Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month Fun Facts and Figures

• The Crowley ISD Language Support Programs Department serves about 3,400 Limited English Proficiency (LEP) students, which includes other languages and ethnicities outside of Spanish and Hispanic
   
• The Language Support Programs Department serves 2,812 Hispanic students who are English learners.
   
• Students of Hispanic heritage represent at least 14 countries, including: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain and Venezuela.
   
• CISD English learners in grades 3-8 exceeded state and district performance in Reading and Math in 22 of the 24 areas of comparison from 2016-2019.
   
• About 1,034 students are served in our Spanish Dual Language Program in grades Pre-K 3 through 5th grade.
   
• We use the Gomez and Gomez Dual Language Enrichment Model that’s been implemented in more than 700 schools across the country.
   
• 57 educators teach bilingual or dual language classes.
   
• CISD is pursuing a Seal of Biliteracy certificate for students who have attained a certain level of proficiency in two or more languages.
   
• District Spanish Dyslexia specialists are working with a team to build state, national and international certifications for bilingual and ESL therapists to serve students with dyslexic characteristics.
   
• The CISD Spanish Dyslexia program worked with Amplio Speech to pilot a first-of-its-kind digital Spanish language dyslexia curriculum, Esperanza, that’s now free for any Texas school district to use.

For our next #HispanicHeritageMonth spotlight, meet Alexander Cabrea. He is a Spanish Credit By Exam (CBE) teacher from North Crowley High School. Learn more about Mr. Cabrea in the Q&A below!

Tell us about your early life.
“I grew up in California. We moved to Texas when I was nine years old, and I started school in Crowley ISD. I graduated from North Crowley High School in 2016. I was always between Texas and California because my mom moved here, but my dad still lived there.”

What led you on this path of teaching?
“It was kind of an accident. I initially went to school to study foreign language and become an interpreter, and I began reassessing other fields I could go into, and I thought about teaching. While I was living in California, I got hired by a school and started teaching there and I learned that I really liked to share my passion of foreign language and linguistics with students, and I have been teaching ever since.”

You mentioned that you first wanted to be an interpreter, tell us what made you want to interpret the language?
“I had a difficult language learning journey when I was younger. Half of my family speaks Spanish, but I grew up with my mom and I only spoke English growing up. I remember how bad I felt not being able to communicate with some of my family members. Even like my grandma, she speaks English, but I could tell from a young age that she struggled with it. I always wanted to learn Spanish, so I could speak to my family and know my family's language. I took Spanish in high school, but I got serious about it in college at UNT. I know what it's like to be a language learner, and that made me want to help other students because I know there are some kids who have a similar story. Kids who grow up not speaking the language, but want to, so they can communicate with their family.”

How does your Hispanic heritage influence your teaching approach?
“My dad is from El Salvador, and I have always felt a strong connection with my Hispanic side, and always been drawn to Hispanic foods, traditions and the difference in culture. I have always been fascinated to study it and see what it was about. I also moved to Spain when I was in college to study Spanish and was able to get a good idea of the two different Spanish and Latin American sides.”

What does your family think about you now being able to teach Spanish?
“My dad's side of the family is proud, because they remember when I was 10 or 11 and they would tell me something super simple in Spanish and I didn’t know what they were talking about. Now we can talk a lot and never have any issues. Especially my grandma, she is my biggest supporter, and she gets teary eyed about the fact that I am teaching the language and how much of a difference from being younger and couldn’t speak it at all, and now I have enough knowledge to teach other people.”

What does the Seal of Biliteracy program mean to you, and how do you encourage students to pursue this achievement?
“It’s a newer push for us. Students must maintain at least an 80 or above average in their English classes, while maintaining an 80 or above average in Spanish 1-3, to be considered as a candidate for the Seal of Biliteracy. We also have international students who don’t take lower levels of Spanish, so they get placed in Spanish 4 and if they make at least a 3 on the exam, they can also be considered as a candidate for the Seal of Biliteracy. We have been trying to push students to get the Seal of Biliteracy for their transcripts, which looks good for colleges.”

What advice do you have for a student who struggles to feel connected to his or her Hispanic heritage?
“Sometimes big celebrations or festivities aren’t popular in the United States, and for Hispanic kids who are first or second generation in the United States, they get removed from the culture. It can be nice to learn about your culture and it’s important to find ones who also celebrate the same things. It’s a time to come together and celebrate it as a community.”

For our first #HispanicHeritageMonth Spotlight, we’re highlighting the students of Crowley ISD Mariachi. The program currently includes five seventh-graders from Crowley Middle School, H.F. Stevens Middle School and Summer Creek Middle School who are in their third year of the program and now at the intermediate level. A beginner fifth-grade Mariachi program begins in October!

Current members include: Thor Almanza, guitar; Camille Craig, violin; Carmina Ibarra, violin; Emma Reyna, violin and Sophya Solis, violin.

