Tiger Times

The best resource for activities taking place in our district is the District Calendar.

Keep scrolling in this newsletter to find announcements, sports updates, reminders, highlights, and much more! There is a Table of Contents to the left for quick scanning.

• 5/1 - District Art Show featuring art from 6th-12th grade
• 5/1 - National School Principal Day
• 5/2 - School Lunch Hero Day
• 5/5 - Mandated senior trainings during break
• 5/5-9 - Teacher Appreciation Week
• 5/7 - School Nurse Week
• 5/7 - Senior Night
  
• 5/9 - GES Fun Day (1st/2nd 8:30-10:30) / (3rd/4th 12:00-2:00)
• 5/9 - School Communicators Day
• 5/11 - Mother's Day
• 5/12 - Spring Band Concert
• 5/15 - Academic Banquet at GHS (Invite Only)
• 5/16 - GMS Field Day
• 5/18 - Speech Pathologist Day
• 5/18 - Baccalaureate - Grace Bible Church - 5PM
• 5/19 - GES Awards Ceremony - 8:30 AM @ GHS
• 5/21 - GHS Awards Assembly - 8:00 AM @ GHS
• 5/21 - GMS Awards Ceremony - 10 AM at GHS
  
• 5/21 - Last Day of School / Early Release
• 5/22 - GHS Graduation Ceremony @ Tiger Stadium

**Seniors have a list of important dates that apply only to the Class of 2025 as well. Check those dates in the high school section or your Parent Portal.

Always check the GISD Calendar on our website for any changes or additions.

GISD Board Briefs - 4.24.25

Visit the GISD Board of Trustees page on our website for more school board information.

* We love our school board at GISD. Please be sure to thank them for serving in these very important roles.

North Texas Fusion Center Pamphlets
Safety Bulletin - 3.31.25 - Youth Involvement in School Safety

Teen Ambassadors

Art Contest Flyer

The 2025 -26 Academic Calendar
Click here to view and/or print the 2025-26 Gunter ISD Academic Calendar.
It's a great resource to just print and have on hand for planning purposes.

Registration is now open for the upcoming school year. All students who will be attending Gunter ISD schools in 2025-26 are required to register.

* Current students - Parents will log into their Parent Portal to complete registration.

* New students - Parents will need to create an account in Parent Portal to begin the registration process. For transfer students who are new to the district, please wait until you are APPROVED before registering.

All instructions for registration may be found at https://www.gunterisd.org/page/registration

As the year is coming to an end please make arrangements with your campus nurse to pick up any leftover medications and/or medical supplies from the clinic.

Looking ahead to the 2025-26 school year...

Students must have an up to date immunization record on file (especially new students to the district, students entering PK, K and 7th grade, along with those with an affidavit of exemption). *Anytime your student receives an immunization please provide a copy to your campus nurse.

Contact your campus nurse if your students are new to the district with medical needs or current students that had a change to their medical status over the summer.

Forms that must be updated and provided EVERY school year include medication and medical action plans:

All students who will be taking daily medication or will need emergency medications on self/or in the clinic will need to complete a NEW medication form signed from their physician and supplies turned into their campus nurse before the start of school.

All students with medical conditions such as asthma, severe allergic reactions, seizures and diabetes need an updated action plan signed by their physician for the current school year. These forms can be found on our website. https://www.gunterisd.org/page/health-services

The cafeteria must be made aware of any food allergies your child might have so their accounts can be flagged. There is a form in the registration paperwork that you will fill out with this information.

If you have questions, please contact the nurse on your child's campus.

Laura Rodgers - lsrodgers@gunterisd.org - Elementary

Nicole Sullivan - nsullivan@gunterisd.org - Middle

Allison Thornhill - athornhill@gunterisd.org - High

2025-26 Bus Registration is now open. Click here to begin registration. https://forms.gle/STzxnWp5xNavSNfe7

IMPORTANT DATES for 2025-26 bus registration…

• Registration to ride the bus for the 25/26 school year opened on 4/07/2025. You will find the link to register for the bus at the top of this page.

• Deadline to register to ride the bus on the 1st two days of school (August 7th and 8th) will be Wednesday, July 30th. If you need your child to ride the bus the first 2 days of school please make sure they are registered between 4/07/25 and 07/30/25.

• Deadline to register to ride the bus the 1st FULL week of school (8/11/25-08/14/25) will be Monday, August 4th.

IF YOU DO NOT REGISTER YOUR KIDS TO RIDE THE BUS BEFORE THE ABOVE DEADLINE DATES THEY WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO RIDE THE BUS UNTIL MONDAY, AUGUST 18th.

• Even if your child was registered to ride the bus during the 24/25 school year they MUST be registered every year to ride the bus.

• Registering your child for school DOES NOT register them to ride the school bus. Bus registration is completely separate. Please register your child to ride the bus through the Gunter ISD Transportation link at the top of this page.

