Ashley Rodriguez

Celebrating the Heart of Education: HCISD World Teacher Day

Ashley RodriguezOctober 6, 2025October 6, 2025

Each year in October, the world comes together to honor the educators who dedicate their time, passion, and expertise to shaping the minds and hearts of future generations. At the...

News

Cynthia Castillo Named Vice President of the Texas Statewide Network of Assessment Professionals

Ashley RodriguezOctober 3, 2025October 3, 2025

Cynthia Castillo, HCISD Coordinator for Assessment and Accountability, has been named Vice President of the Texas Statewide Network of Assessment Professionals (TSNAP), a statewide organization dedicated to supporting assessment professionals...

News

Mighty Hawk Band named Band of America 3A Regional Champions

Ashley RodriguezSeptember 22, 2025

The Harlingen High School South Mighty Hawk Band earned the title of Class 3A Regional Champions at the Bands of America Regional Championships held in McAllen on September 20. The...

News

HCISD Bird Bowl Reception Celebrates a Legacy of Leadership

Ashley RodriguezSeptember 17, 2025September 17, 2025

Bird Bowl has been an HCISD tradition for 33 years, uniting the community each fall. This year, the spirit of the event went beyond the football field. Former and current...

News

Harlingen CISD Welcomes Shane Strubhart as Assistant Superintendent of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

Ashley RodriguezSeptember 16, 2025September 24, 2025

Harlingen CISD is proud to announce that Robert Shane Strubhart has been named the district’s new Assistant Superintendent of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships. In this role, Strubhart will lead...

News

HCISD Celebrates National Recognition in Financial Reporting, and Plans for Stronger Fiscal Future

Ashley RodriguezSeptember 11, 2025September 24, 2025

Harlingen CISD has once again been recognized for its commitment to financial transparency and excellence. The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada has awarded HCISD...

News

HCISD Guardians Strengthen Layers of Security

Ashley RodriguezAugust 28, 2025September 24, 2025

At Harlingen CISD, student safety is a top priority. To support this commitment, the district follows a multi-tiered, collaborative approach to safety and security, with each layer designed to protect...

Grant Highlights News

HCISD Principal Residency Program Continues to Build Leaders from Within

Ashley RodriguezAugust 26, 2025September 24, 2025

[caption id="attachment_29723" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Dr. Veronica Kortan and Dr. Nolan Perez welcome HCISD’s new assistant principal residents during the 2025 Administrator Retreat: Antonio Coronado, Alejandra Muñiz, and Leticia Almaguer[/caption] The...

News

TEA Announces 2025 Accountability Ratings

Ashley RodriguezAugust 15, 2025September 24, 2025

Harlingen CISD is celebrating two consecutive years of academic growth following the release of the Texas Education Agency’s 2025 accountability ratings. The district received TEA's Postsecondary Readiness distinction, one of...

Español Grant Highlights News

Camp Code 2025: I Can Code, What’s Your Superpower? HCISD Hosts Summer Coding Camp for Middle School Students

Ashley RodriguezAugust 4, 2025August 15, 2025

This summer, 75 middle school students in grades 6-8 experienced the excitement of technology and innovation through Camp Code, a dynamic, hands-on summer camp held at Harlingen Collegiate High from...

News

HCISD Wins Big in 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards

Ashley RodriguezJuly 24, 2025

Harlingen CISD is proud to announce its recognition in the 2025 Valley Morning Star Readers’ Choice Awards, earning top honors in 10 categories. These awards reflect the hard work and...

News

HCISD Wins 2025 TAEA District of Distinction Award

Ashley RodriguezJuly 24, 2025

The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) announced the 109 winners of the 2025 District of Distinction Award. Among the list of honorees is Harlingen CISD. The recognition honors school districts...

News

Middle School and High School Speech and Debate students succeed at National Finals

Ashley RodriguezJuly 17, 2025

In June, HCISD middle school and high school students competed at the National Speech and Debate Association National Finals in Des Moines, Iowa. Gutierrez Middle School of Arts and Sciences,...

News

Principals named for Early Childhood Academy and Vela Middle School

Ashley RodriguezJuly 9, 2025July 10, 2025

The Harlingen CISD Board of Trustees approved two new principals at the July 8 board meeting. Yvonne Cavazos Gonzalez was selected as principal for Early Childhood Academy, and Venessa Acosta...

News

Ida Ambriz Named Assistant Superintendent for Business Services

Ashley RodriguezJuly 8, 2025

Harlingen CISD is proud to announce that Ida Ambriz has been named Assistant Superintendent for Business Services. Her career in school finance began in 2006 with HCISD’s Accounting Department, where...

News

Standing Ovation for HCISD One Act Play: South Wins State, HHS Reaches Top 8

Ashley RodriguezJune 18, 2025

Harlingen CISD celebrates its high school One Act Play programs, as both Harlingen High School South and Harlingen High School advanced to the UIL One Act Play State Meet, placing...

