Donna High School Theatre, The Creative Program (TCP), is advancing to the next level of UIL One Act Play competition after earning the 32-5A Zone A championship with their performance of The Copper Children by Karen Zacarías.
The production also made history as the first school in Texas to stage this groundbreaking play, which tells the story of the 1904 “Orphan Train” crisis and explores themes of race, class, and religion. The powerful performance resonated with audiences and judges alike, earning multiple individual honors for members of the cast and crew.
Congratulations to the DHS Theatre students and directors as they continue their UIL journey. Their work on stage reflects the dedication, storytelling, and creativity that help shape well-rounded students and continue building a legacy at Donna ISD through theatre.
The production also made history as the first school in Texas to stage this groundbreaking play, which tells the story of the 1904 “Orphan Train” crisis and explores themes of race, class, and religion. The powerful performance resonated with audiences and judges alike, earning multiple individual honors for members of the cast and crew.
Congratulations to the DHS Theatre students and directors as they continue their UIL journey. Their work on stage reflects the dedication, storytelling, and creativity that help shape well-rounded students and continue building a legacy at Donna ISD through theatre.
Donna ISD students can fast track their future starting in 7th grade.
Through advanced academics and Career and Technical Education pathways, middle school students have the opportunity to earn official high school credit before high school even begins. From Algebra I and Spanish I–III to Robotics, Principles of Applied Engineering, Professional Communications, Floral Design, Touch Data System Entry, and Lifetime Nutrition & Wellness, students gain real world skills and a strong academic foundation early.
Start early. Graduate college, career, and military ready.
If your child is not currently enrolled in Donna ISD, now is the time to register and take advantage of these opportunities. Register at www.donnaisd.net
Celebrating School Social Worker Week
At Donna ISD, caring for students goes beyond the classroom. We are proud to recognize our District Social Services team, School Social Workers, Communities in Schools Site Managers, and all student support professionals who help ensure every child is supported and valued.
They connect families to vital resources, provide social-emotional support, assist during times of crisis, and work alongside campus teams to remove barriers to learning. Their work strengthens the whole child so students can grow academically, emotionally, and socially.
At Donna ISD, we are committed to developing well-rounded students and creating safe, supportive campuses where every child can thrive.
Thank you for the compassion, dedication, and care you show our students every day.
#DonnaISD #SchoolSocialWorkWeek #WholeChild #WeCareForKids
At Donna ISD, caring for students goes beyond the classroom. We are proud to recognize our District Social Services team, School Social Workers, Communities in Schools Site Managers, and all student support professionals who help ensure every child is supported and valued.
They connect families to vital resources, provide social-emotional support, assist during times of crisis, and work alongside campus teams to remove barriers to learning. Their work strengthens the whole child so students can grow academically, emotionally, and socially.
At Donna ISD, we are committed to developing well-rounded students and creating safe, supportive campuses where every child can thrive.
Thank you for the compassion, dedication, and care you show our students every day.
#DonnaISD #SchoolSocialWorkWeek #WholeChild #WeCareForKids
You’re invited to join us for an evening of live theatre as Donna High School students present The Copper Children by Karen Zacarías.
This production highlights the dedication, collaboration, and growth of our students as they bring meaningful stories to life on stage. Through opportunities in theatre, Donna ISD continues building a legacy of excellence, empowering students with the confidence, communication skills, and leadership that extend far beyond the classroom.
We invite our community to come out, support our theatre program, and celebrate the hard work of our students.
This production highlights the dedication, collaboration, and growth of our students as they bring meaningful stories to life on stage. Through opportunities in theatre, Donna ISD continues building a legacy of excellence, empowering students with the confidence, communication skills, and leadership that extend far beyond the classroom.
We invite our community to come out, support our theatre program, and celebrate the hard work of our students.
📚 This week, Donna ISD campuses are celebrating Read Across America Week!
Read Across America is a nationwide initiative that promotes the joy and importance of reading. Throughout the week, campuses are hosting themed days, guest readers, and engaging literacy activities to inspire a lifelong love of books.
Strong readers build strong futures. At Donna ISD, fostering literacy supports our Number One Student Outcome by ensuring every student graduates college, career, or military ready.
Veterans Middle School and Sauceda Middle School students proudly participated in the Adopt-A-Highway program today, helping beautify our community while earning valuable community service hours.
