Seguin Today: August 2026

MESSAGES FOR THE YEAR

Area Superintendents speak out on the year

MCQUEENEY ELEMENTARY

Inside Seguin ISD’s newest campus

Back to School

AREA SCHOOLS PREPARE FOR STUDENTS

Long summer days filled with sun and water fun are fading behind us as the school year gets ready to start. Rather than splashing in sprinklers and the river, kids are packing backpacks and choosing their first-day outfits.

Parents are getting ready for a new schedule and preparing their kids for a new year, and within just weeks, school will be back in session for area kiddos.

This month’s Seguin Today takes you on a back-to-school journey that first invites you to meet Guadalupe County Superintendents as they prepare for the school year. You’ll read in their own words what their hopes and goals are for students this coming year.

Then we invite you inside the new McQueeney Elementary to get a firsthand look at the newly built campus. From top to bottom, you’ll see photos and read the story of how it all came to be.

Finally, we take a look back at the opening of the new Agricultural Science campus at Seguin High School, just in case you missed it.

So flip the page, and get ready for another school year you won’t forget with us!

Lizz Daniels Creative Director

LET’S GET BACK TO SCHOOL

Area superintendents share their messages for the year

HOME

McQueeney Elementary opens its doors

Community events happening this month

Lizz Daniels

Nick Spence

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

Lizz Daniels

Linda Duncan

Nick Spence

What are you most hopeful about for the new school year?

I am most hopeful about the momentum we are building across Seguin ISD. We have spent a great deal of time over the past year listening, planning, and coming together around a shared direction for our district. As we begin this school year, I am excited to see that work come to life in our classrooms and campuses.

We have tremendous students, talented educators, and a community that cares deeply about its schools. I believe there is a real sense of possibility about what we can accomplish together when we maintain high expectations and keep Students First, Always. Every student only gets this school year once, and I am excited about the opportunity we have to make it an exceptional one for them.

What is your message to your community as you head into the new year?

Our staff is committed to putting in the work and rising to the challenge. We know who we are, what we believe, and where we are going as a district.

This year is about turning that shared direction into action. We will continue building meaningful relationships, creating opportunities for our students, celebrating progress, and being honest about the areas where we must continue to improve. There will certainly be challenges along the way, but we will not shy away from them.

We invite our community to stand alongside our schools, support our educators, encourage our students, and be an active partner in the work ahead. I am incredibly proud of Matador Nation, and we have an opportunity this year to take another important step together.

What are you most hopeful about for the new school year?

Every August reminds me why I chose this work. There’s just something special about the start of a new school year. It’s a season filled with possibility, whether you’re a kindergartner walking into school for the first time or a senior preparing for what’s next.

I’m excited about the opportunities waiting for our students. New friendships, inspiring teachers, meaningful challenges, and moments that help them discover who they are and who they can become. I’m also excited about the relationships that make those moments possible. When students know they belong and have adults who believe in them, amazing things can happen.

My hope is that every student walks through our doors feeling welcomed, supported, and inspired to learn.

What is your message to your community as you head into the new year?

Education has always been a team effort. While our teachers and staff do incredible work every day, our students are strongest when families, businesses, community organizations, and neighbors all play a part in supporting them.

As we begin this school year, I encourage our community to stay connected, celebrate the successes happening in our schools, ask questions, and continue partnering with us to create opportunities for every student.

Strong schools don’t happen by accident. They’re built by communities that care deeply about their children and invest in their future. I’m grateful to be part of a community that continues to do exactly that.

What are you most hopeful about for the new school year?

We always look forward to welcoming all of our students back to the district. This year we will be welcoming somewhere around 1800 students. The staff is ready with open arms. We are hopeful and fully expect for a really great year. It’s a great day to be a Bulldog!

What is your message to your community as you head into the new year?

For at least another year, we are asking our parents and community members to pack their patience as we enter the final stage of our 2023 Bond issue. All of those projects should wrap up by the end of this school year with the most of it being completed in January. Everything is shaping up nicely. We are excited about all of the enhancements that have been created for the students and staff. Be on the lookout for regular business hours at our Green SPACE. Our students successfully opened up the space last year on a limited time schedule, but we are gearing up for a full year of sales. We are excited for the new year!

