Thank you, Mrs. Dorsey, for the ten years you dedicated to the scholars of Alto High School. Your leadership, bright smile, and unwavering commitment to student success have left a lasting mark on our campus and community.
This isn't goodbye—it's just "see you around." 💛🖤🐝
https://www.thecherokeean.com/articles/54938/view/we-never-lose-we-learn
This isn't goodbye—it's just "see you around." 💛🖤🐝
https://www.thecherokeean.com/articles/54938/view/we-never-lose-we-learn
At a special called meeting on June 3, The Alto Independent School District Board of Trustees named Dr. Zach Crawford as the lone finalist for Superintendent of Schools. Following the 21-day waiting period required by Texas law, the Board expects to officially hire Dr. Crawford as the next Superintendent of Alto ISD. During this transition period, Mr. Andy Trekell will serve as Interim Superintendent. Mr. Trekell is a retired superintendent who previously led both Etoile ISD and Hemphill ISD.
Dr. Crawford brings a wealth of educational experience and leadership to Alto ISD. Over the course of his career, he has served as a teacher, elementary principal, secondary principal, and is currently completing his sixth year as Superintendent of Zavalla ISD.
A lifelong East Texan, Dr. Crawford has dedicated his career to serving small, rural school districts and understands the important role schools play in their communities. Throughout his career, he has focused on building safe and supportive learning environments, expanding opportunities for students, and maintaining strong financial stewardship.
“East Texas schools are more than institutions—they are the heartbeat of their communities. I understand the pride, expectations, and trust placed in a school district, and I approach this work with both humility and determination,” said Dr. Crawford.
In addition to his focus on academics and student achievement, Dr. Crawford recognizes the importance of extracurricular programs, athletics, fine arts, and community engagement in creating a well-rounded student experience.
The Alto ISD Board of Trustees expressed confidence in Dr. Crawford’s ability to lead the district into the future while honoring the traditions and values that make Alto ISD special.
“Dr. Crawford’s experience, leadership style, and dedication to rural education make him an excellent fit for Alto ISD,” Board President Aaron Low said in a statement. “We are excited about the future of Alto ISD under his leadership and look forward to welcoming him to the Yellowjacket family.”
Dr. Crawford and his wife Pamela have four daughters who will join him at Alto ISD. Please join Alto ISD in congratulating Dr. Zach Crawford on being named lone finalist for Superintendent of Schools.
Dr. Crawford brings a wealth of educational experience and leadership to Alto ISD. Over the course of his career, he has served as a teacher, elementary principal, secondary principal, and is currently completing his sixth year as Superintendent of Zavalla ISD.
A lifelong East Texan, Dr. Crawford has dedicated his career to serving small, rural school districts and understands the important role schools play in their communities. Throughout his career, he has focused on building safe and supportive learning environments, expanding opportunities for students, and maintaining strong financial stewardship.
“East Texas schools are more than institutions—they are the heartbeat of their communities. I understand the pride, expectations, and trust placed in a school district, and I approach this work with both humility and determination,” said Dr. Crawford.
In addition to his focus on academics and student achievement, Dr. Crawford recognizes the importance of extracurricular programs, athletics, fine arts, and community engagement in creating a well-rounded student experience.
The Alto ISD Board of Trustees expressed confidence in Dr. Crawford’s ability to lead the district into the future while honoring the traditions and values that make Alto ISD special.
“Dr. Crawford’s experience, leadership style, and dedication to rural education make him an excellent fit for Alto ISD,” Board President Aaron Low said in a statement. “We are excited about the future of Alto ISD under his leadership and look forward to welcoming him to the Yellowjacket family.”
Dr. Crawford and his wife Pamela have four daughters who will join him at Alto ISD. Please join Alto ISD in congratulating Dr. Zach Crawford on being named lone finalist for Superintendent of Schools.
Alto ISD will provide free breakfast and lunch for children and teens ages 18 and under. See the flyers for details!
🐝SUMMER ATHLETICS INFORMATION 🐝
💪Workouts:
Girls : Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:00 AM
Boys : Mondays & Wednesdays at 10:00 AM
🏐 Official Volleyball Practice
• Saturday, August 1 – 9:00 AM
• August 3–7 – 4:00 PM
🏈 Official Football Practice
• August 3–7 – 4:00 PM
• Saturday, August 8 – Picture Day & Practice at 9:00 AM
Let's make this summer count and get ready for a great season!
💪Workouts:
Girls : Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:00 AM
Boys : Mondays & Wednesdays at 10:00 AM
🏐 Official Volleyball Practice
• Saturday, August 1 – 9:00 AM
• August 3–7 – 4:00 PM
🏈 Official Football Practice
• August 3–7 – 4:00 PM
• Saturday, August 8 – Picture Day & Practice at 9:00 AM
Let's make this summer count and get ready for a great season!
