Medina Valley ISD announces athletic director and head football coach

Coach Doug Bull is the district's new athletic director and Coach Andrew Britt moves up to MVHS head football coach.

>> Continue reading

Medina Valley ISD celebrates National School Bus Driver Appreciation Week

Apart from those closest to them, most of the time, school bus drivers and their aides are the first to greet students each morning. 

February 20-24 was National School Bus Driver Appreciation Week, and Medina Valley ISD has focused on the contributions drivers, aids and transportation staff make across the district. 

“We’re just super appreciative of everything they do,” said Tobie Kennedy, director of transportation. “This is not an easy job. They’re hauling precious cargo.”

>> Continue reading

Medina Valley ISD names director of child nutrition

Tiffany Eckenrod is the new director of child nutrition at Medina Valley ISD. 

Eckenrod, a registered dietitian, comes to the district with six years of experience in child nutrition in school districts. She also has food service and management experience outside of the school setting. 

"I look forward to serving our students," said Eckenrod. "My goal is that every student who comes through the lunch line will be served a healthy meal by a staff of smiling faces."

Communications Department receives several accolades

Medina Valley ISD's communications department received several awards February 22 at the annual Texas School Public Relations Association conference. 

The team earned one bronze, two silver and six gold awards for projects dedicated to showing the amazing work being done in our district. The team also received a Crystal Finalist plaque for the Employee of the Month series. 

Students get excited about reading

during Read Across America Week

Medina Valley ISD celebrated Read Across America Week, the nation's largest celebration of reading. From dressing up to eating "Green Eggs and Ham," students, teachers, administrators and staff joined in on the fun.  
Superintendent Dr. Caloss and other special guest also read to students at schools to get them excited about reading.

More than 100 elementary students earn elementary UIL finalists awards

More than 100 Medina Valley ISD elementary students earned UIL awards. 

Students from all elementary schools were finalists in art, chess puzzle, dictionary, listening, maps, music memory, number sense, spelling and other categories. 

Medina Valley High School choir and band students received superior ratings at the UIL Solo and Ensemble competition in February. 

In choir, nine of 21 students received a division 1 superior rating, qualifying for the state competition. In band, six soloists and six ensembles qualified for state in Austin in May. 

One Act Play Students advanced to district level, competing at Medina Valley High School on March 7. 

Of students who competed, senior Francia de Jesus was named best performer. 

The contest is the largest high school play production festival in the world, according to the UIL website.

Five Medina Valley ISD students received 28-5A all-district honors for basketball this season. 

Cara Garcia, Jazzy Scott and Jenea Walls were selected in first team all-district. Kellie Harlow and Abby Beal were selected in second team all-district. 

The boys and girls varsity track teams placed first overall at the Cardinal Relays February 23 at Southside Stadium.

The girls team finished first in two out of three relays. The boys team came home with a first place trophy.

The Medina Valley High School Future Farmers of America, or FFA, swine team has been hard at work this month. 

Students Addison Echtle, Garrett Echtle and Wyatt Ducos earned sale spots at the San Antonio Livestock show.

Other students placed top ten in the San Antonio Crossbred Gilt Show, San Antonio Purebred Gilt Show, San Angelo Market Barrow Show, Texas Elite Gilt Show and San Antonio Swine Show. 

A girls Panther powerlifting athlete is headed to state after placing second at  the 5A Division 1, Regional Girls Powerlifting Meet.

Medina Valley High School student Leah Bazan will be headed to state. She and her team faced tough competition and judging, placing 11th overall as a team. 

Medina Valley ISD Career and Technical Education students were busy with projects in February. 

Food Tech Lab students powered up meat grinders and learned how to vacuum seal food, finishing up their pork meat science unit. 

Students also deboned a deer to prepare for their next lab.

Medina Valley High School student Aiden Fish finished second at the American Legion Oratorical state competition in late February.

Fish previously won divisional round of the competition in Brenham, Texas.

Potranco Elementary teacher selected

as Elementary Teacher of the Year

Rebecca Ozuna wants students to leave her classroom knowing they are capable of getting through any difficult obstacle presented to them. 

