Back to School Pics!!!

3rd grader Katrina House gets a big hug from big sister Elena before the big first day of school.

Kohen Hoover is ready for 1st grade

Big brother Jason Chessher walks Waylon to pre-k.

Cousins…Emery Wight and Rylee Velasquez are ready for the first day of 2nd grade at Ciavarra Elementary.

Bradley Zachry is all smiles for his first day of 2nd grade at Devine Elementary.

Westley Zachry is all smiles for his first day of kindergarten at Ciavarra Elementary.

Reese and Riey were ready to start their 1st day of 2nd grade at Devine Elementary.

Cloee Jo Esparza ready for her first day of kinder.

Big brother Kaysen Oakes helps little sister Penelope off to school.

Charlee Brown of Natalia going into 3rd grade at Natalia Elementary.

David Calame III (6th grade), Reagan Duncan (pre k 3) and Waco Calame (3rd grade).

Karlie Gallegos is all ready for 1st grade

Kendrick Ramirez is all ready for 3rd grade in Devine.

Lane and Cody Jones first day of school.

Lucas Rendon is up bright and early ready for second grade.

Luke Kyle and Milee Downing are all ready for the big day.

Senior Sunrise Devine High School.

The Rendons are all ready for the big first day of school.

Local Boys to represent USA in High School All-American Game

Two local boys have been selected to represent the U.S.A. in the high school All-American game internationally in the United Kingdom. Jake Seay and Brody Lane were selected by a committee of NCAA coach’s to play against Europe’s best high school international football teams. This is an amazing honor and accomplishment for two small town boys from Devine. Both boys have been named National Radars top 10 in the Nation with Jake Seay being ranked #1 Offensive Lineman for the class of 2028. Jack Zimmerle and the Devine youth football program have done an outstanding job of developing the talent in Devine, great job to all.

Devine students competed in National STAR Event Competition

Orlando, FL, July 2025 – The 2025 FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) took place in Orlando, Florida, from July 5 to 9, 2025, drawing more than 10,000 students, educators, and guests from across the nation. This gathering provided a valuable platform for attendees to expand their leadership skills, hone their talents, explore career pathways, and hear from inspiring speakers.
The highly anticipated Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events were at the heart of the conference. Over 4,300 FCCLA Members competed in these events, where they were recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. The collaboration between youth and adults in managing the events and evaluating participants allowed students to develop real-world skills and gain valuable insights.
STAR Events play a pivotal role in supporting student development by enriching their classroom experience and guiding them toward successful career pathways. With more than 30 events to choose from, participants had the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities by actively addressing essential issues concerning families, careers, or communities. By researching the topic and implementing projects to advocate for positive change, students acquired valuable skills and industry insights needed to thrive in the 21st century.
We are thrilled to share that Collier Paige, Kamden Paige, and Urijah Thompson proudly represented Devine Middle School at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL. Collier Paige and Urijah Thompson competed in the National Programs in Action, Level 1 STAR Event and achieved a remarkable silver medal for their project, “Making Devine Divine,” which focused on litter cleanup in their town. The boys placed 11th overall in the nation. Kamden Paige also received a silver medal and placed 10th nationally in recognition of his Interpersonal Communications, Level 1 project, “Give a Pet a Home”, which helped Devine Animal Control find adoptive families for the dogs in their custody.
The students’ projects exemplify their dedication, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Their accomplishment at the national level is a testament to their hard work, teamwork, and unwavering passion.
Devine FCCLA would like to thank the following community members and organizations for helping these projects be successful: Devine High School, Devine Middle School, Devine Intermediate School, Madison Pike, Sarah Boehme, Roxanne Freas, Devine Animal Control, Devine City Council, Triple C Steakhouse, and Devine Market Association.
Former Devine High School FCCLA member Felix Mendoza, Class of 2025, also attended the NLC and served as an evaluator. His dedication to FCCLA was highly valued by both Devine FCCLA and Texas FCCLA. Without volunteers, the conference wouldn’t have been as successful. Claudia Mendoza and Korrey Paige helped chaperone while in Orlando. Devine FCCLA is led by Linsey Outlaw. For more information on how to get involved, please contact her at Devine High School.

