SAISD SPOTIGHT: SAISD Spring Break traveling learning expedition to Puerto Rico
For several years, SAISD students have been learning while traveling over the Spring Break holiday. This year, 26 students from Bonham Academy will be voyaging to Puerto Rico from March 10-17. This journey is part of the school’s innovation experience as a wall-to-wall dual language campus under the partnership with UTSA, along with being a key part of the socio-cultural and bilingual experience for students.
The trip itinerary has been developed and refined each year, and includes:
A visit to a partner school in Puerto Rico where the students meet in person with their pen pals;
Presentation by a university professor regarding the geographic, social, and political differences and challenges of the Caribbean;
Traditional dance lessons;
Art Museum visit;
Guided tour of Old San Juan to study its Spanish Colonial architecture and design;
Culinary experience with a cooking class; and
Guided visit to the only U.S. National Park that is a tropical rainforest.
Part of the goal is to provide them an authentic linguistic immersive experience that also trains their listening on Caribbean Spanish dialect. High school Spanish AP exams incorporate listening to conversations in different Spanish dialects. Mark Twain Dual Language Academy makes the trip to Puerto Rico the week after STAAR testing. Irving Dual Language Academy has their trip booked for May.
*Call to arrange times to learn more on the trip with Principal Blanca Rojas at Bonham Academy
Calendar items
Feb. 27 (Fri) – SAISD 8th Grade Family Night
6 p.m. to 8 p.m., CAST Tech High School, 637 N. Main Ave., 78205
The SAISD Office of Access and Enrollment invites families across the area to a centrally located 8th Grade Family Night. This event is designed to provide a family-friendly environment where students across and their families can explore enrollment options for high school in SAISD. Family Night offers students and families the opportunity to learn more about the extracurricular and academic program offerings available at 15 comprehensive and charter high schools in SAISD. Families will enjoy free food, prizes, giveaways, and video games while they explore SAISD’s high school options, ask questions, and find the right fit for their student, all in one fun evening.
March 4 (Wed) – Spikey Mikey at Woodlawn Hills Elementary for Read Across America
8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Woodlawn Hills Elementary, 110 W. Quill Drive, 78210
Magician Spikey Mikey will present an interactive magic show that highlights the importance of reading. Spikey Mikey comes to Woodlawn Hills Elementary as the campus celebrates Read Across America Week. His magic show entertains but also aims to stress the importance of being a good reader and a lover of books.
March 4 (Wed) – SAISD Mega Food Distribution
9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Alamo Stadium, 110 Tuleta Drive, 78212
Ahead of Spring Break, SAISD students and employees will volunteer to serve 800 families during a mega food distribution. SAISD understands the importance of ensuring our families have access to nutritious food, especially as we head into Spring Break. Through our partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank, SAISD can provide this essential support.
This initiative is part of SAISD's ongoing commitment to supporting the well-being of its students and their families. Families are encouraged to access further support and discover more free upcoming events by visiting the SAISD Systems of Care Resource Hub at www.saisdcares.net.
March 6 (Fri) – SAISD LOTC Drill Competition
9 a.m. to noon, Young Men’s Leadership Academy, 415 Gabriel St., 78202
The SAISD LOTC Drill Competition tests middle school LOTC cadet teams from different schools in precision, teamwork, discipline and academics.