Floresville ISD announced the Teachers and Students of the Month for October.
Ashton Barrett, 5th grade Science teacher at Floresville North Elementary, has been named one of two Teachers of the Month.
She has been recognized for transforming science from a subject into an experience, turning curiosity into courage and classrooms into communities.
Mrs. Barrett is more than a science teacher—she is a guide, a mentor, and a spark for imagination. In her classroom, science doesn’t live in textbooks—it comes alive in the hands of her students. Whether they're building models, conducting experiments, exploring the outdoors, or questioning the “why” behind the world around them, her students are engaged, empowered, and encouraged every single day.
But what truly sets Mrs. Barrett apart is her heart. She brings not only knowledge but deep compassion into her work. She sees each student for who they are and what they can become. She builds strong, positive relationships that extend far beyond the lesson plan. Her classroom is a safe space where students feel seen, heard, and valued.
Mrs. Barrett goes above and beyond—not because she has to, but because that’s who she is. She plans creative lessons, adapts for every learner, and never stops believing in what her students can achieve.
Her team shared that Mrs. Barrett is an exceptional educator whose passion and energy for science shine through in everything she does. One teacher noted that as both a parent and now a colleague, they have witnessed her dedication firsthand—first to their own child and now to all of her students. Her enthusiasm for teaching, love for learning, and constant encouragement make a lasting impact not only on her students but also on her colleagues. Her support has helped others feel more confident and successful, and the team agrees she is truly the best.
Ava Gambell, a fifth-grader at FNE, is one of two Students of the Month. She is described as an exceptional student and a true leader in the classroom. She is extremely smart, well-versed, and consistently demonstrates strong learning skills. Ava is a role model for her classmates, always setting a positive example through her work ethic, responsibility, and kindness. Her dedication to learning and her willingness to help others make her a standout student who embodies the qualities we value most. Ava has a genuine passion for reading and writing, which shines through in her work and her conversations about books. She serves as in the safety patrol, taking her responsibilities seriously and showing maturity beyond her years. As a member of the gifted and talented program, she continually challenges herself and excels in her studies. Ava’s love for learning, combined with her leadership and integrity, make her an inspiring presence in our school community.
Ava’s future goals include either becoming a creator of prosthetics to support people and animals with special needs and make life easier for them or working as an environmental biologist to learn about the environment and tell people how we can fix it and how we can create a nicer future planet. Her favorite subject is science because she enjoys hands-on experiments and learning about the world around her. Ava’s favorite teacher is Ms. Pfiel, her GT teacher, who inspires her with new challenges and kindness. Outside of school, Ava enjoys playing basketball, taking art classes, spending time with family and friends, visiting parks, and playing with her dog.
Jaycob Morales, also a 5th-grade student at FNE, is the second Student of the Month. He brings life and energy to his classrooms each day through his humor, excitement for learning, and natural leadership. He uses his strengths to draw others into the learning experience, making every student feel included and valued. Jaycob is also a compassionate individual who notices when someone is in need, whether it is help with schoolwork or simply needing a friend, and he steps in with kindness and support. His ability to lift others up while keeping the classroom fun and engaging makes him an outstanding role model and a true asset to our class.
Jaycob's favorite subject is science, where he enjoys learning about chemical reactions, forces, and gravity. Jaycob admires all of his teachers and values the support they provide. Looking ahead, he hopes to attend LSU and pursue his dream of becoming an NFL player. Outside of school, Jaycob loves sports—he plays both basketball and football, currently serving as starting center—and also enjoys spending time outdoors with friends or playing video games.