The Weekly ROAR | Oct. 23, 2026
Kaufman High School Weekly All School Newsletter
October 23, 2026
Senior Academy: Preparing for Life Beyond KHS
On Wednesday, October 7, KHS seniors participated in the sixth annual Senior Academy, sponsored by Director of CCMR & CTE Mr. Gavin Eastep. The event introduced students to practical information and life skills to help them navigate their next chapter with confidence and independence.
Sessions covered banking, insurance, situational awareness, mental health, real estate, CPR/first aid, interacting with law enforcement, and more. Seniors enjoyed a day of learning and a special treat from the Pretzel Place.
KHS extends a heartfelt thank-you to the guest speakers who volunteered their time and expertise to help prepare our seniors for life beyond high school.
2026-2027 Ambassadors Named for School Year
Congratulations to our 2026–2027 KISD Student Ambassadors, pictured with Dr. Garcia, KISD Superintendent. These student leaders represent their campuses, welcome community members, participate in district events, and celebrate staff and peers. Through service and peer mentorship, they help build connections across Kaufman ISD and show what it means to lead with Lion pride.
The KISD Student Ambassadors are sponsored by Mrs. Hope Campbell and Mrs. Jenny Henricks.
2026–2027 Student Ambassadors:
John David Stewart — Grade 12
Nicolas Ray Morales III — Grade 12
Giselle Martinez — Grade 12
Ramon Perez — Grade 12
A'mya Robertson — Grade 12
Avie Clickner — Grade 11
Donovan Salazar — Grade 11
Lexi Yvon — Grade 11
Brylee Cayce — Grade 11
Dakota Tilson — Grade 10
Brock Henricks — Grade 10
Graison Blanton — Grade 10
Sloan Diviney — Grade 10
Gracie Duran — Grade 10
Carson Haynes — Grade 9
Charli Jo Melton — Grade 9
Kailyn Rios — Grade 9
Yamileth Renteria — Grade 9
Allie Eastep — Grade 9
Ella Renee Mohr — Grade 8
Lauren Ann Vicuña — Grade 8
Mae O’Donnell — Grade 8
Neha Srinath — Grade 8
Gold Trophy Spotlight
The Kaufman High School Yearbook Staff has officially received its coveted Gold Trophy from Jostens Yearbook Camp.
Rod Evans, North Texas Jostens Representative, presented the trophy to Baron Bryan, Lesly Flores, Morgan Merritt, Avery Smith, Fatima Salas, and Desirae Garcia in recognition of their outstanding work during a three-day summer camp.
From creative design and photography to storytelling, these students put their skills, teamwork, and creativity to the test—and their hard work paid off!
We’re proud of their dedication to capturing the memories, moments, and stories of Lion Nation. Congratulations to our Yearbook Staff and adviser, Mrs. Johnstone. You’ve set the GOLD standard!
Future Healthcare Leaders Kick Off the Year
The KHS Health Occupations Club held its first meeting on Monday with a fantastic turnout of approximately 50 students. Candidates for club leadership positions shared their passion for healthcare and their desire to help lead the club.
Throughout the year, members plan to participate in community service projects and find fun, engaging ways to share healthcare information with elementary students and the community.
The club is sponsored by Mrs. Kristie Manning, Mrs. Deyanira Rocha, and Mrs. Shelby Martinez.
KHS Choir Hits the High Notes in Aggieland
Howdy from Aggieland! The Kaufman High School Choir’s sopranos and altos traveled to Texas A&M University in College Station for Treble Choir Day, joining more than 700 high school choir students from across Texas for a memorable day of music, fellowship, and fun.
Accompanied by their choir teacher, Mrs. Stephanie Hardin, students also explored campus and enjoyed lunch in the dining hall, getting a taste of college life along the way. With beautiful harmonies and lasting memories, our Lions had plenty to “Gig ’em” about!
Students of the Week
Congratulations to this week’s Students of the Week, recognized by the History and Social Studies Department! Ms. Vera Cox, Assistant Principal, presented the honors to:
12th Grade: Tres Kearns
11th Grade: Addison Griffin
10th Grade: Genesis Alvarado
9th Grade: Lucy Waters
Character Week Finale: Responsibility in Action!
We wrapped up Character Week last week by celebrating responsibility—being accountable for our words and actions and following through on our commitments. As Uncle Ben told Spider-Man, “With great power comes great responsibility!”
Congratulations to these students, nominated by their teachers for demonstrating responsibility:
Presley Bagley Gore
Ryhann Reyes
Robert Cortez
Rylen Smith
Tres Kearns
Victoria Olmeda
Yocelin Rosa
Thank you for showing what it means to lead with character and Lion pride!
