Conroe ISD Connection
News and updates for students, families, and staff
VINSON'S VAULT
Teacher Appreciation Week: The Heart Behind the Connection
In his latest blog, Dr. Vinson shares the story of Jose Lisser, a Caney Creek HS senior whose kindness and creativity have made a lasting impact on students at Travis Intermediate. Through small acts of encouragement and genuine connection, Jose reminds us that the relationships built in schools often matter just as much as the lessons taught in classrooms.
As Teacher Appreciation Week concludes, the blog highlights the educators, support staff, and campus employees who make a difference every day by ensuring students feel seen, valued, and supported. Read the full article
The Vision Behind the Homecoming Plan
Dr. David Vinson recently shared the vision behind the Homecoming Plan, an initiative focused on returning students in specialized programs to their neighborhood campuses while maintaining strong support and services. The plan emphasizes student connection, high-quality instruction, and keeping families closely connected to their home school communities. Read the full article
NEWS FROM ACROSS THE DISTRICT
From Classroom to Career: Culinary
Students in our Culinary Arts program are gaining far more than cooking skills. Through hands on experiences, competitions, catering opportunities, and teamwork, students are developing leadership, professionalism, communication, and industry knowledge that will benefit them long after high school. From learning kitchen techniques to building confidence and strong relationships, Culinary Arts helps students prepare for success in both college and future careers.
Celebrating Our District Teachers of the Year
Congratulations to Leslie Ross of Deretchin Elementary, named the Conroe ISD Elementary District Teacher of the Year, and Frances Evans of McCullough Junior High, named the Secondary District Teacher of the Year.
The two educators were surprised with this award during the district’s annual Salute to Education event held Tuesday, May 5, at the Jett Center. The event celebrates Teachers of the Year, Humanitarians, Rising Stars, and Friends of Education from all campuses across Conroe ISD.
As part of the recognition, both district winners received an award check courtesy of the event’s sponsor, Woodforest National Bank. Conroe ISD is grateful for Woodforest National Bank’s continued support of our teachers, students, schools, and community.
Watch the Elementary Ceremony | Watch the Secondary Ceremony
Fair Queen Tradition Continues
In a special feature, this year’s Montgomery County Fair Queen sits down with the outgoing queen for a fun and meaningful conversation about their experiences, memories, and advice. From representing their schools to serving the community, the two share what the crown truly means and how the experience has shaped them.
Students Awarded All Means All Scholarships
Ten Conroe ISD students were awarded the prestigious All Means All Scholarship during a special ceremony held at the Conroe HS 9th Grade Campus. Recipients included Valerie Cordova, Kiley Drugatz, Baylee Dunn, Samuel Gandara, Amber Hein, Lindsey Lozano, Melanie Lugo, Maite Merlos-Ramos, Myka Payne, and Jacob Romero.
The scholarship program, administered through the Conroe ISD Education Foundation, was created by longtime educator Sam Cable to encourage academic pride, positive behavior, and future college aspirations beginning in the ninth grade. Students selected for the program have the opportunity to earn a $2,000 scholarship toward college expenses upon graduation.
The ceremony was led by CHS 9 Principal Spencer Neal and organized by Heather Self. Board President Misty Odenweller, Dr. Ted Landry, former Superintendent Dr. Don Stockton, Conroe HS Principal Dr. Tasha Smith, Executive Director of the Education Foundation Maris Blair, and several scholarship donors were also in attendance to celebrate the students and their accomplishments.
Bluebonnet End of Year Surveys
Conroe ISD families are invited to provide feedback on Bluebonnet Learning ELAR through the end-of-year survey. The survey window will be May 8–15, 2026. Your feedback is valuable and helps us continue to improve learning experiences for our students. Parent Survey
Graduation Central
All details for upcoming Conroe ISD graduation ceremonies, including dates, times, links to streams, locations, and important guidelines, are available on the district’s Graduation Central page. Families and students are encouraged to review this information to prepare for this exciting milestone.
Visit Graduation Central for the latest updates and everything you need to know.
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Bag & Purse Policy
- Clear bags sized 12” x 12” or smaller are permitted.
- Tinted bags or bags with printed patterns are not accepted.
- Non-clear handheld clutches sized 4.5” x 6.5” or smaller are permitted.
- Bags for medical equipment (sized appropriately to the size of the equipment) are permitted, but will be subject to search, i.e. small items like medication need to follow the standard bag policy above.
- Diaper bags (accompanied by infant/toddler) are permitted, but will be subject to search.
- Nursing/Pumping bags including bottles, ice and pumping equipment are permitted, but will be subject to search.
- Following standard safety protocol, all unattended items and bags outside the gates or within the venue will be removed from the facility immediately.
- Bags, purses or backpacks of any kind will not be accepted by Pavilion Info Booths.
Graduation Parking Reminder
As we prepare for graduation ceremonies, families and guests are reminded to park only in designated and approved areas at each venue. Parking in unauthorized areas may result in vehicles being towed. Please review parking instructions in advance and allow extra time for arrival to ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone.
For maps and full directions, visit:
View Directions & Parking Maps
Tip: Arrive early – lots open early and fill quickly.
STUDENT DROP-OFF
2005 Lake Robbins Drive
Follow signs to North Plaza entrance
Do not park in drop-off zones
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
9809 Six Pines Drive
Free with proper credentials (first-come, first-served)
Overflow accessible parking available nearby
PAID / CLOSE PARKING (LIMITED)
9809 Six Pines Drive (Gold Lot)
Limited spaces; fills up early
TRAFFIC & EXIT TIPS
Expect heavy traffic before and after ceremonies
Follow police, signage, and staff directions
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 12, 2026
Regular Board Meeting @ Admin Building | 5:00 pm
May 15, 2026
Oak Ridge HS Graduation @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 7:30 pm
May 16, 2026
Washington HS Graduation @ The Ark Church | 10:00 am
May 17, 2026
Caney Creek HS Graduation @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 7:30 pm
May 18, 2026
Conroe HS Graduation @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 7:30 pm
May 19, 2026
College Park HS Graduation @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 7:30 pm
May 20, 2026
The Woodlands HS Graduation @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 7:30 pm
May 21, 2026
Grand Oaks HS Graduation @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 7:30 pm
May 22, 2026
Last Day of School | Early Release
May 25, 2026
Holiday | Memorial Day
May 27, 2026
Teacher & Instructional Paraprofessional Job Fair @ Grand Oaks HS | 4 - 6 pm
May 29, 2026
Bus Driver Job Fair @ Oak Ridge Transportation Center | 11 am - 1 pm