In the Know
An Internal Newsletter from the SISD Communications Dept.
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.
A DAY OF REFLECTION-September 11, 2019
Today is a day of reflection and remembering. As I reflect on the events that happened 18 years ago, I remember precisely where I was standing, what I was doing, and how I was feeling. On September 11, 2001, I was a seventh-grade teacher at Okotoks Junior High School in Okotoks, Alberta, in Canada. I was a math teacher with a class of 42 students. Yes, you read that right, I had 42 students in my classroom. The large class size was due to the Bridge Program that our district had implemented during that time. Teachers had 30 regular education students with 12 special education students in one room. The purpose of the program was to slowly bridge students back into the general classroom setting.
There was no cap to class sizes in Alberta, and there was no policy about duty-free lunch or having a conference period each day. It was the norm to be with my homeroom of 42 students all day long with limited breaks. I did have a co-teacher who, on occasion, team-taught with me on different lessons.
Due to the 9/11 attacks, it's easy for me to reflect on that moment in my life. I am sure it is easy for you all as well. I know what I was doing 18 years ago on this date. I was trying to manage my 42 students and deal with the shock of 9/11. How did I do it? My honest answer is that we had excellent classroom management! My co-teacher and I spent the first month of school intentionally getting to know our students. We would stand at the door, we would greet each student, shake their hand, and ask them if they had a good night. We were building relationships with all 42 students. After all, if we needed all of them to comply with requests, we needed to capture their heart and let them know we cared.
Dr. Boto's shares some simple ideas on "Establishing Relationships For Improved Learning." She describes how building relationships with students help to promote a sense of community in the classroom and motivates students to participate and engage. She also explains how relationships help students feel safe to learn and grow both individually and collectively. When you develop relationships with your students, this helps set the tone for your entire year.
Along with reflecting on today, ask yourself, do you know and understand all of your students' social-emotional needs? "Good classroom management goes hand-in-hand with student discipline. Educators from the novice to the experienced need to consistently practice good classroom management to reduce student behavioral problems." (Benett, C, 2019) Take time today and reflect on what you are doing to take control of your classroom to reduce student behavior. Feel free to use the article below as a quick read to help you set the tone for your class. 7 Ways to Take Control of Your Classroom to Reduce Student Misbehavior
Constitution Day-September 17, 2019
Classroom Connection
On September 17, 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the most influential document in American history: the United States Constitution. This document established the framework of our government and the rights and freedoms that “We the People” enjoy today. On Monday, the Nation will recognize this day and celebrate Constitution Day!
Constitution Day became a national observance in 2004, when Senator Robert Byrd lobbied for a bill designating September 17 as the day for citizens to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution and learn more about our founding document. Senator Byrd once said, “Our ideals of freedom, set forth and realized in our Constitution, are our greatest export to the world.” He added the Constitution Day clause to his 2004 federal spending bill because he believed that all citizens should know about their rights as outlined in the Constitution. This clause mandates the teaching of the Constitution in schools that receive federal funds, as well as federal agencies.
For additional information on Constitution Day, click here.
For classroom resources, click here.
Sherman Education Foundation Kicks off Yearly Fundraisers
A cornerstone of the Sherman Education Foundation’s mission is to identify the educational needs of Sherman ISD students that go beyond the educational program of the district. In doing so, the SEF has consistently provided opportunities to enhance learning by providing monetary support for teachers and students of Sherman ISD.
Each year, the SEF host several fundraisers to support the foundation’s yearly fundraising goal. Events such as Circle of Success, Walk for Fitness, SEF Arts Fest Run and the annual Major Saver Campaign helps the foundation raise money to donate back to Sherman ISD.
The foundation is planning the annual SEF Arts Fest Fun Run on Saturday, September 21. The event is open to the public and will feature a 5k Fun Run and a Hometown Heroes 1k Run to honor local first responders and military personnel. All proceeds of the event will benefit the Sherman Education Foundation. The Major Saver Card fundraiser is a restaurant and family entertainment discount card that SEF supporters may purchase to raise funds that benefit the education foundation.
