Dear Graham ISD Community,
I hope you enjoyed the long Labor Day holiday with your family and friends. Our students and staff were back in the classroom this week, working hard and representing GISD proudly in extracurricular competitions and activities. I want to take a moment to invite everyone to recognize and honor our community First Responders before our Graham Steers Homecoming Football Game at Newton Field on Friday, September 25. This gives us an opportunity to thank the men and women who serve our community and are the first on scene when there is an emergency. Wear your Graham red, white and blue as we recognize these community heroes before the Homecoming Football Game at 6:25 p.m.
Tomorrow is Patriot Day and marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States. GISD will be lowering flags to half-staff in remembrance of the 2,977 lives lost on this day in our country. Locally, the Young County Sheriff's office is hosting the 9/11 Stair Climb at Newton Field. Participants will begin arriving at 7:45 a.m. There will be an 8:40 a.m. opening prayer and brief remarks, followed by a Moment of Silence at 8:46 a.m., marking the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb begins immediately after. You can find the flyer below in our Community News section.
While we commemorate the heroes who responded on September 11, 2001, let’s also take a few moments to appreciate our right to vote and the freedoms we enjoy living in the USA. Please check your voter registration status at votetexas.gov. If you are not yet registered to vote, please do so by the October 5 deadline to participate in our next general election. Graham ISD will have a single-proposition school bond election on the Nov. 3 ballot. Please visit our Bond 2026 website for facts and to learn more about the proposal.
Committed to Excellence,
Dr. Johnston
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The Graham ISD Board of Trustees called a $60 million single-proposition bond election for Nov. 3. The largest expense in the proposed bond election addresses a number of projects in the district’s Facility Assessment. It involves consolidating Crestview and Woodland Elementary Schools into one newly constructed, modernized elementary school for grades 1-5. The overall project is estimated to cost $53 million. The committee first looked at renovating Crestview and Woodland and/or replacing Woodland. The cost to repair both campuses is estimated to be $69.3 million, and the cost to replace both campuses is estimated to be $84.1 million.
This proposal was recommended by a 50+ member Facility Planning Committee who studied options that included building renovations, replacement and reconfigurations. The newly constructed school would be scheduled to open in the fall of 2029, replacing both Crestview and Woodland Elementary Schools. Grades 1-5 would be combined into this one new campus to provide cross grade-level collaboration among teachers to support curricular alignment.
If voters approve the construction of the new school, site planning and architectural work would begin by early 2027. The existing Woodland campus would continue to operate on the site during construction, preventing students from being temporarily relocated during the construction process. Once the new campus is nearly complete, the original Woodland campus would be replaced in the summer of 2029 with a new accessible playground, additional parking and a newly designed parent pick-up and drop-off area, as well a designated bus lane designed to improve traffic flow on Cliff Drive.
The district would close both Crestview and Woodland campuses and move all students and teachers to the new elementary. The Crestview site could be sold to a developer to build more affordable housing in Graham. The revenue could be used for the district’s operating budget and/or to pay for additional capital improvement projects recommended in the Facility Planning Committee’s five-year Long-Range Facility Plan.
If voters reject the proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot, Graham ISD will not have the funds to complete the priority projects recommended by the Facility Planning Committee.
Plan now to attend one of Graham ISD’s Bond 2026 presentations to hear the facts.
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The Graham ISD Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Trustees were presented with an update on Academics, including Curriculum Nights, the Curriculum Design Team curriculum implementation and support, and the district's action plan for tracking and using student data to inform instructional decisions and interventions. The Board also held a public hearing of the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas or FIRST. Graham ISD received an A = “Superior Achievement” rating – the highest rating available. Graham ISD’s “District score” equaled 100, a perfect score.
The district also held a public hearing (2025-2026) on the Senate Bill 12 Compliance Certification. GISD modified the appropriate policies as part of recommended policy updates 119, 122, 126, and 127.
In other business, the Board:
- Approved an updated (confidential) Guardian List;
- Voted to approve changes to Local Policy DEC, granting employees pay for accumulated leave upon retirement. This incentive encourages good attendance and longevity by staff. It pays employees for up to 50 days of accumulated leave if they qualify under the policy provisions. Trustees maintained the 50-day maximum outlined in the policy, but increased the rate of pay from $75 to $90 per day, for a maximum amount of $4,500;
- Heard an update on the district’s Facility Use Rental Policy. Revenue from facility rentals is deposited into the general fund and may be used for staffing and maintenance resulting from facility use;
- Received an update on the district’s Grow Your Own Program. Currently, this program has produced four teachers, and by the end of this school year, two school counselors. In addition, GISD has opened up the program for diagnosticians and administrators. The district has several employees that are on track to graduate in May of 2027. The success of the GYO program will allow the district to fill any open vacancies with employees that have already committed to Graham ISD;
- Approved class size waivers as required by the Texas Education Code. GISD has three fourth grade classes that exceed the 22:1 student-teacher ratio and are in need of the waiver. The district is also required to inform the parents in each of the classes;
- Approved the Consent Agenda, which consisted of previous meeting minutes, an enrollment report and financial reports; and
- Met in Closed Session as permitted by Texas law.
