December 2020
Iola Independent School District
Fall Semester
There is a quote by Desmond Tutu, a South African Anglican cleric and theologian, that states, "God's dream is that you and I and all of us will realize that we are family. That we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion.”
I am reminded of this quote when I think about what it has taken to get through these past nine month while facing a global pandemic. Everyone has come together to work and fight for what's best for the kids of Iola ISD, and I want to say thank you to the entire community for all the support and understanding you've shown our district. As a district and community, we can achieve anything we set our minds to when we come together as one family.
Despite all the obstacles COVID-19 has thrown as us, it is still a great day to be a Bulldog. Our current enrollment is as follows: Elementary = 298 , Secondary =234 . This is such a blessing and a true testimony to the strength of this community. Many districts across the state are suffering significant decreases in the enrollment. Iola ISD is not! Despite all the challenges we've faced, our kids are still growing and learning each day, and that's due to the wonderful support they receive both at home and at school.
Thank you again for your support. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
Random Acts of Kindness
Each year, Mrs. Smith's English classes does a Random Act of Kindness project. We are always so encouraged by this, so as our gift to you, we are sharing their experiences (in the form of poetry) with you. I hope this lifts your spirits going into the holiday!
Merry Christmas to you all!
Christmas Around the World
Thank you Mrs. Gustavus. Great job 4th graders. Your projects turned out great!
Grimes County and City of Iola Proclamation
On Wednesday, December 16th County Judge Joe Fauth and the Grimes County Commissioners Court passed a proclamation declaring Friday, December 18, 2020 as Iola Lady Bulldog Volleyball Day in Grimes County. Judge Fauth visited our Secondary School Friday to present the Lady Bulldogs with their Proclamation.
Mayor Stover and City Counselman Curtis Darby were also here to present the city proclamation. Way to go Lady Bulldogs.
Playoff Streak Alive and Well
Multiplication Fact Speed Club
Once a student mastered a group of facts under 45 seconds, they joined the Multiplication Fact Speed Club and were allowed to challenge a teacher in a round of Beat The Teacher.
Thank you Mrs. Rice, and thank you to all the teachers that accepted challenges. The kids enjoyed this activities, and it was math...
District Finances
Congratulation to our Business Office for a "100" on our FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) rating and on another excellent audit. Thank you for all your hard work. We truly appreciate everything you do.
The district's current unassigned fund balance (savings) is $1,869,874. Our assigned fund balance (designated savings) is $811,139, which will be used for special projects such as replacing the high school gym floor.
Employee Retention Stipend
The district has been working towards this for over two years now, and the timing could not have been more perfect.
A thank you to former board members Mike McDougald, Luke Bradicich and Danny Lemley for the hard work they put in to get the district's finance to this level. We also thank our new board members Coach Cunningham and Alec Pointer for giving the final votes to allow us to achieve this goal. An additional thank you to Jason Gooch, Tammy Harvey, Scot Nevill, Carolyn Mallett, and Red Evans for seeing this project through from beginning to end.
Thank you again Iola ISD for working hard to meet the needs of all our kids.
Maddi's Fridge Food Drive - Supporting the Iola Food Pantry
The Iola Bulldog Band
Thank you for marching in the Veteran's Day Parade, supporting the football team leading the way for our volleyball team sendoffs.
We wish you the best of luck in the Bedias and Iola Christmas parades.
Keep up the good work. You're doing a great job.
Veteran's Day Parade

Congratulations to Carson Carter
Carson was also elected District FFA President, where he represents and directs the FFA chapters of 19 area schools and conducts all of the district FFA events. We're proud of you Carson. Keep up the good work.
Area FFA LDE
Capitalism in Agriculture
Friendship Feast 2020
NHS Induction
Fighting Cancer
Dave says Susan's number continue to improve and they are very thankful for all the prayers and support.
Hang in there Susan! We love you guys.