This meaningful initiative was led by our dedicated Attendance and Recruitment Officers, with strong collaboration and support from the Donna ISD PEIMS Department. Together, they continue to play a vital role in supporting student engagement, accountability, and connection across our district.
We are proud of our students and staff for representing Donna ISD with pride while serving and strengthening our community.
#DonnaISD #CommunityService #StudentLeadership #BuildingCharacter
Donna ISD is proud to share that Board Member Mr. Fernando Castillo served as Keynote Speaker at the Hidalgo County Head Start Fatherhood Conference, a key partnership supporting early childhood education and family wellness in our community.
With decades of dedication to education in Donna ISD, Mr. Castillo emphasized the power of leadership, service, and building a legacy for future generations. His message reminded families that strong leadership begins at home and extends into our schools and community.
We also recognize Mr. Tomas “Tom” Tamez, Parent & Family Engagement and McKinney-Vento Director, for his impactful message on family engagement and student success. His lifelong commitment to supporting families reflects the values that strengthen our district every day.
When fathers, families, and schools stand together, children feel supported, valued, and inspired to dream bigger. Partnerships like this remind us that building strong families today builds stronger futures tomorrow. Together, we continue investing in our youngest learners and nurturing a community where every child is surrounded by opportunity, encouragement, and hope.
#DonnaISD #BuildingALegacy #EarlyChildhood #FamilyEngagement #LeadershipMatters
With decades of dedication to education in Donna ISD, Mr. Castillo emphasized the power of leadership, service, and building a legacy for future generations. His message reminded families that strong leadership begins at home and extends into our schools and community.
We also recognize Mr. Tomas “Tom” Tamez, Parent & Family Engagement and McKinney-Vento Director, for his impactful message on family engagement and student success. His lifelong commitment to supporting families reflects the values that strengthen our district every day.
When fathers, families, and schools stand together, children feel supported, valued, and inspired to dream bigger. Partnerships like this remind us that building strong families today builds stronger futures tomorrow. Together, we continue investing in our youngest learners and nurturing a community where every child is surrounded by opportunity, encouragement, and hope.
#DonnaISD #BuildingALegacy #EarlyChildhood #FamilyEngagement #LeadershipMatters
Driving the Future Forward at Donna ISD
Donna ISD’s CTE Automotive Technology Program provides hands-on, industry-aligned training that prepares students for high-demand careers in the automotive and transportation fields. From engine diagnostics to electrical systems and preventative maintenance, students gain real-world skills that lead to certifications, technical training, or direct workforce entry.
Through Career and Technical Education, we continue advancing our Number One Student Outcome by ensuring every student graduates college, career, or military ready.
Stay tuned. Our Automotive Program video spotlight is coming soon.
#DonnaISD #CTE #NumberOneStudentOutcome
Donna ISD’s CTE Automotive Technology Program provides hands-on, industry-aligned training that prepares students for high-demand careers in the automotive and transportation fields. From engine diagnostics to electrical systems and preventative maintenance, students gain real-world skills that lead to certifications, technical training, or direct workforce entry.
Through Career and Technical Education, we continue advancing our Number One Student Outcome by ensuring every student graduates college, career, or military ready.
Stay tuned. Our Automotive Program video spotlight is coming soon.
#DonnaISD #CTE #NumberOneStudentOutcome
Mr. Gene De La Garza, 8th grade Social Studies teacher at Sauceda Middle School, is not only teaching history, he is preserving it. He created the documentary The King and His Magic Valley, highlighting the rich story of the Rio Grande Valley and the people who helped shape our region.
His work reflects a deep commitment to honoring local history and inspiring the next generation to understand where they come from and where they are headed, truly Launching a Legacy.
https://www.krgv.com/news/made-in-the-956-weslaco-native-tells-story-of-the-valley-through-documentary/
His work reflects a deep commitment to honoring local history and inspiring the next generation to understand where they come from and where they are headed, truly Launching a Legacy.
https://www.krgv.com/news/made-in-the-956-weslaco-native-tells-story-of-the-valley-through-documentary/
Donna ISD proudly recognizes the outstanding performance of our Criminal Justice students from Donna High School and Donna North High School at the Texas Public Service Teachers Association (TXPSTA) State Competition in Houston, Texas. Competing against more than 30 schools and nearly 600 students statewide, our students earned top honors and represented Donna with excellence and professionalism.
