JISD Alumni Spotlight: UTSA’s Nate Ortega Ready to Ball Out as Football Season Begins
Nate Ortega, Veterans Memorial’s class of 2025, made his mark as a four-year letterman on the Patriot football team, earning first team all-district honors as a safety and earning the same honor a separate year as a wide receiver. He also played in the 2025 San Antonio All Star game.
Nate is now a nickel back on the University of Texas at San Antonio’s football team where he’s a sophomore majoring in Kinesiology. Prior to UTSA, he played at Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska, where he was named the 2025 Heart of America North Division Freshman of the Year. As a Judson ISD student since kindergarten, we caught up with him to hear more about his high school career and college experience.
Q: Looking back on your time at Judson ISD, how did your experience prepare you for the jump to the Division 1 level?
A: “It helped me so much not just on the football field but in the classroom on how all my teachers would treat our classes like a college environment and be on top of every student to make sure they turn in our work on time.”
Q: What did you learn at Veterans Memorial that still sticks with you today?
A: “A lot of things will always stick with me, but one thing is E.E.E.D.T. (earn, everything, every day, together).”
Q: What was your favorite part about being a student at Judson ISD?
A: “The best part of being a student at Judson ISD was all the friends and memories I made with everyone. They’ll stay with me for the rest of my life”
Q: As you get ready for the season, what does it mean to know the Judson ISD community is still supporting you and following your career?
A: “It means the world to me just knowing that I will always have a family and 2nd support system.”
Q: What are your goals for this season and goals for the future?
A: “The goals I have for this year is to ball out and make some plays on the defensive side. And my goals for my future are to graduate college and have a family of my own and teach them the right way, just like my high school coaches and teachers taught me.”
Q: What message would you like to share with current Judson ISD students who dream of following a path similar to yours?
A: “For anyone that wants to play at the next level, all I have to say is keep your head down and keep pushing. It’s going to be hard, and you have to love the hard times because one day, all of this will be over, and you wish you could go back and play your sport. So just keep working on the field and in the classroom.”
Thank you Nate, and best wishes for continued success at UTSA!
You can follow Nate’s journey at @UTSA Football on Facebook and @utsaftbl on Instagram #BirdsUp
Student voices matter! 🎤
Judson ISD is accepting applications for the Superintendent Student Advisory Council (SSAC). Students in grades 10-12 are invited to apply for the opportunity to share ideas, provide feedback, and discuss issues that matter to students across the district.
📅 Applications are open September 4-18.
👉 Apply here: https://forms.gle/Lm73jzEWS88dvGgM9
Judson ISD is accepting applications for the Superintendent Student Advisory Council (SSAC). Students in grades 10-12 are invited to apply for the opportunity to share ideas, provide feedback, and discuss issues that matter to students across the district.
📅 Applications are open September 4-18.
👉 Apply here: https://forms.gle/Lm73jzEWS88dvGgM9
Get Your Judson ISD Senior Citizen Gold Card!
If you're 65 or older and live within Judson ISD boundaries, the Senior Citizen Gold Card gives you free admission to many JISD athletic and Fine Arts events throughout the year!
✨ Best of all, your Gold Card never expires!
📍 Visit the Judson ISD Educational Resource Center (ERC) at 8205 Palisades Dr., Live Oak, TX 78233
🕣 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Bring a photo ID and join us in celebrating the incredible talents of our JISD students!
If you're 65 or older and live within Judson ISD boundaries, the Senior Citizen Gold Card gives you free admission to many JISD athletic and Fine Arts events throughout the year!
✨ Best of all, your Gold Card never expires!
📍 Visit the Judson ISD Educational Resource Center (ERC) at 8205 Palisades Dr., Live Oak, TX 78233
🕣 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Bring a photo ID and join us in celebrating the incredible talents of our JISD students!
Welcome Back, Dream Team!
A new school year means new opportunities, new goals, and new beginnings.
At Judson ISD, we are more than a district. We are a team united by a shared commitment to our students, families, and community. Together, we believe, prepare, lead, compete, inspire, transform, achieve, and celebrate. These are more than words. They are the foundation of our culture and the mindset that drives us forward every day.
As we kick off the 2026-2027 school year, we are excited for the possibilities that lie ahead and ready to make an impact in every classroom, on every campus, and throughout our community.
This is our season. This is our opportunity to show what makes Judson ISD the Dream Team.
Let's make this year our best one yet!
