Stafford Elementary will begin accepting 1st through 6th grade Parent Nominations for the Gifted and Talented Program beginning today. The nomination form describes some characteristics of possible gifted students as you consider your nomination. You may also reach out to the GT Coordinator for Stafford Elementary, Elizabeth Jones ( ejones@italyisd.org ).
The nomination form must be turned in to Stafford Elementary no later than February 13, 2025, @ 4:00 PM.
Download fillable form from link below
https://5il.co/3702k
Italy Independent School District
Office of the Superintendent
Rachel Kistner
Principal J. Lance Bray, Sharon Graves
Stafford Elementary Italy Junior High-High School
New Texas Cell Phone Law
This summer Governor Abbott, with the support of our legislators, signed into law House Bill 1481 that takes effect with the 2025-2026 school year. It brings important changes to how students can use cell phones or any communication device during the school day. As a result, it will also create significant changes for how parents will communicate with their child during the school day.
What the Law Says
House Bill (HB) 1481 requires local school boards to adopt and implement a written policy prohibiting students from using cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, radio devices, paging devices, or any other electronic device capable of communication while on school property during the school day, unless the device was provided to a student by the school district, and requires the policy to include disciplinary measures which will include confiscation of the device.
The law allows the required policy to either:
● prohibit a student from bringing such a device on school property or
● to designate a method for the storage of the device while the student is on school property during the school day
It allows the required policy to include provision for disposing of a confiscated device after having provided the student’s parent 90 days written notice of the school’s intent to dispose of the device
It requires the policy to allow use of a device as necessary to implement an IEP or Section 504 plan, by a student with a documented need based on a directive from a physician, or as necessary to comply with a health or safety requirement imposed by law or the district’s or school’s safety protocols.
Why?
In summary, this law was passed to help students stay focused, reduce distractions in the classroom and improve academic outcomes across Texas. Research continues to show that limiting phone use during school hours supports better attention, deeper learning and healthier social interactions
So What Does This Mean In Italy ISD?
We are currently reviewing and updating our campus policies to align to this new law. While full details will be shared closer to the start of school , we want to give families an early heads-up. This gives everyone time to prepare for a more structured and distraction-free school environment,
Stafford
As of today, Stafford Elementary will likely require any students with devices to keep them in their backpacks during the school day.
Italy Junior High-High School
For the junior high/high school, after reaching out to some students for feedback on this mandate, we will likely be requiring students to store their devices in a locked container for the school day and . Students will be able to take their phones for extra curricular activities that are off campus, and any student needing their device for medical reasons will be allowed to maintain possession of their phone with proper medical documentation and guidelines for use.
For both campuses, students that refuse to turn in their phone or are caught using their phone during the school day will face consequences that could include taking the phone for an extended period of time and ISS. We do not want to turn this compliance piece into a battle, we just want to comply with the law.
Parents/Guardians
As parents/guardians, communications to your student will go back to how we communicated before cell phones. If there is important information your child needs to have during the school day you will call the school office and the message will be delivered to them.
We do not have all the answers, and we invite you to give us feedback. We just recognize that this is now a state law that we will have to work together to comply with.
But I Don’t Agree With the Law?
There are many laws you may not agree with but that does not exempt you from following them. This law, like most others in the state of Texas, was signed into law by our elected legislators and governor. As we shared with students, the lesson for all of us is understanding and executing our right to vote. Voting is where we are able to make the biggest differences in things we support or things we do not support.
Thank you again for your support and partnership with your students’ education. We look forward to creating the best learning environment possible for our students and helping them succeed one focused day at a time. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Office of the Superintendent
Rachel Kistner
Principal J. Lance Bray, Sharon Graves
Stafford Elementary Italy Junior High-High School
New Texas Cell Phone Law
This summer Governor Abbott, with the support of our legislators, signed into law House Bill 1481 that takes effect with the 2025-2026 school year. It brings important changes to how students can use cell phones or any communication device during the school day. As a result, it will also create significant changes for how parents will communicate with their child during the school day.
What the Law Says
House Bill (HB) 1481 requires local school boards to adopt and implement a written policy prohibiting students from using cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, radio devices, paging devices, or any other electronic device capable of communication while on school property during the school day, unless the device was provided to a student by the school district, and requires the policy to include disciplinary measures which will include confiscation of the device.
