School counselors give update to the board

In a very short agenda at the Feb. 19 Shiner ISD School Board meeting, counselors from both Shiner Elementary School and Shiner High School gave updates on what’s happening in the coming school year.
On the high school side of things, one major topic of discussion was scholarships. Scholarship meetings for seniors have been ongoing since the last fall semester.
Recently there was a Financial Aid, or FAFSA, meeting on Jan. 8.
“We had about 15 students and parents come out to that and I think that was our highest number yet,” Junior and High School Counselor Jamie Steffek said. “However, FAFSA is kind of a mess right now because their application was revamped. Our students have had this application done, but they aren’t going to know what kind of awards they’re going to get grant wise or loan wise until at least mid-March. Usually, in normal years, it’s much sooner than this.”
There will be a Victoria College Scholarship Day on April 2.
Recently, GPA and ranks were updated and handed out as unofficial copies to the students.
Shiner High School is also gearing up for STAAR testing in April as well as the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment for emergent bilingual students. That is for grades two to tenth grade.
There will also be a job fair hosted by Kaspar Companies at the Shiner KC Hall for juniors and seniors.
“Last year, we had over 20 businesses from the Lavaca County area that were there that provided students with information on what kind of education they will need to work at their businesses,” Superintendent Alex Remschel said. “They also list what other summer job opportunities are available. If any businesses are interested in this, please reach out to Kaspar or reach out to me.”
On the Elementary School side of things, the district has been gearing up for Red Ribbon Week. Each month they are given a character trait such as gratitude, empathy, or inclusiveness that students should aim to exhibit.
They also want to thank Shiner PTO who assists in Red Ribbon Week. First National Bank, the Shiner Pilot Club, and community churches also help donate various supplies to the kids.
A common thread from both counselor reports noted that much of the testing being done at school have now been moved to online. This includes all STAAR testing for all grade levels.
“I know we like that paper and pencil, but the days of that are gone,” Elementary School Counselor Heather Boner said. “Superintendent Remschel has been very supportive in giving those kids what we need so that we can practice them with the computer. That’s how the test comes now.”
Other items on the agenda included:
• A new gator vehicle was given for ground maintenance.
• New powerlifting equipment is in the works with a potential powerlifting program happening next winter school year.
• Student enrollment numbers have increased to 694 students.
• The 2024-25 school year calendar was approved. There will be 186 teacher days and 174 student day calendar.