacy Act	Published May 12, 2005
Passing rates rise on high stakes reading exams	Published March 31, 2005

Ms. Fix It returns April 17 Published April 10, 2008    Ms. Fix It returns to Bandera ISD as the Office of Parent Involvement sponsors another special two hour "Ms. Fix It Workshop" for Women – with a focus on tiling. The class will be held from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Thursday, April 17.     In this hands-on class, participants will learn the principles of tiling a backsplash, floor or mosaic craft project – all while tiling a trivet. The trivet will be trimmed using an air compressor and brad nailer. Registration is $10 with a $5 fee for materials. Snacks, door prizes and childcare will be provided. To pre-register, bring registration fees to the BISD Central Administration Building, 815 Pecan Street. For more information, contact Tracy Thayer at 830-796-6300.

Project Grad reaches $10K goal Published April 10, 2008    According to President Janette Martinez, the 2008 Project Graduation has accomplished its goal of raising $10,000 before completion of the school year – before the Miss Bantucky competiton and the Powder Puff game.     “We want to thank all our local businesses, family and friends for supporting our organization,” she said. “Our success would not have been possible without the support of our community.”     A Powder Puff game, slated for after school on Wednesday, May 14, at the Bandera High School stadium, will be the final Project Graduation fundraiser.     The next committee meeting for Project Graduation will be held at 6:30 pm, April 28, at the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center, 803 Buck Creek Boulevard.     “We welcome all parents to come help us out,” said Martinez. She can be contacted at fmartinez1697@sprintpcs.com, or by calling 830-751-2529 or 210-386-1677.

Local inducted into A&M honor society Published April 3, 2008    Juraluck Songsangkhan, daughter of Noi and Robert Reeder of Bandera, was recently inducted into the Texas A&M chapter of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.     A junior majoring in Biomedical Science at the College of Veterinary Medicine at College Station, Songsangkhan was one of approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni, who are initiated into Phi Kappa Phi annually.     In addition, Songsangkhan had previously been named to the Dean’s Honor Roll after posting a 4.0 grade point average for the 2007 fall semester.     Membership to the selective all-discipline Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society is by invitation and requires chapter nomination and approval. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, carrying at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership.     Since being founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi inductees have included former President Jimmy Carter, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, writer John Grisham and Netscape founder James Barksdale. The society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

Medina PreK registration set Published April 3, 2008    Medina ISD will hold registration for Pre-K and kindergarten students for the 2008-2009 school year on Friday, April 18, from 1:30 pm until 3:15 pm in the elementary office. Please bring Social Security card, immunization record and birth certificate. Copies will be made. Pre-K students must be four years old by Sept. 1 and Kindergarten students must be five years old by Sept. 1. For more information, call the school at 830-589-2731.

Project Graduation Fashion Show Published April 3, 2008    Katie Miller looked right at home on the catwalk as she participated in the 2008 Prom Fashion Show presented by Project Graduation at the Silver Spur Senior Activity Center. The Sunday, March 30, fundraising event was sponsored by Outlaw Photography, The Gingerbread House, Books N Bloom, Hair Unlimited, Main Street Hair Designs, Creative Hair Designs and Graphic Solutions, in addition to several San Antonio businesses.     Upcoming Project Graduation events include the dodge ball tournament April 5 and the Ms. Bantucky competition April 10. For more information, call Project Graduation President Janette Martinez at 830-751-2529.

Class of 1978 Plans Reunion Published March 27, 2008    The Bandera High School class of 1978 is making plans for its 30th reunion. The 65-member group is planning activities for the weekend of June 21-22. Details of the get-together have not been finalized, since the organizers must first locate all members of the class.     To facilitate this process, a group website has been created on Facebook.com. Class members are urged to access the Facebook group “Bandera High School Class of 78” and join the group for all reunion information as it becomes available. Alternatively, members of the class are asked to send their current contact information to Class of 1978 Reunion, in care of Connie Moore, 9485 FM 1560, San Antonio, 78254.

Scholarships available Published March 27, 2008    Two $1,000 scholarships will be offered to the graduating class of 2008 by the Bandera County Republican Women.     All high school seniors (male and female) residing in the Bandera County area are eligible.     Applications may be picked up at school campus counselor's offices now.     Home schoolers may contact Scholarship Chair Lenna Newnam at 830-796-4452 or 830-522-0555.     The deadline to apply is Monday, April 21.

Schreiner holds graduate studies open house Published March 27, 2008    Schreiner University Graduate Studies will hold an open house from 1 pm to 3 pm, Saturday, March 29, at the Floyd and Kathleen Cailloux Campus Activity Center on the Schreiner campus.     This will be a chance for those interested in pursuing graduate degrees to talk to Schreiner faculty and visit classes.     Schreiner University Graduate Studies offers programs in Graduate Teacher Alternative Certification, Principal Certification (summer and fall), Master’s in Education in Teaching and a Master’s in Education, which does not require a teaching certificate.     “The programs are comprised of small cohort groups, and we welcome anyone interested to visit and observe our classes,” said Dr. Carole Errett, Schreiner’s director of teacher education. “Many alumni have called our programs, ‘the best kept secret in the Hill Country.’ We want to make the community aware of these fine programs, which are held on only 11 Saturdays in the fall and spring.”     For more information, contact Errett at 830-792-7445 or cderrett@schreiner.edu.

