Parentsquare Logo

  • Legislative Alert: Senate Substitute for HB2 Fails T...

    “I don’t see a path forward for the good that YOU want for your kids” –Dr. Chris Allen Dear Panther Nation, The Senate Education Committee on Higher Education (K-16) is scheduled to hear the committee substitute for House Bill 2 Thursday, May 15 . Texas leaders are calling Committee Substitute House Bill 2 a “historic investment” in public education. But when you look beyond the headlines and into the fine print, a different story unfolds—one that could lead to devastating cuts in Midway ISD and across Texas. “An increase of $55 to the basic allotment is like your house being on fire, the fire department showing up with a 12-ounce cup of water, tossing it at the flames, and saying, ‘See? Look how much good we’ve done.’” – Dr. Chris Allen Here’s what’s really happening: While the bill touts billions of dollars in funding, the  basic allotment—the primary source of funding for daily school operations—only increases by $55 per student. For Midway ISD, that amounts to roughly  $500,000 in new funding — less than a 1% increase . That’s a drop in the bucket at a time when inflation has surged  23% since 2019 , and school costs for fuel, insurance, safety, and staffing have skyrocketed. After  five years of flat funding , this token increase doesn’t come close to meeting the needs of students or schools. Meanwhile, the bill: Boosts teacher pay—but  only for classroom teachers, excluding aides, bus drivers, librarians, and other vital staff. Invests in teacher preparation programs—but  does nothing to address the staffing shortages districts are facing now . Dedicates money to early learning, CTE, and safety—but in amounts so small they won’t begin to meet the needs of over 1,000 districts in our great state. “What they have done is put money in everything except the things that matter to your children the most. If they had funded schools appropriately over the last five years, we wouldn't be in the pickle we're in now. And so they're trying to put the genie back in the bottle with $270 million.”  – Dr. Chris Allen CSHB2 includes: $270 million for teacher preparation, certification, and rights $1.3 billion for special education $677 million for early learning $153 million for CTE $55 increase to the basic allotment - equal to $1.3 billion for school finance reforms Yes, we are grateful for investments in Special Education ($1.3 billion statewide) and early learning . But these are the exceptions. The overall structure of the bill appears more focused on winning headlines and buying teacher votes, rather than solving the very real, very urgent problems facing Texas classrooms right now. “If this bill passes as is, we're going to have a budget deficit in Midway ISD that will absolutely cause significant personnel reductions, and those significant personnel reductions will lead to program cuts.”  – Dr. Chris Allen If this bill passes as-is, Midway ISD and our families will face : Personnel reductions Program cuts Fewer opportunities for students A loss of the very things that made school meaningful for so many of us “Think about your favorite moments in school—band, athletics, debate, GT. These are the things in jeopardy. If this passes, as is, the same level of excellence you expect from Midway ISD will be impossible to sustain.”  – Dr. Chris Allen We cannot let this pass without our voices being heard. Call. Email. Speak up—TODAY. This bill could be up for a vote  as soon as TOMORROW - Thursday, May 15 . Watch the Hearing live:  Thursday, May 15, 2025, 9 a.m. Read the  Notice of Public Hearing   Contact (direct email linked below): Senator Brian Birdwell (Represents Midway ISD) Senator Brandon Creighton (Chair, Senate Education Committee) Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick Governor Greg Abbott Senate Committee on Education K-16 CHAIR Brandon Creighton VICE CHAIR Donna Campbell MEMBERS Paul Bettencourt Brent Hagenbuch Adam Hinojosa Phil King José Menéndez Mayes Middleton Tan Parker Angela Paxton Royce West Tell them: $55 is not enough. Fully fund public schools—now. Your personal story and why appropriate funding matters to you and your family. Support all educators and students—not just some. “I’m asking you to make sure those folks know exactly what you want for your public schools—and demand it. Fairly, but firmly.” – Dr. Chris Allen Thank you for caring. Thank you for standing up. Thank you for being a voice for Texas kids. With appreciation, Dr. Chris Allen Superintendent, Midway ISD Emily Parks Director of Communications, Midway ISD

    Wednesday, May 14 2025

  • Midway High School Graduation

    Midway High School Graduation is almost here! 🎓 MHS Class of 2025 📍 Panther Stadium 🕗 May 23 | 8 p.m. (gates open at 7:00 p.m.) View Live Stream at  www.midway.tv A fireworks show will begin around 10:00 p.m. to celebrate the Class of 2025. Please note: A clear bag policy and metal detectors will be in place at all entry points. Plan ahead to allow time for security screening. Let’s come together to honor our seniors and celebrate this important milestone. 

