001You ready? Okay. All right. Good evening everyone. >> Good evening to those in person and those that are watching us live. Uh I go I'm going to go ahead and call this meeting into order and it is 6:02 p.m. Our next item on the agenda is roll call. I'm going to ask that you identify yourself starting from my right if you're here. >> Jessica Lua present. >> Carlos Marco present. >> Anita Travis present. >> Alisa Pñena present. >> Rosal Hernandez present. >> Senz Jr. present. Great. We have everyone here and we do have quorum. Next item on the agenda is the pledge of allegiance. If you're able to do so, I ask that you stand up and face the flag. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to
002the republic for it stands one nationy andice for all. >> Thank you. You may be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, the next item on the agenda is student recognition, which is 5.1. I'm going to ask board members Anita Chavez and Dr. Carlos Marggo if you could make your way to the front of the DAS. >> Oh yeah. [snorts] Oh yeah. And before we start with that, um, we do have this the portion of our meeting which includes public comment. Do we have anyone that is signed up for public comment? >> We do not have sign anybody signed up for public comments tonight. >> Great. Seeing that we have none, we'll go ahead and continue and proceed. Our first item on the agenda is going to be recognition of Himemena Lopez by the House of Representative 89th
003Legislative uh by our 89th Texas Legislature. We're very honored tonight that we have one of our special guests from District 35 and one of your very own uh Representative Oscar Langodi. If you could make your way to the podium, REPRESENTATIVE. [applause] Thank you very much, Mr. President and board. Uh yes, I am a mighty La Hoya Coyote, class of 2000. And it's a great school, great district, and appreciate what everybody's doing behind the scenes to make sure the school continues to thrive. One of the uh honors and privileges that I have is representing House District 35, which encompasses the school district. And every so often, we have students that do really interesting things that benefit their community and show a good example of what it is to be a student, model student. And one of
004them that we want to recognize recognize today is Himea Lopez and she is a student here at the school district and we did a resolution this past legislative session. So I'm going to try to go through that if that's okay with time and u I'm going to read that. Whereas Himea Lopez a student in La Hoya High School has distinguished herself as a talented writer an exceptional student and athlete and a valued member of her community. Miss Lopez became Penita's youngest and first female author with the debut of her children's book, Pebble's World: Spreading Love and Kindness, and all proceeds go to the city of Penita's Historical Commission. She is currently working on her next manuscript. She is the daughter of Bianca and Rodrigo Lopez. Miss Lopez is currently a junior at La Hoya High
005School where she has excelled in both academics and athletics. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the varsity swim team, and the Gillette's drill drill team. Among her many accolades, she has been named Rookie of the Year and Gillette of the Year. Moreover, she's a regional qualifier in the girls 100yard backdrop event as a freshman and hopes to one day attend the University of Texas where she will study law. Whereas outside of school, she has held various roles in the city of Penitas by being on the White Wing Royal Court. She's been the princess of Inca Doug and a pageant ambassador and is currently holding the title of the 2024 2025 whitewing queen. As part of a reign, she founded the White Wings of Love and has been involved in numerous service projects
006such as visiting adult daycarees, transitional homes, donating food to local animal shelters. Uh Himea Lopez has demonstrated remarkable initiatives of compassion and dedication all her endeavors, and she is a source of great pride for her family and community. Now therefore be resolved that the House of Represents the 89th legislative session honor Himea Lopez for her accomplishments and extend our sincere best wishes to her in the future. Now I want to note that this was passed last legislative session when she was a junior. She currently is a senior. So we're very proud of her. She is an example of what La Hoya ISD has to offer and she is a model student. So we're here to recognize her today and very appreciative that she is a benchmark for students to look upon. So congratulations Himea. [applause]
