Guided by Samuel Clemens High School students, these hands-on experiences sparked curiosity and built connections across grade levels. Funded by a generous SCUC Education Foundation grant, the expos provided equipment and supplies that brought real-world science into classrooms, laying the groundwork for future STEM success.
The initiative began at Paschal on October 28, continued at Wilder on November 19, and concluded at Corbett on December 10. With plans to return in the spring featuring new stations and activities, SCUC continues to foster a culture of inquiry, innovation, and mentorship that inspires lifelong learning.
#Purpose
#People
#Partnerships
#WeAreSCUC
SCUC celebrates its educators, specialists and support staff who work to ensure every student has access to a quality education. Ms. Jones-Fox and Ms. Miller at Dobie Junior High School are just two of the dedicated teachers who impart their love and knowledge of science to provide equitable opportunities. Coach Harper and Ms. Achtenberg also deserve recognition for their inclusion work in P.E., thoughtfully pairing special-education students—including those with Down syndrome—with their peers in the school’s PALS program.
Similarly, at Green Valley Elementary School, Ms. Benson, a first-grade teacher, helps create an inviting, inclusive environment, adjusting to meet individual needs.
Through the partnerships with students, parents, specialists and educators, we honor National Special Education Day and its meaning - valuing our Purpose and People to help every child reach their full potential.
#WeAreSCUC
#YouBelongHere
Parades, concerts, and most of all, thank-yous, were the focus of campus Veterans Day observances throughout SCUC leading up to the observance on November 11th. Processions were held through the halls of some campuses; students beamed with pride as they walked with parents, grandparents and other family members who currently serve or have served in the United States military.
Meanwhile, Samuel Clemens High School Air Force and Byron P. Steele High School JROTC cadets led the yearly observance at their respective campuses. Family members, many of them military-connected, watched as school choirs paid tribute to their guests with patriotic songs and expressions of gratitude for their service.
Veterans Day, first recognized as Armistice Day after World War I, reminds us of the men and women who serve to protect the nation from enemies, foreign and domestic. They trade comfort for duty, endure long deployments, often to volatile locales around the world. These sacrifices are felt by the service members themselves, and by their families at home.
SCUC is grateful and proud to be a military-connected school district, with approximately 40 percent of its enrollment tied to current or former military veterans. We express our deepest thanks for those who volunteer to serve to keep our nation safe and free.
Congratulations to:
• Ashley Nieves, Dobie Junior High
• Stephanie Pemelton, Green Valley Elementary
Each recipient received $500 in DonorsChoose gift cards to support classroom projects and three tickets to the 2025 Valero Alamo Bowl.
Thank you to the Valero Alamo Bowl for recognizing the meaningful work happening in our schools and supporting teachers who go above and beyond for students.
#ExtraYardForTeachers #WeAreSCUC
The 2016 Bond significantly upgraded Clemens’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Fine Arts programs. Amy Massey, CTE Director, showcased the 5,000+ square-foot culinary arts kitchen, operational since 2018, noting, “When they did the bond, they did this space right.” The J-wing, housing programs like Agriculture, STEM/Robotics, and a greenhouse, further demonstrated these advancements. However, Massey pointed out that Steele’s single cooking space pales in comparison to Clemens’ five, underscoring inequities.
Fine Arts also flourished post-2016 Bond, with the Performing Arts Center (PAC), modern choir rooms, and ample storage transforming Clemens’ program. Beth Bronk, SCUC Fine Arts Director, praised the PAC as a vast improvement over the “dark and dingy” old auditorium, and highlighted the district’s only dedicated Orchestra space at Clemens. CAC member Kimberly Steindorf remarked, “It’s interesting to see the differences of other schools and it’s great to see we are ahead in certain areas.”
Despite these gains, athletic facilities at Clemens and across SCUC lag behind. Athletic Director Scott Lehnhoff described the stadium’s cramped concessions as a “mosh pit,” with inadequate seating for 6A games and outdated 1966 lightpoles unfit for LED upgrades. The weight room, unchanged since Lehnhoff’s student days in the 1990s, and the mold-prone varsity locker room highlight the need for modernization. CAC member Melva Rivera Perez emphasized, “The priority should be our kids and providing them with the facilities that they need.”
