Alis Martinez stood in front of her classmates on Friday morning as her teacher pinned a red heart on her shirt, a pin that recognized her heroic efforts in saving a young boy’s life.
She recounted the experience to her classmates just before receiving the Life Saver Award and a plaque.
Alis, a junior at Carroll High School, received the honor after saving a 10-year-old boy from a medical emergency at a restaurant where she works.
On that day, the boy’s mom asked Alis to check on her son. Alis assessed the boy, checked his pulse, and found he was not breathing.
“I started doing the chest compressions,” she said. “I did that for a good five to 10 minutes. They asked how I knew all that, and I said from the health program at my school.”
Alis had become CPR certified just the week before the incident.
The boy made a full recovery. Alis credited her teacher, Casey Pyle, for teaching her what she needed to know to save the boy.
“It makes you feel like what you do makes a difference,” Mr. Pyle said. “In this case, what we learn in the classroom saved a little kiddos’ life.”
Pyle, who has been with CCISD for 15 years, started the Health Science program at Carroll High School nine years ago. This is the second time one of his students has performed CPR to help save someone’s life.
“It’s a big deal. She said, ‘That’s what I’m supposed to do. I was there. I know it, I should save a life,’” Pyle said. “That’s exactly how it should be. But on our side, we should celebrate her. Because she did something that shows she has learned something and is impacting those around her.”
Six seniors also received the Life Saver pin, as they were instrumental in teaching her CPR.
More photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tR7kSvdkrwKrJ4MC_Iq8LmKJA96zZAzh?usp=sharing
Learn more about CCISD CTE programs online: https://www.ccisd.us/page/career-and-technical-education-cte
She recounted the experience to her classmates just before receiving the Life Saver Award and a plaque.
Alis, a junior at Carroll High School, received the honor after saving a 10-year-old boy from a medical emergency at a restaurant where she works.
On that day, the boy’s mom asked Alis to check on her son. Alis assessed the boy, checked his pulse, and found he was not breathing.
“I started doing the chest compressions,” she said. “I did that for a good five to 10 minutes. They asked how I knew all that, and I said from the health program at my school.”
Alis had become CPR certified just the week before the incident.
The boy made a full recovery. Alis credited her teacher, Casey Pyle, for teaching her what she needed to know to save the boy.
“It makes you feel like what you do makes a difference,” Mr. Pyle said. “In this case, what we learn in the classroom saved a little kiddos’ life.”
Pyle, who has been with CCISD for 15 years, started the Health Science program at Carroll High School nine years ago. This is the second time one of his students has performed CPR to help save someone’s life.
“It’s a big deal. She said, ‘That’s what I’m supposed to do. I was there. I know it, I should save a life,’” Pyle said. “That’s exactly how it should be. But on our side, we should celebrate her. Because she did something that shows she has learned something and is impacting those around her.”
Six seniors also received the Life Saver pin, as they were instrumental in teaching her CPR.
More photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tR7kSvdkrwKrJ4MC_Iq8LmKJA96zZAzh?usp=sharing
Learn more about CCISD CTE programs online: https://www.ccisd.us/page/career-and-technical-education-cte
All campuses and district offices will be closed Nov. 24-28 for Thanksgiving break.
🍎 Alumni Spotlight 🍎
Meet Rick Morin! Rick graduated from Roy Miller High School in 2000. He is an entrepreneur and owns several businesses in Corpus Christi.
"One teacher who made a significant impact on my life was Ms. Hawkins. She believed in me at a time when I didn’t fully believe in myself. Her encouragement, patience, and genuine care helped shape my character and work ethic. She taught me the importance of discipline, respect, and doing everything with excellence — lessons I carry with me every single day in my career and in life."
Are you a proud graduate of Corpus Christi ISD? ✏️ Please take a moment to fill out the alumni form: https://bit.ly/44xNm0t
Meet Rick Morin! Rick graduated from Roy Miller High School in 2000. He is an entrepreneur and owns several businesses in Corpus Christi.
"One teacher who made a significant impact on my life was Ms. Hawkins. She believed in me at a time when I didn’t fully believe in myself. Her encouragement, patience, and genuine care helped shape my character and work ethic. She taught me the importance of discipline, respect, and doing everything with excellence — lessons I carry with me every single day in my career and in life."
Are you a proud graduate of Corpus Christi ISD? ✏️ Please take a moment to fill out the alumni form: https://bit.ly/44xNm0t
Dear CCISD Staff and Families:
This morning, our Board of Trustees attended a workshop to discuss the district’s challenges regarding aging school buildings and our budget deficit of $27.5 million. We thank our board for their thoughtful discussion and feedback. You may view the workshop recording at ccisd.us.
No board action was taken, nor will board action occur during the Dec. 8 meeting. The purpose of the workshop was to begin exploring possible options for addressing district challenges.
The discussion concluded with interest in gathering additional information and feedback regarding the following:
• Closing Fannin ES (built 1948), with students rezoned to Berlanga, Garcia and Hicks ES, beginning August 2026.
