While nationwide teen birth rates have significantly declined over the last several years, rates in Texas have actually increased. That’s bad news in a country which already has the highest rate of any developed country.

Teen pregnancy prevention is one of the Centers for Disease Control’s six top priorities, partly ...]]> Chase Dreams, Not Children

By VISHNU MAGEE

While nationwide teen birth rates have significantly declined over the last several years, rates in Texas have actually increased. That’s bad news in a country which already has the highest rate of any developed country.

Teen pregnancy prevention is one of the Centers for Disease Control’s six top priorities, partly because the impacts are so disastrous, and partly because the CDC consider it a “winnable battle.”

The downside of teen pregnancy is shocking:

90% of teen moms are abandoned by their boyfriends.

75% end up on welfare.

Teen mothers are more likely to drop out of school and to be and remain single parents.

Children of teen moms are more likely to be incarcerated.

They’re more likely to exhibit behavioral problems and chronic medical conditions.

They have higher rates of low birth weight and infant death.

These stats fail to convey the emotional impact of a teen birth. For most girls, life as they knew it is pretty much over: kiss goodbye to boyfriend, freedom, travel, fun, dreams, and even school. Hello to diapers, staying at home, economic lack, and being dependent on parents. Never mind career, prosperity, marriage, or family – you might get there, but only with luck and extraordinary effort.

You’d think that these realities would be enough to deter an early pregnancy. But human sexuality is a holdover over from a time when people lived only about thirty years: we’re biologically programmed to have babies at 12-15, raise them, and die by the time it’s their turn to reproduce.

Taming a biological imperative that makes us so hot so young is no easy matter. Although abstinence or contraception is the ultimate choice, the real issue is sexual responsibility and self-control.

Today the average life expectancy in the U.S. is 78.5 years. With mothers safely bearing children as late as 45, we have LOTS of time to defer parenthood, raise a family when we’re well prepared, and still have time to go cruising afterwards.

The upside of preventing teen pregnancy is enormous. First, you get to enjoy your youth: party, travel, have fun, pursue your dreams. You can go to college, get vocational training, and find a career for yourself. You can have many relationships and garner the kind of experience and maturity that will eventually make for a successful marriage or family.

Times have changed. The big, extended family that has historically been the safety net for teen moms is less available. Our technological world is far more competitive, and education is more essential than ever.

Meanwhile our understanding of the needs of infants has grown. Critical brain development depends on the baby receiving intensive, caring attention from the mother for the first nine months of life – something a single, teen mom will be hard-pressed to do.

Ultimately, the goal of preventing teen pregnancy is to have happy relationships, solid families, and to be in a position to give your children economic and emotional security.

Information is helpful – cut out this article and give it to your teens! But to achieve the goal, parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches and mentors must help kids have the level of self-esteem and self-control needed to make wise choices – including avoiding a pregnancy.

In the words of a Taos High Student in the 2010 Slogan Contest: “Chase Dreams, Not Children.”

* * *

Vishu Magee is the founder and chairman of NonviolenceWorks in Taos, New Mexico.

Reach him at vishu@vishumagee or find out more about the organization at nonviolenceworks.us. This article originally appeared in The Taos News in May, 2012

Marfa High School student athlete senior Jarett Lujan, center, signs a letter of intent to run track at Angelo State University in San Angelo in the fall, where he will major in biology and pre-medicine. His parents are, from left, Johnny and Tina Lujan. The signing took place Monday afternoon at Gregg ...]]>

Marfa High School student athlete senior Jarett Lujan, center, signs a letter of intent to run track at Angelo State University in San Angelo in the fall, where he will major in biology and pre-medicine. His parents are, from left, Johnny and Tina Lujan. The signing took place Monday afternoon at Gregg Auditorium in front of Jarett’s classmates, who applauded loudly. “I’m very proud and excited to make this announcement,” Marfa ISD Athletic Director Jeff Jones said. “Jarett will become part of one of the top NCAA Division II track programs in the nation.” Lujan was a finalist at the 2011 state track meet. (photo by ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN)

At a special Fort Davis ISD board of trustees meeting Wednesday afternoon, school board members voted 6-0 to offer Hicks the job, Superintendent Judy Whitis said. Hicks begins his new duties ...]]> FORT DAVIS, MARFA – Graydon Hicks III, the Marfa Junior/Senior High School principal the past five years, is the new Fort Davis ISD secondary principal.

At a special Fort Davis ISD board of trustees meeting Wednesday afternoon, school board members voted 6-0 to offer Hicks the job, Superintendent Judy Whitis said. Hicks begins his new duties Monday.

“We are very pleased,” Whitis said. “He brings academic leadership strength, consistency, and his knowledge of working in a small community and a small school district.”