The Mariachi program began in Crowley ISD in 2022. It was launched by Arianna Jefferson, a music teacher from Sue Crouch Elementary School. Students have participated in numerous events, including collaborations with Sue Crouch Elementary, S.H. Crowley Elementary, Crowley Montessori and Sycamore Elementary for Hispanic Heritage Month as well as holiday events and concerts. They also performed at the 2023 CISD Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Quiz Bowls and collaborated on a concert with the Crowley Public Library for Cinco de Mayo.

What do you want Crowley ISD to know about Mariachi?
"Mariachi is making its way into many districts around the state, and soon to be considered one of the main pillars of music education, alongside band, choir and orchestra. This program helps students develop valuable music, academic and leadership skills, which can lead to future success ... It is a celebration of culture, music, and diversity. All students, regardless of their cultural background, are invited to participate and make beautiful Mariachi music. Fluency in Spanish is not required to be part of this ensemble." — Arianna Jefferson

What does Mariachi mean to you?
"Mariachi is amazing to me because I learn new things that other students may not have the chance to." — Sophya Solis

"Mariachi means a lot to me because I see it as a celebration of my culture ... I chose the violin because of how beautiful it sounds." — Camille Craig

Tell us about your early life and your education.
I was born in Madrid, Spain. My parents are both from Ecuador. I spent the majority of my childhood in Madrid and went to private Catholic schools. When my parents returned to Ecuador, I went to a private school until I was 12 years old. Private schools were expensive, but it was the only way to go to school. My entire family moved to Fort Worth seeking educational opportunities. The most difficult time in my life was when I came here to the US. I did not know the language, the culture or any customs. I was in an all-English class, and for two years, I had no idea what anyone was saying. The only thing I had was a very strong educational Spanish foundation from Europe and Ecuador.

English is such a difficult language to learn. With hard work and dedication, I ended up graduating at the top of my class at Paschal High School and graduated in the top 10%. I carried a dictionary to all my classrooms and worked very hard to learn English and to be successful. I have four degrees total. I earned a full scholarship to TCU to receive my undergraduate degree in political science. My first master’s degree from TCU is in International Politics/Pre-Law. I earned my second master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and my doctorate degree in Educational Leadership in Cultures and Diversity from the University of Texas in Arlington. I love school and learning!

Tell us about your career path and how you came to work in Crowley ISD.
I have worked for many agencies in my career. I worked for the Department of Labor, Boys and Girls Club, Fort Worth ISD and Arlington ISD. I was a CTE instructor, college and career counselor, a teacher, bilingual coordinator, science curriculum writer, educational researcher, assistant principal and principal substitute. Crowley ISD is in my backyard and I decided to come work for my neighborhood school district! It was the best decision I ever made! 

What is your current role in Crowley ISD, and what do you enjoy about it?
I am the Coordinator of Innovations for Crowley ISD. I am in charge of the STEM, as well as the gifted and talented programs for the district. I enjoy working with educators to bring STEM education experiences to all the students in the district. I love seeing students learn new skills and seeing student's eyes light up after grasping a new piece of innovative knowledge. 

What are some accomplishments you’re particularly proud of in your career and why?
When Hurricane Katrina happened, Job Corp was filled with students from Louisiana. I was teaching government and economics at the time to get students ready for high school diplomas, GEDs and technical certifications. I had less than two years to get my students ready for testing. All of my 33 students passed their exams and were able to get certified. Many of the students came to me reading in a third-grade level. It was the hardest work I ever had to do. But when the scores came back, our class celebrated and I cried like a baby. I could not believe it. That is when I realized that with hard work, dedication, determination and very long days… it was possible for a teacher to make a difference in the lives of students! 

How has being bilingual helped you in your career?
Being bilingual is who I am. It is tied to my culture, my customs, my traditions and my everything. I think Spanish first all the time. My heart is entwined to bilingual education. Being bilingual in Texas allows me to serve my Hispanic community by being a strong presence as an administrator, coordinator and a leader in my community. I serve all students, but being bilingual is a natural step to always represent students that come to us with different languages and different cultures. 

What would you say to children who are second language learners?
Celebrate who you are! Celebrate your traditions and your culture and your language! Don’t ever be afraid to be unique. Be proud to speak your native language and be proud of your accents! Work hard to learn English, but never ever forget your native language, because it is tied to who you are! 

Tell us about your Hispanic Heritage and what makes you proud of it.
Being Ecuadorian is who I am. I am proud of my heritage and my traditions. I am proud to be part of the Incan Andean heritage. We are a proud people of the Amazons and the Andean Civilizations. We stand tall and prideful. The thickness of our hair, the fullness of our lips, the high cheekbones, the cinnamon color of our skin is what makes us unique. We are mixed with so many cultures that include Spaniard, African and indigenous people. We are a true blend of many cultures. Our hearts beat with the rhythm of merengue, salsa, cumbia music and the Andean Inca music from the mountain tops. As you stand in the tallest Andean Mountains, you hear the sound of the flutes from far away! I am very proud of my heritage and my people. 

