Killeen ISD parents and guardians: Make sure you don’t miss important district and school updates sent by text message. If you previously opted out of SMS messages, text the word START to the number 98900 from the phone number listed in your child’s file to opt back in today!
The UGMS Donation Drive starts October 1st and ends October 30th.
We are asking for laundry items, such as detergent, fabric softener (liquids & beads), and dryer sheets, including for sensitive skin.
We are also asking for brand new underwear, undershirts & tanks and socks in adult sizes (XS to XXL). These must be tagged and/or packaged for hygienic reasons.
All donations stay in our school, for our students and their families.
Students that donate items will go into a drawing for weekly prizes and a big prize after the donation drive is finished.
Students that donate:
2 - 3 packaged/ticketed or laundry items: 1 ticket
4 - 5 packaged/ticketed or laundry items: 2 tickets
6 or more packaged/ticketed or laundry items: 3 tickets
Donations can be dropped off in front of the front entrance to Mrs. Ventura in the mornings between 7:15-8am or dropped off in the front office anytime before 3pm.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Ventura at Jennise.Colinventura@killeenisd.org or call 254-336-6580.
We are asking for laundry items, such as detergent, fabric softener (liquids & beads), and dryer sheets, including for sensitive skin.
We are also asking for brand new underwear, undershirts & tanks and socks in adult sizes (XS to XXL). These must be tagged and/or packaged for hygienic reasons.
All donations stay in our school, for our students and their families.
Students that donate items will go into a drawing for weekly prizes and a big prize after the donation drive is finished.
Students that donate:
2 - 3 packaged/ticketed or laundry items: 1 ticket
4 - 5 packaged/ticketed or laundry items: 2 tickets
6 or more packaged/ticketed or laundry items: 3 tickets
Donations can be dropped off in front of the front entrance to Mrs. Ventura in the mornings between 7:15-8am or dropped off in the front office anytime before 3pm.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Ventura at Jennise.Colinventura@killeenisd.org or call 254-336-6580.
The 7th grade volleyball team played against the Audie Murphy Falcons in the Grizzly den last night. The Grizzly B Team played with heart and hustle and won in two sets, 25-12 and 25-15. Top server for the match with 12 points was Zaleia Pointdexter. Other servers of the match were Aniyah Cornelius with four points. Rosalee Conner, Andrine Torgeson, and Jaziel Cerda served three points each. Elizabeth fields had one. Defensive player of the game was Lily Anna Godrey.
The A team had took commence of the court and soundly defeated the Falcons in two sets 25-11 and 25-3. The ladies showed that great Grizzly Spirit throughout the match. They hustled and worked together to come out on top. The Grizzlies had some awesome plays at the net and great defense on the back line. Top server was Nathalia Pagan with 22 points. Chi Robisnon scored eight followed by Kaileiya Whitesides with seven points each. Olaya Robinson had two. Defensive player of the match was Savanna Mantanona.
Coach Wilson is very proud of all of you. Keep up your hard work and awesome attitudes.
The A team had took commence of the court and soundly defeated the Falcons in two sets 25-11 and 25-3. The ladies showed that great Grizzly Spirit throughout the match. They hustled and worked together to come out on top. The Grizzlies had some awesome plays at the net and great defense on the back line. Top server was Nathalia Pagan with 22 points. Chi Robisnon scored eight followed by Kaileiya Whitesides with seven points each. Olaya Robinson had two. Defensive player of the match was Savanna Mantanona.
Coach Wilson is very proud of all of you. Keep up your hard work and awesome attitudes.
Students will have BenchMark testings next week. Please ensure your children get plenty of rest and enjoy breakfast at home or at school. Breakfast is free for all students in our cafeteria.
Our Grizzly Theatre department is putting on two shows NEXT WEEK and we hope to see you there! We have The Lottery on Monday, October 5th at 5:30pm and Tuesday, October 6th at 5:30pm.
We also have Zink: The Myth, The Legend, The Zebra on Wednesday, October 7th at 5:30pm.