Hicks grew up in Fort Davis and attended school there. After graduating from Fort Davis High School, he earned an appointment to West Point Military Academy where he obtained a collegiate degree. He later returned to the area and taught at Presidio and Fort Davis public schools before taking the Marfa principal’s position.

Marfa ISD Superintendent Teloa Swinnea said Wednesday it is with “regret” that she’ll accept Hicks’ resignation, but supports his move to his hometown and alma mater.

A plan is in place to move forward while a new Marfa junior/senior principal is sought, she added.

Whitis said the district received 23 applicants for the job, which a selection committee narrowed to five candidates to interview.

The other local educator considered was Steve Merrill, a longtime Fort Davis educator who served as interim principal since last fall when the former principal resigned.

He will return to his job as federal programs administrator, Whitis said.

Like Hicks, Whitis is new to Fort Davis ISD administration. She was hired in January.

As for her new principal, “He’s every thing we were looking for, a team player, with a strong discipline factor, a solid work ethic, and integrity,” she said of Hicks.

MARFA – Students passing at Marfa Junior Senior High School improved from 93.7 percent at this time last year to the current passing rate of 95.5 percent.

“I had a failure list of two and half pages last year but it’s much better now,” MJSHS Princial Graydon Hicks III said during Monday’s school board ...]]> By MARK GLOVER

MARFA – Students passing at Marfa Junior Senior High School improved from 93.7 percent at this time last year to the current passing rate of 95.5 percent.

“I had a failure list of two and half pages last year but it’s much better now,” MJSHS Princial Graydon Hicks III said during Monday’s school board meeting. “Even with the new benchmark exams being part of their grades the kids are doing better. I think it’s because of the increased vigor.”

Enrollment is slightly down at MJSHS from 152 to 147 currently.

At Marfa elementary, Principal Liana Sawyer advises that their passing rate is 97 percent, about the same as last year.

Enrollment is currently 217 at the elementary school. Tardies are down from 289 last year to 251 this year.

“We’ve campaigned hard to get the tardies down and I think it’s working,” Sawyer said. Fewer tarried mean more money from the state.

To help combat the academically unacceptable rating, after-school mandatory tutorials are in effect at both campuses for failing students. For sixth-graders, a new two-week class has been introduced, Test Taking Strategy 101.

“Its common sense test-taking strategies,” Sawyer said. “We want to give them a shot-in-the-arm so they can be successful on the STAAR Tests. But test-taking is also a life skill.”

Later this year, the mandatory state testing process known as TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) will be replaced by the latest state testing known as STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness). This year will have both STAAR and TAKS requirements.  TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) however, the official standard of curriculum in public schools, will still be in effect.

Along with campus reports on academics and enrollment, the board also discussed a possible MISD board member retreat and attending the Texas Association of School Board’s summer leadership institute conference in San Antonio in June.

It’s been several years since the Marfa school board had a local retreat, something board president Robert Halpern wants to resurrect. Not going to San Antonio would save the district money, but board vice president Katherine Shaughnessy Michael pointed out TASB is waiving the registration fee this year. The district, or school board members, would still have to foot the bill for travel, meals, and accommodations.

“I’m not sure we should stay in our bubble and miss what’s going on with other school districts in the state,” said MISD Superintendent, Teloa Swinnea.

Also at Monday night’s meeting, under gold and purple stars made by the pre-K class, board members were honored by students and faculty for their service to the community. January is school board recognition month. The board was showered with little gifts made by students and with small presentations Monday night.

“We appreciate all the long and hard hours you’ll have put in,” said Coach Richards Hibbitts.

Amato and Williams were re-elected unanimously during the Board of Regents meeting held Nov. 18 on the campus of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville.

Amato is the chairman and co-founder of ...]]> The Board of Regents of The Texas State University System re-elected Charlie Amato as chairman of the board and Donna N. Williams as vice chair.

Amato and Williams were re-elected unanimously during the Board of Regents meeting held Nov. 18 on the campus of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville.

Amato is the chairman and co-founder of San Antonio-based SWBC, which advises financial institutions on how to manage risk and increase profitability. Amato also owns automobile dealerships and an interest in the San Antonio Spurs franchise, and serves on numerous civic and charitable boards. He is a graduate of Sam Houston State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Williams is a vice president and program manager for Parsons Infrastructure and Technology, Inc., a subsidiary of the Parsons Corporation, a global engineering and construction leader in facilities, advanced technology, and management processes. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Prairie View A&M University and has 25 years of program and project management, business development, and engineering design and construction experience in both government and private sectors.