Four members of the Samuel Clemens High School football team have been selected to take part in the San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game, presented by Valero - which will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026 in the Alamodome at 5:30 p.m.
Aszir Cumby, Cumby, safety; Kameron Hoosier, defensive line; Christopher Aikman, punter; and Christian Dupree, receiver, will represent the Buffs as part of Team Blue. Dupree will be unable to compete due to an injury.
It is the 48th anniversary of the game, in which the greater San Antonio-area's top players take part with the opportunity to impress college scouts with potential college scholarships to offer.
Reserved tickets for the San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game ($30) will go on sale on November 3rd and it will also be broadcast on The CW35 and 94.1 FM/1250 AM radio.
The game also follows the All-American Bowl, which kicks off at 12:30 p.m. in the Alamodome.
Three members of the Byron P. Steele High School football team have been selected to take part in the San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game, presented by Valero - which will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026 in the Alamodome at 5:30 p.m.
Pryce McClanahan, offensive lineman; Pearce Kempe, safety; and Micah Sheeler, wide receiver, will represent the Knights as part of Team White.
It is the 48th anniversary of the game, in which the greater San Antonio-area's top players take part with the opportunity to impress college scouts with potential college scholarships to offer.
Reserved tickets for the San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game ($30) will go on sale on November 3rd and it will also be broadcast on The CW35 and 94.1 FM/1250 AM radio.
The game also follows the All-American Bowl, which kicks off at 12:30 p.m. in the Alamodome.
Aging infrastructure, mismatched furniture, dimly lit hallways, and playgrounds past their prime were among the concerns observed by members of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) during a facilities bus tour on October 8, 2025. The two-bus caravan visited Dobie Junior High School, Wilder Intermediate School, and Watts Elementary School to inspect buildings that may be considered for improvement through a possible bond in May 2025.
One bus, led by Superintendent Paige Meloni and Deanna Jackson, Executive Director of Communications and Community Relations, toured Wilder, Watts, and Dobie. The second bus, led by Kelly Kovacs, Assistant Superintendent, and JD Mosley, Chief Operations Officer, began its route at Dobie—originally built in 1974 and last renovated in 2015.
At Dobie, participants observed limited and repurposed athletic spaces, including old locker rooms and shower areas, a grass field in poor condition, classrooms without windows, and a cafeteria with a patchwork of tile and terrazzo flooring.
“It was never expected to have a weight room,” said Mosley, referring to Dobie’s transition from an intermediate to a junior high campus. “So where do we find a space? An old locker room with a shower—and here we are.”
SCUC Athletic Director Scott Lehnhoff guided the group through Dobie’s athletic facilities, noting the challenges students face. “Notice between the hashes,” he said, pointing toward the field. “There are dips and holes—lots of ankle-twisters. It could definitely use some work.”
Participants also toured classrooms currently serving as choir and orchestra spaces, which are smaller and less equipped than those at other secondary campuses. Behind the main building, the area between the campus and portables is humorously nicknamed “Lake Dobie,” as heavy rains often make it impassable between class periods.
“Some of these buildings aren’t up to code anymore, and they’re ugly,” said Karissa Tidwell, CAC member and third-grade teacher at Paschal Elementary. “Our kids deserve great learning spaces—not just for academics but for extracurriculars, too. We need to foster that.”
At Wilder Intermediate School, built in 1996 with an additional wing added in 2015, committee members noted narrow hallways, outdated restrooms, and cramped learning spaces. The campus currently uses a portable for choir and a small orchestra room with limited storage. The library still features its original mini blinds from nearly 30 years ago.
“I had no idea these schools were so outdated,” said Yessica Marks, whose children attend Rose Garden Elementary (opened in 2018) and Corbett Junior High (opened in 2009). While acknowledging that a bond could bring a tax increase, Marks said she understands the importance of modern, functional facilities. “We want them to have air conditioning that works, no leaks, and furniture that’s not falling apart.”