Kindergarten, Pre-K roundup time Published March 20, 2008    Registration for Kindergarten, Pre Kindergarten, and Head Start for the 2008-2009 school year will be held April 1, April 2 and April 3 at all Bandera ISD elementary schools.     Alkek Elementary School, located at 1798 Hwy 173 South in Bandera, will have their office open for registration from 9 am until 3 pm. Hill Country Elementary School, located at 6346 FM 1283 in Pipe Creek, will have their office open for registration from 9 am until 3 pm. This pre-registration is not required for students currently attending a Bandera ISD elementary school.     Kindergarten –     If the child will be five years old, on or before September 1, 2008, they are eligible for kindergarten. Please bring the following documents for registration:     • Birth Certificate     • Child’s Social Security Card     • Current Immunization Record     • Proof of Residence     • Photo ID of Person Registering Child     Pre-K and Head Start –     If the child will be four years old, on or before September 1, 2008, they are eligible to pre-register for Pre-Kindergarten or Head Start. All families, regardless of income are encouraged to apply for Pre-Kindergarten. Please bring the following documents for pre-registration:     • Birth Certificate     • Child’s Social Security Card     • Current Immunization Record     • Proof of Residence     • Photo ID of Person Registering Child     • Proof of Income from the Past 12 Months (if applicable)     • Proof of Health Insurance (if applicable)     • Proof of any Federal Assistance (if applicable)     For additional information, please contact Alkek Elementary School at 830-796-6223 or Hill Country Elementary School at 830-535-4224.

BISD schedules events of Texas Public Schools Week Published March 20, 2008    Mark your calendars for the last week in March when Bandera Independent School District celebrates Texas Public Schools Week. This year's theme is "Lift Off to Learning."     Special events include:     • Tuesday, March 25  – The second annual Realtor and Developer Conference. This invitation-only event will include a presentation on Bandera County’s growth and its impact on our schools, 11 am.     • Wednesday, March 26 – Texas Public Schools Week Luncheon at Hill Country Elementary School during regular lunch periods.     • Thursday, March 27 – Texas Public Schools Week Luncheon at Alkek Elementary School during regular lunch periods.     • Friday, March 28 – Council of School Support Organizations meeting. This offers an opportunity to discuss the future of BISD with leaders from various support organizations.     • Saturday, March 29 – Bandera ISD Job Fair.     For more information on the BISD Texas Public Schools Week activities, contact the communications office at 830-796-6204.

Education workshop Saturday Published Feb. 21, 2008    Congressman Lamar Smith will host an Education and Federal Financial Aid Workshop for area high school students, parents, counselors and teachers interested in learning about the application process for college tuition assistance at the Tivy High School auditorium, 3250 Loop 534, Kerrville Saturday, Feb. 23, 9 am to 10:30 am.     Congressman Smith will be joined by representatives from the United States Department of Education including Raul Galvan of the Department of Education who will answer questions about college financial aid programs and offer expertise.     If you have any questions please feel free to contact Smith's Washington D.C. Congressional Office at 202-225-4236.

Bandera A&M honor student Published Jan. 31, 2008    Juraluck Songsangkhan, the daughter of Noi and Robert Reeder of Bandera, has been named to the Dean’s Honor Roll at Texas A&M University at College Station.     A junior majoring in biomedical science at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Songsangkhan posted a 4.0 grade point average for the 2007 fall semester.     Her classes included fundamentals of chemistry, chemistry laboratory, veterinary entomology and statistical methods.     In a congratulatory letter, Dr. FH “Skip” Landis, director of the Biomedical Science Program at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences offered, “Congratulations on your outstanding scholastic efforts during the fall 2007 semester, which have earned you a place on the Dean’s Honor Roll.” Landis’ letter was accompanied by a certificate declaring Songsangkhan a distinguished member of the honor roll.

Lakehills woman earns Masters degree from Angelo State Published Jan. 24, 2008 Rebekah Elaine Quarles    Rebekah Elaine Quarles of Lakehills graduated with a Master of Physical Therapy degree Dec. 15 from Angelo State University in San Angelo.     Quarles' parents are Gary and Darcy Quarles of Lakehills and her grandparents are Buster and Joyce Quarles of Bandera and Pres and Elsie Word of Lakehills.     She is a 2002 graduate of Bandera High School.

Horn graduates Schreiner University Published Jan. 10, 2008    San Antonio resident Joshua Horn graduated from Schreiner University in Kerrville and was recognized during campus ceremonies held Dec. 9.     Horn, son of Brian and Tina Horn of Bandera and Terrence and Brenda Foley, was awarded a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in management. A member of the men's golf team and the Rotoract Club, Horn was named to the President's List for 2005, the Dean's List for 2004-2005 and the American Southwest Conference Academic All Conference for 2006.     Schreiner University is an independent coeducational liberal arts university related by choice and by covenant to the Presbyterian Church of the United States. For more information, visit Schreiner's Web site at www.schreiner.edu or call the admission office at 830-792-7217.

Bandera's Adamson makes national honor society Published Jan. 3, 2008 Mark and Sonya Lee Adamson with their children, center, with family and friend after her induction into Texas Alpha Sigma chapter of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society.    Sonya Lee Adamson of Bandera was one of 11 Schreiner University students recently inducted into the Texas Alpha Sigma chapter of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society.     The ceremony was held Nov. 29 at the Scarle Phillips-Logan Library on the Schreiner campus in Kerrville.     A junior student pursuing a bachelor's degree in elementary education, Adamson also assists with the family's automotive business. In addition, she and her husband, Mark, are busy raising the couple's five children. "The whole family is extremely proud of all her achievements," said Mark.     Alpha Chi is a coeducational society that promotes academic excellence and exemplary character. Membership in its ranks honors those achieving the distinction.