Sanchez awarded UIL Outstanding Performer Award

Esai Sanchez awarded the UIL Outstanding Performer Award, the highest honor bestowed upon high school music students at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) State Solo & Ensemble Contest, recognizes exceptional musicianship. Judges select these top performers from a pool of Division I-rated participants.
Key Points about the UIL Outstanding Performer Award:

  • Top Honor: It stands as the pinnacle of recognition at the UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest.
  • Selection: Judges meticulously evaluate each performer based on their superior musicianship.
  • Division I Rating: Eligibility hinges on receiving a Division I rating at a regional contest.
  • Solo Performances: State-level solo performances must be memorized.
  • Gold Medal: Outstanding Performers are typically awarded a gold medal by the UIL.
  • Rarity: The award is bestowed upon a select few, often representing the top 1% of participants, as reported by Odem High School.

Lytle ISD welcomes Maldonado as new High School Counselor

Lytle ISD is excited to welcome Jennifer Maldonado as our new high school counselor. A dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in Texas public schools, Mrs. Maldonado brings a strong background in student advocacy, academic advisement, and social-emotional learning. She most recently served as a counselor at Medina Valley Middle School after many years of teaching English Language Arts.
Mrs. Maldonado holds a Master of Science in School Counseling from Angelo State University and is known for building strong relationships with students, families, and educators. Her skills in bullying prevention, conflict mediation and supporting emergent bilingual students make her a valuable addition to school community.

LYTLE ISD…announces NEW CELL PHONE POLICYIN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW

Lytle ISD–July 2, 2025
In response to a newly enacted Texas state law, Lytle ISD will implement a new Student Cell Phone Policy beginning this school year. We understand this change may be challenging for some, especially in our close-knit Pirate community. We are committed to providing the best possible learning environment for all — and this new policy is designed to support just that.
Why the Change?
Texas House Bill 1481 now mandates that school districts prohibit student use or possession of personal communication devices during the school day. In alignment, the Lytle ISD updated policy requires all personal communication devices — cell phones, smart watches, tablets, and similar electronics — to be kept in students’ backpacks and not used from the time they arrive on campus until they are picked up. Devices may not be carried on a student’s person, and their use is strictly prohibited in bathrooms and locker rooms.
Thank You to Our Cell Phone Task Force
Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the members of the Lytle ISD Cell Phone Task Force, who met during the past school year to thoughtfully develop a local policy. Their insight and preparation enabled our district to respond quickly and wisely to this unexpected legislation. Because of their work, we begin this school year with clarity, consistency, and compassion.
How Will This Work?
School Day: Students must keep devices stored in backpacks and not in pockets or hands during the day.
Buses & Events: Devices may be used on school buses but without cameras. Use during extracurricular events, including UIL activities, will follow the guidelines outlined in the student handbook.
Violations: If a device is taken out during the school day, it will be confiscated, turned in to the front office, and a parent must retrieve it at the end of the school day. In the event violations become excessive, additional consequences will be imposed.
Exceptions: Students with documented medical needs may be granted exceptions through the appropriate campus committee review.
For more details, see Lytle ISD’s Student Handbook (coming in August) or contact your campus office.

Youth Sports registration open in Devine

Flag Football and Volleyball, sign up by Aug 4

The 2025 Devine Youth Sports Association’s Flag Football and Volleyball registration is now open. In addition, DYFL youth Tackle Football registration is also ongoing.
DYS Flag Football is offered from Kinder-6th grade. Volleyball is offered for 1st through 6th graders. Register by August 4.
The seasons start in September and more info can be found at the registration link below:
https://leagues.bluesombrero.com/devineyouthsports

Tackle Football Sign ups July 27 & Aug. 3
Two Divisions-JRs (3rd & 4th graders) & SRs (5th & 6th graders).  Football signups will be held: Sunday, July 27th and Sunday, August 3rd from 11am-3pm @ 717 Tuttle Dr. Devine, Tx..
Registration fee is $100.00 & a copy of Birth Certificate is required when registering. If questions, contact Jack Zimmerle 210.215.4944.

