

JISD Family
Weekly Newsletter 5/5/2023
Message to Parents from Dr. Rob Fields
What an exciting week at JISD! This week we broke ground for Judson ISD’s 6th middle school. I was honored to celebrate with community leaders, parents and even future “middle school #6” students. With the addition of this middle school campus, we are making sure the words “neighborhood school” are meaningful. Continuing to respond to growing campuses allows us to improve the instructional experience of all JISD students and staff.
It is also School Lunch Hero Day! A day when we celebrate the people who are keeping our students fed. I want to personally thank our JISD Child Nutrition staff for the work they do that sometimes goes unnoticed but is essential to the success of our students.
There are so many great things happening in our district. Please take a moment to learn about just a few of them.
District Breaks Ground on New Middle School
On May 3, 2023, the Judson Independent School District held a ceremonial groundbreaking for its sixth middle school. The new middle school will be located in the northern portion of the district, adjacent to Wortham Oaks Elementary School. The 192,000-square-foot campus, designed by Pfluger Architects and constructed by SpawGlass, is scheduled for completion in July 2025.
At the event, Interim Superintendent Dr. Rob Fields thanked the community and Board of Trustees for their support in the process of making the new school a reality.
“We are here right now because of the support of our community that led to this moment—the groundbreaking of Judson ISD’s 6th middle school,” Fields said.
“We are growing in Judson ISD. We have to meet the educational needs of students throughout the district. This will be a place where families can gather for athletic events and concerts but ultimately it allows us another place in Judson to Produce Excellence,” Fields said.
Today is School Lunch Hero Day
Happy School Lunch Hero Day to all of our JISD Child Nutrition Staff! Here are some Lunch Hero celebrations from around JISD!
Some principals and district leaders jumped in to lend a hand today, but we know who the real lunch heroes are! Again, thank you to our JISD Child Nutrition staff! We loved celebrating you today!
2023-2024 Registration Information
Registration for the 2023-2024 school year is now opened for returning students who live within JISD. Returning students are students who are currently enrolled in Judson ISD, live within the district, and are planning on returning next school year. Parents will be able to add new siblings of currently enrolled students starting May 15 using your existing log-in information in the Family Portal.
Returning Student
New Student
School of Choice
Innovative Campuses
Out-of-District Student
Pre-Kindergarten
Judson Education Foundation Prize Patrol
On May 2, 2023, the Judson Education Foundation delivered $48,400 dollars in scholarships to Judson ISD seniors. The annual Prize Patrol is one of the highlights of the year for the members of the Judson Education Foundation.
“I am thrilled that the Foundation continues to help defray the costs of post-secondary education for our students. It is through the generosity of our Judson ISD community that we are able to make this kind of difference for our students and their families,” Lexie Greathouse, JEF Executive Director, said.
The application process for JEF scholarships opens early in the Spring semester for seniors. Applications (without student names) are reviewed and evaluated by a scholarship committee made up of community members and business partners.
“Through these scholarships, the Judson Education Foundation continues to impact our students even after they leave Judson ISD. I sincerely appreciate the dedication of the JEF Board, donors, and volunteers who make these scholarships possible. I cannot wait to see what these outstanding students will accomplish,” Superintendent Dr. Rob Fields said.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Judson Education Foundation Scholarships!
GIVE BLOOD, SAVE A LIFE!
Judson ISD, the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center and the Bryce Strong Foundation are partnering to hold the annual blood drive in memory of Bryce Wisdom.
Come and join this cause. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 9th from 12 - 7 p.m. in the Judson HS Auxiliary Gym.
This annual event honors the legacy of Bryce Wisdom, a Judson High School student who passed away due to cancer. Before his passing on July 27, 2020, he gained national attention for his positivity and strength while dealing with his illness.
In his memory, his mother started the Bryce Strong Foundation which works to “bring awareness, assistance, and resources to adolescent cancer warriors and their families in honor of Bryce Wisdom.”