Alto ISD is hiring for the 2026-2027 school year! Current openings include:
🐝 Elementary Counselor
🐝Secretary to the Special Education Director / Co-op Receptionist
🐝 3rd Grade Math Teacher
🐝 Elementary SPED Paraprofessional
🐝Daycare Paraprofessional
Why choose Alto ISD?
✅ Small class sizes
✅ Strong instructional support
✅ Four-day instructional week (off on Fridays)
✅ On-site daycare
If you're looking for a supportive school community where relationships matter and staff members are valued, we'd love to hear from you! https://www.alto.esc7.net/page/employment-opportunities
🐝 Elementary Counselor
🐝Secretary to the Special Education Director / Co-op Receptionist
🐝 3rd Grade Math Teacher
🐝 Elementary SPED Paraprofessional
🐝Daycare Paraprofessional
Why choose Alto ISD?
✅ Small class sizes
✅ Strong instructional support
✅ Four-day instructional week (off on Fridays)
✅ On-site daycare
If you're looking for a supportive school community where relationships matter and staff members are valued, we'd love to hear from you! https://www.alto.esc7.net/page/employment-opportunities
Alto ISD is excited to welcome Chloe Glass as our new Assistant Softball Coach! 🐝🥎
Coach Glass is a graduate of Garrison High School and earned both a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Teaching. Coach Glass and her husband, Timothy, are expecting their first child.
A talented student athlete, Coach Glass began her collegiate softball career at East Texas A&M University before transferring to Stephen F. Austin State University, where she completed the remainder of her playing career. Through her experiences on and off the field, she has developed a passion for helping athletes succeed not only in their sport, but also in the classroom and in life. Coach Glass is committed to fostering a positive, competitive, and supportive environment where student athletes can grow in character, confidence, and skill.
Please join us in welcoming Coach Glass to Alto! 🖤💛
Alto Independent School District proudly announces nine educators have received new designations through the Texas Education Agency’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), a prestigious program recognizing excellence in teaching and student achievement.
The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) is designed to recruit, reward, and retain highly effective teachers, particularly in rural and high-need districts. Teachers earn designations at three levels—Recognized, Exemplary, and Master—based on classroom performance, student growth, and rigorous evaluations. These designations are valid for five years and are reflected on the teacher’s Texas educator certificate.
Alto ISD is a fully approved participant in the TIA program and uses a local designation system that measures teacher effectiveness through classroom observations and student academic growth. These designations also provide additional compensation funded entirely by the State of Texas. Under the district’s approved plan, 90% of TIA funds go directly to the designated teacher, while 10% supports program implementation.
Congratulations to our newly designated teachers:
⭐ Recognized Teachers:
Megan Barnett and Stephanie Hammons
⭐ Exemplary Teachers:
Kathy Blackmon, Courtney Landrum, Cassidy McClendon, Tiffany Weatherford, and Rachael Westbrook
⭐ Master Teachers:
Braden Shaffer and Clayton Norman
As we celebrate these teachers, we also recognize that every classroom in Alto ISD is filled with educators who pour their hearts into children, often in ways that can never truly be measured by a designation, score, or title. These teachers represent the excellence, commitment, and care that exist across our entire district!
The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) is designed to recruit, reward, and retain highly effective teachers, particularly in rural and high-need districts. Teachers earn designations at three levels—Recognized, Exemplary, and Master—based on classroom performance, student growth, and rigorous evaluations. These designations are valid for five years and are reflected on the teacher’s Texas educator certificate.
Alto ISD is a fully approved participant in the TIA program and uses a local designation system that measures teacher effectiveness through classroom observations and student academic growth. These designations also provide additional compensation funded entirely by the State of Texas. Under the district’s approved plan, 90% of TIA funds go directly to the designated teacher, while 10% supports program implementation.
Congratulations to our newly designated teachers:
⭐ Recognized Teachers:
Megan Barnett and Stephanie Hammons
⭐ Exemplary Teachers:
Kathy Blackmon, Courtney Landrum, Cassidy McClendon, Tiffany Weatherford, and Rachael Westbrook
⭐ Master Teachers:
Braden Shaffer and Clayton Norman
As we celebrate these teachers, we also recognize that every classroom in Alto ISD is filled with educators who pour their hearts into children, often in ways that can never truly be measured by a designation, score, or title. These teachers represent the excellence, commitment, and care that exist across our entire district!
🎉 Alto ISD Service Awards 🎉
Thursday afternoon, we proudly recognized our incredible staff members for their years of dedicated service to Alto ISD. Altogether, these amazing individuals have devoted 125 years to serving our students, families, and community!
Thursday afternoon, we proudly recognized our incredible staff members for their years of dedicated service to Alto ISD. Altogether, these amazing individuals have devoted 125 years to serving our students, families, and community!