The law allows the required policy to either:
● prohibit a student from bringing such a device on school property or
● to designate a method for the storage of the device while the student is on school property during the school day
It allows the required policy to include provision for disposing of a confiscated device after having provided the student’s parent 90 days written notice of the school’s intent to dispose of the device
It requires the policy to allow use of a device as necessary to implement an IEP or Section 504 plan, by a student with a documented need based on a directive from a physician, or as necessary to comply with a health or safety requirement imposed by law or the district’s or school’s safety protocols.
Why?
In summary, this law was passed to help students stay focused, reduce distractions in the classroom and improve academic outcomes across Texas. Research continues to show that limiting phone use during school hours supports better attention, deeper learning and healthier social interactions
So What Does This Mean In Italy ISD?
We are currently reviewing and updating our campus policies to align to this new law. While full details will be shared closer to the start of school , we want to give families an early heads-up. This gives everyone time to prepare for a more structured and distraction-free school environment,
Stafford
As of today, Stafford Elementary will likely require any students with devices to keep them in their backpacks during the school day.
Italy Junior High-High School
For the junior high/high school, after reaching out to some students for feedback on this mandate, we will likely be requiring students to store their devices in a locked container for the school day and . Students will be able to take their phones for extra curricular activities that are off campus, and any student needing their device for medical reasons will be allowed to maintain possession of their phone with proper medical documentation and guidelines for use.
For both campuses, students that refuse to turn in their phone or are caught using their phone during the school day will face consequences that could include taking the phone for an extended period of time and ISS. We do not want to turn this compliance piece into a battle, we just want to comply with the law.
Parents/Guardians
As parents/guardians, communications to your student will go back to how we communicated before cell phones. If there is important information your child needs to have during the school day you will call the school office and the message will be delivered to them.
We do not have all the answers, and we invite you to give us feedback. We just recognize that this is now a state law that we will have to work together to comply with.
But I Don’t Agree With the Law?
There are many laws you may not agree with but that does not exempt you from following them. This law, like most others in the state of Texas, was signed into law by our elected legislators and governor. As we shared with students, the lesson for all of us is understanding and executing our right to vote. Voting is where we are able to make the biggest differences in things we support or things we do not support.
Thank you again for your support and partnership with your students’ education. We look forward to creating the best learning environment possible for our students and helping them succeed one focused day at a time. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
www.italyisd.org select schools, select Stafford, for more information throughout the year. Facebook Italy ISD.
The 2025/2026 school supply list!
