FROM LA MARQUE TO BROADWAY
LMHS alumna shines in ‘MAMMA MIA!’
THE
FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
Welcome
to the new quarterly edition of The Insider!
We’re excited to share that Texas City ISD’s The Insider magazine is entering a new chapter. Beginning this fall, the magazine will now be published three times each year, with editions in the fall, spring and summer. By moving from an annual publication to a seasonal one, we can share more timely updates and stories that capture the excitement, progress and pride happening across our district all year long.
Each issue will bring you even closer to what makes Texas City ISD special: our incredible students, dedicated staff, proud alumni, and supportive community. Inside, you’ll find updates on major construction projects, highlights of classroom innovation, athletic and fine arts achievements, and stories that celebrate the people who make a difference every day.
In this edition, you’ll meet La Marque High School alumna Jalynn Steele, who’s shining on Broadway in “MAMMA MIA!”, and learn more about Felicia Romero, whose passion and leadership continue to make a lasting impact across TCISD. You’ll also get an inside look at the opening of the beautifully reimagined Calvin Vincent Early Childhood Center and the heartfelt dedications of two newly renamed facilities honoring individuals whose lifelong service has helped shape our district.
We also want this magazine to reflect you. If you know of a story that deserves to be told, whether it’s a student accomplishment, a teacher going above and beyond or alumni making an impact, we’d love to hear from you. Share your story ideas with us anytime by emailing mtortorici@tcisd.org or csilva@tcisd.org.
Your stories are what make this publication meaningful. Thank you for reading, sharing and being part of the TCISD family. Together, we’re building a tradition of excellence worth celebrating all year long.
The TCISD Communications Team
LMHS alumna Jalynn Steele, left, as Tanya with Carly Sakolove (Rosie) and Christine Sherrill (Donna Sheridan) in “MAMMA MIA!”. Photo by Joan Marcus
FROM LA MARQUE TO BROADWAY
LMHS alumna Jalynn Steele shines in ‘Mamma Mia!’
When Jalynn Steele steps onto the Broadway stage each night as part of the cast of “MAMMA MIA!,” she carries with her the same spark that first lit up audiences back home in La Marque.
A graduate of La Marque High School’s Class of 1998, Steele has built a career on passion, persistence and the love of performing she discovered as a little girl. She started performing early in life with a church solo when she was five years old.
“I’ll never forget my mom playing the piano behind me and singing for everyone in the congregation,” Steele said. “I remember feeling how much I enjoyed it and though I was a tiny thing, I remembered thinking how much I enjoyed spreading that love.”
That moment marked the beginning of what would become a lifelong calling. As she grew, Steele continued to find herself drawn to the stage —from Vacation Bible School skits to school theatre productions. By the time she reached La Marque High School, her passion had found its home in the theatre department, where she performed in almost every production from her freshman to senior years and often starred in them. After years of taking theatre as an elective, she realized it was
more than a hobby. It was her future.
“It was not until trying to decide what I was going to major in for college when I finally decided to make musical theatre a reality,” she said. “My dad asked me if someone called me to do my job at 3 a.m., what would I have no problem getting out of bed to go do? (Musical theatre) is where my passion lies and what I was placed on this earth to do.”
For Steele, the memories of her time at LMHS are filled with energy, creativity and community pride. In addition to theatre, she performed with the high school choir and was a cheerleader. From the football team winning the state championship multiple times to learning how to sightread in real-time during a choir competition, Steele said there are many memories she carries with her.
But her senior-year performance as Toinette in “The Hypochondriac” remains one of her most memorable experiences. The production won the UIL State One-Act competition in 1998 and Steele was named Best Actress.
“Playing Toinette my senior year was the cherry on top of the four years at LMHS,” she said. “I’ll never forget Mr. Sheffield making all of us gargle with
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
warm salt water after we had to leave one of the competitions in the pouring rain.”
She credits people like theatre teacher Rodney Sheffield and choir teacher Lily Williams, as well as her classmates for helping shape her artistic path.
“They really steered me in the right direction for pursuing a career in the arts,” she said of Sheffield and Williams. “All my cast mates in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and ‘The Hypochondriac’ hold a special place in my heart as well as all my ’98 classmates.”