Meet Bryan Tavarez, a senior at Crowley High School, who moved to the United States from Mexico just six years ago. Learn more about his story in the Q&A below. 
Tell us about Hispanic Heritage and why are you proud of it. I am extremely proud to be Hispanic. I can teach other people my culture. If I could give a message to my Hispanic people, I would tell them that anything you want to achieve is possible as long as you have the right mindset.
What do you hope all students will learn understand and appreciate during Hispanic Heritage Month? I want students to know that not everyone is born with the same life, opportunities and experiences. Whether you have much or little in this life, be grateful for what you have.
What was it like moving to the United States from Mexico? I was 12 years old when my family moved to the United States in 2017. We moved here because we wanted to have a better life and be financially stable. It was hard for us to make such a big change in our lives. It hard for us to adapt to a different language, culture, food and the diversity of people. Although I didn’t know how to speak English, it did not hold me back. It gave me that push I needed to learn to speak and write in English.
What did you enjoy about living in the United States? What do you miss about Mexico? I enjoy living in the United States because we have better opportunities to be together as family. We can go out to dinner and go shopping. There are also greater scholarly opportunities for me to have a better life. But, I overly miss my family that lives in Mexico.
What activities are you involved in at school and what do you enjoy about them? I am involved in are Ag Program, FFA, Cross Country and Soccer. I mostly enjoy soccer, because I have played since I was 5 years old. I also enjoy FFA because I love to have the county clean. I like to be in the Ag class because I love to weld, and it is something I would like to develop when I’m older.
What are your career goals for after high school? I am planning to be a professional welder, and I would like to continue in my career to become a professional soccer athlete. They are helping me with offering the classes I need and a bid thank you to the teachers since they have a great professionalism to teach students.
Is there anything you would like to say to wrap-up our interview? I really love this country and there are a lot of opportunities there are in it. Remember, the world was created without borders. People created the borders. Viva Mexico! Viva Crowley ISD!

Guadalupe is a senior at North Crowley High School who is involved in several student organizations and loves celebrating this month. Learn more about Guadalupe's story in the Q&A below!

When and why did you and your family move to the United States? How old were you?   

Before I was ever even born, my parents, Irene and Jose Gomez, made the difficult decision to leave their families and lives behind in Mexico. My parents were just two young teenagers when they came to the United States in search of the american dream.

How did your family adapt to being in the United States? Were there any obstacles that you or your family had to overcome? 

Being part of the first bilingual generation in my family was a bit of a struggle growing up. I continuously mixed both of my languages up since I only communicated with my parents in Spanish at home, rather than at school where I had to speak English to others. Homework was very difficult to complete since I couldn't really ask my parents for help. Even though they tried their best, it was still very complicated.

What do you enjoy about living in the United States and Crowley ISD?

I really am grateful to call the United States my home. Living in the U.S. has opened many wonderful opportunities that frankly can't be found easily. Living here and being part of Crowley ISD has brought me close to some amazing people I can call my friends. Crowley ISD has made me feel welcomed since day one. They have never failed to remind me that we are all one big family.

What activities are you involved in at school and what do you enjoy about them? 

Although it may sound strange, I really do enjoy school, and I try to stay involved in as much as I can. I have participated in Student Council, Key Club, National Honor Society, Girls Inc., and my all-time favorite, Latino Student Union. LSU has become one of my biggest priorities at school. Along with our assistant principal, Mr. Sanchez, we run the club and welcome any Latinos. This club is more than just an after-school activity; it is a safe spot for all Hispanic and Latino students to come together, get to know one another and educate each other about our different cultures.

You are a member of the Crowley ISD Student Trustees Program. How has that program and other extracurricular activities impacted your high school experience?

Being student trustee has been a wonderful experience. It is amazing to see how high school students are being heard and given the opportunity to have a voice. As a 2024 class officer for North Crowley High School, it feels great to know you are being considered to give your ideas or opinions.

What are your career goals and how do you think Crowley ISD is helping prepare you to achieve those dreams? 

After high school, I plan to go to college and get a degree in Business and Social Marketing. Crowley ISD has impacted my decision with the amazing opportunities they provide, including the Bill R. Johnson CTE Center. I am currently pursuing a cosmetology license, in hopes of one day opening my own salon and spa.

Tell us about your Hispanic heritage and why you are proud of it. 

For my family and many other Hispanics and Latinos, Hispanic Heritage Month is very important to us. The month-long celebration coincides with the Independence Day for many of our Latin-American nations. We are very proud and grateful for this time of appreciation to our ancestors and each other for the harsh fights that have brought us to where we are now.

What do you hope others will learn, understand and appreciate during Hispanic Heritage Month? 

I truly do love being Hispanic and I hope others honor and respect Hispanic Heritage Month, as well as celebrate it. Hispanic Heritage Month is the best time for all Latinos to show pride in their roots and colors. It's an amazing opportunity to appreciate the growing and strong diversity we have all created into today's society.