Please bring supplies to Meet the Teacher Night on: TBA
4th Grade (Caballero, Hellner, Wright)
1 - Chisel Tip Dry Erase Marker 4ct
72 - No2 Ticonderoga Pencils
1 - Crayola Crayon 24ct
1 – Crayola Color Pencils 12 ct
1 - Crayola Markers 8ct
3 - 2 Sub Wide Ruled Spiral Asst 70ct
2 - Wide Ruled Black Marble Comp Book 100 pages
2 - Wide Rule 8x10.5 Filler Paper 120ct
1 - Asst Poly Insert Div 5 Tabs Pockets
4 - Plastic Pocket Folders Brads (Red Blue Yellow Green)
1 - Disinfecting Wipes 35ct Not for Skin
1 - Paper Towels 85 CT (Bulk)
1 - 1.5” Asst Hardback Vinyl Binder
4 - Facial Tissue 100ct
2 - Nylon Pencil Bag Clear Top Grommet 7.25x10.25
1 – Sharp Big Scissors
1 – Gallon Size Freezer Bags
1 – Quart Size Freezer Bags
5th Grade (Gray, Riddle, Strange)
3 - Spiral Notebooks
1 - 2” 3-Ring Binder
1- Pack of Dividers
3 - Pocket Folders with Prongs
1 – Composition Notebook
4 - Packs Filler Paper
2 - Pencil Bag
4 - Elmer’s Glue Sticks
1 - Pair Scissors
2 - Packs Colored Pencils
1 - Pack Crayons
1- Pack Markers
4 - Packs of #2 Pencils 24 Count
6 - Expo Markers
3 - Boxes of Kleenex
1 - Pack Disinfectant Wipes
1 - Roll Paper Towels
1 - Headphones (optional)
6th Grade (Babers, Robinson, Zurfas)
1- 1.5” Binder (any color)
1- Pocket Dividers (5ct)
60 - Mechanical Pencils (or Regular)
1 - Pencil Cap Erasers (12ct)
1 - Pencil Bag Clear with Top Grommet 7.25x10.25
1 - Wide Rule 8x10.5 Filler Paper 120ct
1 - 1 Subject Wide Ruled Spiral Asst 70ct
2 - Composition Notebook (wide ruled)
1 - Pre-Sharpened Colored Pencils (12ct)
1- Crayola Markers (10ct)
1- 9x12 Assorted Construction Paper
1- Astrobright Cardstock
1 - Sharp 5” Scissors
1 - Expo Chisel Tip Black Dry Erase Markers 4pk
1- Black Sharpie
1 - Elmer’s Liquid Glue
2 - Yellow Highlighters
1 - Wireless Mouse (optional)
1 - Headphones
4 – Boxes of Facial Tissue 100ct
1- Roll of Paper Towels
1- Large Clorox or Lysol Wipes
ECSE (Escamilla)
1 – 4 Pack Dry Erase Markers
3 – Rolls of Paper Towels
3 – Kleenex Boxes
4 - Clorox or Lysol Wipes
4 - Baby Wipes
1 - Bottle of Hand Sanitizer
1 - Lysol Disinfectant Spray Can
1 - Ziploc Freezer Bags
1 - 4 Package of Playdoh
2 - 4oz Bottles of Elmer’s Liquid Glue
2 - Classroom Snack (Goldfish, chips, fruit snacks, etc.)
All students must bring:
A cup/sippy cup to leave in the room
A complete change of clothes (shirt, pants, socks, etc.)
Diapers or Pull-Ups, if your child requires them
FLS (Harrison)
2 - Plastic Folder with Brads
1 - Box Crayola Crayons
3 - Rolls of Paper Towels
1 - Box Classic Crayola Markers
3 - Boxes of Kleenex
5 - Package Clorox or Lysol Wipes
3 - Packs of Baby Wipes
2 - Boxes of Ziploc Bags (1 gallon and 1 sandwich)
1 - 4ct Pack of Expo Markers
1 - 4ct Pack of Glue Sticks
1 - Extra Large Bottle of Hand Sanitizer
1 - Complete Change of Clothes
3 - Cans of Lysol Disinfectant Spray
1 - Cup or Sippy Cup (if needed)
Snacks for classroom
Diapers or Pull-Ups, if your child requires them
FLA (Hadsell)
2 - Plastic Folder with Brads
2 – Boxes of Crayola Crayons
3 - Rolls of Paper Towels
1 – Box Classic Crayola Markers
1 - Safety Scissors
3 - Boxes of Kleenex
5 - Package Clorox or Lysol Wipes
3 - Packs of Baby Wipes
2 - Boxes of Ziploc Bags (1 Gallon and 1 Sandwich)
1 - 4ct Pack of Expo Markers
1 - 4ct Pack of Glue Sticks
1 - Extra Lg Bottle of Hand Sanitizer
1 - Pencil Bag
1 - Complete Change of Clothes
3 - Cans of Lysol Disinfectant Spray
1 - Cup or Sippy Cup (if needed)
Snacks for classroom
Diapers or Pull-Ups, if your child requires them
www.italyisd.org select schools, select Stafford, for more information throughout the year. Facebook Italy ISD.
The 2025/2026 school supply list!