After graduation, Steele followed her dreams to Sam Houston State University, where she majored in musical theatre with an emphasis in dance, a choice she said she made because of the three skills needed to major in musical theatre, it was her worst. Her path to Broadway wasn’t easy. She learned quickly that perseverance was key.
“Any performer will tell you, you are your worst critic,” Steele said. “The biggest challenge I faced was not berating myself when I didn’t get the gig or job after an amazing audition.”
She said there were countless times she would go in, get typed out or let go before she could sing. Then there were the times she would go into an audition and believe she did an incredible job, but it didn’t end with a booking.
“I had to get used to rejection,” she said. “It’s an emotional discipline I had to learn and psychologically one of the biggest challenges I faced.”
Then came the call every performer dreams about. Sitting in a hotel room in Boston at
the end of her last week performing in the traveling production of “The Lightning Thief,” Steele answered a phone call from the show’s producers.
“They said ‘We’re taking The Lightning Thief to Broadway and you’re coming with us!’” she said. “I immediately started bawling and called my mom!”
Now, with two Broadway credits under her belt, Steele continues to approach her career with humility and perspective. She said it’s a great honor to finally perform on Broadway, but it’s not the “end-all, be-all” that it used to be.
“For me, Broadway was always the goal growing up,” she said. “Now that I’m on my second show, I’d love to continue to make this my career but also branch out into other media forms professionally.”
Even with the bright lights of Broadway shining on her, Steele hasn’t forgotten her roots or the lessons she learned at La Marque High School. Her advice to current LMHS students dreaming of a career in the arts is simple and heartfelt: Make sure you’re passionate about it before you journey down that road.
“You have to love what you do to persevere, to make it through being told no and not getting everything immediately,” she said. “Musical theatre is work, but if you really love it, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
LEFT
Steele, center, as Toinette in LMHS’s production of “The Hypochondriac” with classmates, from left, Nick Veiga, Grant Gonsoulin and Tracy Crossan.
Steele, right, with co-stars Carly Sakolove and Christine Sherrill at the “MAMMA MIA!” premiere.
TOP RIGHT
Steele with Justin Sudderth (Pepper) in “MAMMA MIA!”
Photo by Joan Marcus.
Steele, left, with Christine Sherrill (Donna Sheridan), Carly Sakolove (Rosie), and the Company of “MAMMA MIA!”
Photo by Joan Marcus.
TOP LEFT
RIGHT
Steele, left, as Tanya and Christine Sherrill as Donna Sheridan in “MAMMA MIA!” Photo by Joan Marcus. COVER
BAKING UP A LEGACY OF CARE
Felicia Romero’s journey reflects resilience, gratitude and a deep love for the students she serves
When Felicia Romero walks into the cafeteria at Kohfeldt Elementary each morning, it isn’t just about preparing meals. For her, it’s about serving with love, remembering her own struggles and giving students the comfort of a warm plate and a welcoming smile.
Romero began her career in Texas City ISD nearly 25 years ago, starting in the snack bar at the old Kohfeldt Elementary and Levi Fry Intermediate schools. At the time, she had two young children and was looking for work that fit around school hours.
“Having those school hours was nice,” she said. “I was able to work and then get off and pick up my kids.”
Over the years, Romero worked her way through almost every role in the cafeteria. She became known for her baking — making bread, brownies, cakes, cookies and the jello that kids loved. She eventually moved to being an all-around helper at Roosevelt-Wilson Elementary. She said she wanted to learn everything so “if anyone missed a day, I could step in and know how to do that job so it would get done.” That willingness to learn laid the foundation for her growth.
Still, stepping into leadership wasn’t easy. She said the opportunity to move up and become an assistant manager four years ago was scary. She wasn’t sure if she could do it.
“Not the ability to do it, but maybe the courage to do it,” Romero said. “I was scared of the computer stuff.
“I like working in the kitchen. I was a kitchen lady,” she added.
Director of Nutrition Services Hosana
Medbery saw the potential long before Romero believed in herself.