The School Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting is at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14 at the Graham Learning Center.
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We recognized some of our amazing teachers and their contributions to excellence in Graham ISD. Graham High and Woodland Elementary, both received a TEA Distinction in Science and Graham Junior High received a TEA Distinction in Social Studies. |
Graham High students, Jennilee Bowman and Caden Joy, presented a donation check to the Michelle Lowrey Memorial Scholarship for $1600. Thank you to everyone who was able to purchase a t-shirt from Key Club. |
Congratulations to Caden Joy, who was just named National Merit Semifinalist by the College Board. Congratulations to Caden! |
Developing a love of reading at Pioneer |
Working on letter/sound work in Pre-K |
Reading rocks in first grade |
Curriculum Night Spotlight! Mrs. Gonzalez’s third grade class brought their reading lessons to life with a special student-led skit. |
Multiplication in many ways in third grade |
From time to time, Graham ISD schools may implement one of five Standard Response Protocols as part of the district’s emergency response plan. These protocols include Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter and Hold. We will be using space in our monthly staff newsletters to remind employees and review the procedures and purposes for each of these protocols with you.
The first protocol explained for the 2026-2027 school year is a campus Secure. A Secure is typically announced over the intercom system to alert students and staff members to stay safely inside the building. The common language for secure protocol is ‘Lockout.’
During a Secure, students and staff are safely locked inside the building due to a situation or threat outside. This is different from a Lockdown which is implemented when the threat to students and staff is imminent and more likely inside the building.
Depending on the circumstances of a Secure, classes and learning are likely to continue, but no one will be allowed in or out of the building while the Secure is in place. Before placing a campus in Secure, all students and staff outside the building must be alerted and brought safely inside. All exterior doors are then locked prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving the building. Students and staff are typically free to move from class to class inside the building, but cannot go outside until the situation has been resolved.
Examples of when a Secure could be ordered include when first responders must address a threat or police situation in a neighborhood or area around the campus, to capture a stray animal on school property or to manage a chemical spill on a nearby highway.
Typically in a Secure, there is no imminent threat or emergency to the students or staff as long as they stay inside the building. The Secure SRP merely gives the administration and first responders the opportunity to address a situation outside the building before giving an “All Clear.”
Often, a Secure lasts only a few minutes, but it typically warrants an GrahamSafe communication to all parents to explain the facts and to reassure them that students and staff are locked safely inside. During this time the campus will not allow visitors, deliveries or outside recess or activities. Once the “all clear” is given, staff and families will be notified via ParentSquare and across the intercom system that the Secure has been lifted.
If you ever have questions about any of the District’s SRPs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your campus principal.
Watch for #GrahamSafe announcements through the ParentSquare mobile app to stay up-to-date on GISD Safety!
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Texas law now requires school districts to distribute information to parents and guardians about the safe storage of firearms. The information will help you learn about options for, as well as how to talk to your child and others about, the safe storage of firearms.
It is unlawful to store, transport, or abandon an unsecured firearm in a place where children are likely to be and can obtain access to the firearm. Under Texas Penal Code 46.13, a person commits the offense of making a firearm accessible to a child if the child gains access to a readily dischargeable firearm, and the person with criminal negligence:
- Failed to secure the firearm; or
- Left the firearm in a place to which the person knew or should have known the child would gain access
The penalty for allowing a child access to a firearm can range from a Class C misdemeanor (punishable by a $500 fine) to a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by a $4,000 fine, a year in jail, or a combination of the two).
Remember, a gun should be stored unloaded in a safe or locked container, with ammunition stored elsewhere. You can learn more and find additional resources from the Texas Department of Public Safety at https://safegunstoragetexas.com
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Human Resources Update: Applications can be found on Region 9 |
GISD
- Diagnostician
- Speech Language Pathologist
Woodland
Crestview
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
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Please know that we will be posting these openings twice a month in our newsletters. If you are interested in looking at postings more frequently, they may be accessed in Quick Links through our District website. |
Graham ISD would love to have a growing list of trained substitute teachers for the coming year. Training dates have been set up and are required before you can qualify to substitute in GISD.
Meeting Place: The Graham Learning Center
Time: 8:30 to 11 a.m.
Training Dates: (you need only attend once)
- October 7
- November 4
- December 2
- January 6
- February 3
- March 3
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If interested- Contact Gary Browning @ gary.browning@grahamisd.com |
Graham Independent School District (GISD) earned a perfect score of 100 on its 2025-2026 Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) report. The District has maintained this rating each year since 2017.