The Judson ISD District Site Based Committee (DSBC) is soliciting nominations for the following vacancies for the 26-27 School Year:
4 elementary teachers
1 non-teaching campus based professional
1 business member, 1 special programs teacher
1 paraprofessional
1 manual trade employee
2 parents
1 community member
NOMINATIONS WILL BE TAKEN THROUGH FRIDAY NOON, AUGUST 14, 2026
The DSBC is an advisory committee that works with the Superintendent in an advisory role. Nomination forms are submitted by clicking THIS LINK.
The DSBC committee will meet 3 times this year at J-TECH (7990 Pat Booker Rd, Live Oak, TX 78233) from 5:30pm-6:30pm . By completing this form, you are voluntarily accepting to serve on the DSBC, or know that your nominee is interested and willing to serve and make a commitment to attend all meetings listed below. All nomination forms are online, and will be accepted through noon on Friday, August 14, 2026.
Please be advised that if more nominations are received than the vacancies available, we will draw for community, business, and parent names. For school district personnel vacancies, if more nominations are received than vacancies available, we will vote for the seats. Thank you so much!
DSBC Meeting Information
October 21, 2026
5:30-6:30pm
J-TECH ( 7990 Pat Booker Rd, Live Oak, TX 78233)
January 26, 2027
5:30-6:30pm
J-TECH ( 7990 Pat Booker Rd, Live Oak, TX 78233)
April 19, 2027
5:30-6:30pm
J-TECH ( 7990 Pat Booker Rd, Live Oak, TX 78233)
We truly thank you for your interest in serving! If you have any questions, please email msavin@judsonisd.org
The Judson FFA program is celebrating a remarkable summer as several educators and district leaders received prestigious awards recognizing their impact on agricultural education and student success. These honors reflect the dedication and excellence that continue to define Judson ISD's agricultural science programs.
Leading the list of honorees is Michaela Steele, who was named the 2025-2026 Outstanding Area VII Administrator. This award recognizes school administrators who provide exceptional support for agricultural science and FFA programs, helping students thrive through leadership development and hands-on learning opportunities.
Judson FFA educators also earned top recognition from the Texas FFA Association. Jordan Waddle, a 2013 Judson High School graduate and former Judson FFA President, received the Area VII Outstanding Young Teacher Award. Jay Trees, a 1986 Judson High School graduate, was honored with the Area VII Outstanding Experienced Teacher Award. These awards recognize agricultural science teachers who demonstrate excellence in instruction, student leadership development, and innovative learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
At the Texas FFA State Convention, both Jay Trees and Jordan Waddle received the Honorary Lone Star FFA Degree, one of the highest honors awarded by the state association. The recognition is reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing agricultural education and the FFA program through outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to students.
Adding to these accomplishments, Jay Trees was elected State President of the Texas FFA Alumni Association, an organization that supports more than 159,000 members across Texas. A lifelong advocate for agricultural education, Trees has been involved with the Texas FFA Alumni Association since 1994 and helped charter the Judson FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter in 2005. His election reflects decades of leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for FFA students throughout the state.
Together, these achievements highlight the strong tradition of excellence within the Judson FFA program and the lasting impact of the educators and leaders who dedicate themselves to student success. Congratulations to Michaela Steele, Jordan Waddle, and Jay Trees on these well-deserved honors and for continuing to make Judson ISD proud.
Leading the list of honorees is Michaela Steele, who was named the 2025-2026 Outstanding Area VII Administrator. This award recognizes school administrators who provide exceptional support for agricultural science and FFA programs, helping students thrive through leadership development and hands-on learning opportunities.
Judson FFA educators also earned top recognition from the Texas FFA Association. Jordan Waddle, a 2013 Judson High School graduate and former Judson FFA President, received the Area VII Outstanding Young Teacher Award. Jay Trees, a 1986 Judson High School graduate, was honored with the Area VII Outstanding Experienced Teacher Award. These awards recognize agricultural science teachers who demonstrate excellence in instruction, student leadership development, and innovative learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
At the Texas FFA State Convention, both Jay Trees and Jordan Waddle received the Honorary Lone Star FFA Degree, one of the highest honors awarded by the state association. The recognition is reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing agricultural education and the FFA program through outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to students.
Adding to these accomplishments, Jay Trees was elected State President of the Texas FFA Alumni Association, an organization that supports more than 159,000 members across Texas. A lifelong advocate for agricultural education, Trees has been involved with the Texas FFA Alumni Association since 1994 and helped charter the Judson FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter in 2005. His election reflects decades of leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for FFA students throughout the state.
Together, these achievements highlight the strong tradition of excellence within the Judson FFA program and the lasting impact of the educators and leaders who dedicate themselves to student success. Congratulations to Michaela Steele, Jordan Waddle, and Jay Trees on these well-deserved honors and for continuing to make Judson ISD proud.
Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026-2027 school year!
Visit the Adventure Club online store via the My school bucks website.
Available for Judson ISD students grades Pre-K through 5th grade.
REGISTER HERE
This week, we are excited to welcome our newest educators during New Teacher Academy! Interim Superintendent Dr. Ann Dixon and Board President Ms. Ryan greeted our new teachers as they begin their journey with Judson ISD and prepare for a successful school year.
Throughout the week, teachers will gain valuable insights, build connections, and learn about the resources and support available to help them make a difference in the lives of our students.
A special thank you to this year's vendors and community partners for joining us and supporting our teachers. Your partnership helps us create a strong start for the educators who will inspire the next generation.
Welcome to the Judson ISD family!
#JudsonISD #NewTeacherAcademy #WelcomeToJudsonISD #BackToSchool
Throughout the week, teachers will gain valuable insights, build connections, and learn about the resources and support available to help them make a difference in the lives of our students.
A special thank you to this year's vendors and community partners for joining us and supporting our teachers. Your partnership helps us create a strong start for the educators who will inspire the next generation.
Welcome to the Judson ISD family!
#JudsonISD #NewTeacherAcademy #WelcomeToJudsonISD #BackToSchool
📚 Back-to-school is just around the corner, and we want your child to have a great start to the new year!
Don't miss these important deadlines:
✅ School of Choice and Innovation Campus applications close Friday, July 24, 2026. If you're interested in applying, complete your application as soon as possible at www.judsonisd.org/register.
🚌 Planning to ride the bus? Be sure to complete bus registration by August 3 to guarantee transportation on the first day of school: www.judsonisd.org/page/bus-registration
📝 All returning students must complete Returning Student Registration.
For important dates, resources, and everything you need to start the school year strong, visit the JISD Back-to-School webpage:
We can't wait to see our students back on Wednesday, August 12!
Join us tonight, July 20, for evening assistance at JTECH (7990 Pat Booker) from 4-7 PM. We're here to help!
Due to continued inclement weather, this evening’s In-Person Registration Assistance has been canceled and will be rescheduled for a later date. We will share updated information as soon as it becomes available.
Additionally, all offices and campuses will be closed at 4pm today and will reopen at 9am tomorrow.
Athletic and Fine Arts activities for Thursday, July 16, will begin at 9am. For specific program information contact your coach or director.
Stay safe, Judson ISD Family!
Additionally, all offices and campuses will be closed at 4pm today and will reopen at 9am tomorrow.
Athletic and Fine Arts activities for Thursday, July 16, will begin at 9am. For specific program information contact your coach or director.
Stay safe, Judson ISD Family!
Need help with registration? Join us tomorrow, July 15, for evening assistance at JTECH (7990 Pat Booker) from 4-7 PM. We're here to help!
You’re Invited to the JISD Block Party on July 28, at Judson High School from 6pm to 8pm.
Judson ISD is excited to welcome families, students, and community members to the annual JISD Block Party! Let’s come together to celebrate community, show our school spirit and get ready for a new school year!
Join us for:
Free school supplies and helpful back-to-school resources
Free hot dogs
Delicious food trucks with treats for purchase
Games and activities for all ages
Whether you’re new to Judson ISD or a long-time member of the Judson ISD Family, the Block Party is a great opportunity to connect, have fun, and get ready for a fantastic school year!
Interested in being a vendor? Sign up here: https://forms.gle/nZB6FifVVdWGregx5
Judson ISD is excited to welcome families, students, and community members to the annual JISD Block Party! Let’s come together to celebrate community, show our school spirit and get ready for a new school year!
Join us for:
Free school supplies and helpful back-to-school resources
Free hot dogs
Delicious food trucks with treats for purchase
Games and activities for all ages
Whether you’re new to Judson ISD or a long-time member of the Judson ISD Family, the Block Party is a great opportunity to connect, have fun, and get ready for a fantastic school year!
Interested in being a vendor? Sign up here: https://forms.gle/nZB6FifVVdWGregx5
Welcome, Interim Superintendent Dr. Ann Dixon!
Dr. Dixon is one of Texas public education’s most respected leaders, with more than 50 years of experience serving students, educators, and communities. Throughout her distinguished career, she has served as a teacher, campus administrator, district leader, superintendent, consultant, and trusted advisor to school systems across the state.
A recognized turnaround and transition leader, Dr. Dixon has guided 26 Texas school districts through leadership transitions, governance challenges, financial recovery efforts, and organizational change. Her expertise in educational leadership and school finance, combined with her collaborative approach, has helped districts navigate complex challenges while maintaining a focus on student success.