“When I first started in TCISD, Felicia and I worked together at RooseveltWilson. She was the bread maker, like the best one, the fastest one,” Medbery said. “I’ve never seen people pinching rolls like she did. She was the absolute best.”
Romero became an assistant cafeteria manager at Kohfeldt three years ago, and this year she stepped into the role of cafeteria manager. Though her path was filled with hesitation, her motivation was clear: she wanted to serve students.
“Some kids, they don’t have food at all. The breakfast and lunch at school may be all they have that day,” she said. “I had two kids and sometimes we had trouble economically. That’s why it’s important for me to serve good food for the kids.”
Romero’s story is also deeply tied to her heritage. She came to the United States from El Salvador when she was 22 years old. It marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with determination and gratitude.
“Hispanic people, we work hard, very hard. So I work hard,” Romero said. “I want to say thank you to this country for giving me and my family the opportunity to stay here. I want to pay back what this country gave to me.”
For Romero, it all comes back to family and community. The children she serves remind her of her own, and she sees her work as a way to give back.
“Most kids, they leave a mark,” she said with a smile. “Cafeteria ladies have a special connection with the kids. It makes me happy.”
TOP
TCISD staff and community members celebrate the ribbon cutting and dedication of the new Calvin Vincent Early Childhood Center.
ABOVE
Pre-K teacher Debbie
is introduced to the dinosaur in her new classroom during staff’s first look at the new campus.
TOP RIGHT
BOTTOM RIGHT
Calvin Vincent Pre-K student A’khylee Johnson checks out items in one of the new Calvin Vincent classrooms.
Schoppe
Cory Moss, Vice President and General Manager of Valero Texas City visits with a teacher and students after the dedicaton of the Valero Pod.
HONORING HISTORY, BUILDING A FUTURE
New early childhood center opens its doors, offering museum-like classrooms and a bold vision
Texas City ISD celebrated a major milestone this August with the grand opening of the new Calvin Vincent Early Childhood Center, a state-of-the-art campus designed to give the district’s youngest learners an inspiring start to their education.
Superintendent Dr. Melissa Duarte called the project “a promise delivered” that reflects the district’s vision for 21st-century education.
“The new Calvin Vincent Early Childhood Center has been transformed into interactive, theme-based, museum-like spaces where learning comes alive through experiences our children have never had before,” she said.
The opening marks one of the first new building projects completed under Texas City ISD’s $158.6 million bond, approved by voters in 2022. The bond, backed by months of research and recommendations from a 50-member community Facilities Advisory Committee, is transforming schools across the district.
“We don’t take your support lightly,” Duarte told those present at the opening. “Every dollar from this bond is being used with purpose, transparency and a deep commitment to student success.”
Board President Lori Carnes said the new campus is more than a building; it is a symbol of community pride and shared purpose.
“Because of their support, we’re now building not just schools, but learning environments that reflect 21st-century education,” Carnes said. “This beautifully reimagined Calvin Vincent Early
Childhood Center reflects the hopes and ambitions we have for young people in this community.”
She added that the project represents “more than facilities; we are building futures filled with opportunity, creativity and achievement.”
Principal Rebeca Troconis described the new school as a transformational space designed especially for 3- and 4-year-old learners.
“This building isn’t just new, it’s transformational,” she added. “It says loud and proud: Our children matter. Their beginnings matter. And we are investing in both,” she said.
Troconis said the new campus “feels like a children’s museum, interactive, colorful and full of discovery.” Every classroom and hallway was created “to spark wonder, exploration and early learning success.”
“This campus gives our educators the tools to close gaps early, nurture confidence and lay the foundation for lifelong learning,” she added. “We’re not just building skills, we’re building self-belief, independence and a love of learning.”
The school honors its namesake, Calvin Vincent, a lifelong Texas City educator who devoted nearly five decades to early childhood education. Beginning his career in 1947 as principal of Booker T. Washington School, Vincent later became the district’s Director of Special Programs, where he helped bring the Head Start program to Texas City. In 1995, the district officially renamed its early childhood program in his honor.