Youngs graduate Published Jan. 3, 2008 Megan Young, center, and family Kasey Young at graduating ceremony    Megan Young of Bandera graduated Dec. 15 from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Science degree with Summa Cum Laude honors. Her degree was Agricultural Services and Development.     Kasey Young graduated in November from Southwest Junior College of Uvalde as a Texas Peace Officer.     Megan and Kasey are daughter and son of Booker and Connie Young of Bandera. They are the grandchildren of Leon and Joyce Gorden of Floresville and Russell and Jean Young of Bandera.

Project Graduation offers 'Delicious' fundraiser for 2008 Published Nov. 22, 2007    Bandera High School's Project Graduation has come up with an "absolutely delicious" way to raise money — a Tamale Fundraiser, featuring the one and only taste of San Antonio's legendary "Delicious Tamales."     Pork tamales, available in both the original and spicy versions, cost $7 a dozen or $20 for three dozen. Orders must be placed by Monday, Dec. 3, and can be picked up from noon until 4 pm Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Exxon station on Bandera's Main Street.     Delicious Tamales have provided tamales in and around the San Antonio area for over 30 years.     "We take great pride in making the best possible product. Each year our tamales become more and more popular and our company keeps growing," said a company spokesman.     To produce Delicious Tamales, the corn is cooked and stone ground into masa. Then, the entire meat product is ground at the state-inspected plant. Only the freshest ingredients are used for flavoring, and all tamales are individually hand-wrapped in authentic corn shucks. The tamales are steam cooked fresh daily — the old fashioned way.     "Order your Delicious Tamales today," said Project Graduation President Janette Martinez. "They're great for holiday entertaining."     Tamales can be ordered by calling Martinez, 830-751-2529; Kelle Martinez, 830-460-3409; Janice Neely, 830-688-1898; Susan Odom, 210-332-3182; or Denise Whitehead, 830-688-1103.     An all-night, alcohol-and-drug-free celebration for BHS graduating seniors, Project Graduation provides a safe alternative to party hopping. The celebration keeps graduates off of the roads, preventing them from becoming accident statistics. In addition, it allows parents to rest easy knowing their sons and daughters are celebrating safely.     Project Graduation 2008 will be held Friday, May 23, at the Kerrville Family Sports Center, 1107 Junction Highway.

Project Graduation Barbecue Oct. 20 Published Oct. 11, 2007    Project Graduation will host a barbecue dinner fundraiser from 11 am until 3 pm, Saturday, Oct. 20. The dinner will be held at the Bandera High School football concession stand.     Tickets for the dinner - which includes chicken, sausage, potato salad, beans, and bread - will be available for $6. Donations and volunteers are needed. Contact the Bandera High School at 830-796-6253 to volunteer.

Faux walls revealed at Club Ed Published Sept. 13, 2007    National instructor Linda Coffman will be in Kerrville, Sunday, Oct. 7, for an afternoon workshop that shows how to create professional looking fauxpainted walls.     The class, sponsored by Club Ed, consists of two parts -- the first part, from 2 pm to 4:30 pm, covers the basic looks of faux suede, marble, granite and old plaster walls. Part II, 5:30 pm to 8 pm, covers other popular approaches, such as glazes, tissue paper, dry brushing and faux brick looks, among other.     Coffman has been in the wallpapering and fauxpainting business for over 18 years. Her work is featured in businesses, hotels, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and fine homes.     Hundreds of people use her dual-roller techniques to create professional-looking faux-painted walls.     After taking this class, students will be able to paint perfect ceilings and corners, use glaze with double rollers and create numerous looks such as leather and Old World.     For more information or to sign up, call Club Ed at 830-895-4386, or visit www.clubed.net.

GED Class set Published Aug. 30, 2007    Registration for Fall Semester GED Preparation Class is Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 4-5, at 6 pm in the Bandera Adult Literacy Center at the back of Bandera County Public Library, 515 Main Street.     The class meets every following Monday and Wednesday, 6-9 pm.      There is no tuition charge, but a $20 refundable materials deposit is required.  Students must commit to complete five GED tests or the fall semester of 12 weeks (whichever comes first). The class is limited to 12 students.

BCRW collects school supplies Published Aug. 16, 2007 Staff Photo by Judith Pannebaker    Holding up their “favorite school supplies” were officers and committee chairmen of the Bandera County Republican Women – from left, President Linda James, Bandera County Republican Chairman Connie Taylor, Chairman Caring for America Committee Carolyn Marshall, Chairman Phone Committee Lila Ward, Nancy Tucker, Chairman Campaign Action Committee Erin Clayton, First Vice President Jody Brown, Soup and Salad Committee Chairman Andrea McGilvray, Vice President of Membership Annette Tomasini, Public Relations Chairman Kim Hesley and Sherlie Vangsnes. The BCRW sponsored a school supply drive on Friday, August 10, at Bandera City Park.

Schreiner, SAC team to offer CDA course this fall Contributed Published Aug. 2, 2007    San Antonio College will offer night courses for Child Development Associate training at Schreiner University this fall.     CDA classes begin August 28, which allows sufficient time to register before the Friday, August 17, deadline.     Students interested in the courses must apply through SAC at www.applytexas.org, submit college or high school transcripts or GED scores and take the Accuplacer test available at www.accd.edu/sac/assesst. Prospective students may also apply online for financial aid.     Janet Boutin, director of St. Peter’s School in Kerrville, said the CDA credential involves 15 hours of college credit, focusing on infants through kindergarten-age children. “Hopefully, some [CDA] students will go on to do a one-year course of study at SAC, then two years and might eventually end up transferring to Schreiner and getting a detaching degree,” she added.     For more information, go to the SAC website at www.accd.edu/sac/online, or call or email Boutin at 830-257-0257 or dayschool@ktc.com.

