For families in Fulshear, the start of a new school year is usually measured in school-supply lists, new schedules and the first morning back on campus. Behind the scenes, however, hundreds of new Lamar Consolidated Independent School District employees are also preparing for a first day of their own.

The Lamar Educational Awards Foundation, better known as LEAF, partnered with Lamar CISD to welcome those new educators and staff members during the annual LEAF New Staff Stampede on July 30 at Safari Texas Ranch.

The western-themed celebration brought hundreds of new employees together with district leaders, community partners and one another before the 2026–2027 school year begins — an early effort to build relationships among the people who will soon be working with students across one of the region’s growing school districts.

For communities such as Fulshear, which is zoned to Lamar CISD, those new hires will become part of the network of teachers, specialists, support staff and administrators families rely on throughout the school year.

A Texas-Size Welcome Before the First Bell Rings

Presented by Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, New Staff Stampede introduced new employees to Lamar CISD leadership, community partners and resources available to support them as they begin working in the district.

The event was supported by title sponsors, 26 event sponsors and 14 raffle donors.

Attendees shared Texas barbecue, listened to live music, visited sponsor exhibits and participated in photo opportunities, raffle drawings and interactive activities designed to help employees meet colleagues before returning to campuses and district offices.

LEAF Executive Director Kameela Lewis said the event is intended to send a message to employees before they ever begin serving students.

“The New Staff Stampede is one of my favorite traditions because it reflects exactly who we are as a district and as a community,” Lewis said. “Before our newest employees ever step into their classrooms or offices, we want them to know they are supported, appreciated, and surrounded by people who are invested in their success. When we invest in our educators from day one, we're investing in every student they'll serve.”

That connection can matter well beyond a single evening. For parents, the arrival of new educators means new relationships will soon be forming inside classrooms, front offices, counseling departments, special education programs and other areas that shape students’ day-to-day experiences.

Helping New Lamar CISD Employees Find Their Place

One feature of the evening was the Color Track Roll Call, which introduced employees to Lamar CISD’s color track system.

The event also included the Stampede Showdown, an interactive trivia competition focused on Lamar CISD and LEAF that gave new employees another opportunity to learn about the district while getting acquainted with colleagues.

Campus and district leaders also introduced employees to Lamar CISD’s 2026–2027 theme, “All In: Changing the Game.”

Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens said that message begins with the relationships employees build with one another and with students.

“Being 'All In' starts with people,” Nivens said. “It's about showing up for each other, building strong relationships, and remembering why we do this work. Every student deserves adults who believe in them, and every employee deserves to know they have a team behind them. That's the kind of culture we're building together at Lamar CISD.”

For parents in Fulshear, that emphasis provides an early look at the culture district leaders say they want employees to carry into classrooms and campuses when the school year begins.

A Lamar CISD Graduate Comes Home to Teach

Among the evening’s new employees was Kaya Acosta, whose first year as a Lamar CISD educator is also a homecoming.

Acosta graduated from George Ranch High School and previously attended Campbell Elementary. This fall, she will return to Campbell as the first former student of the elementary school to come back and teach there.

She will serve as a kindergarten through second-grade Special Education CAP teacher.

For Acosta, New Staff Stampede marked another milestone in a journey that began years earlier as a Lamar CISD student.

“Growing up in Lamar CISD and now coming back to teaching at the school where my own journey started is incredibly special,” Acosta said. “This event helped me connect with so many amazing people before the school year even begins. I've already planned my lessons, prepared activities for my students, and I truly can't wait to welcome them into my classroom. Receiving support from LEAF makes that first year even more meaningful.”

Her return offers one example of the long-term connection a public school district can create: a student grows up in the community, graduates and eventually returns to serve the next generation.

What Is LEAF and How Does It Support Lamar CISD?

The Lamar Educational Awards Foundation supports Lamar CISD students and educators through classroom innovation grants, professional development opportunities, scholarships and district-wide enrichment programs.

The foundation also operates an Employee Giving Campaign, inviting both new and returning Lamar CISD employees to contribute toward programs serving classrooms and students.

According to LEAF, contributions of any size can help fund innovative classroom projects, expand student opportunities and support public education throughout Lamar CISD.

The New Staff Stampede is one piece of that broader effort, placing the focus on employees before the school year starts and giving new hires an early introduction to the community surrounding the district.

What Happens Next for Lamar CISD Families

As summer moves toward the first day of school, the celebration at Safari Texas Ranch will quickly give way to classroom preparation, campus meetings, lesson planning and the work of welcoming students back.

For Lamar CISD families, the event offers a glimpse at the people preparing to take on that responsibility — including educators beginning their first year in the district and others, like Acosta, returning to the schools that helped shape them.

Residents interested in learning more about LEAF, its Employee Giving Campaign or opportunities to support Lamar CISD students and educators can visit the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation website. LEAF has also published a photo gallery from New Staff Stampede and a full list of event sponsors.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more Lamar CISD news, school-year updates and education stories affecting local families.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.