The first-ever “Drums in the Heartland” percussion contest is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at Joseph L. Searles Stadium in Killeen. The Harker Heights Red Brigade Band is hosting the big event and Chaparral, Ellison and Shoemaker are set to compete among 11 drum lines in this exciting inaugural event. Get your tickets at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/drums-in-the-heartland
Killeen is hosting 11 other teams this weekend for the Queen of the Court tournament. The Lady Roos had a packed schedule Thursday and will be in action three times Friday (3:10 p.m., 5:20 p.m., and 8:50 p.m.) before bracket play Saturday. #WeAreKISD
More photos: https://tinyurl.com/yy7smjfj
More photos: https://tinyurl.com/yy7smjfj
The District Optimization draft scenarios are out—and we want your input! (These meetings are to discuss how we as a community use our resources including facilities, staff, and programs, this includes the potential closing and consolidation of existing campuses to ensure students across the district have access to high quality programs and facilities.)
Join us at an upcoming town hall meeting to learn more and share your feedback. Can’t make it in person? No worries, an online survey is now open through Oct. 3 at www.killeenisd.org/optimization-survey.
Town Hall Dates:
Thursday, September 4 at Killeen HS Cafeteria at 6:00 PM
Scenarios Discussed: Peebles ES, Hay Branch ES, Manor MS, Rancier MS, Willow Springs ES, and Long-Term HS PlanningMonday, September 8 at Harker Heights HS Cafeteria at 6:00 PM
Scenarios Discussed: Cedar Valley/ Timber Ridge ES, Eastern Hills MS, Willow Springs ES, and Long-Term HS PlanningThursday, September 11 at Ellison HS Cafeteria at 6:00 PM
Scenarios Discussed: Venable Village ES, Palo Alto MS, Willow Springs, and Long-Term HS Planning
For more information about KISD’s district optimization, visit www.killeenisd.org/optimization.
With the help of Chaparral High School student activities coordinator Cantresa Scineaux, Bobcats football head coach Tyrell McCrea was surprised Wednesday with a commemorative piece of memorabilia that recognized his participation and completion of the United States Marine Corps’ Educators Workshop.
McCrea, who was selected out of a large pool of Texas high school educators, traveled to San Diego in late May and went through a week of trainings, facility tours and townhalls, experiencing everything Marines.
“Seeing it through their eyes –– we did everything they do. It was the full experience,” McCrea said. “Their mindset, it can change a culture, and I brought back a lot of what I learned.”
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Gordon Briggs, a recruiter based in Killeen, presented McCrea with the framed keepsake that included photos from McCrea’s time at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
#WeAreKISD
McCrea, who was selected out of a large pool of Texas high school educators, traveled to San Diego in late May and went through a week of trainings, facility tours and townhalls, experiencing everything Marines.
“Seeing it through their eyes –– we did everything they do. It was the full experience,” McCrea said. “Their mindset, it can change a culture, and I brought back a lot of what I learned.”
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Gordon Briggs, a recruiter based in Killeen, presented McCrea with the framed keepsake that included photos from McCrea’s time at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
#WeAreKISD
It's homecoming week at Ellison High School and some faculty got into the spirit with a door decorating contest. See our photos of the creative results from the "Ball on the Bayou" theme and this Friday cheer the Eagles to victory! https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720328637081
Tennis, anyone?
Shoemaker, Harker Heights and Killeen were in action Tuesday afternoon, serving up the forehands and backhands, all while displaying excellent sportsmanship. #WeAreKISD
More photos: https://tinyurl.com/3xtaryky
Shoemaker, Harker Heights and Killeen were in action Tuesday afternoon, serving up the forehands and backhands, all while displaying excellent sportsmanship. #WeAreKISD
More photos: https://tinyurl.com/3xtaryky
Killeen ISD Military Appreciation Nights - KISD Athletics is proud to honor our military community with FREE general admission at the gate for:
- Active Duty
- Retired Military Service Members
- VA Disabled Veteran Service Members
Simply present your current Military ID, Retiree ID, or VA Disabled Veteran ID.
Join us as we celebrate and thank our military heroes this season!