Tarpley student earns Schreiner University President's List distinction Published Aug. 2, 2007    Acayla Haile of Tarpley was recently named to the President’s List of Schreiner University in Kerrville.     Haile, the daughter of Lee and Karen Haile, was included on the roster of high-achieving students for the 2007 spring term. To qualify for the President’s List, full-time students must pass all classes, earning at least a 3.7 grade point average and carrying a mimum of 12 credit hours for the term.     Schreiner University is an independent coeducational liberal arts university related by choice and covenant to the Presbyterian Church of the United States.     For more information, visit: www.schreiner.edu or call the Office of Admission at 830-792-7217.

Songsangkhan on Dean's List Published July 26, 2007    Juraluck "Best" Songsangkhan of Bandera was named to the Dean's Honor Roll of Scholars at the University of North Texas for achieving a 3.625 GPA for the spring 2007 semester.     Songsangkhan graduated in May with honors and a cumulative GPA of 3.909 from the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, a high school on the campus of UNT in Denton. TAMS was established by the Texas Legislature in 1988 to provide high achieving Texas high school juniors and seniors a school where students carry a full university curriculum while completing their final two years of high school.     Juraluck will attend Texas A&M University at College Station in the fall.

Jeremy Leland earns DDS Published July 26, 2007 Jeremy Leland    Jeremy David Leland earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School at San Antonio May 20.     Leland is the son of Dr. John and Robin Leland of Lakehills and a 1998 graduate of Bandera High School.     Leland was elected as a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society and graduated Magna Cum Laude. In July, he began a residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in which he will also earn his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center Medical School at San Antonio.     Leland was a kindergarten through 12th grade student at Bandera ISD.

Leland Cantu earns MD Published July 26, 2007 Jessica Cantu    Jessica Leland Cantu earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston May 22.     Cantu is the daughter of Dr. John and Robin Leland of Lakehills and a 1999 graduate of Bandera High School.     Cantu was elected as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and graduated with High Honors. In July, Cantu will begin a residency program specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.     Cantu was a kindergarten through 12th grade student at Bandera ISD.

Songangkhan named to college president's list Contributed Published March 22, 2007    Juraluck "Best" Songsangkhan of Bandera was named to the University of North Texas President's list for achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA for the fall 2006 semester.     Juraluck is a senior at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, a high school on the campus of UNT in Denton. TAMS was established by the Texas Legislature in 1988 to give high achieving Texas high school juniors and seniors a school where they take all university courses while completing their final two years of high school.     Juraluck will graduate from TAMS in May 2007.

Spring GED Registration Published March 15, 2007    Registration for GED Spring Semester evening classes opens Monday, March 19, at Bandera Adult Literacy Center (behind Kronkosky Library, lower rear entrance from Pecan St.) at 6 p.m. Classes meet every Monday and Wednesday 6 - 8:30 through May. Tuition fee: none. Requirement: commitment to complete GED a.s.a.p.

Clover Booster Club Scholarship Published March 15, 2007    The Clover Booster Club Scholarship applications are now available for graduating seniors and are due at the extension office by noon March 30. Contact the extension office at 796-7755.

Celebrate Texas Public Schools Week March 5-9 Contributed Published March 1, 2007    Public education has been the shining star of the Lone Star State for more than 150 years. Students and educators throughout the state are opening their doors and inviting their communities to take a first-hand look into their educational programs during Texas Public Schools Week, March 5-9.     Texas Public Schools Week was established in 1950 by the Masonic Lodges of Texas to recognize contributions made by the state's free system of education. The Texas School Public Relations Association has promoted Texas Public Schools Week for more than 20 years. Each year, the event has grown and it continues to be a meaningful way to showcase the many educational opportunities given to the millions of students attending Texas public schools.     Special activities and events are planned during the week at Bandera ISD schools to invite the public in to see the great work that everyone is doing. This year's theme is One Texas. One Vision. All Children. "This theme perfectly exemplifies our mission" stated Superintendent Dr. Kevin Dyes. "Texas public schools accept every child. As educators it is our mission to provide all students with the highest quality instruction to help them become well-rounded, successful citizens."     Bandera ISD has the following activities planned for Texas Public Schools Week, March 5-9:     Monday, March 5: The Bandera ISD Education Foundation's "Prize Posse" will be surprising the winners of this year's Educator Initiative Program Grants.     Tuesday, March 6: Bandera ISD will be hosting their first "Realtor & Developer Conference" to discuss Bandera County's growth and its impact on Bandera ISD schools. The conference will be held at the Bandera ISD Central Office located at 815 Pecan Street in Bandera beginning at 8:30 a.m. Contact 796-6204 to make your reservation.     Wednesday, March 7: Join us for a "One Texas, One Vision" community luncheon at Hill Country Elementary from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Menu includes: Lone Star BBQ on a Bun, Tantalizing Tater Salad, Sidekick Cole Slaw, Platters of Pickles & Onions, and Texas Flag Chocolate Cake. Contact 535-6151 to make your reservation.     Thursday, March 8: Join us for a "One Texas, One Vision" community luncheon at Alkek Elementary from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Menu includes: Lone Star BBQ on a Bun, Tantalizing Tater Salad, Sidekick Cole Slaw, Platters of Pickles & Onions, and Texas Flag Chocolate Cake. Contact 796-6223 to make your reservation.

