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EMS ISD will launch a completely redesigned website for the district and all campuses on Tuesday, June 24. 

The website transition was required following a provider change, but EMS ISD used this opportunity to improve digital access and enhance online safety. 

“We wanted the new website to feel easier, safer, and more helpful for all users,” said Megan Overman, Executive Director of Communications. “It’s more than a facelift; it’s a redesign with our community in mind, with streamlined navigation and specific elements designed for our various customers to enhance their online experiences.” 

Key updates include: 

• A slimmer menu structure for cleaner navigation. 

• A top-of-page “Find It Fast” feature for frequently accessed content. 

• Quick-link buttons for the most-accessed tools including Skyward, Canvas Observer, SchooLinks, and Let’s Talk! 

• Improved security: Many pieces of student and staff specific information now live in login-required platforms for added layers of protection for students, staff, and schools. 

• A district events calendar that users can customize to specific schools, athletic and/or fine arts programs, and district events, and that can be downloaded via iCal functions to your personal devices – it's your calendar, your way. 

The new platform also places a spotlight on what makes EMS ISD special: world-class educators, personalized student opportunities, and a supportive family culture.  

Visitors are encouraged to explore the site and submit any questions through the Let’s Talk! system. 

Visit emsisd.com beginning Tuesday, June 24, to explore the new EMS ISD online experience! 

This story was originally posted on June 25, 2025.

From jet engines to whirlybirds, students at EMS ISD’s PACE Camp spent the week soaring through hands-on lessons exploring the principles of flight.

Led by EMS ISD PACE teachers, the annual summer camp for gifted and talented students immersed participants in aerodynamics through engaging, real-world activities. Over three days, students rotated through sessions that built on scientific concepts like lift, thrust, drag, and weight, all while constructing flying machines of their own design.

On Day 1, students launched their learning by studying the four forces of flight. They experimented with straws and ping pong balls to understand the Bernoulli principle, flew hand-propelled helicopters, and tested parachutes to demonstrate drag.

“It was great to see the creative ideas and excitement while they were creating and building,” said Meg Farley, PACE coordinator.

By Day 2, the campers really took off, constructing paper airplanes, foam gliders, straw rockets, and cup spinners. They explored the concept of thrust and learned how engines provide power for flight. A video lesson compared jet and rocket engines, and students applied Newton’s laws of motion to their own designs.

“For many of the students, making modifications to the original design of the planes or rockets was a highlight,” Farley said. “Adding more weight, making the planes more aerodynamic, or even adding decorations were all creative ways to problem-solve.”

Day 3 featured even more flight challenges, from building mini planes and loop airplanes to exploring torque, stability and balance. Students tested propeller directions, pilot placement, and wing variations to see how small changes affected flight. They also looked to the Wright Brothers’ innovations for inspiration.

“Changing the variables changed the rate that the helicopters would spin,” Farley said. “Some students even created their own patterns.”

As the camp came to a close, students left not only with new knowledge of flight but also a deeper appreciation for experimentation, creativity and problem-solving.

EMS ISD is proud to announce that Dan Byron has been named the next principal of Remington Point Elementary School. A dedicated member of the EMS ISD family for the past eight years, Byron brings a deep understanding of the school community, a passion for public education and a commitment to building student-centered systems that help both people and programs thrive. 

Byron began his career in EMS ISD as a teacher and coach at Prairie Vista Middle School before joining Remington Point Elementary, where he has served as assistant principal for the past three years. His leadership is grounded in consistency, humility and heart, qualities that have helped him build strong relationships across campus and beyond. 

“Our schools are more than classrooms; they’re where confidence is built, passions are discovered and futures begin,” Byron said. “It’s an honor to continue serving the Remington Point community in this new role, and I look forward to working hand-in-hand with staff, students and families to make our campus the best it can be.” 

Byron holds a Master of Education in educational technology leadership from Lamar University and is known for fostering strong campus systems that support both academic excellence and positive school culture. He is also an active advocate for public education and has testified at the Texas Capitol in support of strong policy for public schools across the state. 

“Mr. Byron is a thoughtful leader who brings energy, expertise and a deep commitment to student growth,” said Beth Sanders, executive director of elementary services. “His strong connection to the Remington Point community and his vision for empowering both students and staff make him the right leader for this next chapter.” 

Outside of school, Byron enjoys spending time near the lake or river with friends and family. He and his wife, Danielle, a third grade math teacher in Northwest ISD, are the proud parents of two children: Tinsley, their fun and curious elementary-aged daughter, and Tanner, their youngest, who keeps them on their toes. 

Incoming middle school students across Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD are spending the beginning of summer break building, inventing, testing and collaborating at the district’s 2025 Middle School Discover STEM Camp, held June 2–5.

