Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationTSC’s Sting Day Celebration to Kick Off Fall Semester, Aug. 22nd
Texas Southmost College will host its annual Sting Day on Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jacob Brown Auditorium, located at 600 International Blvd. in Brownsville. This free event welcomes current and prospective students, alumni, and community members to celebrate the start of the fall semester. Attendees can enjoy food, music, games, and interactive activities, as well as explore campus resources, register for classes, and connect with student organizations. Sting Day aims to foster community spirit and pride among the Scorpion family.
EducationPalm View Branch Library Hosts 4th Annual Back to School Bash, August 15th
The McAllen Public Library is hosting its 4th Annual Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Palm View Branch Library, located at 3401 Jordan Rd. This free event aims to assist students and families in preparing for the new school year by offering school supplies, educational resources, and support services. Students from Pre-K to 12th grade are encouraged to bring their backpacks to receive supplies while they last. Community partners will also provide information about ongoing programs. For more details, call (956) 681-3114 or visit www.mcallenlibrary.net.
EducationSTC Celebrates GED Graduates
Monica De La Garza, 35, proudly donned a cap and gown for the first time after earning her GED diploma from South Texas College (STC). She served as the class speaker during the graduation ceremony, celebrating with nearly 40 other graduates. De La Garza, a single mother of eight, began her educational journey in 2025 to honor her late father, who inspired her to pursue her dreams. She plans to return to STC this fall for an associate degree in Education, alongside her daughter, Amber. STC President Ricardo J. Solis emphasized that this graduation marks the beginning of new opportunities for the graduates.
EducationMcAllen ISD Educator Earns Regional Secondary Teacher of the Year Honors
Alissa Shirah, a math teacher at Morris Middle School in McAllen ISD, has been named the Regional Secondary Teacher of the Year, marking the third consecutive year a McAllen ISD educator has received this honor. The announcement was made on July 30 during the Annual Teacher of the Year ceremony at the Region One ESC Conference Center in Edinburg. With 23 years of teaching experience, Shirah has spent the last nine years at Morris, where she has also coached the chess team and contributed to the sixth-grade math curriculum. She received a $1,750 award from local banks for her achievement.
EducationRio-South Texas Education & Community Development Foundation (RSTEF) Partners with South Texas College Foundation
The Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development Foundation (RSTEF) has invested $25,000 in the South Texas College Foundation to enhance the Physical Therapy Assistant program. This funding will replace outdated equipment, allowing students to train with modern tools used by healthcare professionals. The initiative, part of a partnership established in 2026, aims to improve workforce readiness for approximately 40 students annually. RSTEF, a nonprofit serving seven counties, has awarded $11.6 million since 2019 to support educational programs, significantly boosting local employment opportunities and economic conditions.
EducationPediatric nursing director shares tips for a healthy back-to-school start
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — For several districts across the Valley, the first day of school is just days away. Many districts and organizations have been hosting back-to-school fairs in preparation, with student health being a major focus. There are also things parents can do at home to ensure a healthy start to the new school
EducationPSJA ISD to host 15th Annual Back to School Expo, Aug. 6th
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) will hold its 15th Annual Back2School Expo on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM at all PSJA high schools. This free event aims to assist families in preparing for the new school year by offering registration, immunizations, and uniform purchases. Various district departments, including Transportation and Health Services, will be present to provide information. The expo will also cater to elementary and middle school students through their respective feeder schools. For more details, families can visit the PSJA ISD website.
EducationSchool backpack overload: Heavy bags can strain kid bodies
Backpacks for students are often overloaded with heavy items like laptops, textbooks, and sports equipment, which can lead to physical strain. Experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics advise that a backpack should not exceed 10-15% of a child's body weight, but individual needs vary. Parents are encouraged to audit what their children carry daily and prioritize essential items over trendy ones. Teachers suggest that students should only bring necessary supplies to avoid unnecessary weight. Additionally, proper backpack fit and safe carrying techniques are crucial to prevent injuries, especially during school transitions and activities.
EducationSTC Emergency Fund Supports Student Following Devastating House Fire
Brandon Carrasco, a 23-year-old Medical and Health Services Management student at South Texas College, faced a significant challenge after a house fire on January 27 destroyed his family's belongings, including his school supplies. Fortunately, the college's emergency fund, Paws for a Cause, provided him with $500 to help replace essential items and access to campus resources. Carrasco expressed gratitude for the support he received from his professors and the STC community, which allowed him to continue his education. As he enters his final semester, he remains focused on graduating and helping others in his community.
EducationDr. Angela Dominguez Lone Finalist for Superintendent of Edinburg CISD
The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees has named Dr. Angela Dominguez as the sole finalist for the Superintendent position. Currently serving as Superintendent of Donna ISD since October 2021, Dr. Dominguez has significantly improved academic performance and financial management in her district. Under her leadership, Donna ISD saw a rise in student achievement, eliminated failing campuses, and expanded educational opportunities. With over 30 years in public education, she is recognized for her innovative initiatives and strong community connections. The Board is expected to finalize her employment contract by August 24, 2026.
