💙📣 Celebrating National Speech Pathologist Day — May 18, 2026! 📣💙
This day we recognize the incredible speech-language pathologists who help students and individuals communicate with confidence and success. From speech therapy sessions to classroom support, these amazing professionals work every day to strengthen voices, inspire learning, and create brighter futures for children everywhere!
Speech pathologists do so much more than teach words — they build confidence, encourage connection, and help every child feel heard and understood. Thank you for your dedication, compassion, patience, and the positive difference you make in schools and communities each day! ❤️✨
Thank you Dawn Bluhm, MA CCC/SLP and Cindi Martinez MS CCC/SLP, the speech-language pathologists at Lackland ISD.
Around the District
Lackland ISD Plaque Dedication and Retirement Celebration
Lackland ISD unveiled it's latest plaque honoring and memorializing retirees who worked for the district 20 years or longer. Spending a majority of the career serving our military kids, these former faculty members went above and beyond earning this unique recognition! Congratulations!
After the dedication, our current retirees were honored in the Lyon Center by colleagues, friends. and family. Emceed by Mr. Richard, warm and heartfelt sentiments were shared by co-workers and the retirees. A taco feast ensued followed by desserts and door prizes. Congratulations Donna Sandoval, Kasandra Smith, Monica Verbena, Patricia Morris, and Yolanda Sanchez. Good luck in your future endeavors!
Thank you to the retirement committee, food service team, janitorial, maintenance crews and all of the others who helped make it another memorable event!
26-27 School Year Registration Info
*Please complete this process promptly! Thank you!
Lackland ISD strongly desires parent engagement. You have an opportunity to share your voice and help us actualize our vision to ignite a passion for life-long learning and empower excellence. As you engage as a parent, we also invite your participation in campus and district-level committees. Below are the descriptions for these committees for your consideration. If you have additional questions, each committee’s point of contact is listed with the committee description.
Please read each description and share your interest in supporting the committee or learning more about it.
Lackland ISD continues to strive toward improving communication.
ParentSquare is a communication platform. Through the platform, you’ll be able to:
*Receive all district, school, and classroom communication via email, text, or app
*View the school and classroom calendar and RSVP for events
*Easily sign up to volunteer and/or bring items
*Securely receive important documents like report cards and other student documents
For the best ParentSquare experience, we recommend that you download and install the app. The name is ParentSquare, and it can easily be found in your device’s app store. If you don’t have a device, no need to worry: the platform is capable of both text and email, and you can log on via the web as well. ParentSquare receives its contact information from the Ascender Parent Portal. Please take a moment to make sure that you have the latest contact information on file there.
Parent Square Notifications
Under General Announcements, you can select how often you want to receive notifications for posts. Select Off, Instant or Digest notifications.
Off:no notifications about posts will be sent to you. Emergency Alerts and Notices will still be sent. School Alerts will still be sent if turned on.
Instant:you'll receive an email and/or text and/or an app notification every time a notice or message is sent.
Digest:you'll receive an email and/or text and/or an app notification once a day in the evening with all posts from that day.
The default setting is typically Digest, so that you receive all notices and post messages in one convenient notification once a day. All emergency notifications still come through instantly, and a school can override settings as needed for an urgent message.
Stacey Jr. / Sr. High
Congratulations to Stacey Senior Alexander Sapp!
He earned 1st place in UIL Computer Science at the Region IV meet and will compete in the UIL Academic State Championships at UT-Austin on Monday, May 18th. Alex also recently received an appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy!
Senior Award Night
On May 8th, we proudly celebrated our seniors during Senior Award Night held in honor of the Class of 2026. This special evening recognized the hard work, accomplishments, and dedication of our graduating seniors throughout their high school journey. Seniors were presented with their caps and gowns, marking an exciting milestone as graduation approaches. In addition, students were recognized with various academic and achievement honors.
During the ceremony, the Valedictorian, Eduardo Barajas, and Salutatorian, Alexander Sapp, for the Class of 2026 were officially announced. We also celebrated four students earning their Patient Care Technician Certification: Alexander Sapp, Addison Ali Aquino, Cadence Bramlett, and Nathan Bozung, recognizing their commitment and success in completing this important career pathway.
A special recognition was also given to Alexander Sapp, who was awarded an appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy, presented by Lieutenant Austin Swan. This remarkable achievement reflects Alexander’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving his country.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on this memorable achievement and milestone!
Top 10 Senior Luncheon
On May 8th, we proudly hosted our Top 10 Senior Luncheon to honor the Top 10 students of the Class of 2026. These exceptional seniors were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement, unwavering dedication, and commitment to excellence throughout their high school journey. Their hard work, perseverance, and determination have set them apart as leaders among their graduating class. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to the continued success that awaits each of them in the future.
