The Queen City High School Band Hall was filled wall-to-wall Tuesday evening as students, parents, staff, and community members gathered to officially welcome Chris Moix as the new Queen City ISD Director of Bands and leader of the Band of Champions.
QCISD Superintendent Dr. Casey Nichols opened the evening by welcoming the community and highlighting Mr. Moix's extensive experience, leadership, and passion for music education. He also spoke about the district's intentional focus on strengthening the culture of QCISD through strong leadership, emphasizing that every hiring decision is made with students at the center and a commitment to building a culture rooted in hard work, integrity, unity, and student success. Dr. Nichols described this year's leadership additions as a gift to both QCISD students and the Queen City community, noting that Mr. Moix's hiring is a prime example of the district's commitment to bringing exceptional leaders to Queen City.
As Mr. Moix took the microphone, he shared his excitement about joining the Bulldog Family and spoke about the opportunities ahead for the Band of Champions. Clearly moved by the overwhelming turnout, he expressed his appreciation for the support shown by the Queen City community and shared his expectations for building a program rooted in excellence, commitment, and student success.
Throughout the evening, Mr. Moix emphasized the importance of relationships, hard work, and unity, values that align closely with the vision being established across QCISD. His message reflected a commitment to working alongside Athletic Director Kevin Reaves and district leadership to help foster a culture where students, staff, and the community move forward together with pride and purpose.
The night marked more than an introduction—it signaled the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Band of Champions and a shared commitment to building something special for Queen City ISD.
QCISD Superintendent Dr. Casey Nichols opened the evening by welcoming the community and highlighting Mr. Moix's extensive experience, leadership, and passion for music education. He also spoke about the district's intentional focus on strengthening the culture of QCISD through strong leadership, emphasizing that every hiring decision is made with students at the center and a commitment to building a culture rooted in hard work, integrity, unity, and student success. Dr. Nichols described this year's leadership additions as a gift to both QCISD students and the Queen City community, noting that Mr. Moix's hiring is a prime example of the district's commitment to bringing exceptional leaders to Queen City.
As Mr. Moix took the microphone, he shared his excitement about joining the Bulldog Family and spoke about the opportunities ahead for the Band of Champions. Clearly moved by the overwhelming turnout, he expressed his appreciation for the support shown by the Queen City community and shared his expectations for building a program rooted in excellence, commitment, and student success.
Throughout the evening, Mr. Moix emphasized the importance of relationships, hard work, and unity, values that align closely with the vision being established across QCISD. His message reflected a commitment to working alongside Athletic Director Kevin Reaves and district leadership to help foster a culture where students, staff, and the community move forward together with pride and purpose.
The night marked more than an introduction—it signaled the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Band of Champions and a shared commitment to building something special for Queen City ISD.
Queen City ISD honored five outstanding retirees this year as each campus recently celebrated the dedication, hard work, and lasting impact these individuals have made throughout their careers. 🧡🖤
Retirees include:
• Melanie Jones – JKH – 18 years in education, 3 years at QCISD
• Lee Surratt – MUMS – 24 years in education, 7 years at QCISD
• Philicia Upchurch – MUMS – 31 years in education, 26 years at QCISD
• Roy Rogers – District – 12 years in education, all at QCISD
• Milton Bryant – District – 30 years at QCISD
While it is bittersweet to say goodbye, QCISD is incredibly thankful for the years of service, care, and commitment each of these individuals has given to our students, staff, and community. We wish them all the very best as they begin this exciting new season of life!
Retirees include:
• Melanie Jones – JKH – 18 years in education, 3 years at QCISD
• Lee Surratt – MUMS – 24 years in education, 7 years at QCISD
• Philicia Upchurch – MUMS – 31 years in education, 26 years at QCISD
• Roy Rogers – District – 12 years in education, all at QCISD
• Milton Bryant – District – 30 years at QCISD
While it is bittersweet to say goodbye, QCISD is incredibly thankful for the years of service, care, and commitment each of these individuals has given to our students, staff, and community. We wish them all the very best as they begin this exciting new season of life!
Today’s “Starbooks” event at Morris Upchurch Middle School was more than just a book giveaway — it was an experience our Bulldogs won’t soon forget!
After grade-level awards assemblies, students and families filled the MUMS Gym for a one-of-a-kind “book tasting” designed to make summer reading exciting, personal, and FUN. Instead of simply being handed a pre-selected packet of books at the end of the year, students had the opportunity to explore tables filled with titles from a variety of genres and choose the books that truly interested them.
And the excitement was REAL.
Students flipped through pages, talked with friends about favorite series, compared book stacks, and carefully selected the stories they could not wait to read this summer. With the help of activity guides and genre-based recommendations, Bulldogs were empowered to build their very own summer reading libraries — each student taking home approximately $75 worth of self-selected books!
To make the afternoon even more special, the Bulldog Brew Crew was on site serving coffee and iced lattes to families and guests, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that felt more like a community celebration than a school event.