The Texas State University System Board of Regents is the governing body for Texas’ oldest university system, which comprises eight institutions: Lamar University; Sam Houston State University; Texas State University-San Marcos; Sul Ross State University; Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College; Lamar Institute of Technology; Lamar State College-Orange; and Lamar State College-Port Arthur.

MARFA – It was celebration time at the Marfa Independent School District board of trustees meeting Monday night.

The cause for celebration was the Marfa Junior/Senior High School band, the Lady Shorthorn volleyball team, and the varsity cross country team, many of whom were in attendance.

Despite being without a band director, who quit as ...]]> By DUNCAN STEWART

MARFA – It was celebration time at the Marfa Independent School District board of trustees meeting Monday night.

The cause for celebration was the Marfa Junior/Senior High School band, the Lady Shorthorn volleyball team, and the varsity cross country team, many of whom were in attendance.

Despite being without a band director, who quit as the new school year began, student musicians, with the help of a substitute band director and others, performed with discipline and heart at marching contest in El Paso. Student musicians also performed at the final two home football games.

“I cannot say enough about the band, and those who contributed from the community. Thank you,” said Superintendent Teloa Swinnea, enthusiastically addressing the band members and board.

The Shorthorn cross country team, which finished in second place at district, qualifying them for the regional meet, were also applauded. Athletic Director Jeff Jones gave special praise to team members Jarett Lujan, Daniel Martinez, Robert Morales, Orlando Sanchez, Geroge Salgado and Eduardo Amaro. Some of the runners played in a football game the night before the footrace, getting up in the early-morning hours to compete.

Also recognized were the Lady Shorthorn volleyball players.

“We had a good season, and we’re hoping for an even better one next year,” said coach Linda Ojeda.

After the honors, as well as several rounds of applause, a short break was taken for cake and punch.

In their reports about the academically unacceptable status of both campuses Elementary Principal Liana Sawyer and Junior/Senior High School Principal Graydon Hicks III said all corrective measures are in place.

Sawyer praised parents in their response to her campus PASS (Parents Are STAAR Supporters) program. STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) testing replaces the old TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) testing, done at the end of the year to measure a child’s performance and academic growth.

The PASS program was instituted by Sawyer to get parents more involved in their children’s education, and began earlier this year with a nine evening session, an introduction to STAAR requirements and how parents could help their children’s learning at home.

As a result of the program, Sawyer told the board that parents have become much more active in their children’s education.

“Parents have been taking this seriously and getting kids to the after school tutorials. They have been great,” Sawyer stated.

Hicks continued with the good news after his presentation to the board, stating, “Overall, everything is improving.”

Marfa ISD may have a deficit budget, but its delinquent property tax collection effort is working well, said tax attorney Sergio Garcia.

Collections from 2008-2009 to 2010 -2011 have increased from 95 percent to nearly 100 percent, he reported.

In a report about the Martin Field Stadium Lights Fund, new donations total about $1,000 and come from Sandra Martin Dees, daughter of Coach Martin and the field’s namesake: $500; Rink Polson, $100; Pizza Foundation, in memory of the biggest Marfa Shorthorn football fan Alonzo Campos, $100; and the Coach Leslie B. Martin Scholarship, $1,000.

Last fiscal year, donors raised $12,600 toward the annual payment of $25,000.

In other business, voting on whether or not to sell Marfa ISD-acquired property to Marfa/New York resident Shawn Smith was tabled until next meeting for further consideration.

The land sits next to Smith’s property in the southeast corner of town. The land is unimproved and has been off the property tax roll for the last 20 years, generating no income. Smith has offered Marfa ISD in the range of $8,000 to $9,000.

Tracy Cites, the school district’s property tax attorney, told the board that he believed the offer was of fair market value, considering that it was last appraised at around $2,000.

Marfa ISD stands to receive 50-60 percent of the sale, as well as taxes on the property once the lot is back on the tax roll.

Crites also told the board that he had found three other properties owned by the district that had somehow fallen off the tax roll that could be auctioned in order to bring in much needed income to the district.

Board members attending the meeting were Katie Price Fowlkes, Tina Lujan, Teresa Villarreal Ontiveros, and Katherine Shaughnessy Michael. Absent were Eddie Pallarez, Yvonne Lujan, and Robert Halpern.

MARFA – Marfa musician Andy Schneider now is offering guitar and bass lessons, and he is performing weekly at Jett’s Grill at the Hotel Paisano.

Andy’s weekly gig begins at 5:30pm on Fridays.

Schneider’s been a professional musician for 24 years, and he enjoys passing on his passion for ...]]> Andy Schneider plays guitar and accompanies himself on drums.

MARFA – Marfa musician Andy Schneider now is offering guitar and bass lessons, and he is performing weekly at Jett’s Grill at the Hotel Paisano.

