One for the Record Books
September 2025
Professional Development at South Texas College
by Nicole H. Cruz
Partnerships with South Texas Library staff continue to prosper because SA3 and SHS librarian attends STC Library Summits. Katie Hernandez STC Library Engagement Manager and Nicole H. Cruz SA3 and SHS Librarian presented - Library Connections that Work to dual enrollment instructors on Saturday, August 23rd. They had two sessions with more than 40 participants. Pictured with Mrs. Cruz is Juan Saenz, STC instructor for SHS and SA3.
Don't Touch That Flower-Garza Library Lesson
by Wally Trevino
The beginning of the school year brings great excitement to the library. Reading stories is an integral part of a library visit. During the students' first few weeks in the library, we had the chance to read Don’t Touch That Flower! by Alice Hemming. Hearing stories and drawing in the library are crucial for elementary students, fostering growth in a fun, supportive setting. Storytime boosts reading skills by introducing new words and ideas, sparking imagination, and encouraging empathy through characters’ adventures. Drawing allows children to express themselves creatively, builds fine motor skills for writing, and boosts confidence in a stress-free environment. The library’s cozy space and resources make it ideal for these activities, helping young students develop literacy, creativity, and social skills through engaging, hands-on experiences.
Battle of the Books Guest Speaker
by Nicole H. Cruz
SHS Battle of the Books Coach Nicole Cruz invited published author Maria Luisa Salcines to share her Cuban heritage with students on the 2025-2026 Battle of the Books team. Mrs. Salcines is a Cuban immigrant and proud Cuban American. She made traditional Cuban pastelitos for the students and shared stories about her experience as a child who came to the United States to escape the communist government of Fidel Castro. Students are reading A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Namey Taylor. Students loved the stories and the pastelitos. Thank you Maria Luisa Salcines.
Beanstack Reading Success @ SNJH
by Josie Saldana
Sharyland North Junior High has already reached the semester reading goal of 100,000 minutes on Beanstack—and it only took three weeks! With librarian Josie Saldana leading the way, students and teachers worked hard to log every minute read. Along the journey, students earned fun prizes for milestones such as 120 minutes and 300 minutes. We are so proud of our Diamondback readers for this amazing accomplishment. Our next goal is to read and log 200,000 minutes!
🎉📚 RDM Students Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Heart and Joy! 🇲🇽🎶
by Oneida Aleman
Our students are embracing culture, history, and tradition in the most meaningful way — by listening to the iconic Selena read aloud and playing the beloved game of Lotería! 🧡🎤🎲
Through stories, music, and fun, they’ve explored rich cultural roots, honored their ancestors, and celebrated the traditions passed down through generations. 🌎✨
Beanstack Reading Time at Wernecke Elementary
by Monica Arguelles
Students at Donna Wernecke Elementary are excitedly diving into their reading and logging their minutes on the Beanstack App. The enthusiasm grew even more when several classrooms received a special visit from Benny, the Beanstack librarian assistant, who brought extra fun and motivation to the challenge. Both students and staff are fully engaged, celebrating their progress as they track their reading minutes and build a strong culture of reading across the campus.
Welcoming and Educating Families
by Thanya Montemayor
Ruben Hinojosa Elementary welcomed families to the first reading night of the year! McAllen Public Library joined us for a presentation on their services and invited everyone to their big South Texas Book Festival event coming up in October. We had a great turn out and students were able to go home with prizes and their MPL cards. Mrs. Montemayor also introduced Beanstack to parents and guided them on how to log on and help their student excel.
Beanstack Introduction for Jessie Jensen Students
by Albert Ramos
Jensen Elementary students were introduced to the new Reading Program Beanstack. The new Program will allow them to input the amount of time they spend reading with Incentives to meet their reading goals. Our goal is for students to continue reading to meet their Educational Goals!
BL Gray Library Ambassadors
by Denise Cirlos
Our B. L. Gray Library Ambassadors have been a huge help in the library this semester! They’ve jumped right in by shelving books, decorating bulletin boards, and even helping out with the book fair. Beyond keeping things running smoothly, they’re also gaining valuable work experience and learning important life skills. I am so proud of the effort they’ve shown and so thankful to have their energy and support in the library!
Pioneer High School Librarian Welcomes Freshmen with Library Orientation
by Nancy P. Garza
As the new school year begins, the Pioneer High School Library is making sure students feel right at home. Librarian Mrs. Garza recently conducted library orientation sessions designed to introduce students to the wide range of resources and services available to them throughout their high school journey.
During the orientation, Mrs. Garza guided students through the library’s layout, highlighting areas for research, collaboration, and quiet study. Students learned about the many services offered, including book checkouts, access to online databases, technology support, and opportunities for digital learning.
In addition to exploring the physical library, students were introduced to a variety of digital resources available to support academic success. These included eBooks, research tools, and online platforms that connect students to reliable information for assignments and projects.
The orientation not only familiarized students with the tools at their disposal but also encouraged them to view the library as a welcoming space where they can read, research, collaborate, and discover.
With a strong start to the school year, Pioneer High School freshmen now know that the library—and Mrs. Garza—will be key partners in their success.