🐝 2025-2026 “Above and Beyond” Awards 🐝
Several staff members were recognized for going ABOVE and BEYOND in their service to Alto ISD this year! These outstanding individuals were selected by their colleagues for the positive impact they make on our students, campuses, and community.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s recipients:
⭐ Alto Elementary: Kathy Blackmon and Candis Blankinship
⭐ Alto Middle School: Tabitha Parker and Francisco Orta
⭐ Alto High School: Crystal Dickens and Myeisha Breedlove
⭐ District: Amber Middleton and Debbie Grimes
👏 Community Partner of the Year: Hilary Lindsey — Lindsey’s Lazy L BBQ
Thank you all for your dedication, hard work, and commitment to making Alto ISD a great place to learn and grow!
Several staff members were recognized for going ABOVE and BEYOND in their service to Alto ISD this year! These outstanding individuals were selected by their colleagues for the positive impact they make on our students, campuses, and community.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s recipients:
⭐ Alto Elementary: Kathy Blackmon and Candis Blankinship
⭐ Alto Middle School: Tabitha Parker and Francisco Orta
⭐ Alto High School: Crystal Dickens and Myeisha Breedlove
⭐ District: Amber Middleton and Debbie Grimes
👏 Community Partner of the Year: Hilary Lindsey — Lindsey’s Lazy L BBQ
Thank you all for your dedication, hard work, and commitment to making Alto ISD a great place to learn and grow!
Donna Hawthorn has dedicated 21 years to Alto Elementary, serving students both in the classroom and on her bus route. Earlier this month, she was honored at a retirement celebration where former students shared heartfelt memories and stories from their time in her class.
For 20 years, Mrs. Hawthorn drove the same bus route — and today, she drove it one last time. ❤️🚌
Thank you for the countless miles, early mornings, and years of love and dedication to Alto ISD. Enjoy your retirement, Mrs. Hawthorn!
For 20 years, Mrs. Hawthorn drove the same bus route — and today, she drove it one last time. ❤️🚌
Thank you for the countless miles, early mornings, and years of love and dedication to Alto ISD. Enjoy your retirement, Mrs. Hawthorn!
100 days until kickoff! 🏈
Tiny caps and big smiles! 🎓💛 Kindergarten, here they come!
It was a packed house last night as we celebrated our Alto Middle School graduates! We are so proud of this group and look forward to watching them grow, achieve, and succeed in high school. The future is bright for these Yellowjackets!
🎓 Graduation Day is almost here! 🎓
Join us as we celebrate the Alto High School Class of 2026 on Friday, May 22 at 6:00 PM in the AHS Gymnasium. We are proud of all our seniors and look forward to honoring their hard work, memories, and accomplishments as they begin the next chapter of their lives. 💛🖤
Doors will open at 4:30 PM. Guests will use the sidewalk on the south side of AHS near the press box. Those with mobility issues may park or be dropped off at the main gym entrance near the tennis courts. We are thankful for our amazing gymnasium that allows us to celebrate the Class of 2026 together in comfort, regardless of the weather conditions!
Join us as we celebrate the Alto High School Class of 2026 on Friday, May 22 at 6:00 PM in the AHS Gymnasium. We are proud of all our seniors and look forward to honoring their hard work, memories, and accomplishments as they begin the next chapter of their lives. 💛🖤
Doors will open at 4:30 PM. Guests will use the sidewalk on the south side of AHS near the press box. Those with mobility issues may park or be dropped off at the main gym entrance near the tennis courts. We are thankful for our amazing gymnasium that allows us to celebrate the Class of 2026 together in comfort, regardless of the weather conditions!
Our seniors shared their postsecondary plans at the Senior Choice Fair this morning, and we couldn’t be more proud! We are excited to see where life takes them and can’t wait to watch them succeed! 💛🖤
We’ve almost made it! 🎉 Tomorrow is the last day of school!
All campuses will have an early release at 12:00 PM. Thank you to our students, staff, and families for another great school year. Finish strong, Jackets! 💛🖤
All campuses will have an early release at 12:00 PM. Thank you to our students, staff, and families for another great school year. Finish strong, Jackets! 💛🖤
We're making good progress with Online Registration! Please login to Parent Portal at the link below to register your returning students for next year!
https://portals07.ascendertx.com/ParentPortal/login?distid=037901
https://portals07.ascendertx.com/ParentPortal/login?distid=037901
Last but certainly not least—help us celebrate these Alto Yellowjackets, Class of 2026! 🎓🐝
Big congratulations to our amazing Intern Teachers on graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University! 🎓
Thank you for loving and supporting our students so well. We can’t wait to see all the incredible things ahead for each of you!
Thank you for loving and supporting our students so well. We can’t wait to see all the incredible things ahead for each of you!
We appreciate First Baptist Church Alto for hosting a special breakfast for our seniors this morning! These students are enjoying their last days together! 🐝
