Meadows Elementary School joined schools across the country Monday in an event called Rock Your School that embraces creative, out of the box learning. Read about and see photos of all the fun: https://www.killeenisd.org/article/3171681
✨ Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Maria Calderon-Lanzot
For Rancier Middle School Parent Liaison Maria Calderon-Lanzot, Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of culture, family and the opportunity to make a difference.
Maria says her heritage is a source of pride and joy, but also something that connects her to a larger community.
“To me, Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration, a source of joy, and an opportunity to grow, make a difference and, whenever possible, leave a lasting mark.”
In her role as a parent liaison, Maria helps build connections between families and schools, and she says being recognized and valued matters far beyond any one person.
“Thank you, KISD, because when you recognize me, you recognize us all.”
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re proud to celebrate the people, stories and experiences that make up #WeAreKISD.
📸 KISD students and staff, we want to share your story, too! Tell us what Hispanic heritage means to you and how it has shaped your perspective, goals or career path.
Submit your photo and reflection here:
https://forms.gle/oUqM9eZDFRYRG3Zt8
#HispanicHeritageMonth #WeAreKISD
For Rancier Middle School Parent Liaison Maria Calderon-Lanzot, Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of culture, family and the opportunity to make a difference.
Maria says her heritage is a source of pride and joy, but also something that connects her to a larger community.
“To me, Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration, a source of joy, and an opportunity to grow, make a difference and, whenever possible, leave a lasting mark.”
In her role as a parent liaison, Maria helps build connections between families and schools, and she says being recognized and valued matters far beyond any one person.
“Thank you, KISD, because when you recognize me, you recognize us all.”
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re proud to celebrate the people, stories and experiences that make up #WeAreKISD.
📸 KISD students and staff, we want to share your story, too! Tell us what Hispanic heritage means to you and how it has shaped your perspective, goals or career path.
Submit your photo and reflection here:
https://forms.gle/oUqM9eZDFRYRG3Zt8
#HispanicHeritageMonth #WeAreKISD
✨ Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Veronica Flete
For Hay Branch Elementary teacher Veronica Flete, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the Panamanian culture, traditions and roots that have shaped who she is. 🇵🇦
Veronica is proud of her Panamanian heritage and the blend of influences within her own family history, including her Spanish and Chinese roots.
That sense of pride also shapes the classroom she works to create for her students.
“I want my students to understand that their culture, language, traditions, and background are strengths to be celebrated. No matter where they come from or what their heritage looks like, I want every child to feel proud of who they are and know that their story matters.”
For Veronica, celebrating heritage is also about building understanding. By encouraging students to learn about and share their own cultures, she hopes to create a classroom where every child feels seen, respected and valued.
📸 KISD students and staff, we want to share your story, too! Tell us what Hispanic heritage means to you and how it has shaped your perspective, goals or career path.
Submit your photo and reflection here:
https://forms.gle/oUqM9eZDFRYRG3Zt8
#HispanicHeritageMonth #WeAreKISD
For Hay Branch Elementary teacher Veronica Flete, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the Panamanian culture, traditions and roots that have shaped who she is. 🇵🇦
Veronica is proud of her Panamanian heritage and the blend of influences within her own family history, including her Spanish and Chinese roots.
That sense of pride also shapes the classroom she works to create for her students.
“I want my students to understand that their culture, language, traditions, and background are strengths to be celebrated. No matter where they come from or what their heritage looks like, I want every child to feel proud of who they are and know that their story matters.”
For Veronica, celebrating heritage is also about building understanding. By encouraging students to learn about and share their own cultures, she hopes to create a classroom where every child feels seen, respected and valued.
📸 KISD students and staff, we want to share your story, too! Tell us what Hispanic heritage means to you and how it has shaped your perspective, goals or career path.
Submit your photo and reflection here:
https://forms.gle/oUqM9eZDFRYRG3Zt8
#HispanicHeritageMonth #WeAreKISD
🎨✨#celebratingsuccess: Congratulations to four incredible KISD artists whose work was selected for the 2026 txEDCON Exhibition, presented by the Texas Art Education Association!
