Volume 3, Issue 8: 11/21/25
Volume 3, Issue 8: 11/21/25
Greetings Bulldogs! Happy Friday.
TISD Bond Update:
The two best phrases to hear, anytime we are talking about a big bond project, are: “we are on time” and “we are on budget”. Both are happening right now, and progress on the bond is hard to miss!
As we inch closer to the July substantial completion date, we want to continue to share the progress with you.
Be on the lookout for a sign-up genius to tour the high school construction site after the Thanksgiving Holiday if you are interested!
Here are a couple of photos to give you a glimpse of the progress:
- Concrete paths are being completed, and road base is laid as we prepare for asphalt on each of the driveways and parking lots
- The framing is finishing up, and as shown below, the construction team is high in the air working in the main hallway of the building.
- Framing of the high school is done with metal “studs”, while a residential house is typically done in wood 2x4s. It takes A LOT of framing metal to close in all of the classrooms and spaces. Below is a picture of the CTE building (a large dark grey metal building) full of framing material.
- HVAC units are being lifted atop the building as we speak! In preparation for those units, HVAC ductwork has already been underway inside the building.
- The floor in the hallway will be a beautiful polished concrete, while the classrooms will have actual flooring to help with acoustics. Below is a sample area (that will be covered by flooring) in one of the classrooms to test the polish level of the hallway floors. They are going to shine for our kiddos!
2025 Meal Service & Important Updates:
Dear Parents,
Here is important information from the Child Nutrition Department for December.
🗓 December Menu & Manager’s Choice Week
- The last week of school before Christmas break: Manager’s Choice
- Purpose: Use remaining inventory and serve all fresh fruits and vegetables before break
- The menu may vary by grade level or campus, depending on inventory and attendance
🥪 Last Day of School – Sack Lunch Only
- Elementary: A note will be sent home to sign up for lunch
- Middle & High School: Sign-ups via Google Doc sent by Mrs. Anders:
- MS: Friday, Dec. 19
- HS: Dec. 18 & 19
All lunches on the last day will be sack lunches only.
💰 Student Meal Account Balances
- Deadline: Thursday, Dec. 11 – pay all student accounts in full
- Add extra funds to cover meals after Christmas break to keep accounts current
- Payment options:
- Cash or check at cafeteria
- Online:MySchoolBucks
Reminder: No negative balances will carry over into the new year.
🤝 Join the SHAC Committee
We are seeking teachers, staff, parents, community members, and anyone else interested to serve on the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) as we update our Local Wellness Policy.
Contact Jeni Anders:
- Email: janders@thorndale.txed.net
- Cell: 512-585-3007
Your input is valuable – help us make wellness a priority for our students!
Thank you for your support!
December 2025 Lunch Menu:
TISD Alumni Spotlight:
November Alumni Spotlight: Tim Patin, Class of 1995
Tim Patin, a proud member of the Thorndale Class of 1995, has a story that embodies Bulldog pride, dedication, and resilience. During his high school years, Tim was deeply involved in 4-H and football, balancing his academic responsibilities with extracurricular passions. On the football field, he was a part of the Bulldogs to the 1994 State Championship, a historic achievement that highlighted his involvement, teamwork, and commitment to excellence. This moment remains one of the most memorable of his high school career and continues to inspire current students.
After graduating, Tim pursued higher education at Angelo State University, where he graduated in 2000 with a degree that would launch his professional journey. He began his career at Zachry Construction, working from 2000 to 2007, where he gained invaluable experience in project management, leadership, and hands-on construction work. In 2007, Tim transitioned to Patin Construction, where he has continued to grow professionally, taking on greater responsibilities and contributing to numerous successful projects. His passion for craftsmanship and innovation eventually led him to start Hot Rod Garage in 2018, a venture that blends his entrepreneurial spirit with his love for working with his hands.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Tim is a dedicated martial artist. He holds a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and also coaches Muay Thai, sharing his skills, discipline, and passion for fitness with others. Martial arts has been a lifelong pursuit for Tim, teaching him perseverance, focus, and the value of mentorship—lessons he applies in both his personal and professional life.
Family is at the heart of Tim’s life. He is the proud father of three daughters, and after traveling extensively and gaining experience around the world, he chose to return to Thorndale to raise his family in the community that shaped him. Tim shares, “I traveled the world, and I brought my girls back to Thorndale School. This is home, and it’s where I want them to grow, learn, and thrive.” His commitment to family, education, and community reflects the values instilled in him during his time at Thorndale ISD.
Tim’s journey—from championship football to entrepreneurship, martial arts, and fatherhood—illustrates a life built on hard work, dedication, and giving back. He continues to serve as a role model for students, showing them that with perseverance, passion, and commitment, anything is possible. Tim’s story is not only a celebration of personal achievement but also a reminder of the impact one individual can have on their family, community, and future generations of Bulldogs.
Whether mentoring young athletes, leading in business, or raising his daughters, Tim Patin exemplifies the spirit and excellence of Thorndale ISD alumni. His journey encourages all Bulldogs to pursue their dreams, embrace challenges, and remain rooted in the values that make Thorndale a community like no other.
To read more, please visit - TISD Website
Nominate a TISD alumni for an upcoming highlight by scanning the QR code or visiting the Nomination Form
TISD Career Fair:
7th–12th-grade students had the opportunity to connect with a wide variety of professionals during the TISD Career Fair on November 12th.
From law enforcement and healthcare to trades, technology, education, and beyond — students explored possible career paths, asked great questions, and learned about the skills and education needed to succeed in their future goals.
A big thank you to all of our presenters, local businesses, and community partners for investing time into our students’ futures.
Fentanyl Awareness Presentation:
Today, 11/20/25, our students attended a powerful presentation on the dangers of fentanyl. Rebecca White bravely shared her son Cam’s story, reminding all of us how important awareness and prevention truly are. Thank you, Rebecca, for your strength and message.
THSWS Tiger Tough Regional Welding Event
Thorndale Ag Mechanics program was well represented today at the THSWS Tiger Tough Regional Welding event hosted by Perry and Perry in Rockdale. 14 students earned their level 1 certifications today, with Garrett Schramm placing 2nd out of over 80 qualifying welds!
Caden Pitman had a 2nd place finish in the cutting contest, and Sebastian Cazares placed in the top ten finalists.
Welders also participated in a tool ID contest, tried their hand at underwater welding, and operated a Spyder Crane with a partner guiding them. We even had a few win some nice door prizes from the vendors set up today.
Basketball Season Starts!
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Girls 7th grade through varsity are off to a hot start! There is a lot of talent, and every team is fun to watch!
There is so much basketball, please check our thorndale isd athletes facebook page for scores and updates!
Boys varsity will begin when football is over. Stay tuned for more!
Football:
Varsity Football
- The boys took on Moody last week at Temple Stadium. After a slow start, they turned the tide and won convincingly 42-7.
AREA PLAYOFF GAME DAY!
- Round 2 against Ganado!
- Rockdale Tiger Stadium
- Friday, Nov. 21
- 7:00 PM
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: Thorndale ISD Website
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Most sincerely,
Zack Kleypas
Superintendent
Thorndale ISD
#TISDStrivingForExcellence
“Keep improving, always, in all ways.”

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