East Chambers Independent School District
Home of the Buccaneers
East Chambers ISD is aware of the boil water notice issued by TBCD. As a precaution, bottled water will be available for all students to drink at school tomorrow, Friday, October 9, 2026.
The health and safety of our students and staff remain our top priority. Thank you for your understanding
The health and safety of our students and staff remain our top priority. Thank you for your understanding
💚💛 Green & Gold Great 💛💚
Ms. Major awarded a Buccaneer Challenge Coin to Emma Castillo for going out of her way to help another student.
Emma’s kindness, generosity, and willingness to lend a hand did not go unnoticed. Her thoughtful actions are a wonderful example of the Buccaneer Way, and we are so proud of her!
Great job, Emma! 💚💛
#GreenAndGoldGreats #OwnTheMoment #ECISD
Ms. Major awarded a Buccaneer Challenge Coin to Emma Castillo for going out of her way to help another student.
Emma’s kindness, generosity, and willingness to lend a hand did not go unnoticed. Her thoughtful actions are a wonderful example of the Buccaneer Way, and we are so proud of her!
Great job, Emma! 💚💛
#GreenAndGoldGreats #OwnTheMoment #ECISD
🩷 Pink Out Lunch: Friday, October 9
Our Child Nutrition team is serving a special Pink Out lunch for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Join us in the cafeteria as we show support for those affected by breast cancer. https://menus.healthepro.com/organizations/1163
⚓ Anchored in Community
Stay connected, Buccaneers! Families and community members, remember to check our Community Events webpage for upcoming events and opportunities to get involved close to home. 💚💛
Bookmark the page and check back often as you make plans!
https://www.eastchambers.net/o/east-chambers-isd/page/community-events
Stay connected, Buccaneers! Families and community members, remember to check our Community Events webpage for upcoming events and opportunities to get involved close to home. 💚💛
Bookmark the page and check back often as you make plans!
https://www.eastchambers.net/o/east-chambers-isd/page/community-events
October is Fentanyl Awareness Month, and we're joining the fight to spread knowledge and protect our communities. Fentanyl is a powerful and dangerous drug, and awareness is key in preventing its devastating consequences.
Learn more: txopioidresponse.org/fentanyl
#OnePillKills
Learn more: txopioidresponse.org/fentanyl
#OnePillKills
🍎 Teacher Talks Tuesday💚💛
For Mrs. Olvera, first grade is a year of big changes. As a bilingual teacher at ECISD, she helps students feel at home in the classroom while they build the skills and confidence to become readers. Here’s what she shared about teaching and the moments that make it special.
My teaching philosophy is simple: I want to create an environment where my students feel safe to learn, grow, and be themselves. I want them to know that it is okay to make mistakes, because mistakes are an important part of learning. My hope is that, with guidance, they learn from those mistakes and grow into confident problem solvers. Most importantly, I want every student to know that they are loved, valued, and accepted just as they are.
I strive to make learning an opportunity for growth—not only as individuals, but also as a class family. We work through challenges together, celebrate one another, and cheer each other on along the way. I feel fortunate to be able to watch my students accomplish things they thought they could not do.
One of my favorite “lightbulb moments” is when my students realize that they can read more than just simple words. They begin to understand that all of their hard work—connecting letters to sounds, blending those sounds together, and practicing over and over again—has a purpose. First grade is such a special “bridge” year. It is a time when apprehensive students begin to transform into more confident and independent learners. Watching that growth is what inspires me every day. Seeing the pride and confidence they develop in their own abilities makes every moment of differentiated instruction, encouragement, and extra practice worthwhile.
One of the things I treasure most about teaching at ECISD is the opportunity to serve as a bilingual teacher. There is something incredibly special about being able to connect with students and families in their native language and understand the cultural experiences that help shape who they are. It creates a sense of comfort and community within our classroom. Being able to clear up a misconception or help a student understand something more clearly simply by explaining it in a language they are most comfortable with is incredibly rewarding.
I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to play even a small part in shaping what my students believe they are capable of becoming. Knowing that the lessons, encouragement, and confidence we build together today may impact their futures is something I never take for granted. It is an honor to be part of their journey, and I am grateful every day that I get to learn and grow alongside them.
Thank you, Mrs. Olvera, for helping your students feel loved and capable as they find their voices and discover what they can do.
