Connecting KAUFMAN
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
Connecting WELCOME TO
KAUFMAN
Summer is in full effect and the heat is here to stay for the next few months. Even the warmer temperatures couldn’t keep us from highlighting some of the great things the city has to offer in our latest edition of Connecting Kaufman.
With the boiling temps outside, why not step inside the world of Bee Happy in downtown Kaufman. A business that employs those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through their work programs, such as The Hive Creamery, their employees can help customers cool off with scoops of their delicious homemade ice cream. Find out more about all their programs, upcoming projects and their overall message.
Also, with school just getting underway, Kaufman Superintendent Dr. Joshua Garcia sent out a message to all incoming students for the upcoming school year. Reflecting on the things that Kaufman ISD achieved last year, Dr. Garcia also shined a light on the bright things ahead for the school district for 2025-2026. With incredible staff, students and community leading the way, this year is set to be one of the best school years on record.
As fall approaches, the months of September and October are a time to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and all that the community has done for the state and the country. Learn the traditions and history of the month-long commemoration and where it all began. You can also learn about the multiple celebrations and recognitions that the U.S. military makes to the active, reserve and retired Hispanic military members across multiple branches.
So even with the heat and humidity in full force, get out and explore new businesses and experiences in Kaufman. Find out what the Kaufman community is all about and beat the heat with a nice cold scoop or two!
Thanks for reading!
Bodey Cooper
Bodey Cooper Editor, The Kaufman Herald
Summer is heating up
Summer is hot and humid, and here to stay in Kaufman and the rest of the state. Cool off with some delicious cold treats and make sure to stay cool during these summer months. The kids are heading back to school and life will soon be busy with school, work and other fun activities. Make sure to enjoy the down time on the weekends and make your days fulfilling. Enjoy our stories and the great things Kaufman and Texas has to offer this summer!
Staff
Bodey Cooper • Editor
Mary Dlabaj • Office Manager/Sales
Karla Dunson • Advertising Manager
Janice Grubbs-Vincik • Advertising Representative
Melissa Stephens • Legals Manager
Mary Beth Haag • Subscriptions Manger
Bryce Benson • Graphic Designer
Design Bryce Benson Copyright of Van Zandt Newspapers, LLC
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REFLECTIONS & EXPECTATIONS IN KAUFMAN ISD
As we prepare to welcome the 2025–2026 school year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible progress we have made together. This past year, we saw our mission come to life through the achievements of our students and the unwavering commitment of our educators, families, and community partners.
Our motto: “Big City Education. Small Town Values,” continues to define who we are and where we’re going. In 2024–2025, Kaufman ISD reached new heights:
• 100% Graduation Rate for the Class of 2025, with more than 380 students crossing the stage.
• 98.6% of seniors met College, Career, and/or Military Readiness standards, setting them on a clear path to future success.
• Our students earned dozens of Superior and Excellent ratings in Fine Arts, showcasing their talent and discipline.
• 13 of our 17 athletic teams made it to the postseason, with district championships in Cross Country, Tennis and Golf (the latter winning for the third consecutive year).
• We had state qualifiers in Girls’ Cross Country and Powerlifting, and our students placed 4th in the State 5A UIL Competition.
These accomplishments reflect more than numbers—they represent our community's deep commitment to Excellence, Service, and Integrity. Our students continue to make us proud in the classroom, on stage, or on the field.
In 2024, we also celebrated moments that reminded us of what makes Kaufman ISD special. Over 1,000 community members came together at the Homecoming Community Pep Rally, and over 1,000 attended our Lions Family Fiesta, an event filled with food, fun, and meaningful connections between families, schools and local partners.
Thanks to the support of our community, we have already completed many of the safety and security upgrades across the district, creating safer environments for students and staff. We are also excited to be breaking ground on two major projects in the fall: a new middle school, which will address the needs of our fast-growing student population, and a new Agricultural Barn, which will provide students in our agricultural programs with the appropriate space and facilities to thrive.
