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GRAHAM ISD

Excellence in all we do!

The GISD TeleGRAHAM: June 5, 2025

Posted Date: 6/05/25 (5:00 PM)

the gisd telegraham

Message from the Superintendent

dr. mary johnston, superintendent
Graham ISD Community,

Happy Summer! I hope you have enjoyed the first few days of having your children home for summer break. We miss their smiling faces, but we know that they have earned some rest and play time in the Texas sun. For me, summer is an opportunity to not only reflect on all that was accomplished this past school year, but also the excitement of what lies ahead. The memory of our Class of 2025 accepting their diplomas and turning their tassels will be with me for quite a while. There’s nothing like the optimism and celebration of a high school graduation to remind all of us of the important work done from Pre-K to high school to prepare these young adults for the next phase of life.

On Wednesday evening, our School Board adopted the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan for GISD. This document will serve as the blueprint for our work for the next three years. I want to thank each and every student, parent, educator and community leader who participated in our planning process. Your input was thoughtful and your ideas will fuel our work in the future.

Thank you for your continued support of Graham ISD. We have much to do this summer to prepare for the routine of our students in August. By then we will be energized and ready for another fantastic year ahead. Here’s wishing all of you a safe and joyful summer! As a note, the July teleGRAHAM will be filled with back to school information.

Committed to Excellence,

Dr. Johnston
Superintendent
 

School Board Meeting Highlights

board members posted in front of Graham ISD logo

Board Adopts GISD Strategic Plan

The Graham ISD School Board met for its monthly meeting a week early on June 5 due to the upcoming professional learning schedule. Trustees heard a presentation from Sheri Sides and Ken Helvey from N2 Learning. Dr. Johnston thanked the members of the Strategic Planning Committee for their time and commitment to the process and for their feedback on prioritization of goals and strategies focused on our learners. Most importantly, she thanked them for their continued focus on improved student outcomes. The Board of Trustees then officially adopted the Strategic Plan presented by the group. 

In other business, the School Board:
  • Approved Board Policy Update 124 on second reading;
  • Heard a report on the School Health Advisory Committee, which met four times during the 2024-2025 school year;
  • Approved the Board Meeting Calendar for 2025-2026; and
  • Tabled the district’s depository contract in order to review it further.

The School Board’s next meeting will be a Budget workshop on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
 

Graham ISD Strategic Plan 2025-28

We’re proud to share our Strategic Plan with our community! Thank you to the committee members who came out to the Board Meeting. 

We are proud to have partnered with the following committee members to guide us in this work with their dedication to our students and their vision for our future. Thank you to all of our committee members and action team leaders for sharing your time and talents with us!

Committee Members
  • Alicia Arvizu
  • Audra Barrett
  • Brandon Joy
  • Brianne Elrod
  • Carlos Olalde
  • Charise Bewley
  • Cheryl Groves
  • Chris Blanton
  • Chris Rasile
  • Clay McChristian
  • Courtney Wood
  • Daena Sarinana
  • David Proctor
  • Donna Gatlin
  • Elizabeth Adams
  • Ellen Morris
  • Erika Schmidt
  • Gary Browning
  • Gary Elrod
  • Jack Page
  • Jason Smith
  • Joe Gordy
  • Josh Kidd
  • Julie Bell
  • Kalin Westerman
  • Kandice Craig
  • Kelsey Easterling
  • Kimberly Vacante
  • Kristina Pettus
  • Lacey Baxley
  • Lasonja Coleman
  • Lauren Mahaney
  • Leslie Fore
  • Lisa McCool
  • Marci Faulk
  • Maria Garcia
  • Mary Johnston
  • Melody Ingram
  • Michelle Lowrey
  • Miranda Michael
  • Misti Thompson
  • Natalie Husen
  • Olivia Pettus
  • Philip Roberston
  • Rachel Rader
  • Rebekah Gilbertson
  • Renata Garcia
  • Robert Loomis
  • Tonya Weatherman
  • Tracy Pippins
  • Tripp Mahaney

Action Team Leaders: 

  • Anne Routon
  • Audra Barrett
  • Chris Rasile
  • Gary Browning
  • Joe Gordy
  • Katherine Gallaway
  • Katy Morris
  • Kristina Martin
  • Lauren Holland
  • Mary Roberts
  • Misti Thompson
  • Natalie Husen
  • Necia Marin
  • Padgett Thigpen
  • Robert Loomis
strategic plan committee members
View the 2025-28 Strategic Plan
 

Employee Awards and Celebration

Our awards breakfast was held on Friday, May 23 at Graham High School and our team announced the following special districtwide awards, along with years of service awards and honoring our retirees. Thank you to all for your dedication to our district!

  • Administrative Assistant of the Year: Viviana Guerrero
  • Instructional Aide of the Year (Elementary): Patricia Braddock
  • Instructional Aide of the Year (Secondary): Donald Bates
  • Maintenance Employee of the Year: Brent Dickson
  • Transportation Employee of the Year: Ken Weimer
  • Custodial Employee of the Year: Rebecca Todd
  • Food Service Employee of the Year: Chom Sanborn
  • Special Programs Employee of the Year: Kelly Qualls
end of year celebration
end of year celebration
 

GISD Summer Meal Program

Graham ISD will continue to offer meals to children ages 2-18 within the community every Monday through Thursday through June 19. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 - 8 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11 a.m. - Noon at Pioneer Elementary School.