• Your child will be routed by how you register them. If you only register them for the AM route to school, they will only be eligible to ride the AM route. Please make sure you register them for both routes if you need them to ride the bus to and from school.

• If you need to update your child’s address, add them to an AM or PM route, or any other route changes you MUST fill out a new bus registration form.

If you have any questions please contact Nicole Mann at nmann@gunterisd.org or (903)696–1500.

Thank you to Mr. Barton and his office staff for providing a "Rangers Opening Day" lunch in the lounge with a concession stand theme! Hot dogs, chips, candy, soda! All the things for the start of a perfect season... (and the start of the last nine weeks!) ⚾🌭

Thanks so much, Cody Paxman State Farm for treating our Gunter Lady Tiger Softball team to dinner at Preston Trail Farms!

Thank you to everyone who served on the SHAC Council this year, your input is always valuable! We are seeking new members for the school year coming up. The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) assists the district in ensuring that local community values are reflected in the health education program. The council will address the continued implementation of a coordinated health program including health education, physical education, health services, nutrition services, counseling, healthy
school environment, staff health promotion and family/community involvement.
*The SHAC meets at least 4 times during the school year.

If you are interested in serving on the SHAC, please download and complete this application: https://5il.co/3ej0s

Thank you to the GES PTO for helping with the Spring Book Fair! We know it's a huge undertaking, and we couldn't do it without you!

Thank you to the GMS PTO for hosting a brunch for our teachers at the beginning of April. We loved it!

Each campus has a wonderful group of parents who work together to help bring smiles to the teachers and students. Check out their Facebook page or contact information below to join them.

GHS PTO

• Email your name, cell number and email address gunterhighschoolpto@gmail.com.
• Click the following link to join the GHS PTO Parent Square Group - https://www.parentsquare.com/groups/join/flahz37kx2

GMS PTO - Contact through our Facebook page @guntermiddleschoolpto

GES PTO - Contact through our Facebook page | @gunterelementarypto
Text @gespto1 to 81010 to join

It was the middle schoolers turn to ride in the Tiger Uber! At the end of the 9 week grading period, each bus driver selected one girl and one boy from the GES and GMS campuses to ride in the "Tiger Uber" for their outstanding behavior on the bus. These students were chauffeured home by Transportation Director, Nicole Mann, who picked them up in the school suburban and delivered them home in style!

Congratulations to the GMS girls who were selected...they had a blast!

Hazel Martin, Maddie Galan, Makenlee Millsap, Cadence Ploch, and Raynee Hayes.

And finally... It was the middle school boys turn to ride in the Tiger Uber!

Congratulations to the GMS boys who were selected...

Bo Martin, Arthur Wyatt, Ashton Taylor, Landon Harrington, and Ryan Base.

We wouldn't want it to slip by without even a word, paragraph, or chapter! National School Librarian Day was April 4th and we can't turn the page without remembering to thank these ladies! Thank you to each campus librarian for everything you do to open the door to anywhere with just the right book!

GISD would like to thank our awesome campus APs for everything they do. GISD wouldn't be the same without you!

Thank you to all of our drivers who safely transport our students on daily routes, extra-curricular events and field trips. Robby Aultman, Steve Grzywacz, Trevor Hardin, Nick Lorusso, Mark Neely, Ken Thorne and Nicole Mann (Director).

Thank you to the ladies who keep Gunter ISD running smoothly all year long! GISD couldn't function without you :)

Stacy Watson, Charlotte Ruffle, Reilley Hicks, Missy Crutchfield, Melanie Putnicki, Annie Wasson, Linda Mazzerole, Valerie Layton

April 6th was a special night at Gunter High School as the GIFT Education Foundation awarded $34,000 in scholarships to an amazing group of seniors! We’re so proud of the Class of 2025 and all they’ve accomplished. A huge thank you to our perpetual donors and everyone who continues to support the GIFT Foundation—your generosity is shaping futures and changing lives. Congratulations, seniors… the best is yet to come!

Preston Tarpley - Kristin Streetman Memorial $2000, GIFT $3,000

Juliana Moore - Bill & Dawn Arrington "Good & Faithful Servant" $1,000, GIFT $2,000

Logan Hill - Jack & Charlene Elliott $2,000

Mackey Cox - Chuck & Laura Glass $1,000

Mary Nichols - Pauline & Buck Autry $2,000

Caitlin Badillo - Scott Smith Memorial $2,000, GIFT $1,000

Peyton Beavers - Pauline & Buck Autry $2,000, GIFT $1,000

Grace Dainauski - Shellye Cohagan Gressett Memorial $1,000, GIFT $2,000

Madison Smith - Don Hankey Memorial $1,000

Brock Boddie - Gunter Land Scholarship $1,000

Regan Spurgin - Simmons Bank $1,000

Alexa Zielinski - Frank & Liz Gravely "Strive For Excellence" $2,000

Kylee Keller - Westman/Day $1,000, GIFT $1,000

Karson Williams - Pauline & Buck Autry $2,000

Ella Pinkernell - Rick & Marilyn Streetman $1,000

Christina Grayard - Kris Roberts Memorial $1,000

Jesus Mercado - Rick & Marilyn Streetman $1,000

Thursday, May 1st

6:30 - 7:30 PM

GHS Event Center

* featuring the work of 6th-12th grade art students.