The FIRST rating, issued annually by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), evaluates how efficiently and responsibly public school districts manage their financial resources. A score of 100 grants GISD an "A - Superior Achievement" status, reflecting strong budget management, sound accounting practices, and responsible allocation of taxpayer funds. This achievement is the result of the hard work and dedication of the staff who manage funds on campuses, within departments and at the district level.
Key Highlights:
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Perfect Operational Score: Earning 100 out of 100 points demonstrates financial accountability, efficient resource distribution, and long-term fiscal health.
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Consecutive Recognition: Achieving the maximum score for the eighth straight year underscores consistent administrative oversight and fiscal stability.
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Community Focus: The district formally presents the FIRST report and its financial breakdown during its September Board of Trustees meeting.
While academic accountability ratings fluctuate based on state metrics, GISD's multi-year perfect FIRST scores assure the local community that the district continues to manage public education funds effectively.
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“I would like to give a shoutout to Kaylee Lazor for always being supportive with her team grade level. She is always sharing ideas, and helping her colleagues get ready for teaching, especially showing how to be proactive.”
Submitted by Sandra Paulin
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“Always has a great attitude and is the ultimate team player. When I have a spot to fill her answer is always ‘Yes!’”
Submitted by Koby Andrews
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“Mrs. McGee has been so patient with me while guiding me and providing math support to me as I learn the curriculum. She takes the time to answer all the questions I have and does it with a smile.”
Submitted by Patricia Gonzalez
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Graham Junior High and High School Families: Complete your Free & Reduced Meal application by Friday, Sept. 18 for a chance to win a 65-inch TV!
You can request a printed copy of the application from your school’s front office. Printed copies can be returned to the school office or emailed to jodi.arispe@grahamisd.com.
The drawing will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 22. One TV will be given away at each campus. The final deadline to complete the application for free and reduced meals and other educational benefits is Wednesday, Sept. 30.
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Join us for one of the following community presentations! Learn how the proposed bond could impact students, programs and facilities.
- Silver Club - Retired Community Members: Thursday, Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. at Graham Learning Center
- Parent and Community Presentation: Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at Woodland Elementary Library
- Parent and Community Presentation: Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m., Graham High School Auditorium
- Community Coffee and Presentation: Monday, Oct. 19 at 9 a.m. at Graham Learning Center
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Monday, Sept. 21: No School
- Friday, Sept. 25: GHS Homecoming & First Responder Recognition Night
- Friday, Oct. 9: Professional Learning Day/No School for Students
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Monday, Oct. 12: No School
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Monday, Oct. 19: Parent-Teacher Conferences/No School
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Friday, Oct. 30: No School
Check out the Online GISD Calendar for a more comprehensive list of upcoming academic, athletic, fine arts and extracurricular activities.
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Throughout the year we will post information from PTO and Class information within this newsletter.
View links to Class dues pages:
6th Grade - Class dues are due! $20 through Venmo, Paypal or Cash to First State Bank or Sheena Parrilla.
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Thank you for your support of our students! |
Steer Strong. Eagle Gone. Support the Graham Steers as they take down the Brock Eagles next month! The deadline to order is Sunday, Sept. 20. You will be notified by email when your order is ready to pick up at MLR Graphics - 509 Elm Street (formerly Smart Graphics). Order yours today!
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Order your Heart of Graham T-shirts! The deadline to order is Friday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. All proceeds will support Team Rowan and the Bronfield Family to assist with medical expenses. Order your shirts today!
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Homecoming is quickly approaching and Anderson Ranch has our online store up and running. Join us and "Get into Texas" with Old Blue this HOCO season! Shop today!
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If you would like to host a flier in the Community Events section for upcoming monthly editions of the GISD TeleGRAHAM, send the information to communications@grahamisd.com. |
We welcome our first responders and community to the 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Newton Field on Friday, Sept. 11 at 8:40 a.m. Participants may begin arriving at 7:45 a.m. To participate, or for questions, contact Deputy Joshua Gallardo at Young County Sheriff's Office at j.gallardo@youngcounty.org |
In memory of our beloved former teacher, Michelle Lowrey, a memorial golf tournament is taking place next month. Every dollar raised will be donated to college scholarships for students pursuing STEM degrees.
The Michelle Lowrey Memorial Golf Tournament is on Monday, Oct. 19 at 8 a.m. at Graham Country Club. The format of the tournament is a 4-person scramble and is $400 per team.
Help us live out Mrs. Lowrey’s legacy of believing in students and giving them a brighter future.
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Every Wednesday, Courageous Kids takes place at Heritage Methodist Church for grades K-5 until 5:30 p.m. Register today!
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K-5th grade students are invited to be a part of Bible Zone! Students will enjoy Bible stories, recreation, crafts and snacks. Bible Zone begins Wednesday, Sept. 16 and takes place every Wednesday 3:50-5:30 p.m.
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400 Third Street | Graham, TX 76450
940-549-0595
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