We are excited to spotlight just a few of our awesome Crowley ISD family members for #HispanicHeritageMonth! Tonight, meet Arianna Jefferson, a music teacher from Oakmont Elementary School and leader of Crowley Mariachi. Learn more about Jefferson in the Q&A below! #CrowleyPrideUnified 

Where did you grow up and how big is your family?
I was born in Houston, Texas, but San Antonio, Texas is my true home. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Roosevelt High School as a proud Rough Rider. Family is my heart and soul, and I am blessed to come from a large and diverse one. Being the second oldest of six siblings, I also have the joy of being an aunt to the incredible and lively Charlie Nicole. My family heritage is a beautiful blend of Black-American and Mexican-American cultures, and I am deeply proud of both. Growing up, I was immersed in my Black American roots while also maintaining a connection to my mother's Mexican-American side of the family.

What makes you proud of your Hispanic Heritage?
Despite having connections with my Mexican-American family, my knowledge of my heritage was limited compared to my understanding of my Black heritage and culture. I picked up Spanish words here and there from my grandmother, but my primary language was English. It was only when I started college that I began to gain a deeper understanding of my Mexican heritage. After joining mariachi, I made friends who helped me learn more about our culture and the significance of being Hispanic. As a teacher and mariachi director, I continue to learn from my students. Although I am proud of my Black heritage, I am grateful for those who have taught me how to embrace both cultures.

Joining mariachi was a significant moment for me. It gave me a sense of pride in my Hispanic culture that I had never experienced before. I felt elated when I first put on the traje de charro, and my mother's tears of joy and pride were unforgettable. Even my grandmother cried tears of joy when I told her. It was then that I realized that joining mariachi was not just joining any other ensemble, but rather, it was embracing my culture. Wearing the traje de charro for the first time was an indescribable feeling that filled me with pride for who I am. I am so grateful I can share that experience and feeling with my students. The first time they wore their mariachi uniforms, they smiled from ear to ear. It was as if I was looking into the past. 

What do you hope all students will learn, understand and appreciate during Hispanic Heritage Month?
I hope that my students understand the significance of showing pride in their heritage. I always wish I had started exploring my own heritage earlier, but I am grateful that I can learn alongside them. Regardless of whether they are Hispanic or of another race, demonstrating and embracing inclusivity is truly beautiful.

You have helped start the mariachi program in Crowley ISD. Why is it important for CISD to have mariachi and what does it offer to your students?
Mariachi programs are like other ensembles in that they help students develop valuable music, academic and leadership skills, which can lead to future success. These programs require discipline and perseverance, and they inspire students to attend school regularly, work hard and excel in their other classes. During its inaugural year in 2022-23, the Crowley Mariachi provided students with numerous opportunities to foster meaningful relationships and personal development. The students had the chance to meet many new faces and perform at significant events. Without a doubt, these students are making history.

What was your music experience like growing up?
I began my musical journey by playing the violin in my fifth-grade orchestra. In the following years, I continued to pursue my passion for orchestral music, eventually becoming a member of the varsity orchestra in sixth grade. In high school, I was appointed as the chairmaster of the Roosevelt varsity orchestra, both in my junior and senior years. Additionally, I spent seven years as a member of the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio (YOSA). While I was already a seasoned orchestral musician, I decided to expand my repertoire during my freshman year at Texas State University by adding mariachi music to my life. As a result, I earned a bachelor's degree in music studies, and I also hold a minor in mariachi education.

Why did you want to become a teacher?
I've always had a desire to help others. At first, I thought that helping others meant becoming a doctor, but later, my love for music and orchestra led me to want to pursue a career as a professional violinist. Eventually, I discovered my true calling as a music teacher. As a teacher, I get to share my own experiences and help my students find their own unique musical journeys, just like I did and continue to do.

What are some accomplishments you’re particularly proud of in your career and why?
Throughout my years of teaching, I have grown, and I take immense pride in my progress. Though the first year of teaching is always challenging, I persevered and overcame the struggles. As a music teacher at Sue Crouch Elementary, I can confidently say that my students have made significant progress in their ability to understand and perform music, which gives me a sense of fulfillment. Additionally, I am proud to have initiated, developed and continue to expand the mariachi program, which has been an incredible opportunity for me to learn and grow as a teacher. It is rare for a first-year teacher to be part of such a project, and I feel blessed to have had this experience.

Luis Cruz, a senior at the Crowley Collegiate Academy, will become the first in his family to ever graduate high school and also the first to receive an associate’s degree this spring.

“Luis, although very quiet, has a great sense of humor and a strong work ethic. He is diligent in his studies and helps those around him. Luis is an excellent role model with his dedication to a heavy academic load and pursuit of an associate’s degree,” said Tralissa Griffin, Crowley Collegiate Academy Dean.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the Crowley Collegiate Academy?
"It’s a privilege to be a part of the Crowley Collegiate Academy. Not everyone gets to be here and I have tried to make the most of it. By the time we graduate this spring, we will know what college is going to be like in some capacity. It’s also a great boost, because colleges are looking for someone who has had some college-level experience, so it will be easier to get scouted by universities."

