Midway High School Names Ben Basden Head Baseball Coach

Midway High School Names Ben Basden Head Baseball Coach Midway ISD is proud to announce the appointment of Ben Basden as the next Head Baseball Coach of Midway High School. Coach Basden has served as Midway's pitching coach and varsity assistant baseball coach for the past 11 seasons, contributing to the program's 255 wins over that span, playing an instrumental role in one of the most successful eras in program history. During his tenure, the Panthers have captured district championships in eight of the last nine seasons, including five consecutive district titles, and culminated the 2025 season with the UIL Class 6A Division I State Championship.  Coach Basden was named the Assistant Coach of the Year in 2025 by the National High School Baseball Coaches Association. Prior to joining Midway ISD, Basden served as the Head Baseball Coach at Vanguard College Preparatory School   from 2009 to 2014. Under his leadership, Vanguard earned three district championships, made five playoff appearances, and advanced to the State Semifinals. His teams established school records for single-season wins, career winning percentage, and career playoff victories.  Coach Basden was named Waco Trib's Super Centex Coach of the Year in 2009 during his tenure as the Head Baseball Coach at Vanguard Prep.  Throughout Coach Basden's coaching career he has continually served as Worship Leader for Crossroads Fellowship Church in Waco since 2006.  Coach Basden brings a wealth of experience in player development, program leadership, and competitive excellence. Throughout his coaching career, he has built a reputation for developing student-athletes both on and off the field, fostering a culture of accountability, discipline, and character while maintaining strong relationships with players and families. "We are excited and proud to name Ben Basden as the leader of our baseball program," said Brad Shelton, Midway ISD Athletic Director. "Coach Basden possesses the character, leadership qualities, baseball knowledge, and commitment to student-athlete development that align with the values and expectations of Midway Athletics. His impact on our program over the past decade has been tremendous, and we are confident he will continue the tradition of excellence that Midway Baseball has established." Midway ISD extends its appreciation to Coach Basden for his years of dedicated service and leadership and looks forward to the continued success of the Panther Baseball program under his direction.

Tuesday, Jun 23 2026

June Board Briefs: Budget, Bond & 250+ Years of Publ...

          BOARD MEETING RECAP Key highlights from our June 2026 Board of Trustees meeting: 2026-27 Budget Adopted:  Trustees  approved Midway ISD's 2026-27 budget , including a compensation increase for employees and continued investment in student success. The budget reflects the district's ongoing commitment to attracting and retaining exceptional staff while supporting high-quality educational opportunities for students. Panther Pride:  Trustees  recognized an outstanding group  of Midway students and staff for achievements at the state and national levels. Honorees included students from the state One-Act Play cast, state finalist softball team, UIL Academics, SkillsUSA, an Extra Mile Award recipient, and representatives from Woodway Elementary, recently named an Apple Distinguished School. NEWS TO KNOW In the News:  Read about Midway's  new fine arts director , the district's  summer meal program , and a  Midway High School graduate  who earned an Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship. Transfer Applications Open:  Midway ISD is now accepting out of district transfer applications for the 2026–27 school year with no transfer fee for qualifying students. Families interested in joining Midway ISD can learn more at  www.midwayisd.org/registration#transfer  or on our registration website. Community Bulletin Board :  Browse upcoming events, community programs, and opportunities happening around the district. BOND IN ACTION To learn more about Bond 2025 projects and updates, visit   Midway ISD Bond 2025 Bond 2025 Progress Update:  Midway ISD trustees received an update on the district's voter-approved Bond 2025 program, which includes projects impacting every campus. Summer construction is underway on roofing, flooring, lighting, and safety upgrades, while planning and design continue for larger projects such as the Midway High School addition. Several projects have come in under budget, creating opportunities to complete additional work while maintaining the bond's commitment of no tax rate increase. Community members can track project progress and timelines at  MidwayISD.org/bond2025 .

