I extremely enjoyed attending the Stafford Municipal School District Community Breakfast on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Leonard Scarcella Administration Building. The morning gave community members an opportunity to see what Stafford students are learning and accomplishing, and to recognize the educators helping them succeed.
The students made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Cheerleaders and the drumline greeted guests outside, while culinary students served breakfast inside. Fall arrangements from Stafford Blooms Floral Design, complete with flowers displayed in pumpkins, added a seasonal touch to the tables. Students had a visible role in making the gathering possible, putting their talents to work for their guests.
The featured presentation highlighted Stafford STEM Magnet Academy and its emphasis on innovation and community. The academy earned an A rating and a score of 97 in the 2026 Texas Education Agency accountability results. Its presentation also highlighted national STEM campus certification and seven nationally certified STEM educators. Those accomplishments deserve recognition, along with the daily work behind them.
We heard about challenging coursework, foreign language instruction, and opportunities to earn high school credit while still in middle school. Enrichment classes and clubs give students additional ways to explore their interests. The presentation also recognized student achievements in robotics and the selection of a student as a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist.
I particularly appreciated hearing the robotics students explain their work. They described building a robot from a box of parts, using computer aided design software, and programming machines for competition. Their explanations gave the audience a look at the thinking behind the finished product. Students have to understand the challenge, make design decisions, and work through problems together.
Having spent much of my career in technology and business, I know the value of being able to apply knowledge to a practical problem. Experiences like these give young people a chance to discover what they enjoy and develop confidence in their abilities. It was encouraging to hear students describe that work in their own words.
The morning also highlighted leadership and service. We heard about a National Junior Honor Society food collection effort, health career activities through HOSA, and programs that encourage responsibility and concern for others. Grandparents Day and Coffee with the Principal were among the examples of how the academy brings families into school life. These connections give parents a voice and help students see themselves as part of a wider community.
Student performances added to the celebration, with a program that included first graders performing “Do-Re-Mi” and the Stafford STEP Collective. Together with the robotics and drone activities, the program reflected the range of interests that schools can encourage. Students benefit from opportunities to find a place where they can participate and contribute.
As Fort Bend County Treasurer, I value opportunities to hear directly from our schools and see the work taking place in our community. We also heard about the Stafford MSD Education Foundation’s support for classroom grants and scholarships for graduating seniors. Those efforts offer practical ways for community support to reach teachers and students as young people prepare for college and careers.
For families interested in Stafford STEM Magnet Academy, applications opened October 1, and the academy’s admissions website provides information about the process and campus visits. Special thanks to Missouri City Councilwoman Monica Riley for inviting me to attend this wonderful community breakfast. Thank you to Superintendent Dr. Adam Stephens, Principal Ginny Liang, the district’s teachers and staff, and the students who made the morning possible. I was pleased to join our neighbors in recognizing their work.
