In the Know
An Internal Newsletter from the SISD Communications Dept.
Sherman ISD Celebrates Staff of the Month Honorees!
September Employee of the Month
Ms. Blanca Slovacek, secretary and receptionist at Fred Douglass Early Childhood Center, was recently named September Employee of the Month by Sherman ISD. This is Ms. Slovacek’s second year in her position, and she maintains confidentiality in all aspects of her job. She is always pleasant and has a smile for anyone that walks through the doors of the campus. Her positivity spills over to staff, students and parents and her customer service is unmatched.
September Team of the Month
The Jefferson Elementary Custodial Staff has been named September Team of the Month for going above and beyond their duties as a team at Jefferson Elementary. Gerry Cooper, Don Crawford and Theresa Urbina each take pride and ownership over their custodial roles at Jefferson Elementary. The team’s nomination form stated that each individual realizes that their job is much more than cleaning the school. They believe they all are providing a clean, safe, and loving environment for all students to learn and staff to teach each day.
September Elementary Teacher of the Month
Washington Elementary 3rd grade Bilingual Teacher, Ms. Vanna Foster has been named September Elementary Teacher of the Month. Washington Elementary respects and admires Ms. Foster because she first shows respect and admiration for each colleague and all students. At the campus level of nominations, a fellow teacher wrote, “I nominate Vanna Foster because she is passionate about forming relationships with students and individualizes subject matter to cater to their needs.” Often times, Ms. Foster can be seen teaching a small group or whole classroom, having math lunch bunch, or mentoring a STAAR one-on-one session. She is dedicated to supporting all staff and working diligently for all children.
September Secondary Teacher of the Month
Sherman High School Science Teacher, Suzanne Green has been named September Secondary Teacher of the Month. Ms. Green is the Team Lead for the school’s Science department and takes an active role in researching student data, in order to properly prepare her students for state, and local, testing. She is known for being one of the most prepared teachers on the SHS campus and for building phenomenal relationships with her students.
SmalTalK with Smalskas!
Assistant Superintendent of Student Engagement & Support, Dr. Tamy Smalskas would like to share helpful information on classroom procedures, management, discipline and student behavior. If you have any questions or helpful tips you may use inside of your classroom, please feel free to reach out and share with Dr. Smalskas at TSmalskas@ShermanISD.net.
Hello Bearcats,
Now is the time of year that many of our seniors are applying for financial aid and our juniors are preparing to apply for college. Listed below are excellent links regarding FAFSA resources and a pre-college checklist for parents and teachers of students in 12th grade. For parents and teachers of 11th-grade students, there is a checklist provided below with information that can help you stay on top of your college and career readiness journey.
Take time to explore some of the resources provided below:
12th grade is the time to apply for admission to college and to apply for federal student aid by filling out the FAFSA®.
11th Grade - For both students and parents, it’s crucial to stay on top of college preparation during the 11th-grade year and the following summer.
Thank you,
Dr. Smalskas
Classroom Corner
October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month
The History of Dyslexia Awareness Month
Dyslexia was first identified in German physician Oswald Berkhan in 1881 and officially named “dyslexia” by ophthalmologist Rudolph Berlin 6 years later. Berkhan discovered the existence of the developmental reading disorder later named dyslexia while studying the case of a young boy who had severe problems learning to read and write properly, despite being overall bright and intellectually and physically capable. Since dyslexia was discovered, physicians the world over have been working on different ways to help the dyslexic manage their disorder, and a special dyslexia font has been invented to help those afflicted to read more easily. Dyslexia Awareness Month was Created by The International Dyslexia Association and takes place over the entire course of October each year.
For additional information on Dyslexia resources in Sherman ISD, you may contact District Dyslexia Coordinator, Kerry Bedgood at KBedgood@ShermaniSD.net.
Helpful links and resources are listed below:
Educational Games for Children with Dyslexia
Sherman ISD Holds Pre-Bid Meeting
We're excited to share updates about the construction process of the new Sherman High School! On Wednesday, October 17, Sherman ISD and Cadence McShane Construction held a pre-bid meeting for the new high school's building package. Several contractors attended the meeting and received information on the bidding process. We're excited to be at this point and look forward to providing you all with more updates! #BuildingBearcats
Sherman ISD School Guardian Program Application Process is Now Open
The safety and security of Sherman ISD students and staff are paramount, and the District fully understands that SISD staff are first on the scene in the event of an emergency intruder situation. As a result, the Board of Trustees established local policies CKC, DH, and GKA to facilitate the implementation of a School Guardian Program. This program permits selected and approved employees to receive the necessary training and carry a concealed firearm on Sherman ISD property. An application process is currently available for interested and eligible employees. If you would like to consider applying as a School Guardian, please contact Tyson Bennett, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, at tbennett@shermanisd.net or 903-891-6415.