“You can do hard things,” said Ozuna, a Potranco Elementary fifth grade math teacher. “We will all go through things. It’s changing their mentality of ‘Oh, I can’t do it, it’s hard’ to ‘You know what, I can do it. I’m capable of it.’”

Ozuna is Medina Valley ISD’s Elementary Teacher of the Year. 

Loma Alta Middle School teacher selected

as Secondary Teacher of the Year

Sarah Young strives to be the kind of teacher her students trust. 

“I don’t need to be their friend,” said Young, a seventh grade math and science teacher at Loma Alta Middle School. “But getting their buy-in makes it so much easier to get them to understand the content.”

Young is Medina Valley ISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year. 

Go Public Night with the San Antonio Spurs

Celebrate and support public schools in San Antonio at Go Public Night at the Spurs game. 

A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Medina Valley ISD Education Foundation - make sure to select Medina Valley ISD at checkout.

The first 300 people who purchase tickets will get access to post-game free throws. Those who buy tickets also will be entered into a Spurs fan tunnel experience and will receive a 50th anniversary Tim Duncan bobblehead.

>> Purchase tickets

Inside the Classroom: Valerie Lai's seventh grade Medina Valley Middle School classroom

Giggles and "oohs" rippled throughout Valerie Lai's seventh grade reading classroom as students were given their assignment. 

The author's purpose assignment: Break up an animated character couple, such as Disney's Minnie and Mickey Mouse or Frozen's Anna and Kristoff.

Students intently worked in pairs to draft their argumentative texts, using strategies they have been learning. 

Medina Valley High School students

sign their letters of intent

Determined, hard-working leaders – are how Medina Valley High School coaches described their players at college signing day February 8.

Volleyball player Haylee Hurtado will be heading to West Texas A&M University and soccer player Isabella Hernandez to Angelo State University. 

>> Continue reading

Construction students were tasked February 15 with designing and building a shed for Bartlett Cocke General Contractors. 

The Medina Valley High School students will work on design specifications then construct the shed in late April in Allen, Texas as part of the class' Construction Industry Education Foundation Design Build. 

February is Career and Technical Education, or CTE, Month. 

On February 14, Mayor Darrin Schroeder and council members signed a proclamation officially recognizing CTE Month in Castroville. Medina Valley ISD CTE programs prepare students for various occupations in agriculture, business and more.

Can you hear the beat of the music?

That's Medina Valley HS student Richard Meyers, who performed in the Texas Music Educators Association's 5A All-State Percussion Ensemble Concert at the Lila Cockrell Theatre on February 11.

Saturday, February 18, 2023, the Top Cats competed at the Marching Auxiliaries of America (MA) San Antonio Regional. Varsity took home a 1st place in jazz, 1st place in contemporary, and 1st place in pom!! They also received a Super Sweepstakes Award!

The Medina Valley High School girls basketball team finished an amazing season winning their third consecutive district championship.

The team, however, lost to MacArthur HS in the bi-district round of the playoffs, ending their season. This is their third playoff appearance and fifth consecutive 20-win season. 

The Medina Valley High School speech and debate team finished first and the academics team second at a UIL Academics tournament February 13. 

The tournament featured 30 schools. 

The next contest for the academics team will be at the end of March.

Medina Valley High School student Abigail Vierling came out on top at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo FFA Horse Judging contest February 13, scoring her a $10,000 scholarship. 

Vierling came out first out of 432 contestants. She and her team placed fourth overall at the show. 

Medina Valley High School powerlifting teams finished second at Texas Strength Systems meets.

Both the girls and boys teams earned glass plaques, recognizing their achievements. Several students also received individual medals.

Madi Bull and Leah Bazan both qualified for regionals in second weight class. 

Employee of the Month, February 2023

Medina Valley High School Business Teacher Thad Kroon

In his business management classroom, Thad Kroon offers his students lessons they will carry throughout life. 

Mr. Kroon, a Medina Valley High School teacher, was selected as the Medina Valley ISD Employee of the Month for February 2023. He is recognized for providing his students hands-on business experiences and connections they resonate with.

