Parents, students get new school update

COUPLAND NEWS | Susan Garry Parents, students get new school update

COUPLAND — Recent informational sessions are giving parents and pupils a more in-depth look at the new junior-senior high school debuting soon in the Coupland Independent School District.

It opens in August. Superintendent Earl Parcell announced construction is going well at the site on CR 460. “If you have driven by the campus on CR 460 or on FM 1466, you will notice brickwork and windows on the building,” Parcell said. “Inside, the walls have been installed and (heating-air conditioning- ventilation) ductwork is all hung.”

Registration for the 2026-27 school year has begun, and there will be a Coupland Junior High and High School Registration Celebration Night March 4. More details will be announced soon, officials said.

“Current eighthgraders will be the next graduating class, the class of 2030, from Coupland High School and the first since the 1940s,” Parcell said.

The district’s last high school closed more than eight decades ago.

The 460 road construction project will begin in January and should be completed in May, officials said. The county road will be widened with left- and right-turn lanes into the school parking lot.

The project also includes a school zone with flashers, road markings and signs, educators added.

In related news, the Middle School University Interscholastic League One Act Play performance was Jan. 23 in

the gym.

In addition, Assistant Principal Kate Knapek said Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System testing is Feb. 24-26 and State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness exams will be in April.

The Middle School Art Show will be March 9 and Spring Break will be March 16-20.

Coupland Country Christmas

Officials with the city said they plan to make the Coupland Country Christmas an annual event.

The first, held Dec. 20, was hosted by the city and Citizens National Bank of Coupland, and organized by Sue Rogers and Machelle Sandbulte.

There were treats and games, and a local version of Santa — “Feliz Navi-Daddy” — handed out piggy banks.

Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 10 provided transportation for Santa.

As part of the event, the St. Peter’s Church of Coupland horseback carolers provided holiday music throughout the town, which they do every Christmas.

Prissy Rumel and her ukulele group entertained with carols.

St. Peter’s Church of Coupland

There is a lot going on at St. Peter’s Church of Coupland, 108 Wathen St., worshippers said.

The Ladies’ Circle will host a Valentines Tea 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Fellowship Hall with games, prizes and lunch.

“Please feel free to come dressed in ‘tea’ attire, hats, purse and gloves included, or dressed in what is comfortable,” Cindy Alexander said.

In addition, the Community Senior Luncheon is 11:30 a.m. March 17 and is hosted by the Ladies’ Circle.

“The meal is free, but donations are appreciated. Attendees can enjoy 42 dominoes and bingo afterward,” Alexander said. “Please bring a $10 bingo prize if you are able, but that’s not necessary.”

Rumel holds a free dance-fitness class at 7 p.m. Mondays at the church, open to the whole community.

The church held its annual congregational meeting Jan. 18. Meanwhile, the Rev. Burt Burleson has begun a series of sermons focused on the verses embodied in the sanctuary wood pieces created by John Thompson.

Sermons and special music can be found at facebook.com/stpeterscoupland; the monthly newsletter is posted at StPetersCoupland.org. For more, call 512-8562433.

New Sweden Lutheran Church

A celebration April 26 featuring lunch and a special program will showcase the 150th anniversary of the New Sweden Lutheran Church, 12809 New Sweden Church Road in Manor, organizers said.

The Lenten season begins Feb. 18, Ash Wednesday, with a service at 7 p.m. Subsequent observances on Wednesdays with meals will run Feb. 25 through March 25, with food at 6 p.m. and the service at 7 p.m.

During Holy Week, there will be a Maundy Thursday service with Holy Communion at 7 p.m. April 2 and a Good Friday Fish Fry with a short film 6 p.m. April 3.

A sunrise service is planned for 7:30 a.m. April 5, Easter morning at the New Sweden Church Cemetery on New Sweden Church Road. That will be followed by breakfast in the parish hall. The Easter celebration is 10:30 a.m.

The church is continuing its free homesteading classes with different topics each month.

Snacks are provided; classes and dates are at newswedenchurch.org.

Bimonthly Bible classes are 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Ladies Bible Study is 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday. Game days are the second, third and fourth Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. starting with a light lunch or snacks.

The church website includes news and events, sermons by the Rev. Hans Lillejord and newsletters.