Eye on FISD
November 13, 2025
From Dr. Gilstrap
I hope that your family is enjoying the four-day school weeks so far. We encourage our students and staff to take full advantage of that extra time off, resting and enjoying the long weekends with loved ones. This change gives us the opportunity to prioritize balance and well-being, and we’re grateful for your continued support as we go through this transition together. Strong student attendance is important, so please try to schedule appointments and doctor’s visits on those Fridays as much as possible.
As we enter the holiday season, please remember to stay safe during your travels and celebrations. As always, don’t hesitate to report any suspicious or concerning activity. If you see something, say something.
We also invite you to join us for the many exciting events coming up across our district—from the FSE Fall Festival and band concerts to student showcases and games. Your presence and participation mean a lot to our students and staff.
A special shout-out goes to our tennis, cross country and volleyball teams, the Floresville FFA, and the Mighty Tiger Band on their accomplishments this semester. They’ve had an incredible season thanks to their coaches, sponsors, and teachers and your support.
Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. Together We Thrive.
community of character award
Joyce and David Stinson embody the very essence of Floresville ISD’s Community of Character values through their compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving others.
In 2010, what began as a simple class project has grown into a deeply impactful mission of care and community support. An effort to help district families sparked what would become the Helping Hands Hygiene Closet Project, founded and faithfully sustained by Joyce and David through the Floresville United Methodist Church. The Stinsons transformed an act of classroom kindness into a church-wide outreach that continues to meet essential needs for FISD families. Each month, Joyce and David advocate for parishioner support, encouraging monetary donations used to purchase hygiene and household essentials for district students and their families. Through their compassion and persistence, over $60,000 has been raised to support FISD families in need. Their example has inspired others to act selflessly and reminds us that true community begins with empathy.
Joyce and David Stinson’s ongoing dedication to the Helping Hands Hygiene Closet is a living demonstration of the core values — kindness, responsibility, and service to others. Their legacy of giving continues to uplift our students and strengthen our community year after year.
Friday Camp
Registration for Fridays in December will begin on November 15. Be on the lookout for the sign up form!
Quick facts:
- Offered on 18 Fridays throughout the school year
- Students in Pre-K through 5th grade are welcome
- Services provided by Right at School
- Hosted at Floresville South Elementary
- Hours: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Snack and lunch provided
- Cost is covered by Floresville ISD
- Transportation is NOT be provided
Coming Up!
November 19: FSE Fall Festival at 5:00 p.m.
November 24 - 28: Thanksgiving Break
December 1: Board of Trustees Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
December 4: FMS Beginner Band Concert at 7 p.m.
Teacher and Students of the Month
Mr. David Merten, teacher at Floresville Middle School, has been named the Teacher of the Month for November. He started his career in education as a paraprofessional in 1998 and has been a teacher since 2002. He has also been the golf coach for Floresville ISD for a total of 10 years. Mr. Merten says he learned he wanted to be a teacher because of the joy he feels in seeing kids grow into adulthood and feels pride in the role he plays in helping students achieve success. He says that seeing a kid click with what you are teaching brings great satisfaction. Mr. Merten started at FMS as an ELAR teacher, and two years ago he initiated the campus' journalism program. He has already helped his students accomplish remarkable results, as can be seen in the campus video productions known as “The Claw,” which are written, narrated and produced by his students. He wants to be known for helping students grow regardless of where they started.
Eighth-grade student Estrella De Los Santos Estrella is one of two Students of the Month. Her exceptional academic record has resulted in her making the “A/B” Honor Roll in 6th Grade and the “A” Honor Roll in both 7th and 8th Grade. Her maturity and responsibility are the primary reasons she was selected as a Front Office Aide and as an 8th Grade Ambassador to a class of our new 6th graders this year. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and plays an active role in UIL activities – she participates in basketball, one-act play, poetry reading, impromptu speaking, and ready writing. She is also very active in our campus journalism program. Somehow, she manages to find time outside of school to play softball, work the summer children’s program for her church and participate in the FFA. She is also active in ballet folklórico and you might have seen her dancing during the recent Peanut Festival Parade. Estrella wants to study journalism in college.
Damien Valdez, also an 8th-grade student, is the second Student of the Month. Damien is an excellent student, making the “A/B” Honor Roll every year at FMS. His hard work is why he is a member of the National Junior Honor Society. He is also involved outside of school, having recently the Leo Club, supported by the local Lions Club, to engage in support to our community. His favorite subjects are reading, science, art, and Principles of Audiovisual Technology. Outside of school he enjoys movies, games with his friends, and taking care of his dog, Oreo. He also likes to write horror stories. He is undecided yet about his future career choices, but he knows he wants to attend the University of Texas at Austin.
board recognition
The FISD Board of Trustees recognized the varsity Boys and Girls Cross Country teams for representing Floresville at the 4A State Meet. Both teams were named District Champions back in October. At the state competition, the boys team placed 9th and the girls placed 13th. Kaden Cypert earned 7th place individually. Congratulation to everyone!
Floresville Independent School District
Website: fisd.us
Location: 1200 5th Street, Floresville, TX, USA
Phone: 830-393-5300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Floresville
Twitter: @FloresvilleISD