East Chambers Independent School District
Home of the Buccaneers
🍎🥒 Fresh, local, and full of flavor!
Nothing beats tasting the difference when food goes straight from the local farm to the table! Friday's fresh farm-to-table lineup features crisp local apples and refreshing cucumbers.
Here are a few cool facts about today's fresh picks:
🍎 Apples: Did you know that apples are part of the rose family (Rosaceae)? They’re packed with soluble fiber (pectin) which supports gut health, and their natural crunch actually helps stimulate saliva production to keep your teeth clean!
🥒 Cucumbers: Made of nearly 96% water, cucumbers are one of the most hydrating foods you can eat! They’re technically a fruit (a berry, botanically speaking!) and contain silica, a trace mineral that promotes healthy skin and joint tissue.
Supporting local farmers means fresher food, fewer food miles, and a happier planet. What’s your favorite local produce this season? Let us know below! 👇
#FarmFreshChallenge2026
Nothing beats tasting the difference when food goes straight from the local farm to the table! Friday's fresh farm-to-table lineup features crisp local apples and refreshing cucumbers.
Here are a few cool facts about today's fresh picks:
🍎 Apples: Did you know that apples are part of the rose family (Rosaceae)? They’re packed with soluble fiber (pectin) which supports gut health, and their natural crunch actually helps stimulate saliva production to keep your teeth clean!
🥒 Cucumbers: Made of nearly 96% water, cucumbers are one of the most hydrating foods you can eat! They’re technically a fruit (a berry, botanically speaking!) and contain silica, a trace mineral that promotes healthy skin and joint tissue.
Supporting local farmers means fresher food, fewer food miles, and a happier planet. What’s your favorite local produce this season? Let us know below! 👇
#FarmFreshChallenge2026
⚓ The Learning Deck 🌾
Familiar cartoon characters are getting an FFA makeover in Mr. Bertrand’s 8th grade class!
Students applied their knowledge of proper FFA attire by transforming cartoon characters into correctly dressed FFA members. The activity combined agricultural education, creativity, and attention to detail as students put their understanding into practice.
A creative way to make FFA traditions memorable—one character at a time! 💚💛
#LearningDeck #OwnTheMoment
Familiar cartoon characters are getting an FFA makeover in Mr. Bertrand’s 8th grade class!
Students applied their knowledge of proper FFA attire by transforming cartoon characters into correctly dressed FFA members. The activity combined agricultural education, creativity, and attention to detail as students put their understanding into practice.
A creative way to make FFA traditions memorable—one character at a time! 💚💛
#LearningDeck #OwnTheMoment
⚓ The Learning Deck 🔬🎈
A balloon helped bring a big science concept to life in Mrs. Anna Koch’s 8th grade class!
Students conducted, measured, and documented a chemical reaction, watching as the gas produced inflated a balloon. By keeping that gas contained in a closed system, they investigated whether the total mass changed—even as the substances visibly transformed.
Using their measurements, students connected their observations to the law of conservation of mass: matter is neither created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction.
Hands-on learning that turns an abstract idea into observable evidence! 💚💛
#LearningDeck #OwnTheMoment
A balloon helped bring a big science concept to life in Mrs. Anna Koch’s 8th grade class!
Students conducted, measured, and documented a chemical reaction, watching as the gas produced inflated a balloon. By keeping that gas contained in a closed system, they investigated whether the total mass changed—even as the substances visibly transformed.
Using their measurements, students connected their observations to the law of conservation of mass: matter is neither created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction.
Hands-on learning that turns an abstract idea into observable evidence! 💚💛
#LearningDeck #OwnTheMoment
🍕 A slice of history served at East Chambers!
We hope everyone enjoyed Friday’s Alpha Pizza! Did you know each slice comes with more than 60 years of history?
In 1960, founder George Sarandos opened Houston’s very first independent pizzeria after falling in love with European pizza while serving in the U.S. Army. In 1984, George and his wife, Athena, founded Alpha Foods Co. to supply local mom-and-pop pizzerias before expanding into the pizzas they craft today in Waller, Texas.
More than 40 years later, Alpha Foods remains family-owned and operated by the Sarandos family, serving schools, military bases, and communities nationwide.
📸 Take a look at some highlights from Friday’s pizza day! 💚💛
We hope everyone enjoyed Friday’s Alpha Pizza! Did you know each slice comes with more than 60 years of history?
In 1960, founder George Sarandos opened Houston’s very first independent pizzeria after falling in love with European pizza while serving in the U.S. Army. In 1984, George and his wife, Athena, founded Alpha Foods Co. to supply local mom-and-pop pizzerias before expanding into the pizzas they craft today in Waller, Texas.
