October 18, 2023

The Sherman ISD Communications Department wants to hear about the amazing things you’re doing in the classroom! Tell us what’s happening so we can share it with others!

Share a lesson or activity with a hands-on approach or highlight how you’re using technology to deeply engage your students. Fill out the form, and we’ll try to stop by and share your story!

Elementary Teacher of the Month

Amy Gardner is the third grade leader teacher at Crutchfield Elementary School and investigates and implements research-based activities for her students that are fun and engaging as well as rigorous. Amy cares deeply for her students, providing a structured, nurturing environment in which all students can learn and grow.

Secondary Teacher of the Month

Christina Taylor, special education teacher at Piner Middle School, is organized, structured, nurturing, and disciplined with her staff, aides, and students. She is caring and easy for the kids to communicate with. She plans and works with the other self contained SPED teachers to provide the most engaging and standards-based instruction.

Employee of the Month

Jeanette Brock, campus secretary at Fairview Elementary, leads by example and builds quality relationships with all students, parents and staff. She goes above and beyond in making sure new families feel welcome, comfortable and get all of their questions answered.

Volunteer of the Month

From weekend food bags to redecorating the faculty bathrooms, Sara Tarvin at Fred Douglass ECC is always willing to support our students and staff. Sara has taken on the job for the past several years of getting all of our ABC boot camp vests cut out by members of the First Methodist Church, so that teachers can send them home with students and families can decorate them for the annual parade.

Earlier this week, the Sherman ISD Board of Trustees was presented with an early design, site and floor plans for the new Crutchfield Elementary and new Fairview Elementary. These new schools, approved by voters as part of the May 2023 bond program, will replace the existing campuses for the start of the 2025-26 school year.

Now it is time to finalize the designs so that construction work can begin in the spring. Please take a few minutes to review plans and complete the feedback forms linked below by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

National Principals Month is an opportunity to recognize and thank our principals for their unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and remarkable impact on student success. We had the opportunity to chat with students and teachers about what these outstanding leaders bring to their campuses each day. 

Sherman ISD is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for students, staff and visitors to our schools. To do that, the Sherman ISD Police Department continues to grow with a goal of having at least one police officer per school.

Sherman ISD is engaging students, staff, families, and business and industry leaders to ensure our students are well prepared for the future. The purpose of the Texas Strategic Leadership initiative is to assess current district practices and develop a strategic plan and systems for continuous improvement.

Please check your email for an invitation to complete an online survey. Please complete the survey by 5 p.m. tomorrow.

Read more about this initiative at www.shermanisd.net/TSL. 

REMINDER: There is no school in Sherman ISD this Friday, Oct. 20 for staff professional learning and elementary parent conferences.

The annual United Way of Grayson County fundraising campaign is still going! Last year we raised $45,604.56; let’s see if we can raise $50,000 this year!

United Way of Grayson County provides funding for services that support those in our community who are employed, but struggle monthly to afford basic necessities, and families living with income below the Federal Poverty Level. Thank you for your generous support of United Way and the programs they fund in our community.

If you are currently donating through payroll deductions, your pledge will continue for 2024. If you need to change your current payroll deduction, start a payroll deduction or would like to make a one-time donation, please fill out a pledge form and return it to your campus coordinator. 

Staff who donate at least $120/year ($10 month) earn Jeans Days with a school/district shirt on Mondays ONLY starting November 6 – December 18.

These kids want to make sure you’re planning for the future, and Sherman ISD can help with our employee retirement match program! The district will match up your contributions to 1% of your pay!

Preventative healthcare like annual checkups or cancer screenings can catch early signs of serious illnesses, making recovery much easier! Be sure to have a plan in place for your health.

A special session of the 88th Texas Legislature is underway for the purpose of providing private school subsidies, also known as vouchers or education savings accounts. Missing from the agenda was any reference to school funding increases, which are sorely needed to address record inflation, increase teacher pay, and fund new, unfunded state requirements related to safety and security.

The Texas Senate has recently approved a school voucher bill, and it is now in the hands of the Texas House. Governor Greg Abbott said he would add teacher raises and public school funding to the agenda only if the Legislature passes vouchers.

Texas is holding an election on 14 constitutional amendments on November 7 which cover a wide variety of issues, from raising the homestead exemption for homeowners to funding broadband infrastructure. One amendment, Proposition 9, would provide some retired teachers with a cost-of-living adjustment to their monthly pension.

Early voting starts next week on October 23. You can read more about the amendments here.

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

MasterKey Ministries

MasterKey Ministries is a local non-profit working to improve the quality of life for those who are hurting and to provide exactly what is needed educationally, so no one has to continue a life of poverty. Their food assistance program provides wholesome food to North Texas families, offering fresh fruits and vegetables, a variety of meats and dairy, breads, and an assortment of canned goods to provide nutritious food choices for a family’s diet. MasterKey also hosts a Bilingual Academy for preschool 3 and 4 year-olds; After School Program for grades K-8th providing homework help, tutoring, and character training; Adult Education Classes which include ESL, GED, and Citizenship classes; and a Summer Learning program for grades K-8th. If you are interested in volunteering or would like to make a donation, call 903-771-2816.

Trick or Treat on Travis Street

Thursday, October 26

6-8 p.m.

Downtown Sherman

Roo Boo

Trick or Treat

Friday, October 27

6-7:30 p.m.

Austin College

Windsor Mall if weather permits, Sid Rid Rec Center if bad weather

SHS Trunk or

Treat

Thursday, October 26

5:30-7 p.m.

SHS Front Parking Lot