EducationRio-South Texas Education & Community Development Foundation (RSTEF) Partners with Noble Charities Foundation
Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) has awarded Noble Charities $85,955 for postsecondary education and workforce development.
EducationRio-South Texas Education & Community Development Foundation (RSTEF) Partners with South Texas Vocational Institute
The Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development Foundation (RSTEF) has partnered with the South Texas Vocational Institute, awarding $115,000 to enhance postsecondary education and workforce development. This funding will provide scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 and improve training equipment for high-demand careers such as HVAC, electrical work, dental assisting, medical billing and coding, and medical clinical assisting. The initiative aims to support 75 students and is part of RSTEF's broader mission to boost vocational training in the seven-county Rio South Texas region. Since 2019, RSTEF has invested $11.6 million in local educational programs.
EducationSTC Police Academy Empowers Hometown Officers in Starr County
Three graduates from the South Texas College Starr County Police Academy, Litzy Landa, Roberto Galvan, and Fredrick Perez, are now serving as officers in the Rio Grande City Police Department. They emphasize their commitment to their hometown, where they grew up, and view their roles as a promise to the community. The academy, established to provide local law enforcement training, has made it easier for residents to pursue careers in policing without long commutes. The graduates credit their training for preparing them to serve effectively and hope to inspire others in Starr County to follow in their footsteps.
EducationEdinburg CISD names Dr. Angela Dominguez lone finalist for superintendent
The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District Board has named Dr. Angela Dominguez as the sole finalist for the superintendent position. The decision was made during a board meeting on August 3, following a thorough search with the assistance of a law firm. Dr. Dominguez has been the superintendent of Donna ISD since October 2021, where she significantly improved student achievement and financial ratings. She is recognized as the 2024-25 Region One Superintendent of the Year and has over 30 years of experience in education. The board will consider her employment contract on or after August 24.
EducationEdinburg CISD names lone finalist for superintendent
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees has named a lone finalist for superintendent. The board voted to name Angela Dominguez as the lone finalist during a Monday meeting. According to a news release, Dominguez obtained her bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College, her master’s degree in educational leadership from Texas
EducationSTC Youth College Days Inspire the Next Generation of Students
The South Texas College (STC) Youth College Days event at the Mid-Valley Campus aimed to inspire middle and high school students by showcasing the accessibility of higher education. Over two days, students aged 11-18 participated in campus tours, interactive sessions, and hands-on classroom experiences, learning about academic programs and financial aid. Organizers, including STC faculty member Jenny Chamberlain, emphasized the importance of providing guidance to first-generation college students. Parents expressed gratitude for the insights gained, helping them understand the college process. The event aimed to instill hope and encourage students to envision their future in higher education.
EducationThree Mothers Sue Over Law Requiring the Ten Commandments in Texas Schools
HOUSTON, Texas – Three mothers from the Houston area have filed a lawsuit in an effort to halt the law that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms in Texas. The lawsuit was filed in Harris County against the State of Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Education Commissioner, and the Houston ISD (HISD), Cypress-Fairbanks (Cy-Fair) ISD, and Spring Branch ISD school districts. The plaintiffs are seeking a temporary restraining order from a judge before the start of the new school year to stop the implementation of the law. They are also requesting the removal of posters that, according to the lawsuit, have already been placed in some classrooms of Spring Branch ISD. According to the lawsuit, requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms violates religious freedom and parents' rights to decide their children's spiritual upbringing. It also argues that the law favors a specific interpretation of Christianity and could make students of other religions feel excluded. However, the measure also has support among some residents who believe the Ten Commandments promote positive values and principles for students. For now, the law remains in effect, and school districts must comply. A judge will determine whether its enforcement is temporarily suspended while the legal process unfolds.
EducationLa Joya ISD Welcomes Students Back for the 2026-2027 School Year, Aug. 10th and 11th
La Joya Independent School District (ISD) is set to welcome students back for the 2026-2027 school year on August 10 and 11. Students at ACE campuses will start classes on August 10, while all other campuses will open on August 11. The district has been preparing throughout the summer, ensuring classrooms, transportation, and resources are ready for a successful year. La Joya ISD emphasizes its commitment to educational excellence and aims to provide every student with the tools needed for success in college, careers, and life.
EducationAnnual Back-to-School Fair, Today, August 3rd at 5:00pm in Brownsville
The City of Brownsville, in collaboration with the Brownsville Public Library System, will host its annual Back-to-School Fair on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Main Branch of the library, located at 2600 Central Blvd. Families can receive free backpacks, community resources, and essential information for the upcoming school year. Attendees will get a stamp card to collect stamps from various community partner booths. Those who complete the card can exchange it for a backpack, available on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to one per student present.