STUDENT VOICE: Genesis Ortiz, Burbank High School Agriculture Science student
Genesis Ortiz is a Burbank High School student who can speak to the long hours and hard work it takes to show hogs at the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo.

This week - on Feb. 9 - marks the start of the annual San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. Back in 1937, Burbank High School was the first San Antonio school to offer to offer an agriculture program on a 75-acre student farm laboratory. Fast forward to 2023, where Bulldog Ag students continue the tradition. Eight Burbank students will be showing hogs, and Ortiz is one a trio of students who are showing hogs for the first time. Ortiz is able to be a part of competition thanks to a collaboration with Palo Alto College and its dual-credit offerings. The students benefited from the efforts of Palo Alto Agricultural Coordinator Ty Chumley, who gathered funds to purchase hogs, feed and medical care to eliminate the financial burdens that prevented them from showing animals in the past.

 
Calendar items

Feb. 4 (Sat.) – SAISD High School students to compete at SkillsUSA event
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., CAST Med High School, 2601 Louis Bauer., 78235
Students from 17 school districts will compete in leadership skills such as job interview, chapter display, and career promotional demonstration at Cast Med High School. Lanier, Fox Tech, Highland and Jefferson high school students will represent SAISD high schools. Students placing in these events will advance to the state competition in Corpus Christi with an opportunity to advance to nationals in Atlanta. SkillsUSA is a national organization that provides career and technical education students the opportunity to cultivate their leadership skills and showcase their knowledge to industry professionals. 

Feb. 8 (Wed) – Barkley-Ruiz Elementary Free Coat Giveaway
1 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., Barkley-Ruiz Elementary, 1111 St. Navidad St., 78207
The Assistance League of San Antonio is bringing their mission of service to students to Barkley-Ruiz Elementary on the west side. Texas winters remain unpredictable. To be ready for the next cold spell, each Barkley-Ruiz Elementary student will be the recipient of a brand-new coat. Operation School Bell is a program that aims to provide the clothing needs to at-risk students.


Feb. 8 (Wed) – SAISD hosts “Always Learning: A Gathering of Community Voices”
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Alamo Convocation Center, 110 W. Tuleta Dr., 78212
SAISD invites community members to relive “Enchilada Wednesday,” while they reflect on the district’s five-year strategic management plan, known as Always Learning. The event is open to the public and those in attendance are invited to share insight and input into the vision that SAISD foresees for its children and the future of the community. Free enchilada dinners, along with the district’s famous chocolate cake, will be provided.

Feb. 10 (Fri) – Jefferson High School IB Diploma Programme Art Exhibition
6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Clamp Light Studio and Gallery, 704 Blanco Rd. #104, 78221
Clamp Light Studios & Gallery is hosting a group exhibition featuring International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme visual art students from Thomas Jefferson High School. The exhibition is a partnership between Clamp Light Studios and Jefferson to showcase and highlight the artistic talents from the Mustang students.