Natalia ISD Superintendent Dr. Elmer Avellaneda traveled to the Texas Capitol in Austin on Tuesday, October 6, to provide testimony before the Texas Senate Committee on Education during an interim hearing focused on maximizing instructional time.
Dr. Avellaneda was specifically invited to share Natalia ISD’s experience after the district previously operated under a four-day instructional calendar before returning to a traditional five-day week.
Joining Dr. Avellaneda in presenting before the Senate Committee on Education will be Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath; Dr. Emily Morton, Director of Research Consulting with NWEA; and James Mosteller, Legislative Director with Excel-In-Ed.
During his remarks, Dr. Avellaneda will discuss the district’s experience with the four-day week, the decision to return to five days, lessons learned from the transition, and factors that have contributed to Natalia ISD’s recent academic improvement.
Dr. Avellaneda emphasizes that…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Category: Events
Local Events in Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Bigfoot, Moore in Medina, Frio, and Atascosa Counties!
DHS National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
NHS officers: Caroline Suhr, president; Paige Barron, vice president; McKailee Sorrell, secretary; and Chloe Goetz, Student Council representative.Current members: Karlee Atteberry, Melenie Cardenas, Kyrie DuBose, Viola Dzierzanowski, Matthew Grissom, Kyra Pompa, Ava Rangel, Jack Rumfield, Esai Sanchez, and Carlos Talamantes. New inductees: Tracy Alaniz, Jacob McKee, Esteban Mendoza, Kylie Monreal, Calleigh Schneider, Camila Sierra, Rylie Wells, Violet Aguirre, Emma Kate Caballero, Morgan Coleman, Karsyn De Leon, Addison DuBose, Kassandra Fajardo, Zane Fritz, Jovianne Gomez, Emma B. Gonzales, Emma Gonzalez, Jacqueline Gonzalez, Mackenzie Hennessey, Payton Hester, Dylan Hinnant, Greeley Malone, Brayden Mann, Asher Mills, Reese Navarro, Zachary Ortiz, Vicente Ramirez, Kenzie Ray, Jaime Rodriguez, Canton Urrabazo, and Faith Wilcox.
Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Being selected for membership in the National Honor Society is an honor that represents much more than academic achievement. It is a recognition of students who have demonstrated a commitment to scholarship, leadership, character, and service, while also accepting the responsibility that comes with being part of an organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others. For the newest members last week’s induction marked both the culmination of accomplishments already achieved and the beginning of a new commitment to serve their school and community.
Under the direction of sponsor Mrs. Nicole Suhr, the Devine Chapter of the National Honor Society held its annual Fall Induction Ceremony Thursday, October 1, inside the Student Activity Center Auditorium.
High School Principal Michael Gomez welcomed students, family members, faculty. and guests before Paige Barron led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The ceremony continued with current NHS members recognizing those who have been…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
St. Joseph’s Octoberfest 2026
Everyone enjoyed the tunes at the Octoberfest!
The Gonzales and Perez family enjoying the music at the Octoberfest this past weekend. Looks like little man had a big day! Pictured from left to right are Kahll, Abram Perez, Rosa Gonzales, Samuel Perez, Rachel Gonzales and Solangel Perez. Photo by Brianna Paredes.
Devine Current Events Club promotes their upcoming event “Wreaths of Amercia” during the Octoberfest. Pictured from left to right are Martha Wall, Linda Kreinhop, Sarah McAlpin and Alma Harvath. Photo by Brianna Paredes.
…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Homecoming Day #2…
1951 Devine Warhorse football team. First row, left to right: Emory Wright, Manager ; L. E. Potter, Ray Stephens, Santos Rodriguez, Tommy Parker, Jack Klingeman, David Dyer, Sammy Ridgeway, Stanley Lindsey, Dickie Bohl.
Second row: Gene Calame, Roger Stock, John Harlan DuBose, George Thompson, Arth Whitley, Francis Schmidt, Wayne Topping, Bobby Killough, John Watson, Doyle Sansom.
Third row: Dave Coleman, Head Coach; Jack Schneider, Bob Briscoe, Wesley Robbins, Wayne Bush, Larry Stroud, Willis Boone, Charles Schulze, Dean Hawes, Donald Bush, Don Mittanck, Bill McCutcheon and Alfred Coleman
Saturday, Oct. 17 @ 1pm at VFW Hall
The Devine Ex-Students Teachers Association (DExSTA) will hold its annual Homecoming Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 17th starting at 1:00pm at the Devine VFW Hall at 211 W. College Ave. All Devine Alumni are welcome to attend! *Look for the HC schedule in this week’s Devine News for details.
Honoring the 50th Reunion Class (1976 this year) has been a long-standing tradition at Homecoming with the Friday night introductions on the track at the football game & the Saturday afternoon DExSTA HC celebration. But a few years ago, the DExSTA Board of Directors discussed the opportunity to recognize important school groups that made a large impact on the lives of the students at DHS, as well as DMS (and formerly DJHS). So, a new tradition was started to…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
HOMECOMING 10 DAYS AWAY!
Friday, October 16, the game starts at 7pm. The Class of 1976 will be honored at half-time on the track. Pictured above are 1976 Warhorse standouts Francis Schmidt, Jack Schneider, and Bob Briscoe.
Devine Homecoming Oct. 16 & 17!
