Defying the Odds: A Family Legacy of Strength and Success
CIBOLO, TX — The Martindale family is no stranger to excellence in both academics and music. Dobie Junior High eighth grader Luke Martindale recently earned first chair clarinet at the TMEA All Region Band Auditions held Saturday, November 8.
Out of 79 competing clarinetists, Luke claimed the top spot and will perform alongside 18 other Dobie Band students at the All Region Band Concert on November 15 at 2:00 p.m. in Somerset.
Luke’s success continues a proud family legacy. His older sister, Brooke Martindale, achieved the same honor in 2018, earning first chair clarinet while performing with the Metzger Middle School Band in Judson ISD.
A key influence in both siblings’ musical journeys is John Robertson, current Dobie Junior High Band Director.
“I can only imagine what Luke went through back in July and how every day presents a new challenge for him,” said Robertson. “I’m proud of Luke’s perseverance and commitment to excellence.”
While many middle school musicians spent their summer relaxing or attending band camp, Luke faced a very different reality. He spent 22 days in the hospital battling complications from Cystic Fibrosis, a rare genetic disease that affects roughly 40,000 people in the United States.
“We were really worried about Luke. His lung function had dropped into the low 70s, and he told us it hurt whenever he tried to play his clarinet,” said Tiffany Martindale, Luke’s mom. “During his recovery, he asked me to bring his clarinet to the hospital. He played for the doctors and nurses as a way to help build his lung function back up.”
Despite those challenges, Luke’s determination and passion for music carried him to the top — a true testament to his strength and resilience.
That same drive and love for music runs deep in the Martindale family.
“The Martindale family has always been incredibly supportive of the fine arts, and I’m proud to have taught Brooke at Metzger from 2016 to 2019,” said Bryant Aynes, current Metzger Middle School Band Director and former assistant under Mr. Robertson. “I recently learned that Brooke has been helping Luke prepare for his regional band audition, and it brings me great joy to know I’ve had a part in shaping the musical journeys of two outstanding students.”
Through dedication, mentorship, and family support, Luke Martindale’s achievement stands as more than just a musical victory. It is a story of perseverance, inspiration, and the enduring power of family legacy.
CIBOLO, TX — The Martindale family is no stranger to excellence in both academics and music. Dobie Junior High eighth grader Luke Martindale recently earned first chair clarinet at the TMEA All Region Band Auditions held Saturday, November 8.
Out of 79 competing clarinetists, Luke claimed the top spot and will perform alongside 18 other Dobie Band students at the All Region Band Concert on November 15 at 2:00 p.m. in Somerset.
Luke’s success continues a proud family legacy. His older sister, Brooke Martindale, achieved the same honor in 2018, earning first chair clarinet while performing with the Metzger Middle School Band in Judson ISD.
A key influence in both siblings’ musical journeys is John Robertson, current Dobie Junior High Band Director.
“I can only imagine what Luke went through back in July and how every day presents a new challenge for him,” said Robertson. “I’m proud of Luke’s perseverance and commitment to excellence.”
While many middle school musicians spent their summer relaxing or attending band camp, Luke faced a very different reality. He spent 22 days in the hospital battling complications from Cystic Fibrosis, a rare genetic disease that affects roughly 40,000 people in the United States.
“We were really worried about Luke. His lung function had dropped into the low 70s, and he told us it hurt whenever he tried to play his clarinet,” said Tiffany Martindale, Luke’s mom. “During his recovery, he asked me to bring his clarinet to the hospital. He played for the doctors and nurses as a way to help build his lung function back up.”
Despite those challenges, Luke’s determination and passion for music carried him to the top — a true testament to his strength and resilience.
That same drive and love for music runs deep in the Martindale family.
“The Martindale family has always been incredibly supportive of the fine arts, and I’m proud to have taught Brooke at Metzger from 2016 to 2019,” said Bryant Aynes, current Metzger Middle School Band Director and former assistant under Mr. Robertson. “I recently learned that Brooke has been helping Luke prepare for his regional band audition, and it brings me great joy to know I’ve had a part in shaping the musical journeys of two outstanding students.”
Through dedication, mentorship, and family support, Luke Martindale’s achievement stands as more than just a musical victory. It is a story of perseverance, inspiration, and the enduring power of family legacy.
Dobie and Corbett Junior High students capped off their fall Gifted/Talented project by taking part in a two-day Junior Model United Nations conference hosted by Samuel Clemens and Byron P. Steele High School Model UN clubs. After one semester of a course emphasizing learning parliamentary procedure, research, debate, and argumentative writing, the seventh graders put their skills to work in simulated UN sessions in the board room of the William Malish Building on December 11 and 12, 2025.