Announcements
FFA Alumni Dinner and Auction - Oct. 30
If you would like to attend or donate to the auction, please reach out to the contacts below or any Kaufman FFA Alumni member.
- Chad Martin - (972) 948-2709
- Emily Washburn - (214) 668-8003
- Emily Reynolds - (972) 935-7045
Purchase Prom Tickets During Lunches
The Prom Committee will be selling tickets during lunches every Friday beginning this week through Christmas break. Tickets are currently $75, and prices will increase after Christmas.
PROM 2027
Friday, March 26, 2027
Rockwall Manor
10227 CR 2426, Terrell
Prom is not sponsored by Kaufman ISD.
Senior Families - Celebrate your Senior!
Senior year goes by fast! Celebrate your senior and leave them a message they’ll have forever with a Senior Ad in the Yearbook!
- Add favorite photos
- Share a special message
- Celebrate their accomplishments and memories
- Deadline to purchase: NOVEMBER 13
Purchase your Senior Ad here: https://bit.ly/47dsoVg
Don’t wait until the last minute! Create a special keepsake your senior can look back on for years to come. Once a Lion, Always a Lion
AP Exam Registration & Payment
AP students should log in to their College Board account and select YES or NO for each AP Exam.
Important Dates & Information:
- YES/NO Decision Deadline: Friday, November 6
- Payment Deadline: Friday, November 13
- Exam Fee: $99 per exam; reduced fees are available for qualifying students
- Students who qualify for the reduced exam fee will be notified next week
- Changes made after November 6 will incur a $40 fee
- AP Exams: May 3–7 & May 10–14
Payment: Cash or check (Payable to KHS) may be delivered to Mrs. Julia Martinez in the Counseling Office, or families may pay online:
- Standard Fee: https://sfnd.io/apexam
- Reduced Fee (KISD Approved): https://sfnd.io/apfee
Parents, if you pay online, you will be reimbursed for the full amount, including the processing fee. Online payment reimbursements are typically processed faster than reimbursements for payments made by check.
For questions about AP exams, registration, or payment, please contact Mrs. Lori Rodriguez at lrodriguez@kaufmanisd.net.
Class of 2028 Students & Parents - Order Your Class Ring Today!
It’s time to order your Balfour Class Ring and celebrate this special milestone! Your class ring is a lasting keepsake that represents your high school memories, achievements, and the journey ahead.
Step 1: Watch the Ring Video
Learn more about the different ring options and what to expect by clicking the link below:
Step 2: Place Your Order
Click the link below to shop, customize, and place your order:
https://www.balfour.com/texas/kaufman/kaufman-high-school
All rings will be shipped directly to your home address, making the ordering process simple and convenient! If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your local Balfour office:
903-757-6595
Next Week At-a-Glance
Friday, October 23
UIL Eligibility — Gain or Lose
Football, Cheer, and Drill at Monday — 7–9 a.m.
Friday, October 30
Senior Pictures — On Campus
Varsity Football — BYE Week
For event time/locations, please see kaufmanisd.net/o/khs/events
Senior 2027 Events
- Thursday, September 17, 2026 — College Fair 1-3:45 pm Aux Gym
- Thursday, October 1, 2026 — FAFSA opens
- Wednesday, October 7, 2026 — Senior Academy
- Wednesday, October 21, 2026 — SAT Testing (optional retake)
- Monday, May 3, 2027 — Top 10% Banquet 6:00 pm Civic Center
- Tuesday, May 4, 2027 — Senior Recognition 6:00 pm FAC
- Friday, May 14, 2027 — Senior Walk, Group Picture / Senior Field Day
- Monday, May 17, 2027 — Graduation Practice at KHS; attendance will be taken. Normal School Clothes
- Tuesday, May 18, 2027 — Graduation Practice at KHS; attendance will be taken. Normal School Clothes
- Wednesday, May 19, 2027 — Graduation Practice at KHS; attendance will be taken. Normal School Clothes.
- Thursday, May 20, 2027 — Graduation Practice at 8 am at KHS
- Thursday, May 20, 2027 — Graduation 7:00 pm, Opportunity Central - Forney
Follow Us👍
Email Attendance:
(Please email all attendance documentation directly to khsattendance@kaufman-isd.net. We no longer use an online form. You may need to copy and paste this address into a new email.)
El Correo Electrónico Asistencia:
Kaufman High School
Website: www.kaufmanisd.net/kaufman-high-school-home
Location: 3205 South Houston Street, Kaufman, TX, USA
Phone: 972-932-2811
Every Student, Every Class, Every Day!