Looking ahead, we are beginning the planning and design phase for expansion work at Helen Edwards Early Childhood Center, ensuring we continue meeting the needs of our youngest learners. The Phillips Elementary expansion is also part of our long-range vision. This future project will focus on renovating and updating the existing facility to accommodate projected enrollment growth better and provide
modern learning spaces that reflect our continued commitment to meeting the needs of our students today and in the years ahead.
As always, our incredible teachers are at the heart of this success. Their commitment, creativity and resilience drive the culture of care and high expectations that sets Kaufman ISD apart. I'm thankful for their continued passion and professionalism as we enter a new school year filled with opportunity and growth.
To our students: You are the reason we serve! To our families: Thank you for walking alongside us in support and trust. And to our entire Kaufman community: Your belief in public education fuels our progress. Together, we are preparing students for the future and shaping it.
It's a great day to be a LION!
Kaufman Herald Message from Superintendent Dr. Joshua Garcia
Dr. Joshua Garcia Superintendent of Schools Kaufman ISD
Great Primary Care is Only a Short Drive Away
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Graduate School: Texas Woman’s University
Nursing School: Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Certifications: Family Nurse Practitioner
About Trixie
Trixie is committed to providing complete and family-oriented care. She takes a comprehensive approach to all medical issues by treating the whole patient, addressing the physical, mental, and social aspects of their health.
Trixie can help with preventive medicine or manage acute and chronic conditions, and she treats children and adults.
Some of the reasons to visit her include:
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• Anxiety and Depression
• Diabetes Care
• Flu Shots
• Geriatrics
• Integrative Medicine
• Preventive Health
• Preoperative Evaluation
• School Physicals
• Women’s and Men’s Health
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• Integrative Medicine
Bee Happy don’t worry
By Bodey Cooper
Bee Happy Programs has achieved so much and helped so many in the Kaufman and surrounding communities since getting its start four years ago.
Shelley Brookins, the owner and operator, began the program just after the pandemic in 2021. It has multiple programs that it runs and is located at 106 N. Washington St. in downtown Kaufman.
Bee Happy is a faith-based nonprofit offering unique, engaging programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“We specialize in creating a joyful, safe, and purposeful environment for adults with special needs,” Brookins said. “Our wide range of programs focuses on life skills, job training, creativity, and community integration, along with emotional and spiritual growth.”
Bee Happy offers a Day Program, which includes activities like daily living skills, exercise programs, social and emotional skills, arts and crafts, gardening, teamwork skills, personal goal setting and field trips.
Reimagine Program
They also offer a Reimagine Program, which is a religious program that offers support and guidance on Mondays during the school year. The group meets from September through May at First Baptist Church in Kaufman from 6-8 p.m. each Monday night. It also has a parent/ caregiver support group that meets weekly during the school year as well. It is for caregivers with special needs individuals of all ages.
The Hive Creamery
A big part of Bee Happy Programs is The Hive Creamery, an ice cream shop located in downtown Kaufman. This local, homemade ice cream shop provides job opportunities to individuals with special needs and helps them create delicious moments of joy for their customers. Every scoop helps support skills, development, and employment opportunities.
Their goal is to help those with special needs develop job skills and work on personal engagement within the community as well.
Along with their programs, they take part in golf tournaments, a Hot Cocoa 5K, a Kaufman Community Party, a winter play, and even the Special Olympics.
Statistics show that in 2023, roughly 1 in 5 individuals with disabilities were employed. As of January 2025, 25 percent of individuals with disabilities 16 and older were participating in the labor force.
Another goal of Bee Happy Programs is to bridge the gap in helping secure employment for adults with disabilities. They are constantly making an effort to improve job availability and inclusivity, which are essential in making this goal possible.