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.
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.
On Saturday, Dobie Drama participated in the One Act Play Contest at Steele High School. Our students delivered an outstanding performance of Too Many Daughters by Clair Epstein, earning an Excellent rating!
Special shout-outs to our award winners:
✨ Raelyn G. – Honorable Mention All-Star Cast
🌟 Sophia K. – All-Star Cast
🎨 Maddyx K. – All-Star Technician
💖 A HUGE thank you to our amazing parents and supportive administration for making this possible!
📸 Photo credit: One of our incredible Dobie Drama moms!
Special shout-outs to our award winners:
✨ Raelyn G. – Honorable Mention All-Star Cast
🌟 Sophia K. – All-Star Cast
🎨 Maddyx K. – All-Star Technician
💖 A HUGE thank you to our amazing parents and supportive administration for making this possible!
📸 Photo credit: One of our incredible Dobie Drama moms!
We are so proud of every student artist who participated in this year's contest! With over 50 incredible entries across all art classes, choosing was tough! The creativity we saw was truly inspiring.
A huge congratulations to our grade-level winners:
🌟 7th Grade Winner: E. McCay
🌟 8th Grade Winner: J. Monroe
Featured here are the winning designs and some amazing runner-up artwork!
A huge congratulations to our grade-level winners:
🌟 7th Grade Winner: E. McCay
🌟 8th Grade Winner: J. Monroe
Featured here are the winning designs and some amazing runner-up artwork!
Today, the 8th graders showed off some major creativity with our theme: "Any Holiday Except December Holidays!" 🐰🎃
Students who participated had a chance to be selected by their Cougar Time teachers to find Coach Buddy the Elf, who was hiding outside today! They searched the tennis courts and portables, but one student finally found him tucked away in the ticket booth at the football field! Excellent detective work from Ms. Lauber's CT!
Tomorrow is Coach Buddy's last day visiting campus before midterm exams. Any guesses where he'll be for his grand finale?
Students who participated had a chance to be selected by their Cougar Time teachers to find Coach Buddy the Elf, who was hiding outside today! They searched the tennis courts and portables, but one student finally found him tucked away in the ticket booth at the football field! Excellent detective work from Ms. Lauber's CT!
Tomorrow is Coach Buddy's last day visiting campus before midterm exams. Any guesses where he'll be for his grand finale?
Huge shout-out to all the 7th graders who participated in today's Red vs. Green dress-up theme!
Students who participated had a chance to be selected by their Cougar Time teacher for a special mission: finding the elusive Coach Buddy the Elf! After a thorough canvass of campus, Ms. Todd's class representative finally found Coach Buddy hiding behind the rolled-up gym mats in the breezeway! The whole class got to enjoy some sweet treats, delivered by Mrs. Hughes.
8th grade, it's your turn tomorrow! Don't forget to dress up for your chance to be part of the holiday fun!
Students who participated had a chance to be selected by their Cougar Time teacher for a special mission: finding the elusive Coach Buddy the Elf! After a thorough canvass of campus, Ms. Todd's class representative finally found Coach Buddy hiding behind the rolled-up gym mats in the breezeway! The whole class got to enjoy some sweet treats, delivered by Mrs. Hughes.
8th grade, it's your turn tomorrow! Don't forget to dress up for your chance to be part of the holiday fun!
The winners of yesterday's epic Rock, Paper, Scissors showdown earned themselves the coveted Elf Express Pass—a fast track to our free throw contest! 🏀
Congrats to the top three girls and boys, who each scored a sweet Elf on the Shelf chocolate prize! 🍫
Stay tuned... there's plenty more Elf fun coming! 🎄
Congrats to the top three girls and boys, who each scored a sweet Elf on the Shelf chocolate prize! 🍫
Stay tuned... there's plenty more Elf fun coming! 🎄
Today, Maria Sanches, owner of a local drapery business, stepped into Ms. Economidis’ Style and Brand Marketing classes to teach our students the art of hand sewing. After learning about advertising and the production of clothing, students were able to put their knowledge into action by hand-sewing their own ornaments!
As CTE classes, we love bringing in industry professionals to give our students real insight and hands-on experience in the trade—and today was the perfect example.
A huge thank you to Mrs. Sanches for taking time out of your day to invest in our students and help them build real-world skills! 💛✂️🧵
As CTE classes, we love bringing in industry professionals to give our students real insight and hands-on experience in the trade—and today was the perfect example.