Maintenance and Operations
The Maintenance and Operations Department is hiring for custodial and grounds crew positions. If you know someone that would be a great addition to the Bearcat family, please have them visit our website at www.ShermanISD.net to apply online or in person in the Human Resources Department.
The 2018-2019 United Way Campaign is Underway!
United Way Campaign Information
Sherman ISD and Denison ISD are once again working together to raise funds for United Way. Our goal is to raise $114,400 which is a ten percent increase over last year’s combined donation. Our 2018-2019 United Way Campaign runs October 1-31.
If you do not currently give to United Way, please consider making a pledge/donation. The pledge/donation form can be downloaded from the link above. Once you have completed the pledge/donation form, please return it to Judy Hightower at JHightower@ShermanISD.net or at the SISD Administration building. If you have any additional questions about donating, please contact the United Way Campus Coordinators, Judy Hightower at extension 2005 or Julie Mitchell at extension 2017.
United Way Fundraising Events:
Soup’s On -October 18
Homemade soup, cornbread and dessert.
$5.00 per person.
Purchase your ticket from Julie Mitchell October 11th - 17th.
Pumpkin Carving/Decorating Contest-October 29-31
To enter, bring your decorated/carved pumpkin to Julie Mitchell (A120) by 9:00a on October 29th.
Pumpkins will be displayed in the hallway outside the Superintendent’s Office. The pumpkin that raises the most money wins the contest.
You will be able to make a donation and vote for your favorite pumpkin starting at 10:00a on Monday, Oct 29 through Noon on Wednesday, October 31. Additional information on this contest will be shared soon.
The winner and/or winning department will be announced Wednesday, October 31 at 2:00pm. Prize = Basket of Goodies!
The District Incentives are:
- Campuses that reach 90% participation will receive an ice cream party.
- The campus that has the highest per capita will receive a cookout.
- Those individuals who donate at least $120/ year ($10 a month) will earn jeans days. You will be able to wear jeans with a school/district shirt on Mondays ONLY starting Monday, November 5 through December 17.
Take the Oath to Vote!
Early Voting for the November 6, 2018 Election will be held October 22, 2018 through November 2, 2018.
Locations
- Grayson County Election Administration - 115 W. Houston, Sherman
- Grayson County Sub-Courthouse - 101 W. Woodard, Denison
- Pottsboro ISD Administration Building - 105 Cardinal Lane, Pottsboro
- Whitesboro City Hall - 111 W.Main, Whitesboro
- Grayson College - Van Alstyne - 1455 W. Van Alstyne Pkwy, Van Alstyne
Dates
- Monday through Friday, October 22 - 26, 2018, 7 am to 7 pm
- Saturday, October 27, 2018, 7 am to 7 pm
- Sunday, October 28, 2018, 12 pm to 5 pm
- Monday through Friday, October 29 - November 2,2018, 7 am to 7 pm
Upcoming District Events
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Bullying Prevention Month
- Dyslexia Awareness Month
- National Book Month
- Principals Month
October 1-31- United Way Campaign
Oct. 19- Professional Development Exchange Day
Oct. 19- SHS football vs Texarkana @ 7pm (Senior Band Night)
Oct. 22-26 - Safe Schools Week
Oct. 23- Mix it Up at Lunch Day
Oct. 24- Unity Day/Stop Bullying Day
Oct. 26- SHS Football at Wylie East @7pm
Oct. 30- Make Education a Priority Day at Van Alstyne High School
Upcoming Community Events
Sincretismos de Mesoamerica: Documentary Photography by Eva Lepiz at Austin College in the Forester Art Complex, Room 210
Talk: Wednesday, October 17th at 11:00 AM
Reception: Thursday, October 18th from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Please see Facebook event here.
MEGA MIXER: Celebrating Texas Chamber of Commerce Week at the Hilton Garden Inn Event Center
Thursday, October 18th from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Please see Facebook event here.
Camp Dragonfly at All Saints Camp on Lake Texoma (418 Stanton Way in Pottsboro)
Friday - Sunday, October 19th - 21st
TCOG’s 3rd Annual 2-1-1 Info Fest + The 13th Annual Texoma Caregiver Walk at Fairview Park
Saturday, October 20th at 9:00 AM
Please see Facebook event here.
Sharpie Sunday at Celebration Senior Living (5601 Woodlands Trail in Denison)
Sunday, October 21st from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Please see Facebook event here.