Posted inStudent Profile, Education

Carolina Amador: A Unique Perspective

As the current senior valedictorian of Jimmy Carter Early College High School, Carolina Amador ranks number one in her class. 

Her current rank and title are commonly sought after by students alike. Yet Carolina holds a unique perspective on being the valedictorian of JCECHS and JCECHS, arguably more remarkable than her status. 

“It doesn’t mean that I’m essentially smarter than anyone,” Amador said. “It just means that I can be someone that someone can look up to.” 

Amador doesn’t place excessive emphasis on her achievements. She acknowledges her school community as playing a part in her success. 

“As a whole, the community here at school, it has been really beneficial,” Amador said. “Because, again, I’m not valedictorian just because of my grades.” 

Some students may regard the position of valedictorian as a far-fetched goal, but Amador knows that is not true for Carter students. 

“I think anyone can, really. That’s why ranks are always changing.” Amador said. 

And despite all her success and hard work, Amador explains that self-care is still really important to her.

“So knowing when to do things for school first and then for yourself is really, really important.” Amador said. 

Amador admits she felt intimidated her freshman year in JCECHS, but now as the valedictorian she possesses a unique perspective. 

“Over the years I’ve like met all the teachers I’ve had my friends here to help me.” Amador said.

It was enlightening for her to know JCECHS is not scary at all.

Posted inEducation

Turns out that was not such a bright IDEA

Turns out that was not such a bright IDEA

Junior Marianna Rodriguez formerly attended IDEA Mission.
As Rodriguez enters Jimmy Carter ECHS for the first time, she contemplates what lies ahead. Rodriguez is both learning and adapting to a new world.
“This district is much more lenient than IDEA,” said Rodriguez. “You can be more flexible with work, and they offer many more resources.”
Rodriguez mentions she can now have more flexible classes since she is no longer restricted to taking only AP classes, as she used to. This allows her to take college-level courses and have the flexibility to focus on her needs and build friendships, while in her previous school, she had to adhere to a strict curriculum.
“If I want to make those friends, I have to put myself out there,” Rodriguez said, “I have to actually do something, whereas over there, we grew up with each other, so we were friendly with each other.”
The most challenging thing about moving here, Rodriguez said, would be branching out. It’s awkward since she moved here at the beginning of her junior year, the middle of her high school career.
“I like how this school offers a lot of clubs and opportunities to be more engaged with your community,” Rodriguez said. “My old school only had like two clubs to offer, so I appreciate the variety this school has.”
This year, she plans to join University Interscholastic League (UIL) Journalism.
Although moving schools has significantly changed her routine, she enjoys the new opportunities JCEC can provide. Newfound freedom allows Rodriguez to explore more, and she believes that the IDEA school she left behind was not the right fit for her.

Posted inEducation

Why Mr. Salinas, chose our school

Influenced by his students, Victorio Salinas, a 10th-grade chemistry teacher, switched to Jimmy Carter Early College High School permanently after a year of working at two schools.

Mr. Salinas was born in Sullivan City. He has a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Master’s of Education in special education.

“Teaching was my first choice as a kid, then I got to college and wanted to be a game warden,” Salinas said.

His first job was at HOPE Academy. Most places where he has worked are what some people may think of as “the troubled kid’s school.”

Salinas said that his deep passion for assisting students who have fewer privileges or encounter more significant challenges has been a part of his professional journey.

“I taught AVID for six years at both middle and high school levels,” Salinas said. “I enjoy helping students become better learners.”

Salinas’ dedicationis evident in taking on the challenge of working with two schools last year.

“It was difficult because I knew I couldn’t give my 100% to one,” Salinas admitted.

His commitment and unwillingness to give his full to his job contributed to his decision to become the official Chemistry teacher.

“I didn’t see me here; I saw myself in CCC,” Salinas said.

The students at Jimmy Carter and the school environment ultimately persuaded him to make the switch.

Posted inEducation

Perseverance and Hard Work

Leah Rios puts hours of hard work and dedication into the drill team and academics, making Rios proud of her accomplishment. Last week, La Joya High School’s Jewelette of the week was Jimmy Carter’s Early College Freshman, Leah Rios.

“I felt amazing about being Jewelette of the week,” Rios said. “That people recognized me and saw that I was doing well made me feel very proud.”

While being in an after-school program is time-consuming, Rios sees the drill team as something she has always been passionate about. She feels that being a part of this organization pays off.

“The drill team is a lot of hard work, but it’s rewarding, especially when you do good,” she said.

However, the drill team and school assignments have created a few challenges for Rios since she missed afternoon classes to attend football games. She still feels confident that she’ll be able to keep up with her schoolwork.

“I can make up the work another time,” she said. “I have to have good time management to finish all my assignments.”

Balancing extracurricular activities and schoolwork can prove to be challenging at times. But Rios is passionate about what she is doing and encourages others to try.