News

Harlingen High School and Harlingen South recognized in UIL Lone Star Cup Standings

Ashley RodriguezJune 18, 2025June 19, 2025

Harlingen High School and Harlingen High School South have earned statewide recognition for excellence, both finishing in the top 40 among hundreds of 5A and 6A schools in Texas in...

Grant Highlights

Extending HOPE: Summer Counseling Services Now Available for HCISD Students

Ashley RodriguezJune 16, 2025

This past school year marked a milestone for Harlingen CISD as the district successfully expanded its HOPE Squad program to all elementary and secondary campuses. Launched in 2022 through a...

News

Dalia Moore named principal for Harlingen High School South

Ashley RodriguezJune 10, 2025June 10, 2025

Harlingen CISD is proud to announce that Dalia Moore has been named principal for Harlingen High School South. A proud native of Harlingen, Moore was born and raised in this...

Grant Highlights News

HCISD Celebrates 11 Schools Named Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools

Ashley RodriguezMay 22, 2025May 22, 2025

Harlingen CISD is proud to announce that 11 elementary campuses have been named Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools for the 2024–2025 school year! This exciting recognition highlights schools that...

News

HCISD Celebrates 7 years of National Recognition for Music Education

Ashley RodriguezMay 21, 2025May 30, 2025

Harlingen CISD has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education. Now in its 26th...

News

Perfect Attendance Pays Off: Last Year’s Car Winner Reflects on Her Big Win

Ashley RodriguezMay 2, 2025May 2, 2025

When Emmalee Fuentes heard her ticket number called as the winner of a 2024 Chevy Trax LX at last year’s Gillman Drive for Perfect Attendance event, she was in disbelief....

News

Accountability Ratings from 2023 Now Public: HCISD Earns 74 Distinctions

Ashley RodriguezApril 24, 2025April 24, 2025

Following a two-year court injunction, TEA has released the 2023 A-F ratings, giving the community the opportunity to see the progress and achievements of local schools. In 2023, Texas launched...

Grant Highlights News

Harlingen CISD Aquatic Center Receives STEP INTO SWIM Grant

Ashley RodriguezApril 15, 2025April 15, 2025

Harlingen CISD is thrilled to announce that the Aquatic Center has received the STEP INTO SWIM Grant, which will allow us to offer free swimming lessons to 50 students this...

Grant Highlights News

Four Harlingen CISD First-Year Teachers Named Scholarship Winners

Ashley RodriguezApril 9, 2025April 9, 2025

Harlingen CISD is excited to announce that four amazing first-year teachers have been awarded the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation (TRTF) 2025-2026 First-Year Teacher Scholarship. This state-wide competition recognizes new teachers...

News

Four HCISD Students Receive Harlingen Concert Association Scholarships

Ashley RodriguezMarch 27, 2025March 27, 2025

Four Harlingen CISD students have been awarded scholarships by the Harlingen Concert Association in recognition of their dedication to the performing arts. The recipients were honored during a Shake, Rattle,...

News

Showing Up to School Earns HCISD Student a New Car

Ashley RodriguezMarch 25, 2025March 27, 2025

For Harlingen High School South senior Josh Ruiz, attending school every day wasn’t just about keeping up with his studies—it also earned him a new car. Through a partnership between...

Grant Highlights News

For the Second Year in a Row, HCISD Counselors Named H-E-B Excellence in Education Finalists

Ashley RodriguezFebruary 28, 2025February 28, 2025

For the second year in a row, Harlingen CISD counselors have been named finalists in the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, representing both the elementary and secondary counselor categories in...

News

Drive for Perfect Attendance: HCISD and Gillman Chevrolet Celebrate 12 Years of Partnership

Ashley RodriguezFebruary 28, 2025

What if attending school every day could lead to winning a brand-new car? For sophomores, juniors, and seniors at Harlingen CISD, this is possible through the Gillman Chevrolet Drive for...

Grant Highlights News

Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences Awarded Prestigious Theater Grant

Ashley RodriguezJanuary 31, 2025January 31, 2025

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFJuYuTG6rg[/embed] Watch as Mr. Matthew Rodriguez, Theatre Teacher, shares the exciting news with his students. Harlingen CISD is proud to announce that Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences...

News

HCISD celebrates Board Appreciation Month

Ashley RodriguezJanuary 6, 2025January 6, 2025

Every January, school districts across Texas come together to celebrate School Board Appreciation Month, and at HCISD, we are proud to honor the dedicated individuals who make up our Board...

News

Coakley athletes spread Holiday Cheer at Bowie Elementary

Ashley RodriguezDecember 20, 2024

For the past three years, Coakley Middle School athletes have made it a tradition to spread holiday cheer by visiting their feeder campuses and gifting toys to future students. Each...

News

Harlingen PD brings joy to students with 10th Annual Shop with a Cop

Ashley RodriguezDecember 20, 2024

The Harlingen Police Department brought smiles and Christmas cheer to 86 Harlingen CISD students during their 10th Annual Shop with a Cop event. “Every year, this event warms our hearts,...