The QCISD Summer Literacy Library Program was created to help students continue growing as readers over the summer while building a love for books that lasts far beyond the classroom. Judging by the smiles, excitement, and armfuls of books leaving the gym today, we’d say it was a raging success.
#BulldogPride #MUMS #Starbooks #SummerReading #BulldogBrewCrew #ReadersAreLeaders
After grade-level awards assemblies, students and families filled the MUMS Gym for a one-of-a-kind “book tasting” designed to make summer reading exciting, personal, and FUN. Instead of simply being handed a pre-selected packet of books at the end of the year, students had the opportunity to explore tables filled with titles from a variety of genres and choose the books that truly interested them.
And the excitement was REAL.
Students flipped through pages, talked with friends about favorite series, compared book stacks, and carefully selected the stories they could not wait to read this summer. With the help of activity guides and genre-based recommendations, Bulldogs were empowered to build their very own summer reading libraries — each student taking home approximately $75 worth of self-selected books!
To make the afternoon even more special, the Bulldog Brew Crew was on site serving coffee and iced lattes to families and guests, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that felt more like a community celebration than a school event.
The QCISD Summer Literacy Library Program was created to help students continue growing as readers over the summer while building a love for books that lasts far beyond the classroom. Judging by the smiles, excitement, and armfuls of books leaving the gym today, we’d say it was a raging success.
#BulldogPride #MUMS #Starbooks #SummerReading #BulldogBrewCrew #ReadersAreLeaders
This week, we proudly celebrate Assistant Principals Week and the amazing leaders who help make our campuses strong, supportive, and successful each and every day.
At J.K. Hileman Elementary, Lesley Dotson brings a caring heart and steady leadership that helps create a nurturing environment where our littlest Bulldogs can grow and thrive.
At Morris Upchurch Middle School, Lee Surratt is a source of support and encouragement, holding our Bulldogs to a higher standard and guiding them with dedication and integrity.
At Queen City High School, Jaime Clark recently came on board and is helping shape a positive culture where our Bulldogs are challenged, supported, and inspired to succeed.
Assistant principals wear many hats—mentor, problem-solver, encourager, leader—and they do it all with grace and heart. Their impact is felt in the hallways, classrooms, and lives of everyone they serve.
We are incredibly grateful for these three outstanding leaders and the difference they make across our district.
Happy Assistant Principals Week!
The MUMS Math and Science Team competed at a meet in Atlanta on January 17, 2026, and turned in an impressive performance, earning 3rd Place Overall against strong competition.
Students earned individual honors across multiple events, showcasing their hard work and academic talent.
Science
6th Grade
Allan Callison – 4th Place
Lily Sutton – 5th Place
Kameron Nash – 6th Place
Max Eskew – 7th Place
7th Grade
Willow McKinney – 2nd Place
Alice Wise – 3rd Place
Ayden McPherson – 6th Place
Elli Elliott – 7th Place
8th Grade
Donovan Eskew – 1st Place
William Sutton – 2nd Place
Alex Treadway – 10th Place
General Math
6th Grade
Max Eskew – 2nd Place
McKenzie Prestidge – 5th Place
Sawyer Miller (5th grade) – 6th Place
Colton Cook – 7th Place
7th Grade
Carter Vess – 5th Place
Ayden McPherson – 9th Place
Kutter Howard – 10th Place
Number Sense
6th Grade
Max Eskew – 1st Place
Sawyer Miller – 5th Place
Brady Gennings – 10th Place
7th Grade
Carter Vess – 6th Place
Calculator
6th Grade
Brooks Major – 5th Place
John Ragsdale – 6th Place
Harrison Brown – 10th Place
7th Grade
Charli Rich – 2nd Place
Congratulations to all of our MUMS competitors on an outstanding showing and a job well done!
Students earned individual honors across multiple events, showcasing their hard work and academic talent.
Science
6th Grade
Allan Callison – 4th Place
Lily Sutton – 5th Place
Kameron Nash – 6th Place
Max Eskew – 7th Place
7th Grade
Willow McKinney – 2nd Place
Alice Wise – 3rd Place
Ayden McPherson – 6th Place
Elli Elliott – 7th Place
8th Grade
Donovan Eskew – 1st Place
William Sutton – 2nd Place
Alex Treadway – 10th Place
General Math
6th Grade
Max Eskew – 2nd Place
McKenzie Prestidge – 5th Place
Sawyer Miller (5th grade) – 6th Place
Colton Cook – 7th Place
7th Grade
Carter Vess – 5th Place
Ayden McPherson – 9th Place
Kutter Howard – 10th Place
Number Sense
6th Grade
Max Eskew – 1st Place
Sawyer Miller – 5th Place
Brady Gennings – 10th Place
7th Grade
Carter Vess – 6th Place
Calculator
6th Grade
Brooks Major – 5th Place
John Ragsdale – 6th Place
Harrison Brown – 10th Place
7th Grade
Charli Rich – 2nd Place
Congratulations to all of our MUMS competitors on an outstanding showing and a job well done!
Queen City ISD proudly celebrated the members of our Board of Trustees Monday night in honor of School Board Appreciation, though the truth is their dedication and service are valued every single day.