The doors to the cafeteria for seating will open between 4:45pm and 5:00pm. Tickets are FREE! Concessions are available for purchase with cash only. We hope to see you there!
We also have Zink: The Myth, The Legend, The Zebra on Wednesday, October 7th at 5:30pm.
The doors to the cafeteria for seating will open between 4:45pm and 5:00pm. Tickets are FREE! Concessions are available for purchase with cash only. We hope to see you there!
Calling all parents/guardians of young scholars in grades 3–6! Applications are now open for Killeen ISD’s Y.E.S.! (Young Engaged Scholars) Program for the 2026–2027 school year.
Students will explore science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math through monthly STREAM Saturdays, arts integration, field-based learning and more!
Sessions begin in October
Applications are due Friday, Oct. 9
Apply today: https://forms.killeenisd.org/Forms/YES
Learn more: https://www.killeenisd.org/page/yes-program
Students will explore science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math through monthly STREAM Saturdays, arts integration, field-based learning and more!
Sessions begin in October
Applications are due Friday, Oct. 9
Apply today: https://forms.killeenisd.org/Forms/YES
Learn more: https://www.killeenisd.org/page/yes-program
The UGMS 7th grade volleyball B team played in the KISD B Tournament on Thursday and Saturday. The Grizzlies played Thursday night against Liberty Hill and won in two sets: 30-29 and 25-22. On Saturday, the ladies took on JDA in the second round and were defeated in two sets: 14-25 and 6-25. The ladies played with heart, hustle, and pride.
Top Server of the tournament was Zaleia Pointdexter with a total of 11 points. Other servers were Anayah Cornelius, Elisabeth Fields, Andrine Torgeson, Isabella Schilling, Alex White, Jaziel Cerda, Rosalee Conner. Defensive players were Alex White, Rosalee Conner, Lily Anna Godfrey, Mia Hernandez. Oliva China and Katy Garcia Castro had some good plays at the net.
Coach Wilson is very proud of the ladies and their continued improvement with each match.
Top Server of the tournament was Zaleia Pointdexter with a total of 11 points. Other servers were Anayah Cornelius, Elisabeth Fields, Andrine Torgeson, Isabella Schilling, Alex White, Jaziel Cerda, Rosalee Conner. Defensive players were Alex White, Rosalee Conner, Lily Anna Godfrey, Mia Hernandez. Oliva China and Katy Garcia Castro had some good plays at the net.
Coach Wilson is very proud of the ladies and their continued improvement with each match.
Do you know a Union Grove staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child? Someone who cares, encourages and even exemplifies our core leadership principles? The Heart of Gold Award is your chance to recognize any KISD employee that truly embodies our core values.
This award honors those who:
Prioritize People
Cultivate relationships
Lead with honor
Embrace diversity
Inspire Innovation
Lead change
Live the vision
Utilize data
Engineer Excellence
Create effective teams
Invest in self & others
Commit to excellence
Nominate below:
https://www.killeenisd.org/o/kisd/page/heart-of-gold-award
This award honors those who:
Prioritize People
Cultivate relationships
Lead with honor
Embrace diversity
Inspire Innovation
Lead change
Live the vision
Utilize data
Engineer Excellence
Create effective teams
Invest in self & others
Commit to excellence
Nominate below:
https://www.killeenisd.org/o/kisd/page/heart-of-gold-award
The UGMS Dance team's fundraiser starts today and it closes on October 11th.
All funds raised will go directly to our Grizzly team for upcoming events.
Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Go to https://gogandy.com/ugms-dance26
All funds raised will go directly to our Grizzly team for upcoming events.
Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Go to https://gogandy.com/ugms-dance26
Every Friday, parents and guardians who are currently serving or have served in the military are invited to have lunch with their child.
Bring lunch to share with the student or bring cash to purchase meals in the cafeteria.
Each military guest will receive a small gift of our appreciation. Thank you for serving our country.
Before you visit, please sign up to attend: Meal with the Military – Fill out form .
