Dr. Howard's Headlines
October 2024
We Are Sharyland ISD - Of Course We Are "Bombdiggity!"
Whew! What a month October has been! This month, I served food in the lunch line and cleaned the cafeteria at North JH. I ran a race against two fast students at Shimotsu ES at the dismissal line, and they beat me! I rode a Harley motorcycle and followed our Shary HS Bronze Medalist Tennis team at their send-off celebration to the State Finals.
I was honored to induct the student council at Jensen ES. I hung out with Mr. Huddleston and the rest of the 4th grade team at Wernecke ES. I played Barbie at Pioneer HS and rode in the parade at Sharyland HS. I watched BL Gray JH v North play their snakeskin game; I sat at the goalpost to show my support for both teams. I attended the Rattler Round Up with the Pioneer HS and Sharyland HS CTE Ag students and met a goat named Clyde!
I helped decorate our principal's cars just for fun, met with the Parent Advisory group, and snuck into Ms. Garza's chemistry lab. I ate pie with the Mayor at Shary ES. Did you know there was such a thing as grapefruit pie?!?! And I'll be on the sidelines watching our "Bombdiggity" Marching Bands take the field at state on Monday.
The most rewarding part of this month has been spending time with you, our incredible community! Everywhere I was this month, so were you. You are special; it must be in the water. I have never witnessed such parent and community support as at Sharyland ISD. Thanks to all our moms and dads, Abuelos y Abuelas, friends, family, guardians, and others who "show up" for our kids. Your love fills in all the gaps and makes our school district whole! Thank you!
Team of 8 Retreat: Strengthening Our Future Together
Congratulations to the Sharyland High School Tennis Team – Bronze Medalists!
Our SHS Tennis UIL State Tournament bronze medalists and Region IV champions have given our community so much to be proud of—not just because they are amazing tennis players but also because they are amazing students and role models. The team took a "road tour" as they headed out of town, stopping by Martinez ES and Bentsen ES. Watching our elementary school students cheer on their tennis team celebrities during their send-off to state was so special.
Each team member took time to give high-fives and hugs and celebrate with their elementary school fans! I even saw the coaches and high schoolers shed a few tears of appreciation, which made me cry! I'm so glad we are family!
We're Running and Marching to State!
Cross Country Running in the State Championship!
Okay, I'll be the first to confess that I only run to the refrigerator and back to the couch. I proudly announce that our high schools will be well represented at the State Championship race in Round Rock, Texas. Cross-country runners are a special breed of awesomeness; these are the long-haulers who can tune out the world and run for miles and miles at a time. This year's state qualifiers are Diamondback David Zuniga, Rattler's Nathan Solis and Sofia Garza! RUN ON! Sharyland ISD is so proud of you!
PHS and SHS Marching Bands Are State Bound!
I want to extend a huge congratulations to the Pioneer Diamondback and the Sharyland Rattler Bands on their performances at the UIL Area G Marching Contest this past weekend! Both bands will advance to the state competition next week!
I am honored to have represented our school community in a meeting with the UIL Area G Executive Committee following concerns raised by a neighboring school district. You may have heard a reprimand has been issued for violating the UIL constitution regarding instructional minutes. The students were on a school bus when they should have been in a classroom. I accept responsibility.
The reprimand does NOT mean our students' integrity or musical abilities are void. Our students and band directors are worthy of their achievements. I will stand beside them should anyone say differently. After all was said and done, the committee affirmed our band students' eligibility to compete at state. So cheer them on as they make us proud!
Superintendent Parent Advisory Group
Thank you to our Parent Advisory Group Members who joined me this month to discuss "What you hope your child will take away from their educational experience at Sharyland ISD." Here is what I learned.
- You want your child to have great memories of being a student at SISD
- You want all extracurriculars to be treated the same, about resources and support
- You want your child to feel safe without being scared about potential threats of danger and violence
- You want your child to have the flexibility to be involved in more than one extracurricular activity (it should be celebrated, not be discouraged)
- You want the district to instill the importance of having a college degree
- You want the district to improve the facilities
- You want students to have more social learning experiences, teaching them skills they will use in the “real world” working with others
Unsung Heroes
Honoring Our Incredible Custodians!
National School Lunch Week: Heroes Wear Aprons Too!
Celebrating Our Principals: Champions of Sharyland ISD!
Sharyland ISD Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
Safety Updates
Fentanyl Awareness Month: Educating for a Safer Tomorrow
When Being Funny Isn't Funny Anymore - Making False Threats of Violence
Did you know there are more and more reports every day of students being arrested for making false threats of violence or terroristic threats against schools, their classmates, or teachers?
When a report of a student making a threat is made, we have to treat it as a critical safety incident. We may place our schools on hold or lockdowns depending on the threat level. Students are questioned and searched, and a behavior threat assessment is conducted. We must also notify the police. Students could face disciplinary action, or the police may take action.
Thank you for helping us by talking with your child about school safety and choosing their words wisely. Encourage them to report to a trusted adult if they ever hear another student make a threat of violence. We care about all of our students and want them to feel safe in school!
Denim and Diamonds
Thank you to to the Sharyland ISD Education Foundation
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made the Sharyland ISD Education Foundation's Denim & Diamonds 2024 event with the Eli Young Band so unforgettable! It was a beautiful evening filled with good friends, wonderful music, and a true sense of community. We are incredibly fortunate to have a community grounded in generosity and dedication. Your support is vital in enriching the lives of our students and teachers. Thank you, Sharyland Education Foundation, for hosting such a fantastic event!
One Community, One Spirit: Join Us for the Snakeskin Classic!
I invite our entire community to come together this Friday at 7:00 PM at Richard Thompson Stadium for the Snakeskin Classic! This year, the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks will host the Sharyland Rattlers in a celebration of unity and spirit. Let’s gather under the Friday night lights as one community, where sportsmanship will shine and we proudly support all our district athletes. Together, we can create an unforgettable atmosphere of positivity and camaraderie!
Sharyland ISD Hosts Elementary Student Leadership Clinic
Sharyland ISD Student Spotlight: Celebrating Our Shining Stars
Sharyland ISD Celebrates National Night Out!
We had a fantastic time participating in two exciting National Night Out events alongside our local police departments! In the City of Palmhurst and the City of Alton, our community stopped by our booths to say hello, grab some cool swag, and enjoy fun games and student performances. A special shoutout to our Transportation Department for their efforts in enhancing community outreach and connecting with our students and families. Together, we’re building a safer, stronger community!
Inspired Parenting: Quote of the Month
"Grace is our greatest ally; it teaches us to respond with kindness, understanding that every moment is an opportunity to nurture love and resilience in our children."
Thank you for choosing Sharyland ISD for your family. We are honored to serve you as partners in education. Your trust means everything to us, and we are committed to providing an exceptional Sharyland ISD experience. Together, we’re shaping the future, one student at a time. Thank you for being a valued part of our community.
Sharyland ISD...Excellence is Our Tradition
Headquartered in Mission, TX, Sharyland ISD serves students across five municipalities with a dedicated team of nearly 1,400 employees. The district is committed to academic excellence and innovation, guiding nearly 10,000 students across 14 campuses. Led by Superintendent Dr. Elaine Howard, Sharyland ISD operates under the guiding principle of "Excellence is our Tradition." Sharyland ISD's mission is to inspire, educate, and empower students, ensuring a legacy of educational excellence and unparalleled service.
For general inquiries, please contact us at (956) 580-5200.
For enrollment-related questions, call (956) 584-6408.
The Sharyland Independent School District prohibits discrimination, including harassment, against any employee or student based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint process is a violation of District Policy and is strictly prohibited.