Please join Royse City ISD as we excitedly welcome Mrs. Shana Gaines as the new Principal of Paula Walker Elementary School.
Shana brings to this role a truly remarkable depth of experience as an educator, a campus leader, and a lifelong learner.
She holds a Bachelor of Music from Union University, a Master of Music in Church Music Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Education in School Administration from Lamar University, and she is currently completing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a Superintendent certification from Midwestern State University. Her academic journey alone speaks to a person who never stops growing and never stops reaching.
Before stepping into campus leadership, Shana built a rich and diverse classroom career. She served as a Special Education Resource teacher, where she led instructional modeling for pull-out and inclusion services and took on campus leadership roles including PBIS Coordinator, and Title 1 Family Engagement Specialist. That breadth of classroom experience, across special education, fine arts, and general instruction, gives her a perspective on teaching and learning that very few school leaders possess.
Shana has served as an Assistant Principal at multiple campuses in Richardson ISD and, most recently, right here at W.R. Fort Elementary in Royse City ISD. In these roles she has touched virtually every dimension of campus leadership from testing and MTSS coordination to T-TESS evaluation, master scheduling, human capital management, trauma-informed care, Title 1 programming, and data-driven instructional practices. She is a leader who is equally comfortable in the details and in the big picture.
Shana brings to this role a truly remarkable depth of experience as an educator, a campus leader, and a lifelong learner.
She holds a Bachelor of Music from Union University, a Master of Music in Church Music Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Education in School Administration from Lamar University, and she is currently completing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a Superintendent certification from Midwestern State University. Her academic journey alone speaks to a person who never stops growing and never stops reaching.
Before stepping into campus leadership, Shana built a rich and diverse classroom career. She served as a Special Education Resource teacher, where she led instructional modeling for pull-out and inclusion services and took on campus leadership roles including PBIS Coordinator, and Title 1 Family Engagement Specialist. That breadth of classroom experience, across special education, fine arts, and general instruction, gives her a perspective on teaching and learning that very few school leaders possess.
Shana has served as an Assistant Principal at multiple campuses in Richardson ISD and, most recently, right here at W.R. Fort Elementary in Royse City ISD. In these roles she has touched virtually every dimension of campus leadership from testing and MTSS coordination to T-TESS evaluation, master scheduling, human capital management, trauma-informed care, Title 1 programming, and data-driven instructional practices. She is a leader who is equally comfortable in the details and in the big picture.
We are proud to partner with the North Texas Food Bank with the School Pantry Program providing free shelf-stable food & fresh produce to students, staff & the community through school-based distributions. More information at: https://www.rcisd.org/article/2363602
When: Tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. until food is gone.
Where: Baley Middle School (1310 East Hwy 66) in the back parking lot.
Nos enorgullece asociarnos con el Banco de Alimentos del Norte de Texas en el Programa de Despensa Escolar, que proporciona alimentos no perecederos y productos frescos de forma gratuita a estudiantes, personal y la comunidad a través de distribuciones escolares. Más información en: https://www.rcisd.org/article/2363602
Cuándo: Mañana de 11:00 a.m. hasta que se agoten los alimentos.
Dónde: En el estacionamiento posterior de la Secundaria Baley (1310 East Hwy 66).
When: Tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. until food is gone.
Where: Baley Middle School (1310 East Hwy 66) in the back parking lot.
Nos enorgullece asociarnos con el Banco de Alimentos del Norte de Texas en el Programa de Despensa Escolar, que proporciona alimentos no perecederos y productos frescos de forma gratuita a estudiantes, personal y la comunidad a través de distribuciones escolares. Más información en: https://www.rcisd.org/article/2363602
Cuándo: Mañana de 11:00 a.m. hasta que se agoten los alimentos.
Dónde: En el estacionamiento posterior de la Secundaria Baley (1310 East Hwy 66).
