As we begin a new year, we want to extend a sincere thank you to our parents, community members, and staff for making the first semester such a wonderful success. Your support, partnership, and dedication to our students are what make Overton ISD such a special place.

We are excited about the opportunities and growth that lie ahead in the second semester and look forward to many more memorable experiences together. Wishing all of our Mustang families a happy, healthy, and successful New Year—it’s a great day to be a Mustang!

As we reach the halfway point of the school year, it is an appropriate time to pause, reflect, and share how Overton ISD is progressing toward the District Goals established by our Board of Trustees. These goals are intentionally aligned to student outcomes and supported by strong governance, effective operations, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Attendance: A Strong Start
Student attendance remains one of the most important indicators of academic success. Simply put, students must be present to learn. Regular attendance supports stronger academic performance, better social connections, and long-term success in school and beyond.

For the 2025–2026 school year, the district set an ambitious attendance target of 95.8%. We are pleased to report that semester one attendance exceeded that goal, with an overall district average of 95.98%.

Highlights include:
     > 2nd Grade with the highest attendance at 97.11%
     > 7th Grade close behind at 97.01%
     > Individual class attendance rates ranging from 93.9% to 97.11%

These results reflect the shared commitment of students, families, and staff to making school attendance a priority, and they place Overton ISD in a strong position for continued academic growth.

Academic Growth and Readiness
Shortly after the start of the second semester, students will participate in Middle-of-Year (MOY) benchmark assessments. These assessments help us measure progress toward one of the district’s key Student Outcome goals: achieving at least 2% districtwide growth in the number of students who meet or exceed grade-level standards in Reading and Math, as well as growth in the number of students meeting at least one state threshold for college, career, or military readiness.

The Board of Trustees has also identified several additional measures that support student success both during and after high school, including:
     > The percentage of students enrolled in Dual Credit and/or Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses
     > The percentage of students earning an Industry-Based Certification (IBC)
     > The percentage of students participating in at least one extracurricular activity

These indicators reflect the district’s belief that academic achievement, workforce readiness, and student engagement are all essential components of maximizing student outcomes.

Operational Excellence Supports Student Success
Strong student outcomes are supported by effective district operations. At the midyear point, several operational metrics demonstrate positive momentum:
     > A clean audit report, reflecting financial stability and growth aligned with the district’s long-term financial vision
     > Bus routes running over 98% on time, ensuring reliable transportation for students
     > More than 70% of students regularly served by the cafeteria
     > Over 95% of classroom-related technology work orders and 96% of classroom-related maintenance work              orders completed within three days
     > 100% pass rate on weekly external door safety audits
     > Completion of all required safety drills to date

These measures reinforce the district’s commitment to safe, efficient, and student-centered operations.

Governance Focused on Student Outcomes
All of these measurements—attendance, academic growth, college and career readiness, student engagement, financial stewardship, operations, and safety—are directly connected to the Student Outcome goals established by the Overton ISD Board of Trustees. Through a clear focus on excellence in governance, the Board continues to monitor progress, ask the right questions, and support strategies that put students first.

As we move into the second half of the year, we look forward to building on this strong foundation and continuing our shared work on behalf of Overton ISD students.

Note: A separate article in this edition will introduce the newly adopted District Mission and Vision.

As part of its continued focus on student success and excellence in governance, the Overton ISD Board of Trustees has formally adopted new District Mission and Vision statements, along with our shared “We Are Overton” commitment. Together, these statements provide clarity, alignment, and purpose for the work we do every day on behalf of our students and community.

Our Mission defines why we exist as a school district. Our Vision describes where we are going. The “We Are Overton” statement reflects how we live out that purpose and direction through our daily actions, relationships, and expectations. These statements are not symbolic—they guide district priorities, inform Board decision-making, and anchor our Student Outcome goals in academics, college, career, and life readiness.

Our Mission

Overton ISD exists to empower every student to grow, achieve, and excel — academically, personally, and socially — through engaging instruction, caring relationships, and a shared commitment to excellence and community.

Our Vision

Overton ISD will be a united, innovative learning community where all students are inspired to reach their highest potential. Through strong academics, meaningful relationships, and real-world opportunities, we will prepare every student to graduate ready for life, college, and career.

We Are Overton

Overton ISD is a community where every student is known, valued, and challenged. We engage deeply, support one another, pursue excellence, and work together to build a brighter future for all Mustangs.
This is who we are. This is Overton.