For Mrs. Olvera, first grade is a year of big changes. As a bilingual teacher at ECISD, she helps students feel at home in the classroom while they build the skills and confidence to become readers. Here’s what she shared about teaching and the moments that make it special.
My teaching philosophy is simple: I want to create an environment where my students feel safe to learn, grow, and be themselves. I want them to know that it is okay to make mistakes, because mistakes are an important part of learning. My hope is that, with guidance, they learn from those mistakes and grow into confident problem solvers. Most importantly, I want every student to know that they are loved, valued, and accepted just as they are.
I strive to make learning an opportunity for growth—not only as individuals, but also as a class family. We work through challenges together, celebrate one another, and cheer each other on along the way. I feel fortunate to be able to watch my students accomplish things they thought they could not do.
One of my favorite “lightbulb moments” is when my students realize that they can read more than just simple words. They begin to understand that all of their hard work—connecting letters to sounds, blending those sounds together, and practicing over and over again—has a purpose. First grade is such a special “bridge” year. It is a time when apprehensive students begin to transform into more confident and independent learners. Watching that growth is what inspires me every day. Seeing the pride and confidence they develop in their own abilities makes every moment of differentiated instruction, encouragement, and extra practice worthwhile.
One of the things I treasure most about teaching at ECISD is the opportunity to serve as a bilingual teacher. There is something incredibly special about being able to connect with students and families in their native language and understand the cultural experiences that help shape who they are. It creates a sense of comfort and community within our classroom. Being able to clear up a misconception or help a student understand something more clearly simply by explaining it in a language they are most comfortable with is incredibly rewarding.
I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to play even a small part in shaping what my students believe they are capable of becoming. Knowing that the lessons, encouragement, and confidence we build together today may impact their futures is something I never take for granted. It is an honor to be part of their journey, and I am grateful every day that I get to learn and grow alongside them.
Thank you, Mrs. Olvera, for helping your students feel loved and capable as they find their voices and discover what they can do.
💚💛 Happy National Coaches Day!
Today, we celebrate our Buccaneer coaches for the time, heart, and dedication they pour into our students. Beyond the scoreboard, they teach teamwork, perseverance, accountability, and the confidence to rise to a challenge.
Thank you for showing up, believing in our students, and helping them grow as athletes and people. Your impact lasts long after the final whistle! 🏴☠️
Give your favorite Buccaneer coach a shout-out in the comments!
Today, we celebrate our Buccaneer coaches for the time, heart, and dedication they pour into our students. Beyond the scoreboard, they teach teamwork, perseverance, accountability, and the confidence to rise to a challenge.
Thank you for showing up, believing in our students, and helping them grow as athletes and people. Your impact lasts long after the final whistle! 🏴☠️
Give your favorite Buccaneer coach a shout-out in the comments!
🍎 October Menus & Farm Fresh Month
October menus are here! This month, East Chambers ISD is celebrating Farm Fresh Month by serving local and Texas grown foods and supporting the farmers who help feed our communities.
View the October menus: Link to Menus 💚💛
⚓ Buccaneers in the Know | October 5–9
It’s Fire Prevention Week, and we’re celebrating National Coaches Day on Tuesday! Here’s what’s happening around ECISD:
Monday, October 5
• Junior high volleyball at Anahuac, 4:30 p.m. — 7B, 8B, 7A and 8A
Tuesday, October 6
• National Coaches Day
• High school volleyball at Anahuac, 4:30 p.m. — sophomore, junior varsity and varsity
Wednesday, October 7
• Junior high cross country at Anahuac, 5 p.m.
Thursday, October 8
• East Chambers Primary pre-K and kindergarten Brown Day
• East Chambers Junior High Pink Out Dress Up Day
• Junior high football vs. Orangefield — 7th grade at 5 p.m. and 8th grade at 6:30 p.m.
• Junior varsity football at Orangefield, 5 p.m.
• High school cross country at Anahuac
Friday, October 9
• High school volleyball vs. Buna, 4:30 p.m. — varsity and junior varsity
• Varsity football vs. Orangefield, 7:30 p.m. — Pink Out game
Have a great week, Buccaneers! 💚💛
It’s Fire Prevention Week, and we’re celebrating National Coaches Day on Tuesday! Here’s what’s happening around ECISD:
Monday, October 5
• Junior high volleyball at Anahuac, 4:30 p.m. — 7B, 8B, 7A and 8A
Tuesday, October 6
• National Coaches Day
• High school volleyball at Anahuac, 4:30 p.m. — sophomore, junior varsity and varsity
Wednesday, October 7
• Junior high cross country at Anahuac, 5 p.m.
