Seguin ISD welcomes students back for 2025-2026 school year
(Seguin) -- The halls and classrooms of Seguin ISD will once again be filled with the energy of a new school year as students return to class today. The day marks the official kickoff of the 2025-2026 academic year for all Seguin ISD campuses.
The excitement for this new school started last Thursday when staff came together at the Seguin Coliseum for the district’s annual convocation. Leading the event for the first time was new superintendent Dr. Jack Lee, who brought an energetic message to launch the year.
“Our job as educators is really to focus on relationships, building positive relationships with our students, with our families, with our community as a whole – focusing on expert instruction. That’s what our teachers are -- they are experts in the classroom and when they combine those relationships with expert instruction, we see a lot of student success. It’s very much
about making sure that everyone understands that our community and family partnerships matter. Most importantly, just getting everyone in the room to understand that everyone plays a role in the positive education of students whether you are the bus driver that is greeting kids –the first person they see as part of Seguin ISD in the morning. If you are the cafeteria worker that is making sure that our kids are fed and taken care of – the custodians that are cleaning our buildings, the facilities or the grounds – any of that – everyone plays a role in ensuring that a student has the best education possible and that’s what really makes Matador Nation – all of us working together to see that happen,” said Dr. Lee.
Dr. Lee described the convocation as a celebration of the district’s culture and teamwork.
SISD, pg. 3
First to return to class
Southwest Preparatory School welcomed students Pre-K through 12th grade on Monday. School officials say the day was full of smiles, yawns, and a few tears from their youngest learners. Courtesy photo
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
City, KWED leaders recap summer Bonus Concert in the Park
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- Seguin enjoyed one more summer celebration this past weekend in downtown Seguin.
Central Park came alive Saturday night as Seguin Main Street and Seguin Radio KWED hosted the Freedom Rocks Bonus Concert, featuring Austin Gilliam and The Well Fed Texans. The special event served as a make-up for one of June’s Concerts in the Park performances and July’s Freedom Fiesta – both --- canceled due to severe weather.
The downtown square welcomed families for an evening of live music, food trucks and vendors.
Darren Dunn, KWED and Seguin Daily News General Manager, says they are proud to have offered another opportunity for families to celebrate as a community.
“When we had to cancel on July 5th, it was such a traumatic time. Nobody was in the mood for festival time at that time and so, we talked to the folks at Main Street and said what if we come together to have one last concert in the park – something laid back that families can come out and enjoy and the city was open to that and I think it was just a great way to end the summer. It’s sort of the last hurrah for summer. There were lots of families in the park and I thought DJ DTrayne and Austin Gilliam and the Well Fed Texans did a really good job of just blending a lot of different kinds of things that no matter what kind of music you like, I think people would have enjoyed tonight so this was neat. Maybe someday, we can do something like this again in summer – maybe a back-to-school bash or something. I think it’s a good idea to sort of bring the community together once again to celebrate,” said Dunn.
Dunn noted that July 5 --the day Freedom Fiesta was canceled – was also the day of the devastating floods that struck the Hill Country, taking lives. He says significant rain here in Seguin also caused the local flooding of homes and businesses.
“We also made sure we honored those folks who were devasted during the flooding that caused us to lose Freedom Fiesta but also those who lost businesses and homes that were damaged here during that same weekend so we want to end summer on a positive note, and I think we did that tonight,” said Dunn.
Among those in attendance Saturday night was Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen. Dodgen says it was great to see so many families enjoying themselves.
“I thought it was fantastic, and the weather could not have been any better. There’s people sitting and standing around – families – kids playing. DJ Trayne did a great job of getting people hyped up and ready to go. The food trucks were awesome. The band I never heard of them before but they were great musicians and so I think this is so fun and a great way to pull things back together after that mishap in June and the first part of July. This is what
community is all about. It was a great idea KWED, thank you,” said Dodgen.
Dunn also expressed gratitude to all the sponsors who stepped up to support both the June and July events. He says Saturday’s concert was just another way to thank them for their continued support.
“We recognize that whenever we want to come together as a community, we want to make that accessible to everybody and often times that means we want to make it free and we can’t make anything free without the generous support of sponsors in this community and there are so many businesses and organizations that stepped up and helped to make tonight possible and all the other events that happen – really year round but it’s the kind of generosity and love and support that we see in this community that makes it really special,” said Dunn.