Please bring supplies to Meet the Teacher Night on: TBA
Pre-Kindergarten HeadStart (Spraberry)
1 - Child Size Nap Blanket
1 – Water Bottle
All other supplies are provided by the Head Start program
Pre-Kindergarten (Case)
2 - Packages of Crayola Brand Crayons
2 – Spiral Notebooks (Wide Ruled)
1 - Package of Washable Markers
1 - Watercolor Paint Set
4 - Tubs of Playdoh
1 - Plastic Pencil Box
4 - Plastic Folders with Brads (Red, Yellow, Blue, Green)
2 - Rolls of Paper Towels
2 - Boxes of Kleenex
1 – Lysol Sanitizer Wipes
1 - Child size nap blanket (no sleeping bag or lg blanket)
Boys: 1 Package of Quart Zip Lock Bags
Boys: 1 Package of Baby Wipes
Girls: 1 Package of Gallon Zip Lock Bags
Girls: 1 Package of 10 Presharpened Ticonderoga Pencils
Optional: 1 Pkg of Jumbo Ziplock Bags to store nap items
Kinder (Nelson, Rasberry)
2 - Packages of Crayola Markers
4 - Boxes of Crayola Crayons (24 Ct)
1 - Package Watercolors
2 - Plastic Folders with Pockets/Brads
1 - Plastic School Pencil Box
1 - Wide Ruled Spiral Notebook
12 - Glue Sticks
1 - Package of Playdoh (4 Count)
1 - Boxes of Tissues
1 - Package of Baby Wipes
1 - Pair of Scissors
2 - Rolls of Paper Towels
1st Grade (Connor, Malone)
12 - Elmer’s Small .21oz Purple Washable Glue Stick
3 - Crayola Crayons 24ct
48 – No. 2 Ticonderoga Pencils
1 - Nylon Pencil Bag 7.25x10.25
1 - Fiskars 5" Blunt Scissors
3 - Crayola Ultra Clean Wash Thick Markers 8ct
1 - Chisel Tip Dry Erase Markers 4pk
3 - Plastic Pocket Brad Folders
1 - 4 Color Pack of Playdoh 4oz Cans
2 - Facial Tissue 100ct
1 - Disinfecting Wipes 35ct Not for Skin
1 - Card Size 0-10 Addition Flash Cards
1 - Card Size 0-10 Subtraction Flash Cards
1 - Package Baby Wipes
1 - 9x12 Manilla Paper
1 – Pack of White Index Cards
2nd Grade (Chagnon, Roberts)
1 - Pack Wide-ruled Notebook Paper
2 - Small Glue Sticks
1 - Fiskars 5” Scissors
1 - Pack of 48-No.2 Pre-sharpened Pencils
1 - Boxes of Crayola Crayons 24-count
1 - Pack of Washable Broad Markers 10-count
2 - Pack of Twistable Colored Pencils
1 - 4-pack Chisel-Tip Dry Erase Markers
4 - Pink Erasers
1 - Pencil/Supply Box
3 - Boxes of Tissues
1 - Container of Clorox Wipes (Girls Only)
2 - Rolls of Paper Towels (Boys Only)
1 - Hand Sanitizer
1 - Plastic Pocket- Folder (Any Color)
2 - Packs Small Index Cards (Girls Only)
2 - 3”x 3” Post-It Notes (Boys Only)
1 - Spiral Notebook (Wide-Ruled)
3rd Grade (Haake, Joslin)
1 – Over the Ear Headphones (Chromebook Compatible, Non Bluetooth, No Earbuds)
1 - Pink Bevel (latex free) or White Hi-Polymer Erasers
48 – No. 2 Dixon Pre-Sharpened Pencils
1 - Crayola Classic Thick Markers 10ct
2 - Small Glue Sticks .32 oz.
4 - Facial Tissue 100ct
2 - Crayola Crayons 24ct
2 - Package Expo Black Fine Tip Dry Erase Marker
3 - Plastic Pocket Brad Folders (Blue, Green, Yellow)
1 - Wide Rule 8x10.5 Filler Paper 120ct
2 - Wide Ruled Black Marble Comp Book 100ct
1 - 1.5” View Binder (hardback)
1 - Poly Plastic Double Pocket Dividers with tabs (5ct)
1 - Nylon Pencil Pouch (clear vinyl front for 3 ring binder)
1 - Roll of Paper Towels
1 - Large Clorox or Lysol Wipes
1 – 12 Count Colored Pencil
Please see Notification about Federal Grans Community Information and Input Opportunities
https://5il.co/3hytf
Italy Independent School District
300 College Street
Italy, Texas 76651
972-483-1815
Federal Grants Community Information and Input Opportunities
Italy ISD will be participating in the following federal programs during the 2025-2026 school year:
● Title 1, Part A: Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Education Agency
● Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction
● Title III, Part A: English Language Acquisition
● Title IV, Part A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment
● Perkins V: Strengthening Career and Technical Education
● Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B Formula and Preschool)
Teachers, paraprofessionals, principals, other school personnel, parents, community members and business representatives are invited to discuss and suggest 2025-2026 activities and provide input into the preparations of the application for funding. The goal is to coordinate and integrate these funding sources and programs into the educational system of Italy ISD.