Thursday, October 8
• East Chambers Primary pre-K and kindergarten Brown Day
• East Chambers Junior High Pink Out Dress Up Day
• Junior high football vs. Orangefield — 7th grade at 5 p.m. and 8th grade at 6:30 p.m.
• Junior varsity football at Orangefield, 5 p.m.
• High school cross country at Anahuac
Friday, October 9
• High school volleyball vs. Buna, 4:30 p.m. — varsity and junior varsity
• Varsity football vs. Orangefield, 7:30 p.m. — Pink Out game
Have a great week, Buccaneers! 💚💛
🩺 What’s the Scoop with HOSA?
We had a great turnout for HOSA introduction meeting! Students learned about HOSA–Future Health Professionals, met this year’s officers, and talked about upcoming events, fundraiser ideas, and this year’s focus: pediatrics.
Thank you to Coastal Gateway Health Center for sponsoring an ice cream bar for the meeting! 🍨💚
Nurse Picou and Nurse Alvarez will serve as this year’s HOSA advisors. We’re excited to see what our future health professionals do this year!
We had a great turnout for HOSA introduction meeting! Students learned about HOSA–Future Health Professionals, met this year’s officers, and talked about upcoming events, fundraiser ideas, and this year’s focus: pediatrics.
Thank you to Coastal Gateway Health Center for sponsoring an ice cream bar for the meeting! 🍨💚
Nurse Picou and Nurse Alvarez will serve as this year’s HOSA advisors. We’re excited to see what our future health professionals do this year!
📚 The Learning Deck ⏱️
3rd grade math students in Ms. Ridgaway’s class put their learning into motion while exploring time as a continuous measurement!
Working with partners, students used stopwatches to measure how long it took to complete different classroom activities. They practiced starting and stopping the timers accurately, observing the passage of time, and recording real-world measurements.
This hands-on lesson took time off the clock face and placed it directly into students’ hands, helping them connect an important math concept to everyday experiences. Learning is always more meaningful when students can see—and time—it in action! 💚💛
#TheLearningDeck #OwnTheMoment #ECISD
Celebrating our school custodians! 💚💛
In honor of National School Custodian Appreciation Day, East Chambers ISD recognizes the hardworking team who keeps our schools clean, safe, and welcoming.
From early mornings to busy school events, your work makes a difference for our students and staff every day. Thank you for the care you put into our campuses and for being an essential part of our Buccaneer crew!
In honor of National School Custodian Appreciation Day, East Chambers ISD recognizes the hardworking team who keeps our schools clean, safe, and welcoming.
From early mornings to busy school events, your work makes a difference for our students and staff every day. Thank you for the care you put into our campuses and for being an essential part of our Buccaneer crew!
💚💛 Green & Gold Great 💛💚
Mrs. Dodd awarded a Buccaneer Challenge Coin to Valentina Cantu for going above and beyond to help a fellow student with classwork and ensure they stayed caught up.
Valentina’s kindness, patience, and willingness to support a classmate are wonderful examples of the Buccaneer Way. She is truly a tremendous person and a Green & Gold Great!
Way to go, Valentina! 💚💛
#GreenAndGoldGreats #OwnTheMoment #ECISD
Mrs. Dodd awarded a Buccaneer Challenge Coin to Valentina Cantu for going above and beyond to help a fellow student with classwork and ensure they stayed caught up.
Valentina’s kindness, patience, and willingness to support a classmate are wonderful examples of the Buccaneer Way. She is truly a tremendous person and a Green & Gold Great!
Way to go, Valentina! 💚💛
#GreenAndGoldGreats #OwnTheMoment #ECISD
🏴☠️ Good choices lead to treasure!
Texas Rice Festival week brought a special Treasure Spin Wednesday! Students earned BUCS Bucks for great character, positive choices, and going above and beyond. Six lucky winners from each grade level spun the prize wheel for rewards like VIP lunch with a friend, a lunch-line fast pass, and treasure chest goodies!