Celebrate the life of Bryce Wisdom by donating blood!
JISD Teacher is a KENS 5 EXCEL Award recipient
We are thrilled to congratulate Mrs. Staci Vargo, Judson ISD KENS 5 EXCEL Award recipient!
She was honored along with all the winners at the EXCEL Award banquet. Mrs. Vargo is a dedicated and inspiring teacher at Hartman Bilingual/Immersion Elementary, and we are grateful for all that she does to support our students.
Thank you, Mrs. Vargo, for your commitment to our students excellence!
2023 "Rising 6th and 9th Graders" McKinney-Vento Summer Enrichment Camps
Judson ISD will be hosting "Rising 6th and 9th Graders" Summer Enrichment Camps for our McKinney-Vento students.
"Rising 6th Graders" will be taking place at Woodlake Hills Middle School from 7:30am- 3:30pm on the week of June 5th.
"Rising 9th Graders"will be taking place at Wagner High School from 7:30am- 3:30pm on the week of June 12th.
Transportation, breakfast and lunch will be provided during both camps.
For more information, please see the attached flyers.If you would like to register or have any questions, please contact Sylvia Greenwood, JISD McKinney-Vento Specialist at (210)945-5362 or sgreenwood@judsonisd.org.
Wagner JROTC Thunderbird Battalion raises money for a MAKE-A-WISH donation
The Wagner JROTC Battalion hosted a Dollar Drive within each company to help raise money for Make-A-Wish. During the beginning of formation starting September 23, 2022 – April 21, 2023, the bucket was passed around for donations starting from $1.00 a day, $5.00 a week, or $30 a year, however much one wanted to donate.
The Wagner JROTC Thunderbird Battalion raised a total WHS JROTC MAKE-A-WISH DONATION of $4,000 to make a difference for anyone who is in need. A check was presented to Ms. Sarah Gay Connor of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Your Vote is Your Voice!
Elections are scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, May 6, 2023.
See below for some voting tips!
- Find a polling site visit: www.bexar.org/1568/Elections-Department
- Not sure which council district you live in? Call 311 or visit: www.sanantonio.gov/Council/Find-My-Council-Member
Veterans Memorial's Karla Puentes is the epitome of the American Dream
At Judson High School, there is a full fledge auto body shop where students can learn about automotive technology, collision repair, and car refinishing. At Wagner High School, students can whip up delicious dishes and learn to be eventual Top Chefs.
Down the C wing of Veterans Memorial High School, there is a full fledge cosmetology lab, equipped with all the space, equipment, and supplies needed to compete with the best salons in the community.
It’s where senior Karla Puentes developed all the skills needed to not only pass the state board exam to be a licensed cosmetologist but prepared her to get her first job right after she turns her tassel from left to right.
“In eighth grade, my sister gave me her old nail stuff and I started playing around and practicing. Then, I started getting into makeup when I went into my other sister's room. Then, I started braiding an old mannequin of hers. I slowly started falling in love with it,” Puentes said.
Celebration Graduation 2023
Join us in celebrating some fantastic graduates from the Class of 2023! Judson ISD wants to know where seniors are going after graduation, whether it's college, military, technical school, or career.
If you're a JISD senior that wants to be featured, fill out this form! As you upload graduation pictures, announcements, or anything graduation related, use the hashtag, #JISDGrad23
Follow Judson ISD on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as we celebrate more Seniors and the Class of 2023!
Congratulations, Judson ISD Class of 2023!
JECA's Annual Signing Ceremony
On May 5, JECA held their annual Signing Ceremony, where each students shares the colleges they were accepted to, the total number of scholarship dollars they received, and then announce the college will be attending. Then, like traditional athletic signings, each students signed to commit to the college of their choosing. Together, the JECA Class of 2023 has been awarded $29,545,836 in scholarships.
XFL Championship happening May 13
The XFL Championship is on Saturday, May 13. We are inviting our Judson ISD Family to purchase discounted tickets and give back to the Judson Education Foundation at the same time!