"These are real life wins," Mr. Kroon said. "I love it! I love being in the classroom where I can make some real life connections."

Tanner Lange, Medina Valley HS principal, said Mr. Kroon works hard to develop relationships with his students and even took on driving a district bus to help get student to and from school. 

MVISD Recognizes National School

Counseling Week

School counselors touch the lives of students every day while they also work with parents, helping them navigate raising children in today's climate. 

This week is National School Counseling Week, and Medina Valley ISD will focus on the contributions school counselors make across the district. 

"I have so much admiration for the counselors of this school district," said Tonie Hutzler, Medina Valley ISD director of guidance and counseling. "They will stop at nothing to ensure students feel heard, supported and valued every day. It is an honor to work side by side with this wonderful group of individuals."

The American School Counselor Association's theme this year is "School Counselors: Helping Students Dream Big." Share photos and posts on social media using #NSCW23 and #MVISDCounselors. 

Want to Make an Impact?

Have you discovered your passion for teaching but don't know where to start?

Join Medina Valley ISD for an informative session on alternative certification programs February, 15 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Castroville Chamber of Commerce Names

Junior Citizens and Educator of the Year  

The Castroville Area Chamber of Commerce recognized some outstanding Medina Valley High School students and educator February 1 at their annual banquet.

Seniors Julia Guzman and Tyler Frail received Junior Citizens of the Year awards. Dr. Keith Jones was recognized as Educator of the Year. Senior Gabrielle Wilson sang the National Anthem. 

Students celebrate 100 Days of School

Students at all Medina Valley ISD elementary schools celebrated 100 days of school February 2 with various projects, activities and by dressing up. 

Luckey Ranch and Potranco Elementary students (shown in photos) were challenged to design posters and shirts with 100 items. They also worked on counting to 100 during school activities.

"We are 100 days closer to our future!" said Sandy Bermea, Potranco Elementary School principal. "The students and teachers have been working diligently to sharpen their skills."

Two Medina Valley High School SkillsUSA student teams are state bound.

The construction students built their way through the Carpentry and TeamWorks competition last week.

The Automotive Technology students also competed at Cast Med High School last week.

The Panther Color Guard was promoted to new division last weekend after placing third place in the Scholastic A division.

The guard competed at the Jourdanton High School Color Guard Contest. It was their first contest. 

The powerlifting Panthers teams brought home the medals from the Texas Strength System's meet last week. 

The girl's team finished in first place overall and the boy's team finished in third place overall. 

Medina Valley HS girl's varsity basketball team is tied in district for first place with McCollum and South San.

They won 74-66 against McCollum HS on Saturday. They have their last game Tuesday, which will determine additional games for playoff seeding.

Kahla Simpton, Medina Valley High School senior, earned Grand Champion Market Goat and won Senior Showmanship at the Medina County Junior Livestock Show last week. 

Almost 20 students participated in the market goat show. Kylie Schutze and Gabriele Garza also received second place in the breeding goat show. 

Medina Valley High School student Aiden Fish will advance to the American Legion Oratorical state competition in February. 

Fish previously won the divisional round of the competition in Brenham, Texas at the end of January. 

Medina Valley High School students competed in their first Stock Show and Rodeo Jr. Pitmaster High School BBQ cook-off competition. 

The Panther Pride Pitmasters made the final table in brisket and chicken.

 Congratulations to all the student teams. 

Forward, together is a theme Medina Valley High School students wanted to convey in their special gift to district board members.

Construction technology students built cornhole sets for each member. The art classes painted them. 

"Throughout the years, cornhole has turned into a game that brings people together," said Tanner Lange, school principal. "It still serves as a reminder that we will always be here as a community to hold each other up and move forward, together."

Employee of the Month, January 2023

Heather Human, PEIMS Specialist

Congratulations to PEIMS Specialist, Heather Human, on being selected as the MVISD Employee of the Month for January 2023! Heather is passionate about helping our new MVISD families have a seamless registration process as they join our school district. 