"Will you pull my BUCS Buck today, Ms. Smoak?" and “Today is my day to win!” captured the excitement perfectly! 🎡
Keep earning those BUCS Bucks, Buccaneers—your next chance to spin is coming! 💚💛
Texas Rice Festival week brought a special Treasure Spin Wednesday! Students earned BUCS Bucks for great character, positive choices, and going above and beyond. Six lucky winners from each grade level spun the prize wheel for rewards like VIP lunch with a friend, a lunch-line fast pass, and treasure chest goodies!
"Will you pull my BUCS Buck today, Ms. Smoak?" and “Today is my day to win!” captured the excitement perfectly! 🎡
Keep earning those BUCS Bucks, Buccaneers—your next chance to spin is coming! 💚💛
📣 Reminder, Buccaneer families: There will be no school Thursday, October 1, or Friday, October 2, 2026.
We hope everyone enjoys the break! 💚💛
We hope everyone enjoys the break! 💚💛
⚓ Anchored in Community: Texas Rice Festival
The Texas Rice Festival is more than a Winnie tradition. It brings students from East Chambers and surrounding districts together to show their talents, try something new, and take pride in our area’s agricultural roots.
Through contests ranging from agriculture and livestock to art and photography, students have opportunities to participate and shine. The festival also supports young people through scholarships that help them take their next steps.
Thank you to the volunteers and supporters who make these opportunities possible for our students and our neighbors. 💚💛
The Texas Rice Festival is more than a Winnie tradition. It brings students from East Chambers and surrounding districts together to show their talents, try something new, and take pride in our area’s agricultural roots.
Through contests ranging from agriculture and livestock to art and photography, students have opportunities to participate and shine. The festival also supports young people through scholarships that help them take their next steps.
Thank you to the volunteers and supporters who make these opportunities possible for our students and our neighbors. 💚💛
🍎 Teacher Talks Tuesday 💚💛
Mrs. Martinez has served East Chambers ISD in more than one important role! After supporting students, families, and staff as a campus secretary, she followed her calling into the classroom and is now making a difference as a teacher.
Her familiarity with our schools and community, combined with her genuine care for students, helps her create a classroom where every child feels known, supported, and capable of success. This week, Mrs. Martinez shares what guides her as an educator and what she loves most about teaching at ECISD.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is centered around creating a classroom where every student feels welcomed, supported, and valued. I want my classroom to feel like a second home, a place where students know they belong and where they can focus on learning, growing, and becoming the best version of themselves.
What’s your favorite “lightbulb moment” you see in students?
My favorite “lightbulb moment” is when I see a student suddenly understand something they have been struggling with. I love seeing the excitement on their face when they realize they can do an assignment. That smile when they complete a task where they had struggled. Watching students gain confidence in themselves and realize that they are capable of more than they thought is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.
What do you love about teaching at ECISD?
What I love most about teaching at ECISD is the opportunity to be part of a community that cares about its students. I love getting to know my students—their personalities, their sense of humor, their curiosity, and all the little things that make each of them unique. Being able to make a difference in the lives of the children in our community is something I truly value.
Mrs. Martinez’s journey is a wonderful reminder that there are many ways to serve students and make an impact. Whether welcoming families from the front office or creating a welcoming home away from home in her classroom, she continues to invest in the children of East Chambers. We are proud to have her on our teaching team! 💚💛
#TeacherTalksTuesday #OwnTheMoment #ECISD
Mrs. Martinez has served East Chambers ISD in more than one important role! After supporting students, families, and staff as a campus secretary, she followed her calling into the classroom and is now making a difference as a teacher.
Her familiarity with our schools and community, combined with her genuine care for students, helps her create a classroom where every child feels known, supported, and capable of success. This week, Mrs. Martinez shares what guides her as an educator and what she loves most about teaching at ECISD.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is centered around creating a classroom where every student feels welcomed, supported, and valued. I want my classroom to feel like a second home, a place where students know they belong and where they can focus on learning, growing, and becoming the best version of themselves.
What’s your favorite “lightbulb moment” you see in students?
My favorite “lightbulb moment” is when I see a student suddenly understand something they have been struggling with. I love seeing the excitement on their face when they realize they can do an assignment. That smile when they complete a task where they had struggled. Watching students gain confidence in themselves and realize that they are capable of more than they thought is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.