Devine school board approves work on tennis courts, softball fields

By Anton Riecher
The Devine school board voted unanimously Monday to approve the construction of district tennis courts and renovation of the softball field.
On a motion by Carl Brown, seconded by Henry Moreno, the board voted 7-0 to contract with Cuerro-based Weaver and Jacobs Construction for the $542,507 softball field renovation. The project includes a $100,000 contingency fund.
The project includes new fencing and enlarging the backstop from 16 feet to 20 feet high.
On the tennis court project, the board voted 7-0 to contract with Austin-based Hellis Construction, previously responsible for the district’s track renovation. The motion by Brown was seconded by Chris Davis.
District Superintendent Todd Grandjean said the tennis court project will begin August 4 with completion scheduled for mid-November. The contingency allowance for the project is $200,000.
Grandjean said the two bids under consideration were so close in price that scheduling became the prime factor in his recommendation.
The board also voted to approve the purchase of a new 77 passenger school bus utilizing a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality grant authorizing the replacement of a pre-2007 diesel fuel school bus. Cost of the purchase is not to exceed $155,000.
“One of the things this has helped us do is put our kids in safer, more reliable transportation for about half the cost,” Grandjean said.
On a motion by Brown, seconded by Moreno, the purchase was approved on a 7-0 board vote. The bus will be the last purchased on the TCEQ grant.
In his administrative report, Grandjean said the district principals are back at work in preparation for the new school year.
“As leaders, they are spending these early day reviewing data from previous years and finalizing master schedules, coordinating professional development and insuring that the facilities are ready for the kids and the teachers,” Grandjean said.
Construction crews are busy jackhammering the approaches to the high school in preparation for traffic control improvements, he said. Permits were signed Monday with the Texas Department of Transportation for the installation of new culverts.
Unfortunately, cosmetology labs will not be completed in time for the new school year, Grandjean said.
“We were hoping that they would be open the first day of school, but the mill work on the cabinets and storage areas will not be delivered until Sept. 10,” he said. Cosmetology classrooms will be ready for use.
At the middle school, new wall have gone up along the rear of the building. However, new dressing rooms for the campus are behind schedule.
For at least the first seven days of the new school year girls will have to dress in the science labs while boys will use the teaching suite, Grandjean said.
At the elementary campus, a new concrete slab is scheduled to be poured Wednesday with structural steel slated to arrive next week, he said.

Upcoming Meetings

MCESD #2 Fire regular monthly meeting is the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm.

Devine Volunteer Fire & Rescue Board to meet July 21- The Board of the Devine Volunteer Fire Department meets monthly on the third Monday of the month. They have business meetings on Mondays and Trainings on Thursdays.

City of Devine- The City of Devine meets the third Tuesdays of the month at 6:00 pm.
The Zoning Board meets the third Monday of the month.
Devine ISD-The Devine ISD Board of Trustees meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Admin Office, 605 W Hondo Ave.

City of Lytle- The City of Lytle meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 6:30 pm at City Hall in the council chambers.

Lytle ISD-The Board of Trustee of Lytle ISD meets in the Admin Building usually at 6:00 pm.

City of Natalia- The City of Natalia meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 7:00 pm at City Hal l in the council chambers
Natalia ISD- The Natalia ISD Board of Trustees meets the 4th Monday of each month at 6:30 pm in the junior high cafeteria.

City of LaCoste- The City of LaCoste Council typically meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at city hall at 7:00 pm.
MVISD- MVISD’s regular school board meetings are normally on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 pm.at the location named in the public notices.

Local School Start Dates – Natalia starts Aug. 4, Lytle starts Aug. 11, Devine begins Aug. 12

Devine ISD staff development is Monday, August 4 through Monday, August11.
Student classes begin Tuesday, August 12

Natalia ISD staff development is Monday, July 28 through Thursday, July 31.
Student classes begin Monday, August 4
Natalia High School Volleyball will begin practice on Friday, August 1.

Lytle ISD staff development is Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 8.
Student classes begin Monday, August 11
Junior High / High School Meet the Teacher Night is Wednesday, August 6 from 5 to 7 pm
Lytle Pirate Community Pep Rally @ Lytle High School on Wednesday, August 13 from 6 to 8 pm

Medina Valley ISD staff development is Friday, August 1 through Monday, August 11.
Student classes begin Tuesday, August 12