Wednesday, Jun 17 2026

MHS Graduation to Include Fireworks Show

🎓 MHS Class of 2026 Graduation We can’t wait to celebrate our seniors! 📍 Panther Stadium 🗓 May 22 🕗 Ceremony begins at 8 p.m. 🚪 Gates open at 6:30 p.m. 📺 Live stream: www.midway.tv As part of our graduation tradition, a fireworks show is planned to begin around 10 p.m . For the best viewing experience, stadium lights will be turned off during the fireworks display and turned back on immediately following the show.  Please note:  stadium lighting effects, including occasional strobing , may be used during the ceremony as part of the celebration. A  clear bag policy and metal detectors will be in place at all entry points. Please plan ahead to allow time for security screening.  District administration is closely monitoring weather conditions for graduation. Unless there is severe weather, such as heavy rain or lightning, the ceremony will proceed as scheduled Friday evening. Graduation may continue during light drizzle or mist. If weather conditions prevent the ceremony from being safely completed Friday night, graduation will be rescheduled for Saturday, May 23, at 8 p.m. Please note: umbrellas are not permitted inside the stadium. Guests are encouraged to bring a poncho or other rain gear if needed. Let’s come together to honor the Class of 2026 and celebrate this milestone moment! 💙🐾   No Portable Stadium Seats Allowed at MHS Graduation.

Wednesday, May 20 2026

Midway High School Graduation 2026

🎓 MHS Class of 2026 Graduation We can’t wait to celebrate our seniors! 📍 Panther Stadium 🗓 May 22 🕗 Ceremony begins at 8 p.m. 🚪 Gates open at 6:30 p.m. 📺 Live stream: www.midway.tv As part of our graduation tradition, a fireworks show is planned to begin around 10 p.m. For the best viewing experience, stadium lights will be turned off during the fireworks display and turned back on immediately following the show.  Please note: stadium lighting effects, including occasional strobing, may be used during the ceremony as part of the celebration. A clear bag policy and metal detectors will be in place at all entry points. Please plan ahead to allow time for security screening. Let’s come together to honor the Class of 2026 and celebrate this milestone moment! 💙🐾   No Portable Stadium Seats Allowed at MHS Graduation.

Monday, May 18 2026

Required Readings for Honors and AP English

Dear Parents and Guardians,   Students enrolled in  Honors Reading Language Arts are required to complete summer reading and accompanying assignments before the first day of school. This work is essential for preparing students for the rigor of the course and will count toward their first grading period.   The reading list and assignment details can be found here:  Summer Reading List   Thank you for supporting your student’s success. Please reach out with any questions!   Sincerely, Crystal Lewis, M.Ed Secondary ELAR and Social Studies Coordinator crystal.lewis@midwayisd.org

Tuesday, May 12 2026

Midway High School Graduation 2026

🎓 MHS Class of 2026 Graduation We can’t wait to celebrate our seniors! 📍 Panther Stadium 🗓 May 22 🕗 Ceremony begins at 8 p.m. 🚪 Gates open at 6:30 p.m. 📺 Live stream: www.midway.tv As part of our graduation tradition, a fireworks show is planned to begin around 10 p.m. For the best viewing experience, stadium lights will be turned off during the fireworks display and turned back on immediately following the show.  Please note: stadium lighting effects, including occasional strobing, may be used during the ceremony as part of the celebration. A clear bag policy and metal detectors will be in place at all entry points. Please plan ahead to allow time for security screening. Let’s come together to honor the Class of 2026 and celebrate this milestone moment! 💙🐾   No Portable Stadium Seats Allowed at MHS Graduation.