To purchase a Major Saver card or register for the Arts Fest Run please visit www.Shermanisd.net/SEF or see the information listed below.
Sherman Education Foundation Arts Fest Fun Run
The SEF Arts Fest Run is an excellent way to promote fitness and raise funds for SEF to provide to the Sherman ISD and we are excited about this year’s 14th anniversary of our event! Our annual Arts Fest Run will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2019 in conjunction with the Sherman Arts Fest.
Registration for the fun run is now open. Click here to register for the event today!
5K Cash Awards
1st Place Overall Male/Female – $100
1st Place Master (40+) Male/Female – $50
1st Place Grand (50+) Male/Female – $50
1st Place Senior (60+) Male/Female – $50
Top three finishers in each age group receive awardsWashington.
2019 Major Saver Campaign
Help support a Sherman ISD campus through the Sherman Education Foundation’s 2019 Major Saver Campaign. The Campaign will kick off Wednesday, September 25. Campaign collections will be September 30 - October 8, 2019. You may purchase a major saver card for only $15 and receive discounts and coupons from 21 area businesses.
Major Saver cards can be purchased via cash, check, or online at www.majorsaver.com. The online sale can be credited back to your chosen school and student. All cards purchased online will be mailed directly to the customer.
This year’s Sherman card includes many of our popular offers from returning businesses and also includes new offers from Schulman’s MBG, Texoma Delivery, Firehouse Subs, Elevate Nutrition and more! Once you’ve purchased your card, be sure to download the Major Saver app and register your card so that you can access thousands of Major Saver’s additional discounts and deals!
If you have any additional questions about the campaign, please call the Major Saver campaign manager, Mary Beth Phipps at 816.554.7999 or SEF Director Kathy Bickerstaff at 903-891-6431.
SHERMAN ISD SCHOOL GUARDIAN PROGRAM APPLICATION PROCESS IS NOW OPEN
Professional Development
Each school year staff members are required to complete a series of online compliance trainings. These trainings are located online through Region 10 ESC at the link below:
What does each staff member need to do?
1. Each individual will need to log into the Region 10 online learning site and complete the training by the specified due dates.
2. Provide a copy of the Region 10 Certificate of Completion to the campus administrator or designee for compliance documentation to be retained on campus for the current school year.
3. Staff Professional Development Portfolio: Upon completion of each module, staff should register in Eduphoria for each course and complete the Eduphoria survey.
Click here for the Region 10 required training portal.
Sherman Arts Fest 2019
The fun-filled day will have events for the whole family, starting with the Annual Teddy Bear Parade, led by Altrusa and two different stages featuring musical acts, and other live performances throughout the day. Bring the kiddos to enjoy a huge kids' alley, put on by Sherman Service League. There will be lots of food and beverage vendors, tons of arts, crafts, and marketplace vendors, a woodcarving exhibit, youth and adult art shows from the Sherman Art League, a chalk art exhibit, and even a petting zoo!
Here are links for more information on some of the events that take place within the Festival:
Link to Altrusa’s Teddy Bear Parade:
https://www.facebook.com/events/483107082490463/
Link to Friends of the Sherman Public Library’s Book Sale:
https://www.facebook.com/events/721067511667776/
Link to Sherman Parks & Recreation’s Youth Art Show Sign-Up:
http://shermanparks.com/youth-art-show/
Upcoming District Events
Sept. 12 SHS Bearcat Football vs Frisco Liberty High School at Ford Center at the Star @7pm
Sept. 13 SHS Volleyball at Celina @6:30pm
Sept. 14-SHS Cross Country at Milesplit TX XC Invitational @8:00am
Sept. 16-Sherman High School Homecoming Parade @6:30pm
Sept. 16-20 Sherman High School Homecoming Week
Spet. 17 SHS Volleyball vs Denton Ryan @6:30pm
Sept. 21-Sherman Education Foundation Art Fest Run @8:00am
Sept. 27- Careers in Texas Industries Day