THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA PORTE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
AUGUST 2026
BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION!
2026-27 LA PORTE ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jeff Martin President
Stay in the know! Visit LPISD.org and connect with us on socials for the latest news and events happening in La Porte ISD.
This publication is produced by the LPISD Communications Department.
Danny Hanks Trustee
Melissa Crutcher Vice President
Russell Schoppe Trustee
Mason Peres Secretary
Dee Anne Thomson Trustee
Dr. Walter Jackson Superintendent of Schools
Karen Wheeler-Hall Trustee
A MESSAGE FROM
DR. JACKSON Dear La Porte Community, This summer has been both busy and productive across our district. Hundreds of students participated in camps, clinics, and our summer reading program, staying engaged in learning while building new skills and connections. These opportunities helped prevent summer learning loss and kept the Bulldog spirit strong throughout the break. With the start of the 2026–2027 school year just days away, our teachers and administrators are ready to welcome students back! In preparation for a successful year, our staff have been actively engaged in professional development through workshops, training sessions, and collaborative learning opportunities. Their commitment to continuous growth and excellence reflects the dedication they bring to our students each day. I am incredibly proud of their hard work and excited for all that the new school year has in store! On the facilities side, La Porte High School has undergone a major transformation that we are very proud of! We’re also excited about the beautiful new gymnasium and
welcoming entrance canopy at Lomax Junior High School. Across the district, crews have completed mechanical upgrades, painting, and replacing furniture in several schools. These projects are a testament to our commitment to providing highquality learning environments for every student, and to the promises we made to our community and the promises we’ve kept. As we continue to invest in our campuses and learning environments, we also remain focused on growing our Bulldog community. La Porte ISD welcomes families from nearby areas and homeschooled students through open enrollment. If you know someone who might be interested in sending their children to an outstanding school district where every child is known, seen, and supported, please encourage them to contact the district office at 1002 San Jacinto Street or call 281-6047000. We are proud to welcome them to our wonderful school community. If you have not yet done so, please visit our website at lpisd.org. It offers information on academic programs,
events, announcements, and resources for students, families, and the wider community. It is designed to be both informative and easy to navigate. As we begin this new school year, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our Board of Trustees for their steadfast leadership and support, to our parents for their partnership and trust, to our dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment to our students, and to the entire La Porte community for the encouragement and support you provide to our schools. Together, your investment in our students makes all the difference, and I am grateful to serve such a caring and engaged community. If you have questions, suggestions, or concerns, please call us or visit our website. We are here for you and look forward to an exceptional 2026–2027 school year! In your service,
Dr. Walter G. Jackson Superintendent of Schools
August 2026 What’s Coming Up! Monday
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10
ELEMENTARY
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Tuesday
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6
Thursday
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13
Freshman First Day!
First Day of School!
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MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT
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Wednesday
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Friday
Saturday
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Back to School Bash!
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LPISD BOARD MEETING
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ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSES
JAMES H. BAKER OPEN HOUSE
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Varsity Home Game WATER POLO
lpisd athletics website
FOOTBALL
VOLLEYBALL
Varsity Away Game
Visit the QR codes or lpisd.org
for more information on specific event details
lpisd events calendar
COMPLETE YOUR ANNUAL RETURNING STUDENT UPDATE IN SKYWARD! Available 7/6/2026
2026-2027 ANNUAL UPDATE Allows One Submission
For returning students, go to www.lpisd.org/enroll and click on the Annual Returning Student Update Button to log in. Once in Skyward, you will find the icon to complete the Required Annual Student Update for each of your students. Skyward Family Access is also used to: Update student information quickly and securely View class schedules to stay organized Check grades in real time Monitor attendance, absences and more!
NEW TO LA PORTE ISD? VISIT LPISD.ORG/ENROLL TO GET STARTED!