How has the Crowley Collegiate Academy helped you?
"Besides having the college experience, it has truly helped shape me as a person. Everything at CCA is on a whole other level. It’s taught me hard work, consistency, how to deal with stress and how to manage my time. It has shown me that if I can get through this, I can get through anything as long as I try and am persistent. I think it’s made me and brought out the good qualities in me. You have to adapt and overcome the challenges to be able to keep moving on."

What would you tell any student that is looking at CCA?
"I would tell them to definitely take the chance. It’s going to be difficult at first, but I think it will teach you more than any other high school could."

You will be a first-generation high school graduate, what does that mean to you and your family?
"My family spent a lot of time and resources on me to get me to this point, so it would mean a lot if I am actually able to make something out of the opportunities they have given me. Not only does it mean a lot to them, but also to me, because I have proven to myself that I have what it takes to achieve something bigger than myself. Not everybody gets the chance to graduate high school, so if I can do it, then, hopefully, it shows others that they can too. My younger brother looks up to me, so I try to be the best I can for him."

You have attended Crowley ISD schools since Pre-Kindergarten. What schools did you attend?
"I went to Meadowcreek Elementary, Mary Harris Intermediate, Summer Creek Middle School, North Crowley High School and Crowley Collegiate Academy."

What does it mean to you to know that you started all the way at Pre-K and now you are going to graduate with an associate degree and a high school diploma?
"It’s a big deal because when you start off as a little kid, you don’t really know what you are going to do. But now I’m preparing to go into the real world, so I have to make the most out of it.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
"It means a lot, because this is a great opportunity to celebrate our people and culture. There is excellence everywhere, so if you look at it and celebrate it, then maybe people will start trying to look at themselves in more of a positive light. As a family, we usually get together around the grill and cook."

What would you like for other students to know or learn from your success?
"It doesn’t matter where you come from or what your situation is. If I can do it, so can you. There is nothing super special about me, I just tried my best and I’ve been able to get to this point right now."

GET READY TO BE INSPIRED! In honor of #HispanicHeritageMonth, meet Michelle Luevano, Crowley ISD's first school social worker who enjoys using her bilingual skills to break down language barriers for families. Luevano shares in the Q&A below how important it is to persevere and never give up on your goals!

Dr. Pamela Berry, CISD chief of Human Capital Management, called Luevano, "an absolute inspiration." "Her dedication, commitment and resilience to push forward through both the joys and adversity of life is a constant motivator for anyone who has the great fortune to meet her. While balancing being a mother, a career woman and a graduate student — all at the same time at one point — you could always find Ms. Luevano striving for excellence with a smile and word of encouragement for her team. Her journey to greatness has not happened by accident, and it is an honor to have worked alongside her."

Learn more about Luevano in the Q&A below:

What is your current role in CISD, and what do you enjoy about it? I am a school social worker at Meadowcreek Elementary and Parkway Elementary School. I am the first school social worker for the district. I love working with the students, parents, and staff. I also love to see the difference that I make in their lives, no matter how big or small. I do lunch groups with a caseload of students, and I go into kindergarten classes to talk to students about things like attendance, anger and bullying.

Tell us about your career path in CISD. I worked in Crowley ISD in 2009 for one school year, in several different roles. I helped in the computer lab, bilingual classes, helped the school counselor administer the Woodcock-Munoz test and also helped in the nurse’s office. I also had the privilege of working closely with the Communities In Schools social worker that same year and that is when I knew that I wanted to be a social worker. I took some time off and I returned to Crowley ISD in 2013 as the secretary to the counselor. In 2015, I began my role in Human Resources until my transition to my social worker role in August 2021.

Are you bilingual, and if so, how did you learn Spanish and how has it helped in your career? I learned to speak Spanish from my paternal grandmother. She took care of me from the time that I was an infant up until the time that I started school. Once I started school, she was my after-school caregiver. She only spoke Spanish. Being bilingual has helped me better serve our bilingual community. Many times, Spanish-speaking families feel intimidated because of the language barrier, and I am happy to help in any way.

What are some accomplishments you’re particularly proud of in your career and why? I am very proud of the fact that I not only finished my Bachelor’s degree, but I also received my Master’s degree. While attending school, I worked full-time, I went to school full-time, I had a full-time internship and a community partner I worked with. Because of my hard work, I won the Resilience Award and the National Association of Social Workers Bachelor Student of the Year Award at Tarleton as an undergraduate. I also made the Director’s List as a graduate student. This means that I had a 4.0 GPA. My grandmother instilled in me the importance of finishing school and so I knew I couldn’t stop. I am proud that I made her proud.