Join us during break for a Cinco de Mayo performance by Ms. Mercado's Spanish classes. They have been learning the traditional dances and will WOW you with their talents!

Friday, May 2nd is School Lunch Hero Day! Don't forget to thank the cafeteria staff for serving nutritious meals to our kiddos in such a loving way.

May 15 |12:45 PM @ Tiger Field

No entry fee to the event, but there will be cash concessions!

Come and see how competitive our girls can be!

Did you miss Pre-K Round-up? You can still register. Stop by the GES office and pick up a Pre-K packet or email Valerie Layton at vlayton@gunterisd.org.

Congratulations to the April Students of the Month!

These students have worked hard in the classroom, and have shown respect to their peers and teachers. They show kindness to others and are very helpful. They definitely show the "true grit" attitude that we love to see in our Tigers.

Kindergarten - Landyn Lusk
1st Grade - Kessler Barnes
2nd Grade - Sophia Esparza
3rd Grade - Presley Ann Hough
4th Grade - Kelsie Carey

Take a peek into some classrooms to get a glimpse of what our kids are learning.

Better than 1st Monday Trade Days in Canton! Our 2nd grade students thought long and hard about what type of shop they would set up for this event. Each 2nd grader set up shop with a service or good to sell. They had to keep up with their expenses and sales. It's a great way to learn a little about how a small business works and a lot of fun for everyone! Students and faculty members used "market money" to spend on items created by the 2nd grade students. They were able to spend their market money on baked goods, jewelry, book marks, games to play, get your shoes washed and so much more!

Great job, students! Your shops were AMAZING!

Can you dig it? Mrs. Smith's 4th grade science students participated in a "Digging for Fossils" Cookie Excavation Experiment.

Using toothpicks and Q-tips, they carefully excavated "fossils" (chocolate chips) from both soft and hard Chips-Ahoy cookies. Afterward, they compared their findings of whole and broken fossils then discussed which cookie was easier to dig the fossils out of. It was a fun and hands-on way to learn about excavation techniques and the challenges of working with different materials!

Our 4th graders are finishing up a year of science studying inherited traits. Parents sent pictures of themselves when they were their child's age to see how many similar physical traits the students had inherited. Genetics is fascinating, and the students really enjoyed trying to figure out who belonged to who. Some students where identical to their parents, while others were much harder to guess.

Students at GES were excited to find their favorite baseball players opening their car doors before school on April 11th. Thanks to the players for making it a Greeaaattttt start to the day for the littles!

Congratulations to the April Students of the Month! We love seeing students work hard and show kindness. Students chosen for this honor have that "never give up attitude" and will always stay positive and polite in the classroom.

• 5th grade - Adelyn McComb
• 6th grade - Declan Dorcey
• 7th grade - Silas Turner
• 8th grade - Logan Randol

Here's a glimpse of what is going on inside the GMS classrooms.

Middle school art students are currently preparing for the District Art Show: Illuminated, that will be on May 1, 6:30-7:30 at the Event Center. We hope to see you there!

8th graders arrived to find special words of encouragement from their teachers on STAAR ELA testing day. Starting with a positive vibe is always good for testing 😉

With summer coming up, Mrs. Clement's Tech App students have been busy thinking about vacations!

The students were given a budget of $5000 to plan a 5 day vacation somewhere outside the U.S. As they began their research, they had to plan airfare, accommodations, food and activities.

** Accommodations had to be safe and have no less than a 3.5 star rating.

Mrs. Clement told the students that if she really liked their travel plans, she and her husband might just go on that trip, and bring that student back a souvenir. The students took this task very seriously, asking questions about what types of things she liked to do on vacation, what foods she enjoyed, and her favorite locations. The further they got into their planning, they began to realize that the cost of airfare, food and accommodations were quite pricey, and began looking for "free" things to do for entertainment to stay within the budget.

As the deadline approached for the project to be completed, Mrs. Clement introduced them to somebody who "does this for a living". Christy Wagnitz, with Gateway Travel in Sherman, spoke to the students about a career in planning vacations for other people. She shared about how she plans trips for her clients, the average salary of a travel agent, the different types of job opportunities that exist for travel agents, the benefits of using a travel agent versus not, the benefits of being a travel agent, education that helps you in the business and the continuing education for their job, how they get paid and so much more! She was also great at answering all their questions, such as "Where have you traveled? What problems can arise for customers while on vacation and how can you help them from afar? And the most popular question of all, "How do you find places to eat for your clients that are not too expensive?!"

It's been a fun learning experience and one that's sure to make them appreciate their own summer vacation even more!

