Greetings Falcons,
Royal kicked off the school year with the theme of “Start Strong, Stay Strong”. I joined the Royal ISD family in August 2020, and would like to add to that theme: “Start Strong, Stay Strong, FINISH Strong”. Our Falcon students, staff, and community have surpassed my expectations through hard work, perseverance, and grit, and I am so very proud of each and every one of you. Despite the challenges of the pandemic and a myriad of other roadblocks facing our area, state, and nation, we thrived, overcame, and succeeded.
We mourned the loss of RJH teacher David Smith, Royal employee Greg Blanks, and former RISD School Board Member Joycelene Odum. Their families and loved ones continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
We want to be the very best at everything we do, and the list of accomplishments from this school year demonstrates that commitment. The accomplishments of this year represent many hours of work and practice on the part of our students and staff, and demonstrate the continued tradition of excellence in Royal ISD.
It is hard to believe that graduation ceremonies will take place this coming Saturday. The senior class of 2021 will celebrate the culmination of over a decade of hard work. This class received approximately $1,392,155, and excelled in numerous activities: athletics, UIL, FCCLA, FFA, SkillsUSA, art, theater, band, and many more. We wish our seniors the best of luck and success as they enter the next phase of their lives.
We are reviewing the changes in COVID guidance and mandates for the state of Texas, and will release our plan for the 2021-2022 school year in the coming weeks.
I appreciate the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and community. You finished strong and exceeded my expectations. I wish all of you a safe summer break full of fun, rest, and rejuvenation.
Rick Kershner
Royal ISD Superintendent