What are you most hopeful about for the new school year?

We are super ready to continue to welcome a growing population. I’m really excited about seeing those students back in our classrooms, meeting their teachers and learning new things, being with friends, and seeing our community come together like they always do to support our kids at our activities and events.

It is just awesome to see our community come alive each fall and I’m really looking forward to that.

What is your message to your community as you head into the new year?

Good things happen here in Navarro. We are so excited to partner with our families to provide the best environment for students to feel, make friends and explore all the possibilities and opportunities that lie before them as they continue to grow on and really fill their dreams and prepare them to continue on their journey of education and ultimately life. So we’re excited to have them come join us. And we invite them to come be part of what’s here in this district.

Step Seguin’s Newest Campus!

Welcome HOME McQueeney Elementary opens the door to its next generation

On Aug. 19, the doors to Seguin ISD’s newest elementary school will officially open for the very first time.

For hundreds of McQueeney Elementary students, it will be their first steps into spacious classrooms and collaborative learning spaces built for today’s learners. For parents and grandparents, it marks the beginning of a new chapter and one that honors the generations of memories made over the years.

But perhaps no one feels the significance of this moment more than School Principal Trisha Eckols.

For the past several years, Eckols has led McQueeney Elementary. Now, she finds herself leading something few educators ever experience –– the transition from a century-old campus to a brand-new school designed with each student in mind.

“This is an incredibly meaningful time in Seguin ISD’s history, and I feel honored to be part of it as the principal of McQueeney Elementary. Having served as principal for the past five years, I will have

the unique opportunity to help lead our school through a once-in-ageneration transition—from the oldest school building in Seguin ISD to the district’s newest elementary campus,” Eckols said.

Approved by voters in the 2022 bond election, the new 99,000-square-foot campus at 6625 FM 725 replaces one of the district’s oldest elementary schools. Located just a few miles north of the original campus, the two-story school features larger classrooms, collaborative learning pods, outdoor instructional areas, improved traffic flow, and flexible learning environments that reflect how education has evolved.

Yet for Eckols, the story has never been about bricks and mortar alone.

“Leaving a campus that has been home to generations of McQueeney families certainly comes with a sense of nostalgia, but this new school represents an investment in our students, staff, and community. Every space was thoughtfully designed to foster innovation, collaboration, safety, and meaningful learning experiences,” Eckols said.

“This new campus is more than a new building; it is a celebration of our past and a foundation for our future. It reflects the pride, resilience, and commitment of the McQueeney community while opening the door to new opportunities for our students and staff. I am excited to continue strengthening relationships with our families and community partners as we write this next chapter together. I truly believe the future is bright for McQueeney Elementary, and I am grateful to be part of this historic moment as we continue our tradition of excellence and prepare the leaders of tomorrow.”

In fact, her first glimpse of the completed campus confirmed exactly that.

“My first thought was, Whoa! It is an absolutely beautiful campus, and the attention to detail in every space is truly impressive. The building is stunning, but I have to admit one of the first things that made me smile was the parking lot. I joked that our McQueeney families might be just as excited about that as they are about the new building!”

While it might sound like an unusual first impression, Eckols says for anyone who has spent time at the former campus understands exactly what she is talking about.

“For years, our families navigated a very short, one-lane entrance and exit where traffic often came to a standstill while we waited for buses to enter or leave campus. It was simply part of life at our old school. Seeing the spacious parking lot and improved traffic flow, I immediately thought about how much easier and safer arrival and dismissal will be for our families, students, and staff,” Eckols said.

When asked what she thought was the heart of the building, Eckols stated that it was the library.

“If I had to choose one favorite feature, though, it would be the library. As an educator, I’ve always believed that literacy is the foundation for every opportunity a child will have. Our new library is more than a room filled with books—it’s a literacy-rich environment that sparks curiosity, inspires imagination, and nurtures a lifelong love of reading,” Eckols said. “There’s

a saying I often come back to: ‘Readers are leaders.’ When students develop strong literacy skills, they gain the confidence to think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems, and pursue their dreams. I can already picture students gathered around a great book, discovering new ideas, and seeing themselves in the stories they read.”