For the safety of our students, you must be in the student's emergency contact list to visit for lunch. If you are not on the list, the main guardian must call 254-336-6580 or email Shannique.PalmerPhillips@killeenisd.org to update the contact list. Please allow 2-3 business days to update.
If you will be visiting campus often, utilize the Raptor app to simply the check-in process. You will have your own unique QR code to sign in.
Download here: https://raptortech.com/raptorsafe-app/
Tuesday’s 7th grade football game against Jimmy Don Aycock MS was a tough lesson for our young Grizzlies, ending in a 34–0 loss. We started the game with great energy, delivering an excellent kickoff and defensive stop that gave us great field position. Unfortunately, after that opening play we struggled to play with the consistency and discipline that we are working to establish as a team.
Fundamentally, we struggled on both sides of the ball. Tackling and ball security were two areas that hurt us throughout the game, and those are areas we will attack immediately in practice.
There were still some bright spots. Jarron Tillis, Ayden Cornelius, and Ayden Callands gave us some explosive plays in the running game and continued to show their ability to make plays with the football. Mason Belcher provided a spark in the second half with some timely catches and strong yards after the catch. Defensively, Ayden Cornelius created a momentum play with a strip fumble.
The result was disappointing, but this is where character is built. Championship teams are not defined by one difficult night. They are defined by how they respond when things don't go their way.
We have work to do. We have fundamentals to sharpen, confidence to rebuild, and standards to reinforce. But we will not allow one game to define this team.
We will learn from it. We will work through it. We will come back more focused.
Keep building, Grizzlies.
~Coach Kirby
Fundamentally, we struggled on both sides of the ball. Tackling and ball security were two areas that hurt us throughout the game, and those are areas we will attack immediately in practice.
There were still some bright spots. Jarron Tillis, Ayden Cornelius, and Ayden Callands gave us some explosive plays in the running game and continued to show their ability to make plays with the football. Mason Belcher provided a spark in the second half with some timely catches and strong yards after the catch. Defensively, Ayden Cornelius created a momentum play with a strip fumble.
The result was disappointing, but this is where character is built. Championship teams are not defined by one difficult night. They are defined by how they respond when things don't go their way.
We have work to do. We have fundamentals to sharpen, confidence to rebuild, and standards to reinforce. But we will not allow one game to define this team.
We will learn from it. We will work through it. We will come back more focused.
Keep building, Grizzlies.
~Coach Kirby
Tomorrow, tickets will be available for purchase for the Starry Night Dance! Tickets are $3 each. Don't forget to bring cash.
The UGMS Starry Night Dance is September 25, 2026 from 4pm - 6pm.
Just a couple important information:
*Students may go home before the dance to change if they would like - it is not required.
*Students will need their IDs on in order to re-enter for the dance.
*If a student is ISS/OSS the day of the dance they will not be able to attend.
*There will be concessions so students need to have cash for drinks & snacks. Parents will not be able to drop off money to students during the dance.
*Parents need to be out front to pick up students at 6:00.
Operation Show Up! is happening Thursday, Sept. 24, and Killeen ISD families are invited to join us for an evening focused on attendance, family fun and some BIG prizes! 🎉
Test your attendance knowledge in our Kahoot Challenge for a chance to win some great prizes!
PLUS door prizes throughout the event!
Thursday, Sept. 24
5–6:30 p.m.
Jackson Professional Learning Center
902 Rev. R.A. Abercrombie Dr., Killeen, TX
Bring the kids and come SHOW UP! 🙌
#AttendanceMatters #weAREKISD 💛
Test your attendance knowledge in our Kahoot Challenge for a chance to win some great prizes!
PLUS door prizes throughout the event!
Thursday, Sept. 24
5–6:30 p.m.
Jackson Professional Learning Center
902 Rev. R.A. Abercrombie Dr., Killeen, TX
Bring the kids and come SHOW UP! 🙌
#AttendanceMatters #weAREKISD 💛
The 7th grade volleyball team played against Jimmie Don Aycock. The B Team struggled in the first set but dug deep in the second set showing good hustle and teamwork on the court but were defeated by the Roadrunners in two sets 3-25 and 20-25. Top servers for the match were Zaleia Pointdexter and Aniyah Cornelius with three points each. Elizabeth Fields scored one. Defensive standouts were Rosalie Conner and Alex White.