'Huge thank you to Northside Pie for letting Mr. Small's class come and tour your facility to learn about our community businesses. During the visit, they were able to play some video games, socialize, and enjoy some delicious food. Thanks to Northside Pie for hosting, we can't wait to come visit again!

Mr. Small and his class had a great time visiting the new bagel shop in town, Legacy Bagel. They were treated so nicely by the staff, and enjoyed some bagel sandwiches for lunch. The students did a great job ordering, budgeting, eating, and acting respectfully in another one of our community businesses! Thank you, Legacy Bagel for hosting our students and being so gracious.

Mr. Small and his students had a wonderful visit to the Gunter Library for our community based instruction. Ms. Karla was so welcoming and kind to our students. She showed us around, described the librarian duties, read a story aloud, and helped the students create a craft "dog". We had an excellent time and everyone enjoyed the experience.

Student meals are purchased with the money gained in their weekly soda bar sales where the students learn about preparing and selling goods and services.

Meet William Kanouse, Animal Lover

From the age of 5, William knew he wanted to be a veterinarian. Once his mind was set, he never wavered. He forged ahead on the path by volunteering over 250 hours at our local veterinary clinic and taking courses at Grayson College. This past December, William made a huge stride along his path by completing his Veterinary Assistant Certification. Did we mention... he did all this while maintaining a 4.336 GPA at GHS and stands 7th in the Class of 2025.

William plans to attend Texas A&M to pursue a degree in Biomedical Science.
Congratulations, William! We are proud to call you a Gunter Tiger!

Here's a glimpse of so many things going on at GHS!

To keep the STAAR/EOC review as engaging and relevant as possible, Mrs. Lee's classes had a friendly competition. The students formed teams, picked team names, and competed for points. Each day they reviewed a different skill area of the test, practicing questions from released STAAR tests. The skill practice was followed with some sort of game: Jeopardy, trashketball, challenges, etc. Each day the winning team received medals; they also got to choose a team MVP who received a plastic trophy.

Scores were tallied and the winning teams from each class were invited to a winner's breakfast.

Students also received snack bags and water on testing day.

With all the preparation throughout the year, and this fantastic review, we are sure our students did well.

Special thanks to Mrs. Lee's daughter, Peyton, for helping to decorate and distribute the bags. They looked awesome!

Coach Applewhite's Outdoor Education class started a unit on archery today. A lot of concentration and steadiness is needed for this sport!

Mrs. McDonald's students put several skills to work in the biology lab! They had to use their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and recall from their previous lessons to perform a dissection of a rat. During the dissection, students had a hands on experience in identifying the internal organs and tissues and their functions.

This could be the start to a future career as a surgeon!

New members were inducted for the 2025-26 school year, and we said "thank you and farewell" to the outgoing seniors of the National Honor Society. Seniors received their stole to wear during graduation.

Congratulations to all!

You must apply to Grayson College!

For those who have already applied or were former Dual Credit students:
Verify your enrollment...
1. Go to your Student Planner (located in the MyViking Student Portal).
2. Once in the Student Planner, select MySchedule from the drop down menu.
3. Make sure you have selected the appropriate term.

If you haven't enrolled yet, follow the instructions below, and then verify your account using the instructions above.

Application Process

• Apply HERE

• Application priority deadline is June 2nd. Students who complete all steps by June 2 will be enrolled first

• Students who complete paperwork after June 2 will be enrolled after those who met the priority deadline.

• New dual credit applicants will not receive their student ID or access to MyViking until they are fully admitted.

• Students should include the following on their applications:

  • Seeking Admissions as: Dual Credit Student (not concurrent)

  • High School Name

  • Social Security Number

  • Physical Address

• Students can upload their own documents through Admissions Connect

• Any student taking a class on our campus requires proof of meningitis vaccine (w/in the last 5 years or the waiver.

Testing Requirements

• College readiness requirements may be demonstrated by the following:

  • Passing scores on the TSI, ACT, or SAT

• Any student taking a course with an English or Math prefix – college readiness required through testing.

• TSI Exempt Courses (no testing required) include:

  • ARTS 1301

  • DRAM 1310

  • MUSI 1306

  • MUSI 1310

  • Various CTE Programs

Payments

• Payment or a payment plan is due each semester (approximately 1 week prior to the start of classes)

• Setting up Direct Deposit is highly recommended

If you have questions, contact Mrs. Biros at abiros@gunterisd.org

This message only applies to those students taking an AP Exam.

All students who plan to take their AP exams must have their test fees paid before they sit for the exam. The price is $90 per exam.

You may pay Mrs. Biros in the counseling office by cash or check. Please make all checks out to Gunter ISD and write AP Test and the student's name in the memo.