She says that walking through the building has filled her with pride and excitement. She says it reflects the community’s commitment to providing the very best learning environment for students.

Rather than simply constructing classrooms, district officials say architects created spaces intended to encourage collaboration, creativity and discovery. Classroom pods open into shared commons where students can work together. Flexible seating supports both independent learning and smallgroup instruction. Outdoor classrooms extend lessons beyond four walls, while dedicated Professional Learning Community rooms provide teachers with spaces to collaborate and strengthen instruction.

For Eckols, every design in this new school serves a purpose.

“Every part of this campus was intentionally designed with students in mind. From the classrooms to the collaborative common areas and even the stage in the cafeteria, every space encourages creativity, innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking. It’s exciting to see a building where the environment itself supports the way we want students to learn, grow, and discover their potential,” Eckols said.

Also important in her theory of student success is that investing in teachers ultimately means investing in students.

“For educators, the dedicated PLC rooms and additional collaborative workspaces give our teachers opportunities to plan together, analyze student learning, share ideas, and continually grow in their practice. When we invest in our teachers by giving them the time and space to collaborate, everyone benefits. I truly believe that teacher success equals student success, and these spaces reflect that commitment to excellence,” Eckols said.

Eckols says not every new campus comes with a fully committed team like the one folks will find at McQueeney this fall.

“I believe deeply in the power of collaboration. When we think about the future of McQueeney, we do it together because two heads are better than one, three heads are better than two, and the collective ideas, talents, and passions of a team make us stronger. I would not be the leader I am today without the incredible people who surround me every day. Their dedication, creativity, and commitment to students are what make McQueeney special, and my hope is that this culture of teamwork and excellence continues long after my time here,” Eckols said.

Also, when asked where she hopes McQueeney Elementary will be in five years—or even fifty years –– her answer was simple.

“Five years from now, I hope people are talking about McQueeney Elementary as a school of excellence—one known for high-achieving students, exceptional educators, and a culture where every child is challenged, supported, and inspired to succeed. I want McQueeney to be recognized as a place where innovation and academic excellence go hand in hand, where students are prepared to thrive, and where every child knows they are valued and capable of achieving great things,” Eckols said.

As the new two-story campus ushers McQueeney Elementary into a new era, Eckols hopes it will also finally put to rest a misconception that has lingered for years.

“I also hope we have helped put McQueeney Elementary on the map in a new way. For years, we have worked to overcome the misconception

that McQueeney Elementary is not part of Seguin ISD. Now, with our new campus and a New Braunfels address, it is more important than ever that we proudly tell our story. While our address may have changed, our identity has not—we are proud to be part of Seguin ISD and proud to serve the McQueeney community,” Eckols said

In anticipation of the first day, Eckols says she already knows how to welcome students -- she says it’s not every year that students get to begin a new adventure at a brand new shiny campus.

“Our faculty and staff will greet each student as they enter the building to tell them ‘Welcome home!’ We adore our students and cannot wait to greet them by name and share the sense of pride we have for our new learning community,” Eckols said.

Following their grand entrance, Eckols says school and staff will gather for its first morning assembly -- a moment she hopes will set the tone for the years ahead.

“During our first-day morning assembly, I will remind students of something we have believed at McQueeney Elementary for years: ‘Where Tomorrow’s Leaders Lead Today.’ That has been our motto for several years. I will share that leadership is not about a title or being the oldest person in the room—it is about showing kindness, making good choices, working hard, helping others, and having the courage to learn from mistakes. Every student has the ability to lead, starting on day one,” Eckols said.