Family Reading Night @ Bentsen
by Jose Guerrero
Bentsen Library hosted a Family Reading Night and had the Mcallen Public Library provide library cards for students. McAllen Public Library provides an abundance of resources like free access to materials, digital resources, educational programs, and welcoming spaces for people of all ages. Students were made aware of key literacy features they provide like its annual South Texas Book Festival, early childhood storytimes, and the Summer Reading Program. Students were very excited in wanting to get a library card.
"Back to Books JHS Scavenger Hunt"
by Monica Silva
Students at JHS were excited to be welcomed back into the library. To kick off the new school year, they participated in a fun scavenger hunt. The activity helped them explore the shelves, locate all the genres, and review different book categories. It was a great refresher to get everyone ready for reading success this year.
by Alma Paredes
Shimotsu Elementary Celebrates Reading Night
Shimotsu Elementary recently hosted a Family Reading Night, bringing together students, families, and staff to celebrate the power of stories. The evening was filled with interactive activities like coloring bookmarks, cozy reading time with their parents, and opportunities for families to explore the new Beanstack Reading Program together. A special highlight of the night was the participation of the McAllen Public Library, who presented information about their programs and helped students and parents sign up for library cards. Students and parents discovered that reading can be both fun and meaningful beyond the classroom. Family Reading Night highlighted Shimotsu’s commitment to fostering a love of literacy and building a strong community of readers.
Book Fair Kickoff-Sharyland North Junior High School
by Josie Saldana
Thanks to the helping hands of two wonderful parent volunteers, the annual Sharyland North Book Fair was set up and ready to go in just two hours! A special shout-out goes to our parental liaison, Gloria Cabrera, for coordinating volunteers not only for set-up but also to help run the fair throughout the week. We are so grateful for the teamwork and community spirit that makes events like this possible. The library is excited to welcome students and families to shop, explore, and discover new reads!
📚✨ RDM Students Are Rocking the Beanstack Challenge! ✨📚
by Oneida Aleman
Our amazing readers have jumped into the Beanstack adventure with full enthusiasm — and it’s been a bean-tastic start to reading! 🌟
From page-turning moments to giggles with Benny the Bean, our lovable Beanstack mascot, students are diving into stories and loving every minute of it! 💬📖
Pioneer High School Hosts Bookmark Contest for South Texas Book Festival
by Nancy P. Garza
The Pioneer High School Library is inviting students to showcase their creativity in a special bookmark contest celebrating the upcoming South Texas Book Festival. This year’s theme is “Celebrate Our Roots and Stories,” giving students the chance to highlight culture, heritage, and the power of storytelling through their designs.
Participants are encouraged to create an original bookmark that reflects the theme, the love of books, or the spirit of the South Texas Book Festival. The winning designs will not only represent Pioneer High School’s talent but may also be submitted to the McAllen Public Library for consideration in the official festival contest.
Key Details:
Theme: Celebrate Our Roots and Stories
Deadline for submissions: Thursday, October 3, 2025
Who can enter: All Pioneer High School students
Where to submit: Pioneer High School Library or McAllen Public Library
The South Texas Book Festival, hosted annually by the McAllen Public Library, brings together authors, illustrators, and readers of all ages to celebrate literacy and the arts. By participating, students have the chance to be part of a community-wide event while expressing their artistic talents.
Library staff encourage all students to take part and remind them that creativity, originality, and a connection to this year’s theme are the keys to a standout bookmark.
For more information or contest guidelines, students can stop by the Pioneer High School Library and speak with Mrs. Garza.
Sharyland High School Freshmen English I Library Orientation Classes
by Nicole H. Cruz
Freshmen students attended library orientation sessions through their English I classes starting the 3rd week of school. Students learned how to access MackinVIA, find a print book in OPAC, and create a signature line in their student email account. Mrs. Cruz celebrated students who volunteered by presenting them with a "Meet Me @ the Library" t-shirt.
"Viva la Piñata, JHS!"
by Monica Silva
We read The Piñata That the Farm Maiden Hung and learned about the history of piñatas. Students discussed how piñatas are used in celebrations and what they symbolize. Then, we created our own colorful piñatas in the library as a fun, hands-on activity. This project helped us celebrate 16 de septiembre while also honoring Hispanic Heritage Month. It was a wonderful way to connect reading, culture, and creativity.
September is Library Card Sign Up Month
by Nicole H. Cruz
Did you know that anyone can apply for a receive a community user library card from STC?
Meet the Teacher Night for both SHS and SA3 was held on Wednesday, September 10th.
SA3 Librarian Nicole H. Cruz invited South Texas College to come and have a pop up table to share dual enrollment resources with students and parents.
SA3 students and younger siblings were able to play a game and win prizes like highlighters, pens, mini notebooks and little toys. Parents received handouts listing resources available through the STC Library.
One for the Record Books-Sharyland ISD Librarian Publication
"One for the Record Books" was recognized by the Texas Library Association for a PR Branding Iron Award in 2016. Submit photos and stories by the deadline each month to be included in "One for the Record Books." Please make sure any students are not on the "Do Not Photograph List" before submitting their photos for publication.
Email: ncruz@sharylandisd.org
Website: https://www.sharylandisd.org/departments/library_services
Location: 1216 North Shary Road, Mission, TX, USA
Phone: 956-580-5300
Twitter: @Cruz23Mac