TRIBUTES TO A LIFETIME OF SERVICE
District celebrates the impact of Hal Biery Jr. and Vera Bell Gary with naming ceremonies
Texas City ISD celebrated two community pillars this fall, dedicating buildings in honor of longtime leaders whose legacies have shaped generations of students. The district renamed its alternative education program as the Hal Biery Jr. DAEP in August and the former La Marque ISD administration building as the Vera Bell Gary Family Support Center in September.
Superintendent Dr. Melissa Duarte said both names reflect “lives defined by service, integrity and an unwavering commitment to education and community.”
The Hal Biery Jr. DAEP honors former TCISD Board Member James Hal Biery Jr., who served from 2008 until his death in 2024. A Texas City graduate, Biery spent eight years in the military and nearly four decades as a police officer before joining the Board of Trustees.
“Mr. Biery was more than a board member,” Duarte said. “He was the kind of leader every superintendent hopes for, always prepared, always thoughtful and always advocating for what was best for our children and our staff.”
Board Vice President Nakisha Paul said Biery’s name is a perfect fit for the alternative education program.
“Hal was a fighter for students and employees alike,” she said. “He believed every child deserves the opportunity to learn and not to be judged by their mistakes, but to be shaped into something greater.”
Biery’s wife, Julie, who serves as the campus’ secretary, said the naming was “an incredible privilege” for their family.
“Hal loved this community and Texas City ISD deeply, and I know he would be so touched by this recognition,” she said. “Every day when I walk through the doors and see Hal’s name on the building, I’m reminded not only of the man he was, but also of the love he had for this community.”
The dedication of the Vera Bell Gary Family Support Center in La Marque celebrated the nearly 100-year life and impact of retired educator Vera Bell Gary, who spent 36 years shaping young minds in La Marque ISD classrooms.
Board President Lori Carnes said the new center represents Gary’s lifelong dedication to service.
“This center will be more than a building. It will be a place of support, learning and growth for families and students,” Carnes said. “How fitting it is that it carries the name of a woman whose life’s work has been to serve others.”
Paul, who also spoke at the ceremony, called Gary “a visionary, a teacher, a leader and a warrior.”
Speaking to Gary, who was in attendance, she said, “your strength, courage and unwavering belief in family and community shine as brightly today as they have throughout your life.”
Dr. Duarte said the building will house programs such as Communities In Schools, SMART Family Literacy and Higher Up Texas, continuing Gary’s legacy of empowerment.
“Mrs. Gary, your legacy shines brightly here today,” Duarte said. “May this center stand as a symbol of your lifelong commitment to education, service and community.”
TOP
TCISD Board of Trustees members help unveil the name of the district’s new Vera Bell Gary Family Support Center.
ABOVE
Biery Jr.’s wife Julie, left, daughter Jackie, and
the
TOP LEFT
Very Bell Gary, who celebrates her 100th birthday in December, cheers at the dedication of the family support center named in her honor.
BOTTOM LEFT
Matt Biery, Hal Biery Jr’s son, speaks at the dedication ceremony of the building name in his father’s honor.
Hal
son, Matt, unveil
name of the new Hal Biery Jr. DAEP.
STAY CONNECTED WITH PARENTSQUARE
One app for messages, forms, calendars and more
When it comes to school communication, we know how important it is for families to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. That’s why Texas City ISD has fully switched to ParentSquare, a new tool designed to bring all your school messages and information into one easy place.
Last year, we used Remind to share updates. It was a helpful start, but many parents told us they still felt like they were keeping up with messages in too many different places. Now that ParentSquare has taken over Remind, we’ve made the move to a platform that offers more options and fewer headaches for families.
Everything in One Spot
With ParentSquare, you’ll get messages from your child’s teacher, principal and the district all in the same app. You can choose to get alerts by text message, email, app notification or even a once-a-day summary at 6 p.m. You get to decide what works best for your schedule.
But ParentSquare goes beyond just messages. Families can:
• Sign permission slips or volunteer for events online
• View calendars and newsletters from teachers
• Receive report cards and other documents securely
• Send messages back to staff privately
• Read and reply in your preferred language (it translates over 190 languages automatically)
All of this happens inside the same app or website, helping parents stay informed without having to dig through different platforms.
Haven’t Set It Up Yet?