Kamara Cruse, Killeen High School
Nayeli Waggoner, Harker Heights High School
Emilia Jimenez Marrero, C.E. Ellison High School
Myrnaliz Resto Cintron, Chaparral High School
📸 See the full photo album: www.killeenisd.org/photos
📰 Read the full story: https://www.killeenisd.org/article/3167576
#weAREKISD 💛
✨ Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Sarah Hernandez
For Robert M. Shoemaker High School student Sarah Hernandez, whose family is Salvadoran, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the hard work, sacrifice and resilience that have shaped her future. 🇸🇻
Growing up, Sarah saw firsthand how much her parents worked and sacrificed to create opportunities for her. Their example inspired her to push herself and choose a path centered on service.
“Now, as I get ready to go into the U.S. Air Force, I’m proud to carry their legacy with me and prove that all their hard work was worth it.”
Currently participating in JROTC, Sarah says her family’s perseverance continues to motivate her as she prepares for the next chapter.
📸 KISD students and staff, we want to share your story, too! Tell us what Hispanic heritage means to you and how it has shaped your perspective, goals or career path.
Submit your photo and reflection here:
https://forms.gle/oUqM9eZDFRYRG3Zt8
#HispanicHeritageMonth #WeAreKISD
For Robert M. Shoemaker High School student Sarah Hernandez, whose family is Salvadoran, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the hard work, sacrifice and resilience that have shaped her future. 🇸🇻
Growing up, Sarah saw firsthand how much her parents worked and sacrificed to create opportunities for her. Their example inspired her to push herself and choose a path centered on service.
“Now, as I get ready to go into the U.S. Air Force, I’m proud to carry their legacy with me and prove that all their hard work was worth it.”
Currently participating in JROTC, Sarah says her family’s perseverance continues to motivate her as she prepares for the next chapter.
📸 KISD students and staff, we want to share your story, too! Tell us what Hispanic heritage means to you and how it has shaped your perspective, goals or career path.
Submit your photo and reflection here:
https://forms.gle/oUqM9eZDFRYRG3Zt8
#HispanicHeritageMonth #WeAreKISD
Killeen ISD parents and guardians: Make sure you don’t miss important district and school updates sent by text message. If you previously opted out of SMS messages, text the word START to the number 98900 from the phone number listed in your child’s file to opt back in today!
Killeen ISD students in grades 9–12 and their families are invited to our next College & Career Planning Series session on Tuesday, October 6.
We’ll cover the FAFSA, the first step toward accessing many types of financial aid. Families will learn why the FAFSA is important and get an overview of how to complete it.
If college is in your student’s future, understanding financial aid is an important part of the plan!
Location: Killeen ISD Career Center, 1320 Stagecoach Dr., Killeen, TX 76542
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
Presentation: 6:00 PM | Q&A: 7:00–7:30 PM
Free for Killeen ISD students and families!
We’ll cover the FAFSA, the first step toward accessing many types of financial aid. Families will learn why the FAFSA is important and get an overview of how to complete it.
If college is in your student’s future, understanding financial aid is an important part of the plan!
Location: Killeen ISD Career Center, 1320 Stagecoach Dr., Killeen, TX 76542
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
Presentation: 6:00 PM | Q&A: 7:00–7:30 PM
Free for Killeen ISD students and families!
✨ Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Gigi Alvarez
For Trimmier Elementary counselor Gigi Alvarez, Hispanic Heritage Month is about preserving the traditions, language and memories that connect her to her Mexican heritage. 🇲🇽
From playing Lotería and celebrating Día de los Muertos to speaking Spanglish at home and making family recipes, Gigi says the everyday pieces of her culture have become especially meaningful as she works to pass them on to her children.
“I don’t want our traditions, stories, and culture to end with me. I want my children to carry these pieces of our culture with them and one day share them with their own families.”
Her heritage also shapes the counselor she is today. As a bilingual school counselor, Gigi values being able to connect with Spanish-speaking students and families in their own language and being someone her students can see themselves in.
“To me, Hispanic Heritage Month is about being proud of where I come from and making sure the next generation never forgets who they are, de dónde vienen, and just how special that is!”
📸 KISD students and staff, we want to share your story, too! Tell us what Hispanic heritage means to you and how it has shaped your perspective, goals or career path.