Our summer meal program is made possible by USDA funding. For more information, call Food Services at 940-549-4011 or 940-550-9106.
gisd summer meals may 27-june 19
gisd summer meals may 27-june 19
 

2025 Pre-Participation Physical Exam Options

For the 2025-26 school year, all students who will be in grades 7, 9 or 11 during the 2025-26 school year, as well as any students who did not complete a Pre-Participation Physical Exam (PPE) during the previous school year, will be required to submit a new PPE in order to participate in sports, cheerleading, marching band, or the dance team. All incoming 7th grade students who plan to participate in Summer Speed and Strength must have a PPE prior to the first workout.
physical exam options
Physical Exam Options
Required UIL Physical Form
 
GISD IS HIRING

Graham ISD is Hiring

Graham ISD is now hiring excellent employees to support our amazing learners! Open Positions include:

District
  • Chief Academic Officer (previously Mr. Browning)

Graham HS
  • Principal
  • Math Teacher
  • Social Studies Teacher
  • Science Teacher/Chemistry Teacher
  • Agricultural Sciences Teacher
  • Head Boys’ Basketball Coach with one of the above certifications
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach

Woodland
  • Principal

Crestview
  • 1st Grade

Pioneer
  • PK Teacher
Learn More and Apply Today!
 
summer office hours, may 26-aug 1

Summer Office Hours

Summer hours in our Graham ISD buildings have officially begun! 

Our summer hours at the Graham Administration Building run through Aug. 1. Every Monday through Thursday, building hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. School office hours vary throughout the summer so call the office before visiting. All offices are closed on Fridays (as well as Thursday, July 3).
 

Good News in GISD

Bonus Check Delivery

It is always a great day when we get to deliver bonus checks to our new employees. After 90 work days, our new employees receive their signing bonus. We appreciate the work these ladies do for our Steers and Lady Blues! They have already made a positive impact. Welcome!
delivering bonus checks
delivering bonus checks
 

Kindergarten Research Project

Before school let out, our kindergarteners at Pioneer Elementary ended the year with a special Zoo Exhibit research project! Each student chose a zoo animal to learn about and created a poster or diorama for their animal. Way to go!
kindergarten zoo animals projects
kindergarten zoo animals projects
 

Grad Walk

Before graduation, the Class of 2025 made their traditional walk through the hallways of each campus in Graham ISD. It is a special moment to celebrate our graduates, have them be recognized by our community, and be an inspiration for our younger students.
graduation walk
graduation walk

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

Congratulations to our graduating class at Graham High School! We had a beautiful evening celebrating the Class of 2025 on Friday, May 23. We wish you all the best!
class of 2025
 

Staff and Student Shoutouts

slyvia

Sylvia Shewmake

"She is always so kind and welcoming. Ever since I started at Crestview, she has always made sure I am included. She makes sure that I felt loved and appreciated during nurse’s week." - Submitted by Kati Bell
erin howard

Erin Howard

"Coach Howard came to Graham as a third grade math teacher last year. This year she filled the BIG shoes that were left when Coach England retired. She has done an amazing job! From encouraging kids to be active with the shoe bead incentive that she started, to planning the Turkey Trot in November, a well-run field day and a school-wide dodgeball tournament. I am so proud of what she has done this year, and my students LOVE to go to PE to see what fun activity Coach Howard has planned for the day. Great Job, Coach!!" - Submitted by Amanda Mullens
retirees

2024-25 Retirees

At our End of Year Employee Celebration, we took the time to recognize our 2024-25 retirees. We’re so grateful for each of their years in our district and the impact they made on our staff, students and community. We wish you each a joyful and relaxing retirement!

  • Patricia Braddock
  • Richard Carter
  • Melissa Hardin
  • Maria Iltis
  • Pam Peeks
  • Jennifer Perkins
  • Rosalinda Pyzdrowski
  • Colbie Ranger
  • Oteka Gibson
Have a Graham ISD student or staff member that deserves a shoutout in an upcoming newsletter or social media post? Take a few moments to share information about the achievement or contribution the staff or student made and share photos if you have them using the form provided below.
Submit a Shoutout!
 

Important Dates

Mark Your Calendar

  • June 19 - Summer Meals End
  • July 3 - School Holiday/Offices Closed
  • July 28-31 - New Student Registration
  • August 1 - Summer Office Hours End
  • August 4 - New Teacher Orientation
  • August 5- Teachers & Staff Return to Campus
  • August 5-12 - Professional Development for Staff
  • August 13 - First Day of School for Students
  • August 22 & 29 - Graham ISD Closed/No School

Check out the Online GISD Calendar for a more comprehensive list of upcoming academic, athletic, fine arts and extracurricular activities.
 

Community News

color our world 2025 summer reading

Library of Graham Summer Reading

Visit the Library of Graham May 23rd through June 9th to register and join the fun!

 
graham isd logo

Graham Independent School District

400 Third Street | Graham, TX 76450
940-549-0595