Together, these statements represent a shared promise—one that connects our Board, staff, students, families, and community in a unified effort to ensure every day truly is a Great Day to be a Mustang.

Overton ISD has been selected to participate in the District Vulnerability Assessment (DVA) conducted by the Texas Education Agency in the upcoming month of January. While the selection process is random, we view this as a valuable opportunity to continue strengthening the safety and security of our schools for students, staff, and families.

The District Vulnerability Assessment is a comprehensive review of a school district’s safety practices and procedures. Conducted by TEA’s Office of School Safety and Security, the assessment examines areas such as facility access, emergency operations, and required safety protocols. The goal is to identify strengths, highlight areas for improvement, and ensure districts are well-prepared to prevent, respond to, and recover from a wide range of potential threats.

Results of the DVA are confidential and shared directly with the superintendent. The assessment provides detailed feedback, best practices, and any required corrective actions, allowing districts to make informed decisions about policies, procedures, training, and future safety investments.

Overton ISD looks forward to engaging in this process and using the information gained to further enhance our safety systems. This assessment aligns with our ongoing commitment to proactive planning, continuous improvement, and creating secure learning environments where students can focus on learning and growing.

Student and staff safety remains a top priority at Overton ISD. We appreciate the continued support of our families and community as we work together to ensure our campuses remain safe, prepared, and welcoming places for all Mustangs.

Overton ISD will begin implementation of its Random Student Drug Testing Program at the start of the spring semester. This program is not a new initiative, but the reactivation of a long-standing, Board-approved district policy that has been on hold in recent years.

The district’s drug testing policy has been in place for many years. Testing was paused following the discontinuation of state funding and as schools navigated the operational challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of our continued commitment to student health, campus safety, and positive decision-making, Overton ISD is now moving forward with implementation.

To ensure proper communication and participation, parent consent forms will be distributed to families of students in grades 7–12 when school resumes for the spring semester. Testing will begin once consent forms are returned and the process is fully in place.

Students in grades 7–12 who participate in extracurricular activities, leadership groups, or who hold a campus parking permit will be included in the random testing pool.

The program is designed to be both a deterrent and a supportive tool—providing students with an added incentive to make healthy choices and a positive way to say “no” when faced with peer pressure.

Additional details regarding testing procedures, confidentiality protections, and consequences for violations can be found in the Overton ISD Random Student Drug Testing Handbook, available on the district website.

Our goal remains simple: to support healthy decision-making and maintain a safe, drug-free learning environment for all Mustangs.

Each year, Overton ISD is proud to host one of the most meaningful Veterans Day programs in the area—a tradition rooted in gratitude, respect, and community pride. This special event serves as a heartfelt way for our district to say thank you to the men and women who have served our nation and sacrificed so much on behalf of others.

What makes Overton ISD’s Veterans Day program truly special is that it is largely student-led. Under the guidance of Student Council sponsor Ms. Riley, our students take ownership of designing, coordinating, and directing nearly every aspect of the program. From planning the ceremony to welcoming guests, students demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and a deep appreciation for the purpose of the day.

The morning begins with breakfast served to local veterans, providing an opportunity for fellowship and conversation before the program. Following breakfast, veterans are honored during a school-wide ceremony attended by students, staff, and numerous community members. Through music, presentations, and student reflections, the program highlights the courage, service, and sacrifice of our veterans in a way that is both respectful and sincere.

This annual event reflects the very best of Overton ISD—students leading with purpose, a community coming together in gratitude, and a shared commitment to honoring those who have given so much in service to our country. It is truly a Great Day to be a Mustang, and an even greater day to say thank you to our veterans.

Each year on the final Thursday of classes before the Thanksgiving holiday, Overton ISD opens its doors—and hearts—to families, friends, and community members for our annual Thanksgiving Community Meal. This cherished tradition brings our Mustang family together to celebrate the season with gratitude, fellowship, and plenty of home-style comfort.

Our dedicated Cafeteria Staff prepare a special Thanksgiving meal for students and guests, filling the campus with the warmth and aroma of a holiday celebration. They are joined by our amazing PTO and generous volunteers, who help serve meals and welcome visitors with smiling faces and caring hearts.

Parents and community members are invited to sit side-by-side with students, sharing not only a meal, but meaningful moments of connection. Laughter, conversation, and togetherness fill the room, making the event a joyful and memorable way to begin the Thanksgiving season.