We are proud to partner with the North Texas Food Bank with the School Pantry Program providing free shelf-stable food & fresh produce to students, staff & the community through school-based distributions. More information at: https://www.rcisd.org/article/2363602
When: Tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. until food is gone.
Where: Baley Middle School (1310 East Hwy 66) in the back parking lot.
Nos enorgullece asociarnos con el Banco de Alimentos del Norte de Texas en el Programa de Despensa Escolar, que proporciona alimentos no perecederos y productos frescos de forma gratuita a estudiantes, personal y la comunidad a través de distribuciones escolares. Más información en: https://www.rcisd.org/article/2363602
Cuándo: Mañana de 11:00 a.m. hasta que se agoten los alimentos.
Dónde: En el estacionamiento posterior de la Secundaria Baley (1310 East Hwy 66).
When: Tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. until food is gone.
Where: Baley Middle School (1310 East Hwy 66) in the back parking lot.
Nos enorgullece asociarnos con el Banco de Alimentos del Norte de Texas en el Programa de Despensa Escolar, que proporciona alimentos no perecederos y productos frescos de forma gratuita a estudiantes, personal y la comunidad a través de distribuciones escolares. Más información en: https://www.rcisd.org/article/2363602
Cuándo: Mañana de 11:00 a.m. hasta que se agoten los alimentos.
Dónde: En el estacionamiento posterior de la Secundaria Baley (1310 East Hwy 66).
We are proud to partner with the North Texas Food Bank with the School Pantry Program providing free shelf-stable food & fresh produce to students, staff & the community through school-based distributions. More information at: https://www.rcisd.org/article/2363602
When: Tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. until food is gone.
Where: Baley Middle School (1310 East Hwy 66) in the back parking lot.
Nos enorgullece asociarnos con el Banco de Alimentos del Norte de Texas en el Programa de Despensa Escolar, que proporciona alimentos no perecederos y productos frescos de forma gratuita a estudiantes, personal y la comunidad a través de distribuciones escolares. Más información en: https://www.rcisd.org/article/2363602
Cuándo: Mañana de 11:00 a.m. hasta que se agoten los alimentos.
Dónde: En el estacionamiento posterior de la Secundaria Baley (1310 East Hwy 66).
When: Tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. until food is gone.
Where: Baley Middle School (1310 East Hwy 66) in the back parking lot.
Nos enorgullece asociarnos con el Banco de Alimentos del Norte de Texas en el Programa de Despensa Escolar, que proporciona alimentos no perecederos y productos frescos de forma gratuita a estudiantes, personal y la comunidad a través de distribuciones escolares. Más información en: https://www.rcisd.org/article/2363602
Cuándo: Mañana de 11:00 a.m. hasta que se agoten los alimentos.
Dónde: En el estacionamiento posterior de la Secundaria Baley (1310 East Hwy 66).
Enjoy the long weekend! 🌷
Just a reminder that there is no school this Friday, April 3rd, or Monday, April 6th (Bad Weather Make-up Day).
We look forward to seeing students back in class on Tuesday, April 7th!
Just a reminder that there is no school this Friday, April 3rd, or Monday, April 6th (Bad Weather Make-up Day).
We look forward to seeing students back in class on Tuesday, April 7th!
Wishing the RCISD Family a safe Spring Break full of adventures, good books, and plenty of time in the sunshine!
#experienceRCISD
#experienceRCISD
Kona Ice is this THURSDAY, March 12th!
Here is the link to pay online:
https://customer.kona-ice.com/#/K3733618972
Here is the link to pay online:
https://customer.kona-ice.com/#/K3733618972
🌸 Spring Break is almost here, Paula Walker Elementary families! 🌸
It’s time to gear up for a well-deserved break.
Please take note of our upcoming schedule:
📅 March 16th – 20th: Spring Break (No School)
📅 March 23rd: Professional Learning Day for Staff (No School for students)
🏫 March 24th: School Resumes!
