The Laredo Independent School District’s Communications Department was recognized among the best in the State of Texas after winning two Best of Category Star Awards, five Gold Star Awards, five Silver Star Awards, and four Bronze Star Awards from the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA). The awards were announced at TSPRA’s annual Star Awards Celebration held February 26, 2024, in Sugar Land, Texas during the association’s 62nd annual conference.
The Office of Communications presented a session on Welcoming New Board Members to the school district. Participants learned how LISD also has successfully onboarded new board members. The presentation included videos, samples of press releases, newsletters, advertisements, invitations, printed programs scripts and oaths for swearing in ceremonies, Board of Trustees website with bios, and preparation for Board Member orientation meeting and other trainings.
The LISD Communications Office won Best of Category for their E-Newsletter, “Las Escuelas” and for their Holiday/Greeting Card.
The Office of Communications also received the following awards:
Gold Star Awards: Holiday/Greeting Card “Merry Christmas Laredo ISD” and E- Newsletter “Laredo ISD Newsletter Las Escuelas,” by Veronica Castillon, Claudia Rodriguez, Bobby Trevino, and Ashley Salas, Photo Other Subjects “Student Playing Instrument Photo” by Claudia Rodriguez, and Invitations/Announcements/Postcard/Thank You Notes “Dr. A. Marcus Nelson Conference Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony” and “Anita T. Dovalina Elementary School Ribbon Cutting” by Claudia Rodriguez.
Silver Star Awards: Published News Release or Feature “TEA awards LISD two ‘A’ ratings” by Veronica Castillon, Logo, Trademark, Symbol “Leading the Way Logo” by Claudia Rodriguez, Published Print Ad “Teacher Appreciation Week Advertisement” by Claudia Rodriguez, Booklet “Budget Instructions Manual Cover” by Claudia Rodriguez.
Bronze Star Awards: Invitations/Announcements/Postcard/Thank You Notes “J.W. Nixon JROTC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Invitation” by Claudia Rodriguez, and Calendar/Planner “LISD Scholastic Calendar” by Claudia Rodriguez, Photo Other Subjects “Posting of Colors Photo” by Claudia Rodriguez.
The LISD Instructional Television Department also received the following awards:
Silver Star Awards: Video Feature Story “Juan Estrada Unstoppable” by Laredo ISD ITV, Video - Production in a Language Other than English “Spanish Online Registration 2023-2024” by ITV staff.
Each year, TSPRA recognizes communicators in school districts, education foundations, education associations and organizations for their work in print and electronic media categories. There are 58 main categories covering various media such as newsletters, programs, posters, reports, writing, image/identity packages, photography, and graphics. This year, 1,663 entries were received in the annual contest. Entries receive Bronze, Silver, and Gold Star Awards based on set criteria.
TSPRA, based in Austin, is a professional organization whose members are dedicated to improving public education in Texas by promoting effective public relations practices, providing professional development for its members, and improving communications between Texans and their public schools.