News

Kevin Garcia named interim principal for UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High School

Ashley RodriguezDecember 20, 2024

Harlingen CISD is proud to announce that Kevin Garcia has been named interim principal for UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High School. Garcia has served Harlingen CISD for the past year and...

News

HCISD schools earn CREST award for excellence in counseling programs

Ashley RodriguezDecember 10, 2024December 16, 2024

We are excited to announce that three Harlingen CISD campuses—Wilson Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, and Dr. Abraham P. Cano Freshman Academy—have been honored with the prestigious Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students...

News

HCISD partners with Calvary Baptist Church to provide beds for students in need

Ashley RodriguezDecember 10, 2024December 10, 2024

Harlingen CISD has partnered up with Calvary Baptist Church to support students in need by providing handmade beds for children. The initiative, led by Calvary Baptist Church, aims to build...

News

Harlingen CISD introduces Centegix Silent Alert System to enhance safety

Ashley RodriguezDecember 4, 2024December 5, 2024

Harlingen CISD has implemented Centegix, an advanced safety tool to ensure the safety and security of students and staff across the district. The system—a wearable card—features panic button technology. With...

News

Vernon life skills students host annual Thanksgiving celebration

Ashley RodriguezNovember 22, 2024November 22, 2024

Mrs. Perez’s life skills class at Vernon Middle School World Languages Academy celebrated their annual Thanksgiving feast just before the holiday break. “I have been doing this since I started...

Grant Highlights News

Harlingen CISD receives $1 Million grant to enhance school safety and mental health support

Ashley RodriguezNovember 21, 2024November 22, 2024

Harlingen CISD has been awarded $1 million in federal funding through the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s STOP School Violence Program to support its "Safe Schools, Bright Futures" initiative. This highly...

News

HCISD earns eight U.S. News Best School recognitions

Ashley RodriguezNovember 19, 2024November 20, 2024

Harlingen CISD is proud to announce that six elementary schools and two middle schools have been named among the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Elementary and Middle Schools in...

News

Harlingen High School Band celebrates 100 Years with alumni-filled halftime performance

Ashley RodriguezNovember 15, 2024November 15, 2024

The Harlingen High School Big Red Cardinal Band marked its 100th anniversary at the 2024 Battle of the Arroyo game, with alumni from across the decades joining current band members...

Grant Highlights News

Harlingen Collegiate High Counselor Receives Grant to Support Social Emotional Learning

Ashley RodriguezOctober 4, 2024October 4, 2024

WRITTEN BY: Alma Rock Harlingen, TX — Harlingen CISD is proud to announce that Dr. Valerie Paredes, Head Counselor at Harlingen Collegiate High, has been awarded a $1,500 grant from...

Grant Highlights News

HCISD Multi-Language Department awarded grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation

Ashley RodriguezAugust 28, 2024September 3, 2024

Written by: Alma Rock Last May, the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD) Multi-Language Department was awarded a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation Summer Reading grant program. HCISD...

Grant Highlights News

Empowering future principals: HCISD receives principal residency grant

Ashley RodriguezAugust 20, 2024August 20, 2024

Written by: Alma Rock The Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD) has been awarded the highly competitive 2024-2025 Principal Residency Grant, Cycle 7, funded by the Texas Education Agency (TEA)....

District

Reader’s Choice Awards 2024

Ashley RodriguezAugust 15, 2024August 15, 2024

Congratulations to the following Harlingen CISD champions for being recognized as Valley Morning Star Reader's Choice Award Winners. Best School District- Harlingen CISD Best Elementary- Lamar Elementary Dual Language Academy...

Grant Highlights

HCISD celebrates Year 2 achievements of Capturing Kids’ Hearts Program and prepares for Year 3

Ashley RodriguezAugust 9, 2024

Written by: Alma Rock Launched in the 2022/2023 academic year thanks to an extraordinarily generous, three-year $880,000 grant funded by the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, the Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH)...

Academics District

Harlingen CISD expands student learning opportunities with study abroad program

Ashley RodriguezAugust 5, 2024August 6, 2024

Harlingen CISD embarked on a new journey with an inaugural study abroad program. This summer, the school district initiated a pilot program, sending 11 high school students to Salamanca, Spain...

News

Harlingen CISD welcomes administrators back for the 2024-2025 school year

Ashley RodriguezJuly 17, 2024July 17, 2024

The Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District held an Administrator Kickoff to prepare for the upcoming school year. The day-long event is an annual tradition which brings together administrators from every...

News

Five Harlingen CISD campuses make the Honor Roll

Ashley RodriguezJune 20, 2024June 20, 2024

The Educational Results Partnership (ERP) has released its annual Honor Roll as part of the National Campaign for Business and Education Excellence. Five of our campuses, including UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate...

News

CTE Summer Programs

Ashley RodriguezJune 20, 2024

2024 CTE Summer Bridge Program We have an opportunity for incoming 9th and 10th graders. Are you interested in HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and Pipefitting. Sign up for the upcoming Summer...