2026-2027
Welcome to The Nest, Falcon Families! 💙
Dear Kirby STEM Academy Families,
As we prepare to begin Week 2 of the 2026–2027 school year, I am excited to welcome you to the very first parent edition of The Nest, our Kirby STEM Academy family newsletter!
Our first week was filled with excitement, new beginnings, and the start of something special. Our hallways are once again filled with students, our classrooms are coming to life with learning, and our Falcons are beginning to settle into the routines and expectations that will help them have a successful year.
As your principal, one of my greatest priorities is building a school where students feel safe, supported, challenged, and proud to belong. That work requires all of us—students, staff, families, and our community—working together.
At Kirby STEM Academy, we believe in high expectations AND strong relationships. We want our students to know that we believe in them, that their choices matter, and that they are capable of accomplishing incredible things. We will celebrate their successes, support them through challenges, and continue pushing them to grow academically and personally.
Parents and families, you are an essential part of this work. I encourage you to stay connected, ask your student about their day, monitor grades and attendance, communicate with teachers, attend campus events, and read The Nest each week. This newsletter will be one of our primary ways of keeping you informed about important dates, celebrations, opportunities, reminders, and everything happening at Kirby.
Most importantly, thank you for trusting us with your children each day. We recognize the tremendous responsibility that comes with that trust, and we do not take it lightly.
Week 1 introduced us to one another. Week 2 is where we begin turning routines into habits, expectations into culture, and our goals into action.
We have an incredible year ahead of us, Falcon Families. Let's build it together.
Innovate. Collaborate. Elevate.
Together, we SOAR! 🦅💙
With Falcon Pride,
Mrs. Amber Gonzales
Principal
Kirby STEM Academy
💙 Mrs. Vanessa Garza | 6th Grade Assistant Principal
Mrs. Garza is excited to support our 6th-grade Falcons as they make the important transition into middle school! She is committed to building strong relationships with students and families while helping our newest Falcons learn campus expectations, develop confidence, and have a successful first year at Kirby STEM Academy.
Welcome to middle school, 6th-grade families—we are excited to have you in The Nest! 🦅
💙 Ms. Maritha Purperhart | 8th Grade Assistant Principal
Ms. Purperhart proudly supports our 8th-grade Falcons during this important final year of middle school. Her focus is helping students stay accountable, grow as leaders, and finish their middle school journey strong as they prepare for the transition to high school.
Let's make this final year at Kirby one our 8th graders will always remember! 🎓🦅
💙 Dr. Brian Welch | 7th Grade Assistant Principal
Dr. Welch works closely with our 7th-grade Falcons and their families to support student success both inside and outside the classroom. He is committed to maintaining high expectations while building positive relationships and helping students continue growing academically, socially, and personally.
We are looking forward to an outstanding year with our 7th-grade Falcons! 🦅💙
