Category: School News

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

Medina commissioners okay 2nd school officer to protect Lytle campuses

By Anton Riecher
With a single candle burning, lights were lowered in the Medina County Commissioners Court chambers for 106 seconds Monday to commemorate the lives lost in the devastating July 4 flooding that swept the Texas Hill Country.
County Judge Keith Lutz led those gathered for the commissioners’ court session in prayer.
“Dear Lord, we come here with heavy hearts this morning following the last ten days of sadness for our neighbors and our fellow Texans,” Lutz said. “We pray that you will comfort those who have experienced unimaginable loss and grief.”
He also asked that the light of the burning candle “remind us that you are the light and that you will lead us through darkness.”
Lutz also thanked the many Medina County citizens who assisted in the search and rescue operations following the flood.
“We’re just very thankful to have a county, a group of citizens, that step up and help our neighbors in times like these,” he said.
As of Tuesday morning, the toll of those still missing in Kerr County stands at 97.
Action taken by commissioners during the Monday hearing included approval of an interlocal agreement with Lytle ISD to provide campus security for the 2025-2026 school year by assigning two Medina County Sheriff’s Office deputies to serve as school resource officers on Lytle campuses.
“As discussed in the budget workshop, Lytle ISD has requested a second school resource officer,” Lutz said. “This agreement will supersede the agreement currently in place.”
On a motion by Precinct 2 Commissioner Larry Sittre, seconded by Precinct 3 Commissioner David Lynch, the commissioners voted 3-0 to approve the agreement. Precinct 4 Commissioner Danny Lawler was absent from the Monday meeting.
Assistant Criminal District Attorney Margaret Swyers said the Lytle school board is scheduled to take up the matter at their May 28 meeting.
In financial matters, First Assistant County Auditor Jennifer Konegni reported that cash on hand stands at $29.07 million as of July 1. County Treasurer Debra Graff reported accounts payable totaling $407,474 with commissioners approving payment.
Graff also reported disbursement of funds totaling $79,261 since the last commissioners’ court meeting to cover fuel, utilities and dental claims.
In the monthly report for May, Graff reported an ending cash balance of $32.611 million against a debt total of $20.845 million.
Commissioners also approved a final plat establishing units one, two and three of the Talley Ho subdivision in Precinct 1 on Highway 211 on a motion by Precinct 1 Commissioner Jessica Castiglione.
Following nearly an hour in closed executive session, commissioners voted 3-0 on a motion by Castiglione to allow Judge Lutz to enter into negotiations regarding economic development with an undisclosed group identified only as Cyrus.

Devine Intermediate School Supply List 2025-2026

Third Grade

Collected Class Supplies:
48 (#2) Ticonderoga Pencils (no mechanical)
8 Glue Sticks
2 Highlighters (assorted colors)
4 Plastic Folder with brads and pockets
(1-yellow, 1-red, 1-green, 1-of student choice)
8 Dry Erase Makers (student use)
2 Boxes of Crayons (24 count)
4 Large Boxes of Tissues
1 Pkg of WIDE Ruled Notebook Paper
4 Spiral Notebooks
1 Roll of Paper Towels
3 Pkgs of Cap Erasers
1 Box Snack Size Baggies
Girls: 1 box of Gallon Baggies
1 box of Quart Baggies
Boys: 1 bottle of Hand Sanitizer
1 container of Antibacterial Wipes

Kept with Student:
1 Backpack
1 pair of Earbuds or Headphones (no Bluetooth)
2 boxes (10 count) of Fine Line Skinny Markers
1 school box or pouch
1 pair of pointed scissors
Fourth Grade

Collected Class Supplies:
48 (#2) Ticonderoga Pencils (no mechanical)
24 Glue Sticks
4 Highlighters
8 Dry Erase Markers (student use)
2 100 count 3×5 Index Cards
2 Large Tissue Boxes
2 Rolls of Paper Towels
Girls: 1 container of Clorox Wipes
Boys: 1 bottle of Hand Sanitizer

Kept with Student:
1 Backpack
1 Pkg of Cap Erasers
1 Pair of Pointed Scissors
1 Zippered Pencil Pouch (no boxes)
5 Composition Books (Wide rule, no spirals)
5 Plastic Folders
2 Boxes (10 count) Crayola Fine Line/Skinny Markers
2 (24 count) Crayola Crayons
1 Personal Pencil Sharpener with cap