Input will also be received on the draft Title 1, Part A Parent and Family Engagement Policy and the School-Parent Compact.
If you would like an opportunity to participate, please email Rachel Kistner at rkistner@italyisd.org to schedule a meeting time that is most convenient for you. Meetings will be scheduled during the following dates:
● June 9, 2025
● June 11-12, 2025
● June 16-18, 2025
● June 30, 2025
● July 2, 2025
Respectfully,
Rachel L. Kistner
Superintendent
Posted: District website and Facebook 300 S. College, Italy TX, 76651 ● 972-483-1815 (office) ● 972-483-6152 (fax)
Stafford Weekly Announcements:
If you are interested in summer school for your student that is currently in 1st-6th grades for 2024-2025 school year, please send Dr. Bray an email to lbray@italyisd.org. Summer School will be located at the High School for Stafford, JHS and HS students. Classes begin Wednesday, May 28, and end Thursday, June 19th. They will be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m., and lunch will be provided after classes. Classes are only on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
We hope that everyone enjoys the summer break! The first day of the 2025-2026 school year is Wednesday, August 6th! For more information regarding the district calendar, events etc., please visit www.italyisd.org, select schools, then select Stafford or follow Italy ISD on Facebook.
Video Link from Dr. Bray: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gBHUhbrSBv4DR4IdEWsZC8b831EDzMw6/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=682f7996
Go Stafford!
S.M. Dunlap Library in Italy
Stafford Reminders:
Wednesday, 21st
*Student End of Year Awards - enter through the cafeteria door that faces Harris Street (every student receives an award).
Kinder 1:30pm
5th 2:30pm
6th 3:15pm
Thursday, 22nd
*Student End of Year Awards - enter through the cafeteria door that faces Harris Street (every student receives an award).
PreK and PreK HeadStart 8:15am
FLS & FLA & ECSE 9am
1st 9:30am
2nd 10am
4th 10:30am
3rd 11:15am
*Early Release for Stafford is 12:15pm
*End of 6th Six Weeks and Last Day of 2024-2025 School Year!!!
Tuesday, May 20th, as part of Stafford Elementary's Career Day, a helicopter will be landing at the school and emergency vehicles will be on the property. They are not be there because of any emergency.
Stafford Weekly Announcements:
Monday, 19th
*School Board Meeting 5:30pm at the High School
*5th and 6th Grade Field Trip
Tuesday, 20th
*Career & Technical Education Day 12pm-3:30pm - 2nd-6th Grades come dressed as your future self and join us as we explore some of the different careers available for you! Parents are welcome to join 12pm-1pm as we kick off the event. Stafford Heroes, what’s in your future?
*Kinder & 1st Grade Field Trip
Wednesday, 21st
*Student End of Year Awards
Kinder 1:30pm
5th 2:30pm
6th 3:15pm
Thursday, 22nd
*Student End of Year Awards
PreK and PreK HeadStart 8:15am
FLS & FLA & ECSE 9am
1st 9:30am
2nd 10am
4th 10:30am
3rd 11:15am
*Early Release for Stafford is 12:15pm
*End of 6th Six Weeks and Last Day of 2024-2025 School Year!!!
Friday, 23rd
*Staff Development Day – No School for Students
Reminders:
*Parents/Guardians are welcome to visit during lunches of scholars on any day except non-exempt days (i.e. STAAR, etc.).
*Visitors must have valid ID to be scanned in and must wear a badge given to them at the front desk at all times.
*When visiting, parents will have a designated area to eat with their student(s) only, during their designated lunch period.
*Parents/Guardians are not allowed to eat lunch with other students or bring food for other students.