Seguin Main Street officials say they are already planning for next year’s free concerts in the park. The concerts are held each Sunday night throughout the month of June. Seguin Radio KWED is also set to begin work on next year’s event. It says it hopes to return with an even bigger 4th of July celebration.
Seguin, Navarro joins all Texas school districts in new cell phone policy
(Seguin) -- Students in Seguin ISD and Navarro ISD along with districts across the state will see their cell phones and other personal devices tucked away this school year, as both districts comply with the new state law, House Bill 1481. The legislation, passed by the Texas State Legislature, prohibits the use of personal communication devices on school property during the instructional day.
Seguin ISD already had a policy requiring students to keep personal devices turned off from the first bell to the end-of-day bell. This year, the rule is reinforced by state law, which now requires devices to be kept in backpacks for the entire school day, with limited exceptions. Consequences for violations include confiscation, detention, and fines.
Navarro ISD, which has maintained a no-cellphone policy for years, says HB1481 further strengthens its commitment to fostering a focused learning environment. The district notes that the law supports classroom engagement, promotes in-person interactions, and minimizes distractions.
The purpose of HB1481 includes: Enhancing classroom focus by eliminating the temptation of notifications and social media.
Promoting face-to-face connection between students and staff.
Reducing distractions to build self-regulation and focus.
Addressing mental health and cyberbullying concerns by limiting opportunities for screen-related incidents.
Prohibited devices during school hours include cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, gaming devices, and earbuds or headphones. Exceptions are allowed for medical needs, special education plans, emergency communications, or district-issued devices like Chromebooks.
Parents can help by reinforcing the importance of
SISD, continued.
He says that moment together only fueled his excitement even more.
“It was the true embodiment of Matador Nation. It was filled with excitement. It was filled with optimism. It was filled with a lot of positivity. It had an uplifting feeling – taking care of what needs to be taken care of and just setting the tone for a super positive year -- just lots of energy in the room. You can feel the excitement,” said Dr. Lee.
the rules at home, understanding the exceptions, and reviewing the updated Student Code of Conduct. Both districts emphasize that parents can still communicate with their children through school offices in urgent situations.
The updated policies will take effect on the first day of school -- August 12 for Seguin ISD and August 13 for the Navarro ISD.
Dr. Lee who was just officially hired for the job in July says he thanks all Seguin ISD employees for their individual roles in getting things ready for today’s big day.
“It’s exciting more than anything else and when I say that it’s exciting, what I really mean is today is the big day right? This is our Super Bowl. I guess that’s one way to put it. This is Super Bowl for education. It’s day one for us. We get to have our staff excited. We get to have our students excited to be back and everyone will
have a smile on their face ready to go. We are looking forward to a fantastic year and today is the day that kicks that off,” said Dr. Lee.
While Seguin ISD has officially started classes, students in neighboring districts will soon join in. Navarro ISD, St. James and Lifegate Christian School will begin on Wednesday, while Marion ISD will start the school year on August 20. Southwest Prepatory School students made their way back to class on Monday.
VITAL STATISTICS
Silvia
Eileen Mary Silvia, also known as Mrs. Hotshots, the Queen of McQueeney, and more affectionately, Mom and Gigi, died on July 20, 2025 peacefully in her home surrounded by her family. Eileen was born Aug. 16, 1935 to George and Alice Holt in Derby, England. She was the second of their three children.
Eileen, along with her husband, Philip Silvia, bought Hotshot’s Lakeview Camp in 1973 and expanded it to a full fledge restaurant that was known for its Friday Night Fish Fries and Hotshot’s famous green bean salad.
It was on the banks of the Guadalupe River where Eileen began expanding her family beyond her husband and four children. She considered any and all employees her child and her customers family and friends. While she loved all of her extended family, none could compare to that of her immediate family.
After the Flood of ’98, Eileen worked for Seguin ISD as an aide, helping children read. She also spent several years working at Walmart as a door greeter in the garden center.
She loved basketball and was an avid supporter of the Lady Matador Basketball team and enjoyed watching any NBA game on television, especially the San Antonio Spurs. She had a special place in her heart for all animals. She supported the Guadalupe County Humane Society any chance she could get, including playing Santa for its annual fundraiser.
