Red Gold News

Student works through an English Poem Project

Library preparing for Teachers Thanksgiving Luncheon

Library preparing for Teachers Thanksgiving Luncheon

Nereyda Salazar is a junior involved in UIL, the Texas Association of Future Educators, and Mu Alpha Theta.
Since third grade, Nereyda has been involved in UIL. Her friends encouraged her to join TAFE and Mu Alpha Theta.
“I was unsure about joining, but once I saw my friends enjoying these clubs and organizations, I decided. I decided to join and try it out,” Salazar said.
‘To manage extracurricular activities, Salazar completes her daily schoolwork.’ Salazar has afternoon time to dedicate to these clubs if she finishes all her work during school time.
“I stay after school for UIL, and when students need help with their math class, I help them. As a Mu Alpha Theta member, I help students understand their assignments better,” Salazar said.
For the Texas Association of Future Educators, Salazar has competitions she is dedicated to and prepares for.
“For TAFE, I’ve been staying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to complete my project so that I can be ready by the time the competition comes along.” “I have Thursday and Friday afternoons free to work on my high school and dual enrollment assignments to pass all my classes,” Salazar said.

Working through the day.

Senior agenda completed for their first semester

Success takes sacrifice and motivation
“Joanna Castillo, an active member in several organizations at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, credits her parents as her primary motivation for academic success.”

They have made many sacrifices for her to experience and enjoy all of this, and she thanks them for always supporting her.

Castillo is involved in the National Honor Society, Texas Association of Future Educators, National Beta Club, and Mu Alpha Theta. She takes pride in her involvement and position in school life. 

 ”I started actively participating in these extracurricular activities for two reasons: first, I enjoy having the ability to contribute within my community, and second, it has brought me many new and impactful experiences,” Castillo said.

Castillo acknowledges the challenges but embraces them. She engages by using her organizational skills to the best of her abilities. For instance, Castillo has a personal planner that helps her keep track of her duties.

 “I balance my extracurricular activities by using time management effectively, which has taught me to handle my responsibilities properly,” Castillo said.

Castillo’s effective time management allows her to minimize stress while remaining dedicated to her academic success and personal growth.

“I  believe that it will be worth it in the end because being part of clubs and organizations has taught me to reinforce skills that will help me in the future,” Castillo said.

New Teacher Mr. Rios: New Angle for Sophomores

Sophomores at Jimmy Carter Early College High School started the year with a new face in their geometry classroom: Mr. Adrian Rios. Known for his engaging approach, Rios is already making an impact on his students.

Rios, who draws his passion for teaching from his own high school experience, said he was inspired by teachers who showed him respect and ignited his love for math. “The way my teachers got me interested in math is something I want to do for my students,” he said. His goal, he added, is to make math enjoyable and meaningful for his students.

Reflecting on his first impressions, Rios noted a supportive atmosphere among staff and well-behaved students, though he observed some “a bit too relaxed.” “The staff here is very tight-knit,” he said, appreciating the community’s spirit of collaboration.

In his teaching, Rios emphasizes hands-on learning. “I enjoy teaching through discovery, letting students find answers themselves,” he explained. This year, he is especially excited about teaching logic, which he believes will challenge and engage students.

Rios uses technology and interactive methods to keep students involved. “I want math to be exciting and interactive,” he said. His approach is resonating with students like sophomore Giovanni Alvizo, who described him as “funny and straightforward.” Alvizo added, “He understands us well because we’re close in age.”

Deyla Rogero, another sophomore, initially felt disappointed about losing a free period. “But after meeting Mr. Rios, I realized math class could be better with a teacher like him,” she said.

With a mix of enthusiasm, relatable teaching, and a focus on engagement, Mr. Rios is already making a positive impression in his new role.

A recent surge in vape use has swept through school environments, creating challenges for students and staff alike. Vaping in school is not only affecting students’ ability to concentrate in class but is also becoming a concerning trend for those seeking an escape from academic pressures.

According to the Texas State School Safety Center, “E-cigarettes are electronic devices designed to look like regular cigarettes or youth-friendly items such as USB flash drives, pens, highlighters, lipstick, or other cosmetics.” This design, paired with flashy colors and flavors, appeals directly to young audiences, making vaping both accessible and attractive.

A report from NEA Today highlights the trend, stating, “According to the survey, 5.9 percent of middle and high school students use e-cigarettes, a decrease from 7.7 percent the previous year. Yet, over a quarter of those users report using e-cigarettes daily.” This high frequency of use among some students underscores the grip that vaping holds over them, often without an awareness of its long-term health effects.

“Students who vape often display signs of elevated heart rates, palpitations, and anxiety,” noted Sarahi Pena, the nurse at Jimmy Carter Early College High School. “You can often see it in their eyes—there’s a lack of control over their eye movements.”

According to Pena, the physiological impact of vaping can lead to lapses in judgment and a lack of awareness in the classroom. “When students are under the influence, their thought processes slow, making it harder for them to understand and respond to questions. Some don’t answer at all because they can’t fully process what’s being asked,” she added.

The effects of vaping, both immediate and long-term, continue to unfold in schools, posing a challenge for educators, healthcare providers, and families as they navigate this complex issue.