Medina Valley High School "You Make a Difference Day"

Highlighted on KSAT 12 and KENS 5

500+ Medina Valley High School students participated in "You Make a Difference Day" on January 13 and were featured on both KSAT 12 and KENS5. Students worked on 15+ community service projects throughout our MVISD community, and we are so proud of their hard work and commitment to helping others.

Click here to watch the story that ran LIVE on KSAT 12. 

MVHS Business Professionals of America had 14 students qualify for State. Congratulations to: Shelby Cook, Annastasia Williams, Kason Saulter, Elena Gonzales, Aiden Fish, William Gregory, Alyanna Amiscosa, Manuel Ramirez, Natali Alexander, Ryan Quiroz, Tyler Frail, Samantha Noll, Athena Bratten and Amie Johnson. Students will compete in Dallas, March 2-5.

Aiden Fish competed and earned first place at the district level of the American Legion Oratorical contest in Hondo and will move on to the divisional level of competition in Brenham at the end of January. Congratulations Aiden and good luck at the divisional level!

Medina Valley HS and MS students had the opportunity to listen to guest speaker Damien Giacchino. His message included overcoming adversity and a focus on hope and believing in your dreams. Thank you to our counselors for setting up this amazing event!

MVHS Construction students learned about steel frames and dry wall insulation from the Marek Brothers. Students installed track, studs, drywall, and learned about safety.  There is also an internship that is available for our students.

Congratulations to Garrett Echtle on winning his class at the Hill District Grandstand Livestock Show. Kayla Guinther and Wyatt Ducos also placed 8th in their classes at the Hill District Grandstand Livestock Show and are looking forward to their next show.

Congratulations to the MVHS Color Guard on earning FIRST place in Scholastic AA at the Medina Valley High School TECA Invitational! We are so proud of each and every one of you. 

The District Swim Meet took place this past Saturday, and our MVHS Swim Team made us proud. We had many athletes advancing to Regionals. MVHS finished the meet in 2nd place overall. The Girls finished in 2nd and our Boys finished in 3rd. A few school records were also broken: Jenna Boehm (100 yard breaststroke), and the relay team of Amaris Maldonado, Alejandra Rivera-Mayor, Jane Medrano and Jenna Boehme (girls 200 yard medley relay and freestyle relay). 

MVHS Varsity Panther Tennis kicked off their spring season at the East Central Winter Classic. Players advanced to the Championship Bracket in Boys Singles, Girls Singles, and Girls Doubles. Joseph Rangel played his career best (and team best result) advancing to the Championship Bracket semi-finals in Boys Singles. The Mixed Doubles team of juniors Aaron Sharber and Madison Paxson won the Consolation Bracket finals, beating out our seniors Jesus Clopton and Munira Wilson in a heated battle that ended in a 3rd set tiebreak. 

The girls varsity basketball team had a huge win on Friday night against the Eagle Pass Winn Mavericks. With a final score of 76-42 the Panthers are currently tied for first in district. Tuesday night is a HUGE game for our girls as they take on South San High School, who is also tied in first place, at home. Come out, support, be loud, and GO PANTHERS! 

MVHS Powerlifting competed in their District meet and placed 4th overall. There also were some individual accomplishments to celebrate. Congratulations to Nasha Thomas, Alina Rodriguez, and Viviana Diaz for placing 2nd, and to Mary Aguirre for placing first and qualifying for Regionals. 

December Board Meeting Recognitions, LaCoste Elementary

Our MVISD School Board recognized some outstanding students and staff members at the December 13 Regular Board Meeting. LaCoste Elementary was the campus that was highlighted, and we would like to congratulate the following: 

All-Star Students (representing Leadership Teams): 

Student Lighthouse Team - Cody Haley 
Flag Crew - Mariana Garcia
Kindness Crew - Melanie Mendoza 
Green Team - Raelin Wood
Teachers of Tomorrow - Jazzlyn Marroquin 
Library Helper - Frances Joyner 
Announcement Crew - Addison Valle
Lost and Found - Slade Iacono
Sunshine Crew - Angel Isbell 

Above & Beyond Service: 

Mrs. Rakowitz, Counselor

Welcome to MVISD!