Year after year, the Thanksgiving Community Meal is beautifully attended and serves as a powerful reminder of what makes Overton ISD special—the strong relationships between our schools, families, and community. As the images from this year’s event show, it is truly a celebration of the many blessings we share, beginning with family, friends, and the love that binds our Mustang community together.

It’s a great day to be a Mustang—and a wonderful way to give thanks.

On December 5th, during staff in-service, the Overton ISD Board of Trustees showed their appreciation in a very personal and meaningful way—by rolling up their sleeves and serving lunch to the entire district staff.

Board members set up and served a hearty meal that included hamburgers, chips, beans, and gourmet cookies, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for our staff to enjoy together. More than just a meal, the lunch was a gesture of gratitude and recognition for the dedication, hard work, and care our staff demonstrates every day.

The Board wanted this time to serve as a reminder of how deeply they value our teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, and administrators—not only for the work they do for our students, but also for the way they support one another and strengthen our community.

Moments like these reflect the strong partnership between our Board and staff and the shared commitment to making Overton ISD a place where people feel valued and appreciated. It truly was a simple but meaningful way to say thank you—and another great example of why it’s a great day to be a Mustang.

As we reach the halfway point of our first year implementing the Bluebonnet curriculum, it is worth pausing to recognize just how much has been accomplished. This implementation includes reading and math across all elementary grades, as well as math in grades 6 through Algebra I. Bluebonnet is a state-developed instructional resource designed to strengthen student outcomes by providing high-quality, evidence-based materials that fully cover the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

This transition represents a significant increase in rigor, along with notable changes in instructional sequence and the adoption of new, research-based strategies. To say the process has been challenging would be an understatement. And yet, our teachers and students have risen to the occasion with professionalism, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to success.

I am incredibly proud of our teachers—for their dedication to students, their willingness to reflect and grow, their support of one another, and the sacrifices they have made along the way. While many agree that the rigor and demands of this first year have at times felt almost unreasonable, they also overwhelmingly believe that the long-term benefits for students will be substantial.

Our teachers are becoming the experts. Our students are acclimating. Growth is emerging, and with it, confidence. By the end of the coming semester, the first year of unknowns will be behind us, and future adjustments will be far more fluid and manageable.

Thank you to our teachers, students, and parents for your hard work, patience—yes, endurance—and continued support. Overton ISD is well on its way to becoming a district others look to for guidance in successful implementation. You are already trailblazers and champions, and I look forward to celebrating the victories that lie ahead.

The Overton Marching Mustangs continue to raise the bar for excellence. After advancing to the finals of the State Military Marching Band Championship, our band delivered a powerful, polished performance—earning an outstanding 4th place finish in the State of Texas.

Competing on the biggest stage for military-style bands, the Mustangs impressed judges and spectators alike with their precision, discipline, and showmanship. Advancing to finals is an achievement in itself, and finishing fourth overall places Overton among the very best military marching programs in the state.

Band Director Preston Parker praised the students’ dedication and grit:

“These students compete with heart. They’ve put in early mornings, late nights, and countless rehearsals—and they earned every bit of this moment.”

Adding to this year’s success, Overton’s majorettes—performing with the Mustang Band for the first time in over a decade—have also qualified for state and will compete later this year, marking another exciting milestone for the program.

This season reflects a growing legacy of excellence, built through hard work, commitment, and strong community support. We are incredibly proud of our students, directors, families, and band supporters.

Congratulations, Marching Mustangs—4th in the State!
Your pride, perseverance, and Mustang spirit were on full display, and Overton ISD couldn’t be more proud.

The Fall 2025 season will be remembered as one of excellence, resilience, and pride for Overton athletics. Both the Lady Mustangs Volleyball team and the Mustangs Football team delivered outstanding postseason performances—each advancing three rounds deep into the playoffs and finishing their seasons as Bi-District Champions, Area Champions, and Regional Semi-Finalists.

These achievements reflect not only wins on the scoreboard, but the culture of commitment, teamwork, and perseverance that defines Mustang athletics.

Mustangs Football: A Powerful Postseason Run

The Overton Mustang Varsity Football team capped off an incredible season by advancing to the 3rd Round of the UIL 2A Division II State Playoffs, competing in the Regional Semi-Finals. From the first kickoff to the final whistle, these young men displayed discipline, toughness, and unity—earning the respect of opponents and the admiration of their community.

Their postseason run was fueled by relentless effort, strong leadership from the coaching staff, and tremendous community support. Week after week, Mustang fans filled the stands, traveled the miles, and showed up in green and white—creating an atmosphere that lifted the team throughout the season.