Submit your photo and reflection here:
https://forms.gle/oUqM9eZDFRYRG3Zt8
#HispanicHeritageMonth #WeAreKISD
For Trimmier Elementary counselor Gigi Alvarez, Hispanic Heritage Month is about preserving the traditions, language and memories that connect her to her Mexican heritage. 🇲🇽
From playing Lotería and celebrating Día de los Muertos to speaking Spanglish at home and making family recipes, Gigi says the everyday pieces of her culture have become especially meaningful as she works to pass them on to her children.
“I don’t want our traditions, stories, and culture to end with me. I want my children to carry these pieces of our culture with them and one day share them with their own families.”
Her heritage also shapes the counselor she is today. As a bilingual school counselor, Gigi values being able to connect with Spanish-speaking students and families in their own language and being someone her students can see themselves in.
“To me, Hispanic Heritage Month is about being proud of where I come from and making sure the next generation never forgets who they are, de dónde vienen, and just how special that is!”
📸 KISD students and staff, we want to share your story, too! Tell us what Hispanic heritage means to you and how it has shaped your perspective, goals or career path.
Submit your photo and reflection here:
https://forms.gle/oUqM9eZDFRYRG3Zt8
#HispanicHeritageMonth #WeAreKISD
Killeen ISD livestock students gathered at Shoemaker High School Monday for leadership lessons directed by student peers serving as state FFA officers. See our story and photos here: https://www.killeenisd.org/article/3157140
Calling all parents/guardians of young scholars in grades 3–6! Applications are now open for Killeen ISD’s Y.E.S.! (Young Engaged Scholars) Program for the 2026–2027 school year.
Students will explore science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math through monthly STREAM Saturdays, arts integration, field-based learning and more!
Sessions begin in October
Applications are due Friday, Oct. 9
Apply today: https://forms.killeenisd.org/Forms/YES
Learn more: https://www.killeenisd.org/page/yes-program
Students will explore science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math through monthly STREAM Saturdays, arts integration, field-based learning and more!
Sessions begin in October
Applications are due Friday, Oct. 9
Apply today: https://forms.killeenisd.org/Forms/YES
Learn more: https://www.killeenisd.org/page/yes-program
✨ Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Minerva Cotton
For Patterson Middle School Campus Instructional Specialist Minerva Cotton, Hispanic Heritage Month is about celebrating the culture, traditions and values that have shaped her life.
Family is at the heart of that story. One of Minerva’s most treasured memories is traveling to Puerto Rico last May to celebrate her abuela’s 100th birthday, a milestone that reminded her of the strength, love and legacy passed from one generation to the next. 🇵🇷
Her heritage also fuels her passion for supporting Emergent Bilingual students.
“I want to honor language and culture as assets and help students feel valued, confident and proud of who they are.”
Whether it is sharing arroz con pollo, enjoying music, dancing a little merengue or carrying forward the lessons of her family, Minerva says her heritage continues to shape how she leads with compassion, celebrates diversity and empowers others to embrace their own stories.
📸 KISD students and staff, we want to share your story, too! Tell us what Hispanic heritage means to you and how it has shaped your perspective, goals or career path.
Submit your photo and reflection here:
https://forms.gle/oUqM9eZDFRYRG3Zt8
For Patterson Middle School Campus Instructional Specialist Minerva Cotton, Hispanic Heritage Month is about celebrating the culture, traditions and values that have shaped her life.
Family is at the heart of that story. One of Minerva’s most treasured memories is traveling to Puerto Rico last May to celebrate her abuela’s 100th birthday, a milestone that reminded her of the strength, love and legacy passed from one generation to the next. 🇵🇷
Her heritage also fuels her passion for supporting Emergent Bilingual students.
“I want to honor language and culture as assets and help students feel valued, confident and proud of who they are.”
Whether it is sharing arroz con pollo, enjoying music, dancing a little merengue or carrying forward the lessons of her family, Minerva says her heritage continues to shape how she leads with compassion, celebrates diversity and empowers others to embrace their own stories.
📸 KISD students and staff, we want to share your story, too! Tell us what Hispanic heritage means to you and how it has shaped your perspective, goals or career path.