    Tuesday, May 13 2025

  • Panther Safety Series May: Severe Weather Awareness

    Dear Panther families, It feels like every year, we find ourselves talking about Texas weather AGAIN. Tornado warnings, flash floods, hail the size of golf balls—it’s just part of spring around here. But even if it’s nothing new, it’s always important. Because behind the forecasts and alerts are real people—our students, our staff, our families. And sometimes, the weather turns deadly. Just last week, a 10-year-old girl in Brenham tragically lost her life after being swept away by floodwaters while walking home from school. It’s the kind of story that stops you in your tracks—and reminds us all why safety has to come first. At Midway ISD, we take that responsibility seriously. Our team keeps a close eye on the forecast and works with local emergency officials when storms are brewing. When we make decisions about delays, sheltering, or dismissals, we’re always asking:  What’s the safest option for our students and staff? And when things change quickly, we’ll make sure you know—through: ParentSquare (texts, emails, app alerts) Our website and social media Direct communication from your campus when needed We know you’re trusting us with your kids, and we don’t take that lightly. Every decision we make—whether it’s delaying a start time, holding students a few extra minutes during dismissal, or sheltering in place—is done with care, caution, and a deep sense of responsibility. We know that sometimes those choices might feel inconvenient or frustrating, but our priority will always be safety over speed. Our goal is to make sure every child gets home safely at the end of the day—no exceptions, no shortcuts. That’s also why we want to share a few reminders with you. As much as we prepare at school, safety is a team effort—and there are things families can do at home to stay ready, too. Whether it’s reviewing your family’s emergency plan or talking through what your child should do if a storm hits, these small conversations can make a big difference. Safety Tips to Review as a Family: Flooding: Never walk or drive through floodwaters. It only takes a few inches to knock you off your feet. Have a backup route in case your usual path is flooded. If the weather turns during pickup time, encourage your child to stay at school until it’s safe. Tornadoes & High Winds: Identify a safe space at home, like an interior hallway or closet. Practice what to do if you're not together during a warning. At school, staff are trained to respond quickly and keep students calm and protected. Lightning & Thunderstorms: Go indoors as soon as you hear thunder. Avoid using electronics during storms and stay away from windows. Know the Standard Response Protocol (SRP): Midway ISD uses the  SRP system  to communicate during emergencies with simple, consistent terms like Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Review these terms with your student so they understand what to expect and how to respond. You can learn more about the SRP at  www.midwayisd.org/safety . Stay Connected: Make sure your ParentSquare contact info is up to date. Follow Midway ISD and your campus on social media for updates. Talk to your kids about what to do if you’re apart during a storm. Texas weather can be unpredictable—but we’re in this together. Thanks for partnering with us to keep our students safe, rain or shine. 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.

    Wednesday, May 07 2025

  • Vouchers Headed for Signature—Still No School Fundin...

    On  April 24 , the Texas Senate sent the private school voucher bill to the Governor’s desk. It will be signed into law on  Saturday, May 3 . Since then, the Senate has held hearings on hundreds of bills–the Senate Education committee alone has heard 116 bills—but they have  not  made time to address  school finance . They found time for vouchers. But have not found time to take up school funding. Draw your own conclusions. If you have concerns about public education funding and you haven’t yet taken action, now is the time. Your voice matters. Call. Email. Speak up—for your kids, your schools, and your community. Contact  Senator Brian Birdwell  and  Senator Brandon Creighton , Chair of Senate Committee on Education K-16, and ask: Why hasn’t the Senate taken up a school finance bill? How will you ensure my local public school is fully funded before the session ends? Contact your legislators  Texas House Representative Pat Curry Texas Senator Brian Birdwell Texas House Representative Brad Buckley , Chair of Public Education Committee/primary author of HB2 Senator Brandon Creighton , Chair of Senate Committee on Education K-16 Chris Allen Superintendent, Midway ISD Emily Parks Director of Communications, Midway ISD

    Thursday, May 01 2025

  • Announcing the District Elementary & Secondary Teach...

    Pamela Blair, a fifth-grade reading language arts and social studies teacher at Woodway Elementary, earned the title of District Elementary Teacher of the Year for her engaging instruction and student-centered approach. Megan Brown, who teaches Algebra I at Midway High School, was honored as District Secondary Teacher of the Year for her excellence in making math accessible and meaningful to all learners. Carson Sims, a first-grade teacher at Hewitt Elementary, was named Rookie of the Year for her fresh energy and impact in the classroom during her first year of teaching.

    Tuesday, Apr 29 2025

  • April Board Briefs: Stipends, cell phones and new Pr...

