The Dolores RE-4A school district has announced a new high school principal, a sports website and a new roster of classes as it prepares for the 2024-25 school year.
The Dolores High School is being led into the new year by Principal Matt Walker, who will replace former Principal Justin Schmitt. According to information provided by the high school, Walker has worked in education for 18 years. He started his career in Farmersville, Texas, then worked as a teacher, coach and administrator in Dallas. He also worked in administration in Plano, Texas.
He also worked as interim principal at Dolores Elementary School.
“My passion for education was inspired by the many fantastic teachers I had growing up, as well as my parents and grandparents, who have over 115 years of experience in public education,” Walker said.
Walker obtained his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and an educational administrative certification at Sam Houston State University. At Sam Houston State, Walker also worked as a member of the coaching staff.
“I am the proud father of a large blended family of six,” Walker said.
Walker’s wife, Cheri, has had family ties in Dolores for over 100 years, “including a great aunt who taught at Dolores Elementary School for over 30 years.”
In an announcement to the Dolores community, interim superintendent Alesa Reed said Walker has demonstrated his commitment to a “positive learning environment, nurturing student success and promoting a culture of inclusivity and innovation.”
“We are confident that his leadership will inspire and empower all of us to reach new heights of achievement,” Reed said. “Your support and collaboration are crucial as he assumes his role as principal on July 29th. We look forward to working together under his guidance, reaffirming our commitment to providing our students with a world-class education.”
Freshman orientation is Aug. 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and a back-to-school night and open house for elementary, middle school and high school students and parents is Aug. 8 from noon to 6 p.m.
At the open house, students can meet their teachers, receive their schedules and sign up for clubs.
The district recently launched a website dedicated to Dolores Bears athletics and activities.
This new website, www.doloresbears.com, “serves as the central hub” for Dolores sports, including athlete registrations, schedules and news, “making it easier than ever for students, parents and fans to stay updated and get involved.”
The website serves as a “one-stop shop,” helping streamline athlete registrations and allowing students to sign up for their choice of sports such as football, volleyball and cross-country, and extracurricular activities such as knowledge bowl and debate.
Schedules for practices, games and competitions will be available on the website.
And parents can download a new app that helps them fill out forms with ease. The app can be accessed on www.doloresbears.com’s athletic registration page.
Parents can access online lists art www.doloresschools.org to learn what their student needs to be successful at school.
This year, a number of returning courses will be available for students as well as a roster of new classes. These new courses include journalism, psychology, Drawing 1 and 2, college Spanish, intro to CAD and digital fabrication, ag leadership, Art 2, Woodworking Technology I and advanced furniture and cabinet making.
The district also announced on Facebook that they are searching for a part-time cafeteria cook to work Monday’s through Thursday’s from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Interested individuals can submit their application or express their interest to hr@dolores.k12.com.
Teachers will come back to school Aug. 5, and students will be welcomed back for their first day of school Aug. 12.
