Buffalo News

September 20, 2026

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Congratulations to our 2026 Homecoming King and Queen, Adonis Flemming and Laney Ellis, along with their entire court!

Athletics: Adonis Flemming & Laney Ellis

Band: Eric Ramirez & Jazmin Figueroa Stinnett

Cheer: Addison Carlile

FFA: Aiden Champlin & Aaley Ramirez

HOSA: Carson Underwood & Joselyn Perez

NHS: Gavynn Moore & Emily Nichols

Robotics: Josh Nunley

Dukes & Duchesses:

9th Grade: Luther Hill & Layne Davis

10th Grade: Alex Colon & Natalie Carbajal

11th Grade Jude Coen & Cheyenne Elmore

Both our JV and Varsity football teams came away with dominating wins over Austin Achieve this week! We are so proud of our Buffaloes and the fight, tenacity and dedication they show out on the field each week, no matter the outcome of the game!

What a great way to celebrate Homecoming Friday night - 50-7! Way to go, Buffs!

#IBelieve #EATTNT

We are excited for our Freshmen Class - after weeks of yelling their hearts out and falling just short of winning, they had a BIG presence during the ENTIRE Homecoming pep rally, and came away with the coveted Spirit Stick!

Congratulations, Freshmen! Way to be loud and show your Buffalo Spirit - it doesn't go unnoticed!

THE BUFFALO WAY: WORK ETHIC

Work Ethic is one of the four values that make up the Buffalo Way: Work Ethic, Integrity, Service, and Honor.

Work Ethic means doing what needs to be done, giving your best effort, and taking pride in your work—even when no one is watching. Success rarely happens because of one big moment. It is built through the small choices we make every day: showing up, being prepared, staying focused, finishing what we start, and refusing to give up when something is difficult.

At FHS, we believe work ethic is a choice. You may not always be the most talented person in the room, but you can always control your effort, your attitude, and your commitment.

Be a Buffalo who works hard, takes pride in your work, and keeps getting better.

That’s the Buffalo Way.

On October 15th all Juniors will take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). This is a good opportunity for Juniors! The link below will give more information about the test. After testing Juniors can build a study plan for the spring SAT School Day.

On October 15th Seniors have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. Any senior who took Algebra I in the 8th grade and has not made a college ready score on the SAT Math is required to take the SAT and will be automatically signed up. Any other seniors were required to sign up by the September 18th deadline.

See below for practice information, what to bring on test day, and more!

What to Bring

There are only a few things you really need to bring on test day, and a lot of things you'll be better off leaving at home. Be sure to bring:

• Your fully charged Chromebook. You must have the Bluebook app installed and exam setup complete before test day.
• If you’re approved to use a screen reader or other assistive technology due to a disability, make sure that the technology is configured for Bluebook before test day. If you’re testing with a Chromebook and want to customize your settings, you’ll need to do so every time you open Bluebook.
• A pencil or pen.
• Scratch paper will be provided—do not bring your own.

Other study materials:

Students have access to a Guided SAT and ACT Course through TexQuest as well as practice test PSAT. Here's how to access:

Classlink

TexQuest (they will be prompted to enter the district name and a password - the password is 3duc*t3)

In the resources choose Learning Express Library

Prepare for College

When prompted to sign in, select Sign in with Google or Register if they are a new user.

Don't Overlook the SAT

A strong SAT score can increase a student's eligibility for merit-based scholarships.

For families, the message is simple: Don't think of the SAT only as an entrance exam. Think of it as one potential tool for reducing the cost of college. Here are a couple of examples:

TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY

Tarleton's President's Guaranteed Scholarship Program provides renewable scholarships to entering freshmen who graduate in the top 50% of their high school class.

For students who are not attending a Distinguished High School Partner, the current guaranteed awards include:

• 1300+ SAT: $4,000 per year for students in the top 10%; $2,000 for students in the top 25%; $500 for students in the top 50%.

• 1100+ SAT: $3,000 per year for students in the top 10%; $1,500 for students in the top 25%; $500 for students in the top 50%.

• Submitted SAT score: $2,000 for the top 10%; $1,000 for the top 25%; $500 for the top 50%.

These awards can be renewed for up to four years when students maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Important Tarleton dates:

• December 1, 2026: Early consideration for the next academic year

• February 15, 2027: Scholarship Priority Deadline

• Tarleton's general scholarship application can match students with 600+ scholarships.

• The application opens August 1 each year.

Tarleton states that students should apply early because many scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

UT SAN ANTONIO

UT San Antonio's Distinguished Presidential Scholarship is a merit-based award for qualifying incoming freshmen. The scholarship can be worth up to $24,000 over four years, provided renewal requirements are met and funding is available.