From there, students will head to their classrooms, not simply to begin another school year, but to write the first chapter of the school’s next story. •

To promote your event on this page contact advertising at 830-379-2234 or email communitycalendar@kwed1580.com

Featured Events

Summer Reading Experience

The Seguin Public Library is inviting readers of all ages to participate in its 2026 Summer Reading Experience, “Unearth a Story.” The free program features books, activities, special events, and opportunities to win dino-mite prizes throughout the summer. Children, teens, and adults are all encouraged to join. Registration is available in person at the library or online at Seguin Public Library Summer Reading Experience. No library card is required to participate. Participants have until Aug. 6, 2026, to complete their activity boards and be entered into drawings for raffle prizes.

No Child Left Behind

Precious Life Services Back-to-School Assistance Program ‘No Child Left Behind’. Registration now open for families in need of assistance with back to school supplies. Register online at https:// preciouslifesuicideprevention.org/back-toschool/. Deadline is August 15th. No phone calls please. Anyone interested in donating school supplies, please contact us at 830372-5980.

Senior Resource Fair

Older adults, caregivers, and family members are invited to attend the Senior Resource Fair at the Seguin Public Library on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event will bring together local organizations that serve seniors, providing attendees with access to information, services, and resources that support healthy, active living.

Community Outreach and Back-to-School Carnival

Greater Second Baptist Church invites the community to its free Community Outreach and Back-to-School Carnival on Saturday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, located at 208 South Crockett Street in Seguin. Families can enjoy free school supplies, clothing donations, hot dogs, popcorn, games and prizes, plus free haircuts for boys and braids and curls for girls while supplies last. For more information, call 830-433-7004.

Seguin Conservation Society Golf Tournament

The Seguin Conservation Society invites golfers to take part in its annual Golf Tournament on Friday, Aug. 14, at the newly renovated Max Starcke Golf Course. The two-person scramble begins at 9 a.m. Registration is $110 per player, with entry forms available at Starcke Furniture. Registration and payment are due by Friday, Aug. 7. Proceeds benefit the Seguin Conservation Society and its ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the community’s history. For more information, call 830-379-4622 or visit seguinconservation.org.

Casino BASH 2026

The Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center invites the community to Casino BASH 2026 on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the McQueeney Lions Club Hall. The event will be held from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., with casino games running from 6 to 9 p.m. Guests will enjoy gaming tables, heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, a live and silent auction, bucket drawings and prizes. Organizers encourage attendees to wear their brightest attire. General admission tickets go on sale July 22 for $50, and sponsorship opportunities are available now. Proceeds benefit the Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center and its mission of bringing awareness, safety and hope to children and families.

Banana-filled breakfast for school days

When a new school year is on the horizon, that means families once again must adjust to getting out of the house to the school bus or carpool on time. It is important to begin busy days with a breakfast that will facilitate learning, but parents know convenience is important as well. Parents may want to incorporate some new breakfast options into the mix, particularly ones kids will enjoy.

This tasty recipe for “Banana and Pecan Granola Bowl with Caramelized Bananas” from “Rainbow Bowls” (Sourcebooks) by Niki Webster relies on bananas in two different ways to impart a sweet taste that is hard to beat. The granola makes about four to six portions, so there will be leftovers to enjoy as a snack later in the day or stored away for another time.

Banana and Pecan Granola Bowl with Caramelized Bananas Serves 2

2 tablespoons coconut oil

4 tablespoons maple syrup

2 very ripe medium bananas

1 teaspoon almond extract

100 grams (3.5 ounces) oats of your choice

3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut

2 tablespoons ground almonds

3 tablespoons sunflower seeds

3 tablespoons chopped nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds

40 grams (1.4 ounces) pecans

Pinch of sea salt

For the caramelized bananas

2 unpeeled bananas

1 tablespoon coconut oil

To serve Coconut yogurt

1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)

Pinch of thyme (optional)

Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F).

Blend the coconut oil, maple syrup, bananas, and almond extract in a blender until smooth.

Add all the dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix well. Add the wet mixture to the bowl and stir well to combine.

Line a large baking tray with baking paper and then tip the granola mix on to the tray and flatten out. Bake for 25 minutes, until starting to brown. Carefully flip over on the tray, then return to the oven and bake for a further 15 minutes (until you get a nice brown color).

Leave to cool before breaking into smaller chunks, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 week (if not eating straight away).

