This week’s spotlight is on Annette Shepherd, Reading Specialist at East Chambers Elementary! 💚💛
What is your teaching philosophy?
“My teaching philosophy is simple: Love the kids you have, and take them from where they are to where they need to be. This means providing meaningful experiences, strategies, and tools for success—plenty of opportunities to use them, and enough challenges to inspire growth!” 🌟
What is your favorite “lightbulb moment” you see in your students?
“My favorite lightbulb moment is when students discover the JOY of Reading! 📖 Their eyes light up when they realize all the new worlds and experiences books open to them. The Wonder and Happiness on their faces is Wonderful!! 💡🤩”
What do you love about teaching at East Chambers?
“East Chambers is HOME. 🏡 I grew up in Winnie and graduated in 1979. In 1991, my teacher Mrs. Molly Tully urged me to return home to teach. The very next day, she passed away. I prayed about it, applied, and found out she had already recommended me for a position. I took her role as Junior High Reading Specialist. I’ve been in education 42 years—35 of them following in her footsteps at East Chambers ISD, my HOME. 💚💛”
💬 Help us celebrate Mrs. Shepherd in the comments and share your favorite reading memory! 📖✨
🌾✨ Buccaneers at TRF! ✨🌾
What a weekend at the Texas Rice Festival BBQ Cookoff! 💚💛 From pageants to cook-offs to contests—our Buccaneers were everywhere!
📸 Did your student participate? We’d love to see it! Drop your favorite BBQ Cookoff Weekend photos in the comments below so we can all celebrate together. ⚓
We're sailing Into a big week in Buc Nation—Pink Out Game Thursday night 💗🏈, plus Texas Rice Festival fun 🎡🌾 to kick off the weekend! Let’s show our spirit, support our teams, and celebrate our community. Go Bucs! 💚💛
We’re cheering on all our Buccaneers taking the stage in this year’s pageants! 👑💚💛 2025 TRF SR. Queen Coronation begins at 6PM in the ECHS Auditorium!
More festival info: https://texasricefestival.com
Shoutout to our Primary Campus September Buccaneers of the Month! These students are shining examples of hard work, spirit, and Buccaneer pride. Way to set the course for a great year! ⚓✨
Last week, Coastal Gateway showed us what Buc spirit looks like! 🙌
We’re calling on all local businesses to join the fun this Spirit Friday—share your videos, wear your colors, and let’s celebrate being Anchored in Community together!💛💚https://www.facebook.com/share/r/15wqnaP8ML/
⚓🍎 Teacher Talks Tuesday 🍎⚓
Meet our youngest Primary Campus teacher, Bailey Kahla, who’s guiding our youngest Buccaneers in PreK3! Ms. Kahla believes that “young kids learn best through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships,” and works to create a safe, loving environment where every child feels valued and confident.
Favorite part of those “lightbulb moments?✨
“Whether it’s zipping up a jacket or recognizing something we’ve been learning, the excitement on their face followed by the loud, surprised ‘I did it!’ is such a fun thing to watch.”
Favorite part about working at ECISD?
“Whether it is with the students, the staff, leadership, and even families, there is a great community among everyone creating a positive environment to work in.”
💛 We’re so thankful for the way she’s building a strong foundation for our littlest Buccaneers!
#BuccaneersAtTheBlackboard
Parents, make sure you’ve downloaded our district app and logged into Rooms — it’s the easiest way to:
✅ Get announcements straight from your child’s teacher
✅ Send and receive messages quickly
✅ Stay in the know on school updates
Strong communication = strong schools. 💛💚
Don’t miss out — download the app today and check your Rooms!