Fifth Grade

Collected Class Supplies:
48 (#2) Ticonderoga Pencils (no mechanical)
24 Glue Sticks
2 Highlighters (reading)
4 pkgs of Wide-Ruled Notebook Paper
2 Pkgs Pencil Top Erasers
3 Rolls of Paper Towels
2 Lg Boxes of Tissues
3 Pkgs of 3”x5” Notecards (science)
1 Plastic Folder with brads

Kept with Student:
1 Large Backpack
1 Pencil Pouch
1 Pair of Pointed Scissors
1 Box of Colored Pencils
1 Box of Markers
3 Composition Books (no spirals)
1 Pair of wires Earbuds or Headphones
1 Pencil Sharpener with cap
1 Plastic Folder with brads
2 Three Ring Binders (1 inch)
2 Pkgs of Dividers (5 dividers)
Suggestion – 1 wireless mouse

Natalia Supply List 2025-2026

ECC Pre-K 3 & 4
For Ms. Smith and Mrs. Gonzales’ class only
1 Clear Backpack
1 Water Bottle
1 Blue Spiral Notebook
1 Red Spiral Notebook
1 Vinyl Pocket Folder with brads
1 School Box
4 Glue Sticks
4 Boxes of Crayons (Crayola 24 count)
1 Set of Watercolors
1 Box of Markers
(Label all of the above with student’s name)
1 Pkg of Play Doh
1 Pkg of Thin Paper Plates (for crafts)
1 Box of Ziploc Bags (boys-gallon, girls-quart)
1 Pkg of Flushable Wipes
1 Box of Tissues
1 Pkg of Dry Erase Makers
1 Extra change of clothes (label with student’s name and place in Ziploc bag)
1 Nap Mat (fabric nap mats are recommended because they can be sent home to be washed. A small blanket is also acceptable. Please label with student’s name)

Kindergarten
Clear Backpack
1 Set of Headphones
12 Ticonderoga Pencils
1 Pair of Scissors (blunt tip)
1 Pencil Box
1 Glue Bottle
12 Glue Sticks
4 Boxes of Crayola Crayons (24 count)
2 Packs of Crayola Classic Markers
2 Large Pink Erasers
3 Folder with brads and pockets (1 blue, 1 yellow, 1 green)
1 Pkg of Dry Erase Markers (4 pack)
2 Play-Doh cans
1 Box of Ziploc Bags (girls-sandwich, boys-gallon)
2 Containers of Clorox Wipes
1 extra change of clothes (must follow dress code)
1 Art Sketchbook

First Grade
Clear Backpack
1 Set of Headphones (no ear buds)
3 Wide Ruled Composition Notebooks (no spiral notebooks)
3 Poly Folders with brads and pockets (blue, green, red)
24 Ticonderoga Pencils
1 Plastic Supply Box
1 Pair Scissors (blunt tip)
18 Glue Sticks
2 Black Dry Erase Markers
2 Boxes of Crayola Markers (classic colors)
3 Boxes of Crayola Crayons (classic colors)
2 Containers of Clorox Wipes
2 Boxes of Kleenex
1 Box of Ziploc Bags (girls-sandwich, boys-gallon)
Primary Writing Journal (blank at the top for drawing, lines on bottom)
1 Art Sketchbook

Second Grade
Clear or Mesh Backpack
1 Pencil Box (no locks)
5 Pocket Folders with brads, yellow, green, blue, purple, and red (no designs – plastic are more durable)
4 Wide-Ruled Composition Notebooks (black & white preferred – no spiral notebooks)
2 Boxes No. 2 Pencils (24 count) – Ticonderoga/USA Gold preferred
3 White Erasers (they are more durable)
1 Pair of Scissors (labeled with child’s name)
2 Pkgs of Glue Sticks (6 count)
2 Boxes of Colored Pencils (12 count)
2 Boxes of Crayons (24 count)
4 Boxes of Kleenex (square or 3 rectangular)
1 Set of over the ear Headphones (NO earbuds)
1 Box of Gallon Ziploc Bags (BOYS only)
1 Box of Quart Ziploc Bags (GIRLS only)
3 Containers of Clorox Wipes (75+ count)
1 pack of BLACK THIN Dry Erase Markers (4 count)
1 Chromebook cover (11-11.6 size) – optional
1 Wireless Mouse – optional

