The Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation celebrated the unveiling of new Book Nook vending machines at George Washington Carver Elementary School and Ashbel Smith Elementary School on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Students and leaders celebrate the unveiling of a new Book Nook vending machine at Carver Elementary School. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman.

The machines were made possible through the generous support of Joe V’s Smart Shop in partnership with Superior Text. Each campus received a Book Nook vending machine along with three years of free book restocks, ensuring students continued access to high-interest reading materials.

Students, campus and district leaders, and community partners gathered for ribbon-cutting ceremonies at both campuses, where students were among the first to use the machines and select books to take home and keep.

The Book Nook machines allow students to earn tokens through positive behavior, attendance, character recognition, and academic achievement, reinforcing literacy while celebrating student success.

“This is about more than books. It is about opportunity,” said Dr. Anna Espinoza, Director of Education Foundation and Partnerships. “By connecting community generosity to classroom impact, we are removing barriers to literacy and opening doors for our students that will last far beyond elementary school.”

The Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Joe V’s Smart Shop and Superior Text for their partnership and continued investment in promoting literacy and supporting students across the district.

Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) students showcased outstanding research and creativity at the Regional History Day competition, earning numerous honors across both junior and senior divisions.

The regional event featured 108 projects representing 171 participants across 44 teams. GCCISD students submitted 30 projects, with 51 students earning first- or second-place finishes. Students who earned first- and second-place honors will advance to the Texas History Day state competition in April in Austin.

Student projects represented months of research and analysis, with work beginning in September. Participants selected topics of personal interest connected to this year’s National History Day theme, “Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in History,” which also aligns with the national commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

National History Day promotes critical thinking and research skills through original historical investigation presented in papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, and websites.

Students advancing to Texas History Day will compete against top qualifiers from across the state for the opportunity to advance to the National History Day national competition.

Regional Honors

Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) proudly celebrates fourteen educators who were recognized as 2026 recipients at the Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators (HAABSE) Teacher Awards & Recognition Ceremony (TARC), a prestigious event honoring excellence in education across the Greater Houston area.

HAABSE is a respected regional organization affiliated with the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators and the National Alliance of Black School Educators. The organization’s mission is to uplift educators, strengthen educational opportunities for all students, and recognize those who go above and beyond in service to schools and their communities.

This award is one of HAABSE’s most distinguished honors for classroom teachers. Each Goose Creek CISD honoree was nominated by their campus principal in recognition of outstanding commitment to students, instructional leadership, classroom innovation, and a positive impact on campus culture.

“These educators don’t just teach — they inspire, encourage, build confidence, and change lives,” said Dr. Precious L. Reimonenq, Director of Elementary Counseling & Student Wellness. “We are incredibly proud of the impact they make every day in Goose Creek CISD.”

The honorees were formally recognized during the 2026 HAABSE TARC in Houston and were also celebrated by the GCCISD Board of Trustees for their dedication and service to students and families.

2026 Goose Creek CISD HAABSE TARC Honorees

• Leslie Haymon, Goose Creek Memorial High School
• Jacquel Adams, Horace Mann Junior School
• Antionette Carter-Brown, Robert E. Lee High School
• Melanie Nichols, Ross S. Sterling High School
• Juli Guajardo, Stuart Career Tech High School
• Annie Robinson, Banuelos Elementary
• Shereka McLain, Carver Elementary
• Zenita Broadway, Liles Early Learning Academy
• Dr. Carita Curry, IMPACT Early College High School
• Tanyagelia Prentice, Cedar Bayou Junior School
• DeShana Hamilton, De Zavala Elementary
• Dr. Laraina Hunt, Gentry Junior School
• Kimberly Anderson, Travis Elementary
• Tangee Agnew, Victoria Walker Elementary

GCCISD congratulates these outstanding educators for representing the district with excellence and leadership.

Story by: Kami Johnston, GCCISD CTE Business and Community Partner Facilitator

Goose Creek CISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) department has named Texas Feed Stop the "CTE Partner of the Month" for February 2026. The award highlights the local business's long-standing commitment to district Agriculture programs and its work in preparing students for careers in the agriculture industry.

Texas Feed Stop distinguishes itself by working directly with educators and students. By offering teacher job-shadowing, the business helps GCCISD instructors stay current with industry standards. Students also benefit from practicum internships, moving from the classroom to the shop to gain firsthand experience in the daily operations of a major agricultural supplier.