                                            BOARD MEETING RECAP Key highlights from our March Board of Trustees Meeting: Midway ISD Names Middle School Principals, District Admin : Big changes are coming—meet the newest leaders joining our Midway ISD campus leadership and administrative team!  Student & Staff Recognitions : From academic achievements to fine arts and athletics, our students and staff continue to shine! Visit Panther Nation News for the latest highlights. Board approves, increases staff stipends: Midway ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved targeted stipend increases for several high-demand teaching areas, including  secondary math, secondary science, foreign language, and self-contained special education. Cell Phones in Schools:   Midway ISD is reviewing student cell phone expectations to reduce distractions and support learning. Feedback from surveys will guide proposed updates, with recommendations coming in May. NEWS TO KNOW Join the BEST: Midway ISD is hiring! Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your journey in education, we have opportunities for passionate professionals ready to lead, inspire, and grow.   Explore our open positions   and help us spread the word—share with a friend who’s ready to join the BEST! Pre-K & Kindergarten Preview : The Pre-K/Kinder Preview will be held on May 13 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at all Midway ISD elementary campuses.  The interactive event allows families to explore their child’s future school, meet teachers and principals, and learn about the registration process. Parents and guardians of children eligible for Pre-K or Kindergarten in the upcoming school year should attend. This includes first-time school parents and families new to Midway ISD. Panther Safety Series: This month’s Panther Safety Series is all about staying alert and staying safe. Whether you're walking to class, driving through a school zone, or just out and about, being aware of your surroundings can make all the difference. In the News:  From textbooks to tax returns...Here at Midway, students don't just learn- they lead. Thank you to our MHS students for helping our faculty and staff with free tax prep... What an incredible way to learn and give back to our school community! Panther Parent Hack:  Did you know you can get one email with all the day's school communication delivered right to your inbox? Learn how to turn on Digest settings and adjust your  Parent Square notifications! Panther Parent Hacks help Midway parents stay up to speed and up to date. Child Nutrition Survey:  O ur food service provider has opened the Student ViewPOINT survey to collect feedback from students and parents about school meals. Your input helps us improve the cafeteria experience for all students. The survey is open now through April 18 , and takes less than 10 minutes! Community Bulletin Board : See the latest flyers for programs, events, and happenings around town. Legislative Alert   - Stay Informed:  Sign up for our Legislative Alert emails to receive timely updates and learn how you can support Midway ISD during this legislative session.

    Wednesday, Apr 16 2025

  • Panther Safety Series April: Environmental Awareness...

    Dear Panther families, Recent events in Texas, including violent incidents at schools in the DFW area and Killeen, are heartbreaking reminders of the importance of staying aware, connected, and proactive when it comes to safety. While these tragedies did not happen within our district, they hit close to home—and they underscore a powerful truth:  Creating a safe environment takes all of us. At Midway ISD, we prioritize student and staff safety every day, but safety is more than protocols and procedures. It’s also about  people —the way we watch out for one another, speak up when something feels wrong, and create a culture where everyone feels valued and protected. Environmental awareness means being alert to your surroundings—what you see, hear, and sense—and knowing how to respond in a way that keeps yourself and others safe. It’s not about fear. It’s about  staying present, being aware, and taking action  when needed. What We’re Doing at School At Midway ISD, we take safety seriously: We train staff and students in emergency response procedures. Our schools have secure entrances and controlled visitor access. We maintain our own  Midway ISD Police Department  and have partnerships with area law enforcement and emergency responders. We use  WeTip  - an anonymous reporting tool -- so students can share concerns safely. Our counselors and staff are trained to identify and support students in crisis. But the most important layer of safety is the one  each of us carries —our own awareness and willingness to speak up and take care of one another. What Students and Families Can Do—At School, In the Community, or Anywhere Be Alert Keep your eyes and ears open wherever you go. Pay attention to people, exits, and anything that seems out of place. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t— trust your gut. Say Something Tell a trusted adult, teacher, parent, or authority figure if you see something concerning. Don’t assume someone else will report it— your voice could make the difference. Use our  anonymous reporting system  to report concerns. Watch Out for Each Other If a friend seems isolated, upset, or angry—reach out and let an adult know. Invite others in. Inclusion builds belonging, and belonging builds safety. In public spaces, move together, stay in well-lit areas, and look out for your group. Be Prepared Know what to do in an emergency: Who would you call? Where would you go? Talk with your child about how to stay safe at a friend’s house, in a store, or at a crowded event. Review school and family emergency plans together. Talk About It at Home Safety conversations are powerful. Here are a few ways to start: “What does being safe look like to you?” “Who could you go to if something didn’t feel right?” “What would you do if your friend was acting strange or said something scary?” These conversations matter—and they give your child the confidence to act if needed. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in keeping our schools secure. When families, staff, and students come together with purpose, compassion, and vigilance, we become stronger and safer— together. Please join us in reinforcing these values at home and in our community. If you ever have a concern or suggestion related to safety, we are here and ready to listen. In Midway, we don’t just react—we lead. And we lead with love, strength, and a commitment to protecting one another. 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.