To make the caramelized bananas, chop off the top end of each of the bananas, then carefully slice through the middle lengthways. Now, peel the bananas.

Melt the coconut oil in a pan on medium heat. Add the banana slices and fry in the oil on one side for 1 to 2 minutes until browned, then flip over to caramelize the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes.

Serve the granola with yogurt, caramelized bananas, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a pinch of thyme if you fancy.

It’s SHOWTIME!

New Seguin ISD agriculture facility opens doors to opportunity

Story by Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

Behindevery show animal is a student taking in lessons of responsibility, commitment, and perseverance. And now, thanks to a new state-of-theart Agriculture Science Building, even more Seguin ISD students will be given that same opportunity.

District leaders, students, teachers, community members, and project partners gathered Tuesday to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of Seguin ISD’s new Agriculture Science Building located at 1329 Ilka Road, just off Interstate 10 east of Seguin.

The $8.9 million facility was approved by voters as part of the district’s 2022 bond program.

Seguin ISD Superintendent Dr. Jack Lee says the facility represents a significant investment in student success.

“Our students will now have access to 25,000 square feet of space, including two enclosed, heated, and ventilated barns, a practice show arena, a 165,000-gallon water tank, an 8-foot privacy fence, and a security system. This is a top-of-the-line facility, and we are proud of it,” said Dr. Lee.

While the new building provides modern amenities, Lee says the true value of the project lies among the students and the community’s agriculture community.

“But as impressive as the building is, this project is not really about the building. It is about what will happen inside this space. It is about students learning responsibility. It is about students caring for animals before school, after school, on weekends, and when no one is watching. It is about hard work, commitment, problem-solving, pride, and growth. It is about giving students opportunities that can shape who they become,” said Dr. Lee.

FFA President Kiersyn Gully, says even she has been limited in participating in the raising of farm animals – something she has always wanted to do since being a freshman.

“I actually don’t show. So, but I plan to this year. The issue was I didn’t have anywhere to keep them. So now, I have the opportunity. So that’s also a great quality that comes with it -- is people who couldn’t before now have the opportunity,” said Gully.

Now as a senior, Gully says she appreciates the effort that went into making the project a reality for current and future students.

“It’s really amazing what all these people came together to do to help provide for our next generation of students. It’s awesome. It’s going to

help us learn responsibility as they said. It’s going to help us learn. We’re really appreciative of everything they’ve done for us. It’s an awesome thing,” said Gully.

Agriculture teacher Nancy Harris says the facility will be especially beneficial for students who may not have access to agricultural facilities at home.

“I’m really excited. I’m talking about having an opportunity for these kids to show projects. I think it is really, really amazing because some of these kids, they don’t have these kinds of facilities at home. And then these projects grow them so much in so many different ways, so many different skills. It just prepares them. And I think that it’s really, really, really an exciting opportunity for these kids,” said Harris.

Harris says the district’s agriculture program hopes to introduce even more students to opportunities they may never have considered before.

“The goal every single year is to, the kids who don’t even know about it, to introduce it to them and get them excited and then show them what’s out there and what’s available,” said Harris.

The facility was designed by pb Group LLC. Florin Popa, of pb Group, shared that the collaboration among district leaders, educators, and design professionals helped create a facility tailored to student needs.

“The result is two thoughtfully designed barns — one for poultry and one for livestock — created to support learning, leadership, and real-world experience. Throughout the design process, we worked closely with district leadership and educators to ensure this facility reflected both the needs and aspirations of the students and community it serves,” said Popa.

During the ceremony, Dr. Lee also recognized the many partners who helped bring the project to life, including The Koehler Company, SPB Engineering, Dunaway Associates, DBR Inc., and 2 Post Technology.

Lee says this week’s ribbon cutting is yet another example of doing what is best for students.

“So today, we celebrate more than a ribbon cutting. We celebrate a promise kept. We celebrate community support. We celebrate student opportunity. And we celebrate the future of Agricultural Science in Seguin ISD,” said Dr. Lee.

District officials say the facility which broke ground last April will be ready for its inaugural animal projects this fall. •