TSPRA

SASPRA had a great meeting last week at SWISD! Members had the opportunity to learn from Julia Grizzard about legislative updates and what to watch for as the next session and election approach. Jenny Collier also shared some helpful tips and tricks for strengthening media relations.

Another great opportunity for TSPRA members to learn, connect and share with one another!

Talk about going big! The Garland ISD Communications Team recently wrapped up a three-city tour celebrating the grand openings of state-of-the-art Multi-Program Activity Centers at all seven high schools.

Seven campuses. Three cities. One amazing communications team helping bring it all together. What a way to celebrate these incredible new spaces and the students who will use them!

Great work, Garland ISD! 👏

🎙️ Introducing PR Panel!

We’re launching a new TSPRA online learning series featuring moderated conversations, fresh ideas and practical insights from fellow PR professionals.

Our first PR Panel brings communicators together to explore Community Engagement and Building Trust.

📅 September 15 | 3–4 p.m.

🎤 Moderated by Julie Ann Matonis

📋 Organized by Brad Domitrovich

Community engagement is about more than hosting an event. It’s about creating meaningful connections that build relationships and strengthen trust.

Join us for a conversation about creative ways to engage families, businesses, civic leaders and community organizations, including special events, partnerships and service initiatives that can turn community members into advocates for public education. Bring your own ideas and experiences to the conversation, too!

Have a question for our panelists? Email it to [email protected] by Monday, September 14 at noon.

➡️ Don’t miss the first PR Panel! Register for this free event here: tspra.org/online-learning/

🎉 The countdown to begins now!

We’re so excited to celebrate TSPRA’s 65th anniversary back where it began in Austin! 🤠 Join us February 16–19, 2027, as we celebrate 65 years of TSPRA.

Ready to start planning? Visit the 2027 TSPRA Conference page to check out the schedule-at-a-glance, quick FAQs, hotel reservation information, and more.

👉 Click here to visit the conference webpage: https://bit.ly/tspra27

We’ll continue sharing updates and exciting conference details as we get closer. We can’t wait to see everyone in Austin!

CASPRA & SASPRA representing at the HB33 PIO Training in Austin!

We’re wrapping up our convocation series with one last look at the creativity and school spirit happening across our TSPRA districts!

Featured Districts:

📣 Harlandale ISD
Harlandale ISD brought its “Building Futures” theme to life as its 2022 Bond wraps up this year with the completion of the brand-new Multipurpose Center. Their convocation was the first event held in the new facility, bringing more than 2,000 staff members together for a construction-themed event focused on how the work they do each day helps build their students’ futures.

📣 Rockwall ISD
With the theme “The Place to Be,” Rockwall ISD highlighted how everyone plays a part in student success. The district also recognized employees across maintenance, technology and other departments for going above and beyond, including shoutouts through its new Rockwall Rockstars recognition program inspired by a TSPRA conference session!

📣 Hidalgo ISD
Hidalgo ISD welcomed employees back with an energetic ’80s-themed convocation that celebrated the past, embraced the future and brought plenty of excitement to the start of the 2026–2027 school year.

📣 McAllen ISD
McAllen ISD brought a Western theme to its Back to School General Assembly with the message “Boots on the Ground. Transformation All Around!” The six-person Marketing Team helped bring 3,400 teachers and staff together for performances by music teachers and students, along with plenty of school spirit.

📣 Springtown ISD
Springtown ISD embraced the theme “Believe in the POJO Magic” with an inspiring message from keynote speaker Donnie Campbell, who emphasized the power of purpose, relationships and believing in others. Many know Donnie as the real-life inspiration behind the coach portrayed by Jason Sudeikis in Ted Lasso. The Sound of Springtown also took the stage, showcasing the dedication and talent of Springtown ISD students.

📣 La Vernia ISD
La Vernia ISD welcomed staff back with a special convocation to reconnect, celebrate and kick off another year together.

📣 Everman ISD
Everman ISD took its convocation to the gym for a Game Day-themed event where students were front and center. Student hosts and performers helped run the show before the event wrapped up with a superintendent fireside chat.

📣 Belton ISD
Belton ISD saddled up for the new school year with a Western-themed convocation centered around “Rooted in Values. Inspired to Reach New Horizons.” More than 2,000 staff members joined in the fun, from roping and stick horse races to a principal posse line dance and custom “Wanted” posters featuring district leaders.

📣 White Settlement ISD
White Settlement ISD made its “Mission: Possible” space-themed convocation truly out of this world with costumes, performances by the Fightin' Bear Band, games and giveaways! The event ended with a heartfelt video celebrating their students.

📣 Tyler ISD
Tyler ISD kicked off the school year with a convocation filled with school spirit and excitement as staff came together to start the year strong.

A special thank you to all of our TSPRA members for the creativity, planning and dedication that go into making these events so meaningful for your school communities. We’ve loved getting a glimpse into how you welcomed staff back and set the tone for a new year.

Wishing all of our members a wonderful school year! ❤️

It’s another , and we’re back with more convocation highlights from our members! We’ve loved seeing the creativity, school spirit and meaningful moments districts are sharing as they welcome staff back for a new school year.

Here’s another round of districts kicking off the year in their own unique way. And don’t worry, we still have more to share!