Texas Feed Stop isn't just a local business; they’ve become a backbone of the GCCISD Agriculture programs. Their commitment goes far beyond the cash register.

The company’s influence is seen in its constant interactions with students. They regularly hire local Ag students, providing them with a steady paycheck and a professional head start. Additionally, they supply the resources necessary for student projects to succeed and have established a custom rewards program that gives students money back on their essential purchases.

"I could not think of a better partner to give this award to, and I know the other agriculture teachers in the district would agree." — Ashley Lott, Ross S. Sterling Agriculture Teacher

The partnership is perhaps most visible at district events. From sponsoring prospect shows to attending every local livestock show to cheer on students, the Texas Feed Stop team is a constant presence. During livestock auctions, the business does more than watch; it actively bids on and purchases animals, ensuring that the months of hard work put in by GCCISD students are rewarded with a fair price.

For their unwavering dedication to the next generation of Texas ranchers, farmers, and leaders, Texas Feed Stop stands as a model of community partnership—one that is truly essential to the Goose Creek CISD family.

For more information on how to partner with GCCISD CTE visit our website, https://schools.gccisd.net/page/cte.SWC

The Ross S. Sterling High School Rangers boys basketball team, led by Head Coach Johnny Daniels, continued its postseason momentum Tuesday night, capturing the Bi-District Championship with a hard-fought 50–47 victory over the La Porte Bulldogs.

Fueled by strong community support and a determined team effort, the Rangers executed down the stretch to secure the playoff win and advance in the UIL postseason. The program expressed appreciation to the Baytown community for showing up and creating an electric playoff atmosphere.

Derrick Brooks earned Player of the Game honors, leading Sterling with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals.

Recognized as the team’s “DAWG” of the game, Mikey Smith contributed 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals, making critical plays on both ends of the floor.

Energy and effort defined the Rangers’ performance throughout the night. Kahmari Houke added 7 points and 3 rebounds, while Andres Figueroa delivered a standout effort with 10 rebounds and relentless defensive play, helping control the boards and spark the team’s momentum. Jalen Vaughn also contributed 8 points in the victory.

With the win, Sterling advances to the UIL Area Round Playoffs, where the Rangers will face the Crosby Cougars.

UIL Area Round Playoff Game

Sterling vs. Crosby

• Location: Pasadena High School
• Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM

Goose Creek Memorial High School will host Patriot Family Night on Thursday, March 5, 2026, beginning at 5:30 PM in the GCM auditorium.

Families will have the opportunity to learn about academics, clubs, and programs, meet teachers and campus leaders, and gather important information to support student success.

The evening will conclude outdoors with the CFA Leader Academy “Light the Night” Glow Run 5K and Community Festival featuring music, games, food, and student organizations.

All families and community members are invited to attend.

Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) announced that the Board of Trustees approved the district’s 2024–2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) during its regular board meeting on Monday night. The report reflects significant progress in stabilizing the district’s finances and earned the highest-level audit unmodified opinion possible.

As a result of disciplined spending and cost-saving measures implemented throughout the school year, GCCISD closed the fiscal year with a $1.7 million General Fund surplus. Additionally, the district enters the upcoming budget planning season with a balanced budget, marking the first time since 2023 that GCCISD has achieved this milestone.

Over the last four budget planning cycles, the district has implemented a total of $38.3 million in budget reductions to address financial challenges and strengthen long-term fiscal stability. These actions reflect a strategic and proactive approach to financial stewardship while maintaining a focus on student success and operational effectiveness.

Looking ahead, the district’s budget reduction work does not stop here. A budget reduction committee has been assembled with a goal of identifying an additional $5 million in efficiencies and savings to ensure GCCISD is positioned to responsibly plan for potential employee pay increases, unanticipated emergency expenditures, and long-term financial stability.

“This audit outcome affirms the hard work and difficult decisions made to ensure GCCISD remains financially responsible and sustainable,” said Brigitte Clark, GCCISD Chief Financial Officer. “Our focus remains on transparency, accountability, and making decisions that best serve our students, staff, and community—both today and in the future.”

The approved ACFR provides a comprehensive overview of the district’s financial position and is available for public review on the district website.