The Rolling Oaks Mall hosted the Annual Judson ISD Art Extravaganza, bringing together students, families, and community members for an evening celebrating creativity and talent. Hundreds of attendees gathered to recognize the exceptional artistic and musical achievements of Judson ISD students. 🎨🎶
🍎 Returning and New Student Registration NOW OPEN! Get ahead of the game by taking just a few minutes to get your student(s) set for the 2026-2027 school year! All returning students must complete the Returning Student Registration.
🔗 Visit: https://www.judsonisd.org/registration for more detailed information!
Important Registration Dates:
▪️ School of Choice Application OPEN through July 24, 2026
▪️ Out of District Interest Form OPEN through June 15, 2026
▪️ Formal Application June 15, 2026 July 24, 2026
▪️ Returning Students May 18, 2026 No End Date
▪️ New Students (26-27 school year) May 18, 2025 No End Date
(For students residing within JISD Attendance Zones)
Find Out the Buzz About Pre-K & Kinder
Starting school is an exciting milestone, and we’re here to help your family feel ready. Families with children entering Pre-K or Kindergarten are invited to attend Pre-K/Kinder Roundup, an engaging evening at Judson ISD.
Enjoy fun activities, helpful take-home resources, and tips to support your child’s success. Families will also learn about expectations, Pre-K eligibility, parent resources, and easy summer skills to practice at home.
Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Dates and Locations:
• May 4, 2026 – Selma Elementary
• May 11, 2026 – Hartman Elementary
• May 19, 2026 – Hopkins Elementary
Parents may attend at any location. We look forward to welcoming your family!
Missed the first application deadline for Judson Early College Academy (JECA), Judson Health Science Academy (JHSA), or the Thunderbird STEM Academy (TSTEM)?
Good news! Current 8th and 9th graders still have a chance! Apply for our Second Chance Lottery by April 30, 2026. Students who apply by the deadline may be selected for fall entry if space is available, or placed on a waiting list if programs are currently full. Learn more & Apply here.
Happy #PublicSchoolsWeek! 🎉📚
This week, we proudly celebrate the incredible students, educators, and supportive staff who make Judson ISD a place where learning thrives and futures are built.
Every JISD classroom, campus, and community moment reflects our commitment to empowering students, inspiring growth, and providing opportunities for every learner to succeed.
Thank you to our teachers who pour their hearts into their work, our families who partner with us, and our students who remind us daily why public education matters. Together, we make a difference for our #JudsonISDFamily!
This week, we proudly celebrate the incredible students, educators, and supportive staff who make Judson ISD a place where learning thrives and futures are built.
Every JISD classroom, campus, and community moment reflects our commitment to empowering students, inspiring growth, and providing opportunities for every learner to succeed.
Thank you to our teachers who pour their hearts into their work, our families who partner with us, and our students who remind us daily why public education matters. Together, we make a difference for our #JudsonISDFamily!
#CTEMonth is the perfect time to spotlight the incredible hands‑on learning happening at Judson High school with these amazing Converse Animal Care interns! 🐾✨
As part of their Certified Veterinary Assistant Level 1 program, these students are powering through 300 hours of real‑world experience. Students have been preparing and administering vaccines and medications to caring for new shelter arrivals, observing surgeries, and helping keep the clinic running smoothly. They’re getting the full vet‑clinic experience.
Director Joel Skidmore shared how proud he is of the energy and commitment they bring every day. One JHS intern even painted a mural in the cat room to make it more welcoming… and it’s been a total hit with visitors! 🎨🐱
To celebrate their hard work and the impact they’ve made, the Converse Animal Care team recognized them at the February Converse City Council Meeting on February 17th.
Students pictured from left to right: Jacob Dominguez, Jeremiah Garcia, Reese Comeaux, and Alyssa Hill.
Thank you for representing our Judosn ISD CTE programs! #JudsonISD #JISD
As part of their Certified Veterinary Assistant Level 1 program, these students are powering through 300 hours of real‑world experience. Students have been preparing and administering vaccines and medications to caring for new shelter arrivals, observing surgeries, and helping keep the clinic running smoothly. They’re getting the full vet‑clinic experience.
Director Joel Skidmore shared how proud he is of the energy and commitment they bring every day. One JHS intern even painted a mural in the cat room to make it more welcoming… and it’s been a total hit with visitors! 🎨🐱
To celebrate their hard work and the impact they’ve made, the Converse Animal Care team recognized them at the February Converse City Council Meeting on February 17th.
Students pictured from left to right: Jacob Dominguez, Jeremiah Garcia, Reese Comeaux, and Alyssa Hill.
Thank you for representing our Judosn ISD CTE programs! #JudsonISD #JISD