Donna High School Results
Selina Hernandez – 1st Place, Misdemeanor Traffic Stops (Two-Time State Champion)
State Champion Honor Guard Team: Maria Lopez, Ana Martinez, Genesis Rodriguez, Trinity Ramirez (Three-Time State Qualifiers, now State Champions)
Vanessa Gonzalez – 3rd Place, Accident Investigation
Erin Garcia – 3rd Place, Misdemeanor Traffic Stops
Donna North High School Results
1st Place SWAT Team: Jonathan Zenil, Oscar Martinez, Dereck Reyes, Rodrigo Galindo, Marely Mireles, Arian Bazan
Emily Ortiz – 1st Place, Firefighter Agility (Female); 3rd Place, Law Enforcement Agility
Jerry Curiel – 2nd Place, Firefighter Agility (Male)
Felipe Martinez – 2nd Place, Foot Pursuit
These accomplishments reflect the strength of Donna ISD’s CTE programs and the leadership, discipline, and commitment our students continue to demonstrate at the state level.
Donna Proud. State Champions.
A Showcase of Student Creativity
The Donna Independent School District Virtual Art Gallery is now live, showcasing outstanding work from student artists across our campuses. From bold mixed media pieces to detailed drawings and paintings, this exhibit highlights the imagination and discipline cultivated in our classrooms every day.
Explore the gallery:
https://www.donnaisd.net/o/disd/page/art
We are proud of our student artists and grateful to our dedicated art educators who inspire excellence daily. This showcase celebrates the power of Fine Arts in preparing confident, college, career, and military-ready graduates.
#DonnaISD #ArtMatters #DISDFineArts #LaunchingALegacy
The Donna Independent School District Virtual Art Gallery is now live, showcasing outstanding work from student artists across our campuses. From bold mixed media pieces to detailed drawings and paintings, this exhibit highlights the imagination and discipline cultivated in our classrooms every day.
Explore the gallery:
https://www.donnaisd.net/o/disd/page/art
We are proud of our student artists and grateful to our dedicated art educators who inspire excellence daily. This showcase celebrates the power of Fine Arts in preparing confident, college, career, and military-ready graduates.
#DonnaISD #ArtMatters #DISDFineArts #LaunchingALegacy
This week is National Public Schools Week, a nationwide celebration recognizing the vital role public schools play in strengthening communities and preparing future leaders.
Public schools are the heart of our community where every child, without exception, comes together to learn, grow, and build a strong foundation for the future.
At Donna ISD, that commitment is reflected in the numerous programs and opportunities available to our students. From early childhood and advanced academics to fine arts, athletics, career and technical education, and dual credit pathways, our students gain real-world skills and meaningful experiences that prepare them to graduate on time and leave college, career, and military ready.
During National Public Schools Week, we celebrate the impact of public education and reaffirm our commitment to opportunity, excellence, and the success of every Donna ISD student.
Students from Donna ISD, through the Veterinary Science program at Donna North High School, were recognized in Hidalgo County for their leadership and hands-on work supporting community spay and neuter clinics in partnership with Yaqui Animal Rescue.
These students are not just learning about veterinary medicine in the classroom. They are organizing clinics, assisting professionals, supporting families, and helping address the stray animal population in our region. Their work directly impacts hundreds of pets and pet owners while building career-ready skills in animal science, teamwork, responsibility, and service.
🐾 Clinic This Weekend
📅 February 21 and 22, 2026
📍 Donna North High School
7250 Val Verde Rd., Donna, TX 78537
💲 $25 per cat | $35 per dog
Pre-registration required
Free vaccines sponsored by Petco Love
This is Donna ISD students leading, serving, and making a real difference in Hidalgo County.
These students are not just learning about veterinary medicine in the classroom. They are organizing clinics, assisting professionals, supporting families, and helping address the stray animal population in our region. Their work directly impacts hundreds of pets and pet owners while building career-ready skills in animal science, teamwork, responsibility, and service.
🐾 Clinic This Weekend
📅 February 21 and 22, 2026
📍 Donna North High School
7250 Val Verde Rd., Donna, TX 78537
💲 $25 per cat | $35 per dog
Pre-registration required
Free vaccines sponsored by Petco Love
This is Donna ISD students leading, serving, and making a real difference in Hidalgo County.