007Congratulations. No. What did we do for that? >> State representative and I have are going to throw an audible for those that know football terminology. So, we've asked Miss Lopez if she'd like to say a few words because we're so proud of you. So, we're going to hear from you as a student, but in the future, we know that you're probably going to be sitting here or in the seat where Representative Longoria is. >> Um, hello everybody. For those of you that don't know me, I'm Himea Lopez. Um, I am very honored to receive this honor from the House of Representatives and I would love to set an example for um the future of the La Hoya district and our community. THANK YOU. >> [applause] [applause] >> REPRESENTATIVE LORIA, before you leave, Representative Loria, you
008and your staff, before you leave, um we're very grateful for your continued support. And so, uh just so that you know, we are um there's been multiple times when we've referenced how supportive your office has been along with the your other members of the legislature. So what you've done for not only uh La Hoya ISD but for the city of La Hoya. We're very grateful to you and also for what you do for this great state of Texas. So thank you for that. With that said, I would also like to uh turn it over to Dr. Sorenson. Dr. Senson, I know you have may have a few words to say. >> Thank you very much. Um Representative Langora, thank you very much for coming to our board meeting, but more than your presence here, for
009taking time out to recognize our students. um they are the heart of everything that we do. And so the fact that you would take time to recognize the greatness that exists within our district and your continued support of our work just means the world to me personally as the superintendent. So thank you for your work, your support, your ear, your mentorship, your guidance, and the love for all of our students here in La Hoya ISD. Thank you. >> Thank you both. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. [applause] ALL RIGHT. Next agenda item is still with the uh number five. It will be 5.2 recognition of the La Hoya High School Huades Lincoln High School and Palm View High School marching bands. This will be done by Mr. Adame, fine arts director. Mr. Adam, it's all yours. >>
010Good evening, Dr. Sorenson, President Alvarez, esteemed members of the board of trustees, administrators, faculty, students, parents, and distinguished members of our community. It is truly an honor to stand here before you this evening as we celebrate a remarkable accomplishment by three of our outstanding high school marching bands, La Hoya High School, Whites Lincoln High School, and Palm View High School. These incredible students and their devoted directors achieved an extraordinary milestone by earning a division one rating at the 82nd annual Pigskin Jubilee marching contest held on October 18th at our very own La Hoya ISD PAC Stadium. Earning the Division One rating is not simply an award. It is a testament to dedication, resilience, and excellence. It reflects countless hours of rehearsals, early mornings, late nights, and a shared commitment to delivering nothing less than their
011best. These young musicians have displayed not only musical mastery, but also discipline, precision, and artistry that inspired all who watched them perform all season. To our directors and staff, your leadership and vision have shaped these programs into elite examples of excellence. Your passion for music education and your unwavering belief in your students have elevated them to this moment. The behindthe-scenes work you do day in and day out truly makes the difference. And tonight we celebrate your exceptional dedication. To our band students, you are the heart and soul of this achievement. Your perseverance, teamwork, and love for the marching arts have brought great pride to your schools and to our district. You have shown what is possible when passion meets hard work and your performances are a testament to your remarkable talent and determination. To our
