Chamber kicks off We Believe In AISD initiative

Juan A. Navejar Jr.

The Alice Chamber of Commerce kicked off its “We Believe in AISD” campaign in February by honoring two schools in the Alice Independent School District.  The We Believe in AISD initiative, brings together the Chamber, Alice Ambassadors and the Alice Jim Wells County Economic Development Corporations to promote the achievements and positive happenings around each of the district’s campuses.  
“After a housing study was conducted for the city, we felt the school district needed a boost in promoting the good things being done by not only our children but the educators and support staff that go unrecognized for their hard work and dedication,” Executive Director Juan Navejar said.
The initiative is spearheaded by Alice Ambassador Pastor Jim Craver along with a committee put together by AISD Superintendent Dr. Grace Everett.
The group recognized Mary R. Garcia Elementary and Alice High School Career and Technology staff in February.
“We want to help people have a more positive outlook on the Alice School system,” Craver said. “The strength of the community begins at home and at our schools. Teachers alter the lives of students and improve their lives.”
The initiate will continue through the school year with visits to each campus. Mary R. Garica was recognized for of its benchmarks improvements. From fall to spring semesters the Benchmark scores improved. The third grade math grew by 29 points, third grade reading by 24 points, fourth grade math grew by 20 points and fourth grade writing by 16 points.
February was Career and Technology Month.
The program is funded through the Alice Chamber of Commerce and the Alice JWC EDC.