Thorndale ISD

Volume 3, Issue 11: 1/23/26

 

Greetings Bulldogs! Happy Friday.

 

Cold weather is coming!

I just wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the process that guides us for school closures and delays.

If you look at the weather forecast, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday have a high chance of freezing weather AND rain.

Thus, we will be watching the weather closely on Sunday to make decisions.

First, as many of you have experienced, sometimes school gets canceled, and the weather changes to being sunny and perfect. Or, not schools NOT closing, and then the weather takes a turn for the worse, and accidents and issues pop up because of it.

Thus, I like to err on the side of caution IF the immediate predictions and circumstances warrant it, especially since we have many county roads that become even harder to navigate.

I have been, and will continue to be, on numerous superintendent and meteorologist regional calls/text groups leading up to Monday to see how the weather progresses.
Ideally, we will have enough information to make a decision Sunday morning (I am NOT a fan of “morning of” decisions unless of course, they are warranted by changes). If it is too hard to tell if a closure is necessary, then the neighboring districts have agreed to a 5 pm decision.

Worst case scenario, if we can’t tell what Monday will look like, our scout team, which typically includes Russell in transportation, some city staff, and sometimes myself will carefully navigate a few areas around the district early in the morning to check the conditions (I don’t think we are going to need to wait for that this time around - but just wanted you to know the process)

We realize that some people leave for work very early, need to make plans for childcare, etc., so I promise I understand the importance of early information.

If the call is made for a delay or closure, we will use ParentSquare for staff and for parents, as well as the website and social media to notify everyone. I always try my best to notify staff first, followed immediately by parents and the community. 

So… stay tuned and stay warm!

HEB Excellence in Education Finalist!!!

We are beyond proud to celebrate Mr. Morrison as a Finalist for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award — making him the second Thorndale ISD employee to earn this incredible honor!

This recognition highlights the passion, leadership, and heart he brings to Thorndale Elementary every single day. Our students, staff, and families are blessed to have such a dedicated leader serving our campus and community.

Way to represent TES and TISD in a BIG way, Mr. Morrison.

For more information on the HEB Excellence in Education Awards, check our their website: HEB Loves Teachers

 

(Reminder) TISD Date Changes to Note:

 

2026-27 TISD Calendar (Next Year):

 

Recent Law Updates from the Legislative Session:

Senate Bill 8 - often referred to as the “Texas Women’s Privacy Act” relates to rules on who can use which restrooms in public schools (amongst other places). This law changes nothing for how Thorndale ISD operates in terms of who is permitted to use which bathrooms or locker rooms. 

However, it does cause a situation that requires us to designate times in which locker rooms may change from a private changing area, to that of a team meeting space. PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS NOT A CHANGE IN WHAT WE DO. It also does NOT mean a male coach is permitted in a girls locker room or a girls' coach is permitted into a boys locker room when anyone is changing. 

However, as the graphic clearly states below, we are designating clear times when a coach and team MIGHT use a lockerroom as a space for tasks other than changing.

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to call me or our athletic director/coaches.

 

Thorndale Featured Alumni Spotlight:

January Alumni Spotlight: James Grimm, Class of 1962

James Grimm, Class of 1962, was an active and accomplished student during his time at Thorndale High School. He participated in football, earning All-District honors, as well as baseball and track. In addition to athletics, James was heavily involved in FFA, serving as an Area Officer and earning his Lone Star Degree. These experiences helped build a strong foundation for a lifetime of leadership and service in agriculture.

Following graduation, James began his professional career with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), where he served as an Inspector for 20 years and eventually retired as Chief Inspector. He later became Executive Vice President of the Texas Poultry Federation, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the poultry industry across the state.

During his tenure, poultry processing capacity in Texas more than doubled, increasing from six million to more than fourteen million chickens per week. Egg layer capacity also grew significantly, rising from twelve million to over twenty-three million. This growth helped establish Texas as the fifth-largest poultry-producing state in the nation and reinforced the importance of agricultural education to sustain and grow the industry for future generations.

James was also instrumental in the development of the AGVENTURE exhibits at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, and the Austin Rodeo. These interactive exhibits were designed to provide agricultural experiences for individuals who may not otherwise have exposure to farming and livestock production, helping bridge the gap between urban communities and the agricultural industry.

