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Message from the Superintendent
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Graham ISD Community,
It’s been a great week of learning and laughing in Graham ISD schools. I love walking into classrooms where students are engaged in activities with their teachers that will expand knowledge, develop critical thinking skills and build their confidence. Our educators and support staff are dedicated to creating an environment that is safe, welcoming and grows each child academically, emotionally and socially.
Welcome to the monthly TeleGRAHAM! I’m proud to share with you the first of many community newsletters. This electronic newsletter is designed to enhance communication between the school district and the community while also encouraging greater transparency and engagement. All current families and employees will automatically receive the newsletter to their email inbox a few days after each GISD School Board meeting. Anyone who is not an employee or does not have a current student can sign up to receive the newsletter. This includes business leaders, grandparents, family members, volunteers and substitutes.
Thank you for your support and encouragement as we meet the needs of each child in the Graham community.
Dr. Mary Johnston
Superintendent
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School Board Meeting Recap
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School Board Adopts 2025-2026 Academic Calendar
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GISD Trustees met for the regular board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the Graham Education Center. During the February meeting, Trustees adopted the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar. The calendar was developed by a committee of staff members, parents and business leaders.
Key Dates for 2025-2026:
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First Day of School - Aug. 13
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Thanksgiving Break - Nov. 24-28
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Christmas Break - Dec. 22 - Jan. 2
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Spring Break - March 16-20
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Last Day of School - May 21
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Graduation - May 22
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Other Student/Staff Holidays - Aug. 22, Aug. 29, Sept. 1, Sept. 19, Oct. 24, Oct. 31, Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Dec. 12, Jan. 16, Jan. 19, Jan. 30, Feb. 13, Feb. 27, March 6, April 3, April 6
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Student Holidays/Professional Development Days - Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Nov. 14, Jan. 5, Feb. 6, Feb. 20
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Bad Weather Days - May 8 and May 15
Trustees also conducted a public hearing on the 2023-2024 Texas Assessment Performance Report (TAPR). The Accountability Rating is on hold across the state. GISD’s 2024 Special Education Determination Status was Meets Requirements.
Following the hearing on the TAPR report, Dr. Mary Johnston gave her monthly Superintendent’s Report.
In other business, the Board:
- Recognized students for academic achievements;
- Heard an update on the 2023-2024 Results-Driven Accountability Report (RDA);
- Received a Technology eRate Update; and
- Heard an update on Graham Junior High’s Effective Schools Framework (ESF) Targeted Improvement Plan
The GISD Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 in the Graham Education Center, 701 Tennessee Street.
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Gary Browning Named Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations
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Congratulations to Mr. Gary Browning on his new role within the district! Mr. Browning has served students and staff in public education for 30 years. Most recently, he has provided leadership as the Director of Curriculum in Graham ISD. He served as District Curriculum Coordinator and Assistant Principal at Graham Junior High School. Also, Mr. Browning has experience at the Region 9 Educational Service Center. Mr. Browning began his career in education at Graham High School as a math teacher. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Instruction from Texas Tech University and a Master of Educational Leadership from Midwestern State University. |
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It was a great night of celebration Wednesday evening as the GISD School Board recognized Graham High School students being recognized for academic achievement by the College Board.
- Ryder Calhoun - First Generation Scholar, Rural & Small School Scholar
- Sara Dospapas - First Generation Scholar, Hispanic Scholar, Rural & Small School Scholar
- Vanessa Lucio - First Generation Scholar
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Elementary UIL Academic Team
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Winners of the Elementary University Interscholastic League Competition were also recognized by Trustees! A complete list of the students winners can be found on our website.
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We’re Hiring Bus Drivers!
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Our district is looking to hire new bus drivers. Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours and a chance to make a difference in the lives of our students. Starting pay is $16.50/hour with opportunities for higher compensation. GISD offers a $500 signing bonus after 90 days of employment. Call (940) 549-0460 to find out more or apply online at www.grahamisd.com
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Join Our List of Talented Substitutes! Participate in Substitute Training
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GISD is always looking for individuals willing to participate in substitute training to support our GISD family. The next training will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11 at the Graham Learning Center, 701 Tennessee Street (next to Graham Junior High School). Email GISD Executive Assistant Abi Bueno at abi.bueno@grahamisd.com for more information. |
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Graham ISD Celebrates the 100th Day of School
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Students and staff in Graham ISD celebrated the 100th day of school on Wednesday, Feb. 12 by dressing up for the occasion and participating in fun activities throughout the day. Students enjoyed the 100-themed day, engaged in math activities using 100 objects and reflected on their learning through writing. |
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Kindergarten Students Welcome Mystery Reader
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The secret is out! Graham ISD kindergarten students got a surprise visit from the Superintendent herself when Dr. Mary Johnston showed up as the Mystery Reader this week. Dr. Johnston read the book The Biggest Valentine Ever by children’s author Steven Kroll. |
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GISD To Celebrate National FFA Week
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The Graham FFA will join more than one million members across the nation to celebrate National FFA Week, Feb. 15-22. This National FFA Week embraces more than 95 years of FFA traditions while looking forward to the organization’s future.
FFA Week gives participants an opportunity to educate the public about agriculture. During the week, chapters conduct a variety of activities to help others in their schools and communities learn about FFA and agricultural education. Graham FFA will celebrate the week by hosting a breakfast for Graham High School staff and administration on Friday, Feb. 21.
Today, FFA provides the next generation of leaders who will change the world. As the top school-based youth leadership development organization in the nation, FFA helps young people meet new agricultural challenges by developing their unique talents and exploring their interests in a broad range of career
pathways. The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,027,200 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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Staff and Student Shoutouts
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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. |
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- Friday, Feb. 14 - GISD Closed/School Holiday
- Saturday, Feb. 15 - School Resource Officer Day
- Friday, Feb. 21 - Professional Learning Day/No school for students
- Friday, Feb. 28 - GISD Closed/School Holiday
- Friday, March 7 - GISD Closed/School Holiday
- March 17-21 - Spring Break
Check out the Online GISD Calendar for a more comprehensive list of upcoming academic, athletic, fine arts and extracurricular activities.
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Heart of the Book - A Caldecott Award Exhibit is
presented by The Old Post Office Museum and Art Center. The FREE immersive art exhibit will run from Jan. 15-March 29 on Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Gold Medallion Event: March 28 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
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Graham Youth Baseball & Softball Sign-Up
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Enroll for Graham Youth Baseball and Softball by Sunday, Feb. 23. No late sign ups will be taken.
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Graham Independent School District
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400 Third Street | Graham, TX 76450
940-549-0595
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