Featured Districts:

📣 Allen Independent School District
Allen ISD brought staff together for “This is the Greatest Show,” celebrating the people behind student success. Acting Superintendent Kim McLaughlin highlighted the dedication of staff across the district, sharing, “When our students walk through our doors, they see a school ready to welcome them. What they may not see are the thousands of people who worked together to make that possible.”

📣 Tomball ISD
Tomball ISD rocked into the new school year with its “Tomball Rocks” Convocation! The celebration featured talented employees taking the stage, student performances, a showcase of the district’s SROs, campus roll call and a Region 4 recognition for Tomball ISD's Honor Board.

📣 Wichita Falls ISD
Wichita Falls ISD brought energy to its “Opening Day” celebration with student performances, a districtwide sing-along to “Sweet Caroline,” a motivational message from Superintendent Donny Lee and Cracker Jacks for every staff member on the way out!

📣 Crosby ISD
Crosby ISD started off the school year with Cougar Kickoff, celebrating staff, students and the community. Commissioner Tom Ramsey joined the celebration to greet staff and share in the Cougar spirit!

📣 Brady ISD
Brady ISD welcomed staff back with a districtwide breakfast, Bulldog spirit and a very special surprise. The new Brady ISD Education Foundation presented teachers with grant checks to support classroom projects, making its first year an exciting one for BISD staff!

📣 Grand Prairie ISD
Grand Prairie ISD kicked off the year by honoring staff who have “Served Twice,” first in the military and now serving students in GPISD. The event also featured student performances and an inspiring message from keynote speaker Colonel Greg Gadson.

📣 Copperas Cove ISD
More than 1,400 Copperas Cove ISD staff came together for an energetic Convocation featuring the Pride of Cove Marching Band & Guard and Copperas Cove High School cheerleaders. Keynote speaker Chad Hymas shared his powerful story of overcoming limitations and challenged staff to recognize the impact they can have on others. The event also celebrated school spirit by recognizing the 30 most spirited Bulldawgs!

A special shoutout to the TSPRA members behind the scenes, whose planning and dedication help make these moments so memorable for their communities. We’re proud to highlight the incredible work you do! ❤️

INSIGHT - Summer 2026 The summer issue of TASA INSIGHT introduces TASA's 2026-27 officers: President Roosevelt Nivens, President-Elect Jeannie Meza-Chavez, Vice President Walter Jackson, and Past President Chris Moran. The

Convocation season is here, and we’ve loved seeing TSPRA members share how they’re welcoming staff back for a new school year! 🎉

For , we’re featuring just a few of the incredible convocation moments members have shared with us. And because we’ve received so many amazing submissions, keep your eyes out for more!

Haven’t submitted yours yet? You still can! We’d love to see how your district is kicking off the school year.

Featured Districts:

📣 Galveston Independent School District
A "student-centered" event, hosted by students! What a great way to put students at the heart of the celebration.

📣 Eanes ISD
Eanes ISD brought all 1,100 employees together for its annual Convocation Celebration, a back-to-school pep rally featuring performances, welcome messages and celebrations to officially kick off the new school year.

📣 Dayton ISD
Building on Bronco PRIDE with this year’s theme, “Winning Season with a Champion Mindset.” The celebration brought purpose, perseverance, teamwork and a little friendly competition with a Dayton ISD spin on Family Feud!

📣 Splendora ISD
Splendora ISD launched the new school year with a fun, space-themed convocation. Their “Mission to Launch” celebration set the stage for an exciting year ahead!

📣 McKinney ISD
McKinney ISD kicked off the year with a Game Day-themed Convocation filled with school spirit, performances, special guests and plenty of excitement. Superintendent Shawn Pratt reminded staff: “We don’t wear the same jersey because we do the same job—we wear the same jersey because we share the same purpose. Every day is Game Day when more than 24,000 students walk through our doors. We are one team, united in providing an unbelievable educational experience for every student.”

📣 Elgin ISD
The 2026–2027 school year is headed toward Destination:Excellence!

📣 Northside ISD
“Driven With Purpose” captures Northside ISD’s focus on moving forward with direction, passion and integrity while making an impact that matters in classrooms and communities.

📣 Pleasant Grove Independent School District Texarkana, TX
Pleasant Grove ISD kicked off the year with a Price Is Right-style campus competition featuring district facts, friendly competition and campus-wide prizes. A fun way to bring staff together and start the year with plenty of energy!

📣 Grandview ISD
From new teacher orientation to convocation, Grandview ISD is capturing the happiest faces and the excitement of getting ready for a new school year!

📣 Flour Bluff ISD
Flour Bluff ISD’s “Under Construction: Together, We Are Building Something Special” theme highlighted the transformation happening through Bond 2025, while reminding staff that its people are the true foundation of the district.

📣 Corsicana ISD
Lasers, performances, music, breakfast and camaraderie set the stage, but the message was the highlight. Keynote Speaker Troy Kemp reminded staff, “Our students do not need heroes, they need believers,” a sentiment echoed by Superintendent Stephanie Howell.

📣 Decatur ISD
Decatur ISD traded its traditional convocation for an engaging Back-to-School Rally featuring personal stories, community-sponsored giveaways and even a few beach balls!

Keep the convocation photos coming! We love celebrating the creativity, energy and heart our members bring to the start of a new school year. ❤️