Posted inEducation

Dr. Marcey Sorensen’s Journey to La Joya ISD

Lizania R by Lizania R

Dr. Marcey Sorensen’s Journey to La Joya ISD

In a wave of anticipation, La Joya ISD welcomes its newest superintendent, Dr. Marcey Sorensen. Dr. Sorensen steps into her role with a visionary approach to shape education.
Having served as Deputy Superintendent for the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), Dr. Sorensen led initiatives to enhance learning outcomes for over 1.3 million students across 131 districts. She continued to serve Fort Worth Independent School District as assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, and later as Chief Academic Officer. Partnerships with academic institutions such as Texas Christian University have allowed Dr. Sorensen to cultivate an undeniable track record of transformative leadership in improving student achievement.
Dr Sorensen believes in the right of every child to access a world-class education that nurtures their academic, social, and emotional growth to allow a child to unleash their fullest potential. Some of Dr. Sorensen’s core values and belief systems for La Joya ISD include excellence, integrity, and collaboration. Sorensen’s 90-day plan will allow her to immerse herself in the La Joya ISD district.
Dr. Sorensen’s 90-day plan includes 4 phases. The first phase includes building a goal to assess the district’s operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness. The second phase focuses on taking a look at the financial well-being and transparency of the district and central administrative and campus-based structures. During the third phase, Dr. Sorensen plans to create strategic plans and actions for the school year of 2024-2025. Finally, during the fourth phase, Dr. Sorensen plans to lead a multi-year strategic plan to chart the path forward for La Joya ISD.
As Dr. Sorensen assumes her new role, the strategic planning to lead La Joya ISD into a promising future is driven by her passion for education and commitment to excellence.

Posted inEducation, Community, NHS, Events

Love for Paws: NHS Contributes to Yaqui Animal Rescue

Roberto by Roberto

The National Honor Society values service and character as two of its four pillars. Service means going outside oneself to meet the needs of others from various communities, while character builds relationships grounded in empathy. Bridging the care of local animals, the school’s NHS is asking Jimmy Carter students to donate to the local animal shelters.
The Jimmy Carter Early College High School NHS is hosting its third annual “Love for Paws” event, where it donates pet food and care products for animals to the Yaqui Animal Rescue.
“The purpose of this project is that I saw the need to help animal shelters,” NHS sponsor and Spanish teacher Claudia Camarillo said. “I’m a pet lover. I want to do something for the animal community.”
Camarillo and the NHS members have placed fliers with a list of animal products students can donate to their first-period teacher to spread the word.
“I think one of the things that always help us to reach our goal and with past projects is to give something in return,” Camarillo said. “Whatever first-period class donates the most items will receive a pizza party.”
Camarillo said NHS should participate in this project because the Yaqui Animal Rescue needs donations to remind the NHS members about being responsible pet owners.
“I want to create this culture of responsibility for our pets,” Camarillo said. “I also think we as a community need to help animals in need, which is why I feel that the NHS needs to play a part in this project.”
A house fire occurred in La Joya in 2021. Firefighter Marlo Munoz, the first responder, rescued a puppy whom Munoz had mistaken for a teddy bear. After Munoz saved the puppy from the house fire, the Yaqui Animal Rescue took the puppy in and named it after Munoz. This story inspired Camarillo to start this project to give all pets the care they deserve.