DeLeon Monthly Vine

Wow, December is here! It is hard to believe that we are halfway through the school year. Our students have learned a lot. Like cooking a favorite recipe, student success depends on having the right ingredients. Attendance is the most valuable! Attendance is essential for students to reach their full academic potential. Thank you, parents, for setting your student up for success by getting them to school every day and on time.

December is filled with fun dress-up days and treats for students. Please see the reminders below to plan for fun holiday cheer! Thank you for your support!

Kimberly Allen

DeLeon Instructional Coach

Wow! It is already December. What an amazing first semester we have had in the DeLeon Library. I want to share some things with you to close out the first half of the year. Next week, December 5th – 8th, will be the last book checkout until January. Please have your child/children return their books to the library no later than December 16th so they can start the new year off ready to checkout. The other big news for the month of December is…..drumroll, please……The DeLeon Elementary Campus Spelling Bee. This amazing event will be held in the cafeteria on December 9th at 1:30. Feel free to come out and support our spellers. Hope to see you there!

Sincerely, Lana Snow, DeLeon Elementary Librarian

Mindfulness: Being Aware & Being Present

In our busy world, our minds and bodies can get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and may have difficulty slowing down. It is also easy to get stuck thinking about the past and future instead of focusing on the now. The benefits of mindfulness for children and adults include decreased stress and increased resilience. Some tips for practicing mindfulness include:

1. Let go of "doing" something every moment of the day.

2. Appreciate smaller moments of pleasure, whether in conversations, enjoying your favorite food, or just spending time outdoors.

3. Settle your mind. The mind is like a snow globe; if it’s constantly shaken, it will remain unclear unless we create moments that allow all the snow and glitter to settle.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sincerely, Tamala Franka, DeLeon Elementary Counselor

Dawn Sheblak

I graduated from the University of Houston-Victoria with my Master’s degree in School Psychology. This is my 10th year in the educational setting and my first year with Victoria ISD. I love being a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and a DeLeon Dragon! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two furbabies, watching cows, reading, and traveling.

Ashley Williams

I have a passion for education and have always wanted to be a teacher. I graduated from the University of Houston-Victoria with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. This is my 14th year in a classroom. I have taught preschool, kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. I love my second graders! My husband and I have three daughters. My 10-year-old and 7-year-old attend DeLeon, and I love being involved in their educational experiences. My youngest is 9 months old, and I love going home to snuggle and play with her at the end of the day. Other hobbies of mine include crafting, reading, and napping. I enjoy being a teacher and all the hard work that goes along with it. I love being a part of the DeLeon Dragon family!

Nicole Martinez

I grew up in Victoria, TX, and moved to Austin to attend college. I graduated with my Bachelor's Degree from the University of St. Edwards in Austin, TX. I am in my 5th year of teaching and my 3rd year at DeLeon. I taught for 2 years at Cy-Fair ISD. My teaching experience includes First and Second Grade. Second grade is probably my favorite. I am a dog mom, and I love it. I enjoy traveling and doing crafty things with my family. My favorite sports are football and soccer. I love my DeLeon family. Go Dragons!

Misty Deen

I graduated with my bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. I am in my 12th year of education. My experience teaching includes kindergarten and second grade. I have two children: a son at West High School and a daughter at Cade Middle School. When I'm not teaching, I love going camping with my family.

Noel Turner

I graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a BS in Elementary Education. This is my fourth year at Deleon teaching second grade. I am so glad to be here with an excellent second-grade team and a school full of caring colleagues. Before I started teaching public school, I homeschooled my three children. My two oldest are in college at Texas Tech and Texas A&M. We are now a house divided! My youngest is a Sophomore at East. I love cooking and baking when I have time. My hobbies outside of school are going to church, swim meets, and shopping.

Ashley Renaud

I am very excited to be a part of the Deleon staff. I went to school at Deleon when it first opened in the 80s. I am the Campus Support Aide and am currently working on my Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education then will start working on my Bachelor's degree once it is complete. I volunteer with Theatre Victoria and Victoria Ballet Theatre in my free time. I also perform in the Nutcracker every year. I look forward to a great year at Deleon.

Website: deleon.visd.net/o/deleon
Location: 1002 Santa Barbara Street, Victoria, TX, USA
Phone: (361) 788-9553