Additional settings for Safari Browser.
Volume 3, Issue 2: 8/29/25
Volume 3, Issue 2: 8/29/25
Greetings Bulldogs! Happy Friday.
Reminder - No School Monday - Labor Day!:
(Action Item) The School Library Committee Needs You!
New legislation makes it necessary for every district in the state of Texas to develop a committee of committed parents who will serve on the School Library Committee. In Thorndale, I predict this committee will be much easier to be a member of than in some of the larger districts.
We are looking for a handful of parents of current students who would be willing to serve on this committee that only meets twice per year to discuss book purchases, procedures, and, if necessary, book ban requests.
We could really use your help if you are interested in serving. Please email me at Zack.Kleypas@Thorndale.txed.net, and I can get you more information.
Thorndale ISD Signing Of The Beam & Topping Out:
On Tuesday, August 19th, 2025, all of our students and staff who were at school had a chance to sign the final beams that were later hoisted up and installed inside the new high school.
It was fun to watch them pick their marker color and find a spot they liked to sign their name that will forever live on in THEIR high school.
With over 750 signatures (staff, students, board, etc.) the beam was lifted into place on Wednesday morning in our informal “topping out” ceremony. Check out the video below to watch the event:
Thorndale ISD – New High School Topping Out
TISD Staff Shoutouts!
Unfortunately, when a community member stops by the office and leaves a number to call them back, albeit not often, it's to let me know they have a concern.
Well, not this week. Instead, I had a community member want to let me know that one of our staff members has consistently gone above and beyond for their family.
What did they do that was worth the visit to the office and subsequent phone call?
Well, it's the little things. You see, Trey Gilchrist, a dedicated TISD bus driver, has been driving by this community member's house every day on his route, and on most days, they bring their young grandson outside to watch the bus go by. Their grandson absolutely loves the big yellow school buses and gets overjoyed when they pass by.
Recently, Trey made it a point to honk while passing by, as well as giving the youngster a close-up view of the bus.
This small act took just a moment, cost nothing, and had absolutely nothing to do with Trey’s actual job of delivering students to and from school. However, it will have a lasting impact on our newest and biggest fan.
After thanking the individual for taking the time to share the kudos and thanking Trey personally, I wanted to share the story with you.
Every day, our staff members are making incredible experiences and providing top-notch customer service.
We want to hear about it! Thus, we have created the Shoutout Link below, where I highly encourage you to take just a moment to give a kudos to a staff member. You can write one, or you can write one hundred. You can write it today, or you can write one in May. This form will be open all year long and I will be checking it weekly so we can recognize our deserving staff.
Yondr Pouches - Cell Phone Devices and HB 1481
I am proud to say that Thorndale ISD has been implementing a cell phone-free policy and procedures for four years now. That being said, you may have heard that HB 1481 made it law that cell phones could NOT be used in the classroom.
To support our efforts to eliminate distractions, reduce technology-induced anxiety, and cyberbullying, TISD implemented Yondr Pouches at the middle and elementary schools.
In case you are not familiar with them, here is a brief presentation on Yondr:
Note, in case your student ever leaves school and forgets to unlock their Yondr, there is one of the special Yondr magnets on the wall just outside the door of the central office for after-hours usage.
Grandparents’ Day Breakfast - Tuesday, September 9th, 2025:
We would love to invite all of our grandparents to breakfast! We know what a crucial role you play in our students' lives, and we would love to honor you. Please see below for details.
Complete this form if you will be attending Grandparents Breakfast. Visitors' badges will be preprinted at the end of the day Monday, 9/8 for those that have scanned in previously. Badges may be picked up outside the cafeteria prior to entering the building. If you have not had your drivers license scanned at a TISD office yet this school year, please make sure you check in at one of the TISD offices prior to breakfast on 9/9.
Grandparents Breakfast Check In Form
FYI - Required Posting - School Discipline:
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Physical Therapy Offered in Thorndale:
I am offering licensed physical therapy for TISD students in the middle school weight room again this year. I would appreciate it greatly if you will include information about the services in your newsletter to TISD families.
To recap: PT at School offers low cost, close-to-home pediatric and youth physical therapy to students of TISD in the middle school weight room. 512-633-8075 for more information.
Thank you for supporting PT at School and our bulldogs in need of therapy services!
Sincerely,
Laurel Herzog, PT
Previous Bulldog Bulletin’s - Superintendent’s Blogs:
In case you missed out on the 24-25 Superintendent’s blog and want to look back at any issue, here is where you can find them: TISD Website Bulldog Bulletins
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most sincerely,
Zack Kleypas
Superintendent
Thorndale ISD
#TISDStrivingForExcellence
