In the Know
An Internal Newsletter from the SISD Communications Dept.
Sherman ISD Recognizes School Bus Safety Week!
Sherman ISD proudly joins school districts throughout the nation to recognize School Bus Safety Week, October 22 through October 26. We also recognize and thank the Sherman ISD Transportation Department’s staff and bus drivers that help to ensure the safe and efficient transport of students each day.
Throughout this week, we will continue to share helpful tips and information to address the importance of school bus safety for motorist and student bus riders. We will also recognize our bus drivers, who are often times the first individual from Sherman ISD our students see each morning, and the last face they see before returning home. Their role is essential in ensuring a child’s school day starts on a positive note.
Sherman ISD bus driver Stacy O’Connor doesn’t take her role lightly and goes above and beyond to be a bright spot in a child’s day. For the past eight years, she has greeted her bus riders with a smile and provides them with motivational messages during their bus rides. Her philosophy is simple, she aims to brighten each student’s day as she picks them up for school and return them home in good spirits at the end of the day.
Thank you Ms. O'Connor for serving the students of Sherman ISD!
The video below features Ms. O'Connor in action.
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,
As I visit schools, spend time in classrooms, meet with counselors, behavioral specialists and teachers, there seems to be a common concern about the background of our students. We must ask ourselves as teachers and educators, do we all truly know the background of our students? Are the students entering into your classrooms coming from a traditional home with both parents invested in education, or do your students come from homes where grandma may be raising them, mom or dad is in and out of their life, or perhaps the student is in and out of foster care?
The website “The Trauma Informed Care Project” states “No one is immune to the impact of trauma. Trauma affects the individual, families, and communities by disrupting healthy development, adversely affecting relationships, and contributing to mental health issues including substance abuse, domestic violence, and child abuse.” That said, take some time and do a little reading and research about this topic. I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on ways that educators, teachers, and staff can help traumatized students learn or behave in school.
Additional resources and articles on this topic are listed below:
- How and Why Trauma Informed Teaching
- Trauma Sensitive Schools
- Unlocking the Door To Learning - Trauma Informed Classrooms
Take 10 minutes and watch this video on “Trauma Sensitive Schools”
Thank you,
Classroom Corner
New Sherman High School
The rain has continued to fall, but that has not stopped the construction progress and dirt work for the week. The City of Sherman has started working on infrastructure along Highway 1417 and a contractor is working on OB Groner rd. #BuildingBearcats
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.
Employee Perks!
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:
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
Oct. 30- Make Education a Priority Day at Van Alstyne High School
Oct. 30-Sensory Sensitive Trick or Treat for SISD Families at central office @ 5:30pm
Nov. 1-Principal for a Day @ 7am-Noon
Nov. 1-Piner Middle School Show Choir Performance at Knight Furniture @ 6:30pm
Nov. 2-SHS Football vs West Mesquite @ 7pm (Senior Night)
Nov. 3-Let's Move Sherman/Drive for Your School at Piner Middle School @ 10am-2pm
Upcoming Community Events
Thursday, October 25 at 6:00 PM
Please see Facebook event here.
Prescription Drug Take Back at Red River ER in Sherman
Saturday, October 27 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Please see Facebook event here.
The 8th Annual Bras for a Cause: benefiting Women Rock Inc. at the North Texas Regional Airport
Saturday, October 27 from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Please see Facebook event here.