The Top 10 seniors are as follows: Eduardo Barajas, Alexander Sapp, Cadence Bramlett, Nathan Bozung, Charles Morey, Malachi Jackson, Makaylah Hockenbarger, Tristan Armstrong, Adam Miller, Samantha Hitchcock
Stacey Spring Band Concert
Last night the Stacey Jr./Sr. High School bands had their spring concert, featuring songs from popular movies, tv shows, and musical artists. The students did a phenomenal job with their performance, demonstrating a high quality of musicianship. Congratulations to the seniors who have successfully completed their final year with the Eagle Band, and an extra congratulations to our National band award recipients: Diego Flores (John Philip Sousa) and Gabrielle Sheehan (Patrick S. Gilmore). Thank you to the staff, administration, and family members that were in attendance, and a special shoutout to Mr. Richard and the Theater Arts Department for helping with the stage set-up, lighting, and sound!
Mannequins with Feedback
I would like to introduce you to our family of Feedback CPR Mannequins.
When students are doing compressions the mannequins give feedback either by a Red, Green or Yellow Light appearing as the compressions are being done.
Red - Means you are not compressing to a depth of
at least 2 inches (5 cm), but generally no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) deep
Green - Means compressions are perfect - keep it up.
Yellow - Means that you are compressing the chest too fast and need to slow down.
These mannequins really help the students learn where they stand with compressions and it redirects them if they are doing it wrong.
Welcome Preston Mannequin Family to Lackland ISD.
Have a great day 🙂
Senior Spotlight
Click spotlights to view enlarged post!
Stacey Flashback: Aaliyah Kirton
by: Desiree Hernandez, senior
Aaliyah is a graduate from Stacey. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Princeton University.
1. What year did you graduate from Stacey and how long were you here at Lackland ISD?
I graduated in 2021 and I was there from 5-12 grade.
2. What is your favorite high school memory?
My favorite memory was performing with the drama club my first time my sophomore year.
3. Was there a teacher or staff member here at Lackland that made an impact on you?
Mrs.Torre was the teacher that taught me to believe in myself the most. (She was not my high school teacher, but I talked to her almost everyday)
4. If you could go back in time, is there anything you would do differently in high school?
I would have tried to engage in more extracurricular activities or clubs.
5. What have you been up to since you graduated?
Since I graduated, I went to Texas Lutheran University to get my bachelor's in theology and now I am currently at Princeton Theological Seminary getting my Master’s in Divinity.
6. At what point did you realize what you wanted for your future?
In my junior year of high school I knew I was being called to work within ministry.
7. Do you have any advice for the current students at Stacey?
Do not be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things.
8. How did Stacey shape you in ways you didn’t notice till later?
It taught me to stand up for myself and be able to advocate for myself and others.
9. What is something that you enjoy doing in your free time?
My free time usually consists of trying new things or exploring new places. I usually find a new hiking spot or go hang out at the beach.
10. If you could choose one song to describe your high school experience, what would it be?
Wait for it by Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton soundtrack) This song was on repeat for me back in high school, so it is only fitting.
Thank you Aaliyah!
Stacey Yearbooks
The publisher shipped some extra copies and we are down to the last
three! They are $50. Contact yearbook editor Audrey Upton if interested.
The Stacey lost and found box is currently overflowing with items waiting to be reunited with their owners. Many jackets, coats, and hoodies have been left behind, along with several pairs of shoes and some water bottles. If a student has misplaced anything recently, now is a great time to take a look.
Lackland Elementary
Trinity Prize Winner
Mrs. Rebecca Owens is the Lackland ISD Teacher of the Year Honoree for the Trinity Prize. She was honored at the reception Friday, May 8th at Laurie Auditorium. Congratulations Mrs. Owens!
Air Force Band of the West Rocks the LISD Auditorium!
It was an amazing performance and a reward for students for excelling in their Math MAP testing!
Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind
The 4th grade class put on a performance in the auditorium for other elementary grade levels! They tried to perform 21 acts in 30 minutes with the audience participating by yelling out which act came next. Totally created by the students it was a wild ride! Great job all and Mrs. M&M for putting on a great show!
Bouncy Bouncy
Fun in the sun for field day!
Kinder Corner
Lost an Found
Please find your child's lost item in the overflowing elementary Lost and Found! Items are donated at the end of the year!
Library Scoop
We have had so much fun munching on popcorn in the library this week for returning all of our library books! A big thank you to our students, families and teachers for helping to get our books back to the shelves. The books will be waiting for our return in August! I will see fifth graders and third graders in the next couple of days, as well as a couple of PreK and Kinder classes for their treat! Way to go Eagles!
I am accepting cash or check payments for any lost or damaged books, as well. Those payments help us to replace missing books for the enjoyment of all. Thank you!
