DISD J. W. Caceres Discovery Intermediate Academy

🌟 Happy Juneteenth! 🌟

Today, we honor and celebrate Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history. On June 19, 1865, news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Galveston, Texas. This day reminds us of the importance of freedom, equality, and justice for all.

Let’s use this day to reflect, educate, and continue our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society. Our school is proud to embrace and celebrate the rich diversity and history that make our community strong.



🌟 ¡Feliz Juneteenth (decimonoveno)! 🌟

Hoy honramos y celebramos el 16 de junio, un momento crucial en la historia de Estados Unidos. El 19 de junio de 1865, la noticia de la Proclamación de Emancipación finalmente llegó a Galveston, Texas. Este día nos recuerda la importancia de la libertad, la igualdad y la justicia para todos.

Utilicemos este día para reflexionar, educar y continuar con nuestro compromiso de construir una sociedad más inclusiva y equitativa. Nuestra escuela se enorgullece de acoger y celebrar la rica diversidad e historia que fortalecen a nuestra comunidad.

Due to the forecast for heavy rain over the next two days, Donna ISD will be cancelling all Summer School and ACE programs for Wednesday, June 19th and Thursday, June 20th. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

To all the incredible fathers out there, today is your day! Thank you for your endless love, unwavering support, and the countless sacrifices you make every day. You are our role models, our heroes, and our guiding lights.
Let’s celebrate the laughter, the lessons, and the love that our fathers bring into our lives. Happy Father’s Day to the men who inspire us every day! 🌟



A todos los padres increíbles que existen, ¡hoy es su día! Gracias por su amor infinito, apoyo inquebrantable y los innumerables sacrificios que hace todos los días. Ustedes son nuestros modelos a seguir, nuestros héroes y nuestras luces que guían.
Celebremos las risas, las lecciones y el amor que nuestros padres traen a nuestras vidas. ¡Feliz Día del Padre a los hombres que nos inspiran todos los días! 🌟

Allow me to introduce your new campus secretary, Mrs. Melissa L. Cortez. Mrs. Cortez, known as Mel, has been residing in Donna, Texas, for 48 years. She is the daughter of Francisco J. Campos Sr. and Juanita G. Campos. Mrs. Cortez graduated from Donna High School in 1994, embodying the spirit of "Once a Redskin, Always a Redskin." She has been married to her husband, Arturo Cortez Jr., for 26 years. They have two amazing children, Marcus and Arlissa, and two fur babies, Peanut and Jaxx.
Mrs. Cortez began her journey with Donna ISD at B.G. Guzman Elementary in January 2001. While at Guzman Elementary, she served as a paraprofessional and curriculum clerk, and in 2005 became the campus secretary. In 2013, she transferred to Daniel Singleterry Elementary, where she continued as the campus secretary until 2024.
Mrs. Cortez is an active member of the Rio Grande Valley Education Support Staff Association (VESA) and the Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA). She has been involved with both organizations for 20 years. The Donna TSTA local organization nominated Mrs. Cortez for the 2022–2023 ESP of the Year award. She is currently serving her second term as the TSTA local board secretary.
Mrs. Cortez takes pride in her work and is passionate about finding solutions for her staff, parents, and students. She is known for her honesty, loyalty, strength, and caring nature. Her next chapter will be as the campus secretary at J.W. Caceres Discovery Intermediate Academy, where she is excited to join the team and provide the best service for the school community.
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Permítanme presentarles a su nueva secretaria del campus, la Sra. Melissa L. Cortez. La señora Cortez, conocida como Mel, reside en Donna, Texas, desde hace 48 años. Es hija de Francisco J. Campos Sr. y Juanita G. Campos. La Sra. Cortez se graduó de Donna High School en 1994, encarnando el espíritu de "Una vez piel roja, siempre piel roja". Ha estado casada con su esposo, Arturo Cortez Jr., durante 26 años. Tienen dos hijos increíbles, Marcus y Arlissa, y dos bebés peludos, Peanut y Jaxx.
La Sra. Cortez comenzó su viaje con Donna ISD en B.G. Guzmán Elementary en enero de 2001. Mientras estuvo en Guzman Elementary, se desempeñó como paraprofesional y asistente de currículo, y en 2005 se convirtió en secretaria del campus. En 2013, se transfirió a la escuela primaria Daniel Singleterry, donde continuó como secretaria del campus hasta 2024.
La Sra. Cortez es miembro activo de la Asociación de Personal de Apoyo Educativo del Valle del Río Grande (VESA) y de la Asociación de Maestros del Estado de Texas (TSTA). Ha estado involucrada con ambas organizaciones durante 20 años. La organización local Donna TSTA nominó a la Sra. Cortez para el premio ESP del año 2022-2023. Actualmente cumple su segundo mandato como secretaria de la junta local de TSTA.
La Sra. Cortez se enorgullece de su trabajo y le apasiona encontrar soluciones para su personal, padres y estudiantes. Es conocida por su honestidad, lealtad, fuerza y ​​naturaleza solidaria. Su próximo capítulo será como secretaria del campus de J.W. Caceres Discovery Intermediate Academy, donde está entusiasmada de unirse al equipo y brindar el mejor servicio a la comunidad escolar.