Tell us more about you and your family. Where did you grow up and how did you come to be in the Crowley area? I grew up in Uvalde, Texas, and I was raised by my grandparents. I have three beautiful children, a daughter-in-law, and I am a Gigi to a grandson, with another grandchild expected to make their debut in March 2023. I moved to this area in 2008. I had lived in many different places in Texas. I knew this was my home, which is why I decided to make my life here.

What would you say to adults who are working and enrolled in college? I would tell them not to give up. It will not be easy, but it is definitely worth it. There will be times when you will have to miss out on things but keep the course because it will pay off. I went to school, literally my whole life. I finally finished this August. I started college when I was 18. I was a teen mom. I would take one class here and there and then stop. I would drop the kids off, drive to Weatherford, which was one hour each way, and then drive home. I would stop, start again, stop and start the next year but I just kept going. I am 48 now. I finished undergraduate at 47. It took me 30 years, but I made it.

Tell us about your Hispanic Heritage and what makes you proud of it. My great grandparents were from Mexico. They brought my grandparents here. My grandmother raised me. She is 84 years old, and she is still a strong, independent woman. She worked picking cotton in Hale Center, Texas as migrants when she was younger and worked her way up to working for Southwestern Bell, which is now AT&T, as well as working at a bank, coding, as a bookkeeper and as a teller. She retired from a nonprofit where she did many things, such as secretarial duties and preparing state reports for the agency. My grandfather was one of the first Hispanic company owners of a plumbing company in Uvalde, when they moved there in 1973. It was a successful business that grew through the years. He too picked cotton in his younger days. Family is an extremely important part of my heritage. Without their support, I would not be where I am today.

What do you hope all students will learn, understand and appreciate during Hispanic Heritage Month? I hope that they will learn to embrace and honor their history and the culture. It is important to celebrate our heritage and how our ancestors paved the way for us in several different areas, such as education and professions. No matter what obstacle you face, and no matter what your story is, if you keep the course, there is always something more as long as you’re not stagnant. Take baby steps, but just don’t stop. Learn from me. Keep going. Don’t stop. Persevere. Don’t stop until you finish.

For our next #HispanicHeritageMonth spotlight, we are excited for you to meet Gery Moreno, a math instructional support specialist.

Moreno has worked in various roles within Crowley ISD, including at Crowley Learning Center, Sue Crouch Elementary School (formerly an intermediate school), Deer Creek Elementary School and now J.A. Hargrave Elementary School.

Learn more about Moreno in the Q&A below!

What is your current role in CISD, and what do you enjoy about it?
I am a math instructional support specialist. I am an instructional coach who works alongside math teachers to improve student outcomes. I love my job because I get to work with teachers and directly impact student learning based on the working relationships with teachers. I also love getting to know students and watching them bloom.

How long have you worked in education, what other roles have you served in and what do you love about working in education?
I am in year 7 in my education career. When I started, I was an instructional aide in the GOALS classroom at CLC. Dr. Stapinski then gave me an opportunity to teach sixth-grade math at Sue Crouch. After two years at Sue Crouch, I fell in love with all aspects of teaching and realized I wanted to do it for the rest of my working years. I then realized kids are coming to sixth grade with many gaps, so I decided to do something about it and teach younger students. I then moved to Deer Creek Elementary and worked under Anna Roe and Stephanie Gravley in the Dual Language Program, teaching math and science. During the pandemic, I realized there would be challenges moving forward for our students and teachers in the coming years, and I decided to help and be part of the solution. I was then blessed with the opportunity by Principal Roxey Norflis to come to Hargrave and be the math instructional support specialist. I genuinely feel that I am living my life’s purpose every day when I go to work. I love the people, students, parents and everything that comes with working in a school.

What are some accomplishments you’re particularly proud of in your career and why? What career aspirations do you have?
I am proud of being the first in my family to receive a bachelor’s and master’s degree on both my mother's and father’s side. While teaching, I have also produced and developed top-performing classes. In addition, I have been runner-up for Teacher of the Year multiple years. In the future, I plan to continue to grow in leadership roles to lead a school eventually. But, I also want to emulate and continue the work of the great leaders who surround me.

You’re a 2012 North Crowley grad and met your wife, who is also an educator, there! Why did you choose to come home to Crowley for your career?
I came back to Crowley because people that I looked up to worked in the district. I also wanted to positively impact the community and schools that saw me grow up.

Tell us about your family and your Hispanic Heritage and what makes you proud of it.
We are Mexicans who are proud of our traditions, such as the Day of the Dead and the end-of-year holidays. I am so proud and fortunate to have been raised with Mexican cuisine, music and language. After traveling to various places in Mexico, I experienced the Aztec Pyramids (Teotihuacan), Frida Kahlo's house, food, music, art and much more. All of you need to experience it in person.

When and why did you and your family move to the United States? How old were you? What were the obstacles and how did you overcome them?
I was born in San Luis, Potosi, Mexico, and immigrated with my family to Texas in 1999. I was 5 years old when I arrived in the United States, and I started school as a newcomer, only speaking Spanish. Starting school was a difficult transition, but great teachers caught me up. The obstacles did not slow me down. They simply forced me to find a way to continue to pursue my vision.