What s New at La Porte High School? A RE-IMAGINED COMMONS EXPERIENCE Designed with 23-foot ceilings and modern acoustic treatments to provide a brighter, quieter, and more effective space for student transitions and campus activities. ENHANCED DRAINAGE INFRASTRUCTURE Featuring 40,000 square feet of detention capacity to better manage storm-water and protect the campus during severe weather. OPTIMIZED ADMINISTRATION SPACE Providing a more functional and accessible space to better serve students, parents, and visitors. RENOVATED COMPETITION GYM AND LOCKER ROOMS Providing a more functional and accessible space to better serve students, parents, and visitors.
JOINING A HISTORIC TRADITION
La Porte High School valedictorian joins 87th line of Kilgore College Rangerettes. La Porte High School 2026 valedictorian Sienna Naron has been selected as a member of the 87th line of the Kilgore College Rangerettes, one of the nation’s premier collegiate precision dance teams. Naron earned the honor following the Rangerettes’ highly competitive audition process, joining a program known internationally for its tradition of excellence, precision and performance. In addition to graduating as valedictorian of the Class of 2026, Naron distinguished herself through her dedication, leadership and commitment to excellence both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. Founded in 1940, the Kilgore College Rangerettes are recognized as the world’s first precision dance drill team and have become an internationally known symbol of excellence in collegiate dance.
2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR
FREE MEALS FOR ALL STUDENTS
Alumni SP OTLIGHT JENNIFER WADE University of St. Thomas
LP Class of
2008
Jennifer Wade, now based in Moscow, Idaho, is making a meaningful impact as a mental health counselor, primarily working with children through a community health agency. After graduating from La Porte High School in 2008, she pursued higher education at the University of St. Thomas. Her journey into counseling began while subbing for a school district in Idaho, where she witnessed firsthand the struggles many kids face. Motivated to be a positive influence, Wade committed herself to supporting youth through challenging times. Before settling into her counseling career, Jennifer spent five years as a Catholic missionary, serving on various campuses across the country, including New Jersey, South Dakota, and ultimately the Gem State. It was during this time that counseling sparked her passion to walk alongside young people in need. Wade fondly recalls the strong community ties from her La Porte days, emphasizing how the district and its people have remained a lasting support for her family. “La Porte gave me a baseline for showing up and being present for people,” she shared — a value she continues to carry forward in her work today.
FALL ATHLETICS Find schedules, purchase tickets, and learn about our venues at lpisd.org/athletics.
Purchase your tickets now!
LONE STAR LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Baker Sixth Grade & Lomax Junior High Students Earn Spots Among 700+ Texas Youth Leaders. Two La Porte ISD students were among more than 700 young leaders from across Texas selected to participate in the 2026 Lone Star Leadership Academies, weeklong, overnight programs focused on building confidence, strengthening leadership skills and exploring Texas history, government, culture and careers. Bruce Featherstone of Baker Sixth Grade Campus and Kaiden Lemoine of Lomax Junior High School earned the opportunity through educator nominations for the Lone Star Leader Award, which recognizes young people for leadership potential, academic achievement, and involvement in their schools and communities. Throughout the Academy, Featherstone and Lemoine took part in hands-on learning experiences, explored iconic Texas destinations and connected with peers from across the state. They also met professionals from a variety of career fields, gaining insight into future educational and career opportunities. Led by experienced Texas educators, the Lone Star Leadership Academies are designed to help participants develop the leadership, communication and teamwork skills they can carry with them throughout high school, college and their careers.
2026 - 2027 Visit our School Supplies website to find your list !
LA PORTE ISD EXCELLENCE IN
LA PORTE ISD HIRES NEW CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Former Director of Finance George Crandall is brought back to be La Porte ISD’s newest CFO.
La Porte ISD has named George Crandall as the district’s new Chief Financial Officer, bringing decades of experience in public education, finance and leadership to the role. Crandall began his career in public education as a high school orchestra director, serving students in both Pasadena ISD and La Porte ISD before transitioning into school finance and administration. Throughout his career, he has served as an accountant and later held leadership positions including Director of Finance in La Porte ISD and Executive Director for Finance and Treasury in Galena Park ISD. He now returns to La Porte ISD to oversee the district’s financial operations as Chief Financial Officer. “We are excited to welcome George back to La Porte ISD,” said Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson. “His extensive experience in both education and school finance, along with his proven leadership and commitment to fiscal responsibility, make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our district.”