We hope all our students have a fun and safe week off. See you back on Tuesday the 24th! ✨
It’s time to gear up for a well-deserved break.
Please take note of our upcoming schedule:
📅 March 16th – 20th: Spring Break (No School)
📅 March 23rd: Professional Learning Day for Staff (No School for students)
🏫 March 24th: School Resumes!
We hope all our students have a fun and safe week off. See you back on Tuesday the 24th! ✨
Calling all Kindergarten Families: Join us for the Kindergarten Rodeo! We can’t wait to see all of our cowboys and cowgirls! 🤠 🐴
We are proud to partner with the North Texas Food Bank with the School Pantry Program providing free shelf-stable food & fresh produce to students, staff & the community through school-based distributions. More information at: https://www.rcisd.org/article/2363602
When: Tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. until food is gone.
Where: Baley Middle School (1310 East Hwy 66) in the back parking lot.
Nos enorgullece asociarnos con el Banco de Alimentos del Norte de Texas en el Programa de Despensa Escolar, que proporciona alimentos no perecederos y productos frescos de forma gratuita a estudiantes, personal y la comunidad a través de distribuciones escolares. Más información en: https://www.rcisd.org/article/2363602
Cuándo: Mañana de 11:00 a.m. hasta que se agoten los alimentos.
Dónde: En el estacionamiento posterior de la Secundaria Baley (1310 East Hwy 66).
When: Tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. until food is gone.
Where: Baley Middle School (1310 East Hwy 66) in the back parking lot.
Nos enorgullece asociarnos con el Banco de Alimentos del Norte de Texas en el Programa de Despensa Escolar, que proporciona alimentos no perecederos y productos frescos de forma gratuita a estudiantes, personal y la comunidad a través de distribuciones escolares. Más información en: https://www.rcisd.org/article/2363602
Cuándo: Mañana de 11:00 a.m. hasta que se agoten los alimentos.
Dónde: En el estacionamiento posterior de la Secundaria Baley (1310 East Hwy 66).
Join us on Thursday, April 2nd, from 5-7:00 p.m. for the Royse City ISD Job Fair! Learn about our amazing students, meet some of our dedicated administrators and staff, and hear about the future of the district.
*Due to forecasted severe weather on March 10th, the RCISD Job Fair has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 2nd.
🌟 Celebrate Our Walker UIL Super Stars!
We are so proud of our students' hard work and dedication this UIL season! Please join us at the Paula Walker Bistro on Friday, March 6th to recognize their incredible achievements across the district.
Award Ceremony Schedule:
2nd & 3rd Grade: 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
4th & 5th Grade: 1:50 PM – 2:20 PM
We will be handing out medals, ribbons, and participation awards, as well as announcing individual and team placements.
How You Can Help:
To make this celebration extra special for our kids, we are looking for a few donations. If you’re able to contribute, please check out our sign-up sheet to see what is needed:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D4AA4A62CA2FE3-62646622-walkers
We can’t wait to see you there and cheer on our UIL Super Stars! 🏅
We are so proud of our students' hard work and dedication this UIL season! Please join us at the Paula Walker Bistro on Friday, March 6th to recognize their incredible achievements across the district.
Award Ceremony Schedule:
2nd & 3rd Grade: 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
4th & 5th Grade: 1:50 PM – 2:20 PM
We will be handing out medals, ribbons, and participation awards, as well as announcing individual and team placements.
How You Can Help:
To make this celebration extra special for our kids, we are looking for a few donations. If you’re able to contribute, please check out our sign-up sheet to see what is needed:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D4AA4A62CA2FE3-62646622-walkers
We can’t wait to see you there and cheer on our UIL Super Stars! 🏅
Join us for the opportunity to preview the full range of instructional materials that are being considered for implementation in the 2026–2027 school year.
We are excited to announce the upcoming Royse City ISD Special Programs Parent Resource Fair! This event is a fantastic opportunity for our families to connect with essential services, including financial planning and career support, as well as specialized learning tools.
