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Rockwall-Heath High School student Jamal M. has won first place in his division of the 2026 National School Bus Safety Poster Contest from the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT).

Jamal’s artwork was selected from entries advancing through state-level competitions across the country following the 2025-2026 theme “Level Up.” In his division, Special Education Grades K-12, Jamal earned first place for the regional North Texas Association of Pupil Transportation (NTAPT), advanced to the state Texas Association of Pupil Transportation (TAPT) and earned first place, and advance to the national level where he also earned first place.

A panel of judges representing the three national student transportation associations — the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), and the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) evaluated entries based on safety impact, originality, artistic quality and visual effectiveness.

“Every one of these posters represents more than artistic talent. They represent students thinking about what school bus safety means to them and then sharing that message with the people around them,” said Molly McGee Hewitt, PhD, CAE, Executive Director & CEO of NAPT. “We congratulate all of this year’s national winners and we thank the teachers, transportation professionals, state associations, families and communities who create the opportunity for students to participate.”

The National School Bus Safety Poster Contest has long provided an opportunity for students to play an active role in school bus safety education. State contests help bring the safety conversation directly into schools and classrooms, while national recognition extends those messages across the student transportation community.

About the National School Bus Safety Poster Contest

The National School Bus Safety Poster Contest engages students in creating artwork that depicts school bus safety themes and encourages safe practices on and around the school bus. Students participate through local and state-level competitions, with qualifying entries advancing for national judging. Winning artwork helps promote safer school transportation and student awareness across North America.

About National School Bus Safety Week

Held during the third full week of October each year, National School Bus Safety Week is an active public education program that brings together students, parents, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other partners to promote the importance of school bus safety.

So many fun things are happening in 2nd grade! From visiting the science lab and exploring like scientists to having our very own namesake, Mrs. Hamm, stop by as a special guest reader —our students are jumping right back into learning and making memories!

Second grade is SO glad to be back at school!

First graders turned a summertime favorite into a hands-on science investigation during Watermelon Investigation Day! Students explored the characteristics of watermelons by observing, measuring, comparing, predicting, and recording their findings. From examining the outside to discovering what was inside, students used their senses and scientific thinking to make observations and draw conclusions.

The investigation provided a fun and engaging opportunity for students to practice important science and math skills while working together and learning through firsthand exploration. With plenty of curiosity, and a little watermelon juice, our first graders proved that learning can be both meaningful and delicious! 🍉

Rockwall ISD is celebrating an A-rating following the release of the 2026 district accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency, a significant academic achievement, increasing its rating by four points in just two years.

Serving approximately 19,000 students across 26 campuses, Rockwall ISD’s increase from an 87 rating in 2024 to a 91 rating in 2026 reflects the commitment and dedication of our students, teachers, staff and families to academic excellence. Everyone plays an important part in working together as a district to help students succeed.

There is more to celebrate! In addition to the District’s overall rating, Rockwall ISD more than doubled the number of distinctions earned from 13 in 2025 to 32 in 2026, including nine Closing the Gaps and eight Academic Growth distinctions. Distinctions recognize exceptional achievement in specific areas, including academic growth and closing achievement gaps, and earning 32 is something worth celebrating!

The District’s three high schools once again earned A ratings: Rockwall High School earned a 96, Rockwall-Heath High School earned a 95 and Rockwall Quest Academy earned a 92.

Superintendent Dr. John Villarreal said the A rating is a reflection of the outstanding teamwork of the Rockwall ISD School Board, staff, community, parents, and, most importantly, the students.

“This work is intentional, meaningful, and forever important because every student deserves our very best in education,” said Dr. Villarreal. “A huge thank you to everyone who works together every day to make a difference for kids.”

The Rockwall ISD Transportation Department is a winner of the National Safety Council (NSC) 2026 Our Driving Concern Texas Employer Traffic Safety Awards. Only 11 companies in the state were honored for their commitment to roadway safety for their employees and all roadway users.

The Rockwall ISD Transportation Department earned the Employee Engagement in Traffic Safety Award for its comprehensive safety action plan and for strengthening its training protocol. The NSC said Rockwall ISD continues to provide innovative resources that underscore student safety and well-being.

