East Chambers Independent School District
Home of the Buccaneers
🍎 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
💚💛 Green & Gold Great 💛💚
Mrs. Yonker awarded a Buccaneer Challenge Coin to August Bellard for showing initiative and a willingness to help others!
When August noticed a spill in the hallway, he asked for napkins and cleaned it up, even though the spill wasn’t his. This thoughtful act is just one example of the kindness, responsibility, and helpful spirit he demonstrates each day.
Way to represent the Buccaneer Way, August! 💚💛
#GreenAndGoldGreats #OwnTheMoment #ECISD
Mrs. Yonker awarded a Buccaneer Challenge Coin to August Bellard for showing initiative and a willingness to help others!
When August noticed a spill in the hallway, he asked for napkins and cleaned it up, even though the spill wasn’t his. This thoughtful act is just one example of the kindness, responsibility, and helpful spirit he demonstrates each day.
Way to represent the Buccaneer Way, August! 💚💛
#GreenAndGoldGreats #OwnTheMoment #ECISD
East Chambers ISD families: Our school phone lines are back up, and you may call your campus as usual. Thank you for your patience while service was down! 💚💛
⚓ Anchored in Community: Family Engagement at ECE 💚💛
Strong schools are built through strong connections with families! East Chambers Elementary was proud to welcome grandparents and other loved ones to campus for a special lunch with their students.
Our cafeteria was filled with smiles, hugs, laughter, and memories in the making. Moments like these remind us how meaningful family engagement is to our students and the important role families play in their educational journey.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to support our Buccaneers. We are grateful to be anchored in such a caring and involved community! ⚓💚💛
#AnchoredInCommunity #ECISD #OwnTheMoment
Strong schools are built through strong connections with families! East Chambers Elementary was proud to welcome grandparents and other loved ones to campus for a special lunch with their students.
Our cafeteria was filled with smiles, hugs, laughter, and memories in the making. Moments like these remind us how meaningful family engagement is to our students and the important role families play in their educational journey.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to support our Buccaneers. We are grateful to be anchored in such a caring and involved community! ⚓💚💛
#AnchoredInCommunity #ECISD #OwnTheMoment
🍎📚 Teacher Talks Tuesday 📚🍎
This week, we’re heading to East Chambers Junior High to meet math teacher Tiffany Smith! Mrs. Smith believes teaching—and learning—should be fun. She works hard to motivate students, celebrate their growth, and help them discover that math is about more than numbers—it’s about thinking, making connections, and building confidence.
What is your teaching philosophy?
Teaching is, and should be, fun! Learning is a skill, just like serving a volleyball. And just like any skill, you have to want to get better at it in order to grow. I believe it’s my job to find ways to motivate kids to want to learn. A lot of people don’t love math, so I work hard to celebrate learning and growth while still challenging kids to try more, think deeper, and tackle more complex problems.
What’s your favorite “lightbulb moment” you see in students?
I tell my kids all the time, “You’re letting math get in the way of your thinking!” My favorite moments are when they stop just chugging away at the numbers and actually think through the problem. When everything suddenly connects and you see that excitement and the “Wait… I get it!” moment, that’s my favorite!
What do you love about teaching at ECISD?
I love the smaller class sizes, the supportive staff, and the school spirit! Our kids are genuinely proud to be part of EC, and I love that. There’s a real sense of community and pride here, and it creates such a fun environment to teach in.
Mrs. Smith’s enthusiasm for learning and commitment to challenging students make a meaningful difference in her classroom each day. We’re proud to have her helping our Buccaneers think deeper, build confidence, and experience those unforgettable “Wait… I get it!” moments! 💚💛
This week, we’re heading to East Chambers Junior High to meet math teacher Tiffany Smith! Mrs. Smith believes teaching—and learning—should be fun. She works hard to motivate students, celebrate their growth, and help them discover that math is about more than numbers—it’s about thinking, making connections, and building confidence.
What is your teaching philosophy?
Teaching is, and should be, fun! Learning is a skill, just like serving a volleyball. And just like any skill, you have to want to get better at it in order to grow. I believe it’s my job to find ways to motivate kids to want to learn. A lot of people don’t love math, so I work hard to celebrate learning and growth while still challenging kids to try more, think deeper, and tackle more complex problems.
What’s your favorite “lightbulb moment” you see in students?
I tell my kids all the time, “You’re letting math get in the way of your thinking!” My favorite moments are when they stop just chugging away at the numbers and actually think through the problem. When everything suddenly connects and you see that excitement and the “Wait… I get it!” moment, that’s my favorite!
What do you love about teaching at ECISD?
I love the smaller class sizes, the supportive staff, and the school spirit! Our kids are genuinely proud to be part of EC, and I love that. There’s a real sense of community and pride here, and it creates such a fun environment to teach in.
Mrs. Smith’s enthusiasm for learning and commitment to challenging students make a meaningful difference in her classroom each day. We’re proud to have her helping our Buccaneers think deeper, build confidence, and experience those unforgettable “Wait… I get it!” moments! 💚💛
East Chambers ISD families: Our school phone lines are currently down. In the meantime, parents and guardians may communicate with campus staff through Rooms in the ECISD app. Some staff may have email access. We will notify you as soon as phone service is restored. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
📚 The Learning Deck 🍪
A sweet start to learning! Our 7th & 8th grade math students used original and Mini Oreos to explore dilations, ratios, and scale factor.
By physically measuring and comparing the cookies, students transformed an abstract geometry concept into a hands-on learning experience. Instead of simply being given a formula, they developed ratios and discovered the relationship between dilation and scale factor for themselves.
This lesson made a challenging concept visual, interactive, and fun—and gave students a tasty way to see math in action! 💚💛
#TheLearningDeck #OwnTheMoment #ECISD
A sweet start to learning! Our 7th & 8th grade math students used original and Mini Oreos to explore dilations, ratios, and scale factor.
By physically measuring and comparing the cookies, students transformed an abstract geometry concept into a hands-on learning experience. Instead of simply being given a formula, they developed ratios and discovered the relationship between dilation and scale factor for themselves.
This lesson made a challenging concept visual, interactive, and fun—and gave students a tasty way to see math in action! 💚💛
#TheLearningDeck #OwnTheMoment #ECISD
🌱🍎 Getting ready for Farm Fresh Month!
Child Nutrition Directors from across Region 5 came together to share ideas, collaborate, and prepare for Farm Fresh Month this October! We also had the opportunity to hear from local farmers and ranchers who presented their products and shared ways we can bring more locally grown and produced foods into our school cafeterias. 🌾🥕🍯
It was a great opportunity to connect with other Child Nutrition programs, learn about local resources, and brainstorm fun ways to teach our students about Texas agriculture and where their food comes from.
We’re excited to bring some of these ideas and opportunities back to East Chamber ISD this October!
#FarmFreshMonth #FarmFreshChallenge #TexasAgriculture #ChildNutrition #ECISD
Child Nutrition Directors from across Region 5 came together to share ideas, collaborate, and prepare for Farm Fresh Month this October! We also had the opportunity to hear from local farmers and ranchers who presented their products and shared ways we can bring more locally grown and produced foods into our school cafeterias. 🌾🥕🍯
It was a great opportunity to connect with other Child Nutrition programs, learn about local resources, and brainstorm fun ways to teach our students about Texas agriculture and where their food comes from.
We’re excited to bring some of these ideas and opportunities back to East Chamber ISD this October!
#FarmFreshMonth #FarmFreshChallenge #TexasAgriculture #ChildNutrition #ECISD