Students from J.K. Hileman Elementary were on hand to help make the evening special, presenting board members with books to be donated to the elementary library in their honor. First grader Zeke delighted everyone by reading Dragons Love Tacos, bringing smiles and laughter to the room.
Middle school students from MUMS shared oatmeal cream pies from The Sweet Spot along with gift cards for a future treat, while Queen City High School presented each trustee with an iron logo crafted by the Ag Department and a Texas Roadhouse gift card. Thoughtful thank-you cards, drawings, handwritten notes, and other tokens of appreciation filled the table, serving as a heartfelt reminder of the impact these leaders have on our students and staff.
One thing was abundantly clear throughout the evening: the QCISD Board of Trustees is truly loved and deeply appreciated.
Students from J.K. Hileman Elementary were on hand to help make the evening special, presenting board members with books to be donated to the elementary library in their honor. First grader Zeke delighted everyone by reading Dragons Love Tacos, bringing smiles and laughter to the room.
Middle school students from MUMS shared oatmeal cream pies from The Sweet Spot along with gift cards for a future treat, while Queen City High School presented each trustee with an iron logo crafted by the Ag Department and a Texas Roadhouse gift card. Thoughtful thank-you cards, drawings, handwritten notes, and other tokens of appreciation filled the table, serving as a heartfelt reminder of the impact these leaders have on our students and staff.
One thing was abundantly clear throughout the evening: the QCISD Board of Trustees is truly loved and deeply appreciated.
JKH's Academic UIL medalists were recognized at last night's School Board Meeting. Great job, Little Bulldogs!
QCISD is now accepting nominations for GT testing!
A policy change regarding the use of E-Cigarettes and vape pens passed by the 88th Texas Legislature will impact our discipline practices starting with the 23-24 school year.
House Bill 114 (HB 114) was voted into law to address the increasing concerns around e-cigarettes, vaping, marijuana, and THC-related products among our youth. The Bill mandates that any student found in possession of, under the influence of, selling, gifting, or delivering these substances on or within a 300-feet radius of any school premises, will be immediately removed and placed in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP). You can access the full version of the Bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/HB00114F.pdf
Please take a moment to discuss the implications of this new law and the new changes to our disciplinary practice with your children. Emphasize the importance of adhering to school policies and laws for their welfare and the betterment of the school community.
Your cooperation and support in ensuring that Queen City ISD remains a safe, healthy, and thriving educational environment for our students is deeply appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns about this new policy, please contact your child’s campus principal.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and shape a better future for them.
MESSAGE FROM MRS. CHILDRESS
The MUMS Office will be closed for the rest of this week. We hope our office can open back up on Monday, July 31st. If you need information about registering, please contact the high school or elementary and someone should be able to assist you. If you need to drop off paperwork or documents, please do that on any campus and we will make sure it gets to the middle school.
Pursuant to the TEC Code 39.053, the QCISD Board of Trustees will conduct a public hearing on July 31 at
6:00 PM at the Thornton Administration Office concerning the evaluation of the effectiveness of SCE
interventions for students failing to meet the EOC standards.
An accident at Morris Upchurch Middle School earlier today resulted in one of the stage curtains catching on fire. Cass County firefighters were called to the scene and quickly extinguished it. Thankfully, there was minimal damage and no injuries, and the clean-up process has already started. QCISD thanks all the first responders for their speedy response and help today.
PNP Schools and Equitable Services Required Notification
The MUMS Symphonic band traveled to Pleasant Grove last week to perform at the Region IV UIL Concert and Sight-reading Evaluation. They were awarded unanimous, "superior" ratings, earning them the coveted UIL Sweepstakes award. Great job, Bulldogs!
QCISD's Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity Plan has been posted on the district website and can be accessed at https://5il.co/1ptun. Please take a few minutes to watch Mr. Dover's video at https://youtu.be/wLiUxKLCM3Q explaining the importance of the plan and complete a one-question survey at https://forms.gle/x6iud14GuLuDAaWdA. Your input and commitment to the students of our district is valued and appreciated.
It's almost time for the Spring Book Fair!
The QCHS Floriculture team traveled to Daingerfield over Winter Break to compete in an invitational contest where they placed 5th overall. Payton Boone was the 4th high point individual out of 41 contestants! Great job, Ladies!
The QCHS Trailer Team brought home another BLUE RIBBON over Winter Break! The San Antonio Ag Mech Show had 797 projects, 272 schools, and 1,675 exhibitors. Great job, Bulldogs!
Brett Stringer
Mason Stringer
Lathan Chamblee
Kaden Satterfield
Kolt Strickland
Congratulations to QCHS junior Micah Whittington for placing 5th in his Lewis Class at the San Antonio Jr. Shootout. Micah won a belt buckle, a gun case, a $100 gift card, and 5 flats of ammunition. Great job, Bulldog!
MUMS students used the Super Bowl to practice prediction last week in the library. Mrs. Childress' class was awarded valentine's candy for their winning prediction, and Lucas McCasland won a Sonic gift card for his! Great job, Bulldogs!