Student Editorial By: Guadalupe Del Campo, Robert E. Lee High School Junior

Memorizing facts, listening to teachers talk for hours, essays due by midnight - and having to balance your own personal life outside of the classroom on top of all that. And I start to think, where’d all the time go? I wish I could just go back to kindergarten, where my biggest concern in the world was making sure I knew how to count to a hundred, or better yet - graduate and get it all over with. Now instead of crying over a scraped knee, I cry over my math homework. When did letters get involved anyway? These are supposed to be the best years of my life, childhood and adolescence. Yet all I, and others like me, do is take them for granted. We want to be adults - independent, mature, we want to be grown-up.

But I'm here to tell my fellow warriors in the battle we call school, it’s not just about the grades, awards, or your class rank. It’s not even about the clubs you’re in or your extracurricular involvement. Our school years are so much more. They’re about those small, unforgettable moments that we’ll miss once we’re out of school. I mean, just a couple of years ago, I was convinced flying cars were to be the norm by the time I was a high schooler. It’s almost weird to even think about how much has changed since then. The mentality, maturity levels, aspirations and dreams.

Back in grade school, I remember looking at the middle school girls as if they were royalty. The ones who didn’t have babyish bows in their hair, with cool non-themed backpacks and even mascara on their lashes. The cool girls who knew way more than I did. In middle school I did the same, looking up to the “trendy” high school girls. But as I transitioned into that “trendy” high school girl, the only thing I truly worried about was getting older. The realization that the years of measuring my life in school-years are coming to an end, which in a way meant my childhood was too. Somewhere in between the chaos of impossible science projects, deadlines, and the curiosity of what the future upholds, I never truly slowed down to appreciate what I had around me. Always looking ahead, never realizing the present is right here - it’s now.

It’s bittersweet. I truly wouldn’t exchange my memories for the world. As I carry on with the remainder of my time as a student, I’ll reflect about the sweet, ephemeral flow of time in between my late night study sessions. So this is not only a reminder to my peers to make the most out of your school years, but a tribute to the forever students who once walked the halls I have, and the future students who will one day walk the halls we once walked. School isn’t just a building, it’s a timecapsule of our youth, ugly and all. Those four walls we gripe about right now will someday hold our memories, history, and love.

Story by: Nancy Bonds, GCCISD Director of Communications

Across Elementary Campuses Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) celebrated World Read Aloud Day on February 4 by bringing the joy of storytelling into elementary classrooms across the district.

District administrators and staff members, including Superintendent Joe Rodriguez, visited campuses to read aloud to students, emphasizing the importance of literacy and the powerful connection created through shared stories. World Read Aloud Day is dedicated not only to reading but also to the art and practice of reading aloud.

By participating in World Read Aloud Day, Goose Creek CISD highlights its commitment to promoting literacy and fostering a love of reading, while honoring storytelling as a meaningful tradition that continues to inspire learners of all ages.

Story by: Nancy Bonds, GCCISD Director of Communications

Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) proudly recognized the outstanding accomplishments of its student artists during the 2026 Rodeo Art Reception, celebrating those who earned distinction in the highly regarded Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Competition.

The annual event showcased the creativity, technical skill, and dedication of student artists from across the district. Families, teachers, district staff, and community members gathered to honor the many students whose artwork advanced through campus and district judging to represent GCCISD at one of the nation's largest student art competitions.

Dr. Ray Lavan, Director of Fine Arts, emphasized the impact of visual arts education and the pride felt across the district. “Our Rodeo Art Reception is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable talent of our students and the educators who inspire them each day. Visual arts programs provide students with powerful avenues for creativity, expression, and personal growth, and we are proud to see their work recognized at such a prestigious level.”

The program recognized students across multiple award categories, with blue, red, and white ribbons honoring district-level winners and teal ribbons identifying finalists advancing to the next round of judging at NRG Center. Top distinctions included Gold Medal, Best in Show, and Special Merit awards, with select artwork displayed in the Hayloft Gallery at NRG.

Among those honors, senior Mattie Dotson earned GCCISD’s High School Best of Show for her piece, The Lost Cow, which was also selected for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Auction. Her artwork will be auctioned on March 15, 2026, with a portion of the proceeds supporting her education next year. This recognition is one of the highest in the competition and reflects the exceptional talent of GCCISD student artists.

