Wiederstein Elementary experienced a heart‑lifting moment on Wednesday when the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation arrived on campus with an unforgettable surprise for first‑grader Carrigan Caston.
Surrounded by her classmates, Carrigan learned she will receive what many first‑graders dream about — a weeklong wish trip to Walt Disney World and other Orlando‑area theme parks.
Carrigan, a student in Mrs. Denise Trejo’s class, was joined for the announcement by her parents, Brittany Caston and U.S. Army Maj. Brian Caston, along with her three sisters. The moment carried special meaning for the family. Carrigan spent much of her kindergarten year learning from home while battling leukemia and returned to campus this year despite continuing treatments.
“It’s unbelievable — kind of hard to comprehend,” Maj. Caston said, fighting back emotion. “It’s not something we could have done without Make‑A‑Wish. This is a chance to celebrate, especially since she finishes her treatments in three months.”
To help mark the occasion, the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation treated Carrigan’s class to cupcakes, juice, and goodie bags, filling the room with festive balloons and smiles. Ashley Garcia, Director of Development, said every detail of the trip — including costs and travel logistics — will be covered through donations from Make‑A‑Wish supporters.
Among those visibly moved by the celebration was Jennifer Mills, who served as Carrigan’s homebound teacher last year. After finishing her own school day as a second‑grade teacher, Mills visited the Caston home to ensure Carrigan stayed connected to learning during treatment.
“It was an amazing experience,” Mills said. “I was welcomed into their home like a family member. There were good days and tough days depending on how Carrigan felt, and I feel very fortunate to have been part of her journey.”
The Caston family’s wish trip is scheduled for May 17–23.
Lorrie Housley, Education Foundation trustee, thanked each teacher as they emerged from their classrooms and presented them with a gift pass good for one free hour of bowling this week at the EVO Center. While she and principal Geri Pope were expressing their gratitude, Kim Klinge, another Education Foundation trustee, was busy placing new appliances in the school’s teacher lounge. Two microwave ovens, a smoothie maker, a toaster and a game-changing air fryer - donated by sponsors, now are part of the room’s amenities for teacher use.
“It means more than words can describe,” said Mrs. Pope. “The work that our teachers do is moving mountains, and to show appreciation on a consistent level - to show the connection - it means a lot to all of us.”
More gifts are forthcoming this week for teachers and staff at Schertz ES as Education Foundation sponsors will generously extend the “thank yous” in various forms. Trane Technologies will provide lunch, courtesy of Chick-Fil-A on Tuesday. First United Bank will cover Wednesday with a Sweet Treats Bar, and Schertz Bank will deposit a Picnic Basket-themed lunch on Thursday. The week culminates with breakfast tacos on Friday morning, courtesy of Guadalupe County Constable Jeff Large for Precinct 3 - and a Friday afternoon treat from Aulsie’s Ice Cream Truck.
We thank the SCUC Education Foundation for its generous support and gesture, letting the Schertz ES teachers know their daily efforts are appreciated - and seen.
Tapia served as Corps Commander during her senior year at Clemens and is now an AFROTC cadet at Angelo State University, where she is majoring in Psychology.
Field Training is a competitive, 2–3 week program held at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. It tests a cadet’s leadership skills, discipline, and physical fitness under demanding conditions.
Successfully completing Field Training is required to remain in the AFROTC program and move forward toward earning a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force.
“We appreciated the job you did at the gala,” said Jason Barger, Rotary Club president, addressing the students in attendance at the early morning club meeting.. “You acted with such dignity and the way you presented yourself and worked hard - people commented on it and our club recognized it.”
Barger was joined in the presentation by fellow Rotary Club members Mark Moody, Fredy Degollado, Cheri Armstrong and Daniel Ortiz. SCUC Superintendent of Schools Paige Meloni and Justin Linthicum, Steele HS principal, were also on hand to extend their gratitude in the partnership with Randolph Metrocom.
Barger hopes to continue the strong relationship between Randolph Metrocom and the Steele Interact Club in the future - an acknowledgement of the stellar work from students past and present. “The money we’re giving is to help you,” he said. “It gives you a base and helps the club grow in the future as well.”
Under the theme Revive, students served on two committees addressing persistent global issues: water pollution caused by crop fertilization and the lack of access to medical care in developing countries. Delegates researched causes, explored solutions, and debated policies, gaining experience in collaboration and critical thinking while tackling challenges that affect communities worldwide.
It was more than a lesson; it was exposure to real-life world issues. Dobie and Corbett JHS students involved were exposed to the necessity for cooperation, empathy and solution-oriented thinking through diplomacy.
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