Congressman Smith invites students to military 'Academy Day' Published March 1, 2007    Congressman Lamar Smith invites area high school students interested in attending a military service academy to an "Academy Day" event Sunday, March 4.     The event will be held from 2-4 p.m. at the USAA Auditorium at 9800 Fredericksburg Road in San Antonio. Student IDs or drivers licenses will be required to enter the USAA campus.     Midshipmen and cadets from the U.S. Naval Academy, Military Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy and Merchant Marine Academy will be on hand to meet with prospective students and their families. In addition, Academy Liaison Officers will be available.     The "Academy Day" program will feature information about the nomination process involved in securing academy appointments.     Students who reside in the 21st Congressional District are encouraged to submit their apllications during their junior year of high school to Congressman Smith at his San Antonio district office at 1100 NE Loop 410. Suite 640, San Antonio, 78209.     Congressional staff members will be at the "Academy Day" event to assist prospective applicants.     Contact: Karen Frey at (210)821-6024, Office of Congressman Lamar Smith.

Drug use in Bandera schools outranks state average ­ or does it? by Stephanie Day BCC Staff Published Feb. 22, 2007 Commonly known as a "roach" clip, this piece of drug paraphernalia is used to smoke marijuana. The Bandera County Sheriff's Department has collected confiscated drug paraphernalia over the years. If you find any items similar to this, call the Bandera County Sheriff's Department at 830-796-3771. Possession of drug paraphernalia is a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. The finding of such paraphernalia can also indicate a serious drug problem and the need for intervention. Staff Photos by Stephanie Day    When 1,061 Bandera Independent School District students from fifth through high school (72 percent of the total student population) took a voluntary online student drug and safety survey, only 55 percent of Bandera High School students said they had never used alcohol, cigarettes or marijuana. The state average for the same survey was 58 percent.     Some Bandera students said they felt more at risk for violence and drugs in their schools than the corresponding state averages. At the fifth grade level, 65 percent of Bandera's students said they felt safe at school compared to 69 percent statewide. Elementary students named bullies as their main fear. Bandera Middle School and High School students felt a little safer than the state average. Twenty-nine percent of Bandera High School students pinned their lack of confidence for their safety on drugs, compared to the state average of 18 percent.     Survey results indicated that student use of alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana began between the sixth and ninth grade. By the time they reached high school, 36 percent of the students admitted drinking alcohol, 23 percent admitted to smoking cigarettes and 20 percent admitted to using marijuana within the past 30 days.     Bandera County Juvenile Probation Officers Glenn Muennink and Susan Welsh say the self-admitted percentage for marijuana use is low. They speculate that as many as 80 percent of Bandera high school students have at least tried marijuana.     BISD school administrators say they can explain the seemingly high numbers on the voluntary online survey. Superintendent Dr. Kevin Dyes noted that students answering the 32-question survey were given limited choices for answers on their perception of how effectively BISD was dealing with violence and substance abuse. Some of those answers­weapons, gangs, race and sexual harassment­had not been a problem at BISD.     That left students with choices like bullies, drugs and fights over girlfriends and boyfriends. Dyes said students from large, troubled inner cities who answered the survey might feel safer at school than at home with gang violence right outside their doors. He agreed, however, that the survey answers deserved more investigation. He said BISD may need to incorporate substance abuse education into higher grade levels.     According to 2004 Bandera County Juvenile Probation Report Data, 63 formal referrals involving 52 juveniles were made. Of those, 28.5 percent were drug related with five felony and 13 misdemeanor charges.     Those numbers dropped in 2005, with 48 juveniles involved in 53 formal referrals. Of those 26.4 percent were drug related with three felony and 11 misdemeanor charges.     For 2006, 82 formal referrals were made involving 66 individuals. However, only a little more than 6 percent of those were drug related with no felonies and five misdemeanors. Most were truancy complaints.     Muennink and Welsh, who take students who are on probation on harsh, strenuous outdoor challenges, said that they have encountered more students­even as young as 12­who are hooked on cigarettes and have a problem doing without them on three-day camping trips than they have students who are addicted to drugs.     They believe that strong family ties and church ties help steer youth away from drugs and help them leave the drug scene if they have already become involved.     Muennink believes the lack of funding for drug rehabilitation for the youth who need it is a serious problem. "We had three to four kids in drug rehab every year up until five years ago when the state cut funding. Now it costs more than $100 per day and the state gives us a target rate of one child a year in a drug rehab facility."     Last week, a Medina student was arrested for drug possession on the Medina ISD campus, according to Medina Constable Don Walters. The arrest followed an unusual back-to-back canine drug sweep held on two consecutive days. Even with the arrest, Principal Ross Hord said that while drugs are "everywhere," they are not a major problem at Medina ISD. "In my opinion, I think here in Medina secondary school, it's a minor issue."     Hord said Medina takes a pro-active stand against drugs. Medina brings in different types of assemblies to educate students as to the benefit of living a drug-free lifestyle. Medina ISD conducts locker searches and brings in an outside agency with a canine unit to search and sweep the campus. The Bandera County Sheriff's Department also brings in its canine unit.     "In my experience," Hord said, when asked how to steer youth away from drugs, "the more supervision and accountability that is placed on young people, the less likely they will be to turn to drugs."     Utopia School Principal Jim Phillips said that Utopia uses the DARE program along with character education. He credited the small school size and resulting close contact between students and teachers with Utopia's lack of a drug problem. "We take a pro-active approach. If we feel anything additional is necessary, we do it. But we don't do it just to do it if there is no problem."     Muennink has his own observation about why there is an epidemic of drug use, an epidemic that has not left Bandera untouched as did time to the legendary Brigadoon in the Broadway musical. "Society. You have a headache, you get a drug. You go to a doctor, you get a drug. It's easier and cheaper for these kids to get marijuana and use it to feel good than to go to a doctor for blood work and check-ups when they are given a prescription drug.     "These kids need to learn that you will have pain. You will have hardship in life. That's why we use hard physical activities to motivate them. To get them up and moving and involved." Bandera County currently has 33 youth on probation. Nine of those cases are for truancy. Muennink said that while most of those who are on probation are from broken homes, not all youth from broken homes wind up in trouble.     Muennink said parents and educators to be aware of the newest drug trend, using cough medicine with DXM to get high. "It is an over-the-counter drug that I can't test for and one that is dangerous." Kids, he said, die from overdosing on cough medicine.     "I don't know the answer to the drug problem without changing our whole society. Kids can get high on exercise and hard, strenuous activities. But it's hard to motivate them to exercise. It's easier for them to take marijuana than to exercise."