Throughout his career, James consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to education and community service. He has been actively involved in numerous advisory boards and committees, including the Texas Animal Health Commission, the Texas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, the Texas State Chemist’s Feed and Fertilizer Control Service, and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board. He also served as an advisor for the Texas A&M Poultry Science Department and as a committee member for the EPA Region 6 and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Animal Waste Committee. In addition, James is a member of the Texas Agricultural Council and served as a director for both the Texas High School Rodeo Association and the Youth Rodeo Association.

James’s service extended beyond agriculture. He was appointed by President George W. Bush to the FBI–Homeland Security Task Force and later appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the DPS–Homeland Security Task Force, reflecting his dedication to public service and safety at both the state and national levels. He has also been a longtime member of the Brenham Elks Lodge for over 30 years, where he served on the Board of Directors, Scholarship Committee, and Golf Fundraiser Committee.

His dedication to supporting students has remained a constant throughout his career. James played a key role in establishing the Texas Poultry Allied Scholarship Program, which provides financial support to Poultry Science students at Texas A&M University and Stephen F. Austin State University. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $700,000 in scholarships. In recognition of his long-term commitment to agriculture, the poultry industry, and student education, the James and Walline Grimm Endowed Scholarship was established in 2019.

When asked about his fondest memory of Thorndale, James shared that it was simply being with his classmates and enjoying their friendship. His advice to current students reflects that same sentiment: stay in touch with your classmates, because as you get older, you will cherish that time together.

James Grimm’s life and career stand as a powerful example of how a strong foundation in education, leadership, and service can lead to lasting impact, not only within an industry, but across communities and generations.

To read more please visit – TISD Website

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

 

Girls Basketball:

The girls are currently 3-2 in the month of January and are sitting in the top 4 in district looking to eye another playoff birth! They have a big game tonight vs. Milano.

 

Boys Basketball:

January has been a good month for boys' basketball! Convincing wins and even a win against the larger Academy HS send them into tonight's game vs. Milano at 20-4 and 5-0 in district!

 

Powerlifting:

Brawl in the Falls Meet Results:

• Bulldogs
  • Jett Frei - 1st in 148
  • Jose Macias - 4th in 114
  • Harry Ludwig - 4th in 132
  • Nick Markle - 4th in 198
• Lady Dogs
  • Jordyn Stutts - 1st in 148
  • Riley Shock - 1st in 181
  • Alayna Ramirez - 2nd in 165
  • Skielee Bear - 5th in 114
  • Liliana Munoz - 5th in 148

Jordyn Stutts won Best Lifter of the Meet in the light weight division!

 

FFA:

Riley Clinard won the Champion Spot Barrow at the National Western Livestock Show in Denver, Colorado on January 20, 2026. This earned her the experience of competing in the Market Barrow Grand Drive.

 

Robotics:

 Big accomplishments for our brand new Thorndale Robotics Team!

Our students have been hard at work competing in their first two competitions — and the growth has been incredible!

• First Competition – McCallum High School
• Team A finished 23rd out of 24 teams after battling several technical difficulties in the first half of the competition — a true lesson in problem-solving and perseverance.
• Team B finished an impressive 13th out of 24 teams in their very first event!
• Battle by the Lake – Lake Travis High School
• Team B earned the Judges Award for Perseverance, standing out for their amazing character and determination.Team A placed 24th out of 34 teams.
• Team B placed 30th out of 34 teams.

For a brand-new program, this is something to celebrate! We’re so proud of their grit, teamwork, and growth — and this is only the beginning. Way to represent Thorndale!

 

Bass Club:

Big congratulations to Colby McAnulty and Grayson Stoecklein! 

Colby and Grayson placed 4th overall today (January 18th) at the CTHSTT Winter Classic on Lake Belton with a 5 fish limit totaling 9.15lbs.

To qualify for the Winter Classic, a team must have fished the Central Texas High School Tournament Trail and finished in the Top 20 spots (in points) after the 3rd Qualifying event.

Both anglers went home with a Berkley fishing rod and a $200 scholarship — well earned rewards for a chilly day on the water.

Proud of these young fishermen. Keep working and keep fishing! 

Also want to give a big Thank You to Michael McAnulty, their boat captain.

 

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.”