012parents and families, thank you for your steadfast support. From long rehearsals to weekend contests, your encouragement and belief in your children have been essential to their success. We deeply appreciate all that you do. And finally, to our community and the La Hoya ISD administration, thank you for championing the fine arts and ensuring that programs like these continue to flourish. Your support provides our students with opportunities to grow, lead, and shine on and off the field. Tonight, we honor La Hoya High School, Whites Lincoln High School, and Palm View High School for their excellence, perseverance, and pride. They have truly embodied the spirit of La Hoyd and set a brilliant example for future generations of musicians. As Maya Angelo once said, "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." These students
013have proven that creativity combined with discipline and passion can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Congratulations to our students, directors, and our entire marching band communities. May you continue to march forward in purpose, pride, and greatness. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a welldeserved round of applause for all three of these exceptional programs. [applause] Students representing La Hoya High School, Ariana Flores, Diego Cuadros, Antonio Silva, Giovanni Vera, Miranda Sto, Mariana Era, Ariana Ortiz, Allison Sanchez, Vanessa Cha Chavez, and Idar Barbosa. Head director is Jesus A Perez, assisted by Roxan Lopez, Andrea Garcia, Andrin Nidad Lopez Jr. and principal principal is Eduardo Flores. Ready, two, one. [screaming] [applause] CONGRATULATIONS. >> CONGRATULATIONS. >> Good job. >> Great job. Students representing Huarees Lincoln High School are Emily Urbina, Mia Ernnandez, Maria Morales, Randy Ernnandez, Valeria Gonzalez, Eric Ortiz, Eric
014Favlla, Danielle Rosales, John Rodriguez, Mago Signs, >> Derek Castro, >> Juliana Iana Lopez, Stephanie Garcia, and Judith Eskel. Head director is Dinaya Manda assisted by Josh Rodriguez, Jesus Olivarez, Rulo Hernandez, and Samantha Faras. Principal is Lori Canu. [applause] Congratulations Good job. [applause] Congratulations. [crying] [applause] >> Great job. >> Congratulations. [laughter] >> How can you not love that? Right. >> Yes. Students [laughter] representing Palm View High School are Gel Perez, Alexis Salasar, Lorie Sanchez, Julio Amaripa, Andre SCS, Roel Ariano, Raul Ariano, and Christopher Perez. [applause] Director is Jacob Panda, assisted by Adrien Kuya, Abraham Salana, and Annie Hernandez. and principal is Lean Alani Sera. I will. Okay. Again, congratulations to our three bands. You made us so proud. Next item on the agenda is 5.2, recognition of La Hoya High School. Oh, correction. Correction. Next item.
015Uh 5.3 recognition of La Hoya High School robotics team advances to UIL best robotics state meet. This will be done by Mr. Samoa. Mr. Samoda, >> good evening. Thank you for writing us the opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements of our UIL academic students and for your continued support of UIL academics across La HoyaD. I'd also like to extend a special thanks uh a special thank you to the parents, students, and staff that are currently here with us today or following along via social media. Tonight, we take great pride in recognizing the La Hoya High School robotics team, which has earned the advancement to the UIL Bass Robotics State meet for the second consecutive year. This accomplishment is a testament to the students dedication, innovation, and teamwork, as well as their guidance and commitment from
016their coach. The team will represent LASD in Dallas, Texas from December 10th through December 14th where they will compete against the top robotics programs from across the state of Texas. We wish them continued success as they showcase their talents on the state stage. Team members with us today are Mas GARA [applause] and Gomez. Anthony Alvarez, Cesar Rodriguez, Leonardo Gonzalez, congratulations, Ismael Lucero, their coach, Julio Garcia, and princip principal Mr. Flores. Thank you. Good luck and safe travels. Thank you. [screaming] [applause] >> She's the only girl. Let's go. >> BYE-BYE. >> Thank you, Mr. Samura. Next item on the agenda is 5.4, for recognition of La Hoya High School football team by district playoffs. This will be done by our director of athletics, Mr. Joe Pñena. Mr. Pñena, >> good afternoon, Dr. Soeno, Mr. President, members