AP Lit. - May 7th

AP Calc - May 12th

AP Lang - May 14th

Ap Physics - May 16th

Information regarding the Class of 2025 will be frequently sent out via Parent Square. If you are the parent or guardian of a senior or early graduate, be sure to check there for messages. Parent Square is the official communication method for the district. If you have not created your account, please be sure to set it up. You can choose how and when you want your messages to arrive. For Instructions on setting up Parent Square, visit https://www.gunterisd.org/page/for-parents and look under the Getting Connected section.

• 5/1 - Photos due for the Senior Slide Show. (See info below)
• 5/5 – ALL SENIORS must meet during Tiger Time for the State mandated CPR and Peace Officer training. Attendance will be taken. **You must have this credit in order to graduate.
• 5/5 - If you have not applied for financial aid through FAFSA and do not intend to, please sign this FAFSA Opt Out form and return to Mrs. Biros or Mrs. Johnson by May 5th.
• 5/7 – Post Graduation Information Due – Click here to submit
• 5/7 - Senior/Scholarship Night – 6 pm
  
• Seniors will be seated as a class
  - Honors and Scholarship recipients will be recognized
  - Annual Rose Ceremony will be held
  - Senior Slide Show will be shown
  

• 5/16 - Baccalaureate Practice and Senior Brunch – 9 am Grace Bible
• 5/18 - Baccalaureate – Grace Bible Church - 5 pm.
  
• 5/20 - Parade of Graduates @ GES – 8:30 am (Wear Cap and Gown)
• 5/20 - Graduation Practice @ Tiger Stadium – 9:45 am
• 5/22 - Graduation Practice @ Tiger Stadium - 9:45 am
• 5/22 - Class of 2025 Graduation @ Tiger Stadium – 8 pm

Senior Slide Show Information

This takes time to create, so you MUST send these in by May 1st! Traditionally, this is a slideshow highlighting each graduate with 3 pictures, (Baby, Senior, and Formal).
** Submit your photos to laci@rubysrubbish.com. Laci will respond to your email when she receives it. If you don’t see a response within 24 hours, please re-send the email.

• Please send the photos in jpg or png format as an attachment (not embedded) to the email.
• Please send the photos as a high quality photo (in other words, don't let your email reduce the size of the image).

Baby Pic - This can be one of your favorites from when they were little. We prefer photos with just the graduate in the photo... for example, not one with their siblings or friends. It can be cute, funny, or serious.

Senior Photo - This is a photo taken this year. Many seniors have senior photos taken at the beginning of their senior year. If you did not have a photo session, you can simply take a picture of your senior with your phone. We do ask that this photo be school appropriate in the clothing choice and pose.

Formal Photo - If your senior took advantage of the session with Garner Studio, the school has these photos, you do not need to send it. However, if you did not have a formal photo taken with Garner Studio, please let us know ASAP at sneely@gunterisd.org so we can have your student meet with someone at the high school to take the picture.

Join us for a Baccalaureate service honoring GHS Class of 2025 on May 18th at 5 PM.

Location: Grace Bible Fellowship

300 West Pecan Street / Gunter, TX 75058

Micah Fisher, Kylie Hughes, Harlee Keel, and Piper Newton form the Floral team, which is part of the Career Development Events in FFA, and advanced to the STATE competition in Floral Design.

The events build on what is learned in agricultural classes and encourage members to put their knowledge into practice. These events are designed to help a member prepare for a career in agriculture by testing and challenging the student's technical, leadership, interpersonal and teamwork skills as well as their knowledge of the subject matter.

CDEs answer the question, "When will I use this knowledge in the real world?" The Floriculture contest is based on student's ability to identify and evaluate cut flowers, house plants, flowering plants, and floral designs and complete an exam that tests their knowledge of floral design, propagation as well as preparation of floral and foliage products for sale.

The state contest consists of the top 15% of all teams across the state, not limited to district size, so our team competed against schools of all sizes.

Congratulations to the following students who competed in the Regional UIL Academic contest this past weekend. We were proud to have such a great group represent us at the competition!

State Qualifiers!

- Prezley Grant - 2nd Editorial Writing**.

- Kalli Bernard - 3rd Headline Writing**

- Regan Spurgin - 4th Ready Writing*

**Kalli and Prezley will be competing at the State meet on May 19th in Austin.

*Regan will be the State alternate.

We spy the cutest group of Oompa Loompas greeting students at GES in the carline! If you don’t have tickets to see them in action, get them now!! Get your tickets NOW!

Performances are scheduled the first two weekends in May. Details and ticket information are in the link above. It's going to be SWEET!!

Cast Call!
The Theatre department is already gearing up for next fall's production of Hadestown: Teen Edition. The audition is open to any incoming 8th - 12th grade student.
All the information you need about the audition and rehearsal times can be found in the link below.
If you have questions that aren't answered in the link, please contact Mrs. McGaughey.
Break a leg!
Hadestown Audition Form

Check out what the band has on the upcoming calendar!

