East Chambers Independent School District
Home of the Buccaneers
💚💛 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
⛵ Sailing into the Week | September 21–26
It’s another busy week for our Buccaneers! From volleyball, cross country and football to report cards and campus dress-up days, there are plenty of opportunities to show your Buccaneer spirit and Own the Moment! 💚💛
Monday, September 21
🏐 Junior High Volleyball vs. Tarkington at 4:30 p.m. — 7B, 8B, 7A and 8A
Tuesday, September 22
🏐 High School Volleyball vs. Tarkington at 4:30 p.m. — Junior Varsity and Varsity
Wednesday, September 23
🏃 ECJH Cross Country at Liberty at 5 p.m.
Thursday, September 24
📄 Report Cards
💜 EC Primary Pre-K and Kindergarten Purple Day
👯 ECJH Twin Day
🏈 ECJH Football at Buna — 7th grade at 5 p.m. and 8th grade at 6:30 p.m.
🏈 ECHS Junior Varsity Football vs. Buna at 5 p.m.
🏃 ECHS Cross Country at Liberty
Friday, September 25
🏐 ECJH Volleyball at the PNG Tournament — 7A and 8A
🏐 ECHS Volleyball at Buna at 4:30 p.m. — Varsity, Junior Varsity and Sophomore
🏈 ECHS Varsity Football at Buna at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 26
🏐 Junior High Volleyball at the PNG Tournament — 7A and 8A
Make it a great week, Buccaneers! Let’s Own the Moment! 💚💛
It’s another busy week for our Buccaneers! From volleyball, cross country and football to report cards and campus dress-up days, there are plenty of opportunities to show your Buccaneer spirit and Own the Moment! 💚💛
Monday, September 21
🏐 Junior High Volleyball vs. Tarkington at 4:30 p.m. — 7B, 8B, 7A and 8A
Tuesday, September 22
🏐 High School Volleyball vs. Tarkington at 4:30 p.m. — Junior Varsity and Varsity
Wednesday, September 23
🏃 ECJH Cross Country at Liberty at 5 p.m.
Thursday, September 24
📄 Report Cards
💜 EC Primary Pre-K and Kindergarten Purple Day
👯 ECJH Twin Day
🏈 ECJH Football at Buna — 7th grade at 5 p.m. and 8th grade at 6:30 p.m.
🏈 ECHS Junior Varsity Football vs. Buna at 5 p.m.
🏃 ECHS Cross Country at Liberty
Friday, September 25
🏐 ECJH Volleyball at the PNG Tournament — 7A and 8A
🏐 ECHS Volleyball at Buna at 4:30 p.m. — Varsity, Junior Varsity and Sophomore
🏈 ECHS Varsity Football at Buna at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 26
🏐 Junior High Volleyball at the PNG Tournament — 7A and 8A
Make it a great week, Buccaneers! Let’s Own the Moment! 💚💛
🌊 Rising Tide Recognition 🌊
Congratulations to Kathryn Teichert, our Rising Tide nominee for this month! As president of the Primary Campus PTO and a member of the Elementary Campus PTO, Kathryn dedicates countless hours to supporting events across our district. She is always willing to lend a hand—and does it with a smile. Kathryn is a wonderful example of how one person can help lift all ships! 💚💛
Do you know an outstanding ECISD employee or community supporter who deserves recognition? Anyone can submit a nomination for Golden Crewmate or Rising Tide! https://www.eastchambers.net/page/recognition
Congratulations to Kathryn Teichert, our Rising Tide nominee for this month! As president of the Primary Campus PTO and a member of the Elementary Campus PTO, Kathryn dedicates countless hours to supporting events across our district. She is always willing to lend a hand—and does it with a smile. Kathryn is a wonderful example of how one person can help lift all ships! 💚💛
Do you know an outstanding ECISD employee or community supporter who deserves recognition? Anyone can submit a nomination for Golden Crewmate or Rising Tide! https://www.eastchambers.net/page/recognition
💚💛 Green & Gold Great 💛💚
Congratulations to Asher, who received a Buccaneer Challenge Coin for showing kindness to a new classmate in Mrs. Gerlufsen’s class! Without being asked, Asher welcomed the new student, helped him throughout the day, and made him feel right at home. The new student was so excited about his new friend that he went home and told his mom all about Asher!
Way to show what it means to Be a Buccaneer, Asher! 🏴☠️
Congratulations to Asher, who received a Buccaneer Challenge Coin for showing kindness to a new classmate in Mrs. Gerlufsen’s class! Without being asked, Asher welcomed the new student, helped him throughout the day, and made him feel right at home. The new student was so excited about his new friend that he went home and told his mom all about Asher!
