Sherman ISD is offering a $1,000 referral bonus for current employees who bring certified Texas teachers to work in SISD for the 2023-2024 school year. Tell your teacher friends about the great things happening in Sherman, and encourage them to join our Bearcat family! 

In addition, all employees will receive bonuses totaling $2,000 next school year on top of their regular compensation. Additional details related to staff compensation for the 2023-24 school year are still being determined and will be finalized when the Board approves our budget in June.

Sherman ISD is excited to partner with Grayson County Juvenile Services on a new Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) that will launch in fall 2023. The JJAEP will serve students from across Grayson County facing expulsion from school for serious offenses. 

Grayson County Juvenile Services will operate the program and SISD will provide basic educational services, similar to existing partnerships for the Juvenile Detention Center, Grayson County Post-Adjudication Facility and Monarch Center. Jenifer Politi will serve as principal of the JJAEP.

Texas Education Code mandates a JJAEP for counties with a population greater than 125,000, and Grayson County surpassed that threshold in the 2020 census. The SISD DAEP will continue to serve students for more minor violations of the Student Code of Conduct. 

Our students are so smart! Watch as they break down the facts regarding the age of our schools. More information about the upcoming election is available at www.shermanisd.net/bond.

To participate in the election, you must live in Sherman ISD and be registered to vote no later than April 6. Check your voter registration status at www.votetexas.gov.

Don’t forget to apply for Summer School if you are interested in any of the positions. Click here for details regarding dates, times and daily rates. See below for the steps to complete the online transfer application.

Sherman ISD employees who work during the summer will have access to childcare through the Summer Bearcat Camp at Neblett Elementary. The camp is Monday through Thursday, May 30-August 1 and runs from 6:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. The camp is for current SISD students in grades K-5th in the 2022-2023 school year. They will enjoy a wide range of activities and be given a free breakfast, lunch and a snack.

Monday, April 10 is an exchange day. Staff members should submit documentation of staff development, done outside of the work day, to satisfy the work hours for this day. Staff members should submit a total of at least six hours of staff development for this day. We have many staff members who attended the new teacher training at the beginning of the school year, school retreats, required trainings, etc. to complete this requirement. If you are a new staff member and have not yet completed the online required trainings, please visit with your supervisor about this training. Your supervisor may have additional opportunities for training.

This exchange day does not apply to cafeteria monitors, crossing guards, custodial, 260-day M&O, grounds, warehouse, campus-based food service workers, transportation drivers, maintenance or our police officers. If you have a question about April 10, please visit with your supervisor.

District offices will be closed on this day.

Ronda Gantt was recognized as the Elementary Teacher of the Month. Gantt is a dyslexia teacher at Wakefield Elementary and works hard to support students by setting a welcoming environment, from greeting students at morning drop-off or bringing treats to staff. She has also been expanding her leadership capacity in leading professional development for campus staff. She provided training to the full staff on what dyslexia is, characteristics of, and the identification process for students.

Kiddy Cummins, 8th grade ELAR teacher, was honored as the Secondary Teacher of the Month. She effortlessly plans and resources high quality lessons that engage her students with texts and learning experiences that they would not have been exposed to outside of her classroom. Cummins sets high expectations for her students and fosters positive relationships with them by creating an interactive learning environment.

Ilse Boone was recognized as the Employee of the Month. Boone is a PE Instructional Assistant at Crutchfield Elementary and is nothing short of exceptional. She willingly subs and delivers instruction to students regardless of the grade level. Boone helps out in the front office every morning and afternoon. Boone is bilingual and regularly helps our Spanish speaking parents at the front desk with questions or school information.

Eric Ross was honored as the Volunteer of the Month. Ross volunteers at Dillingham Elementary where he has worked with campus counselors to build a lunch mentoring program. He mentors a small group of young men in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade during lunch time, sometimes multiple times each week. In addition to himself, Ross has recruited other men to come in and mentor students as well. Every time he meets with students, he has a message regarding character traits, such as respect or responsibility, and practices examples with the students.

Imagine pampering yourself at a nail salon, splurging on dessert at a local restaurant, driving away in your new car purchased at a special low rate or saving money on your home or auto insurance. You can have these types of savings and more through Sherman ISD’s PERKS discount program. All you have to do is show your SISD badge when you shop.

PERKS is offered to employees free of charge and is a great chance to support the local economy. This is a small way Sherman ISD and the community can thank you for your continuing effort and dedication in providing an excellent education for the children of our community.

The Sherman Parks and Recreation Department is looking for instructors for summer programming! Instructors can set their own pricing and curriculum as well as the age range of their students, and almost any schedule can be accommodated. Areas they are interested in range from photography, language skills, fashion and robotics.

If interested, please contact Dylan Johnson at dylanj@cityofsherman.com.

Sherman ISD encourages employees to get involved and connected in the community.

CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) of Grayson County is a non-profit organization dedicated to training and equipping our community to protect children, empower families and advocate for positive outcomes for children involved in the child welfare system. CASA envisions a community of healthy children and families on a positive trajectory for a brighter future. CASA volunteers are everyday people who come from all walks of life and are committed to making a difference for children. CASAs should pass screening and background check requirements, complete initial training provided by the organization and be able to make a 24-month minimum commitment to a case, spending an average of 10-15 hours per month. For more information or to apply, visit www.casagrayson.org.

We would love the opportunity to feature honors and recognitions received by SISD employees. Please send accomplishments and news to Todd Kleiboer at tkleiboer@shermanisd.net.