Submit your photo and reflection here:
https://forms.gle/oUqM9eZDFRYRG3Zt8
Trimmier Elementary School is one of the many Killeen ISD campuses embracing Hispanic culture this month with song, dance and other performance. See photos of their big celebration Friday: https://www.killeenisd.org/article/3153534
Harker Heights High School conducted a Quinceanera hallway parade with several students wearing their traditional dresses and other students participating with other cultural attire during Hispanic Heritage Month. https://www.killeenisd.org/article/3151105
Operation Show Up! is happening Thursday, Sept. 24, and Killeen ISD families are invited to join us for an evening focused on attendance, family fun and some BIG prizes! 🎉
Test your attendance knowledge in our Kahoot Challenge for a chance to win some great prizes!
PLUS door prizes throughout the event!
Thursday, Sept. 24
5–6:30 p.m.
Jackson Professional Learning Center
902 Rev. R.A. Abercrombie Dr., Killeen, TX
Bring the kids and come SHOW UP! 🙌
#AttendanceMatters #weAREKISD 💛
Test your attendance knowledge in our Kahoot Challenge for a chance to win some great prizes!
PLUS door prizes throughout the event!
Thursday, Sept. 24
5–6:30 p.m.
Jackson Professional Learning Center
902 Rev. R.A. Abercrombie Dr., Killeen, TX
Bring the kids and come SHOW UP! 🙌
#AttendanceMatters #weAREKISD 💛
AP Exam Registration for Home-Schooled Students
Killeen ISD will administer AP exams May 3–14, 2027. Home-schooled students who would like to take an AP exam through Killeen ISD must complete the following steps:
Complete the AP Exam Application: https://aptg.co/h5vjnF
Submit the completed application to Jennifer.Roden@killeenisd.org.
Submit payment: https://kisd.myschoolcentral.com
The application and payment must both be received by October 31, 2026, to secure exam registration and avoid a late fee.
For questions or additional information, email Advanced.Academics@killeenisd.org.
Killeen ISD will administer AP exams May 3–14, 2027. Home-schooled students who would like to take an AP exam through Killeen ISD must complete the following steps:
Complete the AP Exam Application: https://aptg.co/h5vjnF
Submit the completed application to Jennifer.Roden@killeenisd.org.
Submit payment: https://kisd.myschoolcentral.com
The application and payment must both be received by October 31, 2026, to secure exam registration and avoid a late fee.
For questions or additional information, email Advanced.Academics@killeenisd.org.
In a festival of fine arts talent and commitment Killeen ISD's five high school bands and 10 middle school bands performed Saturday in a magnificent 48th annual Spirit Spectacular at Leo Buckley Stadium. Read about the excitement and see the photos: https://www.killeenisd.org/article/3141030
🎉 Help us celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing your story!
From Now until Oct. 15, Killeen ISD is celebrating the voices, experiences and traditions that make our community stronger.
We’re inviting KISD students and staff members to submit a photo and a short reflection about what Hispanic heritage means to you. Tell us about the traditions, people, experiences or values that have shaped who you are, how you see the world or the path you’re pursuing.
Your story could be featured on KISD social media throughout Hispanic Heritage Month!
📸 Submit your photo and reflection here:
https://forms.gle/oUqM9eZDFRYRG3Zt8
We can’t wait to celebrate the stories that shape our district! #weAREKISD 💛
From Now until Oct. 15, Killeen ISD is celebrating the voices, experiences and traditions that make our community stronger.
We’re inviting KISD students and staff members to submit a photo and a short reflection about what Hispanic heritage means to you. Tell us about the traditions, people, experiences or values that have shaped who you are, how you see the world or the path you’re pursuing.
Your story could be featured on KISD social media throughout Hispanic Heritage Month!
📸 Submit your photo and reflection here:
https://forms.gle/oUqM9eZDFRYRG3Zt8
We can’t wait to celebrate the stories that shape our district! #weAREKISD 💛
In high schools across Killeen ISD and the state, students who are eligible are registering to vote in time for the mid-term elections this November. Read more about efforts to inform students about the privilege of voting: https://www.killeenisd.org/article/3131827
Meadows Elementary School joined many others across the world Tuesday embracing International Dot Day that celebrates creativity, imagination and courage. Read more here https://www.killeenisd.org/article/3131144
A group of special grandparent volunteers took time to read to children at Maude Moore Wood Elementary School Monday, a day after Grandparents Day. Thanks to all of our volunteer grandparents! https://www.killeenisd.org/article/3128403
