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With music in the air and gratitude at the center, Beaumont ISD hosted its 2025 Retirement Banquet at the Beaumont Downtown Event Center, honoring a group of employees whose careers have left a lasting shine on the district. Themed “A Golden Legacy,” the May 22, 2025 event paid tribute to the service, impact, and commitment of those stepping into a new chapter after decades of dedication.

Hosted by the BISD Human Resources Department, the program spotlighted dozens of retirees whose careers have touched every corner of the district—from classrooms to cafeterias, buses to boardrooms.

Among those celebrated was Gayla Dubose, a first-grade teacher at Sallie Curtis Elementary, retiring after an extraordinary 56 years in education. A lifelong advocate for children and learning, Dubose’s legacy spans generations, and her retirement drew a standing ovation.

“She’s not just part of BISD history—she is BISD history,” said Superintendent Dr. Shannon Allen. “Her dedication is unmatched, and her name will live on in every student she inspired.”

Another memorable moment came with the joint recognition of Paul and Daisy Ledet, a BISD couple retiring together after a combined 49 years of service. Paul, a dedicated team member at Beaumont United High School, retires after 28 years, while Daisy, a pillar at Pietzsch-MacArthur PreK–8th Grade Center, closes her chapter after 21 years. 

Additional standout honorees included:

• Rosylyn Bias, with 48 years in the Office of School Administration, known for her organizational prowess and leadership.
• Marcia White Berry, who served 41 years in Special Services and has a green thumb as impressive as her devotion to students.
   

The banquet featured a dinner service accompanied by live music from saxophonist Perry Richard, a slideshow of career memories, and a photo line-up with BISD trustees and district leaders. Each retiree received a personalized gift and words of thanks as they walked the stage.

Dr. Allen closed the evening with a mix of humor and sincerity, encouraging the retirees to see this transition not as an ending, but as a new assignment.

“There’s no such thing as retirement,” she said. “There’s re-purposement. What will your next legacy be?”

As the final applause echoed through the event center, the Class of 2025 left with their names etched into BISD’s story—and their golden legacy firmly in place.

Beaumont ISD campuses are overflowing with pride and joy as students wrap up the school year with a series of memorable celebrations. From exciting awards ceremonies to emotional graduation walks and upcoming high school graduations, it’s a season filled with smiles, hugs, and happy tears.

In elementary and middle schools across the district, proud parents packed auditoriums and cafeterias for end-of-year awards ceremonies, where students were recognized for academic success, character, growth, and leadership. Smiles stretched wide as students walked across the stage to receive medals, certificates, and high-fives from principals and teachers who had cheered them on all year long.

High school seniors had the opportunity to return to their former elementary campuses for graduation walks, wearing caps and gowns and high-fiving younger students lining the halls. These walks are more than just a tradition; they’re a reminder of how every student’s journey begins with small steps and big dreams.

The excitement continues to build as seniors get ready to cross the stage at their graduation ceremonies.

Beaumont Early College High School will hold its ceremony on Friday, May 23, at 7:00 p.m. at the West Brook High School Performing Arts Center.

West Brook High School's commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, at 9:00 a.m., followed by Beaumont United High School at 1:00 p.m., both at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center.

All ceremonies will be live-streamed at www.bmtisd.com/webtv for family and friends to watch from anywhere.

From Pre-K to 12th grade, this time of year is about more than just the end of school, it’s about celebrating every milestone, every effort, and every student who made it through another year, stronger than before. Through every challenge and every triumph, BISD students showed what it means to live out the BISD mindset: We Can. We Will. We Must.

Second grade students at Amelia Elementary School officially became published authors and illustrators on May 19, 2025, proudly unveiling their original book, When I Grow Up, under the guidance of teacher Glenda McCray.

The young scholars celebrated their literary achievement with a special book signing and reading event on campus, where each student read their personal entry aloud to an audience of peers, teachers, and proud families. The event marked the culmination of months of hard work, creativity, and determination.