Event Details
Date: February 25, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Royse City ISD Event Center (670 South FM 2642, Royse City, TX 75189)
Help our SPED Department with the Campus Challenge to Win a Prize!
We want to see our community show up in full force! To add some friendly competition, we are tracking attendance by campus.
The Elementary campus and the Secondary campus with the highest number of families in attendance will each win a prize! Please encourage your parents to attend and ensure they check in under your campus name.
Thank you for your continued support in bridging the gap between our schools and our families.
Let’s make this a great turnout!
Event Details
Date: February 25, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Royse City ISD Event Center (670 South FM 2642, Royse City, TX 75189)
Help our SPED Department with the Campus Challenge to Win a Prize!
We want to see our community show up in full force! To add some friendly competition, we are tracking attendance by campus.
The Elementary campus and the Secondary campus with the highest number of families in attendance will each win a prize! Please encourage your parents to attend and ensure they check in under your campus name.
Thank you for your continued support in bridging the gap between our schools and our families.
Let’s make this a great turnout!
As we hit the midpoint of the year, our Walker Care Closet is in need of a mid-year restock. We are looking for donations to ensure our students and families have the essentials they need to succeed. Every contribution makes a difference, and your help is greatly appreciated! Please scan the QR code in the graphic to see our current needs or to find out how to give.
We are proud to partner with the North Texas Food Bank with the School Pantry Program providing free shelf-stable food & fresh produce to students, staff & the community through school-based distributions. More information at: https://www.rcisd.org/article/2363602
When: Tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. until food is gone.
Where: Baley Middle School (1310 East Hwy 66) in the back parking lot.
Nos enorgullece asociarnos con el Banco de Alimentos del Norte de Texas en el Programa de Despensa Escolar, que proporciona alimentos no perecederos y productos frescos de forma gratuita a estudiantes, personal y la comunidad a través de distribuciones escolares. Más información en: https://www.rcisd.org/article/2363602
Cuándo: Mañana de 11:00 a.m. hasta que se agoten los alimentos.
Dónde: En el estacionamiento posterior de la Secundaria Baley (1310 East Hwy 66).
When: Tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. until food is gone.
Where: Baley Middle School (1310 East Hwy 66) in the back parking lot.
Nos enorgullece asociarnos con el Banco de Alimentos del Norte de Texas en el Programa de Despensa Escolar, que proporciona alimentos no perecederos y productos frescos de forma gratuita a estudiantes, personal y la comunidad a través de distribuciones escolares. Más información en: https://www.rcisd.org/article/2363602
Cuándo: Mañana de 11:00 a.m. hasta que se agoten los alimentos.
Dónde: En el estacionamiento posterior de la Secundaria Baley (1310 East Hwy 66).
🏆 UIL Competition Week is Here!
It’s officially time for our students to shine! We have an exciting week of UIL competitions ahead, and we want to make sure everyone is geared up and ready to go. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming events:
🏫 Thursday & Friday: On-Campus Competitions
During school hours this Thursday and Friday, students will be competing in various events right here at the school.
Attendance: Because these events take place throughout the school day in various classrooms, these competitions are closed to the public. This allows our competitors to stay focused and keeps our campus routines running smoothly.
📍 Saturday: Bailey Middle School
Events for Listening Skills, Oral Reading, and Storytelling will be held this Saturday at Bailey Middle School from 8:30 - 12pm.
Parent Supervision: Parents are required to accompany their children to Bailey Middle School and must remain on-site until their child’s specific competition is completed.
🎖️ Awards & Recognition
We know everyone is anxious to hear the results! We are currently finalizing the details for our Awards Celebration Day. As soon as the date is approved, we will send out an announcement. This will be the special moment where students find out how they placed and receive the awards they’ve worked so hard to earn.