Transportation Director Jennifer Gardella accepted the award at the Texas Traffic Safety Conference Awards Ceremony on July 15 in Addison, Texas.

Dr. Christina Bradford, principal of J.W. Williams Middle School, has been named a Region 10 Outstanding Middle School Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP). 

TASSP recognizes outstanding principals and assistant principals from the 20 region Education Service Centers in the state. School administrators are nominated and chosen by their peers within their regions. Nominations are based upon exemplary performance and outstanding leadership. 

As a regional winner, Dr. Bradford is eligible to apply at the state level for the Texas Principal of the Year Award. Each of the regional winners will be recognized during the Jostens Night of the Stars Awards Dinner held in conjunction with the TASSP Summer held each year in June.  Each will be presented with an award and recognized in a commemorative Summer Workshop yearbook.  

Students in the Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy chapter of the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) earned three national championships at the Educators Rising national conference held in June in Portland, Oregon.

Eleven students represented Rockwall ISD, competing in eight events and placing seventh or higher in the nation, including three national championships. Daphne M. and Hope W. earned first place in JV Lesson Plan and Delivery–Professional Development, Avery B. earned first place in Exploring Support Service Careers, and Wyatt S. earned first place in Exploring Non-Core Teaching Careers.

Additional national finalists include:

• Bailey M. – 4th Place, Exploring Administrative Careers
• Zoey S. and Hannah S. – 4th Place, Public Service Announcement
• Kaylee F. and Kassidy S. – 6th Place, Varsity Lesson Plan & Delivery – Professional Development
• Ashtyn H. – 7th Place, Exploring Administrative Careers under the guidance of Teacher Leader Kelley Cavin
• Paityn W. – 7th Place, Children's Literature Pre-K under the guidance of Teacher Leader Nip McIlwain

The students dedicated countless hours to preparing, practicing, revising, and supporting one another throughout the competition season. Their accomplishments reflect not only their talent and determination but also their passion for education and their commitment to making a positive impact on future generations.

Teacher leaders Robin Peterson, Kelley Cavin, and Nip McIlwain guided and encouraged the students throughout their journey to the national stage.

"We are incredibly proud of the way these students represented their schools, families, district, and community," their teacher leaders shared. "Their accomplishments are a powerful reminder that the future of education is in very capable and caring hands."

The Educators Rising National Conference brings together the nation's top aspiring educators to compete in events that develop and showcase the skills needed for successful careers in education.

Culinary arts student from the Dr. Gene Burton College & Career Academy (GBCCA), Kennedy J., earned national recognition in baking at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. This is the first time the GBCCA was represented at the national level in the Baking & Pastry division. Kennedy placed second in her category.

“Kennedy’s dedication, talent, and countless hours of hard work have led to this incredible accomplishment,” said teacher and FCCLA advisor Celeste Hernandez.

After a successful showcase at the state level, students in the Dr. Gene Burton College & Career Academy fashion design program will represent Texas for the first time in school history at the Technology Student Association (TSA) national competition in June.

Students Perla Ramos, senior; Jadyn Villalva, sophomore; and Janine Pierpoint, sophomore, placed second in the fashion design and technology category at the TSA state competition in April, advancing them to the national level.

“These three dedicated and creative young ladies rose to the challenge in what proved to be an extremely competitive and demanding event,” said fashion design teacher and TSA advisor Renee Aube.

The TSA national competition will be held June 22-26 in the Washington, DC area.

Rockwall High School art student Savannah Ware will have her art displayed at the U.S. Capitol building after winning 1^st place in the Congressional Art Contest.

Savannah’s art, titled “Liberty at 250,” will be framed and displayed at the U.S. Capitol as part of the 250^th celebration in Washington, D.C.

Each year, the Congressional Art Competition, hosted by the Congressional Institute, delegates each House Member to honor one high school student from their district by selecting a piece of artwork to represent their district in an exhibit at the U.S. Capitol.

Southwest Airlines is awarding each winner two tickets to travel to the Winners’ Celebration at the U.S. Capitol in June.

Savannah’s artwork will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol, along with the rest of the winners across the nation, for approximately 11 months. Millions of visitors from around the world visit the U.S. Capitol every year.