She was quick to give you a hug or give you her personal salute followed by
strong words. She was a character and a firecracker, but she had a heart the size of Texas. She was feisty until her last breath.
She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
She is preceded in death by Alice Holt, George Holt and stepmother, Lillian Holt, Phil Silvia, Charlie Hanlon, brother, Geoffrey Holt, and sister Madeline (Richard) Holt Vivricka.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Steven (Carrie) Silvia, Dale (Jana) Hanlon, Kerry (Michael) Frazar, Robin (Stig) Larson; grandchildren: Sabrina (Chris), Erica (Connie), Felicia, Bradley (Jennifer), Tyler (Dayna), Benjamin, William (Kayla), Andrea, and Alexandria; great grandchildren: Clay (Skylar), Christopher, Addison, Connor, Zachary, Weston, Taylor, Paisley; great great grandson: Guage Wilder; sisters: Caroline (Steve) and Michelle (Clive), sister-in-law Margaret (Holt) Brown, her beloved fur babies Bo and PV, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and adopted family and friends.
In honor of her wishes, instead of a funeral, the family invites everyone to celebrate her life from 2 to 6 p.m. on Aug. 16, 2025 at the Geronimo Community Center, 280 Navarro Drive, Seguin in a come and go style party, with words from family and friends at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, make donations to the Guadalupe County Humane Society, Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation’s Bras For A Cause, or any charity of your choice.
Cheers!
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155.
VITAL STATISTICS
Leissner
Joyce Theresa Bonaventure Leissner, 88 passed away peacefully at her home in Seguin on July 22, 2025. Joyce was born on September 7, 1936 in Oscar, Louisiana to Beulah (Hernandez) and Threz Bonaventure.
She graduated co-valedictorian from Rougon High School in Lakeland, LA, in 1954. She attended nursing school in New Orleans at Charity Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1957 with a Registered Nurse diploma.
Joyce was a woman of remarkable skills, known for her incredible talent as a seamstress and an avid bridge player. Her amazing bedside manner was front and center during her career as a registered Nurse for 50+ years including 40 years at GRMC. Her passion for sewing & quilting was evident in the beautiful pieces she created, each stitch infused with her love and care. She also had a deep appreciation for gardening, where she lovingly tended to her African Violets and outdoor plants. Joyce found beauty in these blooms, just as she found beauty in the relationships she nurtured throughout her life. She was a member of multiple bridge groups, St. Ann’s Circle at St. James Catholic Church and a true-blue friend to ladies across the country.
Joyce met the love of her life, Jim Leissner, at New Orleans Mardi Gras in 1957 and married him in 1958. They moved to Seguin in the early 1970’s and, as a devoted wife and mother, she exhibited boundless love and patience, becoming both a guiding light and a nurturing support for her family. Her legacy will
Crees
Linda Kay Grossman Crees, age 82 of Seguin, passed away on August 5, 2025. Linda was born on January 12, 1943 in Hebbronville, Texas to Theresa (Baker) and Robert Anthony Grossman.
Linda was preceded in death by her son, Robert “Rob” Lester Dietrich, Jr., her parents, her brother, Robert Grossman, and her sisters, Theresa Fielder and Pam Farrington.
Survivors include her loving husband of 44
continue to resonate within them, a reflection of her loving spirit.
Joyce is preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, James “Jim” Calhoun Leissner, daughter, Laura Leissner Carlson, son, Nathan Charles Leissner, her parents, her siblings, Joseph & Lurline Bonaventure, and brother-inlaw, Richard Bello.
Survivors include her daughters, Blanche Walker and husband Neal, Naomi Williams and husband Tom, and Diane Baines and husband John; grandchildren, Trez & Skyler Walker, and Violet Carlson; sister, Hazel Bello; niece, Carmen Lemons; Aunt Helen Black; other loving family members and a host of friends.
As we remember Joyce, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of creativity, compassion, and unwavering love. She touched the lives of so many and will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever bloom in the memories she leaves behind.
Visitation will begin on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church followed by the Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Monsignor Dennis Darilek officiating. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall at St. James.
