The right choice forENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES.

#TeamSISDSocorro Independent School District

Americas High School

Law, Government, & Public Administration

Americas High School Libertas AcademyThe Libertas Academy is designed to prepare students for college and career-readiness in the fields of public administration, government, and the law. Americas HS has a notable reputation for success with their Mock Trial Team, as well as with their Speech & Debate Team, making it an excellent school to offer these pathways. In addition, involvement from various community members and organizations, (to include El Paso District Attorney Jaime Esparza), will make the academy a world-class opportunity for SISD students. Humanties (English & Social Studies) is the focus of study for this program, as well as student involvement in community internships and civic engagement. Students in the Libertas Academy will be groomed to effectively advocate for themselves and others.

Who may apply?Eighth graders and freshmen interested in pursuing a career within the federal/state/local government, public administration or law field and:

• has a 3.0 cumulative GPA (85 average)

• resides within the Socorro ISD attendance area

• has successfully met the standard for all state assessments

• has good attendance/discipline record

• obtains parent/legal guardian signatures

• submits a completed application packet as required (see below)

How does a student apply?All the required/necessary documentation will be available: on the SISD/AHS website, with middle school counselors, and for pick-up at Parent Information Nights. To be considered for acceptance, students will be required to:

• completely & legibly fill out an application

• completely & legibly write their own essays

• obtain all required documents (see application) reflecting their discipline history (or lack thereof)

• choose a pathway of study between government/ public administration, or law, and register for required courses before the school year begins

The Socorro ISD continuously seeks ways to prepare all students to be college and career ready upon graduating from high school. From the early stages of their educational career, students in the District are challenged and encouraged to continually broaden their horizons and prepare to become productive citizens of the community.

Meeting the goals of producing 21st century citizens and graduating students ready to successfully compete in a global economy, the District offers diverse high school opportunities for students. Each of the District’s five comprehensive high schools and Mission Early College High School offer unique learning models tailored to meet students’ specific needs and support their educational and career aspirations. Known as advanced studies programs, these innovative curricular courses of study provide students with the opportunity to:

• experience the rigor, depth, and intensity of college-level work while in high school;

• reduce the duplication of courses taken in high school and college;

• shorten the time needed to complete an undergraduate degree or vocational certification;

• save money on college tuition and fees textbooks, housing, and transportation;

• increase their opportunities in the competition for college admissions, scholarships, and jobs in the workforce.

From science and mathematics to a global study of humanity and society, the advanced studies programs prepare students to thrive in the ever- changing global economy and enrollment for said programs is open to all Socorro ISD students.

AHS AdministrationPrincipal: Patricia CuevasAssistant Principals: Monica Castro, Lisa Estrada,Sergio Mendez, Ivan Ramirez, Carlos Sandoval

Americas High School is located at 12101 Pellicano Dr.El Paso, Texas 79936. Phone 937-2800; Fax 855-6898

What happens once a student is accepted?Once a student is accepted into the Libertas Academy, he/she must continuously:

• maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA • successfully meet the standard for all state assessments• meet the state 90% required attendance • live in the SISD attendance area• follow all school rules/student code of conduct• take Pre-AP/AP/Dual Credit courses in English and Social Studies all four years• present a Capstone Senior (year) Project, based on their selected pathway• attend Libertas related events/field trips• participate in at least one of the following (for a minimum of two years): Mock Trial, Speech & Debate, Academic Decathlon, UIL Academic competitions, National Honor Society/National Technical Society,

Libertas Academy Pathways• Law focuses on the judiciary system.• Government has a local, state and federal government focus.

Libertas Pathways Course WorkStudents must complete the courses located on in the tables listed on the right side of this page. Students are required to take Pre Advanced Placement (PAP), Advanced Placement (AP), or dual credit (DC)Most students are easily able to take the pathway courses and still participate in other activities such as athletics, fine arts, and/or other elective courses.

!!!!The Socorro ISD continuously seeks ways to prepare all students to be college and career ready upon graduating from high school. From the early stages of their educational career, students in the District are challenged and encouraged to continually broaden their horizons and prepare to become productive citizens of the community.

!Meeting the goals of producing 21st century citizens and graduating students ready to successfully compete in a global economy, the District offers diverse high school opportunities for students. Each of the District’s five comprehensive high schools and Mission Early College High School offer unique learning models tailored to meet students’ specific needs and support their educational and career aspirations. Known as advanced studies programs, these innovative curricular courses of study provide students with the opportunity to:

!

• experience the rigor, depth, and intensity of college-level work while in high school;

!

• reduce the duplication of courses taken in high school and college;

!

• shorten the time needed to complete an undergraduate degree or vocational certification;

!

• save money on college tuition and fees, textbooks, housing, and transportation;

!

• increase their opportunities in the competition for college admissions, scholarships, and jobs in the workforce.

!From science and mathematics to a global study of humanity and society, the advanced studies programs prepare students to thrive in the ever- changing global economy and enrollment for said programs is open to all Socorro ISD students.