It’s officially time for our students to shine! We have an exciting week of UIL competitions ahead, and we want to make sure everyone is geared up and ready to go. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming events:
🏫 Thursday & Friday: On-Campus Competitions
During school hours this Thursday and Friday, students will be competing in various events right here at the school.
Attendance: Because these events take place throughout the school day in various classrooms, these competitions are closed to the public. This allows our competitors to stay focused and keeps our campus routines running smoothly.
📍 Saturday: Bailey Middle School
Events for Listening Skills, Oral Reading, and Storytelling will be held this Saturday at Bailey Middle School from 8:30 - 12pm.
Parent Supervision: Parents are required to accompany their children to Bailey Middle School and must remain on-site until their child’s specific competition is completed.
🎖️ Awards & Recognition
We know everyone is anxious to hear the results! We are currently finalizing the details for our Awards Celebration Day. As soon as the date is approved, we will send out an announcement. This will be the special moment where students find out how they placed and receive the awards they’ve worked so hard to earn.
**Correction - Not a Raffle - Now a Silent Auction**
Get ready for a cozy night of community and creativity! Paula Walker Elementary is hosting a special campus-wide event on February 26th that combines student performances with a great cause.
The evening features a 2nd Grade Music Program, a "Bedtime Stories" session, and a Silent Auction to help raise funds for Teacher Appreciation Week. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite pajamas and bring a blanket for maximum comfort.
Get ready for a cozy night of community and creativity! Paula Walker Elementary is hosting a special campus-wide event on February 26th that combines student performances with a great cause.
The evening features a 2nd Grade Music Program, a "Bedtime Stories" session, and a Silent Auction to help raise funds for Teacher Appreciation Week. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite pajamas and bring a blanket for maximum comfort.
🌙 Bedtime Stories & Silent Auction!
Join us at Paula Walker Elementary on February 26th for a magical evening dedicated to our students and staff. This campus-wide event features our talented 2nd graders and offers a fun way to support a great cause.
🗓️ Event Schedule:
5:30 – 6:00 PM: Raffle & Silent Auction (Round 1)
6:00 – 6:30 PM: 2nd Grade Music Program
6:30 – 7:00 PM: Bedtime Stories
7:00 – 7:15 PM: Finalize Raffle & Silent Auction
✨ What to Bring:
Comfort is key! Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite PJs and bring a cozy blanket to enjoy the stories and music.
All proceeds from the raffle and silent auction go directly toward raising funds for Teacher Appreciation Week. Let's come together to show our educators how much they mean to us!
Join us at Paula Walker Elementary on February 26th for a magical evening dedicated to our students and staff. This campus-wide event features our talented 2nd graders and offers a fun way to support a great cause.
🗓️ Event Schedule:
5:30 – 6:00 PM: Raffle & Silent Auction (Round 1)
6:00 – 6:30 PM: 2nd Grade Music Program
6:30 – 7:00 PM: Bedtime Stories
7:00 – 7:15 PM: Finalize Raffle & Silent Auction
✨ What to Bring:
Comfort is key! Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite PJs and bring a cozy blanket to enjoy the stories and music.
All proceeds from the raffle and silent auction go directly toward raising funds for Teacher Appreciation Week. Let's come together to show our educators how much they mean to us!
Monday, February 16: No School for Students
Monday, February 16th, is a student holiday. Students do not report to campus. District offices and campuses will be open for staff development.
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Lunes 16 de febrero Noy hay clases para los estudiantes
El lunes 16 de febrero los estudiantes no deben presentarse en la escuela. Las oficinas del distrito y las escuelas estarán abiertas para el desarrollo profesional del personal.
Monday, February 16th, is a student holiday. Students do not report to campus. District offices and campuses will be open for staff development.
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Lunes 16 de febrero Noy hay clases para los estudiantes
El lunes 16 de febrero los estudiantes no deben presentarse en la escuela. Las oficinas del distrito y las escuelas estarán abiertas para el desarrollo profesional del personal.
