Buffalo News

October 18, 2026

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The Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT) has named Florence ISD a CTE District of Distinction, recognizing the district for high-quality career and technical education programs that prepare students for college, careers and the workforce.

CTAT's CTE District of Distinction program recognizes Texas school districts that demonstrate strong CTE leadership, innovative programming, alignment with workforce needs and positive student outcomes. Districts are selected based on established criteria that include industry-based certifications, career pathways, industry partnerships and other practices that strengthen student preparation for high-demand careers.

This recognition reflects the work of our CTE educators, administrators, students and community partners, and we are proud of the opportunities our programs provide students to build skills, earn credentials and prepare for their next steps after high school!

DISTRICT SWEEP!!!

WHAT A DAY TO BE A BUFFALO!!! All four of our teams came home with the hardware at the District Cross Country meet this past Wednesday!

DISTRICT CHAMPIONS:

Varsity Boys

Varsity Girls

JV Boys

Our JV girls may not have had a full team, but that did not stop them from showing up and showing out! All three girls finished in the TOP 5 of their race! We are so proud of their hard work and determination!

VARSITY BOYS RESULTS

1st - Mauricio Ortiz

2nd - Primo Martinez

3rd - Parker Jamison-Goff

6th – Alex Garcia

9th – Yoel Ybarra

13th – Brady Mauk

14th – Max Pearson

VARSITY GIRLS RESULTS

2nd - Sara Koch

6th – Sophia Koch

7th – Alondra Martinez

10th – Adaliz Benitez

11th – Natalie Carbajal

12th – Paris Johnson

14th – Nerisa Hill

JV BOYS RESULTS

1st - Axel Martinez

2nd - Ezekiel Valadez

3rd - Ivan Pineda

5th – Preston Hamm

11th – Brandon Castrejon

12th – Sebastian Gomez

JV GIRLS RESULTS

1st - Sophia Martinez

2nd - Zoe Correno

4th – Sherlyn Manzano

AND WE AREN’T DONE YET!!! Both of our VARSITY teams are moving on to REGIONALS on October 27th in Corpus Christi, Texas!

From the hard work put in during those early morning practices to showing up when it matters most, these athletes have earned this moment. We are incredibly proud of every single runner who represented Florence today! The growth of this program has been incredible, and this is what happens when hard work, dedication, and teamwork come together.

THREE DISTRICT TEAM TITLES. TWO VARSITY TEAMS HEADED TO REGIONALS.
ONE BUFFALO FAMILY.

💜🤍 FOUR CLASSES. ONE BAND. SIX YEARS OF SUPERIOR! 🏆

🎓 Sensational Seniors!

💜 Jubilant Juniors!

🏆 Super Sophomores!

🤍 Fabulous Freshmen!

Different grade levels and ONE SUPERIOR SOUND!

Congratulations to our Florence Buffalo Band on earning straight First Divisions at UIL Region 32 and continuing a SIX-YEAR tradition of excellence!

SIX YEARS STRONG! 💜🎶🏆

#FlorenceBuffaloBand #SixYearsStrong #UILMarching #BuffaloPride #fyp

Know a staff member who goes above and beyond for students, colleagues, or our school community? Take a moment to recognize someone who exemplifies what it means to Inspire. Empower. Achieve.

Seniors that are trying to meet a college ready score and other students trying to qualify for dual credit (it is a dual credit prerequisite) can sign up to take the test using the link below.

Deadline: If you would like to take the TSI test, make sure to sign up no later than the day before the test at 3:00 p.m. (October 23rd for the October 24th test and November 6th for the November 7th test). See Dr. Varela in the FHS office with any questions!

Picture order forms will be given to the students this week!

Our Secondary ACE students have been busy learning, creating, and having fun!

They're excited to showcase their projects and activities at our Lights On Afterschool booth during Florence ISD's Trunk or Treat event!

Through our Buffalo Bodega Food Pantry, students are learning the value of community service, teamwork, and giving back. Several are also working toward earning their Food Handler Certifications!

ACE also supports student success through High-Impact Tutoring (HIT), homework assistance, and providing the supplies students need to complete their assignments.