Students were building and creating with Makerspace after they heard a story and ate their popcorn. Big fun! Please check out the flyers in this newsletter to the Public Library on base to learn about their summer offerings. There are some really neat programs here on base. Happy reading!
Gifted and Talented
Spring
Dear Gifted and Talented Families,
Spring is always a season of energy and momentum, and our GT classrooms are no exception. As the year continues, students are diving deeper into complex thinking, meaningful discussions, and creative challenges that stretch their ideas in exciting ways.
Academically, learners are engaging in higher-level questioning, problem-solving, and opportunities that encourage them to analyze, evaluate, and create. We are intentionally designing experiences that allow students to think beyond the obvious, make connections across subjects, and defend their ideas with confidence.
Equally important is our continued focus on social-emotional growth. Gifted learners often experience learning intensely, and we are supporting them in building resilience, managing big feelings, and strengthening collaboration skills. Encouraging healthy risk-taking and embracing productive struggle remain important parts of their development.
You can continue supporting your child’s growth at home by:
• Asking thoughtful “why” and “how” questions that spark deeper conversations.
• Celebrating effort and perseverance, not just outcomes.
• Encouraging independent projects connected to their interests.
• Helping them reflect on both successes and setbacks as opportunities to grow.
Gifted education is not just about moving ahead—it’s about growing deeper. Together, we can continue creating experiences that challenge, inspire, and empower our students to reach their full potential.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
With appreciation,
LISD Gifted & Talented Service
Vickie Johnson
PTSO Corner
Important Information
Dear Families:
Happy May! Our names are Dawn Bluhm, MA CCC/SLP and Cindi Martinez MS CCC/SLP, and we are speech-language pathologists at Lackland ISD.
We are writing to let you know that May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. This is a time to raise awareness about speech and language disorders, which are among the most common disabilities that school-aged children experience. This is also a time to help all students, no matter how they communicate, to feel included in their school community.
More than 1 million children nationwide receive treatment services for speech and language disorders each year through the school system. Left unaddressed, speech and language disorders can affect a child’s academic and social success. Speech-language pathologists in schools work with children who have difficulties in the following areas:
Speech sounds—A child may substitute one sound for another, leave sounds out, add sounds, or change a sound. It may be hard for others to understand them.
Spoken language—A student may have trouble understanding what others are communicating to them and may have problems explaining what they are thinking or feeling.
Stuttering (fluency)—A child may get stuck on certain sounds or words. They also may have tension or negative feelings about talking. This tension can get in the way of how they talk to others.
Voice—A child may lose their voice frequently or use a hoarse or breathy voice. They may also speak with strain or effort.
Augmentative and alternative communication—A child may need to find other ways to communicate besides talking, such as using a picture board or a speech-generating device.
Whether or not your child has a speech and/or language disorder, it’s important for everyone to reflect on how we can be respectful and supportive to those who do. Encourage your child to give people time to get their message out, to focus on what a person is saying rather than how they’re saying it, and to never bully someone for how they communicate.
We wish you all success as we approach the end of the school year!
Mrs. Bluhm and Mrs. Martinez
Special Education Corner
Meet our Lackland ISD School Psychologists, Gentry Ghandour, Nancy Garcia, and Marisol Murphree! School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.
SUMMER is almost here!
If you're searching for things to have your children participate in, would like training, or need some respite, look at some of the following opportunities.
UTSA has a Behavior Buddy project offering FREE Autism Caregiver online training to help support early and limited vocal communication skills. Learn more at this link: https://www.abautsa.com/behaviorbuddy.html
Summer camp for Adults and Children with disabilities; Parents’ Night Out and Family Day-Out Programs, weekend respite winter and spring; for children with any type of disability; non-disabled siblings are welcome. Learn more about CAMP: https://campcamp.org/
Special Reach is a respite program that provides summer enrichment programs and after-school clubs where children with special needs, ages 6-18, can foster independence by building social skills, improve physical fitness, and developing healthy outlets for stress reduction through structured, fun activities. Kids and Teen Party Nights! 6:30-9:30 PM on Friday nights, siblings (6 years & older) are welcome. Learn more about Special Reach: http://www.specialreach.com/
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don't forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly. Learn more about AMC's sensory friendly movie showings: https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
There is an Animal Botanical Special Needs Summer Camp. This multi-themed, five-day camp is for youth ages 7-19 with special needs. Animal Botanical activities include education on animals and plants living in the garden, crafts, recreation and music; camp activities take place in the Garden and the air- conditioned Auld House; weekly Saturday classes available. There are two camps available, one for ages 7-12 and the other ages 13-19. Hours are 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. Pricing for garden members is $172 and for non-garden members it’s $190. Register online. Learn more at: http://www.sabot.org/education/childrens-education/summer-camps-2/
