UISD's Fasken Elementary Recognized as Healthy Campus in Texas
UISD's Barbara Fasken Elementary School has been designated as a Healthy South Texas Recognized Campus by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – the only school in South Texas to receive this honor. The announcement was made at a recognition ceremony near the school's Dragon Garden in the courtyard with many guests in attendance, including Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz, Associate Superintendent Rebecca Morales, and representatives from the district’s After School Adventures (ASA) Program, which assisted with the outdoor program.
Principal Liliana Barragan and her mighty dragon staff and students were thrilled to be recognized at the garden proclamation. The “A” rated campus principal, Barragan was happy to take over the garden project from the former principal who retired in 2023, Melba Gutierrez. Barragan has focused much attention on programs to keep the students interested and engaged in school.
“Last semester, we had the privilege of participating in the Learn, Grow, Eat & Go program that was spearheaded by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Program - Better Living for Texans - Community Gardens,” Barragan explained. “It consisted of a 10-week program where students learned the nutritional value of balancing food and play. Students from kindergarten to 5th grade participated alongside parents with lessons, such as Growing and Nourishing Healthy Communities and Walk N’ Talk Physical Activities.”
As a result of the program, the school garden has doubled in size. The students and adults have increased their physical activity, and they have learned the importance of consuming vegetables. Superintendent Cruz officially dedicated the garden after thanking everyone for working together to inspire the students with nature.
“When we have a community partnership such as this, great things can happen,” said Dr. Cruz. “Projects like this make a connection with the classroom and real world applications. This is what students like – I’m sure you enjoyed being outside taking care of your garden. When I was your age, I also had a garden.”
The school was selected for its commitment to promoting health, nutrition, and active living among students, staff, and families. This prestigious recognition is awarded to schools that demonstrate excellence in implementing comprehensive health and wellness programs throughout the school year, in collaboration with its partners.
The district’s ASA Program Coordinator Ana Dominguez said the project brings hope and life, growth and change – teaching students about gardening and empowering them to be good stewards of this wonderful Earth.
“This endeavor has provided an opportunity to our students to learn about science, be critical thinkers and make connections with the outside world; and who knows, maybe some of them will be inspired to pursue a career in agriculture,” said Dominguez.
Much credit was given to the students in the after school program, their parents, Fasken staff, including first grade teacher Elvia Teeters for starting the garden about three years ago. She says it takes a team effort, with much love and daily dedication.
“It’s a dream come true,” states Teeters. “I love gardening and nature and science, so I wanted for the students to be able to explore and see how plants grow from seeds. We have about 94 students in the after school program, but the entire school gets involved and helps out at recess watering the plants, drawing them and writing about them in their journals. They were very excited to see a real pumpkin patch grow at our school.”
The recognition was presented by Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Agent Cynthia Covarrubias and her staff. Two Fasken students proudly presented about the gardening experience at the ceremony November 14, Maya Villarreal and Joshua Cruz.
Fasken Elementary has achieved this honor through a variety of initiatives, including:
Nutrition Education: Implementing healthy eating programs and providing students with nutritious meals, snacks, and building community school gardens. Physical Activity: Encouraging regular physical activity through recess, physical education classes, and after-school programs. Health Promotion: Promoting healthy habits and behaviors through health education lessons and wellness activities. Family Engagement: Involving parents and families in health and wellness initiatives.
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(L-R) Elvia Teeters, Dr. Gerardo Cruz, Liliana Barragan, Rebecca Morales
Fasken Students Maya Villarreal and Joshua Cruz
(L-R) Elvia Teeters, Liliana Barragan, Fasken students Joshua Cruz and Maya Villarreal, Ana Dominguez
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