Mission, Texas- R. Cantu Junior High School (RCJH) has been recognized for academic achievements and in overcoming the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The campus has been listed in the top ten in the state of Texas by Children at Risk in their 2021 school rankings.
RCJH was ranked at number ten in the state by Children at Risk, among pandemic resilient middle schools. In the Children at Risk ranking of Rio Grande Valley middle schools, RCJH was ranked number four.
The Children at Risk pandemic resilient schools lists honors schools that have maintained or improved academic performance between the 2018-19 and 2020-21 academic years. Pandemic resilient schools are campuses with 75% or more students classified as low-income and also have a history of high performance. Children at Risk says schools on their resilient lists experienced either an increase or no change in academic performance scores during the pandemic.
“We are very proud of the accomplishments at Cantu Junior High School,” said Dr. Carol G. Perez, superintendent. “The challenges for all our schools have been great and we have been focused on closing the learning gaps caused by the disruptions in our learning processes. To see that the efforts at Cantu Junior High has earned them state recognition, is an example of what is taking place in all our schools to recover from the pandemic.”
Pictured is RCJH principal, Angel Torres, during a recognition during a Mission Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees meeting. From left to right are: Juan M. Gonzalez, member; Iris Iglesias, member; Dr. Carol G. Perez, superintendent; Angel Torres, RCJH principal; Veronica “Betty” R. Mendoza, vice president; Jerry Zamora, president; Roy Vela, secretary; Petra B. Ramirez, member; Minnie R. Rodgers, member.