Support Staff   Rachael Garcia Reading Specialist Raquel Y. García is the spouse of José García, the mother of Danica D. García and an educator at Hidalgo Elementary. She has been with Hidalgo ISD for the past 26 years out of her 31 years of teaching experience. She is a proud graduate of Roma High School and attended the University of Texas-Pan American immediately upon graduation. She was awarded with a Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in Physical Education-All Level and with a minor in Spanish. Soon after graduation, Raquel taught for two years at Roma ISD as a physical education instructor at the elementary level. After working in Roma for two years, Raquel was recruited by Rio Grande City CISD where she taught Health and Spanish at the High School and at the same time worked at the Jr. High coaching the 7th and 8th grade girl’s volleyball, basketball, and track and field teams for several years. Years later, Raquel married José García, civil engineer, and began to work for Hidalgo ISD as a 5th grade math teacher at Hidalgo Elementary. At the end of the school year, she filled the position that was available as a physical education instructor. Raquel continued to further her education and was soon certified as an Elementary self-contained teacher. She also received other certifications such as an Early Childhood Endorsement and a Bilingual/ESL endorsement. After teaching physical education for numerous years at Hidalgo Elementary, Raquel decided to move into the classroom which was a totally different setting after being outdoors for many years but nevertheless, adjusted in no time. She was assigned to the Early Childhood department where she taught Pre-Kindergarten at Hidalgo Elementary School for various years. Mrs. García enjoyed working with the four-year old students and found it very rewarding as she fed their curious minds with knowledge and appreciation for reading. This sparked an interest in the art of reading in the early grades. She liked the idea of going back to the university but was uncertain about which area of reading to pursue. After many years of marriage, Raquel had a daughter, Danica Danelle, who currently attends Diaz Jr. High. After her child’s birth, Raquel continued to consider the thought of going back to the university. Years later, she was introduced to a reading program called Reading Recovery. This program had the answers to many of her questions about reading. Once again, her desire to continue her educational growth as a professional lingered on and did not stop until she received a Master of Education Degree in Reading-All Level Reading Specialist. To this day, Raquel continues to work at Hidalgo Elementary where she enjoys working with her colleagues and teaching students who need her help. Pat Cantu Nurse Belen Zepeda Dyslexia Reading Coordinator Maria Belen Zepeda is the Dyslexia Reading Coordinator at Hidalgo Elementary. She has worked for the Hidalgo Independent School District for 23 years and was named the 2006-2007 Teacher Aide of the Year. Prior to working for Hidalgo ISD, Mrs. Zepeda was a parent volunteer for the Texas Migrant Council and had also worked for the Hidalgo Head Start Program. Mrs. Zepeda graduated from Weslaco High School and is currently attending South Texas College where she is pursuing an Associates Degree. She was born and raised in Weslaco and married a Hidalgo native 34 years ago. She is the proud mother of four and a grandmother of seven (soon to be eight). Blanca Hernandez Parent Volunteer Coordinator Nelda Vasquez Computer Lab Coordinator I was born on January 3, 1963 in Big Spring, Texas. My mother is the late Olga Maria Ozuna born in Granjeno, Texas. I attended Hidalgo Elementary School, Diaz Jr. High School, and Hidalgo High School. I graduated in the class of 1982 and danced during the half time show at our football games. We were the first and only Drill Team Hidalgo High School ever had. I have two enchanting children; my son, Joey Andres Vasquez, attends Hidalgo Elementary School, and my beautiful daughter attends Hidalgo High School. When I enrolled my children in Hidalgo Elementary School, I wanted them to feel safe and important. I have worked for the district for 25 years and have loved every minute of it. I have seen Hidalgo I.S.D. grow right in front of my own eyes, and my children will be experiencing the same joy that I had. Estella Chapa Nurse Aide [ 1 ] [ 2 ]