Dr. Howard's Headlines
September 2024
I spent some time visiting classrooms during the past couple of weeks and met a new "friend" in kindergarten at Bentsen Elementary. As I entered the room, she hopped up from her seat and pointed; I thought at something behind me. She began squealing in her sweet little girl voice, "Monkey!" As I turned to look behind me, she giggled and said, "No, you look like a monkey. You have monkey ears!" I could not help but laugh with her because it's true! (The cute kid in the photo is of Miss Jackie P. She attends Martinez ES. We met on a recent bus ride!)
First, I love monkeys! So, I took her observation as a huge compliment. Second, I also love her honesty. I am reminded that kids say whatever is on their minds. It is important that our students, staff, and community can say what is on their minds. I have found that most people have kind and thoughtful things to say, as I have been able to visit with them in the stands or at events around the district.
When we meet, I will ask you how things are going. I hope you are comfortable enough to tell me what's on your mind. I promise to pass along the compliments and praise and consider the concerns and criticism. Being a good listener is 50% of a conversation. I won't have all the answers, but I can be pretty resourceful. I am serving alongside a very talented group of individuals who know way more than I do about a lot of things. We are here to connect, hear you, and serve you! I'll share more about some opportunities to engage in the conversation below! - Dr. Howard
Parent Advisory Membership
- (1) Campus SPTSO President
- (2) Parent/Guardians selected by lottery
All applicants will receive a notification to inform them if they are selected.
Applications close on Sept. 30, 2024.
The Wonderful Citrus Annual Run for Autism - Raises $22,515 for SISD
A special thanks to our students, staff, and families who participated in the Wonderful Citrus Annual Run for Autism last weekend. I am especially grateful to the Wonderful Company, which donated $22,515 to help support social programs and activities for our students with autism.
Classroom Doors Locked During Instruction
I have asked for all classroom doors to be locked when students are in the room and for windows in classroom doors to be free from anything that could obstruct the view. I want to acknowledge the work of our teachers and campus administrators, who make these changes to keep your kids safe. Compliance is being monitored, and I am happy to report our teachers have complied with the new requirements.
Our district safety committee will meet throughout the school year to review our procedures and be informed of best safety practices for schools.
Mission Police Dept. to Present on School Threats and Safety
Please join us for a series of Parent/Guardian Safety Meetings with the Mission Police Department to address recent school threats on social media. Throughout this month, the police department will also be presenting the same information to students across all campuses. Our partners will discuss best practices for safety, the legal consequences of posting or sharing threats via text, social media, or chats, and how to report them properly.
Your involvement is essential in helping us keep our schools safe! We are grateful for our strong partnership with the City of Mission and Mission PD and the dedicated officers who work tirelessly to protect our community every day.
A Humble Request for Nominations!
We invite you to nominate your favorite Teacher, Principal, or School Counselor for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. Nominations for the 2025 awards close on October 7, 2024, so please take a moment to recognize Sharyland ISD as your favorite school district and school board!
The H-E-B Excellence in Education program awards cash grants to finalists, winners, and their schools, creating opportunities that can bring significant benefits to our community. Let’s celebrate the incredible educators in our lives! Nominate today at H-E-B Loves Teachers. Thank you for your support!
In Case You Missed It: Free Meals for All Students!
Sharyland ISD is excited to announce that we are providing free meals to all students across our campuses! This initiative aims to ensure that every student has access to nutritious meals, promoting their health and well-being. For more details, check out the full Progress Times article here. We’re committed to supporting our students and their families!
Wrap Up of National Attendance Awareness Month!
As September comes to a close, I want to emphasize the vital role of attendance in student success. Students who miss more than 10% of school days face significant learning challenges.
Remember, “Attend today, achieve tomorrow.” Let’s commit to keeping our children present and engaged every day. Your support makes a difference in their education! Thank you for prioritizing attendance this month and beyond.
Join Us for National Night Out – Visit Sharyland ISD!
We have two exciting National Night Out events coming up in our community! Sharyland ISD is proud to partner with local police departments for this special occasion.
Event Dates and Locations:
- City of Palmhurst: October 22nd at North Mission Church of Christ Park
- City of Alton: October 24th at Sylvia Vela Park
Stop by our Sharyland ISD booths to say hi, pick up some cool swag, and enjoy fun games and student performances! We can’t wait to see you there!