017of the board. On behalf of La Hoya ISD, it is my honor and great pride to recognize our outstanding student athletes for the fall 2025 semester. Tonight we celebrate young men and women from every corner of our beloved district. Students who have pressed count of I'm sorry poured countless hours into trainings, practices, and preparation often seven days a week. All in pursuit of their dreams. These athletes have earned the right to stand here as champions not only in competition but in character, leadership, and resilience. They embody the true spirit of the coyotees, the Huskys, and the Lobos. They represent their campuses, their families, and this community with grit, integrity, and unwavering pride. And they show us what it is to mean, what it means to rise to district priority three, thriving students. students who feel
018confident, valued, and proud of the schools they represent. Our coaches, thank you students for your guiding I'm sorry, coaches, thank you for your guidance, mentorship, and belief in these young people. To our teachers and staff, thank you for supporting them in the classroom and helping them succeed academically. To our beloved parents, thank you for the early morning practices, the long drives back home after practice, the heart and determination and the hope that you pour into your beloved children every single day. Dr. Sorenson, members of the board, and the entire La Hoya ISD community, thank you for your leadership and for always standing firm behind our student athletes. Your unwavering support will always uh always allows us to build programs that shine, inspire, and bring pride to the mighty La Hoya community. Tonight we honor champions
019on the field, on the courts, on the track, and in the classroom. Congratulations to all of our student athletes. You make La Hora ISD truly shine. [cheering] It is my honor and pride to represent our first group of students today. It is the recognition of the La Hoya High School mighty Coyote football team qualified for by district. I will be uh calling them up. Uh first of all, coach Vas just thank you coach for great years. As you know, coach soon filled with red big red pride. So thank you coach for a great year and thank you so much for your hard work from our football team Maicioa running back the machine our quarterback Steven Ramirez Manny Nunes and Hernandez Lu Arana is Lucero Armando Oaha Jon Jed Oruna ANGELA [screaming] George Vela Alex Bane
020Adrien Margaril Dominic Serna Ismael Nikico Ba Jayenzo Salvado Adrian Andrade Kame Sanuk Fernando Martinez, David Ramos, Derek Dea, Rudy Sila for Salvadores Chris Perez AND they're all here. Thank you, coach. our coaching staff, head coach and athletic coordinator. Offensive coordinator Val, coaching staff, Steven Hernandez, Marquez, Goro, Juano, Julio Garcia, trainers, Valerie Chapa, and Julana Kalahal. Ladies and gentlemen, the Mari Laoto football team. And last but not least, our trainer, Miss Doc Thompson. [screaming] >> Congratulations, guys. Don't just get get in front. Don't just see. >> Come on, Doc. Doc, get in there. I'm sure they can see me. [laughter] >> I'm over here. >> It's okay. What's up, J? Congratulations, [screaming] guys. Good job you all. Good job. >> Good job, coach. Thank you. Good luck. Keep up the great work. Coach Pñena, I know
021that you're going to continue with this next item on the agenda. Ladies and gentlemen, next item on the agenda is our recognition of Palm View High School boys cross country, regional, and state qualifiers. Again, doing the honors is our executive director of athletics, Mr. Pñena. >> Thank you. Uh this year we had a couple of students from Palm View High School represent our district, not only uh here, but at the regional and state level. So at this time I recognize Pal Mountain Palm View High School boys cross country. Let me name the following students athletes. First of all qualifying 25th at state Ael Darila. >> Regional qualifier Romero Martinez. the coach Antonio and her principal Miss Leona. >> Congratulations. CONGRATULATIONS. [applause] [cheering] CONGRATULATIONS. [applause] Before we move on to the next agenda item, I'm going
022to ask um for Dr. Rosalva Hernandez and Alyssa Pña. Our secretary, if you could just make your way to the front of the dasis. Doing the honors of our next presentation will be recognition of Palm View High School girls cross country team, district champions, regional qualifiers, and one state qualifier. Again, this will be led by our executive director of athletics, Mr. Joe Pñena. Mr. Pñena, >> thank you, Mr. President, uh, just to start off with, we got news as of today. Standing in front of you are not only the district champions that represent our district. Um, these girls are tough, run night and day, mornings. Today, we found out that they've been selected for the Rio Grand Valley Coaches Association Cross Country Team of the Year. Mr. President, I would like to represent and recognize
