Volume 3, Issue 13: 2/20/26
Volume 3, Issue 13: 2/20/26
Greetings Bulldogs! Happy Friday.
TISD Bond Update:
- Phase #1: New High School
The New High School is still on time and on budget! Successful completion is scheduled for early July to allow us plenty of time to get moved in.
The big update happening this week is that the asphalt is being poured! The dark black contrast looks great against the new building!
In case you missed it, we have been creating a pretty cool “time-lapse” style picture library (since back when the property was a field). Please enjoy: Thorndale ISD High School Construction Time-lapse.
Take a look back at June, 2024:
Phase #2: Current Campuses Updates
I think the planning picture above helps illustrate the extent of phase #2 of our TISD bond. This phase #2 is going to have a HUGE impact on our current campuses and the experience of our elementary and middle school students.
As shown above (moving from left to right):
- The top left box represents where a new playscape is slated to go for our older elementary students, which will include a shade structure.
- The pink box located in the top left represents where the ground will be leveled and smoothed to allow our elementary students to play football, soccer, kickball, and more!
- The smaller box (at an angle) represents the area of the current covered preK-kinder playscape, which will be removed and replaced with a new playscape for the littles.
- The large green square represents a new grass play area that will be fenced and serve for both recess and elementary PE.
- The long black rectangle represents the new connection hallway that will allow students to travel throughout the building while staying inside and contained.
- The tan and brown small boxes represent the new special education/life skills classrooms and the new elementary front office (which will face the main parking lot.
- The purple box represents the new entrance to the elementary school (which means the current main entrance will serve as a “back of house”.
- The large grey rectangle/square represents refreshing the current main parking lot, including new striping.
- The yellow box on the far right represents aesthetics (and a small structural) update to the current band hall that will continue to serve the middle school band.
- Lastly, and not colored on the map, but important to note, is that every middle school teacher and student will be using the current high school, which will be an upgraded new space for their classes and programs. Additionally, all academic portables will be removed.
Side Project We Think You Are Going to Enjoy:
It isn’t often that schools get excited to show off their bathrooms… but I think you will share in our excitement on the outcome of this project!
Thanks in part to a grant from T-Mobile and a generous donation from XELIO Solar, when you arrive at our first home track meet, you are going to see some nice updates to the football field area.
First, we were able to completely refresh the spectator restrooms. We know those were old, outdated, dark, and often not fully functioning properly. Well, not anymore! All of the toilets and sinks have been replaced, the stalls are brand new (and Thorndale Maroon), the lighting has been replaced and doubled, and the walls have all been painted. Check out the update:
Women's:
Mens:
In addition to those bathroom updates, we are also updating and expanding our seating around the stadium, thanks to a donation from Xello of 20 maroon picnic benches.
These benches will be spread out all around the stadium, so whether you are taking a quick seat during a game, or sitting down to enjoy a great snack from the booster club concession stand, you will now be able to find an open seat.
Back-to-Back UIL Academics District Champs:
Thorndale ISD hosted the annual UIL Academic District Meet last Thursday. In case you missed it, TES AND TMS are district champions! Congratulations to TES, TMS, and all of the students and coaches who participated in the 2026 UIL Academic District event. High school will compete in the near future.
TISD March Lunch Menu:
Check out our quickie approaching March lunch menu. For an updated version, please visit our website in March to track any changes that may occur: Thorndale ISD - Nutrition & Menus
Alumni Spotlight - Stephanie Branham (Dickens):
February Alumni Spotlight:Stephanie Branham (Dickens), Class of 1999
Thorndale ISD is proud to recognize Stephanie Branham (Dickens), Class of 1999, as our February Alumni Spotlight. A Valedictorian, state competitor, author, and distinguished Human Resources leader, Stephanie’s journey reflects the power of lifelong learning, leadership, and the strong foundation built at Thorndale High School.
As a student at Thorndale High School, Stephanie graduated as Valedictorian in 1999 and earned numerous honors, including Who’s Who Among American High School Students, All American Scholar, National Honor Roll, National Honor Society, FBLA, and Student Council. She competed at the UIL State level in Parliamentary Procedure and Spelling/Vocabulary and was named an All-Star Mascot. During her senior year, she was selected as a National Young Leader and represented Texas in Washington, D.C., an early sign of the leadership path ahead.
After graduation, Stephanie attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. She began her professional career at Allumed, Inc. in Temple, Texas, spending nearly 20 years in Human Resources and Accounts Receivable.
Her commitment to professional excellence led her to become one of the first individuals worldwide to earn the senior-level SHRM-SCP certification during its inaugural round of testing through the Society for Human Resource Management. Following this achievement, she was invited to Washington, D.C. to contribute to written and thought leadership initiatives supporting the advancement of the HR profession.
