Homecoming 2023 is next week! Keep up with events happening all week!

Help support the Sherman Education Foundation by participating in their annual Arts Fest 5K & Bubble-K Fun Run on Saturday, September 16! SEF provides support to Sherman ISD educators and students through grants for education enrichment. For the campus with the highest participation based on campus enrollment, SEF will provide Bearcat Grill catering, and for second and third place, a cash prize of $250 will be added to the campus activity fund.

Participants can register up to the morning of the 5K and Bubble-K. The 5K starts at 8 a.m. at Piner Middle School, and the Bubble-K starts at 9 a.m. at the same starting line. 

Can’t make it to the run? Don’t worry! SEF offers a “Sleepin’ In” option to receive a T-shirt from the event.

Want to directly support enriching experiences and innovative programs at your campus? You can elect to contribute to the Sherman Education Foundation through enrolling in their payroll deductions. Contributions can be as little as $5 a month or can be made through a one-time donation.

To enroll, please fill out the authorization form, print, sign, and send to Kathy Bickerstaff at kbickerstaff@shermanisd.net. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the IRS.

Our very own Julie Kerr, director of Partners in Education, was recognized last week as the 2023 Community Leader of the Year by the United Way of Grayson County! Julie played a critical role in directing the first annual Dr. Hicks Literacy Day in March, which deployed over 100 volunteers to read to over 1,000 Sherman ISD elementary students.

Congratulations to Piner Middle School cheer coach Stephanie Littrel, who has been named the Middle School/Junior High Coach of The Year for Texas! The awards recognize cheer coaches nationwide for their impact and dedication to cheer.

Do you have any friends or family members looking to get more involved with SISD schools? Tell them about the district-wide mentoring program, which is recruiting now!

Sherman ISD is looking for caring and responsible adults who are interested in giving a student one-on-one time throughout the school year, building the student’s self-esteem and desire to succeed. Mentors commit to meet with a student 30 minutes once a week, during school hours and on a school campus. The mentor chooses the campus. Activities are based on each student’s need, and could include helping with homework, talking, playing games and eating lunch together.

If you know anyone who would be interested, please have them complete this form as well as the SISD Volunteer Application, which includes a background check. New mentors must complete mentor training on Tuesday, September 12 from noon to 1 p.m. at the SISD Service Center, 2701 Loy Lake Rd., in order to be paired with a student.

For more information, contact Director of Partners in Education Julie Kerr at jkerr@shermanisd.net or 903-891-8733.

Did you know that Sherman ISD offers an employee match program for benefits-eligible employees? The district can match employee deferrals up to 1% of pay. More information about this program is outlined in the flyer above.

Sherman ISD offers a sick leave bank to its employees, which provides additional sick leave days to members in the event of a critical illness, medically necessary surgery or temporary disability due to an injury. New employees and employees who did not join the bank last year should submit an application by September 8 to join. New employees must donate two days of local leave to the bank.

If you were employed during the 2021-2022 school year, you are already part of the bank and do not need to rejoin unless you used bank days last year. If you did receive bank days last year and would like to remain a member, please email joneal@shermanisd.net by September 8.

The required annual trainings for the 2023-24 school year are now available through the Canvas learning management system. The deadline is September 30.

Completing these trainings satisfies one of the requirements for the two Professional Exchange days this school year. To get credit, you should complete the trainings when you are outside contract time or off the clock if you are an hourly employee. Once you complete the trainings, you should print two copies of your certificates for each course; one copy for your personal file and one to be turned into your supervisor as documentation.

Also, please complete the cybersecurity awareness training from KnowBe4, which was sent in a separate email. It can be accessed through your SSO.

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

Women Rock is saving and changing lives by increasing awareness and early detection of breast cancer, and providing hope and support to all those we serve. Volunteers are needed to help with events and outreach. If interested, complete the Volunteer Application at www.womenrockinc.org/contact/get-involved/. You will be added to the Volunteer Database and will receive emails when there are volunteer opportunities. Volunteering also includes working with our survivors, leading a craft night, art contests at different schools where survivors judge, etc. Anyone can get involved! If you would like more information about volunteering, call 903-487-2528.

Enjoy live music, dance and Latin food this Saturday at the Municipal Lawn during the 25th Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival! The festival starts at 11 a.m. and goes to 6 p.m. and will include performances from our SHS cheerleaders and Hi-Steppers.

Young artists aged 5-18 can showcase their talent at the annual Youth Art Show on September 16! Submit the artwork by September 12.

Saturday, September 16

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Rain or Shine

Art Show in Municipal Building

Festival on Surrounding Streets

Back To School Discount For Teachers

$19 initial exams to all school district staff

Bring your work ID

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.