You can purchase your tickets using the following link: https://fevo.me/xflchampionship.
Be sure to use the Discount Promo Code: JISD
The SA Gunslingers come to our Elolf STEAM Academy this week just before their S.T.A.A.R. testing to wish the kiddos good luck on the STAAR today!
Thank you to the San Antonio Gunslingers for joining with our community to cheer on the students!
"We are so thankful for the opportunity to give back to our amazing city. Gunz Up San Antonio!"-The San Antonio Gunslingers
Judson ISD Free Physicals
Judson ISD will be providing free physicals for our incoming 7th to 11th grade students. All students in athletics are required to register with their campus coach before May 5th , no walk ups will be allowed.
The event will take place on Saturday, May 13 at Judson High School. There are different times depending on the student's campus. Please be sure to check your campus' respective time slot below.
8:45 AM
Wagner High School
Kirby Middle School
Metzger Middle School
9:30 AM
Veterans Memorial High School
Kitty Hawk Middle School
10:15 AM
Judson High School
Judson Middle School
Woodlake Hills Middle School
Gardening Club at Candlewood Elementary School Thanks Judson Education Foundation
The green thumb is in full swing at Candlewood Elementary School thanks to the Gardening Club, led by the dynamic duo of Mrs. Javier and Ms. Herbeck! They received a Judson Education Foundation grant that helped them purchase raised garden beds, soil, tools, and seeds for the club. They even got matching shirts and tie-dye materials to wear while gardening!
The Gardening Club planted several pollinator mixes, and they've been eagerly checking on their young sprouts. Mrs. Javier and Ms. Herbeck used the garden as an opportunity to teach the students about the importance of pollination and the vital role that plants play in our ecosystem.
But the Gardening Club wasn't just about planting seeds - they were also growing a community. During their time together in the garden, the students focused on spreading kindness and compassion to one another. They learned how to work together as a team, how to communicate effectively, and how to be responsible for something greater than themselves.
Thanks to the Judson Education Foundation and the innovative thinking of Mrs. Javier and Ms. Herbeck, the Gardening Club at Candlewood Elementary School has become a shining example of how education can go beyond the classroom and into the great outdoors. Join us in celebrating the success of the Gardening Club and the power of innovative learning on our Judson ISD campuses!
Judson ISD Teacher Job Fair
We are #hiring! Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children? Are you looking for a job? Do you want to become part of the #JudsonISDFamily? Join us at the Judson ISD Teacher Job Fair!
Judson ISD will be hosting a teacher job fair Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at Judson High School, 9142 FM 78, San Antonio, TX 78109. Don't forget to bring an updated resume, a list of your reference with their contact information, and any certification and degree information, we will be having same day interviews on site.
View and apply for positions at www.judsonisd.org/careers. See you on May 6th!
If you have any questions about a position, please contact our HR Department at (210) 945-5101.
JISD Bands at Fiesta
Our Judson ISD Fine Arts Dept. took on the Fiesta spirit, DAY & NIGHT last weekend.
- Veterans Memorial HS Mariachi Juvenil Sinfonico started off the weekend representing Judson ISD in the Texas Cavalier River Parade at the San Antonio Riverwalk.
- Judson High School and Veterans Memorial High School Band played at Band Battle of the Bands at Alamo Stadium.
- Wagner High School Band marched in the Annual Battle of the Flowers Parade in Downtown San Antonio.
- Wagner High School Band and Judson High School Band played in the St Marys Fiesta Jazz Festival held at St. Mary's University taking home multiple awards for each program.
- Judson High School and Veterans Memorial High School finished off the night at the Fiesta Flambeau Parade in Downtown San Antonio.
"Our Judson ISD Fine Arts students performed amazingly throughout the entire weekend and represented Judson ISD, their schools, and the community as a #JudsonISDFamily!"