ALL Devine Alumni are invited to a Homecoming Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 17th starting at 1:00pm at the Devine VFW Hall, with the Devine Ex-Students Teachers Association (DExSTA). Join us with the 50th Reunion Honor Class of 1976, and former Warhorse & Colt Football Teams & Coaches to Celebrate Homecoming 2026!
Friday, October 16, registration will open at 6:30 pm at Warhorse Stadium. Game starts at 7pm. Tickets are sold online or at the gate. 1976 Honor Class recognition will be at half-time on the track in front of the press box. Wave as your name is called out. All Devine Exes look for the…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Circus coming to Lytle
The circus is coming to town thanks to Lytle VFW. See their ad on page 18 for a link to discounted pre-sale tickets.
Big cats, fire eating, foot juggling,
daredevils & more
The Culpepper and Merriweather Circus is coming to Lytle on Oct. 18 at the Lytle Memorial VFW Post 12041. There will be two separate showtimes at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. There will be a concession stand, pony rides, face painting and inflatable rides an hour before the show. As for the circus performance, you can expect to see big cats, contortion, aerialists, fire eating, dogs, foot juggling, daredevils and so much more!
Advance Purchase Ticket prices are as follows:
Advance Adult – $14/ Advance Child/Senior – $8
Circus Day- Adult – $17/ Circus Day- Child/Senior – $10
*Tickets are cheaper if you get them ahead of time and are available to purchase at the Lytle Memorial VFW Post 12041, Lytle State Bank, Lytle City Hall or online at https://cm-circus.square.site
Local Upcoming Events
If you want to add an event to this calendar, please email devinereporter@devinenews.com or call (830) 665 – 2211 and leave a message for Brianna.
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Ballet Folklorico team from Devine Intermediate brought Fiesta spirit to HS pep rally
The Devine Intermediate Ballet Folklorico team showed out and proudly represented Devine for the DHS Fiesta themed pep-rally on Friday, Sept. 25!
The Devine Intermediate Ballet Folklorico team showed out and represented Devine for the DHS Fiesta themed pep-rally on Friday, Sept. 25! This club only started one year ago in September 2025 and has already proved great talent.
Folkorico dance is a blend of traditional dances and ballet within Mexican culture often made up of flowy, colorful dresses that play a large role in the choreography, along with some footwork and dances to mariachi music.
The group of girls and boys brought a bold, powerful and moving dance performance, filling the gym with loud cheers and excitement. Their colorful dresses and big smiles all brought the spirit to the Fiesta-filled day. The talented group of young individuals is coached by Elisia Mitchell, Amy Bailey and Crystol Rosales-Tolbert.
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Natalia ISD celebrates Bond 2024 construction milestone with “Topping Out Ceremony” and final steel beam
NISD Superintendent Dr. Elmer Avellaneda (center) and members of the Central Office and Administration celebrate at the “Topping Out Ceremony” last Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Natalia celebrated a major milestone in the construction of their new Natalia Elementary School. The ceremony marked the placement of the final steel beam, symbolizing the completion of the building’s structural framework and the continued growth of the district. Photos by Debbie Petty/ Natalia ISD Public Relations/Communication. Pictured above are: members of the Central Office and Adminstarion Maricela Passmore, Shelby Montgomery, Jeannette Roberts, Tanya Crisp, Julie Oppelt, Dr. Elmer Avellaneda, Nichole Speer, Rebecka Rendon, Sunnie Jass, Joseph Guidry, and Tina Castro.
NATALIA, Texas — Natalia Independent School District celebrated a significant milestone in its Bond 2024 construction program on September 25 with a Topping Out Ceremony recognizing the continued progress of the district’s construction projects.
Superintendent Dr. Elmer Avellaneda, Natalia ISD Board President Eric Smith, Elementary Principal Nichole Speer, Ag Teacher Madison Hightower Flores, and SpawGlass San Antonio Region President Jason Smith delivered remarks during the ceremony.
The event brought together representatives from SpawGlass, Pfluger Architects, and AG|CM, along with Natalia ISD School Board members, district administrators, staff, and other distinguished guests.
Natalia Mayor Tommy Ortiz and City Secretary Dora Rodriguez also attended the ceremony, joining district and community representatives in recognizing the milestone.
Bond 2024 improvements include…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Kyle Park to headline Castroville’s Oct. 3 2026 Beer & Wine Fest
Castroville, Texas – One of South Texas’ favorite celebrations is back, and this year, Texas Country star Kyle Park is taking the stage. The Castroville Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Beer & Wine Fest returns Saturday, October 3, inviting music fans, beer and wine lovers, and festival goers from across the region to spend an incredible night in The Little Alsace of Texas.
Kyle Park headlines a full evening of Texas music, with Sabrina Estevez kicking things off, followed by Landry Scott Ritter and Gabe Garcia. Pair that lineup with regional wineries and breweries, local food vendors, dancing, and the one-of-a-kind atmosphere of historic Castroville and Beer & Wine Fest has all the ingredients for a Saturday night worth making the trip for.
“Beer & Wine Fest gives us an opportunity to welcome people from across the region and show them just how much Castroville has to offer,” said Adrienne Wells, Executive Director of the Castroville Area Chamber of Commerce. “We want them to have a great time while they’re here and leave with a reason to come back.”
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now at Castroville.com. Grab your tickets, gather your friends, and make plans for a night of Texas Country, great food and drinks, and plenty of fun in Castroville.
You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this! Click the link to sign up today! www.devinenewsmembers.com