Highlights from the 2026 Rodeo Art Awards

Director’s Choice Award Winners

• High School: Trinitee Fredrick, 11th grade, Sterling (Teacher: Brandie Barriga)
• Junior School: Carissa Gaines, 8th Grade, Horace Mann (Teacher: Josh Crowhurst)
• Elementary: Lunzibeth Ortiz Ibarra, 2nd grade, Alamo (Teacher: Emory Atilano)

Superintendent’s Choice Award Winners

• High School: Allysa Gonzalez,12th Grade, Sterling (Teacher: Annie Watson)
• Junior School: Aaleya Castillo, 8th grade, E.F. Green (Teacher: Rachel Deleon)
• Elementary: Victoria Alatorre, 5th grade, Austin Elementary (Teacher: Tristen Brunson)

Gold Medal Winners

• High School: Leslie Castillo, 12th Grade, Lee (Teacher: Canace Ferguson) and Iyana Johnson, 12th Grade, Sterling (Teacher: Brandie Barriga)
• Junior School: Carla Benavides, 8th Grade, E.F. Green (Teacher: Rachel Deleon)
• Elementary: Kaylee Ramos, 5th Grade, Carver (Teacher: Harry Barber)

Best of Show Winners

• High School: Mattie Dotson, 12th Grade, Sterling (Teacher: Annie Watson)
• Junior School: Jax Husband, 8th Grade, Gentry (Teacher: Jennifer Martin)
• Elementary: Josiah Smith, 2nd Grade, Clark (Teacher: Viridiana Navarro)

Special Merit Winners

• High School: Jackeline Carpio, 11th Grade, Lee (Teacher: Melissa Rangel)
• High School: Suzanne Gonzalez, 10th Grade, GCM (Teacher: Johnna Morris)
• High School: Nayeli Perez, 12th Grade, Sterling (Teacher: Annie Watson)
• High School: Kennedy Williams, 10th Grade, Lee (Teacher: Melissa Rangel)
• Junior School: Aneah Cuevas, 7th Grade, Horace Mann (Teacher: Josh Crowhurst)

Story by: Amanda Kennington, GCCISD Healthy Community School Coordinator

Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District proudly hosted the GCCISD Family Wellness Festival on January 31, 2026, at Sterling High School, welcoming families for a vibrant morning dedicated to health, wellness, and community connection. The campus was filled with energy, laughter, and learning as families explored resources designed to support the whole child.

The festival drew an impressive 1,309 attendees, including students, families, staff, and community members, representing all GCCISD campuses—a testament to the strong engagement and commitment of the Goose Creek community. Mayor Charles Johnson declared the day Family Wellness Day in Baytown, encouraging citizens to reflect and participate in health-promoting behaviors in and near our city.

“Our volunteers—both adults and students—were the heartbeat of this event,” Lori Rumfield, Healthy Schools Special Projects Specialist, shared. “Their passion and dedication ensured families felt supported the moment they walked through the doors.”

Nutrition and food security were central to the festival’s mission. Aramark Nutrition Services provided 190 Grab & Go meals for youth ages 18 and under. In partnership with Hearts & Hands of Baytown, the festival distributed 13,050 pounds of food, serving 150 families through the Hearts & Hands Food Distribution. Families had access to 39 resource vendors, offering free health, wellness, educational, and community services.

The event went beyond physical health by supporting families with food literacy and access to resources that help students thrive both in and out of the classroom. Literacy support was also highlighted, with the Curriculum & Instruction ELA Team distributing 400 books and literacy flyers to encourage reading and learning at home.

Educational sessions provided meaningful opportunities for learning and reflection. The Social Emotional & Student Wellness Team hosted “Stressed Out & Puffing It Away: Understanding Student Stressors,” offering families practical strategies for navigating stress and promoting healthy choices.

“It was wonderful to observe parents and children interacting in open, meaningful conversation about current stressors,” said Thresa Caldwell, Behavior & Mental Health Coordinator. “These genuine interactions reflected strong family connections and highlighted the importance of creating supportive spaces where families can openly communicate, listen to one another, and work through challenges together.”

The festival also featured hands-on activities that brought joy and excitement to families of all ages. United Way donated 300 kite kits, and 23 entries were submitted for the kite contest, filling the sky with color and creativity. Monimoon Heng, a student at Gentry Junior School, will have her design incorporated into next year's event t-shirts.

The event was made possible through the support of 10 sponsors and in-kind donors. Nineteen GCCISD campuses hosted interactive booths through their Campus School Health Advisory Committees (C-SHACs) and participated in mascot dance-offs and student performances, including dance, cheer, and student club showcases.

“This festival truly shows what’s possible when a district and its community partners come together with a shared purpose,” said Amanda Kennington, Healthy Community School Coordinator. “Our families left not only with resources, but with a sense of belonging and support—and that’s something worth celebrating.”