DeLeon Monthly Vine

Did you know that Victoria ISD operates a resource center for all our VISD families and students? Well...we do! VISD Connections opened at the beginning of this school year to provide our families with a "one-stop shop" center full of services for our families. Any parent or caregiver of a VISD student is invited to stop by our building.

Times can be tough these days for any family, and the VISD Connections staff is here to support families with food, clothing, school supplies, and hygiene items. For families that need additional help, we provide a direct connection to multiple organizations and resources in the Victoria community. And in most cases, we provide personal assistance in accessing these services - everyone needs a helping and supportive hand these days.

Like you, I am also a parent (and a grandparent!), and there have been times I could have really used some help as I traveled the twists and turns of parenting - you know, those days it seemed nothing I did was right? Well, VISD Connections is here to help with this as well! We offer a variety of education sessions for parents and caregivers - from positive parenting to emergency preparedness to effective communication and more! Every Friday from 10 - 11 a.m., we have Toddler Time. In January, we are beginning a 10-week seminar for fathers only, as well as a literacy program to help families establish good reading practices at home.

In addition to these services, VISD Connections houses the district's Volunteers in Public Schools program. If you are interested in volunteering - in any capacity - contact us, and we will be happy to help you through the volunteer process.

To find out more information, please stop by our building! VISD Connections is housed at the old Stroman Middle School Fine Arts building. Our address is 3002 E. North Street, Suite J. Our parking lot is off of Ben Wilson Drive between Lone Tree and North Street next to the tennis courts. You can also follow us on Facebook or find us on the VISD website. We still do it the old-fashioned way and accept phone calls, too (361-788-9909).

The staff at VISD Connections looks forward to meeting you!

Dr. Candace Pohl, VISD Connections Coordinator

Elizabeth Powell

I have been teaching at DeLeon for seven years. I began my full-time educational journey in August 2016. Before I graduated, I worked through school while substitute teaching and graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from UHV in December 2015. I love teaching and all the joys and challenges involved in education. My students are the best; they genuinely become my “school kids.”

During my free time, I enjoy gardening and spending time outside, especially while traveling to new places and checking off my bucket list. Digging in my garden, fishing, relaxing in the sunshine, and cooking are some of my favorite things at home. And yes, I do enjoy a good book to read! I am married and have two amazing kids. Both have already graduated high school and are on their own journeys. My husband and I enjoy spending time with them and creating new memories.

Griffin Brown

I grew up in Victoria and graduated from Franciscan University in Ohio with a Bachelor's in History and the University of Texas at Austin with a Master's in Information Science. I moved back to Victoria in 2017. This is my 5th year teaching elementary and my second year at DeLeon. Teaching has been an incredible and even more exciting adventure at De Leon Elementary! Before teaching, I worked in historical museums and records management. I study history, build models, fish, play disc golf, and try to communicate with my cat when I'm not at school. Go Dragons!

Teresa Hull

I love being a DeLeon Dragon! I've been an educator for over 36 years. For 34 years, I was a preschool teacher at NORTHSIDE Baptist school. The Lord put on my heart that it was a time for a change, and here I am. I work with the ECSE students here; they are a joy to be around. I've been married for over 36 years and have six children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild with another on the way, and we are so excited to meet her! I truly feel like it's a blessing that I am here at DeLeon. I love my coworkers and staff.

Ashlee Brady

I have a passion for education, and it grows substantially every year. I came to DeLeon looking for new opportunities and a new vision, and I've found my education home. My team means the world to me, the office staff are fantastic and friendly, and I get some of the best feedback from my administration. I just moved to my first apartment with my boyfriend of 13 years and our dog. Working with kids and helping to shape their future while encouraging them to be their best selves makes every day complete. I seek to answer questions, facilitate a love of learning, develop their creative sides, and encourage them to dream big! Go Dragons!

Debra Garner

I am a Victoria High, Victoria College, and Sam Houston State University graduate. At Sam Houston, I played for the Lady Bearcat softball team and realized my love for coaching and helping others. While at Sam Houston, I obtained my teaching degree. I have been a teacher, coach, and educational mentor for over 34 years. When I first retired from the academic field after 29 years in 2007, I became the executive director for a non-profit organization, the Victoria County Senior Citizens Centers, in Victoria. Our organization was responsible for two activity centers, homebound meals, and transportation. We provided meals daily for over 300 older adults. After 8 ½ years, the Lord led me back into teaching. I have taught at the secondary and elementary levels. This is my first year as a DeLeon Dragon, and I love working with the ECSE students. The staff and students here are a blessing every day! Oh, and by the way, I have a son named Rex. He is the General Manager of a spa/ gym in Houston, and I am very proud of him! Go Dragons!

Location: 1002 Santa Barbara Street, Victoria, TX, USA
Phone: (361) 788-9553