Cailloux scholarship deadline Feb. 1 Published Jan. 4, 2007    The Cailloux Foundation invites Bandera County students to apply for the Foundation's scholarship program. The deadline is Feb. 1.     The foundation's scholarship program, established in 1994, provides up to $12,000 per year for four years to students from public schools in Hill Country schools.     Applicants must have financial need, a minimum 1022 SAT or 22 ACT score, a minimum grade average of 85, and be in the top one-third of their class.     The foundation gave $594,600 to 45 students attending accredited universities within the state.     See the foundation's Web site: www.caillouxfoundation.org for more information.

Send a fourth grader a postcard Published Oct. 19, 2006    If you like sending postcards and your friends and relatives don't want anymore, then there are some fourth graders in Peshtigo, Wis., who would very much like to receive them.     They are apparently studying geography and want to see what other parts of the United States look like.     Jackie Shier of the Peshtigo Elementary Learning Center writes, "Our fourth grade class is currently studying the regions of the United States. We are learning about each state and their environment, landforms, and special places of interest. We are asking for your help. We would like people to send us postcards that show us what your state is like. This would give us the opportunity to get a first hand look at your state and help us to become aware of the great country we live in. If you would like to write a note on back we would appreciate it. We want to take this opportunity in advance to thank you for helping us make learning a fun and rewarding experience. We appreciate your help."     If you possess some Texas, especially Hill Country, and even better Bandera, post cards and are itching to put an address and a 24-cent on your post card, here's the address:     4th grade class     C/O Peshtigo Elementary Learning Center     341 N. Emery Ave.     Peshtigo, WI 54157

Honor student wins Texas Student of the Year Published Sept. 14, 2006    LBJ High School freshman Kelya Jureczki, daughter of Lawrence and Karen Jureczki of Johnson City, was selected as Texas Student of the Year for 2006. Kelya is the granddaughter of Urban (Coby) and Estela Jureczki of Bandera and Fain and Georgia Carroll of Mexia.     She attended the scholarship and recognition program in Houston July 14-16. Candidates were selected on their academic achievement, community involvement, school honors and achievements, knowledge abilities, development of personal abilities and communicative expression.     The purpose of the Student of the Year program is to give recognition to academic achievers, to give a scholarship to the top winner in each age division and to encourage students to purse their educational and career goals.     Kelya received a $1,000 scholarship, $500 for LBJ High School, student of the year tote bag and t-shirt, and school supplies.     She was the winner in the 12- and 14-year-old division.     She received medals for: First in student achievement First highest grade point average Top six overall candidates First ideal essay winner Top three overall finalists Student helping hands award First for student community involvement

Bandera Electric Coop accepting school supply donations Published Aug. 10, 2006 Helping Kay Heisler deliver her handy work to the BEC school supply drive are her grandchildren Zoe and Katon Jones.    Bandera Electric Cooperative, Inc. is taking donations of school supplies at its offices (Bandera, Comfort and Leakey). Kay Heisler, from the Lakehills area, saw in the paper that BEC was taking the donations and she wanted to help area kids have the stuff they need at school. She hand made eight unique bags and filled them with some essential supplies. "I don’t care where these go; I just want them to be used by children who need them," said Kay.

Bandera Area Residents Graduate from Schreiner University Published Aug. 3, 2006    Four Bandera area residents graduated from Schreiner University July 6.     Gilbert Bower of Bandera was awarded a Master of Education degree in teaching. Honors include Master of Education Graduate Student of the Year.     Dayle S. Heiner of Pipe Creek was awarded a Master of Education degree in teaching. Heiner is the son of RoShell and Jerome Heiner of Fredericksburg.     Regina Hillis of Lakehills was awarded a Master of Education degree in teaching. Hillis is the daughter of Regina Hillis.     Brittany Timmons of Pipe Creek was awarded a Master of Education degree in teaching. Timmons is the daughter of Vicki and Danny Pendleton of Stephenville and Weatherford.     Schreiner University is an independent coeducational liberal arts university related by choice and by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). For more information, visit Schreiner’s Web site at www.schreiner.edu or call the Office of Admission at (830)792-7217.

Rachel Payne Hallford graduates Published June 1, 2006    The Faculty & Graduating Class of the University of Texas at San Antonio announce the Graduation and the awarding of the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the College of Education and Human Development to Rachel Payne Hallford Saturday, May 13, 2006. Rachel Payne Hallford, the daughter of Stan and Diane Payne, plans to pursue a career in teaching.

