Natalia ISD – The Devine News

Natalia ISD to honor Paul Almendarez for 29 years of school board service

Mr. Paul Almendarez

Natalia Independent School District invites the community to join us in honoring Mr. Paul Almendarez as we celebrate his remarkable 29 years of dedicated service as a member of the Natalia ISD Board of Trustees.
For nearly three decades, Mr. Almendarez has been a part of the district’s journey, demonstrating a lasting commitment to the students, staff, and families of Natalia ISD. His years of service reflect his dedication to public education and the Natalia community.
As Mr. Almendarez prepares to step down from the Board, Natalia ISD would like to take this opportunity 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!

A season to be proud of: Natalia Marching Band advanced to Area Finals for the Sixth Time in School History

By Sergio Mendez
Director of Band, Natalia ISD
As the marching season comes to a close, we look back on a season filled with hard work, perseverance, challenges, and accomplishments. We could not be prouder of our students and everything they achieved this year. Their dedication, determination, and commitment to our band program were evident every step of the way, and their success is something worth celebrating.
From the first days of preparation to the final performance of the season, our students worked hard to improve, grow, and perform at their very best. The season was not without its challenges. Scheduling conflicts sometimes made preparation more difficult, requiring our students and staff to remain flexible, focused, and determined. Despite these obstacles, the band continued to push forward, supporting one another and staying committed to the goals we set at the beginning of the season.
We also knew this year would bring an especially competitive environment. With more schools moving down to the 3A classification, we anticipated a challenging season filled with strong programs and talented performers. The competition was tough, and we knew our students would need to bring their best to every performance. They rose to the challenge, placing at every contest throughout the season and demonstrating just how much their hard work and preparation had paid off.
One of the most exciting highlights of the season came at the Area competition. Our band earned…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!

Devine, Natalia and Lytle advance to AREA Marching Contest this Saturday

Devine HS
The Warhorse Mighty Marching Band has earned the right to advance to the UIL Area E Marching Competition again this year. They will compete this Saturday, October 24 in Alice, Texas in the AAA division. The Devine HS band performs at 3:00 p.m. in the Alice High School Memorial Stadium.
Devine earned the right at the UIL Region XI marching contest in Hondo last weekend to advance. The band performed their 2026 UIL marching show production entitled “After The Long Night” which features the songs, Black Hole Sun, Here Comes The Sun, True Colors, and Spring(Vivaldi).
“The band also received the 1st place award at this year’s God’s Country Marching Band Contest in Hondo the prior weekend, October 10 where they were awarded the Grand Champion award as overall winners!” said Bert Sanchez, Devine ISD Director of Bands.
See schedule below.
Lytle HS
The Lytle Pirate Band earned its 9th consecutive First Division Rating at UIL Region Marching last Saturday. The band is advancing to the Area level, and will compete in prelims performance this Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 9:40 a.m. in Alice.
Last year on Saturday 11/1/25, the Lytle Pirate Band made school history by earning…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!

Devine, Natalia and Lytle bands to participate in UIL Marching Contest Saturday

Devine Warhorse Band received first place at God’s Country Marching Contest.

The UIL Region XI Marching Band Contest will be held on Saturday, October 17 at Barry Stadium in Hondo. Class A and AA schools will be performed from 4 to 6 pm. Class AAA schools start at 7 pm with Carrizo Springs, then Devine at 7:15 pm, Crystal City at 7:30 pm, Natalia at 7:45 pm, Cotulla at 8 pm, Poteet at 8:15 pm, Lytle at 8:30 pm ending with Hondo at 8:45 pm.
Devine Warhorse Band performed their program “After The Long Night” at the God’s Country Marching Festival in Hondo on October 10 and received first place for the 3A classification and overall champion.
The Lytle Pirate Band won second place overall, just behind Devine HS. They received the Best…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!

Lytle Pirate Band received second place overall at God’s Country Marching Festival.

Natalia Mustang Band performed “Controlled” at the marching contest in Hondo.

Local Superintendent invited to Testify before Texas Senate Committee

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!

Natalia Band takes 2nd in Seguin!

The Natalia Marching Band traveled to Seguin this past week where they competed in the Seguin Marching Festival where they took second place! Photos by Mable Byrd.

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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!

Meet the teachers!

Devine ISD…

Ciavarra Elementary and Devine Intermediate is set for Thursday, August 6 from 5 to 6:30 pm. Devine High School will be 6:30 to 7:30pm.
Devine Middle School held Meet the Teacher on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
The First Day of School is August 11.

Lytle ISD…

Lytle Jr High and High School will hold Meet the Teacher on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 5 – 7 PM. Lytle Elementary School is set for Thursday, August 6 from 4 – 6 PM and Primary School from 5 – 7 PM.
The first day of school is Wednesday, August 12.

Natalia ISD…

Natalia ECC and Elementary School will hold Meet the Teacher on Monday, August 10, 2026at 5 PM while Natalia Jr High and High School are set for 5:30 pm.
The first day of school is Tuesday, August 11.

Hats off to Natalia’s class of 2026!

Natalia’s graduating class of 2026 release their caps into the air in celebration of leaving High School behind and beginning their own unique journeys into the world. Photo by Mable Byrd.

Tessa Del Toro receiving her dipolma. Photo by Mable Byrd.

Raeann Juarez gave the benediction during Natalia’s 2026 graduation ceremony. Photo by Mable Byrd.

Jayston Rodriguez gave the closing remarks and the recognition of the tassels during Natalia’s 2026 graduation ceremony. Photo by Mable Byrd.

Andres Terrazas receives his dipolma during the 2026 Natalia graduation ceremony. Photo by Mable Byrd.

Natalia JH Band competes at JH Region Band competition

Natalia Junior High School band participated in the JH Region Band competition on Monday, January 19th along with more than 20 schools and almost 500 kids. Congratulations to the following students placed: Kloe Pinner, Flute Symphonic 5th chair; Braelyn Smith, Clarinet Symphonic 7th chair; Isaias Mendez, Trumpet Symphonic 5th chair; Joshua Reynolds, Alto Saxophone Concert, 2nd chair and Lorenzo Moralez, Clarinet Concert 2nd chair.
Alternates: Emma Gomez, Flute; Luna Perales, Tenor Saxophone and Memphis Lopez-Guerrero.