Campus Information
Year Open:
Bond Year:
School Mascot: Falcons
Mission Statement:
Co-create learning experiences within and beyond the classroom in order to maximize options for students and prepare them for future careers in education.
Transforming Education. Transforming Our Community.
A first generation college graduate, Ericka Olivarez earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, as well as a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a minor in English Literature from St. Mary’s University of San Antonio. She leads and serves on various state, city and district committees dedicated to building culturally responsive schools where all students and staff are healthy, safe, supported, engaged and challenged.
The Northside ISD CAST Teach High School presents a unique opportunity to develop and empower its students, so that they in turn, as future educators, have a bigger impact on generations to come. Opening in August of 2022, the CAST Teach High School will not only ensure students have a strong foundation in educational practices, it will also provide experiences in schools - side by side with mentor educators, coaches, counselors, and librarians. Mrs. Olivarez’s goal is that our future educators will find their love and passion for this work. In her own words, “This is an opportunity unlike any other - to shape the future of public school education.”
The Associate Principal also serves as the Campus Behavior Coordinator. They can be reached by email at gabriela.aguilar@nisd.net or by phone at 210-397-6465.
Gabriela Aguilar was born in Monterrey, Mexico and has dedicated more than 30 years as a teacher and educational leader for levels from preschool to college. In 2010, she came from Mexico to reside in the United States and proudly has served Northside schools since then. Ms. Aguilar is a passionate educator with a vision to grow achievers for life, as she believes in learning as a feeling, speaking not only to students' minds but also to their hearts.
Ms. Aguilar holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Linguistics and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in Mexico. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and Family Guidance from Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain and a Master’s Degree of Education in Administration from Lamar University. She is a proud mother of three successful young adults who are following her legacy of service in Texas. Ms. Aguilar enjoys playing her piano and illustrating the children’s stories she writes to share her message to young minds. She also keeps herself active as a triathlete and marathon runner.
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Dr. Denecia AndersonCounselorDenecia Anderson is the School Counselor at CAST Teach High School. With a profound commitment to nurturing the holistic well-being of students, she brings 19 years of educational experience. Her expertise is built upon a strong academic foundation, which includes a Graduate-level specialization in Education from Liberty University, a Master's in Human Resource Management from Webster University, and a Bachelor's in Psychology from The University of Tennessee.
Denecia's tenure as a Professional School Counselor is distinguished by her unwavering dedication to the academic, social, and emotional development of her students. She thrives in creating supportive environments where young individuals can strive for academic excellence and personal growth. Her counseling philosophy is deeply rooted in her core values: a steadfast faith in each student's potential, a commitment to fostering resilience and self-discipline, and a drive for fostering collaborative relationships that celebrate equity. She has excelled in identifying and addressing the diverse needs of the school community, and providing tailored guidance that encourages students to maximize their abilities.
In moments away from her counseling duties, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. Denecia indulges in activities that reflect her nurturing spirit, from serving others to treasured moments with loved ones, journeys to new places, and engaging in vigorous fitness routines that reflect her disciplined nature. Her life's work is a testament to her passion for guiding individuals toward a path of fulfillment and success.
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Dr. Juana Piña-SaldivarInstructional Facilitator, Advanced AcademicsDr. Juana N. Piña Saldivar holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in education from Texas State University, a Master’s of Educational Administration degree from Texas A&M University Kingsville, and a Doctorate of Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University Kingsville. As a first generation American, she believes in being a lifelong learner.
Dr. Saldivar has been in public education for 14 years. She is passionate about education and supporting students. Dr. Saldivar has served as an elementary classroom teacher, campus assistant principal, director of human resources, and a campus principal. Throughout her educational career, Dr. Saldivar has had the privilege of working with students and teachers of all grade levels and content. Her love of education has brought Dr. Saldivar to serve as the current Instructional fFacilitator for Advanced Academics at CAST Teach High School.