An apple a day for area teachers Contributed Published March 16, 2006    The Bandera County Republican Women's Club decided to honor public school teachers this week to celebrate "Public School Awareness Week."     What better way to honor teachers than with the proverbial apple?     Every public school teacher in Bandera County's school districts -- BISD, MISD and UISD -- has (or will) receive an apple from the Republican Women's Club. Teachers in Utopia will receive their apples next week.

Scholarships available from Bandera County Republican Women's Club Published March 16, 2006    The Bandera County Republican Women's Club will be awarding three $500 scholarships for the year 2006. All high school seniors residing in Bandera County are eligible. Applications may be picked up at your counselor's office now. Home schoolers may contact Lenna Newnam, Scholarship Chair, at 830-796-4452.

Optimists donate $1000 to Special Olympics Contributed Published March 9, 2006    The Hill Country Special Olympics received a major donation from the Bandera Optimist Club. Optimists Genevieve Modarelli, Wheeler Hanks, and Jean Heep presented a check for $1,000 to BISD Special Education Director and several Special Olympic athletes. In addition to their $1,000 donation, the Bandera Optimist Club is issuing a challenge to other service organizations to provide similar donations to the Hill Country Special Olympics.     The Hill Country Special Olympics will be held at the Bandera High School Athletic Stadium on April 4th beginning at 8:30 AM. Nine school districts will be invited from the Hill Country area with approximately 150 participants, 100 coaches, 75 student volunteers and 50 adult volunteers visiting Bandera ISD that day.     "We are very excited about this wonderful opportunity but we have many plans to make" said Bandera ISD Special Education Director Patricia Galm. "The Hill Country Special Olympics, a non-profit organization, will need to raise approximately $5,000 for this event."     Because there is no expense to the student athletes the money raised will cover the cost of the medals (every athlete wins a medal), t-shirts, supplies and equipment for the event. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to help sponsor the Special Olympics. Sponsorship levels are available as follows: Platinum - $1,000; Gold - $500; Silver - $100; and Bronze - $50.     If you would like to donate to the Special Olympics fund please make checks payable to Hill Country Special Olympics. Please send donations to: Hill Country Special Olympics; C/O Bandera ISD; P.O. Box 727; Bandera, Texas 78003;     Attention: Patricia Galm. A receipt will be mailed to you for tax purposes, so please provide your mailing address.

ESL at Allende, Mexico Published Aug. 25, 2005    Duane Pitts' English as a Second Language (ESL) class invited Bandera residents to Allende, Mexico for its graduation party. Several Bandera folks accepted the invitation including new Bandera County Courier ad representative Sue Wilson -- who took this great picture of the celebration.

Back to School ... Moments Published Aug. 25, 2005 Pipe Creek School secretary Rebecca Huckabee arrived early with Keith, Kevin -- and first timer--kindergarten student Rebecca. Hill Country Elementary kindergarten student Jeanine Dorrough gets comfort from mother Dee Dee on the first day of school.    Pipe Creek Christian School has 51 students this year, a 38 percent increase over last year, and eight teachers. They have added "logic" for middle school students, the sorting and application of knowledge. Students this year returned to a renovated chapel and annex building.

Medina ESL class goes to Mexico Published Aug. 4, 2005    Everyone is invited to the Sunday, Aug. 21 English as a Second Language (ESL) graduation party at the hotel Caci's in Allende, Coahulla, Mexico, from 2-6 p.m. A caravan will leave the Bandera library at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21 and will be accompanied by a bilingual Allende, Mexico native to help with translations.     Duane Pitts ESL class of 40 in Allende decided to throw the party and invite Bandera counterparts to their clubs: Lions, the Chamber, Trail Riders and Ranchers Association Because both Bandera and Allende are small, rural towns with a focus on rodeo and trail riding, the citizens of Allende are interested in investigating the possibility of becoming Bandera's "sister city."     "They realized they were the same kind of people," Pitts explained, "after watching a video about Bandera. Allende is 180 miles from Bandera, a three-hour drive. It's a non-drug, clean town with wonderful people and much like it was 100 years ago. This is what Mexico is all about -- not the troubled, violent border towns you hear about on the news. Interpreters will be there. John Hegemier (Kronkosky Library Director) will be there to make bread pudding. The Patsy Cline Band will entertain. I get to cook the barbecue!"     Those wanting to join the party in Mexico are invited to show up at the library at 9 a.m. and tag along for the adventure.

Christina Combs graduates Published Aug. 4, 2005    Christina Combs, the daughter of R.L. Alexander and Donna Combs-Alexander, graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in May, 2005.     Combs has worked for the Bandera County Treasurer's office for six years. She graduated with a bachelors degree in business management. Her brother, Travis Combs, is a junior at Bandera High School.

Jureczki honored Published July 28, 2005 Kaznie Jureczki    Honor student Kaznie Jureczki, daughter of Lawrence and Karen Jureczki of Johnson City and the granddaughter of Estella Jureczki of Bandera, has been named Texas Student of the Year.     Candidates are selected based on their academic achievement, community involvement, school honors and achievements, knowledge abilities, development of personal abilities and communicative expression.     The purpose of the Student of the Year program is to recognize high achievers, give a scholarship to the top winner in each age division and encourage students to pursue their educational and career goals.     Kaznie received a $1,000 scholarship and numerous other prizes for her outstanding work.

