28 Apr 2007
School Named in Honor of Hispanic War Hero
DALLAS—Dallas Independent School District officials were joined by community leaders, parents, students, and elected officials Saturday, April 28, for the dedication ceremony of Felix G. Botello Elementary School, 225 S. Marsalis Road.
The 91,000-square-foot elementary, serving 600 students in Oak Cliff, is named for war hero and community leader Felix G. Botello, who died in 1990. After World War II, Botello returned to Texas determined to pursue his education; he finished high school and attended law school. Botello's character, courage and commitment inspired his sister Adelfa Callejo, his son, Felix C., and his daughter, Elizabeth, to study law and to support programs to give back to the community.
The Botello Porristas (cheerleaders) opened the celebration followed by a welcome from Principal Clarissa Plair. Botello fifth graders and the student council recited the pledge of allegiance, and Representative Roberto Alonzo (Texas District 104) presented the school with a state flag. Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa and Board of Trustees First Vice President Jerome Garza thanked the community for its support of the bond program. Botello's widow, Virginia, his daughter and grandson paid tribute to Botello's love for his country and his determination to pursue a law degree, calling him a role model for future generations of their family.
The school's Ballroom Dancing Aztecs, the ballet folklorico and handbell choir were among the performers. Trustee Garza highlighted the school's curriculum that includes computer technology, music training, orchestra, and ballet folklorico and cited enrichment programs in problem solving, college readiness, and physical fitness. Community involvement includes local LULAC chapters who provide after-school reading, tutoring and trips to the library. Botello students also have the opportunity to work with area attorneys and members of the W.H. Adamson High School Academic Decathlon Team.
Botello Elementary includes 37 classrooms, plus science and computer labs, art and music rooms, a media center, gymnasium, kitchen and cafeteria. Classrooms are equipped with LCD projectors and other advanced technology, offering teachers new ways to engage students.
The school serves students who attended James Bowie, Harrell Budd, John F. Peeler, and John H. Reagan elementary schools. Fifth-grade students from Botello will attend sixth grade in the fall of 2007 at the new Hector P. Garcia Middle School
The construction and design team for the new school included program manager, Austin Commercial; architect, Alliance Architects; and builder, 3i/J.E. Dunn, General Contractors.
The 2002 Dallas ISD bond program funded a total of 20 new schools, more than 33 major additions and renovations to nearly every campus in the district. The dedication of Felix G. Botello Elementary School is the twelfth and final new school dedication this school year. To date, 16 new schools and 94 of 155 planned renovations are complete. Thirteen hundred twenty-seven new classrooms have been added across the district with the capacity to serve more than 30,000 students.
A groundbreaking ceremony for Francisco "Pancho" Medrano Middle School will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 8, at 9801 Brockbank Drive.