Tuesday, May 12 2026

Panther Safety Series May: Severe Weather Awareness

Texas weather can change quickly this time of year. From heavy rain and lightning to severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings, spring weather in Central Texas can be unpredictable — which is why preparation matters. Last year, several severe weather events impacted dismissal times across our district. In those moments, our campuses worked closely with district leadership and emergency officials to monitor conditions in real time and make decisions based on the specific needs of each campus and situation. At Midway ISD, student and staff safety remains our top priority. Whether that means sheltering students inside, delaying dismissal, adjusting transportation, or postponing activities, every decision is made with one goal in mind: keeping students safe. Safety Over Speed During severe weather, campuses may temporarily delay dismissal or restrict movement until conditions improve. We understand families want to get to their children quickly, but safety will always come first. Because weather conditions can vary across our district, decisions may sometimes be made on a campus-by-campus basis depending on timing, storm movement, road conditions, or local impacts. Our team continuously monitors weather conditions throughout the day and works to make the safest decision possible for students and staff. Our staff is trained to respond quickly and calmly during weather emergencies, and students regularly practice safety procedures throughout the year. How Midway ISD Communicates During Severe Weather If weather conditions impact school operations, families will receive updates through: ParentSquare text, email, and app notifications District and campus social media The Midway ISD website Direct campus communication when needed To ensure you receive important alerts, please make sure your ParentSquare contact information is current. Understanding the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) Midway ISD uses the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) during emergencies to provide clear and consistent communication. A few common terms families may hear include: Shelter  – Used during severe weather hazards Secure  – Used when there is a potential concern outside the building Lockdown  – Used when there is a threat inside or immediately near the building Students and staff regularly review these procedures so they know what to expect and how to respond safely. Learn more about SRP at  Midway ISD Safety Page Severe Weather Safety Reminders for Families Flooding Never drive or walk through floodwaters. Have an alternate route planned in case roads are closed. If weather conditions worsen during dismissal, allow extra time and follow campus directions. Thunderstorms & Lightning Move indoors immediately when thunder is heard. Stay away from windows during severe storms. Outdoor activities and athletics may be delayed due to lightning safety protocols. Tornado Warnings & High Winds Identify a safe place at home, such as an interior room or hallway. Review your family emergency plan together. Talk with your child about what to do if severe weather occurs when families are apart. Texas weather may be unpredictable, but preparation, communication, and partnership help keep our Panther family safe. Thank you for working alongside us to support the safety and well-being of every student. Stay safe, panthers!  About the Panther Safety Series The Panther Safety Series aims to empower and support parents/guardians within our school district in fostering a culture of safety and awareness among students. Through regular communications and resources, we seek to encourage proactive discussions and education on a range of safety topics, ensuring that every child feels equipped to navigate their environment, whether at school, at home, or in the community, confidently and responsibly.

Thursday, May 07 2026

Announcing the District Elementary & Secondary Teach...

We are proud to announce our  2026 District Teachers of the Year and Rookie of the Year ! Elementary Teacher of the Year Angela Brown , Kindergarten teacher at Hewitt Elementary, has been named Midway ISD’s Elementary Teacher of the Year. She creates a classroom where students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn—building the strong foundation every child deserves.   Secondary Teacher of the Year Monica Williams , Social Studies teacher at River Valley Middle School, has been named Midway ISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year. She brings learning to life, challenges students to think deeply, and helps them see their place in the world.   Rookie of the Year Chase Tieben , Special Education teacher at Woodway Elementary, has been named Midway ISD’s Rookie of the Year. In his first year, he’s made an immediate impact—building trust, supporting every learner, and creating a classroom where all students can succeed.

Friday, May 01 2026

Heart of the Panther: Putting the 'Heart' in Midway!

Meet our 2026 Heart of the Panther honorees! The Heart of the Panther   Award celebrates the unsung heroes of Midway ISD — the non-instructional staff members whose dedication, kindness, and quiet strength keep our schools running and our hearts full. These are the people who show up every day with heart—lifting others up, going the extra mile, and making a difference for students, staff, and families across Midway. They are the heartbeat of our campuses.❤️💙  Read Full Story Here  

Thursday, Apr 30 2026

Student Holiday May 1

🗓️ REMINDER: Students will not have school on Friday, May 1, 2026 due to a Staff Development Day. We look forward to seeing everyone back in class at regular times on Monday, May 4!

Wednesday, Apr 29 2026