Ms. Melissa Schmutz has been a resident of the Rio Grande Valley for 33 years after coming from Indiana in August of 1991. She graduated in December of 1991 from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. Ms. Schmutz received a Master of Education degree in May of 2000 from the University of Texas Pan American and then completed her Principal Certification.

Ms. Schmutz began working for Donna ISD in January of 1992 at Ochoa Elementary. She was a teacher for 16 years before moving into a leadership role at Salazar Elementary and later Singleterry Elementary as a Curriculum Specialist and currently Assistant Principal.

As a long-standing educator, Ms. Schmutz recognizes the value of providing an exemplary education to every child every day. She believes all students possess a wealth of talent and knowledge, and when teachers focus on the strengths of each child, he/she can reach their full potential and become well-rounded, contributing members of a global society. Ms. Schmutz is committed to assisting both teachers and students in meeting this educational goal.

Ms. Schmutz is excited about the future and possibilities that exist as she transitions to her new role as Assistant Principal at J. W. Caceres Discovery Intermediate Academy. Ms. Schmutz looks forward to building on the initiatives that are in place and capitalizing on the strengths of a dynamic staff. Working alongside such educators, Ms. Schmutz sees endless possibilities for the students and their future.
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La Sra. Melissa Schmutz ha sido residente del Valle del Río Grande durante 33 años después de llegar de Indiana en agosto de 1991. Se graduó en diciembre de 1991 de la Universidad de Indiana con una Licenciatura en Ciencias de la Educación. La Sra. Schmutz recibió una Maestría en Educación en mayo de 2000 de la Universidad Panamericana de Texas y luego completó su Certificación de Directora.

La Sra. Schmutz comenzó a trabajar para Donna ISD en enero de 1992 en la Escuela Primaria Ochoa. Fue maestra durante 16 años antes de asumir un rol de liderazgo en la Primaria Salazar y más tarde en la Primaria Singleterry como especialista en currículo y actualmente subdirectora.

Como educadora de larga data, la Sra. Schmutz reconoce el valor de brindar una educación ejemplar a cada niño todos los días. Ella cree que todos los estudiantes poseen una gran cantidad de talentos y conocimientos, y cuando los maestros se centran en las fortalezas de cada niño, él/ella puede alcanzar su máximo potencial y convertirse en miembros integrales y contribuyentes de una sociedad global. La Sra. Schmutz se compromete a ayudar tanto a los profesores como a los estudiantes a alcanzar este objetivo educativo.

La Sra. Schmutz está entusiasmada con el futuro y las posibilidades que existen a medida que hace la transición a su nuevo rol como subdirectora en J. W. Caceres Discovery Intermediate Academy. La Sra. Schmutz espera aprovechar las iniciativas que ya existen y capitalizar las fortalezas de un personal dinámico. Al trabajar junto a estos educadores, la Sra. Schmutz ve infinitas posibilidades para los estudiantes y su futuro.

Allow me to introduce your new principal, Mr. Christopher Omar Park. A proud graduate of Donna High School, Class of 1998, Mr. Park is deeply rooted in the values and traditions of our district.

Mr. Park's journey in education began in 2002 at Donna ISD, where he served as a teacher for six years before transitioning into leadership roles. Over the past 14 years, he has had the privilege of serving as a principal, working tirelessly to foster an environment of excellence and growth for both students and staff.

His commitment to our community runs deep; both of his children have had the privilege of attending Donna ISD schools, allowing him to experience firsthand the dedication and passion of our educators.

Mr. Park is dedicated to ensuring that his students are college, career, and military ready. As he embarks on this new chapter at Caceres Elementary, he is filled with excitement and anticipation. He looks forward to meeting and collaborating with our talented teachers, dedicated parents, enthusiastic students, and supportive staff. Together, Mr. Park is confident that we will continue to elevate the standard of education and opportunity for all members of our community.

He is genuinely thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead and the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. With open arms and an open heart, Mr. Park welcomes the journey ahead.
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Permítanme presentarles a su nuevo director, el Sr. Christopher Omar Park. Orgulloso de graduarse de Donna High School, promoción de 1998, el Sr. Park está profundamente arraigado en los valores y tradiciones de nuestro distrito.

El viaje del Sr. Park en la educación comenzó en 2002 en Donna ISD, donde se desempeñó como maestro durante seis años antes de asumir roles de liderazgo. Durante los últimos 14 años, ha tenido el privilegio de servir como director, trabajando incansablemente para fomentar un ambiente de excelencia y crecimiento tanto para los estudiantes como para el personal.