Andy’s weekly gig begins at 5:30pm on Fridays.

Schneider’s been a professional musician for 24 years, and he enjoys passing on his passion for music.

“Music lessons should be a fun way to learn more about how music is made and open the door to a lifetime of musical enjoyment,” he said.

On Saturday, December 3, he performs at Padre’s, taking the stage at about 8:30pm.

To take lessons, give Andy a call at 432-386-8544 or email him at andy@andyschnieder.com.

The half-day event will include a motivational speaker; insight from industry professionals; workshops on college admissions, financial aid, ...]]> EL PASO – Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande will host the 4th Education Expo for juniors and seniors in high school in our region Saturday from 10am-2pm at the Region 19 Head Start Facility at 11670 Chito Samaniego.

The half-day event will include a motivational speaker; insight from industry professionals; workshops on college admissions, financial aid, budgeting and job readiness; a discovery area filled with post secondary institutions and on-site, virtual career exploration.

“This event is designed to eliminate barriers and offer support through awareness, preparedness and exploration,” said Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande CEO Lorenzo Reyes, Jr. “Students will walk away with a clearer outlook on their future.”

The inaugural Education Expo was held in December of 2007 and was developed out of the need to start preparing our workforce earlier and inform them of available opportunities.

“Our region has many opportunities, but we need to educate, grow and keep our talent,” said Reyes.

“Youth in our region need to be aware of available opportunities and recognize a network of support is within reach to help them obtain their goals for a successful future.”

The event is free for students and parents are welcomed. There will be food and door prizes.

Youth can register online at www.urgjobs.org.

Post secondary institutions interested in attending can reserve their spot by calling (915) 887-2000.

Collins will present “Recent Developments at the Gault Site and the Search for the First Americans” at the Friday banquet, scheduled at 6:30 p.m. in the Espino ...]]> ALPINE – Dr. Michael Collins will be the banquet speaker at the 18th annual Center for Big Bend Studies Conference on Friday and Saturday at Sul Ross State University.

Collins will present “Recent Developments at the Gault Site and the Search for the First Americans” at the Friday banquet, scheduled at 6:30 p.m. in the Espino Conference Center, Morgan University Center.

Archaeology and history presentations will focus on prehistoric, historic and modern cultures of the Borderlands Region of the United States and Mexico, with emphasis on the area encompassed by Trans-Pecos Texas and North-Central Mexico.

Registration begins at 1pm Friday on the second floor foyer, Morgan University Center. Following a 1:30pm welcome by CBBS Director Andy Cloud, sessions will begin at 1:45pm. A 5:15pm reception for conference attendees will be held at the Museum of the Big Bend prior to the banquet.

Registration resumes at 8am Saturday with sessions starting at 8:30am. Following a noon lunch, sessions will resume at 1:30pm.

Sul Ross faculty, staff, and students may attend the sessions for free. There is an additional charge for the banquet.

To register or for more information, call (432) 837-8179, or visit the website at http://www.sulross.edu/cbbs.

ALPINE – Barring cold feet, the Alpine ISD will confirm Superintendent finalist Steve White at the November 29th board meeting.

“I’m eager and looking forward to meeting the staff, kids and parents of Alpine,” White said from his office in Granger.

The married 56-year-old father of four graduated from Sul Ross State University with a ...]]> By MARK GLOVER

ALPINE – Barring cold feet, the Alpine ISD will confirm Superintendent finalist Steve White at the November 29^th board meeting.

“I’m eager and looking forward to meeting the staff, kids and parents of Alpine,” White said from his office in Granger.

The married 56-year-old father of four graduated from Sul Ross State University with a degree in industrial arts. He taught that subject in Texas at middle and high school level and is presently the superintendent at Granger, a town northwest of Austin with a 1-A High School.

(photo by and courtesy of MIKE PERRY/Alpine Daily Planet) Pam and Steve White with Alpine school board members after last week’s meeting where Mr. White was named the lone superintendent finalist.

“I’m going to a financially sound, recognized district and hope to continue the success AISD has achieved,” he said.

“Mr. White brings his education and private sector experience to Alpine and I think he’ll make an excellent superintendent,” said District 7 school board Trustee Paul Loeffler.

Prior to his education experience, White was involved in the freight, construction and insurance businesses. He also served in the Army at Ft. Hood and Germany.

“Alpine had quite a few good candidates to choose from, but I believe they got a good one in Mr. White,” said interim AISD Superintendent Wayne Mitchell. Mitchell, replaced outgoing Superintendent Jose Cervantes in July.

“According to my wife I’ve served as an interim superintendent twenty times since I retired in 1992, although I never advertised my number,” said Mitchell. “I’m very much counting on Mr. White to be in the saddle come January 2^nd.”