Volume 4, Issue 2: 9/4/26

 

Greetings Bulldogs! Happy Friday.

No School Monday - Labor Day:

I hope you have noticed that bedtime routines are a bit easier because your kiddos come home tired from their hard-working day at school; I know my families have been! 

 

Whether they put in long hours for band or sports, are taking rigorous classes, played hard on the playground, or so many other reasons, our students go-go-go all day.

For that reason, I ask that you please make sure you try to prioritize a little rest (whether it is this 3-day weekend or another time) because the school year is a marathon, not a sprint, and we want our students to come in as refreshed and ready to go as possible.

Reminder: Home Varsity Football Game Parking Logistics:

We are SO excited for our first home varsity football game Friday night! We expect a large crowd on both sides. Thus, we wanted to share a little bit of information regarding parking options due to the current construction.

First, as you will notice on the attached map, the main home parking is still located in the section by the middle school (old HS). Additionally, there is overflow parking on the side by the gym against Moerbe Street. Visitors will now have parking in the new high school, with overflow available near the city baseball field.

One adjustment this year is that we have moved the visitor ticket booth to the small building directly under the visitor stands. In doing this, we created many additional handicap spaces along the fence that can be used by home or visiting fans.

Additionally, we are locking the gate on the visitor side and the previous visitor ticket booth to keep cars from parking inside the fence. We feel this will help with congestion and safety. If you would like to bring a lawn chair or folding chair and place it along the fence inside the stadium, you are welcome to do so. NOTE: If you have historically parked inside the fence along the section where you must remain in your car, please contact the central office for an additional option that may be available to you.

For everyone else, come early, be loud, and be ready to support our Bulldogs as they take on Rogers!

TISD A-F Rating Accountability Scores:

The results are official! Although we of course, are always striving for an A at all campuses and as a district, we are very proud of the hard work of our students and staff last year to earn scores that are near the top of our county and region.

 

The part we are most proud of is the numerous distinctions that we added to our achievements this year. Distinction Designations recognize schools and districts for exceptional achievement, generally representing performance in the top quartile compared with similar schools or districts.

Schools may earn distinctions in Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Academic Growth, Closing the Gaps, and Postsecondary Readiness.

We are proud of the progress being made throughout Thorndale ISD and grateful for the students, staff, families, and community who continue to help us Strive for Excellence!

Learn more about Distinction Designations in Chapter 6 of the 2026 Accountability Manual:

TEA Information

September Lunch Menus:

Here is a link to a larger view: Thorndale ISD - Nutrition & Menus

New TISD Staff:

I am super proud of the work we have done here in Thorndale to create an environment that teachers and staff want to be a part of. In fact, we only had two teacher openings from our 2025-26 teacher group! That is almost unheard of these days! That being said, you might notice there are quite a few new faces! Due to growth (we are up about 20 students this year to 682!) and the addition of the new high school building, we have added quite a few necessary positions.

For a full roundup of the new staff, please check out our welcome messages below.

TISD Alumni Spotlight: Allen Hall

August Alumni Spotlight:  Allen Hall, Class of 2013

Allen Hall has built a career rooted in agriculture, leadership, and service while never forgetting the community that helped shape him. A 2013 Thorndale High School graduate, Allen was involved in National Honor Society, UIL, Band, and FFA before earning his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Services and Development from Tarleton State University.

After graduation, Allen worked with Texas A&M AgriLife Research before joining the Brazos County Expo, where he now serves as the Assistant Operations Manager. His career has allowed him to work alongside livestock and equine producers while building relationships with organizations across Texas, including major livestock shows, rodeos, and agricultural associations.

Although he now calls College Station home, Allen remains dedicated to Thorndale. He has been involved with Thorndale Cares since high school and has served as the organization's President since 2019. Alongside fellow alumni and volunteers, he helps provide Christmas outreach to local families and awards an annual scholarship to a deserving Thorndale senior.

Allen's favorite memories include Friday night football, band trips, and one tradition that still lives on today. As a freshman, he and the late Jacob Biar convinced Band Director Scott Simmons to arrange the "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie Polka," Coach Kelly Kuhl's favorite song. The band began playing it during the fourth quarter whenever the Bulldogs were on their way to victory—a tradition that continues to bring smiles to Bulldog fans.

His advice to today's students is to enjoy every moment. "Make friends, cherish the memories, and appreciate the people around you. Don't let the size of our school fool you—Thorndale prepares you exceptionally well for the future. Most importantly, give God the glory and be thankful for a community that always shows up to support its students."

Allen credits the many teachers, coaches, administrators, and mentors who invested in him for helping shape the person he is today and remains grateful for the lifelong friendships, lessons, and values he gained during his time as a Bulldog.

To read more please visit -TISD Website

Nominate a TISD alumni for an upcoming highlight by scanning the QR code or visiting - Alumni Nomination Form.

TISD 25-26 State of the District Magazine:

If you did not get one, or know someone in the community who would like one, please send them to the central office building to grab their FREE copy.

2025-26 TISD District Magazine 

Previous Bulldog Bulletins - Superintendent’s Blogs:

In case you missed out on the 25-26 Superintendent’s blog and want to look back at any issue, here is where you can find them: Thorndale ISD - Bulldog Bulletin - Supt Blog 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Most sincerely,

Zack Kleypas
Superintendent
Thorndale ISD
#TISDStrivingForExcellence

“Keep improving, always, in all ways.”