Maverick Monthly: August 2024

Welcome back to a new school year at Eastland ISD! We hope you had a refreshing and enjoyable summer break filled with adventures, relaxation, and quality time with family and friends. As we step into this new academic year, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of our returning students and families, as well as those who are joining us for the first time. We are excited to see our hallways buzzing with energy and enthusiasm once again.

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your continued dedication and support. Our school community is a place where students thrive, not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. This success is a direct result of the collaborative efforts of our exceptional teachers, staff, parents, and, of course, our amazing students.

This year promises to be full of opportunities for growth, learning, and community building. We are committed to building on our successes and continuing to create an environment where every student can reach their full potential. I encourage you to stay engaged, communicate openly, and support one another. Our strength as a school community lies in our collaboration, and I look forward to working alongside each of you to make this year a success.

Here's to a year of learning, growth, and achievements. Let's make this a fantastic year!

Jeremy Williams

Superintendent

The regular monthly School Board Meeting was held on Monday, August 13. The Preliminary FIRST (financial rating) report was discussed. EISD received 100 of 100 points to earn the highest rating A=Superior Achievement. The final report will be released in November. The Code of Conduct, Student Handbooks, Employee Handbooks, Attendance and Leaver Handbooks were all presented and approved with noted changes being made. Student STAAR data was presented. A-F Accountability Ratings have been delayed by the state. A Budget Workshop was held to discuss the 2024-2025 Budget.

The 2024-2025 school year began on August 14th! Leading up to the first day of school, there were a number of events for Eastland students, parents, community members, and staff. Turnout this year for these events has been outstanding, and we are extremely grateful for everyone who shows interest in our students and school district.

On August 10th, this year's Mavericks Football Team, Lady Mavericks Volleyball Team, Cheerleaders, and Band members took the field at Maverick Stadium. Special thanks to the Athletic Booster Club for providing food for the event. Check out the photos from Meet the Mavs below, as well as at the Google photo album here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/dxFoZphz7zjcopvY7

Photos from the Red VS Black Scrimmage that followed can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/tNYWDw8n5vSkUmyeA

On the 9th and 10th of August, Eastland High School Cross Country athletes competed in Boyd and Brock 6 Mile Relays. We are proud of the efforts of all of our Cross Country runners, and are excited to see how they develop and improve over the season!

For the Boyd 6 Mile Relays, the results were:

Team 1 (Andrew, Sammy, Miguel, Glyn): 2nd

Team 2 (Abraham, Jayton, Chase, Paxton): 10th

Team 3 (Leo, Jonathan, Nolan): No place, not full team.

20 total teams competed.

For the Varsity Brock 6 Mile Relays, the results were:

Team 1 (Lily, Lauryne, Brooklyn): 14th

Team 2 (Rhyse, Rileigh, Scarlet): 20th

25 total teams competed.

For the JV Brock 6 Mile Relays, the results were:

Team 1 (Kylee, Annaliss, Allison): 11th

Team 2 (Carolyn, Adelyn, and a team member from West): 16th

18 total teams competed.

Siebert, and Eastland Middle School held their Meet the Teacher events on August 12th. Students and parents walked campuses, familiarizing themselves with where their classrooms were, spotting their lockers, and speaking with their new teachers for the year. The Eastland Band even made an appearance, playing songs as people entered the Middle School. At the High School, freshmen picked up their schedules and checked out the campus.

Photos from the events can be found below and at the Google Photo Album here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/8Y1qSEz3RuFXF6eN8

Classes began on the 14th of August! Pre-K and Kindergarteners took their first steps into Siebert classrooms as Seniors meet their friends in the commons area before the first bell rang on their final school year at Eastland High School. We're excited to see how all of our students perform and excel this year!

Photos from the first day of school can be found below and at the Google photo album here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/dihHfmWEqhoP54tM7

If you have students involved in Eastland athletics, make sure to join the appropriate sportsYou group! Eastland ISD coaches will use sportsYou to push out updates and information on upcoming events. Downloading the app and signing up for the group your student is a part of will help you keep up with any changes in schedules, practice, meal information, and more.

Check out the documents below for the sign up information for each group! If you have difficulties with the QR code, please use the access code and the steps listed on the page. Note that there are two groups for Football: one specifically labeled as Parents, and another for general updates.

EISD is proud to introduce our new teachers and coaches! Check out these "Teacher Flash Cards" to get to know a bit about these new members of the EISD team, and be sure to give them a warm welcome to Eastland!

Molly Blankenship joins Siebert Elementary to teach 4th Grade Math! She has six years of experience in education, and graduated from Cisco High School and Tarleton State University. When asked why she chose a career in education, she stated that she has a family history with teaching. "My mom was a teacher, so I grew up around school. I decided to go into education to make a difference in the classroom." She is excited to get to know and work with Siebert students.

Victoria Hargrove will be teaching 3rd Grade Math, Science, and Social Studies! She graduated from Perrin-Whitt CISD and UAGC (University of Arizona Global Campus). This will be her first year teaching, and when asked what she was most looking forward to, she stated she was excited to get to know her students. "I am looking forward to building relationships with my students and making memories they will remember for their lifetime!"

Amanda LeCroy will be teaching 2nd Grade Math and Science! She graduated from Marble Falls High School and went on to obtain her BS & Masters degrees from Midwestern State University. Mrs. LeCroy says: "I was drawn to working in education by my passion for fostering a love of learning in students and making a positive impact on their lives. This year, I'm excited to implement new teaching techniques I've learned and seeing my students' growth and enthusiasm for learning."

Claire Lowrey will be teaching Kindergarten at Siebert Elementary! She graduated from Wimberley High School and Angelo State University. She says that her favorite thing about teaching is seeing the personal growth of students as they build relationships and develop as individuals. "I am beyond excited to see all of my students' minds grow throughout the school year!"