“Every year, my goal is to encourage my scholars to read books, retell stories, and to write their own story,” McCray said. “I also teach them to set goals beyond elementary, middle, and high school.”

This year, McCray’s two English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) classes—nearly 30 students in total—chose the theme “When I Grow Up.” Each child contributed one illustrated page to the book, describing their future aspirations. Career dreams included pilots, teachers, police officers, firefighters, plant managers, janitors, dentists, manicurists, and even McDonald’s franchise owners.

Students were also responsible for designing the cover and crafting their individual pages, combining artistic flair with written expression. The project encouraged not only literacy and art skills, but also goal-setting and self-reflection.

“It was a privilege to motivate, encourage, and coach these scholars to do their best to produce their masterpiece,” said McCray, beaming with pride.

When I Grow Up now serves as a printed testament to the imagination and promise of Amelia’s second graders—and a reminder that it’s never too early to dream big.

As the school year winds down, Beaumont Independent School District is gearing up to keep the educational momentum going with its "Summer to Success 2025" initiative, offering a variety of programs designed to keep students engaged, active, and learning throughout the summer months.

From academic enrichment to athletic activities, BISD's summer offerings cater to students of all grade levels. Elementary, middle, and high school students can explore tailored programs that blend education with fun, ensuring that the summer break is both enjoyable and productive. For younger learners, the district provides activities that reinforce foundational skills, while older students can participate in programs that prepare them for the upcoming academic year. These initiatives aim to bridge learning gaps and promote continuous educational growth.

Beyond academics, BISD's summer recreation programs, supervised by district coaches and teachers, offer students opportunities to participate in various sports and physical activities. These programs not only promote physical health, but also teach teamwork and discipline. Families can dive into summer with swim lessons for children ages 3 and up, hosted by the BISD Athletic Office. These lessons focus on water safety, survival skills, and the basics of swimming, with sessions available throughout June and July. Registration began May 12, and all payments must be made online—no cash or checks accepted.

For students needing a little academic boost, BISD is offering free summer school for current K-5 students who need extra support in math and reading. Classes will run from June 9 to June 26 at Caldwood and Charlton-Pollard elementaries, and Pietzsch-MacArthur PreK-8th Grade Center. Students will receive free breakfast, lunch, supplies, and materials—and transportation is provided to select locations.

Bilingual and ESL learners in Pre-K through second grade, as well as 3rd grade newcomers, can attend a specialized summer school session at Pietzsch-MacArthur from June 3 through June 26. The program focuses on language development and includes enrichment activities like art, sports, and field trips. Parent engagement is also a priority, with adult classes available later this summer. Meals, materials, and transportation are all included.

Bingman Head Start will also keep young minds active with a summer enrichment program designed to build developmentally appropriate skills for students preparing for the next school year. To participate, children must already be enrolled at Bingman. The program, which runs on selected dates in June, provides breakfast, lunch, and bus transportation, with an emphasis on consistent attendance and preparedness.

To help families stay fueled this summer, BISD is also opening free community feeding sites at nine schools, including Amelia, Caldwood, Charlton-Pollard, Jones-Clark, and Beaumont United High School. Children 18 and under can enjoy breakfast and lunch Monday through Thursday from June 9 to June 26. No registration is required—just show up hungry!

Parents needing assistance with registering their children for the 2025–2026 school year can visit the BISD Annex building on Carlisle Street, next to Smith Middle School, from June 4 to June 27, Monday through Thursday. Registration Specialist Sharounda Mayfield will be available to provide support during these times.

With all these exciting options, Beaumont ISD is making sure every student has a chance to shine this summer. Whether they're learning to swim, boosting their reading scores, exploring a new language, or just enjoying a healthy meal, students across the district are set for a season full of growth and good vibes.

For more information on the "Summer to Success 2025" programs and to explore the full range of offerings, visit the BISD Summer to Success website at www.bmtisd.com/summer.