The final stop was Watts Elementary, which opened in 1999. Many of the same issues seen at Dobie and Wilder were present, along with aging playground equipment that’s now more than 26 years old. A unique feature of the campus—known by staff as the “hot breezeway”—serves as the only access point for grounds crews to reach the courtyard to mow.
“We want our students and families to feel proud of the schools they attend,” said Tidwell. “We’re doing the best we can, but there’s a lot that can be done to make every building the best it can be.”
October is Principals’ Month—a time to honor the dedicated leaders at SCUC who serve as the heart of our schools. Principals are more than administrators; they are mentors, motivators, and visionaries who shape the culture of learning and growth on their campuses. They are multipliers of excellence, change and continuous improvement. Additionally, their leadership fosters safe, inclusive environments where students thrive and teachers feel supported. Principals help build the foundation for academic success and personal development.
The work of a principal often begins before the first bell rings and continues long after the last student leaves. They memorize student names. They attend every athletic event, PTC meeting, every science fair and every concert.
They manage budgets, hire and guide staff, oversee operations, and respond to the needs of students and families—all while maintaining high standards for teaching and learning. Their days can be filled with countless challenges and responsibilities - yet they show up with resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to their school community.
As SCUC celebrates Principals’ Month, let us recognize the incredible impact these leaders have—both seen and unseen. Their dedication shapes futures, strengthens communities, and inspires excellence in every corner of the school. Please take a moment to thank the individuals who lead with heart and purpose, help make our district THE destination district for the SCUC community.
PHOTO - front row, from left to right: Julie Hardy, Cibolo Valley ES; Trina Simmons, Green Valley ES; Steven Piles, Watts ES; Ashley Hawk, Wiederstein ES; and Leana Smoot, Rose Garden ES.
Back row, from left to right: Debra Rebec, DAEP; Michael Gonzales, Clemens HS; Justin Linthicum, Steele HS; Phil Jackson, Wilder Intermediate; Justin Monk, Jordan Intermediate; James Butler, Schlather Intermediate; Allison Miller, Paschal ES; Windi Hughes, Dobie JHS; Stacy McWilliams, Corbett JHS; Mikie Keough, Sippel ES; and Joey Treviño, Allison L. Steele ELC.
Not pictured: Geri Pope, Schertz ES
Transparency and a comprehensive needs assessment were the touchpoints from the second SCUC Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting held on September 24, 2025. The group, composed of a diverse mix of parents, educators, business owners and civic leaders, is charged with developing recommendations for a possible bond referendum in May of 2026 to present to SCUC ISD Board Trustees by December.
Paige Meloni, SCUC Superintendent of Schools, thanked the CAC for its participation and the thoughtful questions posed from the meeting on September 10, including the impact of inflation on current construction costs.
Meeting number two provided a deeper dive into the needs of every district facility, with insight provided on greatest priorities, capacity and financial implications, including budget constraints impacting modernization efforts. To that end, CAC members heard about the district’s bonding capacity for any potential referendum - the maximum amount of money SCUC can legally borrow to upgrade facilities.
This forum added a layer of information and understanding from the first gathering when CAC members were introduced to SCUC’s demographics, school finance, and the planning timeline. It is part of the process of having CAC members gain a better understanding of the scope of the work needed to upgrade campuses and other facilities.
“I would compliment the district on how in-depth and thorough it is on looking at all the campuses individually to make sure we have all the information before we make any decisions,” said Amy Trifilio, a district employee who currently has one child attending SCUC schools.
Jennifer Hegwer, who also has children attending district campuses, praised the district for approaching the needs in totality, addressing the aesthetics of buildings as well as the infrastructure needs such as HVAC may not be readily apparent to community members.
“I’m usually the glass half full type of person, but honestly, it is very overwhelming to see what the district needs. I feel like we’re very significantly behind,” said Hegwer.