More than 40 years later, Alpha Foods remains family-owned and operated by the Sarandos family, serving schools, military bases, and communities nationwide.
📸 Take a look at some highlights from Friday’s pizza day! 💚💛
⚓ Sailing into the Week | October 19–24
It’s Homecoming Week and Bus Safety Week at East Chambers! Get ready for spirit days, Buccaneer athletics, and opportunities to cheer on our students! 💚💛
Monday, October 19
• Primary: Little Bucs, Big Goals! Day
• Elementary, Junior High, and High School: Welcome to the Jungle Day—wear your favorite band tee
• Junior High volleyball at Mauriceville: 4:30 p.m.; teams play in order: 7B, 8B, 7A, 8A
Tuesday, October 20
• All campuses: Go Bananas—dress wacky!
• High School volleyball vs. Buna: 4:30 p.m. Soph/JV/V Senior Night
• ECISD Education Foundation meeting: 6 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21
• Primary: Unity Day
• All campuses: Camo vs. Claws—wear camouflage or animal print
Thursday, October 22
• Primary: In Our Buccaneer Era—dress in your favorite decade
• Elementary, Junior High, and High School: Search for Treasure—dress as an adventurer, explorer, or safari guide
• Junior High football vs. Coldspring: 7th at 5 p.m.; 8th at 6:30 p.m.
• High School JV football at Coldspring: 5 p.m.
Friday, October 23
• All campuses: Found the Gold—wear green and gold
• High School volleyball vs. Hardin: 4:30 p.m. V/JV
• Varsity football vs. Coldspring: 7:30 p.m. Homecoming Night!
Saturday, October 24
• UIL Area C Marching Contest
• High School swimming: Dragon Invitational
Let’s show our Buccaneer pride and Own the Moment!
It’s Homecoming Week and Bus Safety Week at East Chambers! Get ready for spirit days, Buccaneer athletics, and opportunities to cheer on our students! 💚💛
Monday, October 19
• Primary: Little Bucs, Big Goals! Day
• Elementary, Junior High, and High School: Welcome to the Jungle Day—wear your favorite band tee
• Junior High volleyball at Mauriceville: 4:30 p.m.; teams play in order: 7B, 8B, 7A, 8A
Tuesday, October 20
• All campuses: Go Bananas—dress wacky!
• High School volleyball vs. Buna: 4:30 p.m. Soph/JV/V Senior Night
• ECISD Education Foundation meeting: 6 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21
• Primary: Unity Day
• All campuses: Camo vs. Claws—wear camouflage or animal print
Thursday, October 22
• Primary: In Our Buccaneer Era—dress in your favorite decade
• Elementary, Junior High, and High School: Search for Treasure—dress as an adventurer, explorer, or safari guide
• Junior High football vs. Coldspring: 7th at 5 p.m.; 8th at 6:30 p.m.
• High School JV football at Coldspring: 5 p.m.
Friday, October 23
• All campuses: Found the Gold—wear green and gold
• High School volleyball vs. Hardin: 4:30 p.m. V/JV
• Varsity football vs. Coldspring: 7:30 p.m. Homecoming Night!
Saturday, October 24
• UIL Area C Marching Contest
• High School swimming: Dragon Invitational
Let’s show our Buccaneer pride and Own the Moment!
🌊 Rising Tide Recognition: Lisa Stramecki 💚💛
Lisa Stramecki, an ECISD parent and owner of Lisa Rae Photo, exemplifies the spirit of Rising Tide Recognition through her generous support of East Chambers ISD. From volunteering with the PTO and Band Boosters to donating her photography services and photo booth for district activities and fundraisers, Lisa shares her time and talents to make school events more memorable and successful. Her willingness to serve wherever needed reflects her commitment to our students, staff, and schools. We are grateful for the many ways she helps lift our Buccaneer community!
⚓ Know a community member, business, or organization helping lift our Buccaneer community? Submit a Rising Tide nomination!
https://www.eastchambers.net/page/recognition
Lisa Stramecki, an ECISD parent and owner of Lisa Rae Photo, exemplifies the spirit of Rising Tide Recognition through her generous support of East Chambers ISD. From volunteering with the PTO and Band Boosters to donating her photography services and photo booth for district activities and fundraisers, Lisa shares her time and talents to make school events more memorable and successful. Her willingness to serve wherever needed reflects her commitment to our students, staff, and schools. We are grateful for the many ways she helps lift our Buccaneer community!