Su compromiso con nuestra comunidad es profundo; Sus dos hijos han tenido el privilegio de asistir a las escuelas de Donna ISD, lo que le permitió experimentar de primera mano la dedicación y pasión de nuestros educadores.

El Sr. Park se dedica a garantizar que sus estudiantes estén preparados para la universidad, la carrera y el ejército. Al embarcarse en este nuevo capítulo en la Primaria Caceres, está lleno de entusiasmo y anticipación. Espera conocer y colaborar con nuestros talentosos maestros, padres dedicados, estudiantes entusiastas y personal de apoyo. Juntos, el Sr. Park confía en que continuaremos elevando el nivel de educación y oportunidades para todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad.

Está realmente entusiasmado con las posibilidades que le esperan y la oportunidad de crecer tanto personal como profesionalmente. Con los brazos abiertos y el corazón abierto, el Sr. Park da la bienvenida al viaje que le espera.

🎉 We're thrilled to introduce our dynamic duo leading the way at JWC! Join us in giving a warm welcome to our new Principal, Mr. Park, and Assistant Principal, Ms. Schmutz! 🌟 Their passion for education and dedication to our students are sure to bring exciting new opportunities and positive energy to our school community. Here's to a fantastic journey ahead with our new leadership team! 📚🍎

Parents,
Attached are the list of camps held at both Donna High School and Donna North High School. Donna North began with their camps yesterday. Donna High will begin next week. Students are able to attend both locations.

JWC would like to honor the men and women who passed away while serving in the U.S. military.

This morning, JWC held a Tug-of-War tournament for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. The class that won for 3rd grade was Miss D. Garcia’s class. The class that won for 4th grade was Mrs. Sayavedra’s class. The class that won for 5th grade was Mrs. Montes’ class. Way to go students!!

JWC would like to wish you and your family a safe and restful summer.

Our JWC teachers decided to surprise the students for our first annual JWC Inflatable Race! Congratulations to Mrs. R. Sanchez on winning the race!!

Splash day was a success for JWC!!!

Good morning parents!

Our end of the year award ceremonies are fast approaching. Please see the memo attached below. Student's are allowed to wear their best outfit on the day of their ceremony as long as it follows Donna ISD dress code policy. All members/visitors wanting to attend the event must provide a government issued picture ID upon entering. **Pictures of an ID will NOT be allowed**
We look forward to seeing you here!

¡Buenos días padres!

Nuestras ceremonias de premiación de fin de año se acercan rápidamente. Consulte el memorando adjunto a continuación. A los estudiantes se les permite usar su mejor vestimenta el día de la ceremonia, siempre y cuando sigan la política del código de vestimenta de Donna ISD. Todos los miembros/visitantes que deseen asistir al evento deben proporcionar una identificación con fotografía emitida por el gobierno al ingresar. **NO se permitirán fotografías de una identificación**
Esperamos contar con ustedes!

This event will consist of water games and a snack that will be free of charge to students who participate. Your son/daughter may come to school in shorts, a dark colored t-shirt, and shoes they may get wet in. Also, we ask that you please pack them a towel, clothes to change into, and a dry pair of shoes.

Este evento constará de juegos acuáticos y una merienda que será gratuita para los alumnos que participen. Su hijo/hija puede venir a la escuela con pantalones cortos, una camiseta de color oscuro y zapatos con los que pueda mojarse. Además, le pedimos que le lleve una toalla, ropa para cambiarse y un par de zapatos secos.

Good Morning Parents,
Attached is a link to sign up for the Donna North High School Camps. Students who are attending any camp must complete a waiver. If you have any questions, please contact the school and Coach Villarreal will assist you.
https://forms.gle/5ze2UuArFxdjiRGw8

Incoming 4th graders are allowed to attend the camps for incoming 5th-7th.

CONGRATULATIONS to our students who met or surpassed their iReady Growth Goal for the end of the year!

¡FELICIDADES a nuestros estudiantes que alcanzaron o superaron su meta de crecimiento iReady para fin de año!

JWC Signing Day 4 in the books! Congratulations to our future explorers; we are excited to have you at JWC!

¡JWC día de firma #4 en los libros! Felicitaciones a nuestros futuros exploradores; ¡Estamos emocionados de tenerte en JWC!

Hello JWC, please click the following link to view the pictures of our track meet.

Hola JWC, por favor haga clic en el siguiente enlace para ver las fotografías de nuestra competencia de atletismo.

Track Meet 2024 642 new items added to shared album

Thank you parent volunteers for your assistance this morning during JWC’s Donuts with MOM!! We would like to wish our JWC Mothers a Hapyy Mother’s Day!

Green Day
Wear GREEN in support of Mental Health Awareness Week.