It looks like winter has finally found us! I hope your holidays were blessed and full of joy. This season was extra special for me. I traveled with my family, and when I say family, I mean Papa from California, Nana from New Mexico, and daughter from Colorado, to watch my son graduate from college in Florida. College was not in the "plan" for my son. He entered the military and served in the Army National Guard immediately after high school. (This is a picture of my "kids". I call them Fred 1 & Fred 2!)

My son was so different from my daughter. She was a straight "A" student, independent, and determined. My son was the opposite. As a mom, I would worry about my kid's futures. I'm sure some of you worry about your kids, too.

If I had known when he was little and did not start talking until he was almost four years old or when he was pulled out of class in the third grade to get extra help learning to read because he didn't pass the state test that he would be on the Dean's list in college, I would not have stressed that he was "behind" the other kids.

If I had known when he was bullied by a group of boys in junior high and suspended on the last day of school for fighting that he would become a strong and courageous U.S. soldier, I would not have worried that he was not popular.

If I had known when he wanted to quit the high school football team or when he played video games nonstop and I had to make him do his homework, he would have been on a security team that flew drones and performed remote surveillance in Africa. He would eventually use those same skills to pursue a degree in space flight operations, so I would not have been so upset when he brought home a "C" on his report card.

Watching him cross the stage with a diploma in hand made me realize that over the years, I sweated a lot of small things. I gave up opportunities to enjoy my son growing up because I was too worried about what others may think or about a future I could not control. Oh, how I wish to have those days back, to play more and hug more instead of making him do more homework.

This mama's heart is grateful to know what I didn't know then. As this new year begins, do not sweat the small stuff. Enjoy every moment you can with your children. Play more, hug more, and love more.

Did you know...?

School board members are volunteers. Our trustees give their time and service to our school district as an act of community. They are not paid. They all have jobs outside of the school district and families of their own to care for. Yet, they still find time to give!

Show up for our students and staff. SISD trustees are everywhere, which is what makes them unique. You will see them at athletic events, performances, committee meetings, and UIL competitions, in addition to attending monthly school board meetings and workshops.

Provide governance for the school district. The school board primarily establishes policy that defines the district's environment and practices. They employ me, the superintendent, and hold me accountable for the day-to-day operations of our schools and departments. They also ensure the management of district resources by approving an annual operating budget.

They love Sharyland ISD. If ever there was a group of people representing the red and gray that runs through our veins, it's our school board members. They are some of the most fun and loving people you will ever meet. They are each different and gifted in specific areas. Their uniqueness is what makes them an extraordinary team of leaders. Their pride for all of our students and staff is without measure. They advocate for us and stand with us every day!

THANK YOU, BOARD MEMBERS! WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOU!

Our parent advisory group is AMAZING! Before the break, they spent time reading to students at Martinez ES in classrooms. Teachers were given a short break while we read to the kids and gave them snacks and treats. Thank you, Principal Montes and the RMES team, for letting us participate in the fun! There is just something special when a parent takes the time to show up for someone else's kid; there is power in the community!

I shared a meal for a cause this December with the PHS Future Farmers of America (FFA) Booster Club. Shout out to our school board members, Hector Rivera and Julio Cerda, who attended the event.

Each year, the FFA boosters come together to eat and have fun. They also use the event to collect toys for students in our community during the holiday season. It was awesome to watch our students serve their parents meals. The food was great. But the best part was listening to all the good conversations, the laughter, and the pride expressed for their kids' achievements. We didn't plan it, but our picture sort of looks like a Christmas tree! A special thank you to booster club president Irene Camacho for inviting me to the event!

Okay, you will want to have tissue ready for this one! Sharyland HS Chemistry Club sponsor teacher, Ofelia Garza, and co-sponsor Roxy Treviño made the Christmas season extra special for some of their classmates. Club members assisted their classmates in making crystallized ornaments. This fun science lab did so much more than just teach about the physical changes of a substance; it taught all of us about the power of kindness and friendship. There was so much talking, laughing, and creating going on in that room; for the moment, there were no differences. I looked across the room and saw kids being kids and friends. If anyone asks about a Sharyland ISD kid, say one word back "Bombdiggity!"

We wrapped up the calendar year with a splash of color and creativity at our Staff Advisory Committee meeting – and it came with a fun twist! Our talented Sharyland High School Art teachers led us through a guided painting session, teaching us to create festive Christmas trees. Talk about turning “tree-mendous” ideas into art! Of course, it wouldn’t be a true holiday gathering without a table full of treats brought in by our committee members. Between brushstrokes and bites, we shared district updates, answered questions, and connected in a relaxed and joyful setting. It was a “masterpiece” meeting to remember, blending creativity, communication, and community spirit!

I’m thrilled to spotlight our November honorees, David Ceballos from Jensen Elementary and Samuel Geddes from Shimotsu Elementary! Each month, we celebrate students who exemplify leadership, service, and integrity at our board meetings. These role models shine both in and out of the classroom, embodying the values of Sharyland ISD. A heartfelt thank you to our parents and guardians for your support and trust!

Every holiday season, B.L. Gray Jr. High continues a heartfelt tradition of generosity and remembrance that began as a labor of love by one of our cherished teachers, Mrs. Michele Hinsley. With a deeply personal connection to the Vannie E. Cook Children’s Clinic—where her daughter Emily received care before sadly losing her battle with cancer—Mrs. Hinsley's story inspired a lasting tribute in Emily’s honor.

Led by Mr. Bewley and his classes, the school organizes a Christmas toy or stocking drive each year, delivering gifts to bring joy and hope to children at the clinic. This season, our Board President, Maritza Venecia, graciously accepted the donations on behalf of the clinic and personally delivered the festive items.

We are incredibly proud of our students for their kindness and compassion, showing that the true spirit of the season lives in their giving hearts. Their actions honor Emily’s legacy and set a tone of hope and generosity as we step into the new year.

"When we listen with love, we teach our children that their voice matters."

NEW!!! The 2025-2026 approved school calendars have been posted.

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