What do you love about teaching at ECISD?
What I love most about teaching at ECISD is the opportunity to be part of a community that cares about its students. I love getting to know my students—their personalities, their sense of humor, their curiosity, and all the little things that make each of them unique. Being able to make a difference in the lives of the children in our community is something I truly value.
Mrs. Martinez’s journey is a wonderful reminder that there are many ways to serve students and make an impact. Whether welcoming families from the front office or creating a welcoming home away from home in her classroom, she continues to invest in the children of East Chambers. We are proud to have her on our teaching team! 💚💛
#TeacherTalksTuesday #OwnTheMoment #ECISD
📚 The Learning Deck 🐸🐒
Reading meets science in Ms. Tiner’s 3rd grade classroom! Students are beginning a new unit that explores the science of animal classification while strengthening their reading, writing, observation, and discussion skills.
Throughout the unit, students will learn how scientists classify animals, explore the differences between vertebrates and invertebrates, study animal characteristics and life cycles, and discover the work of scientists such as Jane Goodall.
Students will also extend their learning through informational writing, peer collaboration, and meaningful classroom discussions based on their reading and observations. Families can join the learning by asking students about the animals they find most interesting or how scientists classify different species.
We love seeing curiosity and literacy come together on The Learning Deck! 💚💛
#TheLearningDeck #OwnTheMoment #ECISD
⚓ Sailing into the Week | September 28–October 2
It’s Texas Rice Festival Week! Here’s what’s happening around ECISD:
Monday, September 28
• Junior high volleyball at Kirbyville, 4:30 p.m. — 7B, 8B, 7A and 8A
Tuesday, September 29
• East Chambers Primary pre-K and kindergarten Pink Day
• High school volleyball at Hardin, 4:30 p.m. — junior varsity and varsity
Wednesday, September 30
• East Chambers Primary Farmer’s Day
• East Chambers Junior High Wild Wild West Dress Up Day
• Junior high football at Mauriceville — 7th grade at 5 p.m. and 8th grade at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 1
• School holiday
• East Chambers High School cross country at Huffman
Friday, October 2
• School Holiday
• National Custodian Appreciation Day
• High school volleyball at Buna, 4:30 p.m. — varsity, junior varsity and sophomore teams
Have a great week, Buccaneers! 💚💛
It’s Texas Rice Festival Week! Here’s what’s happening around ECISD:
Monday, September 28
• Junior high volleyball at Kirbyville, 4:30 p.m. — 7B, 8B, 7A and 8A
Tuesday, September 29
• East Chambers Primary pre-K and kindergarten Pink Day
• High school volleyball at Hardin, 4:30 p.m. — junior varsity and varsity
Wednesday, September 30
• East Chambers Primary Farmer’s Day
• East Chambers Junior High Wild Wild West Dress Up Day
• Junior high football at Mauriceville — 7th grade at 5 p.m. and 8th grade at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 1
• School holiday
• East Chambers High School cross country at Huffman
Friday, October 2
• School Holiday
• National Custodian Appreciation Day
• High school volleyball at Buna, 4:30 p.m. — varsity, junior varsity and sophomore teams
Have a great week, Buccaneers! 💚💛
📚 The Learning Deck 🗳️
Democracy was in action in Ms. Monroe’s 1st grade classroom! As part of their Social Studies lesson on authority figures and public officials, students experienced the entire voting process firsthand.
They prepared voter registration cards, listened as candidates explained why they were right for the job, and headed to the polls to elect a class president, vice president, and representative. It was a tough decision, and every vote mattered!
After the votes were counted, the newly elected class officials celebrated with a “catered” snack of Goldfish and graham crackers. Congratulations to the winners—and to all the students who participated! 💚💛
#TheLearningDeck #OwnTheMoment #ECISD
Democracy was in action in Ms. Monroe’s 1st grade classroom! As part of their Social Studies lesson on authority figures and public officials, students experienced the entire voting process firsthand.
They prepared voter registration cards, listened as candidates explained why they were right for the job, and headed to the polls to elect a class president, vice president, and representative. It was a tough decision, and every vote mattered!
After the votes were counted, the newly elected class officials celebrated with a “catered” snack of Goldfish and graham crackers. Congratulations to the winners—and to all the students who participated! 💚💛
#TheLearningDeck #OwnTheMoment #ECISD