⚓ Know a community member, business, or organization helping lift our Buccaneer community? Submit a Rising Tide nomination!
https://www.eastchambers.net/page/recognition
🍎💚💛 Wrapping Up National School Lunch Week!
School lunches fuel more than the school day—they help our Buccaneers stay focused, ready to learn, and prepared to take on new challenges!
As we close out National School Lunch Week, we’re celebrating balanced meals and the dedicated East Chambers Child Nutrition team who prepares and serves them with care. Thank you for supporting our students, welcoming them into our cafeterias, and helping them build healthy habits! 👏🍽️
Families, keep the celebration going by checking out our school menus and encouraging your students to join us for lunch!
#NationalSchoolLunchWeek #OwnTheMoment
School lunches fuel more than the school day—they help our Buccaneers stay focused, ready to learn, and prepared to take on new challenges!
As we close out National School Lunch Week, we’re celebrating balanced meals and the dedicated East Chambers Child Nutrition team who prepares and serves them with care. Thank you for supporting our students, welcoming them into our cafeterias, and helping them build healthy habits! 👏🍽️
Families, keep the celebration going by checking out our school menus and encouraging your students to join us for lunch!
#NationalSchoolLunchWeek #OwnTheMoment
💚💛 Green & Gold Greats ⚓
Mrs. Fowler selected Silas to receive a Buc Challenge Coin for the kindness and respect he shows every day!
Silas consistently speaks respectfully to his teachers and classmates, demonstrates wonderful manners, and celebrates others by complimenting them on a job well done. His thoughtful words help those around him feel valued and appreciated.
Way to go, Silas! You are a wonderful example of the Buccaneer spirit! 🌟
#OwnTheMoment
Mrs. Fowler selected Silas to receive a Buc Challenge Coin for the kindness and respect he shows every day!
Silas consistently speaks respectfully to his teachers and classmates, demonstrates wonderful manners, and celebrates others by complimenting them on a job well done. His thoughtful words help those around him feel valued and appreciated.
Way to go, Silas! You are a wonderful example of the Buccaneer spirit! 🌟
#OwnTheMoment
🏈 Thursday Night Lights! 💚💛
Come cheer on our East Chambers Buccaneers as they take on the Anahuac Panthers on THURSDAY, October 15, in Anahuac!
Buccaneer fans, wear your green and gold and help us fill the stands! 📣
🎟️ Purchase tickets online
💵 Cash will also be accepted at the gate.
Let’s go, Bucs! 🏴☠️
East Chambers High School culinary students had a wonderful learning opportunity today! Tanner Bass from Yellow Rose Meat Market in Winnie visited to teach students about farm operations and the farm-to-table food process.
We extend our sincere thanks to Tanner for taking the time to invest in our students, and to Mr. Heironimus, culinary teacher, and the East Chambers Child Nutrition Department for organizing and hosting the event.
We are proud to highlight our commitment to local agriculture through our school cafeteria offerings, including: • Gumbo featuring Yellow Rose Meat Market sausage • Rice from Doguet's Rice Milling Company • Local milk from Hiland • Fresh Romaine Salad from Dilly Lilly Farms
Thank you to our local partners for keeping our students fed and connected to our agricultural community!
#FarmFreshChallenge#OwnTheMoment
We extend our sincere thanks to Tanner for taking the time to invest in our students, and to Mr. Heironimus, culinary teacher, and the East Chambers Child Nutrition Department for organizing and hosting the event.
We are proud to highlight our commitment to local agriculture through our school cafeteria offerings, including: • Gumbo featuring Yellow Rose Meat Market sausage • Rice from Doguet's Rice Milling Company • Local milk from Hiland • Fresh Romaine Salad from Dilly Lilly Farms
Thank you to our local partners for keeping our students fed and connected to our agricultural community!
#FarmFreshChallenge#OwnTheMoment
💚💛 Celebrating the Person Who Supports Our People!
October 14 is Texas Education Human Resources Day! We’re recognizing HR Director Nicole Touchet for her dedication to recruiting, welcoming, and supporting the employees who make a difference for our students every day.
From helping new employees get started to guiding staff through questions and important milestones, Nicole helps keep our Buccaneer crew moving forward.