• Closing Kostoryz ES (built 1965), with students rezoned to Dawson, Galvan, Los Encinos, and Yeager ES, beginning August 2026.
• Closing Sanders ES (built 1969), with students rezoned to Dawson, Galvan, Los Encinos, and Yeager ES, beginning August 2026.
• Closing Travis ES (built 1944), with students rezoned to Allen, Houston, Shaw and Zavala ES, beginning August 2026.
• Closing Browne MS (built 1964), with students rezoned to Adkins, Grant and Hamlin, beginning August 2026.
• Closing Haas MS (built 1968), with students rezoned to Adkins, Grant and Hamlin MS, beginning August 2026.
• Closing Martin MS (built 1970), with students rezoned to Cunningham and Driscoll MS, beginning August 2026.
We understand our schools are home to cherished memories and traditions. While we will continue to honor the past, we must take a clear-eyed look at our current situation and work together as a community to find solutions that best meet the needs of our students as well as ensure the district’s financial stability for years to come.
We take seriously our role as the area’s largest employer, and we want to reassure the community that, should any of the options above move forward, affected employees who are in good standing would continue to have the opportunity to remain employed with CCISD.
In December and early January, we will hold community meetings to share the information that was shared with the board and to listen to staff, family and community input. We will share the meeting schedule by the first week of December, when we return from our Thanksgiving Break.
The presentations, FAQ and other materials used during this process will soon be housed and maintained at ccisd.us. Throughout this process, if you have any questions or feedback to share, please text (361) 600-3691 or email ccisd.tx@k12-lets-talk.com.
This morning, our Board of Trustees attended a workshop to discuss the district’s challenges regarding aging school buildings and our budget deficit of $27.5 million. We thank our board for their thoughtful discussion and feedback. You may view the workshop recording at ccisd.us.
No board action was taken, nor will board action occur during the Dec. 8 meeting. The purpose of the workshop was to begin exploring possible options for addressing district challenges.
The discussion concluded with interest in gathering additional information and feedback regarding the following:
• Closing Fannin ES (built 1948), with students rezoned to Berlanga, Garcia and Hicks ES, beginning August 2026.
• Closing Kostoryz ES (built 1965), with students rezoned to Dawson, Galvan, Los Encinos, and Yeager ES, beginning August 2026.
• Closing Sanders ES (built 1969), with students rezoned to Dawson, Galvan, Los Encinos, and Yeager ES, beginning August 2026.
• Closing Travis ES (built 1944), with students rezoned to Allen, Houston, Shaw and Zavala ES, beginning August 2026.
• Closing Browne MS (built 1964), with students rezoned to Adkins, Grant and Hamlin, beginning August 2026.
• Closing Haas MS (built 1968), with students rezoned to Adkins, Grant and Hamlin MS, beginning August 2026.
• Closing Martin MS (built 1970), with students rezoned to Cunningham and Driscoll MS, beginning August 2026.
We understand our schools are home to cherished memories and traditions. While we will continue to honor the past, we must take a clear-eyed look at our current situation and work together as a community to find solutions that best meet the needs of our students as well as ensure the district’s financial stability for years to come.
We take seriously our role as the area’s largest employer, and we want to reassure the community that, should any of the options above move forward, affected employees who are in good standing would continue to have the opportunity to remain employed with CCISD.
In December and early January, we will hold community meetings to share the information that was shared with the board and to listen to staff, family and community input. We will share the meeting schedule by the first week of December, when we return from our Thanksgiving Break.
The presentations, FAQ and other materials used during this process will soon be housed and maintained at ccisd.us. Throughout this process, if you have any questions or feedback to share, please text (361) 600-3691 or email ccisd.tx@k12-lets-talk.com.
Today's Special Called Meeting - Facilities Workshop begins at 9 a.m.
Watch live: https://www.ccisd.us/page/board-meetings
All campuses and district offices will be closed Nov. 24-28 for Thanksgiving break.
'Tis the season to support CCISD students! ❄️🎁
Stop and shop at the 2nd Annual CTE Holiday Market on Dec. 11 at the Mary Carroll High School Arena. Find gifts created by our CCISD Career & Technical Education students. We can't wait to see everyone there!
Stop and shop at the 2nd Annual CTE Holiday Market on Dec. 11 at the Mary Carroll High School Arena. Find gifts created by our CCISD Career & Technical Education students. We can't wait to see everyone there!
Chromebook Tips for CCISD Parents! 💻
Through CCISD’s 1 to 1 for Everyone program, students in grades 3–12 have access to Chromebooks for learning in class and at home. Parents, here are a few tips to help your student make the most of their device.
Through CCISD’s 1 to 1 for Everyone program, students in grades 3–12 have access to Chromebooks for learning in class and at home. Parents, here are a few tips to help your student make the most of their device.
🍎👏 Above the Line winners 🍎👏
Join us in congratulating this month's Above the Line Employee of the Month winners!
🍎 Jaime Bazan, Teacher, Smith Elementary School
🍎Senior Police Officer Erica Sanchez
🍎Michael Garcia, Assistant Principal, Driscoll Middle School
Join us in congratulating this month's Above the Line Employee of the Month winners!