What does Hispanic Heritage mean to you as a husband and a father?
Hispanic Heritage, to me, means being appreciative of my mother's sacrifice to uproot our lives to move our family to the United States to give my siblings and I access to better opportunities. As a father, I will teach my daughter that our history here in the United States is American history, has been for centuries, and we should always honor the people who came before us. Finally, as a husband, it means that our house can be a melting pot of cultures, ideals and food!

How does your Hispanic Heritage help you connect with students and families?
As a Hispanic kid, I never could fully relate to my teachers or felt they truly understood me because they did not look like me or didn't know my culture. I now instantly connect with my Hispanic students because I look like their brothers, uncles and fathers. I also know their culture and speak their language. It almost feels like I am constantly meeting relatives.

What does it mean to you to be the first in your family to obtain your bachelor’s degree?
Being the first means I am an example of overcoming difficult obstacles as long as you have a vision and action plan. After I received my bachelor’s degree, my older brother and niece followed suit. Now, two more nieces are working towards their bachelor’s. I believe that sometimes we don’t think we can achieve something unless we see someone we know do it. I have done it and expect many more people to do it after me. I feel honored to have shown a generation that higher education will change how you experience the world, and your quality of life will improve significantly.

What do you hope all students will learn, understand and appreciate during Hispanic Heritage Month?
I want students to learn that their culture is so unique and valuable. Be proud of where you came from, make your family proud, and your culture proud, of your future achievements. You might be the person to break generational curses and create a new heritage for future generations. BE PROUD. ¡ÉCHALE GANAS!

Meet our next #HispanicHeritageMonth spotlight - Veronica Delgado, the founding principal of the district's Crowley Montessori Academy. Delgado, the daughter of immigrant parents, has worked in education for 25 years. 

"Mrs. Delgado always treats her students, staff and families with such grace and respect," her supervisor Robert Gillies said. "She works tirelessly to ensure they receive the very best every day." 

Learn more about Delgado in the Q&A below.

What is your current role in CISD, and what do you enjoy about it?
I am the founding principal of Crowley Montessori Academy. Being the founding principal of the new Montessori school in Crowley is an opportunity of a lifetime.

How long have you worked in education, what roles have you served in and what do you love about working in education?
I have been an educator for 25 years and a principal for 19. I began my career as a bilingual teacher. I taught first grade and vividly remember how fulfilling that first year was for me. I didn’t want to do anything else. I saw myself in my first-grade students and knew that they were depending on me to teach them how to read and do math along with so many other things — very much like I needed my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Morgan. I still remember her to this day. She made a difference in my life as other teachers after her. I wanted to be that person for my students. As a teacher, you impact your class of students and their families. As principal, I get to do that on a much larger scale. I have the opportunity to also work with bilingual families whose reasons for coming to this country may resemble my very own family's. And that motivates me to be able to do what teachers and principals did for me and my parents. In addition to teaching first grade, I also taught kindergarten, fourth grade reading, and was a Reading Recovery teacher. I was an assistant principal for two years before becoming a principal.

What are some accomplishments you’re particularly proud of in your career and why?
As principal of Sagamore Hill Elementary, we earned a Recognized accountability rating after a lot of incredibly hard work. In 2016, at South Hi Mount Elementary, our school was awarded the Gold Award by the National Center for Urban School Transformation, and my staff and I presented at their national conference to hundreds of educators. I am especially proud and grateful of the opportunity to lead the very dedicated staff of Crowley Montessori Academy. Every accomplishment that I’ve experienced has not been accomplished alone. It is a team effort, and I would not be a successful principal without my team.

Tell us about Montessori education and what you love about it and what you’re looking forward to about growing the Montessori Academy in Crowley ISD.
I am passionate about Montessori education and how its philosophy is centered on developing the whole child and encompasses educating for peace and giving back to our community. In addition to a strong academic foundation, Montessori teaches students to look beyond themselves and their needs and think about what they can do for others. Through educating for peace, students learn the importance of valuing different perspectives, cultures and peoples. That’s important in our diverse, complex world. As we grow CMA, I Iook forward to the building of our new school and the many students we will open our doors to. I look forward to the day that we will see our first eighth-grade graduating class moving to high school as tenacious, empowered, responsible, global-minded learners.

Tell us about your family and where you grew up as well as your Hispanic Heritage and what makes you proud of it.
I have a beautiful, loving family who supports everything I do. They are especially supportive of my career because they know that I love what I do and it is important to me. My son and my daughter are both bilingual and recognize how important and helpful it is to be able to speak two languages. Both my husband and I grew up in El Paso, Texas where the Hispanic culture is the dominant culture. It is common for many to speak Spanish and follow Mexican traditions and customs. I am proud of my Mexican heritage because it is a part of who I am and honors my parents and where they came from. It is important for both of us that we help raise my grandson to embrace and be proud of his Mexican heritage.