“Don’t quit something before you even try it because you gonna miss out on something that could be amazing, ” Rios said.

Rios encourages everyone to try something, even if they are unsure. Joining a club or organization can be exciting and different.

Posted inEducation

Nicole Flores On Dealing With The Three S’s: Sports, School, and Stress

She grew up watching her older sister, Renee Flores, play. Nikki would be on the sidelines when Renee played, cheering her on. Just by watching, Nikki knew she wanted to be just like her. 

Nicole Flores, Nikki, dedicates her basketball career to her older sister, Renee, and credits Renee as her motivation to continue extracurricular activities despite the stress it brings.  

“I grew up watching her in general. I look up to her successful career, and I want to prove others wrong when they told me I couldn’t be better than her,” Flores said. 

There are many roles Flores takes on as she participates in extracurricular activities, such as Being the Palmview Lobos Varsity Starter, Lobo’s Football Student Trainer, and participating in Dual Enrollment Classes at JCECHS and South Texas College. 

Her involvement in all of these activities comes at a cost. Flores says she has encountered struggles and successes.
“It gets stressful for sure, but when I start to feel myself stressing out, I disconnect and take time to focus on myself…just my music and me.” 

Flores hates looking at the time. The constant checking of time adds to the apprehension. She stated that she’d often stress out more just thinking about how she would manage her time rather than how much homework she had. 

“I love it. I have so many friends that make the stress worth it, but I forget to have a good time.” 

The stress often becomes overwhelming for Flores, but she always jumps ahead and confronts the stress before it overtakes her. 

“I plan out my day before it starts. I have a planner that I use to track deadlines, games, practices, church, and all sorts of events related to school.”

If Nicole Flores has learned one thing about managing a heavy workload, she learned how to handle all her activities and tackle her stress head-on.

Posted inCarter Update, News, Staff Profile, Education

With a new administrative position waiting for her, Mrs. Brown says her goodbyes to students and staff.

Walking out of school while parents walked in for Meet the Teacher Night, mixed sadness and excitement flooded Vanessa Brown as she drove off campus for the last time as a staff member.
After seven years of teaching at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, Brown, formally Mrs. Brown, says her goodbyes to her students and staff.
On Sep. 1, 2023, Brown received a phone call confirming her new position as assistant principal at Palmview High School.
“I’m really excited, and obviously there’s a lot of sadness because this has been my home for 7 years,” Brown said.
Mrs. Brown has had the credentials to be an administrator since 2009, and this is the opportunity to apply her new experience.
“Every year, there has been something different, and I’ve been learning something new and being challenged,” Brown said. “And so, I think that’s why I’ve stayed so long because it kept being a new exciting thing for me every year.”
One of Brown’s favorite things about being a staff member at JCECHS was the campus’ small size and seeing the students grow up in their high school years.

“We get to see our students from the beginning of their time here,” Brown said.
Another thing that stands out to Brown is her co-workers’ qualities.
“You’re working with people who are like the most qualified people, the most experienced people,” Brown said.
Having those relationships with people who are specialists in what they do was a learning experience for Brown.
The moments of leaving the campus were bittersweet for Brown.
“I knew I would be back on campus for events with my daughter, but as a parent and not as a RedWolf,” Brown said.
Mrs. Brown’s last day teaching at Jimmy Carter ECHS was Tuesday, Sep. 5.
“I’m going to miss my students and co-workers, but I’m super excited for what this next challenge is and how I can learn and grow in this experience,” Brown said. “I’m ready, I have the skills to be successful, and this is scary/exciting.”

Posted inSTC, Student Life, Science, Education, Community

Biology DE students conduct their first semester lab experiment!👩🏻‍🔬🔬#ScienceInTheMaking

Biology DE students conduct their first semester lab experiment!👩🏻‍🔬🔬#ScienceInTheMaking

Biology DE students carry out their first lab experiment of the semester. Students investigate the pill bugs’ affinity to varied surroundings.
“My first lab experiment was intriguing; the only thing that grossed me out was the pill bugs because I’m not a huge fan of bugs,” junior Alexandra Contreras said. But overall, it was very exciting to witness the pill bugs’ behavior and influence on their activities.”
Students said they were pumped to work on more lab experiments for the rest of the semester.

“I’m excited about the next lab experiments; they’re entertaining and engaging, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for future experiments,” junior Kelly Galvan said.
The students are excited about the lab investigations, and the Biology DE instructor shares her excitement as she witnesses her students perform the lab experiments.
“Because most of my students had never carried out an actual lab experiment before during their ninth and tenth-grade year,” Biology DE professor Ms. Charles said. “I enjoy seeing the excitement on my student’s faces while they conduct their lab experiments.”
Biology DE students are now anticipating what awaits them in the coming weeks of the first semester.