Questions? Please call KISD Athletics at 254-336-2672.
KISD invites community organizations and local businesses to partner with us through the Adopt-A-Campus Program. Your support is crucial in helping us achieve our top priority: Student Success. To begin the process, please submit the Adoption Form . You can contact the District and Community Relations Office at 254-336-1707 for more information.
Killeen ISD Early College High School students showed their school pride and renewed their color wars tradition Friday with a fiercely competitive series of games between the grade levels. See our story and photos of the fun. https://www.killeenisd.org/article/2371808
As invited guests Wednesday afternoon, Killeen ISD’s athletic coordinators/football head coaches had the opportunity to participate in important community engagement and discussion at the Rotary Club of Killeen’s bimonthly meeting.
More photos: https://tinyurl.com/mr2zcxwh
Chaparral’s Tyrell McCrea, Ellison’s Danny Servance, Harker Heights’ Mark Humble, Killeen High’s Josh Sadler and Shoemaker’s Toby Foreman each took a moment to brag on and celebrate not only their football teams but also their school’s athletic programs as a whole, sharing the shining moments of success from last school year and the exciting prospects ahead in 2025-2026.
After each coach thanked the members for their hospitality and support, they answered a few wide-ranging questions from Rotarians, such as what the coaches felt were their biggest challenges as athletic coordinators to how many seniors and returning starters each football team had?
KISD executive director for athletics Matt Carroll also spoke to the group, highlighting the hard work that all KISD coaches dedicate to their craft.
#WeAreKISD
More photos: https://tinyurl.com/mr2zcxwh
Chaparral’s Tyrell McCrea, Ellison’s Danny Servance, Harker Heights’ Mark Humble, Killeen High’s Josh Sadler and Shoemaker’s Toby Foreman each took a moment to brag on and celebrate not only their football teams but also their school’s athletic programs as a whole, sharing the shining moments of success from last school year and the exciting prospects ahead in 2025-2026.
After each coach thanked the members for their hospitality and support, they answered a few wide-ranging questions from Rotarians, such as what the coaches felt were their biggest challenges as athletic coordinators to how many seniors and returning starters each football team had?
KISD executive director for athletics Matt Carroll also spoke to the group, highlighting the hard work that all KISD coaches dedicate to their craft.
#WeAreKISD
A lively student section generated an energetic atmosphere and offered plenty of support for the Shoemaker volleyball team on Tuesday night against Rogers during its home opener, which also doubled as first-year head coach and KISD alum McKenzie Tysor's debut inside the Lady Grey Wolves' gym. #WeAreKISD
More photos: www.killeenisd.org/photos
More photos: www.killeenisd.org/photos
KISD’s Bold Plan to Strengthen Schools — And We Need Your Voice.
Killeen ISD has launched District Optimization, a major initiative to strengthen schools and ensure smart use of resources. With up to $31 million in lost federal Impact Aid revenue over the next four years, we’re working with parents, staff, and the community to prioritize academics, quality facilities, and responsible budgeting.
Stay tuned and join the conversation at our upcoming town halls. www.killeenisd.org/optimization
Killeen ISD has launched District Optimization, a major initiative to strengthen schools and ensure smart use of resources. With up to $31 million in lost federal Impact Aid revenue over the next four years, we’re working with parents, staff, and the community to prioritize academics, quality facilities, and responsible budgeting.
Stay tuned and join the conversation at our upcoming town halls. www.killeenisd.org/optimization
The 2024–2025 Texas Education Accountability Ratings are in.
Many KISD campuses showed gains this year, with improvements across high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools, along with several campuses earning state distinction designations.
At the same time, we recognize there is more work ahead. Our focus remains on ensuring every student in Killeen ISD is challenged, supported, and prepared for success. 💛🖤
🔗 https://www.killeenisd.org/article/2360746
Many KISD campuses showed gains this year, with improvements across high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools, along with several campuses earning state distinction designations.
At the same time, we recognize there is more work ahead. Our focus remains on ensuring every student in Killeen ISD is challenged, supported, and prepared for success. 💛🖤
🔗 https://www.killeenisd.org/article/2360746
There were plenty of excuses available Friday to avoid running 3 miles that most people wouldn’t think twice about using. For starters, it was early in the morning. Rise and shine? Maybe another day.