Private graveside services will be held at Boeker Cemetery in Guadalupe County.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be offered to the Charity Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association (of which Joyce was a graduate from the Nursing School) for the Leissner Scholarship established in memory of their deceased children, Nathan and Laura, P. O. Box 19103, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70179.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155.
years, Charles “Chuck” Allyn Crees; sons, William Dietrich, and David Box and wife Cindy; step son, Sean Allyn Crees; brother, Stanley Grossman; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends.
A private celebration of her life is being planned for a later date.
MOM WE WON!!!!!
Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, Inc., 1359 Broadway, STE 1509, New York, New York, 10018.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
FDA Approves Neck Implant For RA
(Washington, D.C) -- The FDA has approved a new device for rheumatoid arthritis. The device called is a neck implant called the SetPoint System, which gives a small zap of electricity to the vagus nerve once a day to lessen inflammation. The company behind the Setpoint Sytsem says the device will be available in some U.S. cities later this year and nationally in early 2026. The company said a late stage clinical-trial of the SetPoint System found that after a year with the implant, 75-percent of patients no longer needed medication for rheumatoid arthritis.
Study Finds Lithium May Treat Mental Illness
(Boston, MA) -- A new study published this week in the journal Nature says losing lithium, a natural element found in the brain, could be an early symptom of Alzheimer’s. That’s according to a study from Harvard Medical School. It found that lithium is vital to the health of all the major types of brain cells in mice. The study said that maintaining normal lithium levels in the mice as they aged, protected the brain from the changes associated with the disease. This could open the door to new treatments for Alzhiemer’s.
FL Woman Poses As Nurse
(Palm Coast, FL) -- Authorities say a Florida woman has been arrested and criminally charged after she posed as a nurse and treated thousands of patients. Autumn Bardisa has been accused of filing fake records to get a job at a hospital in Palm Coast, Florida. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said Bardisa helped treat close to 45-hundred patients from June 2024 to January 2025. The 29-yearold has been charged with seven counts of practicing a health care profession without a license and seven counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information. A photo released by the sheriff’s office shows Bardisa’s August 5th arrest while wearing medical scrubs and jail records show she is being held on a 70-thousand-dollar bond.
Ultra-Processed Foods Saturating The American Diet
(Atlanta, GA) -- Ultra-processed foods are saturating our diets. According to a first-of-its-kind CDC report, about 62-percent of kids’ and teens’ daily calories came from ultra-processed foods compared with 53-percent for adults. Researchers found the top source of ultra-processed foods was sandwiches, such as burgers, hot dogs and peanut butter and jelly, followed by baked goods, salty snacks and sugary drinks. The report also found that adults with higher incomes tended to eat fewer ultra-processed foods.
August
Nominations Open for 2025 Guadalupe County Healthcare Worker of the Year
The Seguin Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Guadalupe County Healthcare Worker of the Year. This annual award honors a local healthcare professional who demonstrates compassion, excellence, and dedication to the health and well-being of the community. Eligible nominees include nurses, physicians, therapists, technicians, support staff, and others making a difference in healthcare. Nominees must work in Guadalupe County. The deadline to submit nominations is August 1. For more information, contact the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce at 830-379-6382 or seguinchamber@seguinchamber. com.
Canned Good Drive to Support Flood Victims
Refuge III will be hosting a Canned Good Drive throughout the month of August to benefit flood victims. Donations can be dropped off at 7535 Elm Creek Rd. For more information or directions, contact Lorraine Davis at 210-548-8780.
Wildflowers Seminar at Schertz Public Library
The Guadalupe County Master Gar-
deners will be hosting a Wildflowers seminar with Advanced Master Gardener Karen Brkich from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 9 at the Schertz Public Library, 798 Schertz Parkway. The program is free and open to the public. Registration is available at the Schertz Public Library events page.
Singo Fundraiser: Music Through the Decades
The Seguin Sunrise Lions Club will be hosting the Singo Fundraiser at 4 p.m. on August 9 at the Silver Center. Themed “Music Through the Decades,” the event will feature five rounds of music bingo highlighting hits from the 1950s through the 2010s. Tickets will be sold in advance for $20.
True North VBS at Cross Church
Cross Church will be hosting its True North Vacation Bible School every Sunday through August 10, from 8:45 to 11:15 a.m. at 814 N. Bauer St. The program is open to children ages 4 to 11. Registration forms are available in the church office, on the website, and via the QR code displayed on the outside banner.