GEORGE CRANDALL Chief Financial Officer
Crandall earned a Bachelor of Music Theory from Houston Baptist University, a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and an Advanced Technical Certificate in Accounting. He is also a Certified Public Accountant licensed by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. As Chief Financial Officer, Crandall will oversee the district’s financial planning, budgeting, accounting, treasury, purchasing and other business operations, helping ensure La Porte ISD continues to provide exceptional educational opportunities while maintaining sound fiscal stewardship.
EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING
Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to La Porte Independent School District for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. This is La Porte ISD’s 12th consecutive year to receive GFOA accolades for excellence in financial reporting.
Personal electronic devices Including but not limited to: Cell Phones Tablets Smart Watches earbuds In accordance with Texas State Law HB-1481, La Porte ISD prohibits the use of personal communication devices while on school property during the school day, including classrooms, hallways, restrooms, cafeterias and other school areas.
2026-2027
INSTRUCTIONAL CALENDAR UPDATED 8/4/26
July
4 .............................................. 4th of July Holiday 29-31........................ New Professionals Inservice
August
4-11 ........................... Professional Learning Days
12 ............................................ Freshman First Day 13 ............................................ First Day of School
September
7 .............................................. Labor Day Holiday
21........ Professional Learning Day (No Students)
July 2026 S
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September 2026
August 2026
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12 ............ Teacher Exchange Day (No Students) 13-16 ...................................................... Fall Break
November
2-3 .......Professional Learning Day (No Students)
October 2026 S
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Parent Conferences - Elementary
23-27 .................................... Thanksgiving Break
December
18 ................................................... Early Dismissal 21-31 ................................................. Winter Break
January
1 ........................................................ Winter Break
November 2026
December 2026
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4 ........ Instructional Planning Day (No Students)
5 ........ Professional Learning Day (No Students) 18 ................................................. MLK Jr. Holiday
January 2027
February
12 ....... Professional Learning Day (No Students)
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15 ....... Professional Learning Day (No Students) Parent Conferences - Elementary
February 2027
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March 2027
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30 ............. Teacher Exchange Day (No Students)
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March
8-12 .................................................. Spring Break 26 ......................................... Good Friday Holiday
April
27 .................. Last Day of School/Early Dismissal DeWalt Academy Graduation
28 ............................... Instructional Planning Day
April 2027
LPHS Graduation
31 .................................................... Memorial Day
Instructional Days
Total Number of Student Days: 169
Total Number of Teacher Days: 185 2 exchange days First Semester = 77.5 days Second Semester = 91.5 days
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Campus Schedules
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High Schools
7:00 a.m. .........................First Bell 7:10 a.m. .........................Tardy Bell 2:35 p.m. .........................School Day Ends 10:45 a.m. .......................Early Dismissal Days
Junior Highs / James H. Baker
8:25 a.m. ........................First Bell 8:30 a.m. ........................Tardy Bell 4:00 p.m. ........................School Day Ends 12:10 p.m. ......................Early Dismissal Days
Freshman 1st Day
First / Last Day of School
Holiday
Start / Stop Grading Period
Professional Learning (No Students)
Report Card
PR1
Elementary Schools
7:40 a.m. ........................First Bell 7:50 a.m. ........................Tardy Bell 3:15 p.m. ........................School Day Ends 11:25 a.m. ......................Early Dismissal Days
Instructional Planning Day (No Students)
Teacher Exchange Days (No Students)
Inclement Weather Make-up Day
Student Early Dismissal
New Teacher Orientation
Progress Report
Every Student’s Success is Our Number One Priority! Created by LPISD Communications Board Approved 01/13/26