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“AT BEE HAPPY, WE BELIEVE EVERY PERSON IS WONDERFULLY MADE AND HAS VALUE, PURPOSE AND POTENTIAL,” BROOKINS STATED. “WE PROVIDE MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE WHERE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES THRIVE – SOCIALLY, EMOTIONALLY, AND VOCATIONALLY – WHILE BUILDING LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS.”
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Brookins and company are also happy to announce that they are launching yet another program in September 2025, known as Buzz IT.
Managed by Luke Johnson, Buzz IT empowers participants to build computer skills, explore technology, and even assemble computer components – opening the door to future employment and confidence in today’s everevolving digital world.
Another big goal for Brookins that she’s currently working toward is her long-term vision: Bee Loved Villages, a support community of tiny homes and group homes designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment for adults with special needs. The villages will be a place where residents can live with independence and dignity while receiving the care and support they need. It will be a 15-20-acre community in Kaufman County, offering options to live in tiny homes with some support and supervision as needed or in the two group home options for those requiring more assistance.
Brookins said what makes their programs special is that there are no strangers when you see a familiar face around their halls or at their ice cream shop.
“We treat every individual like family,” Brookins said. “Our team is driven by genuine love and passion for the special needs community. That heart shows through in everything we do – from daily programs to big events like our annual Golden Gala, the inspiring Reimagine nights and our upcoming stage production, Oz, which allows our participants to shine on stage.”
Faith and a caring heart are a big driver for Brookins, who said God placed a calling on her heart to create a place where adults with special needs are celebrated and empowered.
“AFTER SEEING THE LACK OF SERVICES AVAILABLE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL, I KNEW IT WAS TIME TO STEP OUT IN FAITH. WHAT STARTED AS A DREAM QUICKLY TURNED INTO A GROWING MOVEMENT OF LOVE, INCLUSION AND PURPOSE.”
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A perfect day for Brookins at Bee Happy starts with smiles and hugs at drop-off. Their participants, known lovingly as “Busy Bees”, dive into life skills, music, art, volunteering and learning with joy and laughter.
When the afternoon rolls around, they serve their community with pride at The Hive Creamery, offering delicious scoops of homemade ice cream.
“Every moment is filled with purpose and connection,” Brookins said. “When our participants go home feeling proud, valued, and loved – we know we’ve had the perfect day.”
For more information on the programs that Bee Happy Programs offers or to get involved, call (972) 645-4449 or visit www.beehappydayhab.org.
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The Forney Legacy Project is a community-rooted nonprofit built on love, service, and action. What began as a small vendor fundraiser has grown into a powerful movement supporting families in crisis. From emergency relief, school PTO funding, and scholarships to vendor markets that fuel both local business and local giving, Forney Legacy Project is where community comes together to bridge gaps and build hope.
Recognized by Forney ISD with the Forney Family Award — twice — our impact is real, personal, and growing. Whether it’s helping families get back on their feet, bringing joy through seasonal markets, or expanding into new cities, we’re here to stand in the gap when it matters most. We’re not just helping. We’re building a legacy. One family and one community at a time. Founded by three Forney moms with a heart for service, we’ve proven that small beginnings can lead to powerful impact. UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE OC
• July 19, 2025 - Christmas in July
• October 2025 - TBD
• December 13 & 14 2025 - Holly Jolly Market
• May 2, 2026 - Day at the Derby
CELEBRATING
By Bodey Cooper
With National Hispanic Heritage Month, known as Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana, just around the corner, we’d like to provide you with some insight into its history and background, as well as the traditions that culminate over the 30-day celebration of Hispanic heritage, including events in Kaufman County.
Hispanic Heritage Month is annually observed from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 of every year in the United States. It gives us all time to reflect and recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic culture to the nation’s achievements and its history.
Los Angeles Representative George Brown, Jr. established National Hispanic Heritage Week, and it was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson back in 1968. The commemorative week was expanded toa month by legislation sponsored by Representative Esteban Torres of California in 1988. It was then amended by Senator Paul Simon before being signed into law by President Ronald Reagan.