Open to EMS ISD students entering grades 6–8, the four-day camp offers a fast-paced lineup of hands-on labs, engineering challenges, design activities, and real-world science investigations. 

"STEM camp for middle school students this year is all about energy," said Theresa Parisi, the secondary science coordinator in EMS ISD. "Each day they participate in mini lesson about types of energy, how to transfer energy, and how to conserve it. Then the students are challenged to complete a Rube Goldberg machine using the skills and observations that were discovered during the mini lesson. The final transfer of energy must close a circuit to light a lightbulb. All of this must be built within the constraints of a budget. Students earn “Discovery Dollars” and purchase their supplies with those dollars to help them understand the concept of a budget. STEM camp participants work with students from different grade levels and schools to build collaboration skills." 

One highlight was the inclined plane waterslide challenge, where students explored how simple designs affect speed and motion. They tested their designs, then adjusted angles, folds, and friction to improve performance.

“We needed to give it friction so it would slow down and make the turn towards the end of the slide,” explained Adrian Fantana, a rising seventh grader at Prairie Vista Middle School, describing how his team engineered a paper slide system.

Lisa Craft, one of the STEM camp instructors, said the challenges are designed to promote critical thinking and creative teamwork.

“It makes the kids think and problem solve and have cooperation with other kids they don’t know from other schools,” she said. “These are foundational skills they can carry into high school competitions, can use to obtain scholarships and eventually careers. We want them to like science more, because we want them to be successful in life.”

Campers also constructed pulleys for flagpoles, launched mini catapults during a five-minute challenge, and designed roller coasters using basic physics principles. One of the most complex and entertaining challenges is building a working Rube Goldberg machine that will successfully light a bulb.

“Basically, we figured out if we can balance the spoon on the clothespin and roll the marble, the spoon will hit the dominoes, which will hit our turbine, which hits a paper ball down a ramp, and that hits another domino that flips a switch to light up the light,” said Isabelle Winter, a rising sixth grader at Marine Creek Middle School.

By the end of the week, these young scientists will have a toolbox full of STEM experiences, and perhaps a spark that will light up their futures.

Find out about more EMS ISD summer camp opportunities at www.emsisd.com/summercamps.

Elementary-age students are diving into adventure, imagination and learning this June through the EMS ISD Summer Reading Camp, a free, come-and-go experience that turns reading into a summer celebration.

Held on Tuesday mornings at Hatley Elementary School and Thursday mornings at Lake Country Elementary School, the camp is open to all children entering Pre-K through 5th grade in Fall 2025. Each session runs from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., and no registration is required.

The goal? Keep reading fun, accessible and engaging all summer long.

“This gives them something to do so they’re not just staying home. They’re around other kids and socializing,” said Maria Juarez, whose daughter will be a second-grader this fall.

Each week, students take a new literary journey through “Reading Across the USA.” Every session includes a read-aloud story that transports children to a new place in the country, paired with a hands-on activity that brings the story to life. Whether it’s art, crafts or themed projects, the activities help students connect reading with creativity and exploration.

“We’re bringing the vacation to us,” said Cathy Fassett, the librarian at High Country Elementary School. “It’s fun, relaxed and focused on giving kids positive, meaningful experiences with books.”

Justus Cole, a camp participant, especially enjoyed the book Mae Among the Stars, about Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space.

“It was a good story,” he said. “Her teacher didn’t believe she could go to space, but she proved her wrong.”

For many families, the camp offers more than just learning, it offers support.

“Reading is a challenge for him,” said Latoya Walker, Cole's mom. "I want him to stay focused over the summer and keep improving. The fact that it’s free is even better, it’s a blessing that the district offers this.”

Other parents echoed similar sentiments.

“I only have so many ideas for summer,” said Mason Blakely, whose daughter attended the Hatley location. “We try to read at night, but this makes sure she’s getting reading in, all throughout the summer.”

And, while they're just getting started, so far this year they've seen record engagement and energy.

“I’ve done the camp the last three years, and this is the most interactive it’s ever been,” said Christine Lewis, the librarian at Gililland Elementary School. “We had a great turnout, and the kids are really connecting with the stories and each other.”

EMS ISD Summer Reading Camp continues through June 2025:
📍 Tuesdays at Hatley Elementary: June 3, 10, 17, 24
📍 Thursdays at Lake Country Elementary: June 5, 12, 19, 26
⏰ 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
👧🏽 For EMS ISD students entering Pre-K – 5th grade
📚 No registration needed – just show up and read!

Find out about more EMS ISD summer camp opportunities at www.emsisd.com/summercamps.