https://mailchi.mp/e2d1f5de099a/dhedf-rural-stem-initiative-special-announcement-oct-2024-issue-18139851?e=228d62bca7

Check out these unique opportunities shared by our friends at DHEDF.  Two are for At-Sea opportunities, one for educators and one for college students.  Deadlines and details are available.  Also, there is an art contest for students ages 5-18 through Nautilus Live.  As always, pass along to others as you see fit.  TREA member district schools/staff can be a member of DHEDF free of charge and you'll receive these newsletters and announcements directly.  

https://issuu.com/tasanet/docs/nov_dec_2025_texas_school_business?fr=sYTU2MDg0MTk0ODg

Several TREA individuals and groups are recognized in this edition, as well as West ISD students celebrating their Czech heritage on pp. 20-21.  Great job!

1. Encourage families to sign up for free and reduced meals if their financial situation has changed. School meals have not been impacted by the government shutdown at this time, so we want to make sure that kids are accessing those meals. 
2. If a family needs immediate assistance, they can call 211 or visit 211texas.org to locate a food pantry or food bank. 
3. Families can also use the "find my food bank" feature (No. 4 below) on Feeding Texas's website to figure out which food bank services them. They can give them a call to see if they have any food distributions in their area.
4. https://www.feedingtexas.org/food-banks/

https://www.positiveathlete.org/

We learned of this Non-Profit while at NREA a few weeks ago.  Would love to see more Texas student athletes receive these free services and possibly be recognized by their organization at the end of the year.  Check them out!

https://mailchi.mp/uteach/pd-october-2025?e=3872833e78

https://mailchi.mp/21b629f66bb4/dhedf-rural-stem-initiative-newsletter-18138889?e=228d62bca7

Don't forget that TREA member districts can apply for a free membership to the DHEDF Rural Stem Initiative.  DHEDF provides resources, webinars, contests, etc. to rural staff and students.  Contact Wayne Fagan if you need assistance applying; his contact info. is in the link.  

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQcqRDssSxFNgKKTBwSMnLfHvjz

Remember that if you are a TREA member district, you are eligible to be a member of the Dee Howard Educational Foundation's Rural STEM Initiative, at no cost.  

https://districtadministration.com/opinion/digital-accessibility-deadlines-are-coming-why-every-school-district-must-act/

Please pass this along to your high school counselors or others as you see fit.

https://www.ttu.edu/now/posts/2025/10/thoma-scholars-prove-small-town-students-have-big-potential.php

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQcqQrWDlgDLKhzMQHDQGFXfHhR

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQcqQtnfmlpghnlcgTzWhNBNXGc

Superintendent and NREA President-Elect Bill Chapman led a group of FFA students from Texas and other states to Washington, D.C. to advocate for Secure Rural Schools funding.  Check out our social media for other pictures and information.  Also, a special thanks to Superintendent Jamie Green of California for working with Dr. Chapman to make the trip possible. 

2026 TEA AP Exam Subsidy

The TEA 2026 AP Exam Subsidy for students in Texas will be $27.00.  This is the same amount as 2025.  All students enrolled in a Texas public school may be considered for a Texas AP/IB exam fee subsidy. However, each student’s eligibility must be confirmed using the published criteria, which can be found on the Fee Reduction Eligibility Criteria webpage.