Elm Creek Community Cemetery Meeting
The annual Elm Creek Community Cemetery Association Meeting will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday,
August 10 at 1951 Settlers Way, Seguin. Donations for continued maintenance would be greatly appreciated. For more information or questions, call or text 210-4143308.
Financial Health Class: “Lettuce” Talk About Money
The New Braunfels Food Bank in partnership with Credit Human will be hosting “Lettuce” Talk About Money, a free financial health class, at 9 a.m. on August 12. The class is designed to help participants gain the confidence and skills to take control of their finances.
Beginning Watercolor Class at Seguin Art League
The Seguin Art League will be hosting a Beginning Watercolor class at 1 p.m. on August 12 at the Seguin Art League. The class runs until 4 p.m. and will focus on mixing colors and color theory. Students will create and take home a watercolor color wheel for future reference and receive instruction on brush care, gradient washes, and basic watercolor techniques. The class is limited to five students and costs $35, with all supplies included. For more information, call 830-305-0472 or visit 104 S. Austin Street in Seguin.
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Tower Gardening Program in Seguin
The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will be hosting a Tower Gardening/Aeroponics program at noon on Wednesday, August 13 at the AgriLife Extension Office, 210 E. Live Oak Street, Seguin. Presented by Karen Schobel, this free lunchtime seminar is open to everyone. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch. More information can be found at GCMGTX.org or on Facebook.
Guadalupe County Republican Women August Meeting in McQueeney
The Guadalupe County Republican Women will be hosting their August “Happy Hour” meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 14 at the Lake Breeze Ski Lodge, 225 Ski Lodge, McQueeney. District 44 State Representative Alan Schoolcraft will serve as the guest speaker. The event will include a cash bar and light snacks, and no RSVP is required. For more information, contact Tamara Berger at 512-201-5848 or Anne Costas at 830-433-1038.
Friedens Church Fish Fry in Geronimo
The Friedens Church will be hosting its Fish Fry at 5:00 p.m. on August 15 at Friedens Church in Geronimo. Plates are $15 each and will be served until sold out. All proceeds will benefit the Geronimo and Zorn Volunteer Fire Department first responders.
Financial Health Class: “Lettuce” Talk About Money
The New Braunfels Food Bank in partnership with Credit Human will be hosting “Lettuce” Talk About Money, a free financial health class, at 1 p.m. on August 16. The class is designed to help participants gain the confidence and skills to take control of their finances.
Hermann Sons Dance Try-It Night in Seguin
The Hermann Sons Lodge Seguin will be hosting a Dance Try-It Night at 6:00 p.m. on August 18 at 2918 W. Kingsbury, Seguin. The event is open to all and does not require prior registration. A parent meeting will follow at 6:45 p.m. Participants should wear t-shirts and shorts if they do not have dancewear, and tennis shoes are required if ballet or jazz shoes are unavailable. Sandals, crocs, and bare feet are not allowed. For more information, contact Lori at 210-573-7796 or email hermannsonsdancesanantonio@gmail.com.
Gabe Galvan Band
The Silver Center will be hosting Gabe Galvan Band at 7:30 p.m. on August 22nd at the Crystal Chandelier Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $10 by calling 830303-6612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Financial Health Class: “Lettuce” Talk About Money – August 26
The New Braunfels Food Bank in partnership with Credit Human will be
hosting “Lettuce” Talk About Money, a free financial health class, at 9 a.m. on August 26. The class is designed to help participants gain the confidence and skills to take control of their finances.
White-tailed Deer Management Sympo-
sium
in San Antonio
The Bexar Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee will be hosting the White-tailed Deer Management Symposium at 9:00 a.m. on August 26 at 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., Suite 208, San Antonio. The event will cover topics including basic deer habitat management, use of game cameras, and antler scoring. Presenters include specialists from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife. The cost is $15 per participant, payable in advance or at the door by cash, check, or credit card. To RSVP by August 22, contact Kennedy Green at 210-631-0400 or kennedy.green@ag.tamu.edu.
To ensure non-profit organization’s meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@kwed1580.com, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/KWED offices located at 609 E. Court St. in Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event.