    Wednesday, Apr 09 2025

  • Pre-K & Kindergarten Preview

    Join Us for the Pre-K/Kindergarten Preview on May 13! Midway ISD invites families of future Pre-K and Kindergarten students to our special Preview event on  May 13, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM  at all elementary campuses. Explore your child’s future school, meet teachers and principals, and learn about the registration process. This fun, interactive event will also feature activities for children and helpful resources for parents. Don’t miss this important opportunity to prepare for the upcoming school year! For more information about Pre-K or Kindergarten, visit the   Midway ISD website   or contact your  local elementary school . Join the ParentSquare Group  Do you know families with 3- or 4-year-olds getting ready to start Prekindergarten for the 2025-26 school year? Encourage them to join our ParentSquare Pre-K group for incoming students! By visiting MidwayISD.org/groups , they can easily sign up for the  2025-2026 Prekindergarten  group. Members will receive important updates on eligibility criteria, enrollment details, after-school care options, and more. Panther Cub and Kinder Cub packages! Make a donation of $50-$100 or more to the Education Foundation and we'll provide a yard sign to honor your student as they begin or continue their journey as a Midway Panther! 🐾  Kinder Cub: Available to incoming kindergarten students  only :  ORDER HERE "Home of a Kinder Cub" yard sign with class of 2038 graduation year  Panther stuffed animal Coloring book designed by Midway High School art students 🐾  *New*   Panther Cub:  Available to ALL elementary stu dents:   ORDER HERE Panther stuffed animal OR water bottle Coloring book designed by Midway High School art students

    Wednesday, Apr 02 2025

  • Midway ISD Celebrates 2025 Campus Teachers of the Year!

    Midway ISD is proud to recognize the outstanding educators who have been named 2025 Campus Teachers of the Year! These incredible teachers exemplify excellence in education and make a lasting difference in the lives of students each day.  Elementary Castleman Creek Elementary : Jasmine Eubank - 5th grade  Chapel Park Elementary : Ashley Crumpton - 3rd grade  Hewitt Elementary : Annie Jones - 1st grade  Park Hill Elementary : Kayla Kubitza - 3rd grade  South Bosque Elementary : Paula Farmer - SPED  Speegleville Elementary : Robert Glinski - 5th grade  Spring Valley Elementary : Staci Morgan - Librarian  Woodway Elementary : Pamela Blair - 5th grade Secondary Midway Middle School  Angela Palican - Science Sara Teichelmann - Math   River Valley Middle School  Alicia Danforth - Fine Arts (Theater) Adia Richardson - Fine Arts (Dance)   Midway High School  Megan Brown - Math Roger Slayton - SPED Please join us in celebrating their dedication, passion, and impact across Panther Nation!

    Friday, Mar 28 2025

  • March Board Briefs: New teachers, awesome students, ...

        BOARD MEETING RECAP Key highlights from our March Board of Trustees Meeting: Board Approves New Positions : The Board approved a strategic staffing plan to address recruitment and retention challenges, including 15.5 new positions focused on reducing workload, supporting student needs, and strengthening programs across the district. Texas Academic Performance Reports : The board reviewed academic success in the TAPR. District Annual Report : Midway ISD held a public hearing to present the official 2023-24 District Annual Report—a comprehensive look at academic, financial, and operational performance across the district. Student & Staff Recognitions : From academic achievements to fine arts and athletics, our students and staff continue to shine! Visit Panther Nation News for the latest highlights. NEWS TO KNOW Pre-K & Kindergarten Preview : The Pre-K/Kinder Preview will be held on May 13 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at all Midway ISD elementary campuses.  The interactive event allows families to explore their child’s future school, meet teachers and principals, and learn about the registration process. Parents and guardians of children eligible for Pre-K or Kindergarten in the upcoming school year should attend. This includes first-time school parents and families new to Midway ISD. Vape-Free Schools : Midway ISD continues to enforce strict policies on vaping at all secondary campuses. Parents, please talk with your students about the dangers and consequences of vaping on campus. Panther Parent Hack : Learn how to get school events saved from Parent Square right to your calendar! Panther Parent Hacks help Midway parents stay up to speed and up to date. Community Bulletin Board :   See the latest flyers for programs, events, and happenings around town. Legislative Alert   - Stay Informed:  Sign up for our Legislative Alert emails to receive timely updates and learn how you can support Midway ISD during this legislative session.

    Thursday, Mar 27 2025