023high school girls cross country team and district I'm sorry, district champions, regional qualifiers, and one state qualifier. If I may introduce the following students, our state qualifier, regional qualifier, and 18th in state, Miss Dolores Ramirez. regional fire Aaris Chico. >> So, some more really good news. Currently ranked first in her class, a 10th grader, Karina Bro, regional qualifier. Regional qualifier Opert PALANDBEROS again currently ranked first in her senior class. Leila Roya regional qualifier. [cheering] Regional qualifier. Yaris Ivara. and the head coach, Miss Claudia Bassan. Congratulations, COACH. >> CONGRATULATIONS. [applause] Congratulations [snorts] guys. [applause] >> Great job. Next item on the agenda is our recognition of Palm View High School volleyball team by district playoffs. This will be again done by and led by our executive director of athletics, Mr. Joe Pñena. Mr. Pña. >> Thank
024you, Mr. President. In recognition of Palmview High School's volleyball team, by district team, uh, I would like to recognize our girls from Palm View High School. The young ladies are as followed. Miss Jessica Areo Kyino, >> and their coach Marvel Ilas Stan. >> Great work. Congratulations, [applause] Mr. Pñena. Our next item on the agenda is recognition of Dr. Science Middle School 7th grade volleyball team division 3 district champions. It's all yours. >> Thank you, Mr. President. This one is sweet, bittersweet for me. Congratulations to all of the uh students from Dr. Science Middle School. Mr. President, in recognition of Dr. Science Middle School volleyball team and their coaches for outstanding performance, the division three lady champions. And I just want to mention remember these students play against Macallen, they play against PSJA and they represented
025La Hoya all the way with pride. So congratulations ladies on our volleyball team from Dr. Science. YES, [screaming] Jacqueline Alvarez, >> Annabelle Amander, Diana Carhal, Isabella. >> Congratulations. Sophia Garza, Valentina Lucio, Heidi Montanz, Madison, Aliyah Reese, Kella release, Alexia Vayorta, their coach, Armando Gera, and their principal, Miss Ivan Rodriguez. Yes, sir. Rodriguez, I'm sorry. >> [laughter] >> getting better. I'm sorry. Congratulations. [cheering] >> Congratulations, ladies. Next item on the agenda is item 5.9, recognition of Dr. Science Middle School 8th grade football team, division 3's district champions. Mr. Pñena. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Once again, super proud of our boys football team. Uh, in recognition of the eighth grade division 3 champions from Dr. Science Middle School, I I I'm going to call out the students from again our district champs from Dr. Science. The
026Mices has a bright future. Uh, as as you let me go ahead and name them. Students, if I call your name, please come forward. Dero Armanderes, Ivan, Flores, Da Garcia, Luis Vera, Angela, Daniel Lera, Ed Herrera, [screaming] Angel Vuarez, Luis Huarez, Axel Lopez, Palpares, Josea, Miguel Rosas, Ernesto Sanchez, Jonathan Smith, Santiago Torres, their head coach Garcia, Arnul Fues, Oier Ramos and Ruben Flores, coaches, and their principal Gonzalez. >> Great job. Oh my god. [applause] >> WAY TO GO. >> [applause] [cheering] >> GET CRITICIZED. >> Great job, GENTLEMEN. [cheering] MR. PñENA, before I turn over the uh the mic over to Dr. Sorenson. Uh, is there anything you'd like to say? This was your first year and I I I got to say that it was a tremendous job. Somebody stated earlier that the athletics and
027teamwork uh wasn't just on the athletic field or on a volleyball court or a basketball court, but it was in a classroom. So, I'd like to give you an opportunity to say a few words if you could. >> Uh, thank you, Doc. Mr. President. I just would like to say that like I mentioned earlier from the four corners of our district we're seeing kids shine and it is an amazing feeling to see them to see their pride in their parents' eyes is it means more than anything else. So the future looks very bright and could can't wait till the spring so that we can have more championships. Thank you. Thank you Mr. B. [applause] >> I couldn't agree more. Couldn't agree more. So, um, before we get to the next item on the agenda, Dr.