Brandi Hendrix, Assistant Superintendent of C&I

Rose Pearson, Executive Director of Schools

We would like to introduce two of our new Administrators at MVISD!

Brandi Hendrix is our new Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction. She was previously the Asst. Supt. of C&I at Brenham ISD and has been in education for 18+ years. She has been in various roles throughout her career including a High School Principal, Director of Special Programs and ELA Coordinator. 

Rose Pearson is our new Executive Director of Schools. She was previously the Director of Student Services at San Marcos CISD and has been in education for 22+ years. She brings a wealth of knowledge to MVISD with prior Administration experience at both the Elementary and Secondary levels.

Employee of the Month, December 2022

Macey Starr, Luckey Ranch Elementary

Congratulations to Luckey Ranch Elementary Food Service Helper, Macey Starr, on being selected as the MVISD Employee of the Month for December 2022! Macey and her team work tirelessly day in and day out to make sure our students have a great breakfast and lunch that helps fuel them for learning. 

Over the Holiday Break, all Medina Valley ISD residents received our newest Newsletter called Community Connection. It includes highlights and great information from around the District. Extra copies are available in all of the District front offices for anyone who would like a copy. 

Check out this month's Parent & Family Engagement Telegram from our Federal Programs Department. Click here to learn more resources and programs available for our MVISD Community:

https://www.smore.com/w6h5s

Inside the Classroom: LaCoste Elementary

Inside the Classroom: Mrs. Lopez's 3rd graders at LaCoste Elementary engaged in a creative lesson designed to strengthen their ability to summarize stories!

They designed new "flavors" of cereal based on the books they have been reading. This activity helps students to understand the message of their books on a deeper level and think critically about how to represent the story visually. By creating their own cereal "flavors," they can explore the characters, themes, and settings of the book in a fun and interactive way.

Congratulations to Carissa Ceasor, Medina Valley HS senior, for earning the title of State Champion for 5A UIL Congressional Debate at competition last week at the Capitol in Austin.

Medina Valley HS Junior, Richard Myers has earned 1st Chair Percussion in 5A Area G. Next, qualifying for the All-State Band. Next, he will perform at the TMEA Convention in February.

Congratulations to our Senior Athletes who made the All-State Academic Teams. In Cross Country we had: Anna Adams, Shelby Center, Nicole Bloodgood, Molly Clamon and Paiten Trowbridge. In Volleyball we had: Julia Guzman, Payton Keller and Haylee Hurtado. In addition to this amazing achievement Haylee was also awarded TGCA Volleyball All-State.

The Medina Valley MS Band put on a fantastic performance on Saturday at the Spurs vs. Celtics game at the AT&T center. Their pre-game performance was an entertaining one for all, and overall it was a great experience for our students. 

The Knights of Columbus has made a generous donation of winter coats to 
LaCoste Elementary. Thank you for helping to support our students. For more information contact LaCoste Counselor, Mrs. Rakowitz. 

Our Medina Valley HS Girls Basketball Team has been working hard both on and off the court. This past week they had two BIG wins and they also greeted Elementary students as they arrived in the morning. Keep it up girls! 

Medina Valley High School participated in the All-American Bowl at the Alamodome the past Saturday and had representation both on and off the field. Senior CJ Beal did a fantastic job on the field, while our Cheerleaders cheered on all the athletes on the sidelines! 

Congratulations to Richard Jones, Anthony Cortinas, and Liam Highsmith for making it through the Area round of All-State Choir auditions! The competition is fierce but so are you. Your hard work and determination shows, and we are proud of you!

The MVHS Girl's Powerlifting team started their season off right as they traveled to Natalia for their first meet of the season and came out with big PRs! Congratulations to M. Aguirre for placing 2nd in her weight class, C. Terrazas for placing 1st in her weight class, and L. Bazan for placing 1st in her weight class and qualifying for Regionals!

Ladera Elementary has started a Student Safety Team! The students who are participating are helping to assist with student drop off in the mornings, greeting their peers with a smile and helping to open doors as they enter the campus.