Hello Bulldog Nation.

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.

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!

Our 4th grade ELA class spent a week in the computer lab researching holiday foods, decorations, and traditions from other countries around the world. They learned what that country calls Santa and how to say Merry Christmas in that county's language. They also shared any legends or tales that country had about Santa.

Thank you Mrs. Gustavus. Great job 4th graders. Your projects turned out great!

Congratulations Lady Bulldogs!

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.

Congratulations to Coach Kerry Bamburg, his amazing coaching staff and our Bulldog football team. They wrapped up another successful season with their ninth straight playoff appearance. Great job gentlemen. We are proud of the work you put in and the heart you showed throughout the 2020 season.

Way to go 4th Grade math!!!

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...

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.

We were so happy to show our appreciate to all our employees this month by giving everyone a $750 Employee Retention Stipend (Christmas Bonus) for all the hard work everyone has put in during some of the toughest times ever faced by public schools.

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.

Just before Thanksgiving, our first grade team guided their students in making deep and meaningful text-to-world connections. After reading Maddi's Fridge, the story of a little girl that makes the brave decision to help her best friend, the students discussed and decided that they too could make a difference in the lives of others! They made posters, brought and collected food for our very own, Iola Food Pantry. They then were able to deliver the food to Iola Missionary and learn about the Food Pantry and how it works.

Congratulation to our Bulldog Band on their Division II rating at UIL Region Marching BAnd Contest November 7th.

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.

A huge thank you to National Honor Society for helping Iola ISD show our appreciate to our past and present Service Members.

Carson was Grand Champion Charolais at the Whatacow Show November 21st. He was Breed Champion at Brazos Valley Fair.

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.

Congratulations to Sofia Willis for advancing to the Area FFA LDE contest that was held at Boling High School November 21st. Great job Sophia!

Wyatt Akers advanced to state in the Texas Farm Bureau Youth Speech Contest with his speech title "Capitalism in Agriculture". Way to go Wyatt! It's a great day to be a Bulldog!

Kindergarten had a friendship feast and their first author celebration Friday, November 20th. They also danced to the Turkey Tango and did the Turkey Hokey Pokey. A huge thank you to our Kindergarten teachers for keeping the Turkey Tango alive during COVID-19!

Wednesday, October 28th we proudly inducted twelve new members into the National Honor Society. What a monumental accomplishment for these students. Keep up the good work. We are so proud of each of you.

Susan and Dave Jordan have made it home from MD Anderson, and Susan is continuing to fight the good fight.

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.