028Sornson, is there anything you'd like to say or members of the board? >> Dr. Sen, >> um, I will just say as always, this is probably my favorite board meeting of the year, this and the one in the spring where we really get to recognize our students and all that they represent in terms of excellence um, from every aspect of our district. We saw academic excellence tonight. We saw excellence in the arts and we saw excellence on the field and it all translates to excellence in the classroom. And so I just want to say how proud I am of our students, our coaches, our teachers that support every single one of our students and obviously the partnership with our parents and families. Without them, it doesn't happen. And so tonight and again in the spring
029represents the greatness that exists here in La Hoya ISD. I couldn't be prouder. Thank you. >> Well said. DR. [applause] >> Members of the board, would you like to add anything? >> Suo, Mr. Gomez, I mean, we had a proud daughter. >> I just want to say congratulations to everyone that got uh recognized today. Um, it was, as we can see, there's a world of different things that are happening in LASD and there's from robotics to athletics to band. So, I'm just very proud of everyone and every everyone's hard work and dedication that they put into doing what they do. And I thank you to all the staff and the coaches and band directors and everyone that was involved. So, that's all I want to say. Thank you. >> Thank you, board member Gomez. Anyone
030else like to say anything? [applause] >> Yes, Miss Jones. >> I would just like to say that I know when we have these board meetings, um, we do talk a lot about academic excellence. Um, but it's really great to see how well we do in other aspects of, you know, of the school district. You know, the football, the track, and all that. It's really great to see how wellrounded this district is becoming and what has been um in these terms. And so, it's really great to see the kids, you know, doing well academically, but also doing great in all these other programs which make school fun, right? You know, that's what, you know, students come here for for for all the fun stuff, not just, you know, the tests and stuff. So, thank you all
031for everything. Appreciate it. >> Well said, Miss Chavez. Well said, Mr. B. So, I'm just going to leave you with this. I think I said this in the past. You know, whenever we travel to different parts of the valley, as you referenced earlier, PSJA and Macallen, one of the things that we continue to hear is how polite our men are, our young men and women are, not only on the field, but when they're eating or when they're, you know, getting off the bus or when they're leaving. whether we win or lose, the sportsmanship that you've implemented and teamwork and camaraderie has been um far more than than than imaginable. You've done a great job. And so I wanted you to know that because like I said, there's been people who have told me, "Man, your
032kids are so polite. Like they're so well-mannered. They're so polite. You know, they help one another off the field. They encourage one another." And I think I've referenced that in the past and I've informed Dr. Saen multiple times about that. So, thank you for what you do and please convey that message to the rest of your coaches, their staff, and of course the parents who are behind us and who have been supporting us since day one. So, thank you for that. All right. Thank you. And again, uh a round of applause for everyone that received. [applause] Next item on the agenda is our calendar. And so December 2nd through the 12th, we have STAR test administration. December 4th, uh, we have La Hoya ISD tree lighting, which is tomorrow. We encourage everyone to show up
033here at Junior Central Administration at 6:30. If you're able to do so, please come early. Uh, last item on the agenda under the calendar will be our last board meeting for the year, calendar year 2025, and that will be on December 10th. Uh, before we adjourn, does anyone from the board or superintendent have anything they'd like to say? And I just cannot encourage the community enough to come out tomorrow night. Everything is free. Everything is about community. We have some surprises. We might even have some snow. We might um and we're so excited to just celebrate with community. I say it all the time. We are at our very best when we're together celebrating. And so our tree lighting ceremony is an incredible time for us to come together, be a family, and really show
034who we are, the heart of La Hoya ISD. So please, please, please come out, celebrate with us. It is bound to be a great time for all of us together here in La Hoya ISD. >> Well, anyone else like the same thing? I know SP, you got his attention when you mentioned, don't be surprised if you see snow. He was like, oh no, [laughter] not what she got me doing tomorrow. No, I'm just kidding, SP. So, again, thank you to all of you. We look forward to seeing you in the last meeting of the year. With that said, um do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> I move to adjourn this meeting at 6:48 p.m. >> Do I have a second? >> I second the motion. >> All in favor signify by saying I.
035>> I. All oppose. Motion carries. Meeting is adjourned. 6:48 p.m.