The bi-weekly meetings will continue on Wednesday, October 8 with a bus tour of district facilities arranged to get a firsthand look at a cross section of the aging district facilities.
Learn more about the Community Advisory Committee and view the presentation from the first meeting here: Community Advisory Page.
These students exemplify commitment, professionalism and teamwork, ensuring their respective athletes are prepared and supported both on and off the field.
Representatives from Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and University Health were on hand to celebrate the two staffs, presenting each program with a $500 check for their continued excellence and impact within their athletic communities.
The Clemens HS student trainers are under the direction of Crystal Saunders and Marissa Rios. Diedra Schwertner and Kley Culberson lead the student training staff at Steele HS.
#WeAreSCUC
#YouBelongHere
The presentation was made in the school auditorium prior to the campus teacher and staff meeting. They were there to listen to a Prop A discussion from Paige Meloni, SCUC ISD Superintendent of Schools.
Steele received a $500 check, with Mr. Botello being given the discretion on how the finds will be used. Congratulations Mr. Botello!
#WeAreSCUC
#YouBelongHere
DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) is the career and technical organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management at high schools such as Clemens and Steele as well as colleges around the globe.
“We appreciate the help,” said Andrew Martorelli, who spoke on behalf of the DECA students at Steele HS. The senior added, “We look forward to working with you because some of the students in our organization need opportunities to work with small businesses.”
“The money is greatly appreciated,” said Jake Voos, junior at Clemens HS. “We’ll put it to good use and thank you for your support.”
We would like to thank the sponsors of the Chamber Bowl for their partnership with SCUC and the DECA programs: Caterpillar, Frost Bank, Schertz Cibolo Emergency Clinic, Dunkin’, Blue Bonnet Palace, Community First Health Plans, The City of Selma, The City of Schertz, The City of Cibolo, The Chamber and Santikos Entertainment. We also extend our appreciation to the businesses that directly donated to DECA: Scooter’s Coffee, Rescue Pets of San Antonio, and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.
Team sponsors include: Audi North Park, Absolute Rentals, Delgado Realty Group, Embrace Orthodontics, Hope Hospice, Landa Eye Center, Mercedes Benz-Selma, Nate Obregon State Farm, Northeast Lakeview College, Pilgrim Mortgage, Radiant Roofing, Retama Park, SCUC Education Foundation, South Texas Radiology Imaging Center and Structure Tone/Chamber Toastmasters.
Somber observances of the September 11, 2001 attacks were held at various SCUC campuses in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 people who perished that fateful day. Samuel Clemens High School and Byron P. Steele High School held their respective observances - both led by the school’s JROTC cadets with assistance from the band and choir.
Paschal Elementary School also held its yearly observance, with student-led speeches and songs of hope and unity.
#WeAreSCUC
#NeverForget
“It’s a process to pull people together and make an impact for the future,” Meloni said.
Maggie Titterington, President of The Chamber and an original member of the CAC when it was founded in 2013, was impressed with the meeting’s clarity and precision.
“They’ve made it very concise of why, and the cost,” she said, adding, “They’ve already answered the questions before we’ve asked them.”
CAC members were introduced to the SCUC demographics, public school finance and the planning timeline leading up to a potential bond referendum in May of 2026.
“It’s a great step to see what we can do for our schools,” said Joanne Parker, mother of a student at Jordan Intermediate School. “How can we give back to our community?”
Justin Archibold, the parent of a student at Byron P. Steele, husband to an SCUC teacher and a band booster, is uniquely qualified to see the CAC’s mission from all sides. “We’re going to be hearing of the district's challenges when it comes to facilities, equipment and personnel,” he said. “We’ll be able to communicate that to the community.”
Upcoming meetings will include facility tours, needs assessment and deliberations. The Community Advisory Committee is tasked with making a final recommendation to the SCUC Board of Trustees in December.
Reels plans on using the money to attend Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, with dreams of a career in sports journalism. Congratulations!
#WeAreSCUC
#YouBelongHere