You are the daughter of immigrant parents. Tell us about your parents and grandparents and their desire to come to the United States and why.
Like many immigrants, my grandparents and my father came to the United States for a better way of life. My father immigrated as a teenager, leaving his family behind and worked various jobs to support himself. My grandparents came from a small village in Mexico and immigrated to El Paso when my mother was in high school. Both of my parents believe strongly that an education is the key to a better life and that’s what they wanted for my brother and me.

When you began school, you didn’t know English. How did you learn, and how does being bilingual help you as an educator?
Spanish was my first language and it wasn’t until I went to Head Start that I began to learn English. By the time I finished first grade, I was a top reader. As an educator, my bilingualism demonstrates to students that they too can learn English, be bilingual and be successful.

How does your Hispanic Heritage help you connect with students and families?
It has been a gift to be able to work with families who look to me assist them in their native language, who feel I can relate to them, and “see" them. Being able to connect with all families is important. Removing barriers by being able to speak their language is a good step.

What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college graduate?
Being a first-generation college graduate meant a lot; not only to me, but to my family. It was a culmination of sacrifice, determination and a lot of hard work.

What do you hope all students will learn, understand and appreciate during Hispanic Heritage Month?
It is my hope that all students are able to appreciate and embrace our rich Hispanic culture, and that throughout this month, we come together to acknowledge the contributions of many who have enriched our world.

We are excited to spotlight just a few of our awesome Crowley ISD family members for #HispanicHeritageMonth! Tonight, meet Andrea Ayuso, a 1993 Crowley High School graduate who has taught at Oakmont Elementary School for eight years. Learn more about Ayuso in the Q&A below! #CrowleyPrideUnified

What do you teach at Oakmont Elementary School, and what you enjoy about it?
I currently teach Bilingual Pre-K / Kindergarten. The most enjoyable part about teaching pre-k and kindergarten is being witness to my students’ discoveries and growth in their learning.

Why did you want to become a teacher? What does it mean to you?
After working as a substitute for three years, I chose to specialize in both bilingual and early childhood education because I felt that is was a special privilege to provide my students with a strong foundation in their first year of school.

You were featured in the 50th anniversary conference of the NABE National Association for Bilingual Education for your virtual teaching strategies. Tell us about those strategies and the reach and success they had.
It was an absolute honor to have been featured in the 50th anniversary conference for NABE for my contributions to the lessons we created for all bilingual pre-k students in CISD when the pandemic hit. In my desire to alleviate the stress on the parents that distance learning had caused, I decided to create videos of the lessons as if I were teaching and speaking directly to our students. In conferencing with one of my student’s mothers, I discovered that these lessons had been shared far beyond Crowley ISD. In fact, these videos and lessons had been shared with several of her friends and family that lived in Panama and other parts of the U.S. that had no access to virtual/distance learning. Most educators I know will always remember 2020 because of the devastation and loss of learning the pandemic brought to students across the globe. I will remember 2020 as the year I had the privilege of teaching students I may never meet.

What has your role been with the Oakmont Elementary School garden and why did you want to help create a garden for the school?
Bringing the Oakmont Elementary Garden to fruition, was a 3-4 year long labor of love! I was fortunate enough to have previously taught at a school that had a beautiful garden for several years and could just picture a similar garden here at Oakmont with the immense space behind our school. I reached out to the organization that collaborates with schools to provide amazing outdoor learning spaces and wrote the grant for our school. Our school was the first school in Crowley ISD to be awarded this garden grant in collaboration with Out Teach and Mercedes Benz financial services. I stayed on as the garden coordinator to provide some support and encouragement to teachers and students in the use of the learning garden. It makes me so proud to know that the Oakmont Garden will provide wonderful learning experiences for current and future Oakmont Hawks!

Tell us more about you and your family and your ties to Crowley ISD.
My children and I are all graduates from Crowley High School! My son, Luis, is the most recent graduate, Class of 2021; my daughter Sierra was Class of 2017 (the 50th class to graduate CHS); and I was Class of 1993. We were all members of the Mighty Eagle band during our time at Crowley High School, under the direction of both Mr. Salazar and Ms. Ledesma! It is an extraordinary experience to be teaching in Crowley ISD in addition to being a graduate from Crowley High School.

Tell us about your Hispanic Heritage and what makes you proud of it.
Learning Spanish as my second language helped me decipher things about my cultural identity and heritage that were lost in translation and gave me the opportunity to connect with my grandmothers as a young adult in a way that I was not able to do as a child that only spoke English. It makes me very proud to know that my heritage is comprised of people who pass down their talents and values through the generations by demonstrating that there is honor in working diligently to provide for your family.

What do you hope all students will learn, understand and appreciate during Hispanic Heritage Month?
It is my sincerest hope that all students will learn to embrace their Hispanic Heritage with valor and steadfastness as they grow and learn academic lessons and life lessons because in doing so they will gain a full picture of their entire identity as a person that is priceless in value!