The foundation is strong, the momentum is real, and the pride built this season will last well beyond the final snap.

Lady Mustang Volleyball: Competing with Heart

The Lady Mustang Volleyball team also enjoyed a remarkable playoff journey, earning Bi-District and Area Championships before advancing to the Regional Semi-Finals, where their season concluded against a strong Mildred team.

Though the final match ended in a loss, the Lady Mustangs played some of their best volleyball of the year, battling through long rallies, making play after play on defense, and forcing their opponent to earn every point. Their grit, composure, and determination were on full display, and they represented themselves and Overton with pride and class.

It was an excellent season—one that showcased growth, teamwork, and competitive excellence—and a testament to the hard work of both players and coaches.

Mustang Pride on Full Display

Together, these two programs exemplified what it means to compete with heart and represent Overton with integrity. We are incredibly proud of our student-athletes, coaches, families, and the community members whose support helped make this season so special.

Congratulations to our Lady Mustangs and Mustangs on unforgettable seasons.
It’s a GREAT day to be a Mustang.

The Overton ISD Emerald Players kicked off their theater season in style with their first production of the year, presented the weekend of November 8th. Students brought the classic dark comedy Arsenic and Old Lace to life, delivering an entertaining performance filled with humor, energy, and plenty of laughs.

With its clever dialogue and delightfully unexpected twists, the production kept audiences smiling throughout the evening and showcased the talent, creativity, and hard work of our student performers and crew. From the opening scene to the final curtain call, it was clear that the Emerald Players are off to a strong start.

If this first production is any indication, it promises to be a fun and productive year for Overton One Act Play. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our theater students—we truly appreciate your encouragement and enthusiasm, and we hope you enjoyed the show!

Several of our Overton FFA students recently had the opportunity to attend the Area 6 Greenhand Camp, an exciting leadership and orientation experience designed specifically for first-year members of the Future Farmers of America.

Greenhand camps introduce new FFA members to the foundations of the organization while helping them build confidence, leadership skills, and lasting friendships. Throughout the camp, students participated in interactive workshops focused on teamwork, goal setting, and personal growth, while also learning about career opportunities in agriculture. Camp sessions emphasized the importance of the FFA emblem, motto, and creed, helping students better understand the values and traditions that define FFA.

Many of the activities were led by State FFA Officers, giving students the chance to learn directly from experienced leaders and to see firsthand the opportunities available through FFA involvement. Beyond the lessons, the camp provided meaningful opportunities for students to connect with peers from across the area and begin building relationships that can last throughout their FFA journey and beyond.

FFA sponsor Bryan Aaron shared his pride in the students’ participation, saying, “Our kiddos had a great time. They learned a lot of great lessons and made some connections that can last a lifetime. I’m really proud of how these kids represented the Overton FFA!!”

Experiences like the Area 6 Greenhand Camp help set the foundation for success in FFA by encouraging leadership, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging. We are proud of our Overton FFA members for their outstanding representation and look forward to seeing how they continue to grow as leaders and future professionals in agriculture.

Winter sports season is officially underway, and Mustang and Lady Mustang basketball are bringing excitement, energy, and pride to Overton ISD.

The Mustang Boys Basketball Team enters district play with a 6–6 record in tournament and non-district action. The Mustangs recently earned a 2nd-place finish at the Frankston Tournament, defeating both Frankston and Lovelady before falling to tournament champion East Chambers. This year’s team plays a disciplined yet exciting brand of basketball, blending strong senior leadership with a talented and energetic group of underclassmen. That balance has made the Mustangs a tough matchup and a fun team to watch. They will open district play at home this Friday, January 2, against New Summerfield.

The Lady Mustangs are also in full stride, having started their season earlier. They currently hold a 9–10 overall record and are 0–1 in district play after a hard-fought road loss to Cushing. With grit, experience, and determination, the Lady Mustangs will continue district competition when they also host New Summerfield at home this Friday, January 2.

Adding to the excitement, the JV Boys Basketball Team—a predominantly freshman group—has been making waves by competing against several varsity-level teams in tournament play. Their confidence, effort, and growth have been impressive and bode well for the future of Mustang basketball.

All three teams bring energy and excitement to the court, and Overton fans never disappoint, turning up the volume and creating a great home-court atmosphere. Make plans to attend the games—your support means the world to our athletes, and the excitement is well worth it.

It’s a great time to be a Mustang! 🏀💚🤍