The Grizzly A Team took on the Roadrunners in an exciting, tough, and long match losing in three sets 19-25, 25-22, and 17-25. The Grizzlies battled with great heart, hustle, and teamwork. Awesome display of tips and spikes happened at the net. Defensive players of the match were Olaya Robinson, Chi Robinson, and Delaney Jackson. Nathalia Pagan and Olaya Robinson were sound competitors at the net offensively and defensively. Outstanding setters were Zariya Ketter and Nathalia Pagan. Top server of the match was Olaya Robinson with eight points. Kaliyah Shields added six. Kaileya Whitesides scored five. Zariyah Ketter served four points. Chi Robinson served three.
Coach Wilson is very proud of you and your caliber of play in each match. It is a privilege to be your coach.
The Grizzly A Team took on the Roadrunners in an exciting, tough, and long match losing in three sets 19-25, 25-22, and 17-25. The Grizzlies battled with great heart, hustle, and teamwork. Awesome display of tips and spikes happened at the net. Defensive players of the match were Olaya Robinson, Chi Robinson, and Delaney Jackson. Nathalia Pagan and Olaya Robinson were sound competitors at the net offensively and defensively. Outstanding setters were Zariya Ketter and Nathalia Pagan. Top server of the match was Olaya Robinson with eight points. Kaliyah Shields added six. Kaileya Whitesides scored five. Zariyah Ketter served four points. Chi Robinson served three.
Coach Wilson is very proud of you and your caliber of play in each match. It is a privilege to be your coach.
This Wednesday is the first session of our Family Circle Parenting Partner Get-together.
It takes a village to raise our kids. This program heightens and strengthens your relationships with your children, in turn, makes great students.
These sessions lead to empower our kids and make our parenting abilities stronger and easier.
Every week for 6 weeks, parents, guardians, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone who plays an active role in the children's lives will discuss and share on the topic of the day.
This is a safe space for adults. There will be hot coffee and other beverages along with light snacks. Bring your ID or use the Raptor app for easy sign ins.
Free to attend. Sign up and be part of the great changes ahead.
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/tKfnmW0YZs
It takes a village to raise our kids. This program heightens and strengthens your relationships with your children, in turn, makes great students.
These sessions lead to empower our kids and make our parenting abilities stronger and easier.
Every week for 6 weeks, parents, guardians, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone who plays an active role in the children's lives will discuss and share on the topic of the day.
This is a safe space for adults. There will be hot coffee and other beverages along with light snacks. Bring your ID or use the Raptor app for easy sign ins.
Free to attend. Sign up and be part of the great changes ahead.
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/tKfnmW0YZs
AVID Spirit Shirts are available for purchase.
Purchase one today and help support the UGMS AVID program.
Every shirt purchased allows us to purchase one for a student whose family cannot.
The AVID shirt may also be worn on Wednesday with jeans in place of a college shirt.
We appreciate you all!
Deadline: October 2nd.
https://uniongrovemiddleschool.myschoolcentral.com/
Purchase one today and help support the UGMS AVID program.
Every shirt purchased allows us to purchase one for a student whose family cannot.
The AVID shirt may also be worn on Wednesday with jeans in place of a college shirt.
We appreciate you all!
Deadline: October 2nd.
https://uniongrovemiddleschool.myschoolcentral.com/
Every Friday, parents and guardians who are currently serving or have served in the military are invited to have lunch with their child.
Bring lunch to share with the student or bring cash to purchase meals in the cafeteria.
Each military guest will receive a small gift of our appreciation. Thank you for serving our country.
Before you visit, please sign up to attend: Meal with the Military – Fill out form .
For the safety of our students, you must be in the student's emergency contact list to visit for lunch. If you are not on the list, the main guardian must call 254-336-6580 or email Shannique.PalmerPhillips@killeenisd.org to update the contact list. Please allow 2-3 business days to update.
