During the February East Central Independent School District Board Meeting, five individuals were recognized for their efforts to help create exceptional learning environments for their campuses:

Josie Torres was nominated by Mr. Howard Weaver. Ms. Torres is a custodian at East Central High School and according to Mr. Howard, she is the hardest working custodian he has ever met in his 26 years in education. She comes to work every morning with a smile and greets eveyone she sees. She does her job with tremendous pride and a servant's heart. She motivates others to do their best each day. Because of her efforts, she was awarded a Gold Star award for exceptional customer service.

Carmen Nuñez, custodian at Legacy Middle School, was awarded a Gold Star for personal accountability. She can be seen assisting in many areas, but most recently, Ms. Nuñez was known to assist administration when a student left campus without permission. She kept her eye on the student until administration was able to arrive and assist.  Because of her efforts, the situation was managed in a positive manner and the student remained safe and was returned to campus without incident.

Erica Hernandez, prekindergarten teacher at East Central Development Center, was recognized for going out of her way to seek donations for the campus to build outdoor learning spaces for their prekindergarten children of all abilities.  She individually contacted Lowes and other vendors to collect building materials and donations. She even had tires that were set to be salvaged donated for the project. It was because of her selfless efforts for the benefit of all students that she earned a Gold Star for fiscal responsibility.

Paige Pieniazek, despite obstacles and opposition, maintains a high standard of academic and behavioral expectations from her classes. Peers are amazed at her ability to maintain a classroom with sound procedures and an exceptional classroom culture of self management, safety and peer support to create success. It is because of her unwavering expectation that she has earned a Gold Star for perseverance.

Gail Pieniazek, academic dean for East Central High School, earned a Gold Star for embodying the value of loyalty.  She has been a dedicated and committed EC Family member for over a decade and has had a significant impact on the lives of students, staff, parents, and the greater EC community. her genuine love, care, and compassion for others are an example of her servant leadership and devotion to improving the lives of those around her. Her loyalty to her family, school, district and community runs deep. It is because of her dedication to this school district that she will leave a lasting legacy in this district. She is a true difference maker in the lives of many.

October 19, 2017, multiple employees from the school district were given recognition awards through our District Recognition Program.
The goal of this program is to recognize employees for their efforts in exhibiting the values of our learning organization at the highest levels. ECISD core values are:

• Customer Service
• Fiscal Responsibility
• Personal Accountability
• Loyalty
• Persistence
• Teamwork
• Adaptability
• Collaboration

Kevin Laymance, who serves as the building mechanic at East Central Development Center, was recognized for personal accountability. Mr. Laymance took ownership of tasks and situations and wasted no time in completing building inspections and creating necessary work orders to create a safe learning environment for our youngest learners. He was recommended for this award by Mr. Damon Trainer, principal of ECDC, because he is conscientious and precise work ethic.

Whitney Weddel was hired during the current academic year to teach the students pursuing their CNA certification. In an effort to provide the best learning opportunities, she assisted the district with hiring a supplemental instructor and took on a second job to gain the most experience to pass along to ECISD students. Dr. Holmon, CTE Specialist, nominated Ms. Weddel because of her willingness to go above and beyond for her students.

The East Central High School coaching staff were recognized by board member, Claudia Barrientos. Cabmri Plasek, Jasmine Hales, Shelley Hayes, and Suzette Arriola were all recognized for their efforts in organizing a Pink Out volleyball game to honor breast cancer survivors and remember those lost to the disease.  The coaching team, along with their players, raised money by selling raffle items and collecting donations to give to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. In East Central, it's not only about educating our students to become high school graduates, but it's about educating them to care and service the community.

As a new year embarks, we at East Central are asking students, staff, and community why they choose and enjoy attending East Central. John Glenn Elementary's community takes the lead with a video that was presented to the School Board on August 17, 2017.  Look for more opportunities to share your own stories as the year progresses.

JG Why EC

Thank you for checking out our Spirit of EC Blog. Here, you will find videos, podcasts, and written articles that are examples of staff and students we feel best represent the core values at ECISD. 

East Central ISD Core Values:

• Customer Service
• Fiscal Responsibility
• Personal Accountability
• Loyalty
• Persistence
• Teamwork
• Adaptability
• Collaboration

Check back regularly for more postings! 

Teamwork and Collaboration

Late in May of this year, Mrs. Krystle Halbardier, NCLB at Pecan Valley Elementary, talked to a few of her coworkers regarding an idea she had about possibly making an end of the year music video. Before she knew it, nearly every student and staff member on campus, along with the ECISD technology department, was onboard for the project and planning was underway. The end result was a music video entitled, "Pecan Valley Elementary Can't Stop the Feeling!!!", starring over 600 students and staff from Pecan Valley Elementary. Please enjoy this excellent example of teamwork, collaboration, and the Spirit of EC!