Third Grade
Clear or Mesh Backpack
2 Boxes of No. 2 Pencils (24 count) – Ticonderoga preferred
4 Plastic Folders with brads – yellow, green, blue and red (no designs)
1 Pencil Box (no locks)
2 Pkg of Glue Sticks (6 count)
2 Boxes of Colored Pencils
2 Boxes of Crayons
1 Pkg of Yellow ONLY Highlighters
2 Boxes of Markers
1 Pair of Scissors
3 Large White Erasers
4 Boxes of Kleenex
1 Bottle of Hand Sanitizer (12 oz or larger)
4 Wide Ruled Composition Notebooks (do not send spirals)
1 Set of Over the Ear Headphones
2 Boxes of Gallon Ziploc Bags
3 Containers of Clorox Wipes
2 Pkg of BLACK THIN Dry Erase Markers (4 count)

Fourth Grade
Clear or Mesh Backpack
2 Pkgs of 24 count pencils
2 Pkgs of Loose Leaf Notebook Paper
1 Pair of Scissors
2 Composition Notebooks (used for Math and Science)
2 Folders
1 Box Markers
1 Box Colored Pencils
2 Pkgs of 4 count Glue Sticks
2 Boxes of Tissues
2 Containers of Clorox Wipes
Earbuds or headphone to use with Chromebook
1 Bottle of Hand Sanitizer
4 Count Dry Erase Markers
Bedford’s Life Skills Class Supply List
Clear or Mesh Backpack
3 Ring Binder
4 Journals (different colors)
2 Folders (red, purple)
Pencil Box
5 Sets of Crayons
2 Sets of Markers
2 Pkgs of Glue Sticks
Pack of Play-Doh
2 Pkgs Wipes
2 Kleenex Boxes
2 Clorox Wipes
2 Pkg Pencils
Headphones
Water Bottle

Jr High – Fifth Grade
1 Clear / See Through or Mesh Backpack
1 Headphone for Chromebook
1 Mouse (optional for Chromebook use)
2 Boxes of Tissues
1 Hand Sanitizer
5 Composition Books
1 Pencil Pouch
2 Boxes #2 Pencils (24 count)
1 Scissors
4 Pocket Folders with brads
1 Pkg Highlighters
1 Pkg Glue Sticks
2 Containers Antibacterial Wipes
1 Pkg Thin Markers (10 pack)
1 Pkg Colored Pencils (12 pack)
4 Pink or White Erasers
Girls – 1 Quart size Ziploc Bags
Boys – 1 Gallon size Ziploc Bags

Sixth Grade
1 Clear / See Through or Mesh Backpack
1 Headphone for Chromebook
1 Mouse (optional for Chromebook use)
2 Boxes of Tissues
1 Hand Sanitizer
5 Composition Books
2 Pkg Wide Ruled Paper
1 Scissors
3 Pkgs Pencils
1 Pkg Colored Pencils
1 Pkg Glue Sticks
3 Highlighters
1 Pkg Erasers
1 Pencil Pouch
2 Binders with dividers
1 Pkg Markers
2 Wide Ruled Notebooks

Seventh Grade
1 Clear / See Through or Mesh Backpack
1 Headphone for Chromebook
1 Mouse (optional for Chromebook use)
2 Boxes of Tissues
1 Hand Sanitizer
5 Composition Books
2 Spiral Notebooks (wide ruled)
1 Scissors
3 Highlighters
1 Pkg Colored Pencils
3 Pkgs Pencils
2 Pkgs Wide Ruled Paper
1 Pkg Graph Paper
1 Pencil Pouch
2 Binders with dividers
1 Pkg Glue Sticks
1 Pkg Markers

Eighth Grade
1 Clear / See Through or Mesh Backpack
1 Headphone for Chromebook
1 Mouse (optional for Chromebook use)
2 Boxes of Tissues
1 Hand Sanitizer
5 Composition Books
1 Scissors
1 Pkg Colored Pencils
3 Highlighters
1 Pkg Red Pens/Pencils
2 Pkgs Notebook Paper
3 Pkgs Pencils
2 Binders with dividers
1 Pencil Pouch
2 Wide Ruled Notebooks
1 Pkg Markers
1 Folder with pockets
1 Pkg Glue Sticks
*Please note that teachers may request additional items for their class as needed.