A huge thank you to Mrs. Sanches for taking time out of your day to invest in our students and help them build real-world skills! 💛✂️🧵
National Special Education Day, observed on December 2, commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the landmark federal special-education legislation in 1975 (originally the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and later renamed IDEA)
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
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
Today, we proudly recognize two vital groups dedicated to protecting and empowering our communities: it is both National Law Enforcement Day and National Special Education Day!
Though their clothes look different, their missions share a powerful, common thread: service to others, tireless dedication, and a commitment to ensuring every member of our community is safe, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.
Though their clothes look different, their missions share a powerful, common thread: service to others, tireless dedication, and a commitment to ensuring every member of our community is safe, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.
At Dobie, we don’t just focus on academics — we focus on growing kind, generous, community-minded students. 💙🐾
Over the past two weeks, our Cougars showed exactly what that looks like! We collected canned food and dry goods for the Village Hills Fellowship Center and Food Pantry… and together, our students donated over 800 items to support families right here in our community! 🥫✨
Way to go, Cougars! We are so proud of your compassion and teamwork.
A huge shoutout to our top-collecting classes:
🏆 1st Place: Mrs. Springfield’s class
🥈 2nd Place: Mr. Carter’s class
🥉 3rd Place: Mrs. Junious’ class
All three classes earned a cozy Pajama Day, and Mrs. Springfield’s class will also enjoy a Breakfast Taco Party! 🌮🎉
Thank you to every student, family, and staff member who helped make this drive a success. Dobie pride is community pride! 💛🐾
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.
Come join us for an amazing night of student talent and creativity at the 2025 Talent Show!
📅 Wednesday, November 12th
🕔 Doors open at 5:15 PM | Show starts at 5:30 PM
📍 Dobie Junior High
🎟 Entry: Please bring canned goods to donate — all items will benefit Village Hills Fellowship Church and Food Pantry.
Let’s support our students and our community while enjoying a fun night of performances! 💫
📅 Wednesday, November 12th
🕔 Doors open at 5:15 PM | Show starts at 5:30 PM
📍 Dobie Junior High
🎟 Entry: Please bring canned goods to donate — all items will benefit Village Hills Fellowship Church and Food Pantry.
Let’s support our students and our community while enjoying a fun night of performances! 💫
SCUC ISD is proud to celebrate two outstanding educators selected for the Valero Alamo Bowl Extra Yard for Teachers award.
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
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
Angel Tree Sponsors Needed!
Help us bring joy into the lives of local children this holiday season. See flyer for details.
Help us bring joy into the lives of local children this holiday season. See flyer for details.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Red Ribbon week fun! Here are just a few highlights:
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🎃✨ A huge THANK YOU to all of the amazing businesses, parents, and students of SCUC who helped make Dobie’s Trunk or Treat a spook-tacular success! 👻🧡
We couldn’t have done it without your creativity, generosity, and community spirit. Thank you to:
Agora Jiu Jitsu, Bilingual Elite Signatures, Blue St Designs, Clemens FCCLA, Clemens NHS, Dobie Jr. High Student Council, Dobie Science/STEAM, Dobie JH FCCLA, Dobie NJHS, Dorie Bruce Realtor, EPYCreations LLC, G.O.S.H. Design Co., Guadalupe County Constable Pct. 3, H-E-B, Hotworx Schertz, Mother of Liory Baker, National Honor Society, Schertz Cibolo Emergency Clinic, Schertz EMS, Slim Chickens, Clemens TAFE, Texas State Omega Phi Gamma, Kona Ice, Theta Chi Fraternity (Texas State), Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Makos, McGarrell Orthotics and Wright Choice Home Loans.
💜 Your support made this event one to remember for our students, families, and community!
This special recognition highlights our school's deep commitment to creating a supportive, military-friendly environment for students and families who frequently relocate due to military service.
Earning the Purple Star means we have:
💜A dedicated military liaison for family support.
💜Resources and transition programs for students moving in and out of our school.
💜Ongoing staff training to address the unique needs of military-connected children.
We honor the strength and resilience of our military families.
Earning the Purple Star means we have:
💜A dedicated military liaison for family support.
💜Resources and transition programs for students moving in and out of our school.
💜Ongoing staff training to address the unique needs of military-connected children.
We honor the strength and resilience of our military families.
A huge thank you to F. Gonzalez and W. Ferrill for doing an excellent job representing Dobie Junior High leading the Pledge of Allegiance at last night's board meeting! Mrs. Hughes was celebrated for Principals Month and Mr. Carter received recognition as part of World Teacher's Day.
Thank you to our school board, students, staff, and leadership for all you do! 🍎
Thank you to our school board, students, staff, and leadership for all you do! 🍎
Dobie Band Concert!
