DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
Mrs. Gail Middleton Named Principal of Newest Elementary School
Celina ISD is proud to announce the appointment of Mrs. Gail Middleton as the principal of our newest campus, Elementary #5 (name forthcoming). Mrs. Middleton has been an integral part of Celina ISD since 2020, serving in key leadership roles, including Assistant Principal at Celina Primary School, Lykins Elementary, Moore Middle School, and most recently, O’Dell Elementary, where she has excelled over the past two years.
With over 21 years of educational experience, Mrs. Middleton brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her new role. Her background spans secondary education teaching, as well as assistant principal and principal positions at the elementary level. She is excited and honored to lead the new campus, collaborating with students, staff, and parents to continue Celina ISD’s tradition of excellence.
“Gail has such a deep love for our students and staff,” said CISD Superintendent, Tom Maglisceau, “and she has impacted so many of our campuses as she has grown through our system. She has a special heart for the unique talents and needs of each of the students she serves, and we are excited to have Gail bring her own strengths as an educational leader to our newest elementary school.”
Mrs. Middleton holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Texas State University and a Master of Education in Administrative Leadership from Concordia University. Outside of her professional accomplishments, she and her husband of 21 years, Jeff, have three children: Luke, a sophomore at the University of Arkansas; Loran, a junior and athletic trainer at Van Alstyne High School; and Levi, a sophomore and golfer at Van Alstyne High School. Her husband Jeff is also an educator, serving as a teacher and football coach at Greenville ISD.
We are confident that Mrs. Middleton’s dedication, expertise, and vision will play a pivotal role in the success of our new campus and in fostering a thriving school community. Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Middleton on this well-deserved opportunity!
Community Bonfire
The inaugural Celina High School House Community Bonfire will take place in front of Celina High School beginning at sundown on January 16th.
Join us for an evening of fun and fellowship! There will be hotdogs, s'mores, and hot chocolate available for purchase, as well as games for kids to enjoy. Don't forget to bring your lawn chairs so you can relax and enjoy the bonfire comfortably.
We look forward to seeing you there as we come together to celebrate our amazing small-town community!
Bond Planning Update
We all know Celina ISD is growing at a fantastic rate, but you may not know just how quickly we are growing. Celina ISD is one of the fastest growing school districts in America. In fact, Celina’s growth rate is 53 times higher than the nation’s average growth rate.
That means more people than ever are coming to our district. While we love the growth, it also presents a special set of challenges and opportunities. A group of more than 50 Celina ISD staff, parents, community members, and students came together to examine those issues while serving on the Long-Range Facilities Committee.
That committee just wrapped up a series of meetings to determine the next step in our path forward. Next month, they will present their recommendation to the CISD Board of Trustees for the 2025 Bond Election. That recommendation will be based on cultivating the “Learner Experience” that makes Celina one of the best places in America to learn, work, and grow.
For more details about our bond planning please visit our Bond website page.
Bobcat Beginnings: A Guide for Parents of New Bobcats
New Bobcat families, you are invited to a special event. Join us for Bobcat Beginnings: A Guide for Parents of New Bobcats! This informative event will provide an in-depth look at everything that makes Celina ISD a special place.
Learn about:
- Academic, Athletic, and Fine Arts Programs
- Advanced Academic Opportunities
- Managing Growth and Long-Range Planning
- The 2025 Bond Process
- School Finance and Legislative Impacts
We’ll also explain how Celina ISD creates an outstanding learner experience, focusing on loving the learner, driving rigor, and building interdependent self-managers.
Date: February 10, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Moore Middle School
Mark your calendars now—we can’t wait to see you there!
New Telephone Messaging System
Celina ISD uses a messaging system to keep families informed. You’ll receive important updates from the number (866) 823-2778. Please save this number in your contacts under Celina ISD.
NOTE: This number is designated solely for outgoing messages and does not receive incoming messages.
Get Involved
One of the key factors that makes our schools great for students is the support we receive from families and the wider community. There are many ways you can get involved and support Celina schools. Here are a few options:
- Join PTA: Follow the link to your child's campus to learn how to join the PTA
- Early Childhood School PTA
- Bothwell Elementary School PTA
- Lykins Elementary School PTA
- Martin Elementary School PTA
- O'Dell Elementary School PTA
- Moore Middle School PTSA
- Celina High School (C.A.T.) Community Action Team
- Support the Celina Education Foundation: The CEF exsists to support students and staff in Celina ISD. Click HERE to learn how you can join and support the CEF.
- Volunteer Opportunities: There are many opportunities in CISD to volunteer throughout the school year. If you are interested in volunteering in CISD schools, the first step is to complete a background check. Click HERE to complete a background check.
- Partners In Education: This is Celina ISD's mentor program. Click HERE to learn more.
- Silver Bobcats: This is for Celina ISD community members who are 60+. Click HERE to learn how to join.
Save the Date! Celina Education Foundation Extravaganza
Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable evening in support of scholarships for Celina ISD students!
📅 Date: Friday, February 28, 2025
⏰ Time: Doors open at 5 PM
📍 Location: 3 R’s Ranch, 1695 N. Coit Rd, Prosper, TX
🕕 Event Highlights:
- Dinner
- Dancing
- Live & Silent Auctions with incredible items!
Every ticket purchased directly supports scholarships for Celina students. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference while enjoying a fantastic evening with our community!
Thank you for supporting our students and their future. We can’t wait to see you there!
🎟️ Click HERE to purchase your tickets! 🎟️
January
1-3: Winter Break - Student/Staff Holiday
6: Staff Inservice Day/Student Holiday
13: CEF Wingstop Fundraiser from 4-8 PM
16: Community Bonfire at CHS
20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Student/Staff Holiday
22: Connect Your Path - CTE 5:45- 7:45 PM at CHS
February
Career and Technical Education
3: Rising 6th Grader Parent Night
4: Rising 7th and 8th grader Parent Night
10: Bobcat Beginnings: A Guide for Parents of New Bobcats at 6 PM at Moore Middle School
14: No School for Students/Staff Inservice Day
17: Presidents Day - No School for Students and Staff
20: Silver Bobcats at Early Childhood School
28: Celina Education Foundation Extravaganza