Judson ISD Pre-K Parent Academy
Join us for a fun evening full of activities, resources to take home and tips to make sure both you and your little one are ready for the ultimate Pre-K experience at Judson ISD!
Whether your little tot is starting the Pre-K3 or Pre-K4 program, we want to make sure you know what to expect and have everything you need.
For the full list of Pre-K Parent Academy dates & more information visit: https://www.judsonisd.org/prek
Thank you, FedEx Cares!
Earlier this week, FedEx delivered over 150 books to three schools in Judson ISD: Rolling Meadows Elementary, Kitty Hawk Middle School, and Veterans Memorial High School.
FedEx Cares, their global community engagement arm, collected over 37,000 books to donate to schools to show students diverse topics and authors.
Join the JISD Family Now!
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children? Are you looking for a job? Do you want to become part of the Judson ISD family? Please consider applying for one of our critical need areas below if you said yes!
- Teachers, Substitutes, Bus Drivers, Child Nutrition, Custodians, Maintenance, Office Clerks, Police Officers, and Administrative
If you have any questions about a position, please contact:
- Jose Ventura jventuraven@judsonisd.org (210) 945-521 for Professional Staff
- Jennifer Unwin junwin@judsonisd.org (210) 945-5618 for Paraprofessional Staff
- HR Department (210) 945-5101
Substitute Daily Rate
Judson ISD has approved a new substitute daily rate. Please contact Ms. Bertha Sanchez if you have any questions, bsanchez356@judsonisd.org or (210) 945- 5617.
Substitute Pay on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
- $90 | Non – Degreed – High School Diploma or GED
- $100 | 60 College Hours – 60+ Accredited hours or degree
- $125 | Certified Teacher or Nurse – Valid Texas Teaching Certificate or Nurse License
Substitute Pay on Monday & Friday *This does not apply to long-term substitutes.
- $100 | Non – Degreed – High School Diploma or GED
- $110 | 60 College Hours – 60+ Accredited hours or degree
- $135 | Certified Teacher or Nurse – Valid Texas Teaching Certificate or Nurse License
Bond 2022 Updates
On this page, we will continuously update the community on the progress of the bond. Take a closer look at our May Updates!
Judson ISD High School Graduations
Judson ISD is proud to announce the graduation dates for the class of 2023.
New Creation Christian Fellowship
- JECA: Friday, May 19, 2023 at 6:30 PM
Judson ISD Performing Arts Center
- JLA: Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 6:30 PM
Freeman Coliseum
- Veterans Memorial HS: Friday, May 26, 2023 at 7:00 PM
- Wagner HS: Friday, May 26, 2023 at 9:30 AM
- Judson HS: Friday, May 26, 2023 at 2:30 PM
For more details visit: www.judsonisd.org/graduation2023.
Tell Us Your Story!
Do you have a unique story? An event, student, teacher, or community member you want to highlight? The Judson ISD social media platforms and website are a great way to highlight student and district successes! Every school year, the Judson ISD Communications Team receives hundreds of submissions, and we do our best to post as many district events as possible. Tell us your story! #JudsonISD
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Judson ISD's Multimedia Specialist, Briana Estrada, at 210-945-5411 or bestrada@judsonisd.org. Thank you in advance for your participation.
Upcoming Events Around Judson ISD
May: Mental Health Month
May 5: Cinco De Mayo
May 6: JISD Job Fair
May 6-12: Nurses Week
May 8-12: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 9: Bryce Wisdom Blood Drive
May 10: School Nurse Day
May 14: Mother's Day
May 14-20: National Police Week
May 17: JISD Art Extravaganza
May 17: National Employee Health and Fitness Day
May 18: International Museum Day
May 25: Last Day of School
May 29: Memorial Day
Judson ISD
This publication is brought to you by the Judson ISD Communications Department.
Website: www.judsonisd.org
Location: 8012 Shin Oak Drive, Live Oak, TX 78233, USA
Phone: (210)-945-5100