How about that heavy humidity? Kneeling down to merely tie a shoelace caused sweat to bead on the forehead. And then there’s the infamous, always-talked-about hill that inconveniently pops up on the course around Lions Park in Temple.
However, Killeen ISD’s cross country runners aren’t most people, and they didn’t make excuses. Instead, they implemented the work done during the summer months, accepted the challenge, tested themselves and took the 2025 Temple Invitational season opener in stride.
Read more: https://www.killeenisd.org/article/2358545
More photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720328403394
How about that heavy humidity? Kneeling down to merely tie a shoelace caused sweat to bead on the forehead. And then there’s the infamous, always-talked-about hill that inconveniently pops up on the course around Lions Park in Temple.
However, Killeen ISD’s cross country runners aren’t most people, and they didn’t make excuses. Instead, they implemented the work done during the summer months, accepted the challenge, tested themselves and took the 2025 Temple Invitational season opener in stride.
Read more: https://www.killeenisd.org/article/2358545
More photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720328403394
We’ve made it to Friday, KISD Family! Here are few reminders as we head into our first weekend of the 2025-2026 school year:
Transportation Update 🚍
Transportation is running more smoothly each day! Thank you for your patience as our drivers, students, and families settle into new routines. Parents can track bus routes through the Edulog Lite mobile app. The codes for Edulog are located on the homepage of your Home Access Center accounts above your child’s classes. Learn More: www.killeenisd.org/bus-app
Stay Connected 📲
Not getting KISD updates? You may have opted out. Opt back in by texting START to 98900.
Missed a Newsletter?
Catch up here: www.killeenisd.org/newsletter
Transportation Update 🚍
Transportation is running more smoothly each day! Thank you for your patience as our drivers, students, and families settle into new routines. Parents can track bus routes through the Edulog Lite mobile app. The codes for Edulog are located on the homepage of your Home Access Center accounts above your child’s classes. Learn More: www.killeenisd.org/bus-app
Stay Connected 📲
Not getting KISD updates? You may have opted out. Opt back in by texting START to 98900.
Missed a Newsletter?
Catch up here: www.killeenisd.org/newsletter
In a furious flurry of joyous excitement, of nerves and high expectations, the full Killeen ISD community on Wednesday leaned into a brand-new school year.
By the time the sun set Monday night, all five Killeen ISD football teams officially kicked off the 2025 season.
Ellison, Harker Heights, Killeen and Shoemaker settled into the swing of things Monday, holding their first practices of fall camp. Meanwhile, the Chaparral Bobcats steamrolled into their second week.
More: https://www.killeenisd.org/article/2350820
Ellison, Harker Heights, Killeen and Shoemaker settled into the swing of things Monday, holding their first practices of fall camp. Meanwhile, the Chaparral Bobcats steamrolled into their second week.
More: https://www.killeenisd.org/article/2350820
Saturday was an unforgettable day at Harker Heights High School as former Knights star, Baylor alum, and current Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale returned to host a free basketball camp for 150 kids.
Joined by friends, family, and fellow former players — many with roots in Killeen ISD — O’Neale gave back to the community in a big way, creating lasting memories for everyone involved. #WeAreKISD
Read more about the camp: https://www.killeenisd.org/article/2347985
Photo gallery: tinyurl.com/4jkxw5nb
Joined by friends, family, and fellow former players — many with roots in Killeen ISD — O’Neale gave back to the community in a big way, creating lasting memories for everyone involved. #WeAreKISD
Read more about the camp: https://www.killeenisd.org/article/2347985
Photo gallery: tinyurl.com/4jkxw5nb
Families gathered at the Killeen ISD Sheridan Transportation Facility Friday to receive information and for students to get a chance to board a bus and learn bus safety leading to the new school year. See our photos of the big event:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720328242111
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720328242111
Six days before the start of school, Killeen ISD’s elementary schools opened the doors and waves of family members flowed inside for a huge, enthusiastic welcome to a new school year. Read more https://www.killeenisd.org/article/2346532