Go Stafford!
2025 Stafford Field Day!
S.M. Dunlap Library Summer Events
Stafford Field Day!!!!
**Thursday, May 15th at the High School Football/Track field. Students will ride the bus to/from Stafford.
**PreK-2nd grades estimated times 8:30am-11:30am. They will eat lunch at Stafford when they return.
**3rd-6th grades estimated times 12:15pm-3:15pm – they will eat lunch at Stafford at 11am.
What do students wear or bring? Shorts, tennis shoes, hats, water, sunscreen. Show school spirit by wearing your PTO field day t-shirt or any Stafford/Italy t-shirt. Shirt Colors: PreK and PreK Headstart – Red Kinder – Teal; 1st – Purple; 2nd – Pink; 3rd - Kelly Green; 4th – Daisy; 5th - Sky Blue; 6th - Black with Blue and White Design. If you ordered a t-shirt they were delivered to students yesterday.
Can parents come too? Of course! If you plan on taking your student when you leave, you must sign them out with their teacher. All visitors must stop by Stafford Elementary with their driver’s license and receive a printed badge.
Concessions for sale by PTO they will accept Cash and CashApp. We would LOVE to have some volunteers for the concession stands! Please reach out to Kaitlin Leach, Eva DeLaHoya, Ashlyn Conger or Cassandra Enriquez or you can send an email to StaffordPTOPresident@gmail.com
Stafford 1st Grade student drop off for their program tonight:
Where: Stafford car drop off/pick up line (gym door)
When: 5:30pm (students)
Parents/Families once you dropped of your student please park up front and enter through cafeteria doors that face Harris street at 5:45pm.
Thank You!!
2025 IYAA Football/Cheer Registration (Italy Youth Athletic Association)
Registration Fee is $125.00. Payment due at fittings. Cash, Check, or Venmo will be accepted. Additional NEH forms, birth certificate, and photo required at practice to complete registration. Cheer registration will close June 23rd and will have fitting on June 25th. Football Registration will close on August 11th.
Please follow for more information IYAA Sports on Facebook!
https://form.jotform.com/251256535441151?fbclid=IwY2xjawKPgP5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHh1c3QjB-Vql6zM_FAajUvMCSJtBY0peNLZ90J6uQk3DK_tt9KUdi8r38Ezc_aem_oH5A7e59K8bHaBE4SokUMg
Italy ISD
Student Health Advisory Council
PUBLIC NOTICE OF SHAC MEETING: May 15, 2025 4:45 p.m. HS Old Cafeteria
SHAC Meeting Agenda for May 15, 2025
1. Call to order
2. Explanation of Virtual Recording
3. Introduction of attendees
4. Approve 5/13/2024 meeting minutes
5. Future Meeting Dates: TBA
6. Hearing/Vision/Scoliosis/Acanthosis - Hopgood Report
7. Aim for Success - Hopgood Report
8. Drug Testing - Hopgood Report
9. Fitnessgram testing updates - PE Teachers Report
10. Public commentary
Stafford's Third Annual Career Day is just around the corner, and we would love your help. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20th from 12pm - 3:30pm. We would love to open the world of potential future careers to our students. Can you help? We are looking for all types of jobs, services, and professions. We would love for presenters to come dressed in their "job attire", and even bring some hands-on experiences for our kids if possible. We'd love mechanics, bakers, businessmen, farmers, first responders etc. The sky is the limit! We want our Stafford students to understand that there is no holding them back when it comes to their future opportunities. There are all kinds of professions from which to choose. Please select the link below to fill out the google form to let us know. Thank you!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnb6VRb7_laEP0aOcIkB2TeGTCd0zx6ghGbhc-OG08ZoM13w/viewform?usp=sf_link
Career Day May 20th
Stafford Field Day - Thursday, May 15th
Field Day is this THURSDAY! Cases of water are greatly appreciated!
With the temps continuing to increase it is very important that all field day participants are hydrated throughout the day! If possible could you donate or bring a case of water so each student could have a water bottle? We did this last year and it worked GREAT! You can drop off at Stafford front office or with the coaches.
We greatly appreciate everything y'all do!
Coach Fossett