Thank you, Nicole, for your care, hard work, and commitment to our employees. Your support helps strengthen our entire school community! ⚓
#CelebrateTXHR #OwnTheMoment
🚜 Big machines, big excitement! 🌾
A massive thank you to Mr. Flores and Mr. Doucette for stopping by to teach our students the ins and outs of rice production—and for bringing an actual combine harvester for the kids to see up close! Safe to say, the students were completely mesmerized by the machinery. 🌾🚜✨
#RiceFarming #CombineHarvester #AgInTheClassroom #HandsOnLearning
#FarmFreshChallenge #EastChambersISD #TexasFarmFresh #EatLocal #ECPrimary #BucPride
A massive thank you to Mr. Flores and Mr. Doucette for stopping by to teach our students the ins and outs of rice production—and for bringing an actual combine harvester for the kids to see up close! Safe to say, the students were completely mesmerized by the machinery. 🌾🚜✨
#RiceFarming #CombineHarvester #AgInTheClassroom #HandsOnLearning
#FarmFreshChallenge #EastChambersISD #TexasFarmFresh #EatLocal #ECPrimary #BucPride
🍉 Sweet, fresh, and Texas grown! 💚💛
East Chambers Child Nutrition is serving up fresh, ice-cold, locally grown Texas watermelon for our Buccaneers!
With its high water content and vitamins A and C, watermelon is a refreshing way to help students stay hydrated and fuel their day. ☀️
We’re proud to bring Texas-grown goodness to EC cafeterias—one sweet slice at a time!
#farmfreshchallenge #ownthemoment
East Chambers Child Nutrition is serving up fresh, ice-cold, locally grown Texas watermelon for our Buccaneers!
With its high water content and vitamins A and C, watermelon is a refreshing way to help students stay hydrated and fuel their day. ☀️
We’re proud to bring Texas-grown goodness to EC cafeterias—one sweet slice at a time!
#farmfreshchallenge #ownthemoment
🌾 🌸 Teacher Talks Tuesday: Mrs. McGhee
Meet Mrs. McGhee, an agriculture teacher at East Chambers High School! As a third-generation ag teacher, she carries on a family tradition of helping students build practical skills, confidence, and determination. From floral arrangements to judging contests, she encourages students to discover what they can accomplish—and cheers them on along the way!
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe teaching is about so much more than the subject you teach. While I teach agriculture topics, I hope my students leave my classroom with skills that reach far beyond agriculture. Being a third-generation ag teacher I know the lessons that were instilled in me by my own ag teacher (my dad) and my grandfather (who was my dad’s ag teacher) are lessons that have helped shape me into the adult I am today. My hope is to do the same for my own students. My goal is to teach my students to be resourceful, hardworking, problem-solvers who aren't afraid to figure things out and keep going when something doesn't come easily. I want to give them the knowledge and skills they need in agriculture, but also prepare them to be dependable, confident, contributing members of their communities and society. At the end of the day, I hope my students leave my classroom knowing more about agriculture—but also believing more in what they are capable of.
What is your favorite “lightbulb” moment you see in students?
I love watching students create something with their own hands, work through challenges, and put in the effort to accomplish a goal. Seeing that moment when a student realizes, “I did this,” is one of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher. Whether it is completing a floral arrangement, accomplishing a speaking event or placing at a judging contest for the first time, I will always be cheering my students on!
What do you love about teaching at ECISD?
My favorite thing about working at East Chambers is the sense of community and the support that exists throughout our school district. There is something special about being part of a school community that genuinely cares about its students and truly wants to see them succeed. After eight years as an East Chambers teacher, some of my favorite memories are the relationships I’ve been able to build with my students. Watching them grow from the young people who walk into my classroom to the confident individuals they become is incredibly rewarding. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a small part of their journey and to work alongside people who are just as invested in helping our students succeed. There really is something special about being an East Chambers Buccaneer, and I’m grateful to call ECISD home.
Thank you, Mrs. McGhee, for helping our students grow in knowledge, confidence, and character. The lessons you share and the relationships you build help prepare our Buccaneers for opportunities far beyond the classroom! 💚💛
Meet Mrs. McGhee, an agriculture teacher at East Chambers High School! As a third-generation ag teacher, she carries on a family tradition of helping students build practical skills, confidence, and determination. From floral arrangements to judging contests, she encourages students to discover what they can accomplish—and cheers them on along the way!
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe teaching is about so much more than the subject you teach. While I teach agriculture topics, I hope my students leave my classroom with skills that reach far beyond agriculture. Being a third-generation ag teacher I know the lessons that were instilled in me by my own ag teacher (my dad) and my grandfather (who was my dad’s ag teacher) are lessons that have helped shape me into the adult I am today. My hope is to do the same for my own students. My goal is to teach my students to be resourceful, hardworking, problem-solvers who aren't afraid to figure things out and keep going when something doesn't come easily. I want to give them the knowledge and skills they need in agriculture, but also prepare them to be dependable, confident, contributing members of their communities and society. At the end of the day, I hope my students leave my classroom knowing more about agriculture—but also believing more in what they are capable of.
