students

About

Campus Information

Year Open:

Bond Year:

School Mascot: Gladiators

School colors: Black, Silver

Mission Statement:
At Dr. Hector P. Garcia Middle School, we:
Grow - Critical thinkers who positively impact society
Reflect - On our relevant and rigorous instruction
Inspire - A love of learning
Take ownership of every student’s learning experience as a team with parents and community

Vision Statement: Garcia Middle School will educate and empower lifelong learners who are responsible, contributing citizens in a diverse, evolving world.

Namesake

District handbook
School handbook
(Manual de la escuela)
Mateo Macias
Mateo Macias - Principal
Howdy Gladiator Nation! I am excited to have the opportunity to serve as Principal at Dr. Hector P. Garcia Middle School. My educational background includes a B.B.A. in Economics from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Education in Administration from Lamar University. In 2007, I began my career in education at Hearne High School in a small town outside of the Bryan/College Station area. I taught all high school social studies courses and coached football, basketball, and baseball. The following school year, I was blessed to have the opportunity to teach and coach at A&M Consolidated High School in College Station. After my wife graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M in 2011, we made the decision to move to San Antonio. I taught AP Macroeconomics at Roosevelt High School for six years before becoming an assistant principal at Krueger Middle School. In October 2021, I was blessed to begin my journey as a Garcia Gladiator, and I am honored to now serve our school community as Principal.

I started my 17th year in education in July with the support of my wife and our two children. We love to travel and play pickleball. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, attending local sporting events, and learning about the latest in the automotive world.

I firmly believe that every student deserves a high-quality educational experience every day. It is our responsibility to prepare our students for the future by encouraging them to become creators, collaborators, communicators, critical thinkers, leaders, learners, innovators, and solution-finders. I will do my best to be a positive role model for all students and lead by example.
Lynda DeSutter
Lynda DeSutter - Associate Principal

The Associate Principal also serves as the Campus Behavior Coordinator. They can be reached by email at lynda.desutter@nisd.net or by phone at 210-397-8415.

  • Lori Persyn
    210-397-8418
    lori.persyn@nisd.net
    Lori Persyn
    Academic Dean

    It is an honor that I get to serve as your Garcia Middle School Academic Dean!

    I am extremely excited to continue to partner with you to ensure your child develops a strong academic foundation at HGMS. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Texas A&M University and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership from The University of Texas San Antonio. The 2023-24 school year will mark my 15th year in education. Personally, I am originally from a small Texas town in the Panhandle. My husband is a retired middle school principal, and we share three children. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, reading, hiking, going to sporting events and spending time with my family.

    I believe that strong, trusting relationships (at every level) are at the core of student learning. I also believe that if we live our values, they become a part of our culture, drive decisions and then have the power to improve schools. As Academic Dean, I work with all stakeholders to support a shared vision to ensure that everyone not only feels valued, but also understands their role in supporting and empowering students to reach their full academic potential. My door is always open to you and I am looking forward to a wonderful school year.

  • Olivia Chamberlain
    olivia.chamberlain@nisd.net
    Olivia Chamberlain
    Assistant Principal

    Hello Gladiators! I am honored to serve as the Assistant Principal of Hector Garcia Middle School. Education has always been my passion, and I am excited to begin this journey alongside incredible students, staff, and community.

    I am a proud graduate of Texas A&M University Kingsville, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders. I later pursued my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Angelo State University in order to further my impact in education and leadership.

    November 2025 marks my 13th year with Northside ISD. During my time in NISD, I have had the privilege of teaching Special Education in a variety of capacities and grade levels. These experiences have shaped my belief that every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and challenged to reach their fullest potential. Originally from the Rio Grande Valley, I now proudly call San Antonio home. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, and making memories with my husband and our four wonderful daughters. All of our girls attend NISD schools, and our oldest is proud to be a UTSA Roadrunner! (Birds Up)

    My goal this year is to build strong, meaningful relationships with our students, families, and staff. By fostering open communication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. I believe we can ensure academic growth and success for all Gladiators. I am looking forward to a fantastic school year, and I want you to know that my door is always open. Together, we will make this a great year at Hector Garcia Middle School!