UT San Antonio also offers other significant scholarship opportunities:

• Top Scholar Program: A four-year enhanced scholarship and academic experience that can cover tuition, fees, housing and meals. Students who are in the top 5% and have a 1440 SAT or 32 ACT are encouraged to apply.

• Terry Scholarship: A competitive scholarship for students demonstrating leadership potential and financial need.

• General Scholarship Application: One application can put students in consideration for numerous scholarships administered through UT San Antonio.

Important UT San Antonio dates:

• December 1, 2026: Top Scholar and Terry Scholarship deadline

• January 15, 2027: Distinguished Presidential Scholarship deadline

• January 15, 2027: General Scholarship Application deadline

• January 15, 2027: FAFSA priority deadline for UT San Antonio

WHAT SHOULD FAMILIES DO?

1. Take the SAT seriously.
A stronger score may provide access to scholarship opportunities that aren't available based on GPA and class rank alone.

2. Take the SAT more than once if appropriate.
Students who can improve their score may increase their scholarship opportunities.

3. Apply early.
Don't wait until the final deadline. Some scholarships have early consideration dates, and some funds are limited.

4. Complete the scholarship application—not just the college application.
Being admitted to a university does not automatically mean a student has applied for every scholarship available.

5. Watch the deadlines.
A student can have the grades and SAT score to qualify and still miss out by failing to submit the scholarship application on time.

THE BOTTOM LINE

For a student attending a Texas public university, improving an SAT score can potentially translate into thousands of dollars in scholarship assistance.

The SAT is more than a test. For some students, it can be a financial tool.

Scholarship amounts, eligibility requirements and deadlines can change. Students and families should verify current requirements directly with each university.

H-E-B opened nominations through Sept. 30 for its 2027 Excellence in Education Awards, with more than $1 million available to Texas educators, schools, districts, school boards and early-childhood facilities.

Please consider nominating a great educator at FHS.

https://heblovesteachers.com/nominate/

The Knights of Columbus Council 12522 is partnering with Florence ISD to provide new winter coats to students in need. Please print and complete the form below and return it to your child's school counselor by Tuesday, September 22, 2026. You can also pick one up in the FHS front office. Only one form is needed per family. Distribution details will be shared at a later date.

Click below to download and print the form!

We are excited to share this opportunity with our students! The annual Bell County Central Texas College Fair will be hosted on the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor campus on Tuesday, September 22.

Students will have the opportunity to connect with representatives from over 60 universities and colleges, including:

• University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
• Temple College
• Central Texas College
• Texas A&M University
• Tarleton State University
  …and many more!

This is a wonderful chance for students to explore their higher education options, ask questions, and gather helpful resources as they plan for their future.

Football season is upon us, and we are ready to fill the student section with BIG energy, LOUD voices, and Buffalo pride! Check out our upcoming Student Spirit Themes and start planning those game-day outfits! Parents - you can join in on the fun too!

We want to see FHS students showing up, dressing out, cheering loud, and supporting our Buffaloes every Friday night! The student section sets the tone, so let’s make this season one to remember! One Town. One Herd. Together We Charge!

#FHSBuffaloes #BuffaloPride #StudentSection #FridayNightLights #FHSSpirit #TogetherWeCharge

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities.

With the addition of the 2026 class, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided more than 7,200 Coke Scholars nationwide with over $90 million in scholarships as it celebrates 40 years of impact since its founding in 1986. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.

The 2027 application is available here for high school students graduating in the 2026-2027 academic year through 5 pm Eastern on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Who Can Apply: Open to students in grades 9-12!

Deadline: October 31, 2026

Click here for more information!

9/23 - Junior and Senior Class Meeting 2nd Period Class Ring and Graduation Information

9/25 - Eligibility Changes

9/30 - Class Ring Orders and Senior Graduation Orders during lunch

10/2 - Senior Picture Day

10/7 - Ag @ State Fair

10/8 - Early Out and End of the 9 Weeks

10/9 - No School

10/12 - No School

10/15 - PSAT & SAT School Day

10/20 - 9th - 11th Picture Day

10/23 - Pep Rally

10/26 - PD Day/Student Holiday

10/27 - FISD Trunk or Treat

10/30 - IPR 2.1 Ends (Gain Only)

9/22 - VB Bye (No game)

9/23 - CC @ Steve Goleman Meet / Llano - 8:30 am JV/V

9/24 - FB v Hico @ Home - 7:15 pm JV

9/25 - VB v Comfort @ Home - 5:00/6:00 pm V/JV/F

9/25- FB @ Hico - 7:00 pm V