After relocating to the Dallas–Fort Worth area, Stephanie transitioned into Human Resources within the construction industry. Over the past five years, she has continued to pursue advanced education and professional development, earning a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Organization Development, completing a 300-hour OSHA program to become a Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO), and obtaining a degree in Occupational Safety and Health. She is currently completing a Master of Jurisprudence in Labor and Employment Law through Tulane Law School and plans to begin her Juris Doctor program next year.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Stephanie published a children’s grammar book, Don’t Bite Comma Llama!, and founded SOHR Into Compliance (Safety, Organization, and HR). Her service extends beyond her career through decades of volunteer leadership advocating for children, military members and families, and equal and second-chance employees. She has served as President of local SHRM chapters in Central Texas and the DFW Mid-Cities, currently serves on the Texas SHRM Board, and was honored as the 2025 Distinguished HR Volunteer of the Year for the state of Texas.
Reflecting on her journey, Stephanie offers this advice to current students:
“Success is not a straight line. You are not defined by your high school years. During times of doubt and setbacks, remember lessons you learned in your youth. Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. Lifelong learning will open doors you cannot yet see. Be willing to learn from people who think differently than you. The more open and inclusive you become, the more clearly you begin to understand your own purpose.”
She also reminds students that attending a small school is not a limitation, but an opportunity. In a smaller district like Thorndale ISD, students can participate in a wide range of activities, develop leadership skills early, and discover strengths they may not yet realize they possess. The size of a school does not determine the size of its impact.
Thorndale ISD is proud to celebrate Stephanie Branham’s accomplishments and the meaningful difference she continues to make in her profession and community. Her story is a powerful reminder that Bulldog graduates are prepared to lead, serve, and make an impact far beyond our halls.
To read more, please visit - Thorndale ISD Alumni Spotlight
Nominate a TISD alumni for an upcoming highlight by scanning the QR code or visit the Alumni Nomination Form
THS Art Success at VASE:
Seventeen students completed the event, and I am so proud of everyone’s hard work and growth.
Our three seniors in division 4: Logan Bukowsky, Kyla Daniell (2x), and Addy Bland (2x) all earned 4s on their artwork, placing at the regional level.
Our Art 3 students also did an amazing job:
- Aislyn Wilson earned 4s on both artworks
- Cheyenne Stevenson earned 4s on both pieces
- Cristiano earned 4s on both his drawing and THS’s first animation video
- Cheyanne Adams received a 4 on her ceramic mug
- Gauge Horton earned a 4 on his abstract painting
- Shane Kerfoot earned a 4 on his ceramic duck
In Division 2, Kennedy Kovar and Sevita Briones (not pictured) both placed at the regional event.
In Division 1, Maya Abundez placed, and Taylor Faske earned recognition for a weaving and a ceramic cow jar.
National FFA Week:
This week, Thorndale ISD proudly recognizes the powerful role FFA plays in developing leadership, responsibility, and real-world skills through agriculture and hands-on experiences. Our students continue to grow, compete, and represent our community with pride.
A special thank you to our amazing FFA sponsors for the time, mentorship, and dedication you invest in our students each and every day. Your leadership helps cultivate confidence, character, and a strong future for our Bulldogs. 💛
Girls Basketball:
Congratulations to the girls' basketball team on a fun season and a playoff birth. The lady dogs traveled to the manor to face Schulenburg on Tuesday. They battled hard and stayed within striking distance at half. However, their season ended that night, with much to be proud of and much to look forward to in the future. Thank you to our seniors for all they have done on and off the court this year!
Boys Basketball:
The boys finished district play as undefeated district champs! Now onto the playoffs
Please join us for the first round playoff game on Monday night:
Powerlifting Update from the Aggie Showdown:
- Lady Dogs
- Jordyn Stutts (148) - 1st Riley Shock (181) - 2nd
- Lydia Melcher (114) - 3rd
- Bulldogs
- Jose Macias (123) - 1st
- Marcus Shaw (198) - 1st
- Taydan Cook (114) - 3rd
- Jordyn Stutts won Best Female Lifter of the Meet!
Spring season is here and sports are in full swing! Stay up to date on game times and locations by visiting the schedules below:
- Golf
- Powerlifting
- Softball
- Tennis
- JH Tennis: Located on the 2nd tab of the HS Tennis schedule
- Track
- Baseball
- JH Track
Special Education TEA Feedback Opportunity:
The Division of Monitoring, Review, and Support at the Texas Education Agency (TEA) strives to improve special education services for the local education agencies (LEA). The monitoring process is intended to help school districts continuously improve services and facilitate positive student outcomes. As a stakeholder involved in special education, your feedback is important for continuous improvement.
Your district is participating in the special education Differentiated Monitoring and Support process. Please provide feedback through this 10-15-minute survey. The information gathered helps the school district’s efforts for continuous improvement.
Any comments or specific concerns should be sent directly to your school district personnel, as specific concerns will not be forwarded from TEA to school districts.
Confidentiality of Data
Your responses will only be reviewed internally to assist TEA with the monitoring process. The information you share is confidential to the extent permitted by law. Responses to the survey may be subject to public information requests in accordance with the Public Information Act. Texas Government Code, Chapter 552.
Your participation in this study is voluntary. You may decline to answer any question, and you have the right to withdraw from participation at any time.
Information to complete the survey:
- Region: 13
- County District Number: 166905
- School System: Thorndale Independent School District
Click on the link below to complete the survey: Stakeholder Survey
Thank you,
Division of Monitoring, Review, and Support Texas Education Agency reviewandsupport@tea.texas.gov
512-463-9414
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.”