If you haven’t activated your ParentSquare account yet, it’s quick and easy. You should have received an email or text invitation from TCISD. Just click the link, create a password and set your notification preferences.
You can also download the free ParentSquare app for iPhone or Android or go to www.parentsquare.com to sign in.
If you need help getting started, reach out to your campus office - we’re happy to walk you through it.
Other Communication Channels
TCISD also uses several other methods to communicate with its stakeholders.
•District Website: The TCISD website (www.tcisd.org) is a central source of information, including district policies, calendars and resources for students and families.
• TCISD Today E-Newsletter: To ensure that parents and community members receive regular updates, TCISD publishes the TCISD Today weekly e-newsletter. This e-newsletter features a mix of news, highlights of students and staff successes and timely information on upcoming events. Subscribers receive updates directly in their inbox. Subscribe to the e-newsletter at www.tcisd.org/ subscribe.
•Social Media: Social media has become an indispensable tool for communication, and TCISD uses several platforms to reach our community including Facebook (@ TCISD), Instagram (@texascityisd) and LinkedIn (@texascityisd).
MOMENTS THAT MATTER
BOND UPDATES
Texas City ISD Agriculture Center nears completion
Construction on Texas City ISD’s new Agriculture Facility is progressing on schedule, with completion expected by the end of the year and move-in planned for January. The project, approved by voters as part of the district’s 2022 bond referendum, represents a major investment in the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
The facility is located next to the current TCISD Ag Barn, behind the City of Texas City Biosphere. Once complete, it will provide modern learning spaces designed to support agricultural science instruction, student leadership development and real-world, hands-on experiences.
The project reached several milestones in recent months. The district hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 4, marking the start of construction and celebrating the continued growth of TCISD’s agricultural education program. In late September, agriculture teachers, district leaders and students gathered again to sign the final steel beam before it was placed, symbolizing the near completion of the structure.
The design aims to strengthen opportunities for students participating in the district’s FFA programs and expand the resources available for agricultural education at all levels. With its opening set for early 2026, the facility will serve as a hub for innovation and skill-building, helping students gain the knowledge and experience needed to succeed.
Move-in for new LMHS set for Spring Break
Construction of the new La Marque High School is well underway, marking a major step forward in Texas City ISD’s 2022 bond program to modernize learning spaces across the district. The new high school is being built in front of the current La Marque High School campus and is scheduled for completion in early 2026. Students and staff are expected to move into the new building following Spring Break.
The new La Marque High School will feature state-ofthe-art classrooms, labs and collaborative spaces designed to support 21st-century learning. The design emphasizes flexibility, innovation and student engagement, ensuring that the campus meets the needs of future generations of La Marque students.
In addition to the academic building, crews are also constructing a new stadium and athletic facilities on campus. The additions will provide modern spaces for athletic training, competition and community events, reflecting the district’s commitment to supporting both academics and extracurricular excellence. Site work and steel framing are progressing steadily as crews continue to bring the project to life. The new facilities will not only enhance learning and athletic opportunities but will also serve as a source of pride for the La Marque community.
To stay up-to-date on bond projects, visit www.tcisd.org/bond22.
Big moments, bright achievements, and busy campuses — here’s what’s been happening across Texas City ISD.
TCISD NAMED CTE DISTRICT OF DISTINCTION FOR SECOND TIME
Texas City ISD has once again been named a CTE District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT), marking our second year in a row to receive this prestigious honor! This recognition celebrates our commitment to excellence in Career and Technical Education, highlighting districts that lead in workforce readiness, innovative CTE programs and outstanding student outcomes. This backto-back honor reflects Texas City ISD’s leadership in creating future-ready graduates.
q LMHS COUGAR BAND ADVANCES TO AREA CONTEST
The La Marque High School Marching Band earned a Superior Rating at the UIL Marching Competition and is advanced to the UIL Area Contest! We are so proud of your hard work, dedication and incredible performance. Band directors are Kevin Black and Marvis Jones. Color Guard director is Ciara Hoyle and percussion tech is Devon Jackson.
BLOCKER STUDENTS NAMED TO DISTRICT, REGION BANDS, CHOIR
Four Blocker Band and Choir students gave standout performances at the Region auditions! Band members
Ember Seelen, Dawn Fleming and Joshua Cruces and Choir member David Vega placed at their respective contests.