https://youtu.be/ypqIx9Yu_Js
Stay anchored with all the happenings across ECISD: from volleyball and cross country to band rehearsals, football, and spirit dress-up days—you won’t want to miss a thing! 🏴☠️
Check out this week’s schedule and set sail for another great week in Buc Nation! 🌊
#BuccaneersInTheKnow #ThinkBoldly #WorkBravely #PlayFiercely
🌊 Rising Tide Recognition 🌊
We’re proud to honor the ECISD Education Foundation with our very first Rising Tide Recognition Award! 🌟
Learn more about the ECISD Recognition Program at eastchambers.net
Learn more about the ECISD Education Foundation at ecisdef.com
The Foundation plays a vital role in lifting up East Chambers ISD by:
📚 Enhancing and enriching educational opportunities for students
💡 Supporting innovative efforts from our staff
🏆 Recognizing exemplary teaching across our district
🤝 Involving the community in our mission to ensure every Buccaneer has access to a quality education
Thank you, ECISD Education Foundation, for your unwavering dedication and support. Together, we’re raising the tide for all! ⚓💚💛#ECISD #RisingTide
#️⃣TBT ⚓
Senior photos circa 2000's ➡️ Principals today. Did you know 3 of our 4 principals once walked these halls as EC students before leading them today? Different journeys, one shared mission: leading East Chambers students to success. ⚓💚💛#TBT #ECBuccaneers #ThinkBoldly #WorkBravely #PlayFiercely
Homecoming is almost here, and it’s time to paint the town green, gold, and white! 🌊✨
🏈 Homecoming Decorating Contest 🏈
Local businesses are invited to show their Buccaneer pride the week of October 13 by decking out storefronts in school colors.
🎥 Check out the video below for all the details!
✨ Grand Prize: The 1st place winner will be spotlighted on the football jumbotron before the Homecoming game!
Let’s come together as a community and get EC spirit shining all week long! ⚓
https://youtube.com/shorts/1hdlirKiJrQ?feature=share
Shoutout to Mitchell Long and Ryo Atha—the tech heroes who keep ECISD connected and running. From fixing glitches to protecting our systems, they’ve got us covered. Thanks for all you do! 💚💛
#ITProfessionalsDay #ThankYouTechTeam
⚓💛💚 Buccaneers In the Know 💚💛⚓
📣 Here’s what’s happening this week! From picture days and pep rallies to volleyball, cross country, and more—our students are making big moves. 💚💛
Stay in the know, Bucs ➡️ #ThinkBoldlyWorkBravelyPlayFiercely
We’re excited to launch a brand-new recognition program at ECISD! Click here for more details about our recognition program!
🌟 Congratulations to our very first Golden Crewmate of the Month—Kylie Tipton, ECHS Cosmetology Teacher!
✂️ Hosted free back-to-school haircuts
🎨 Brought students to paint faces on spirit days
🙌 Inspires & mentors through our brand-new cosmetology program
We’re so lucky to have Mrs. Tipton as part of our crew. Congratulations on being named Golden Crewmate of the Month! 💛💚
#ECISDPride #GoldenCrewmate
Tai’Veon Harmon earned a Buccaneer Challenge Coin for showing true sportsmanship and character on the field when he helped an opposing player with a cramp.
When asked why he did it, Tai’Veon’s answer was simple:
👉 “Anytime a person asks for help, I want to help.”
His advice to fellow Buccaneers is just as powerful:
💬 “Always stay helpful and willing to help anyone in need and never stop being humble. Never showboat. It will get you further in life.”
👏 Let’s celebrate Tai’Veon for reminding us what it means to be a true Buccaneer—helpful, humble, and always ready to lift others up.
💚💛 Think Boldly. Work Bravely. Play Fiercely.
As a district, we are committed to teaching our students the importance of unity, compassion, and courage—values that shine brightest in times of challenge.
May we never forget. ❤️🤍💙
#NeverForget #September11 #WeRemember
⚓ Anchored in Community: Primary PTO ⚓
Our youngest Buccaneers benefit so much from the support of our Primary PTO. Parents, guardians, and volunteers help make school an even more engaging place for learning and growth.
📅 Next Meeting: Monday, September 22 at 5:30 PM
📲 Sign up or get involved using the QR code below!
Join us as we work together to stay anchored in community! 💛💚
https://forms.gle/B79Y6EQFhMNowuEk7