English as a Second Language classes celebrate success BCC Staff Published June 30, 2005 ESL Students enjoy a field trip to the 5 missions of San Antonio.    Accomplishments for the Bandera and Medina English as a Second Language (ESL) classes held in the Bandera and Medina libraries and taught by Duane Pitts have been as diverse as is the group of 20 students enrolled in the courses.     All students raised their reading proficiency by one grade level. Pitts said that employers need to note that improvement because it would be to their benefit to provide ESL classes to their employees. "Statistics show that if you can raise reading proficiency by one grade level, you make employees 10 percent more productive at work and the turnover rate drops by 40 percent. This is a heads up Mr. Employer. The classes are free. It costs the employer zero to make better employees. I think ESL in the work place is an up and coming idea."     Pitts' classes also helped send 5,000 used books to the Allende, Mexico school system. They participated in the harvest festival hosted by the Boys and Girls Club in Bandera and visited five missions in San Antonio on field trips. One class member made an application for U.S. citizenship (in English), one got a driver's license after taking the test in English and one passed a beautician's exam in English. One student applied for a green card and two of the students applied for and gained employment after an interview conducted in English.     "That's the goal," Pitts explained. "For students to get a good job. Every single student graduated and raised their ability by one grade level, which is a pretty strong showing for 20 students."     ESL classes also provide tutoring, homework and reading assistance to the children of ESL students. This allows them to attend class and receive real homework assistance for their children. They also receive supervision on computers.     Orientation for next year's classes will be held at the Bandera Library on Monday, Aug. 29, beginning at 7 p.m. and at the Medina library on Tuesday, Aug. 30, beginning at 7 p.m. Classes are held on Monday and Wednesday in Bandera at 7 p.m., beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 7, and on Tuesday and Thursday in Medina at 7 p.m., beginning on Sept. 8.     The cost of the classes will depend on how many books and supplies are obtained from Region 20.     An additional note from Medina     "It just doesn't happen!" exclaimed adult education area supervisor Sandy Snyder of the Texas Education Agency (Region 20). "It's very rare that an entire ESL class makes such marked improvement during the year."     Well, then, "never say never" in Medina, where instructor Duane Pitts reports that a higher grade level of expertise was attained this year by every single student enrolled in his adult education class of English as a Second Language!     Aside from the students' honors, Mr. Pitts notes that it was a busy term for extracurricular activities too. The Medina ESL class participated in the Boys and Girls Club of Bandera's Harvest Festival and took a field trip to the five missions of San Antonio.     Congratulations to the students and to their instructor for this remarkable progress!

Twin Lakes Baptist Church offers affordable Christian education BCC Staff Published June 23, 2005 Students work at their "offices" at Twin Lakes Baptist School, a system that helps attention-challenged students. Students are tested and work at their own performance levels.    Pastor Frank McCarley came to shepherd Twin Lakes Baptist Church oneand- a-half years ago bringing a vision with him to the 100-member, nine-year old church and a commitment to offer the benefits of affordable Christian education to parents.     Twin Lakes Baptist Church uses the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) curriculum which is accredited with southern colleges. ACE graduates have been accepted at West Point and many other major universities.     "What I like about ACE," McCarley explains, "is the flexibility of the education. Every child is better in one study area than another. This program helps the child develop at his or her own level instead of going through a group where the teacher is forced by time constraints to push the class through. Public school teachers can't wait on one student to catch up."     Benefits of a Christian School education, McCarley says, include the small class size, individualized teacher instruction, Bible-based learning and discipline. "We are a tool for the parents. Parents have a God-given responsibility to teach their children. We're here to help. Our instruction is similar to college: teaching students where to find the answers and how to solve problems. A child learns how to educate himself or herself. A child isn't penalized because they miss something. They have an opportunity to catch up.     "We have a really good kindergarten curriculum. We test reading readiness before the child moves from kindergarten to first grade. ACE is also good because people recognize it more than some of the other Christian curriculums. By the time they graduate, our junior and senior students can take college courses through Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.     "When I came here as a pastor, I had a burden for people who wanted their children to have a Christian education," relates McCarley whose three children are grown. "Some of our members said their children were having problems in public school. We wanted to offer a Christ-centered education for Christian families and make it affordable. My wife Paula and I raised our kids in Christian education where they were taught values, about the Bible and how to be good citizens. We have a scripture memory program. That's the most important thing: God's wisdom opens up minds and makes it easier for kids to learn other subjects.     "Students do not have to be members of this church to attend the school but they do need a letter of recommendation from their pastor. This is not a reform school. And we have limited resources for special-ed students."     Twin Lakes Baptist School gives students the Stanford Achievement Test each year to measure progress. Students also have the opportunity to participate in ACE academic competitions and meet other ACE students from around the world. That, McCarley believes, helps students to "see what can be done and challenges them to do better. Our goal is for them to be the best they can be for the Lord."     Twin Lakes Baptist School also has a music program. Frank McCarley teaches guitar and Paul teaches piano. "Music is important to every aspect of life," McCarley believes. Twin Lakes Baptist School also offers archery. Students take monthly field trips. Last year they visited the Alamo and Enchanted Rock. This year, they plan to tour the Houston Space Center and the Glen Rose Creation Research Center.     School begins on Aug. 15. Enrollment for kindergarten through 12th grade continues through June. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 830-796-4830.     McCarley retired from the U.S. Army after 24 years, having achieved the rank of major. He graduated from Tennessee Temple University and pastored Sherwood Baptist Church in Tennessee before coming to Bandera.     Twin Lakes Baptist Church holds Sunday School at 1