A huge thanks to Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Blakeman, and Ms. Obate for leading these talented Sting musicians.
TCHS TAFE STUDENTS ADVANCE TO STATE
Texas City High School’s Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) team is headed to the State “Teach for Tomorrow Summit” in February after an outstanding showing at the Area 4 Conference held at Lone Star College–University Park. Thirtyfour students competed among nearly 1,100 participants from across the Greater Houston area, with several Stingarees advancing in events ranging from children’s literature to impromptu speaking, leadership fundamentals, teaching portfolios, project visualization, and more. Congratulations to all Area 4 competitors and
advancers, and to their teacher, Christina Hartsfield, for guiding and supporting these future educators.
LMHS CHEER HEADED TO NCA NATIONALS
The LMHS Cheer Team brought the energy to NCA Regionals, earning second place in the Game Day Small High School division! Their hard work and spirit also secured them a bid to NCA Nationals!
p TCISD RETIREE COMPETES ON WHEEL OF FORTUNE
Big spin, big smiles as one of our own competed for the big money in a lifelong dream! TCISD retiree and current substitute teacher Maleia Brooks took her turn in the national spotlight on Wheel of Fortune on the Nov. 7 episode! We’re so proud of you, Mrs. Brooks! In our eyes, you’re already a winner in every round!
TCHS GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY ADVANCES TO REGION, STATE
The Texas City High School girls’ cross country team made history with the entire team advancing to regionals for the first time. A huge congratulations to Emily Perez, who punched her ticket to the UIL State Meet! Runners included Bethany Barker, Eliana
Carrizales, Alayana Gerhardt, Rosy Lerma, Emily Perez and Abigail Rivas.
NINE SINGING STINGS SELECTED FOR REGION
Our talented Singing Stings recently participated in the Region round of the TMEA All State process and nine students earned a spot in the Region 17 Choirs! TCHS will be represented in the Tenor-Bass, Treble and Mixed Choirs. A special shout-out to Jake Chapman and James Torres, who both advanced to Pre-Area and will have the opportunity to audition for the Texas All-State Choir! Bravo to their directors, Alex Musgrove and Michael Skarke, and their private teachers, Marcy Talley and Antonio Adame, for their incredible guidance and support!.
p CHOIRS COME TOGETHER FOR DISTRICT FESTIVAL
What a spectacular celebration of music at the TCISD Choir Festival! Levi Fry Intermediate, Blocker Middle School, Giles Middle School, LMHS and TCHS each performed beautifully then joined together for one powerful finale as a united TCISD choir. We’re so proud of our talented students and directors for showcasing the joy of music and community!
Find out more happenings in TCISD at www.tcisd.org/news.
Download the calendar from our website at www.tcisd.org/calendar.
OUR BOARD
DUTIES OF THE BOARD
The policies established by the board, acting as a body, are executed by the administration of the schools. Trustees adopt a budget, which is necessary to maintain and operate the schools, levy taxes to support the budget and submit bond issues to the district’s community to finance construction projects. The board also appoints the superintendent as its chief executive officer.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
Regular meetings are scheduled
on the second Tuesday of each month and are held in the board room of the Simpson Education Support Center, 1700 Ninth Avenue N., in Texas City.
Board meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise designated. When necessary, the board schedules other public meetings — special meetings, emergency meetings, study sessions and work sessions — to conduct additional business and for in-depth study of programs and issues.
DISTRICT 1
Melba Anderson
DISTRICT 2
Mable Pratt
DISTRICT 3 Nakisha Paul
DISTRICT 4 Lori Carnes
DISTRICT 5 David Moss
DISTRICT 6
Amber Prouty AT-LARGE Randy Dietel
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA) requires school districts to notify parents, students, faculty and employees annually of the presence of asbestos in the facilities and to inform them of how it is managed. The act also requires that a management plan be written and approved by the Texas Department of Health. Copies of TCISD’s approved management plan are available in the TCISD Business Office, the Maintenance Department and individual schools. For more information, contact the TCISD Maintenance Department at 409-916-0141.