Way to show what it means to Be a Buccaneer, Asher! 🏴☠️
🛒 Learning Deck: Real-World Skills in Action
Mrs. Major’s ABLE students took learning beyond the classroom with a shopping trip to Market Basket! Each student worked on practicing important skills such as planning, making choices, comparing prices, and managing money.
It was a meaningful opportunity for our Buccaneers to build confidence and independence through a real-life experience. 💚💛🏴☠️
#LearningDeck #OwnTheMoment
Mrs. Major’s ABLE students took learning beyond the classroom with a shopping trip to Market Basket! Each student worked on practicing important skills such as planning, making choices, comparing prices, and managing money.
It was a meaningful opportunity for our Buccaneers to build confidence and independence through a real-life experience. 💚💛🏴☠️
#LearningDeck #OwnTheMoment
📚 Teacher Talks Tuesday is back!
We’re excited to bring back Teacher Talks Tuesday and continue introducing you to the incredible educators who make a difference across ECISD!
This week, we’re getting to know ECHS Math Teacher Meredith Cart! Mrs. Cart is passionate about helping students build confidence, embrace challenges, and discover their ability to succeed.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy of teaching is centered on creating an inclusive and engaging environment where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to take an active role in their learning. My students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, learn from mistakes, and develop confidence in their abilities, allowing each to discover his or her strengths and become independent learners. Ultimately, I want my teaching to have an impact beyond the classroom. I focus on building meaningful relationships with students in order to help each develop curiosity, critical thinking, communication skills, confidence, and a lifelong desire to learn.
What’s your favorite ‘lightbulb moment’ you see in students?
Algebra 2 is an abstract subject where students often cannot see the usefulness of the concepts to real life. My lightbulb moment comes when a student realizes that a difficult concept suddenly makes sense. This moment leaves students believing they are capable of understanding challenging math. It is a rewarding moment for both teacher and student!
What do you love about teaching at ECISD?
There are so many things that I love about teaching at ECISD. God led me here in 2016 for my 13th year of teaching. Everyone was welcoming, helpful, supportive, and friendly like one big, happy family. It didn't take long for me to realize that EC is where I belonged! Both of my children attended East Chambers as students. East Chambers ISD is very special to my family and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of the district!
💡 Fun Fact: In addition to being a certified math teacher, I am a certified agricultural science teacher and a certified school counselor!
We are proud to have Mrs. Cart sharing her many talents with our Buccaneers! 💚💛
We’re excited to bring back Teacher Talks Tuesday and continue introducing you to the incredible educators who make a difference across ECISD!
This week, we’re getting to know ECHS Math Teacher Meredith Cart! Mrs. Cart is passionate about helping students build confidence, embrace challenges, and discover their ability to succeed.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy of teaching is centered on creating an inclusive and engaging environment where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to take an active role in their learning. My students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, learn from mistakes, and develop confidence in their abilities, allowing each to discover his or her strengths and become independent learners. Ultimately, I want my teaching to have an impact beyond the classroom. I focus on building meaningful relationships with students in order to help each develop curiosity, critical thinking, communication skills, confidence, and a lifelong desire to learn.
What’s your favorite ‘lightbulb moment’ you see in students?
Algebra 2 is an abstract subject where students often cannot see the usefulness of the concepts to real life. My lightbulb moment comes when a student realizes that a difficult concept suddenly makes sense. This moment leaves students believing they are capable of understanding challenging math. It is a rewarding moment for both teacher and student!
What do you love about teaching at ECISD?
There are so many things that I love about teaching at ECISD. God led me here in 2016 for my 13th year of teaching. Everyone was welcoming, helpful, supportive, and friendly like one big, happy family. It didn't take long for me to realize that EC is where I belonged! Both of my children attended East Chambers as students. East Chambers ISD is very special to my family and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of the district!
💡 Fun Fact: In addition to being a certified math teacher, I am a certified agricultural science teacher and a certified school counselor!
We are proud to have Mrs. Cart sharing her many talents with our Buccaneers! 💚💛
💻⚓ Today is National IT Professionals Day, and we’re celebrating the three outstanding IT professionals who keep East Chambers ISD connected, protected, and moving forward!
From supporting classrooms and solving technical problems to maintaining the systems our district relies on each day, their work touches every campus and department—often behind the scenes.
Thank you for your patience, expertise, and commitment to our students and staff. We appreciate all you do to keep ECISD sailing smoothly! 💚💛
From supporting classrooms and solving technical problems to maintaining the systems our district relies on each day, their work touches every campus and department—often behind the scenes.
Thank you for your patience, expertise, and commitment to our students and staff. We appreciate all you do to keep ECISD sailing smoothly! 💚💛
💚💛 Welcome to the Buccaneer Team!