If you will be visiting campus often, utilize the Raptor app to simply the check-in process. You will have your own unique QR code to sign in.
Download here: https://raptortech.com/raptorsafe-app/
Please join the UGMS Wind Ensemble and UGMS Golden Belles Dance Team at the 48th Annual Spirit Spectacular. This event showcases each KISD high school's marching band show and concludes with a combined performance of hundreds of band, color guard, and dance students. Tickets can be purchased at the link below.
https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/killeenisd/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50LzE3MjU=
Please consider purchasing "Shoutouts" to individual students or participating UGMS programs. All proceeds for Shoutouts involving UGMS students go back to our band and dance team! They can be purchased at the same link as the tickets."
https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/killeenisd/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50LzE3MjU=
Please consider purchasing "Shoutouts" to individual students or participating UGMS programs. All proceeds for Shoutouts involving UGMS students go back to our band and dance team! They can be purchased at the same link as the tickets."
Tuesday’s game at Liberty Hill was a real test for the Union Grove 7th Grade Grizzlies. The scoreboard did not end in our favor, as we fell 18–6, but we finally started to show what this team is capable of becoming. Our athletes played hard, competed for four quarters, and showed real signs of improvement.
Jarron Tillis stepped in at quarterback and gave our offense a much-needed spark. After a slow first half, we began moving the football with more confidence in the second half. Our running game continues to be our strength, and we scored our first touchdown by putting together a strong drive on the ground.
Defensively, we took another big step forward. We tackled much better, put together some of our best defensive series of the season, and you could see the confidence growing throughout the game. Mitchell Polk set the tone up front, consistently disrupting the backfield and bringing great energy to the defensive line.
This team continues to grow with every practice and every snap. Our focus now is building confidence, trusting our teammates, and believing that we can compete with anyone lined up across from us. The results will come, but first we have to continue building the habits that create success.
#GrizzlyFootball | #KeepBuilding | #Believe
Respectfully,
Coach Kirby
Jarron Tillis stepped in at quarterback and gave our offense a much-needed spark. After a slow first half, we began moving the football with more confidence in the second half. Our running game continues to be our strength, and we scored our first touchdown by putting together a strong drive on the ground.
Defensively, we took another big step forward. We tackled much better, put together some of our best defensive series of the season, and you could see the confidence growing throughout the game. Mitchell Polk set the tone up front, consistently disrupting the backfield and bringing great energy to the defensive line.
This team continues to grow with every practice and every snap. Our focus now is building confidence, trusting our teammates, and believing that we can compete with anyone lined up across from us. The results will come, but first we have to continue building the habits that create success.
#GrizzlyFootball | #KeepBuilding | #Believe
Respectfully,
Coach Kirby
Union Grove won a hard-fought football game against Liberty Hill MS September 15th 7-6. It was very much a defensive game and the boys showed great fight. The go ahead touchdown was scored by RB/DE Jordan Rosario with 5 minutes left. Liberty hill drove the length of the field and scored with 6 seconds left in the game, however, the Grizzlies did not give up and stuffed them on the point after attempt to hold on for a win.
Key Players of the game include:
WR/S Chris Williams (multiple big time catches, key blocks, INT)
RB/DE Jordan Rosario (Big runs, multiple TFLs/Sacks, Go Ahead touchdown run)
WR/S Tristan LeGrand (Big Kickoff return, forced fumble)
OL/DL Julio Jackson (multiple TFLs, Tackles, outstanding line play)
WR/DB Nicholas Tigue (multiple tackles, forced fumble)
Go Grizzlies!
Key Players of the game include:
WR/S Chris Williams (multiple big time catches, key blocks, INT)
RB/DE Jordan Rosario (Big runs, multiple TFLs/Sacks, Go Ahead touchdown run)
WR/S Tristan LeGrand (Big Kickoff return, forced fumble)
OL/DL Julio Jackson (multiple TFLs, Tackles, outstanding line play)
WR/DB Nicholas Tigue (multiple tackles, forced fumble)
Go Grizzlies!
