Volume 3, Issue 15: 3/27/26
Volume 3, Issue 15: 3/27/26
Greetings Bulldogs! Happy Friday.
Quick reminder:
FREE Online Student Safety Solution for Parents:
Dear Parents,
As part of our commitment to your child’s online safety, we want to let you know about an important update. Thorndale ISD has partnered with Qustodio, the world’s leading provider of online safety solutions.
As devices play an increasing role in children’s education, it is crucial that we put safeguards in place. Your child already benefits from internet filtering technology, which blocks inappropriate web content on their school-owned device. This is also mandated by US legislation.
Thorndale ISD is going one step further. We are granting every parent a free Qustodio Parental App account. Qustodio will give you important insights into your child’s online activity on their school device. You can use it to review and manage activities on other devices in your home, too.
With Qustodio, you’ll be able to:
- Manage your child’s screen time
- Supervise your child’s online activity
- Access expert advice via Thorndale ISD’s Online Safety Hub
Qustodio is a valuable partner that prioritizes privacy, safety, and rights of students and parents worldwide. Learn more about Qustodio.
Activate Your Free Account
You can start today by visiting Qustodio. Please be sure to use the same email address we have on file for you when registering to connect to your child’s device.
We are excited to work with you and Qustodio to help our students develop healthy and safe online habits. Please visit Thorndale Online Safety Hub for more information about Qustodio, access to expert advice, and additional resources.
Let’s build a safer online environment for our students together!
Deby Leschber, Thorndale ISD Technology Director
TREE Foundation Education Grant Giveaway:
Today was an incredible day as we awarded 12 grants to teachers across Thorndale ISD! The excitement from both teachers and students made this celebration truly special.
We are so grateful to our donors who make this possible—especially 76 Cattle, Floyd’s Glass, RIOT, and Patin Construction. Your support allows us to bring innovation into classrooms and invest in the amazing students and staff of TISD.
We can’t wait to see the impact these grants will have!
Congratulations to our grant recipients:
- Jami Becker (PreK) – Lights, Learn, and Explore
- Laura Butts (PreK) – Classrooms Alive
- Cristina Steffek, Hollye Schroeder, Kelsey Thurman & Angela McAnulty (1st) – Math Stackers
- Cindy Widner & Emily Niemtschk (2nd) – Growing Readers Through Science
- Kayla Kleypas (3rd) – Seats with Purpose: Flexible Seating for Growing Minds
- Kaysie Vance (4th) – Beyond the Classroom Walls (VR)
- Abby Jones & Angela McAnulty (TES Student Council) – Book Vending Machine
- Justin Smith (TES PE) – Elementary Hoops Initiative
- Stacy Leschber (TMS SPED) – Read Live Licenses
- Tayleigh Wardlaw (THS Art) – Photography Cameras
- Caitlin Fisher & Bonnie Lindig (THS Science/Ag) – Aquatic Feature
- Deby Leschber, Brandon Reynolds, Kristen Chapman, Bonnie Lindig & Markell Irvin (All Campuses) – HuddleBox: Mobile STEM & Innovation Lab
TISD Alumni Spotlight - Mark Sims
March Alumni Spotlight: Mark Sims: Class of 1977
Mark Sims, a proud member of the Class of 1977, looks back on his time at Thorndale ISD as one shaped by strong relationships, meaningful experiences, and a supportive community. “It’s been a long time,” Mark shared, “but I relied heavily on influential friends and caring teachers in all things—academics, sports, and social life.”
During his time at THS, Mark was involved in football and track all four years. While he humbly says he “was not great at either,” he quickly adds, “it was fun—yes, even the running.” Beyond athletics, he explored a variety of activities including band, UIL One-Act Play, and even livestock shows—taking advantage of every opportunity to be involved.
After graduation, Mark’s journey led him into an extraordinary career path. Following college (Hook ’em!), he began working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston during the early days of the Space Shuttle program. “1981 marked the first year of many shuttle flights,” he said. “It was a great place to work then and still is today as the Artemis program gets going.”