Amy Purvis will be teaching English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) for 3rd Grade students at Siebert! She is an Eastland High School graduate who went on to graduate from Texas Christian University. She's returning to Eastland with eight years of experience in education, a career that she says she was inspired to pursue by the teachers who made a difference in her life. She says that she is excited and "looking forward to inspiring my students to be lifelong learners."

Brandi Sheffield will be teaching 4th Grade Science at Siebert! She graduated from Angelo State University, and has twenty-three years of experience in education. "I have always wanted to teach," Mrs. Sheffield said. "I love building relationships and encouraging young people to be the best they can be."

Jacob Escalon will be coaching for Eastland ISD and teaching Health for Eastland Middle School! He graduated from Breckenridge High School and Tarleton State University. "I became a teacher and coach so I could help students become educated and hardworking members of society," Coach Escalon says. "I'm looking forward to getting to know my students and the town of Eastland."

John Gonzales will be teaching Math for 6th Grade students at Eastland Middle School! He graduated from Sweetwater High School and McMurry University. He has two years of prior teaching experience. "I'm looking forward to working in a new school district and meeting my new students!" Mr. Gonzales says.

Mario Larios-Garcia is joining Eastland ISD as our new Assistant Band Director! He graduated from Angelo State University, and taught private lessons for Eastland Band students last year. "I decided to pursue a career in education because I want to instill the values of music in the next generation," Mr. Larios-Garcia stated. He says that he is looking forward to watching students grow musically over the course of the year.

Shayna Lowrey is joining Eastland Middle School to work with our Special Education students. She graduated from Leander High School and Tarleton State University, and has four years of experience in education. She says that she developed a love of education when she worked with Pre-K students at a daycare. "I'm excited to watch my students succeed and grow!"

Forrest Adams will be joining Eastland High School to teach Math! He has 7 years of experience in education, 30 years in engineering, and graduated from UT Austin. When asked what led him to a career in education, he stated that it was "the opportunity to help students learn math." He says that he is looking forward to meeting his new students and helping them learn.

Patricia Allen will working with Eastland High School as a Special Education and Dyslexia Intervention teacher! She is a Cisco High School graduate who went on to earn her degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She has 24 years of experience in education, and has sought to always positively impact the lives of students. Mrs. Allen says that she is most excited this year for meeting new students and becoming a part of a great teaching staff.

Philip Allen will be joining Eastland ISD to teach Agriscience! He has 30 years of experience in education, and is a Cisco High School and Tarleton State University graduate. He was inspired to pursue a career in education by his high school AG teacher. "I'm excited to be working with one of the top FFA programs in the state," Mr. Allen stated.

Courtney Bridges will be teaching World History for Eastland High School! She has been the EHS Registrar for four years, and graduated from Tarleton State University. "While working in the front office of the high school, I decided it was time to take the next step into the classroom," she stated. "I'm excited to be in the classroom and not just in the front office!"

Emily Constancio is teaching Mathematics at Eastland High School! She has 13 years of teaching experience, and graduated from Tarleton State University. When we asked what drew her to a career in education, she stated that it was her love of math and teaching math. She's looking forward to working alongside an outstanding teaching staff and with great students, and the new experiences this year will bring.

Cati Flory will be teaching Agriscience for Eastland High School! She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Services and Development from Tarleton State University and a Masters of Science in Agricultural Sciences from Texas A&M-Commerce. She has ten years of experience in education. "I was blessed to have a great AG Science teacher. He inspired my passion for the agricultural science industry and FFA; I aspire to be like him every day," Ms. Flory says. "I'm very excited to meet my students!"

Dustin Hargrove will be coaching and teaching History at Eastland High School! He has 8 years of experience in education. He says that his favorite part of being a coach and educator is building relationships with students and getting to see them succeed in life. "I'm excited for this opportunity," Coach Hargrove said. "I'm looking forward to working in a thriving district with great staff and students. Go Mavs!"

Donald Ivey will a coaching and teaching World Geography for Eastland High School! This is his first year in education, after graduating from Bangs High School and Sul Ross State University. When asked what lead him to a career in education, he responded that it was a hope to positively impact the lives of students. "I'm excited to learn the kids, help them grow, and to learn how to best motivate them to keep going forward."

Shawna McKinney will be teaching English for Eastland High School! She graduated from Cisco High School and Liberty University. When asked why she pursued a career in education, she stated that she felt called to teach and was inspired by her teachers. "My love for students and wanting to make a difference in their lives has motivated me to give 110% like so many educators did for me. I'm looking forward to serving the community through education and connecting with my new students!"

Caroline Osteen will be coaching and teaching English for Eastland High School! She graduated from Littlefield ISD and Midway University, and has two years of experience in education. She says that she was inspired to teach by her mother. "My mom has been coaching for twenty-three years. I want to be the teacher that inspires kids to learn and to be a part of a school family." She says that she is excited to get to know each of her students throughout the school year.

Kyle Wilhelm will be teaching Chemistry at Eastland High School! He graduated from Robinson High School, William Carey University, and is currently completing a dissertation at Baylor University. He has been teaching undergraduate students for 6 years as he works on his Ph. D.. We asked what drew him to work in education, and Dr. Wilhelm explained that his parents were an inspiration for him. "Both of my parents are educators with strong convictions when it comes to helping others. I inherited their mindset and their passion for helping those in need." He states that he is excited to help students prepare for their future after high school, regardless of their career path.

September 2nd: No school, Labor Day Holiday

September 9th: Next regularly scheduled School Board Meeting

September 27th: End of First Six Weeks period

September 30th: No class for students: Staff Development