!!!!!!!!

AHS Administration Principal: Patricia Cuevas Assistant Principals: Monica Castro, Sergio Mendez, Ivan Ramirez, Carlos Sandoval, Lisa Estrada

!Americas High School is located at 12101 Pellicano Dr. El Paso, Texas 79936. Phone 937-2800; Fax 855-6898

Americas High School Libertas Academy The Libertas Academy is designed to prepare students for college and career-readiness in the fields of public administration, government, and the law. Americas HS has a notable reputation for success with their Mock Trial Team, as well as with their Speech & Debate Team, making it an excellent school to offer these pathways. In addition, involvement from various community members and organizations, (to include El Paso District Attorney Jaime Esparza), will make the academy a world-class opportunity for SISD students. Humanties (English & Social Studies) is the focus of study for this program, as well as student involvement in community internships and civic engagement. Students in the Libertas Academy will be groomed to effectively advocate for themselves and others.

Who may apply? Eighth graders and freshmen interested in pursuing a career within the federal/state/local government, public administration or law field and: • has a 3.0 cumulative GPA (85 average)

• resides within the Socorro ISD attendance area

• has successfully met the standard for all state assessments

• has good attendance/discipline record

• obtains parent/legal guardian signatures

• submits a completed application packet as required (see below)

How does a student apply? All the required/necessary documentation will be available: on the SISD/AHS website, with middle school counselors, and for pick-up at Parent Information Nights. To be considered for acceptance, students will be required to: • completely & legibly fill out an application

• completely & legibly write their own essays

• obtain all required documents (see application) reflecting their discipline history (or lack thereof)

• choose a pathway of study (between government, law, or public administration) and register for required courses before the school year begins

What happens once a student is accepted? Once a student is accepted into the Libertas Academy, he/she must continuously:

• maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA

• successfully meet the standard for all state assessments

• meet the state 90% required attendance

• live in the SISD attendance area

• follow all school rules/student code of conduct

• take Pre-AP/AP/Dual Credit courses in English and Social Studies all four years

• present a Capstone Senior (year) Project, based on their selected pathway

• attend Libertas related events/field trips

• participate in at least one of the following (for a minimum of two years): Mock Trial, Speech & Debate, Academic Decathlon, UIL Academic competitions, National Honor Society/National Technical Society,

Libertas Academy Pathways • Law focuses on the judiciary system.

• Government has a local, state and federal government focus.

• Public Administration is dedicated to the study of business law and the economy.

Libertas Pathways Course Work Students must complete the courses located on in the tables listed on the right side of this page. Students are required to take Pre Advanced Placement (PAP), Advanced Placement (AP), or dual credit (DC)Most students are easily able to take the pathway courses and still participate in other activities such as athletics, fine arts, and/or other elective courses.

Government/Public Administration Path Schedule Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Principles of Government

Political Science I Political Science II or Planning Govt.

Problems and Solutions or Practicum

PAP World Geography

PAP/AP World History

PAP/AP/DC U.S. History

PAP/AP/DC Govt./Economics

PAP English I

PAP English II PAP/AP/DC English III

PAP/AP/DC English IV

Professional Communication

Law Path Schedule Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Introduction toAmerican Law

Legal Research and Writing

Court Systems and Practices (DC)

Trial Advocacy

PAP World Geography

PAP/AP World History

PAP/AP/DC U.S. History

PAP/AP/DC Govt./Economics

PAP English I

PAP English II PAP/AP/DC English III

PAP/AP/DC English IV

Professional Communication

Public Administration Path Schedule

Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Principles of Government

Political Science I Revenue, Taxation and Regulation

Problems and Solutions or Practicum

PAP World Geography

PAP/AP World History

PAP/AP/DC U.S. History

PAP/AP/DC Govt.

PAP English I

PAP English II PAP/AP/DC English III

PAP/AP/DC English IV

Professional Communication

AP Micro Economics

For more information on the Americas HS Libertas Academy, please contact Carey Antwine, Program Coordinator, at (915)937-2800, (915)630-3138 or cantwi@sisd.net or Laura Plumb, counselor at 937-2800.

For more information on the Americas HS Libertas Academy, please contact Carey Antwine, Program Coordinator, at (915)937-3012, (915)630-3138 or cantwi@sisd.net or Sandra Rodriguez-Llamas, counselor at 937-2841 or srodri01@sisd.net.

Texas Honor BoardRegion 19 Board of the Year

Gary Gandara - PresidentPaul Guerra - Vice President

Cynthia A. Najera - SecretaryHector F. Gonzalez - TrusteeMichael A. Najera - Trustee

Antonio ‘Tony’ Ayub - TrusteeAngelica Rodriguez - Trustee

Region 19 Superintendent of the YearJosé Espinoza, Ed.D.

The Socorro Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs, activities or employment.

Socorro ISD District Service Center12440 Rojas Dr. • El Paso, TX 79928 • Phn 915.937.0000 • www.sisd.net