With exciting enrichment clubs like E-Sports, Cooking, Fine Arts, and more, there's something for everyone!

Not enrolled in ACE yet?

Come join us, explore new interests, make friends, and be part of the fun!

Bring your favorite stuffed animal to the Teddy Bear Clinic! Children can explore the world of healthcare through fun, hands-on activities while HOSA students demonstrate basic medical procedures and help make visiting the doctor a fun and friendly experience.

Red Ribbon Week is the largest and longest-running annual drug, tobacco, and violence prevention awareness campaign in the United States. The goal is to mobilize communities, educate children and youth, and promote safe, healthy, and drug-free lives. This year's theme is “Make A Difference. Be A Hero. Stay Drug Free."

Get your outfits ready now for the RRW dress up days - it is coming up soon! We will select winners each day for best themed outfit and you will win a RRW t-shirt!

Centex Recognition was on campus taking orders on Wednesday, 9/30. If you missed them, you can still order online at www.ctrecognition.com!

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Texas has added a new requirement that students must complete before graduating from high school.

Students must either:

✓ Participate in My Texas Future
Create a profile and choose to participate in the Texas Direct Admissions program.

OR

✓ Complete an approved Opt-Out
A parent/guardian may opt out for a student under 18. Students who are 18 or older may complete their own opt-out. A school counselor may also authorize an opt-out in certain circumstances.

What is My Texas Future?

My Texas Future is a free State of Texas resource that helps students explore careers, education options, and Texas colleges. Through Direct Admissions, students can learn which participating Texas colleges they may qualify for based on their academic information.

⚠️ SENIORS & PARENTS

This is a graduation requirement for the Class of 2027. Florence High School will be working with students to ensure the requirement is completed and documented prior to graduation.

More information and instructions will be provided by FHS.

Attention Buffaloes and Buffalo parents! It's that time of year again - our annual FHS "Collaborating to Fight Hunger" Food Drive! Starting this week, students can bring canned goods to their homeroom (2nd period) teacher! Service is one of our core school values so let's serve our community! Homeroom teachers: get your students fired up to win the Chick Fil-A meal!🦬

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

To encourage women to pursue careers in transportation, the Heart of Texas (HOT) Chapter of WTS is awarding a $5,000 scholarship to a young woman in their senior year of high school for college or trade school, with plans to pursue a career in a transportation-related field.

Available Scholarship: Please submit applications in a single PDF electronically by December 1, 2026, end of day.

See website for more information:

https://www.wtsinternational.org/chapters/heart-texas/scholarships-0

This scholarship is competitive and based on the applicant’s specific transportation involvement and goals, job skills, and academic record. Minority candidates are encouraged to apply. Any students who may be eligible for the scholarships should apply!

The application and FAQs documents are attached and are also available at the link above. Please submit applications and/or questions to the Heart of Texas Scholarship Co-Chairs at scholarship@wtshotchapter.org and scholarshipcc@wtshotchapter.org.

MCFS (Masonic Children & Family Services of Texas) Senior Scholarship is now open!

Who can apply?

Graduating high school seniors who live in Texas and plan to attend an accredited college, university, or trade school.

Masonic affiliation is not required.

Each $2,500 award is paid directly to the student’s school for tuition and fees.

Click here for more info and to apply online!

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

Deadline: October 31, 2026

Click here for more information!

Please see the letter below regarding automatic admissions to UT Austin.

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)

11/2 - IPR 2.2 Starts

11/6 - Pep Rally

11/10 - Student Early Out/FISD Veteran's Day Program

11/11 - Student/Staff Holiday

11/16 - Picture Retake All Grades

11/20 - Path to Profession Career Fair/Early Out

11/23 - 11/27 - Student/Staff Holiday

10/20 - VB @ Llano - 5:00/6:00 F/JV/V

10/22 - FB @ Anderson-Shiro - 5:00 pm JV

10/23 - VB v Ingram @ Home - SENIOR NIGHT - 5:00/6:00 pm V/JV/F

10/23 - FB v Anderson-Shiro @ Home - 7:00 pm V