With a strong desire to fly, Mark pursued aviation and, in 1986, joined the 150th Fighter Wing of the New Mexico Air National Guard. After completing pilot training, he was stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and flew A-7s and F-16s. His service took him across Europe and the Middle East, giving him the opportunity to experience different cultures and parts of the world.
Despite his travels, Thorndale always remained home. Mark and his wife, Wendy (Weise), made frequent trips back to Texas with their two children to stay connected with family and friends. In 1996, Mark joined United Airlines, a move that brought his family to Parker, Colorado, where their children were raised—but with strong ties to Thorndale still intact.
In 2022, Mark and Wendy returned home, just as they always knew they would. He retired from United Airlines in 2024 due to the FAA’s age 65 rule but continues to follow his interests today, working with Skyways, a drone manufacturer and operator based in Austin.
Reflecting on his roots, Mark credits Thorndale ISD for instilling the values that have guided his life. “The faith, family, hospitality, and work ethic you see here stay with you,” he shared. “Wendy and I have often said we could live anywhere, but it always comes back to Thorndale. Many of the people I look up to are right here—their faith, friendliness, and willingness to help others are truly inspiring.”
When asked what advice he would give to today’s students, Mark offered a few meaningful reminders:
Start each day with gratitude and end it the same way
Stay curious—there is always something new to learn
Be persistent—success rarely comes the first time
And, of course… make your bed every morning
From the fields of Thorndale to the skies around the world, Mark Sims’ journey is a powerful example of following your passions, embracing opportunities, and always staying grounded in where you come from.
To read more please visit -Thorndale ISD Alumni Spotlight
Nominate a TISD alumni for an upcoming highlight by scanning the QR code or visiting Nomination Form
April 1st - Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
Thorndale High School Prom 2026:
The kids had a great time and looked so grown-up at the 2025 TISD prom. Please help me congratulate this year's Prom Royalty
- King: Nathan Grimm
- Queen: Adalyn Hodgson
- Prince: Cole Harkins
- Princess: Audrie Jordan
Special Awards
- Best Dressed: Juan Acosta & Ally Gerren
- Best Dancer: Nick Markle & Keira Hagedorn
Photos from the evening will be available soon for free download from Rockdale Signs and Photography—be on the lookout!
Thank you to Hidden Lakes Ranch for hosting a wonderful prom night!
Thorndale ISD One-Act Play Presents:
Baseball & Softball:
The boys are currently sitting in 1st place in the district at 3-0! The girls lost a close game to Bremond to put that at 2-2 and 3rd place in the district!
Come out and support the boys and girls as they battle through district play!
Powerlifting Updates:
Good luck to Marcus Shaw, who is competing in Abilene, TX, for the STATE powerlifting competition!
Kudos to our Lady Dogs!
Jordyn is a 3-Peat STATE CHAMPION! She put together an incredible day, setting 3 new state records and hitting 4 new personal records. She also brought home plaques for Best Squat, Best Bench, and Best Lifter on the Lightweight Platform.
Jordyn’s Results
- Squat – 455 (New State Record & PR)
- Bench – 280 (New State Record & PR)
- Deadlift – 340 (New PR)
- Total – 1075 (New State Record & PR)
Riley also had a strong performance, placing 5th in the 181 class.
Riley’s Results
- Squat – 350
- Bench – 270
- Deadlift – 350
- Total – 970
Track Records Broken:
2 Track and Field School Records Broken
Last week at the Donald Beard Relays, Bethany Preusse set a new school record in the shot put with a throw of 46 feet and 1/2 inch.
Last night at the Thrall Tiger Relays Jamie Llanas set a new school record in the 1600 meter run with a time of 4:47.09
Spring Sports:
Spring sports are in full swing! Stay up to date on game times and locations by visiting the schedules below:
- Golf
- Softball
- Tennis
- JH Tennis: Located on the 2nd tab of the HS Tennis schedule
- Track
- Baseball
- JH Track
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.”