May

1st - Sunfest High School Band Festival at The Colony HS, followed by Andrettis

12th - Spring Concert at The Commons

13-15 - Marching Band Movement Camp #2 for all Incoming Freshmen AND Sophomores

TBA - Colorguard Camp for new members next year

The GHS coaches are in the midst of planning their summer camps. Check out all the camps on our Summer Sport Camp website. We will be updating the information as we receive it!

Congratulations to Brock Boddie for signing with Northern Oklahoma College to play baseball. Athletic Director, Coach Jake Fieszel, opened the celebration by talking about Brock's character and ability to lead. He summed up Brock's high school sports career as an all-around player who gives his all in multiple sports. Head Baseball Coach, Deryl Hellman, talked about Brock's impressive stats in the Gunter Tiger Baseball program, which he said will continue to improve as the season moves on.

Congratulations, Brock! You'll always be a Gunter, Tiger! We wish you nothing but the best at Northern Oklahoma.

Coach Casey Frost has been promoted to Defensive Coordinator.

Coach Jordan Gill has been promoted to Associate Head Football Coach/Boys Coordinator

We are excited to introduce the 25-26 Gunter HS Drill Team!

Captain - Lauren Olsen

Kalli Bernard

London Brown

Kinslee Gray

Esther Maldonado

Macey Martin

Melanie Martinez

Lia Parnell

Sophia Roten

Izzy Seay

Marley Sheridan

Seasons are quickly coming to a close. Good luck to all those still in the playoffs!

Find your favorite photos from our photographer friends!
📸 Marion Cole and Renee Marler with OurGunter

All events are placed on the District Calendar located on our GISD website. This is the best place to look for schedule changes during the year.

Photo Banner: OurGunter

The Gunter Tigers are headed into the Bi-District Playoffs and we’re kicking things off with a doubleheader at HOME against Winnsboro!

Location: Tiger Field (HOME)

Game 1: Friday, May 2nd at 4:30 PM

Game 2: Friday, May 2nd at 6:30 PM

Game 3: If needed, we’ll head to Winnsboro on Saturday, May 3rd to settle it!

April Scoreboard

Varsity

4/5 vs Prosper 9-0 W

4/8 vs Howe 11-0 W

4/11 vs Howe 17-1 W

4/12 vs Wilson 8-0 W

4/15 vs Bells 5-0 W

4/22 vs Pottsboro 7-5 W

4/25 vs Pottsboro 10-0 W

District - 1st Place

Season Record: 29-1

JV Blue

4/1 S&S W 17-2

4/5 Prosper Walnut Grove L 0-3

4/8 Howe W 3-2

4/11 Howe W 5-0

4/12 Celina L 0-12

4/14 Bells W 10-2 and W 15-0

4/21 Pottsboro W 15-0 and W 11/0

Season Record: 22-3

Jarett Waggoner

Brock Boddie

Jordan Villagrana

Karson Williams

Regional Qualifiers

- Logan Hill/Colton Lee

- Trevor Wright

- Zachary Hales/Brody Bracewell

4/6 @ Lake Tawakoni

Team - Gunter finished 3rd out of the 39 schools/teams competing in the North Texas Division.

• Logan and Colton - 3rd Place - Angler of the Year ($500 scholarship each, as well as an invitation to the Angler of the Year tournament on June 21st on Lake Waco)
• Logan Hill (4 year accumulated total) - 10 THSBA scholarships totaling $6,250.
  
  

4/26 @ Lake Lewisville (Regionals)

Gunter - Team - 2nd Place - Total Weight 40.64 - Total of 10 fish

Individual Teams - All 3 teams advanced to the STATE level!

• Logan Hill & Colton Lee - 3rd Place - Total Weight 23.13 - Total of 5 fish
  Both anglers were awarded a $1,000 (each) scholarship for the 3rd place finish.
• Trevor Wright - 39th Place - Total Weight 8.88 - Total of 2 fish
• Zachary Hales & Brody Bracewell - 42nd Place - Total Weight 8.63 - Total of 3 fish

The STATE tournament will be held at Lake Conroe on May 31st.

District Meet

Team Results:

Girls Team - DISTRICT CHAMPIONS

• Katy Merchant 1st
• Lauren Keirens 2nd
• Riley Rogan 3rd

Boys Team - DISTRICT CHAMPIONS

• Lathan Pecina 3rd

Regional Meet

Girls Team - 1st Place (Katy Merchant, Lauren Keirnes, Riley Rogan, Caitlin Badillo, Aly Gann)

• Katy Merchant - 1st Place
• Lauren Keirnes - 3rd Place

Boys Team - 1st Place (Lathan Pecina, Preston Tarpley, Dylan Tikarz, Jacob Krupa, Cale Foster)

• Lathan Pecina - 3rd Place tie

Congratulations to the Lady Tiger Golf Team who placed 3rd overall as a team at the STATE Tournament!

Also, our very own Katy Merchant placed 1st individually and is the LADIES STATE GOLF CHAMPION.

