Volume 4, Issue 4: 10/2/26
Volume 4, Issue 4: 10/2/26
Greetings, Bulldogs! Happy Friday.
New Staff:
I am excited to announce that as we wish Rebecca Peel well as she steps away as business manager, we will have a familiar face stepping into the role
Our very own Lisa Todd will be sliding in as Interim Business Manager. Lisa is a very hardworking, knowledgeable, dependable, and detail oriented employee, bringing in-house experience within our business office. I have no doubt that she will step in and lead the business and finance department of Thorndale ISD and keep us moving forward.
Please help me congratulate and welcome Lisa into this new role, effective October 1, 2026.
Save the Date - Grants & Gratitude:
Whether you are already a donor, are considering it, or just want to see the great work of the TREE Foundation, we invite you out to a fun event
Principal Appreciation:
I often try to reflect on things that we take for granted because “we forget how good we have got it”. Well, our 3 campus principals shouldn't be one of those things.
We are BEYOND blessed to have great leaders in this district who care for our students and look out for the best interests of our campuses.
Please help me appreciate these three gentlemen next time you see them. (NOTE: A random email of appreciation goes a LONG way for an unsuspecting educator, in case you want to send them a quick note).
Custodian Appreciation:
Another group who never gets enough recognition for the amazing job they do is our fantastic custodial crew.
The group has grown this year with the addition of the new high school, but they have risen to the test! Coming in each day to a clean building, with trash taken out, is a luxury that we often take for granted.
Please help me thank these folks for the amazing work they do!
TISD Alumni Spotlight - Shelby Rodriguez:
For Shelby (Pausewang) Rodriguez, serving others has always been important. Today, the 2013 Thorndale High School graduate has turned that passion into a career as a police officer, where she has been recognized for her courage and commitment to her community.
From Thorndale to a Career in Service
Although Shelby attended Thorndale ISD for only two years, she made the most of her time as a Bulldog. She was involved in volleyball, basketball, tennis, softball, band, NHS, yearbook, and served as a cross country manager. Some of her favorite memories come from being part of those teams and organizations.
“Friday night lights playing in the band, volleyball, basketball, tennis, softball — there are too many good memories to pick just one.”
More than a decade later, it is the relationships she built during those two years that stand out most. Shelby says she was blessed to make lifelong friends at Thorndale whom she remains close with today.
Finding Her Purpose
After graduating from THS, Shelby attended Texas State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She now serves as a police officer for the City of Rockdale, a career that allows her to combine her passion for helping others with her commitment to serving her community.
“I’ve always loved and enjoyed serving the community and helping people when needed. Now I’m lucky enough to be a part of a career field where I get to do this every day.”
Her service has also earned significant recognition. Shelby was honored by the Central Texas 100 Club with both the Life Saving Award and Medal of Valor. She was also selected to be recognized at the State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Awards at the Texas State Capitol, where she received recognition from TCOLE for the Medal of Valor.
Family & Life Beyond THS
Outside of her career, Shelby is married to her husband, Fernando Rodriguez, and together they have three children — Abby, Abel, and Kayla. Despite everything she has accomplished since graduation, Shelby still looks back on her time in Thorndale with an appreciation for the people who helped shape her along the way.
Advice for Today’s Bulldogs
Shelby encourages current students not to rush through their high school years, but instead to appreciate the people and experiences surrounding them.
“Enjoy it while you’re in the middle of it all. It goes by quick, but you’ll grow to appreciate the friendships made along the way, the teachers and coaches that pushed you to be great, and the community that always showed up to support you.”
She also shares a quote that reflects the path she has taken since leaving Thorndale:
“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For passion will lead you right into your purpose.”
From an involved THS student to an award-winning law enforcement officer, Shelby continues to carry a heart for service into everything she does. Thorndale ISD is proud to recognize Shelby (Pausewang) Rodriguez, Class of 2013, as this month’s Alumni Spotlight.
Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.
To read more please visit - Alumni Stories
Nominate a TISD alumni for an upcoming highlight by scanning the QR code or visiting Alumni Nomination Form
Do You Have the Parent Square App?
TISD Students at the State Fair:
Thorndale FFA members Riley and Jaxson Clinard represented Thorndale ISD well at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas this past week!
Riley
- Champion Spot Gilt
- 5th place Senior Showmanship
Jaxson
- 3rd place Duroc Gilt
TISD Annual Cultural Celebration Night:
What a wonderful evening, celebrating our students, families, and the richness of Hispanic culture!
Our students did an amazing job sharing their talents, and we loved enjoying delicious food, laughter, and fellowship with our Thorndale family.
Thank you to everyone who helped organize the event, for all the folks who brought delicious food to share, and to those who came out to show their support!
Volleyball Updates:
Varsity volleyball is off to a hot start in district! The girls are currently 4-0 in district. They have beaten:
- McDade: 3-0
- Bartlett: 3-0
- Granger: 3-0
- Holland: 3-1
They travel to McDade on 10/5/26 to start the second ½ of district. Good luck girls!
For updates on our JV and JH teams, please check the Thorndale ISD Athletics Facebook page.
Football Updates:
Varsity football is also undefeated! If you are keeping track, THS has beat not 1, not 2, not 3, but FOUR 3A schools to start the season.
Additionally, they had a great showing for our district opener as we beat Marlin 37-7.
The boys will travel to Moody tonight for their second district game. Good luck Bulldogs!
Cross Country Updates:
TISD hosted the first ever Cross Country Night Run event to celebrate our athletes and allow the fans to see them in action as they ran the mile.
Last week cross county ran at Academy ISD and had a great showing. Varsity Girls, Varsity Boys, and JV Boys all finished 2nd overall as a team!
These team finishes were a huge effort by every single runner. Each place and every finish mattered in earning those 2nd place team finishes. Way to compete, Bulldogs and Lady Dogs!
Lady Dogs - Team 2nd place
- Raven Sandoval – 1st Place
- Skielee Bear – 3rd Place
- Nadia Gonzalez – 6th Place
Varsity Bulldogs - Team 2nd place
- Jamie Llanas – 2nd Place
- Case McDaniel – 8th Place
JV Bulldogs - Team 2nd place
- Angel Rivera – 2nd Place
- Jonah Norvell – 7th Place
Congratulations to all of our runners!
Reminder - TREE Foundation Education Grant (Student Version):
Did you know your child can write a grant to the Thorndale Education Foundation for consideration during the 26-27 school year? How cool is that! If your child is passionate about something we could purchase to make their classroom or their campus even better, here is their chance!
Here is more info:
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
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Most sincerely,
Zack Kleypas
Superintendent
Thorndale ISD
#TISDStrivingForExcellence
“Keep improving, always, in all ways.”