🍎 Jaime Bazan, Teacher, Smith Elementary School
🍎Senior Police Officer Erica Sanchez
🍎Michael Garcia, Assistant Principal, Driscoll Middle School
A big congratulations to our Metro E 5th and 6th grade performers on their fantastic run of Winnie the Pooh! Thank you to the community for supporting the show. 🍯👏
📸More photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1COLJ4I4AOnD_0e0ahucIHR2tJxNHMUFE
📸More photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1COLJ4I4AOnD_0e0ahucIHR2tJxNHMUFE
This districtwide production features incredible CCISD student talent bringing Agrabah to life with music and adventure you won’t want to miss!
Catch the show on Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now: https://ccisdtheatre.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200487864
Catch the show on Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now: https://ccisdtheatre.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200487864
Gifted & Talented testing application deadline for grades 1-11 is Dec. 2. For more information, visit, www.ccisd.us/gt-testing.
Gloria Hicks Elementary recently celebrated Drop Everything and Read Day! Thank you to all our wonderful guest readers who joined us and helped make reading come alive for our students. 📚🍎
📸More photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ya3AoxFMIl4n_-WnmLYIhU3qbQD1wffl?usp=drive_link
📸More photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ya3AoxFMIl4n_-WnmLYIhU3qbQD1wffl?usp=drive_link
Join us in celebrating the November Teacher of the Month, Ms. Sarai Garza!
Ms. Garza is a 3rd-grade teacher at Rafael Galvan Elementary School. She was celebrated for inspiring students to embrace their heritage, believe in their potential and find confidence in their own voices. #CCISDproud
Ms. Garza is a 3rd-grade teacher at Rafael Galvan Elementary School. She was celebrated for inspiring students to embrace their heritage, believe in their potential and find confidence in their own voices. #CCISDproud
🍎 Alumni Spotlight 🍎
Meet Mileena Alaniz! Mileena graduated from Mary Carrol High School in 2024. She is now serving in the United States Marine Corps.
"There were multiple teachers who shaped me to be the person I am today," Milleena said. "They truly touched my heart and allowed me to be able to perform to the best of my abilities, which are now memories I hold dear."
Are you a proud graduate of Corpus Christi ISD? ✏️ Please take a moment to fill out the alumni form: https://bit.ly/44xNm0t
Meet Mileena Alaniz! Mileena graduated from Mary Carrol High School in 2024. She is now serving in the United States Marine Corps.
"There were multiple teachers who shaped me to be the person I am today," Milleena said. "They truly touched my heart and allowed me to be able to perform to the best of my abilities, which are now memories I hold dear."
Are you a proud graduate of Corpus Christi ISD? ✏️ Please take a moment to fill out the alumni form: https://bit.ly/44xNm0t
Today and every day, we’re proud to be part of a community that honors our veterans. Across CCISD, campuses paid tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. Thank you, veterans, including those who work right here in CCISD, for your service and sacrifice.
📸More photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yC3VhyKJ1zOd1F3Z2_fFW2hUqTFRrTQ0?usp=sharing
✨ Board recognitions ✨
During the Nov. 10 Board of Trustees the Board recognized Windsor Park Elementary School students for reciting the U.S. and Texas Pledges at the start of the meeting. They also recognized October Above the Line Employee of the Month winners.
Missed the meeting? Meetings are available for viewing online at www.ccisd.us.
During the Nov. 10 Board of Trustees the Board recognized Windsor Park Elementary School students for reciting the U.S. and Texas Pledges at the start of the meeting. They also recognized October Above the Line Employee of the Month winners.
Missed the meeting? Meetings are available for viewing online at www.ccisd.us.
Corpus Christi ISD trustees vote to select officers
During the Nov. 10 Board of Trustees meeting, CCISD’s school board members took action —as they do each year — to select officers by majority vote. They are:
President: Dolly Gonzales Trolley
Vice President: Marty Bell
Secretary: S. Jaime Arredondo
Assistant Secretary: Steve Barrera
The board also received updates on the Advancement Via Individual Determination program and recognized the October Above the Line employees of the month.
Corpus Christi ISD schools and district offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 24, through Friday, Nov. 28, for the district’s annual Thanksgiving Break.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 8.
During the Nov. 10 Board of Trustees meeting, CCISD’s school board members took action —as they do each year — to select officers by majority vote. They are:
President: Dolly Gonzales Trolley
Vice President: Marty Bell
Secretary: S. Jaime Arredondo
Assistant Secretary: Steve Barrera
The board also received updates on the Advancement Via Individual Determination program and recognized the October Above the Line employees of the month.
Corpus Christi ISD schools and district offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 24, through Friday, Nov. 28, for the district’s annual Thanksgiving Break.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 8.
We’re proud to live in a community with such strong military ties. We thank and honor all who have served, and extend our deepest gratitude to our CCISD staff members who are veterans.
Today's Board of Trustees Meeting begins at 5 p.m.
Watch live: https://www.ccisd.us/page/board-meetings