Area Playoff Series vs Ponder @ Braswell

- Game 1 - Thursday, May 1st 6:30 PM

- Game 2 - Friday, May 2nd 6:30 PM

- Game 3 - Immediately following Game 2 (if needed)

Tickets - Click Here

April Scoreboard

4/1 vs Blue Ridge 13-4 W

4/7 vs Leonard 16-0 W

4/8 vs Pottsboro 17-4 W

4/11 vs Bells 0-2 L

4/15 vs S&S 0-4 L

4/17 vs Sanger 9-6 W

DISTRICT - 2ND PLACE

4/24/25 -Bi-District CHAMPS vs Winnsboro

• Game 1 - 14-2 Win
• Game 2 - 8-4 Win

The following Gunter Tiger athletes from out STC program participated in the Olympics at Melissa for track and field:

• Leah- Silver Softball Throw; Silver 50 m Dash
• Grace- Gold Tennis Throw; Gold 25 m walk
• Sean- Silver Tennis Throw; Gold 25 m walk
• Bethany- Silver Softball Throw; Gold 50 m dash
• Clark- Bronze Javelin ; Bronze 50 m dash
• Joshua- Silver Javelin ; Bronze 100 m race
• Noah- Silver Softball Throw; Silver 50 m dash
• Chance-4th Softball Throw; 5th 50 m dash
• Ayden- Gold Softball Throw; Silver 100 m race

Congratulations to all the athletes!

Melissa Tournament

• Colton Candelaria and Erick Frier -Consolation Bracket Champs - Boys Doubles
• Kynlee Chalker and Angel Mercado - 4th Place - Mixed Doubles

District Tournament

Team Results:

Girls - District Champions!

Boys - Runners Up

• 1st Place - Mason Jeffs - Boys Singles (Regional Qualifier)
• 1st Place - Hailey Hoel - Girls Singles (Regional Qualifier)
• 1st Place - Angel Mercado/Kynlee Chalker - Mixed Doubles (Regional Qualifier)
• 3rd Place - Tyler Woods and Sarah Smith - Mixed Doubles (Regional Alternate)
• 4th Place - Mia Smith Girls Singles

District Meet

All EIGHT of our teams took 1st in District Track!! 🏆

When we say we are GROWING CHAMPIONS, we mean we start working with them as younger students and build on their skills each year. Congratulations on a job WELL DONE.

• 7th Grade Girls🥇
• 7th Grade Boys 🥇
• 8th Grade Girls 🥇
• 8th Grade Boys 🥇
• Girls JV 🥇
• Boys JV 🥇
• Varsity Girls 🥇
• Varsity Boys 🥇

Area Meet

Girls 1st Place Team 🥇

Boys 3rd Place Team 🥉

Regional Meet

* Boys 4x100 2nd Place 42.13 (Brock Boddie, Mitchell Gage, Easton Overman, Jay Campiti)

* Girls 4x200 5th Place 1:45.98 (Ava Doty, landrie, Brummett, Norah Layman, Landri McDaniel

* Boys 400m 1st Place 47.72 (Mitchell Gage)

Girls 300m Hurdles 5th Place 49.25 (Kailyn Vest)

* Boys 200m 2nd Place 22.36 (Jay Campiti)

* Girls 4x400 1st Place 4:02.93 (Liv Thomas, Kailyn Vest, Landrie Brummett, Norah Layman)

* Boys 4x400 1st Place 3:21.00 (Jett Martin, Rey Ramirez, Koen Scallorn, Mitchell Gage)

Girls Long Jump 6th Place 16-07.25 (Shelby Ellis)

* State Qualifiers

**All individual event results may be found on our Track website on the Results page: https://www.gunterisd.org/page/meet-schedules-results

Norah Layman, Landrie Brummett, Liv Thomas, Kailyn Vest, Shelby Ellis, Mitchell Gage, Koen Scallorn, Brock Boddie, Easton Overman, Rey Ramirez, Jett Martin, Jay Campiti

Grace Dainauski - 2nd Team

Beckett Lytle - 2nd Team

Brock Boddie - 2nd Team

Mitchell Gage - 2nd Team

Brody McDonald - Honorable Mention

Cameron Cravey - Honorable Mention

All-Texomaland Girls Basketball

• Norah Layman--Offensive Player of the Year
• 1st Team--Wendy Salazar, Skylar Pogue, & Aly Gann
• 2nd Team--Cailtin Wilson
• Honorable Mention--Lilly Martin

College Committment
Norah Layman committed to Southeastern Oklahoma State University

All Texomaland

• Preston Tarpley
• Mitchell Gage

TABC Academic All State

• Preston Tarpley
• Mitchell Gage
• Easton Overman
• Boston Standridge
• Brock Boddie

NOT LIKE US | 1%ER

2025 GT JH and HS Composite Football Schedule

2025 Gunter Football Key Dates

Pre-Physical Form 2025

Football Equipment 2025

** All of the updated information for the 2025 football season can be found on the Football website. https://www.gunterisd.org/page/football

Colin Peacock - Defensive Back

The long wait finally came to an end on 4/23 when the students lined up one by one to have their name called. They stepped through the GT tunnel and received the sealed box containing the 2024 Football State Ring! All students came forward, and once all the boxes had been handed out, they opened what is said to be the largest STATE Football ring ever!