What is your favorite “lightbulb” moment you see in students?
I love watching students create something with their own hands, work through challenges, and put in the effort to accomplish a goal. Seeing that moment when a student realizes, “I did this,” is one of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher. Whether it is completing a floral arrangement, accomplishing a speaking event or placing at a judging contest for the first time, I will always be cheering my students on!
What do you love about teaching at ECISD?
My favorite thing about working at East Chambers is the sense of community and the support that exists throughout our school district. There is something special about being part of a school community that genuinely cares about its students and truly wants to see them succeed. After eight years as an East Chambers teacher, some of my favorite memories are the relationships I’ve been able to build with my students. Watching them grow from the young people who walk into my classroom to the confident individuals they become is incredibly rewarding. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a small part of their journey and to work alongside people who are just as invested in helping our students succeed. There really is something special about being an East Chambers Buccaneer, and I’m grateful to call ECISD home.
Thank you, Mrs. McGhee, for helping our students grow in knowledge, confidence, and character. The lessons you share and the relationships you build help prepare our Buccaneers for opportunities far beyond the classroom! 💚💛
Welcome to the Big Top! 🎪
Our cafeteria staff worked their magic this weekend transforming the lunchroom into a circus arena for National School Lunch Week! 🍿
We are so grateful for their hard work, creativity, and dedication to making our cafeteria a warm, fun, and delicious place for our students every day.
Be sure to ask your child about the circus setup when they come home today!
Our cafeteria staff worked their magic this weekend transforming the lunchroom into a circus arena for National School Lunch Week! 🍿
We are so grateful for their hard work, creativity, and dedication to making our cafeteria a warm, fun, and delicious place for our students every day.
Be sure to ask your child about the circus setup when they come home today!
🏈 Thursday Night Lights! 💚💛
Come cheer on our East Chambers Buccaneers as they take on the Anahuac Panthers on THURSDAY, October 15, in Anahuac!
Buccaneer fans, wear your green and gold and help us fill the stands! 📣
🎟️ Purchase tickets online
💵 Cash will also be accepted at the gate.
Let’s go, Bucs! 🏴☠️
Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Klages brought junior high students to the regular board of trustees meeting to showcase Building Thinking Classrooms, a classroom concept being used to help engage students in learning.
🌾 Farm Fresh Monday October 5,2026 at East Chambers Primary! 🌾
Check out this delicious lunch featuring local Texas ingredients for the Farm Fresh Challenge! Our students enjoyed Red Beans & Rice paired with fresh Texas okra.
A big thank you to our local Texas partners who made this meal possible: 🍚 Rice: Doguet’s Rice 🌭 Sausage: Yellow Rose 🟢 Okra: Fredericksburg Peach Company
We love serving fresh, locally sourced meals to our Buc family! 💚 Buc Pride runs deep!
#FarmFreshChallenge #EastChambersISD #TexasFarmFresh #EatLocal #ECPrimary #BucPride
Check out this delicious lunch featuring local Texas ingredients for the Farm Fresh Challenge! Our students enjoyed Red Beans & Rice paired with fresh Texas okra.
A big thank you to our local Texas partners who made this meal possible: 🍚 Rice: Doguet’s Rice 🌭 Sausage: Yellow Rose 🟢 Okra: Fredericksburg Peach Company
We love serving fresh, locally sourced meals to our Buc family! 💚 Buc Pride runs deep!
#FarmFreshChallenge #EastChambersISD #TexasFarmFresh #EatLocal #ECPrimary #BucPride
⚓ The Learning Deck: Small Decimals, Big Learning!
Mrs. Vance’s 5th grade math students put their math skills into action with unit conversions and decimals! ➗✨
From multiplying decimals to expressing tenths, hundredths, and thousandths, students explored how decimals relate to whole numbers. Along the way, they strengthened their understanding of place value and their mathematical reasoning skills.
Building confidence, one decimal at a time! 💚💛
Mrs. Vance’s 5th grade math students put their math skills into action with unit conversions and decimals! ➗✨
From multiplying decimals to expressing tenths, hundredths, and thousandths, students explored how decimals relate to whole numbers. Along the way, they strengthened their understanding of place value and their mathematical reasoning skills.
Building confidence, one decimal at a time! 💚💛