Before this month’s regular School Board meeting, East Chambers ISD hosted a New Hire Reception to welcome employees who recently joined our district.
Board members and administrators enjoyed visiting with our newest Buccaneers and celebrating the experience, talent, and enthusiasm they bring to ECISD. We are excited to have them on our team! 🏴☠️
#OwnTheMoment #BuccaneerTeam
Before this month’s regular School Board meeting, East Chambers ISD hosted a New Hire Reception to welcome employees who recently joined our district.
Board members and administrators enjoyed visiting with our newest Buccaneers and celebrating the experience, talent, and enthusiasm they bring to ECISD. We are excited to have them on our team! 🏴☠️
#OwnTheMoment #BuccaneerTeam
SAILING INTO THE WEEK | SEPTEMBER 14–18
It’s another busy week at East Chambers ISD! Here’s what our Buccaneers need to know:
Monday, September 14
• ECHS Picture Day
• Junior High Volleyball vs. Hardin at 4:30 p.m. — 7B, 8B, 7A and 8A
• Regular School Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 15
• National IT Professionals Day
• ECJH Fall Picture Day
• High School Volleyball vs. Kirbyville at 4:30 p.m. — JV/V
Wednesday, September 16
• ECP Pre-K and Kindergarten Blue Day
• ECE Fall Picture Day
• ECJH Spirit Dress-Up Day — Game Day theme
• ECJH Football vs. Hardin at 5:00 and 6:30 p.m.
• Junior Varsity Football @ Hardin at 5:00 p.m.
• High School Cross Country @ West Sabine
Thursday, September 17
• ECP Fall Picture Day
• Varsity Football vs. Hardin at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, September 18
• Last day of the first six weeks
• High School Volleyball @ Kountze 4:30 p.m. — V/JV
Have a great week, Buccaneers! 💚💛
Whitney Dreaden embodies the Buccaneer Way through her genuine care for others, dedication to student success, and commitment to creating a welcoming culture at East Chambers High School. Whether sharing her knowledge, expanding scholarship opportunities, or offering encouragement and support, Whitney consistently goes above and beyond. She is a true team player, student advocate, and Golden Crewmate! 💚💛
Know someone who deserves to be recognized? Anyone can nominate a Golden Crewmate at https://www.eastchambers.net/page/recognition.
Know someone who deserves to be recognized? Anyone can nominate a Golden Crewmate at https://www.eastchambers.net/page/recognition.
🏴☠️ IT’S GAME DAY, BUCCANEERS! 🏴☠️
Our Bucs are headed to Houston tonight to battle the St. Pius X Panthers! Wear your green and gold, fill the stands, and let our team hear that Buccaneer pride! 💚💛
🏈 East Chambers vs. St. Pius X
⏰ Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
📍 St. Pius X High School
811 W. Donovan Street
Houston, TX 77091
🎟️ Get your tickets here:
https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/stpiusx/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50LzQxOA==
Safe travels, Buc Nation—and let’s bring home the WIN! LET’S GO, BUCS! 🏴☠️💚💛
Our Bucs are headed to Houston tonight to battle the St. Pius X Panthers! Wear your green and gold, fill the stands, and let our team hear that Buccaneer pride! 💚💛
🏈 East Chambers vs. St. Pius X
⏰ Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
📍 St. Pius X High School
811 W. Donovan Street
Houston, TX 77091
🎟️ Get your tickets here:
https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/stpiusx/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50LzQxOA==
Safe travels, Buc Nation—and let’s bring home the WIN! LET’S GO, BUCS! 🏴☠️💚💛
Today, East Chambers ISD joins our nation in remembering the lives lost on September 11, 2001, honoring the courage of the first responders and everyday heroes who stepped forward, and recognizing the families forever changed by that day.
May we continue to teach future generations the importance of courage, unity, service, and remembrance. We will never forget.
May we continue to teach future generations the importance of courage, unity, service, and remembrance. We will never forget.
💚💛 GREEN & GOLD GREATS 💛💚
Through our Be a Buccaneer recognition program, staff members can celebrate students, coworkers, and community members who make a positive impact.
3 ECHS students received special shout-outs this week: Hank Huff, Korbin Pavliska, and Kaytlin Cole! 🏴☠️
Congratulations to these Green & Gold Greats for showing what it means to Be a Buccaneer!
Through our Be a Buccaneer recognition program, staff members can celebrate students, coworkers, and community members who make a positive impact.
3 ECHS students received special shout-outs this week: Hank Huff, Korbin Pavliska, and Kaytlin Cole! 🏴☠️
Congratulations to these Green & Gold Greats for showing what it means to Be a Buccaneer!