*Photos - Marion Cole

We are thrilled to welcome Amy Eckstein as the newest member of our Kindergarten team! With nearly two decades of experience and a heart for early learners, Amy is a fantastic addition to GES.

Here’s a little more about her in her own words:

“My name is Amy Eckstein, and I couldn’t be more excited to join the team at Gunter Elementary. Teaching truly is my calling, and I feel so grateful to continue that journey in a community that values kids, connection, and character the way Gunter does.

Next year will be my 17th year in education, with most of that time spent in kindergarten. There’s just something magical about those early years. Watching little ones grow, explore, and fall in love with learning is the best part of what I do. I’ve been lucky to lead some really special classrooms over the years, and I can already tell this one will be extra special.

I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and together we’ve raised three wonderful kids who are now grown and off chasing their own dreams. Our hearts are extra full this year because we recently became grandparents for the first time, and it has been such a sweet new chapter for our family.

When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll usually find me outside with family, catching a game, or planning our next trip to visit loved ones. Faith, family, and fun keep me going, and I’m excited to bring that same energy to my new school home.

I’m really looking forward to a great year ahead, getting to know the amazing students, working alongside this dedicated staff, and being part of all the things that make Gunter Elementary such a special place.”

We’re so lucky to have you, Amy — welcome to the GES family!

We’re excited to officially welcome Caroline Layman as our new 5th Grade ELAR teacher! Caroline brings a passion for literacy, a heart for students, and a deep connection to the Gunter community.

Here’s a little more about her in her own words:

“My name is Caroline Layman, and I’m so excited to join the Gunter Elementary team as the new 5th grade ELAR teacher. My husband, Q, is a proud Gunter native, and we’ve called this special town home since we got married in 2021. Many of you may know our family through Grace Bible here in Gunter, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to now serve the Gunter community through the school as well.

We have a son named Miles who’s almost two, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming our second baby boy this July. This will be my fourth year teaching 5th grade ELAR, and I truly love what I do. Helping students grow as readers and writers is something I’m passionate about, and I’m excited to share that love of learning with my new students.

It’s an honor to join the amazing team at Gunter Elementary. I’m looking forward to a great year and many more to come.”

We’re so excited to have you on board, Caroline!

Jarod Kay comes to Gunter with a diverse and accomplished 18 years of experience Teaching & Coaching in Texas. Most recently, Coach Kay was at Brock HS where he was a part of 2 State Semi-Finalist teams (2023 and 2024) where he coached Defense and served as the Special Teams Coordinator. Prior to his time in Brock, Coach Kay spent 9 years in Refugio where he was the Co-Defensive Coordinator and Special Teams Coordinator for a team that played in 5 State Championship Games over the span of 7 years, winning 2 State Titles.

Coach Kay also has coaching stops at Hamlin, Pittsburg, and Brownwood where he was part of multiple District Champion teams and reached the State Semi-Finals with Pittsburg in 2009. In addition to Football, Coach Kay has experience coaching multiple playoff teams and State Meet participants in Basketball, Baseball, Powerlifting, Tennis, Track, and Soccer – including coaching the Gatorade National High School Baseball Player of the Year in 2019-2020 and winning a team Track State Championship with Refugio in 2023. Coach Kay will be teaching 6th Grade Social Studies at the Junior High, and he is excited to be a Tiger!

We are excited to announce our new head volleyball coach, Lindsey Bullard!

Lindsey Bullard has been the head volleyball coach at Lindsay High School for two years. During her time with the Lady Knights, Bullard led the team to two undefeated district championships and two appearances in the third round of playoffs. Bullard and her staff earned District 9-2A Coaching Staff of the Year in 2024 and District 10-2A Co-Coaching Staff of the Year in 2023. During her time in Lindsay, she also taught Junior High English and Social Studies, coached track and tennis, and assisted with UIL academics.

In college, Bullard played volleyball for West Texas A&M University, where she was a member of the 2022 National Championship team and the 2021 Elite Eight Finalists. She graduated with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science and earned her program’s student of the year award twice. Bullard spent one year at North Central Texas College before transferring to WT.

Bullard graduated as valedictorian in 2019 from Callisburg High School and was a member of the 2018 state championship volleyball team. Her high school volleyball accomplishments include three trips to the state tournament as well as multiple TGCA and TSWA All-State honors. Her junior year, she played in the TGCA All-Star game; her sophomore year, she earned all-tournament honors at state and received All-Texomaland Newcomer of the Year honors. Bullard also made three trips to the State Tournament in golf.

Website: www.gunterisd.org
Location: Gunter, TX, USA
Phone: 903.433.4750
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gunterisdschools
Twitter: @Gunter_ISD