The date of Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the commemoration because it’s the anniversary of the Cry of Dolores, which marked the start of the Mexican War of Independence. The result was independence for the New Spain Colony, which is current-day Mexico and the Central American nations of Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua, which became the Federal Republic of Central America.
The 30-day period also includes many dates of importance in the Hispanic community. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua all celebrate their independence anniversary on Sept. 15, while Mexico commemorates its independence on Sept. 16. Chile commemorates their independence two days later on Sept. 18.
After being first proclaimed by President Johnson in 1968, Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan all gave annual proclamations for Hispanic Heritage Week between 1969 and 1988. George H.W. Bush was the first to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 14, 1989. Since that date, every President has given a Presidential Proclamation to mark Hispanic Heritage Month.
HISPANIC
The U.S. Military also honors both fallen and activeduty Hispanic Americans who served in the armed forces during this 30-day period. In its history, 61 people of Hispanic heritage have been awarded the Medal of Honor. Two have been presented to members of the Navy, 13 to members of the U.S. Marine Corps and 46 members of the U.S. Army.
During this month, the U.S. Army commemorates the longstanding and remarkable contributions that Hispanics have made in building and defending the nation. According to their website, the goal during Hispanic Heritage Month is to celebrate the diverse and inclusive environment of the U.S Army. In the past 30 years, the representation of Hispanic Americans on active duty has increased by over 10 percent.
The U.S. Navy celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring sailors of Hispanic heritage whose military service dates all the way back to the Civil War. As of June of 2018, approximately 59,000 sailors, active and reserve, who have served in the U.S. Navy and Marines are of Hispanic heritage.
Here locally in Kaufman County, multiple celebrations take place each year, with new events popping up each year.
In 2024, Kaufman ISD celebrated Hispanic Heritage with their Second Annual Lion Family Fiesta at Kaufman High School in early October. The party included free tacos, paletas, food trucks, a Mariachi band, family entertainment, and community resources.
Terrell ISD celebrates Hispanic heritage each year with their Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the Jamie Foxx Performing Arts Center. This year’s celebration takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 10:30 a.m.
Lilies Event Center, located at The Shops at Terrell, also had a Hispanic Heritage event last year. This year, their celebration will be on Sunday, Sept. 21, with a time and location to be determined. For more information about their event, contact Jonathan Najera at (972) 955-7414 or jonathan@liliesec. com.
The City of Kemp is also hosting its first-ever Fiesta de Kemp. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Kemp City Park from 4-10 p.m.
Crandall ISD’s Noble-Reed Elementary also hosted a Hispanic Heritage Night celebration for families in early October last year. The fun night was filled with arts and crafts, dancing, and a photo booth, along with an evening of culture, connection, and celebration.
Hispanic heritage is inseparable from the story of Texas and its people. This legacy spans centuries and highlights some of the most important elements of the Texas experience. Each year, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to acknowledge the ways in which Hispanic Texans have shaped our state for the better.
HERITAGE MONTH
LOCAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH EVENTS KAUFMAN
LION FAMILY FIESTA
DATE, TIME AND LOCATION TBD
KEMP
FIESTA de KEMP
SATURDAY, SEPT. 13 AT KEMP CITY PARK 4-10 P.M.
TERRELL
TERRELL ISD HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8 AT JAMIE FOXX
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 10:30 A.M.
LILIES EVENT CENTER HISPANIC HERITAGE EVENT
SUNDAY, SEPT. 21 AT LOCATION TBD TIME TBD
Candi Carney, FNP-C
Candi Carney,
BEE HAPPY DAY PROGRAM
Where adults with intellectual and cognitive disabilities are empowered to reach their full potential through hands on activities that challenge them.
THE HIVE CREAMERY: WHERE DREAMS ARE SCOOPED
Indulge in the sweetness of success at The Hive Creamery, where our delightful ice cream is served with passion by our talented special needs adults. Each scoop supports skill-building and employment opportunities, transforming lives one scoop at a time.