Donna ISD community, let’s show up and show out.
Tomorrow at 7:30 PM, join us at Rowe High School, 2101 N. Ware Rd., McAllen as our students take the court and continue Launching a Legacy.
Athletics is one of the great programs in Donna ISD, built on tradition, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Our coaches and student-athletes put in the work every day to represent our schools with pride. Every game is Legacy in Action.
Drop a comment to cheer them on and show your support.
Today we honor Presidents’ Day and the leadership that has shaped our nation across generations.
As we reflect on that history, we are proud to see leadership taking root right here in Donna ISD, where our students are learning the values of service, responsibility, and perseverance.
#LaunchingALegacy
Students at P.S. Garza Elementary are beyond excited to have a new track!
The excitement is real as our students run, play, and build healthy habits for life. Exercise helps strengthen bodies, boost focus in the classroom, and support overall well-being, setting students up for success both in and out of school. Our future track stars are already off to a great start, running toward a healthier future one lap at a time!
Thank you to our community and School Board for your continued investment in our schools and in the future of every Donna ISD student.
#GarzaStrong #BuildingALegacy #HealthyHabits #StudentWellness
The excitement is real as our students run, play, and build healthy habits for life. Exercise helps strengthen bodies, boost focus in the classroom, and support overall well-being, setting students up for success both in and out of school. Our future track stars are already off to a great start, running toward a healthier future one lap at a time!
Thank you to our community and School Board for your continued investment in our schools and in the future of every Donna ISD student.
#GarzaStrong #BuildingALegacy #HealthyHabits #StudentWellness
Donna ISD proudly congratulates Rama Chintapalli, Science Strategist, on his selection to serve on the Texas Education Agency STAAR Biology Standard Setting Committee.
He was chosen to take part in this important statewide process that helps set performance standards for the Biology STAAR End-of-Course exam, ensuring fairness, rigor, and strong alignment in how student learning is measured across Texas.
This recognition highlights his deep science expertise, analytical leadership, and commitment to high-quality instruction. We are proud to have Donna ISD represented in this meaningful work.
He was chosen to take part in this important statewide process that helps set performance standards for the Biology STAAR End-of-Course exam, ensuring fairness, rigor, and strong alignment in how student learning is measured across Texas.
This recognition highlights his deep science expertise, analytical leadership, and commitment to high-quality instruction. We are proud to have Donna ISD represented in this meaningful work.
Congratulations to our Donna ISD UIL Aces students, coaches, and campuses for an outstanding showing in UIL Academics, where students compete in events that build critical thinking and academic excellence.
Maroon Side
1st: Salazar Elementary
2nd: Adame Elementary
3rd: Muñoz Elementary
Gold Side
1st: Lenoir Elementary
2nd: Ochoa/Steinke Elementary
3rd: Salinas Elementary
Your dedication and teamwork continue to reflect the strength and academic excellence across Donna ISD.
🤖💻 Coding the Future at Caceres! 💻🤖
Third grade students at DISD J. W. Caceres Discovery Intermediate Academy are diving into robotics and coding, building problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence through hands-on learning. It’s exciting to see our young learners exploring technology and preparing for future opportunities, one code at a time! 🚀📚
#DonnaISD #CaceresElementary #Robotics #Coding #FutureReady
Third grade students at DISD J. W. Caceres Discovery Intermediate Academy are diving into robotics and coding, building problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence through hands-on learning. It’s exciting to see our young learners exploring technology and preparing for future opportunities, one code at a time! 🚀📚
#DonnaISD #CaceresElementary #Robotics #Coding #FutureReady
Donna ISD Spotlight on Leadership
Donna Independent School District proudly congratulates Allison Ortega, Director of Social Studies, on her selection to serve on a Texas Education Agency Social Studies TEKS Review Work Group.
Chosen by the Texas State Board of Education, Ms. Ortega will join educators from across Texas in reviewing and strengthening the social studies standards that guide instruction statewide. She will represent Work Group A at the TEKS review meetings in Austin this February.
This honor reflects her expertise, leadership, and commitment to high-quality instruction for all students. Donna ISD is proud to have our voice represented at the state level as we continue Launching a Legacy of student success.
