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  3. Volume 2, Issue 12: 2/14/25

Volume 2, Issue 12: 2/14/25

by Superintendent's Blog

Posted on February 14, 2025

Volume 2, Issue 12: 2/14/25

Greetings Bulldogs! Happy Friday and happy Valentine’s Day!!! 

February 13th - UIL Academics Meet:

Thorndale ISD hosted the entire MS and ES UIL Academics event on Thursday, 2/13/25. It was a huge success and I am proud of the work our staff put in. We heard countless compliments on how friendly and helpful everyone was and how well-organized the event was. Not to mention, our kids did AMAZING!

Elementary School UIL Academic District Champions!

Middle School UIL Academic District Champions!

Thorndale Youth Baseball and Softball Leagues:

I can not tell you how proud I am of the recent explosion of youth sports in Thorndale! Whether it be the TYSA football, soccer, and now baseball, or the little dribblers basketball. You can tell this community is passionate about our kids and their development! The rewards of this structured learning is going to pay HUGE dividends in our middle school and high school sports programs for years to come.

I wanted to reach out because at the recent TYSA coaches meeting a discussion occurred about the league helping students who could not afford gear/supplies. This is an awesome gesture as no child should have to miss out on participating in youth sports because of family hardships or fearing not being able to have the necessary gear.

I know as a parent with multiple kids, as soon as they grow out of their current baseball/softball items we don’t want to store that stuff forever. Thus, I wanted to ask that if you have any gently used items or clothing that you no longer want, we would love to collect them here at the TISD central office to then provide to the TYSB board to deliver to youth athletes in need.

We will be collecting the following gently used items for kids 3 years old to 14:

  • Pants, 

  • Belts

  • Gloves

  • Helmets

  • Bats

  • Cleats

  • T-ball T’s

  • Balls

  • etc

Please simply bring those items by the Thorndale ISD central office Monday-Friday during business hours and we will collect them.

Thorndale ISD Bond Update:

The HS bond is progressing along well! We expect the groundbreaking to be in April or May, with an official date to be set soon.

Until then, the architectural plans are officially out for bid! Any potential subcontractors that are interested in placing a bid for some of the work and have not yet seen the documents need to send the following info to Nick nickh@whiteconst.com 

  • Company Name:

  • Full Physical Address:

  • Phone:

  • Division/Trade:

  • Bid Invites Contact (First, Last Name AND Email Address):

  • Online Subcontractor Qualification Statement Invites Contact (First, Last Name AND Email address):

2025-26 TISD District Calendar:

In case you missed it, next year's 2025-26 district calendar is official. Please save this for reference as you book late summer trips or during-the-year getaways.

February Alumni Spotlight: Caleb Melde, Class of 2005:

Thorndale High School alumnus Caleb Melde, Class of 2005, exemplifies the spirit of excellence both on and off the field. As a student, Caleb was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in football, basketball, tennis, and golf. His dedication, discipline, and teamwork were evident in every game and match, making him a standout both to his teammates and his coaches. Beyond athletics, he made a meaningful impact on the community through Thorndale Cares, an initiative that embodies the core values of service and compassion. Caleb also demonstrated academic excellence as a member of the National Honor Society, balancing rigorous coursework with his extracurricular commitments.

After graduating from Thorndale High School, Caleb pursued his passion for sports and health by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Texas State University. His dedication to understanding the human body and helping others achieve their physical best led him to further his education, earning a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Texas State University. This advanced training prepared Caleb for a career centered on improving the lives of his patients. Today, he serves as an outpatient physical therapist and clinic director in Glen Rose, Texas. In this role, he not only helps individuals recover from injuries and surgeries but also inspires them to regain confidence and achieve their health goals. His leadership at the clinic reflects his commitment to excellence and his passion for making a difference in people’s lives.

Caleb’s personal life is deeply rooted in the Thorndale community and the values instilled during his upbringing. He married fellow Thorndale alumnus Courtney (Glenn) Melde, creating a beautiful partnership that continues to reflect the strong connections formed during their school years. Together, Caleb and Courtney have built a wonderful life in Granbury, Texas, where they are raising their three children: Harper, Milam, and Maddox. Despite living away, the Melde family’s bond with Thorndale remains unwavering. “With all of our family there, we continue to frequent Thorndale. It will always be home to us. We can’t wait to get back home full time,” Caleb shared, expressing a heartfelt sentiment that resonates with many Thorndale alumni.

Reflecting on his high school years, Caleb fondly remembers the camaraderie and joy he experienced during sports trips, which provided an opportunity to forge lifelong friendships and create lasting memories. He also cherishes the time spent with his closest friends, both on and off the field. Caleb offers sage advice to current students: “Enjoy the time you have together now. After high school, it gets a lot more difficult to spend time with your closest people.” His words serve as a reminder to cherish the moments and relationships that shape the high school experience.

Thorndale ISD is proud to highlight Caleb Melde’s journey and accomplishments. His story is a testament to the values instilled by the Thorndale community—hard work, service, and strong relationships—and the enduring connections formed at Thorndale High School. As Caleb continues to excel professionally and personally, he remains an inspiring figure for current students and alumni alike. We look forward to the day when Caleb and his family return to Thorndale full-time, bringing their story full circle and continuing to contribute to the community they call home.

To read more please visit - https://www.thorndale.txed.net/380898_2

Nominate a TISD alumni for an upcoming highlight by scanning the QR code or visiting https://forms.gle/fxupqaC6yLNd1M6n8.

Girls Basketball Updates:

Girls basketball finished the season in an absolute nail-biter against Schulenburg Tuesday night. The girls battled hard and stayed neck and neck with them, but came up a few points short. Congratulations to the girls and Coach Franklin for a great season. Also, kudos to the All-District Honors:

Boys Basketball Updates:

The boy's season runs a bit behind the girls, so they just finished up and are preparing for the playoffs. After going undefeated in district play and finishing as district champs they will travel to Giddings on Monday for round 1 of the playoffs. Come out and pack the house!
Not only did the varsity team earn district champs, but so did JV, 8th grade, and 7th grade. It was a clean sweep!

Baseball & Softball Updates:

Both the boys and the girls are off to a strong start with scrimmage play!

Softball will play at Milano next week on Tuesday and the boys will travel to tournaments in Schulenburg (Varsity) and Cameron (JV).

FCCLA Update:

Spring Sports Schedules:

The busiest time of the year for our Lady Dogs and Bulldogs is here! Stay updated with all the schedules online and right here on social media.

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Most sincerely,

Zack Kleypas
Superintendent
Thorndale ISD
#TISDStrivingForExcellence

“Keep improving, always, in all ways.”