SHISD Mid-Week Message
Promoting Great Things in a Great School District
"The only chance that they had was the school"
Former Atlanta Educators found guilty of cheating & sentenced to 20 years in jail.
Watching and keeping up with the Atlanta ISD cheating scandal makes me sick to my stomach, but I am not sure exactly the main cause. Is it educators cheating on test scores to make their school look better in the eyes of the district? Yes. Is it the system of standardized tests that we have created that makes educators feel they have to cheat? Yes. Was it the fact that all evidence points to the fact that they are guilty, they were given a chance to admit guilt and refused? Yes, that is upsetting as well. Was it that good teachers who refused to cheat were fired? Absolutely.
The judge, who I am now a big fan of, looked at the defendants and described the type of students that attend that school stated that the students could not read and they were just passed on. He then stated that when it came to their success....."the only chance that they had was the school."
When I think of the students/parents who depended on these school leaders to provide a good education and opportunity at a better future who were let down and "cheated" out of that because these people decided to cheat. That is what makes me the most upset.
I feel this story is relevant because we are in the middle of the STAAR frenzy which causes so much unneeded stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, I have heard stories of educators cheating in Texas, just like Atlanta. I hope those rumors were not true. I have always led from a philosophy that I want to work hard, and I want my staff to work hard, for children every day prepare students to be successful in whatever the test might be so that when that day comes they are prepared, not stressed.
The role we play as educators is of vital importance in the lives of our students and that responsibility should not be overlooked. Not preparing students to be successful is, to me, cheating our children out of the education they are entitled to by law. We have got to take the focus off the test and place that focus where it belongs, on the students. We need to put our energy into great lessons and focus on inspiring our students to do their best.
As our students and society change, we tend to list reasons why students can't be successful. We need to understand that the more reasons we can point out as to why a child cannot be successful, the more importance is put in our hands to make sure they are. After all, for some of our students, the only chance they have for success is us! We need to make sure they are not "cheated" out of an opportunity to have a great education.
I am thankful for the effort and energy the staff and teachers of Spring Hill ISD put into making each day a successful one for our students.
Watch the judge here: http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/14/us/georgia-atlanta-public-schools-cheating-scandal-verdicts/
KUDOS
- Anonymous: "We have so many exceptional support members, but I think all of our employees at Spring Hill would agree that Cathy Reed has touched each one of us in some special way. We have all met and had personal interactions with Cathy. Whether it was filling out papers for various reasons, phone calls, or getting answers to questions that no one else could help us with, Cathy has been there for us. Always helpful, happy, and full of energy she has had a positive impact on everyone. I can think of no one else who has touched the lives of so many Spring Hill employees. She projects a "can do" attitude with any task she faces. She is the first impression anyone has when they visit our district. I am proud that she is representing Spring Hill in such an exceptional way. Thank you so much for caring about all of us. You do so much for so many!!"
- From Q. Jones. Thank you to the staff, parents, and board members for all your help today. Without you all, the track meet would not have ran so smooth. The kids are very lucky to have such great support.
- From B. Shurbet: Edith "Edie" Benton, new payroll clerk, for SHISD recently completed her TASBO certification for Certified Texas School Business Official (CTSBO). This is the second level of certification. She joins Spring Hill after 18 years in Marshall ISD. Edie holds a business degree from ETBU. Congratulations and welcome!
- From a parent: My son just told me last night that Mr. Justice was leaving SHISD. I was sorry to hear that. I have 4 children and my two youngest are in high school. We have many wonderful teachers at Spring Hill, but he is one that they mention frequently in a good way along with Mr. Kiser, Mr. Perry and Mr. Dunn.
FAMILY CONCERNS:
- Mrs. Kincy lost her father recently. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
SHHS Student Council Receives Sweepstakes Award
The Spring Hill High School student council received a sweepstakes award at this year's convention. Only 15% of the student councils in the state received the sweepstakes award. This is the 7th year in a row the SHHS Student Council has received this award. Student Council does many great things for our district and community. Last year alone they donated $5340 worth of goods, $4100 cash, and 466 service hours. Some of the recipients of their generosity and services were House of Hope ($3100), Wounded Warrior ($50), Susan G Komen ($400), sick members of our district, Stuff a Bus, Highway 80 rescue mission, Heroes on the Water, Alpine House, local concession stands, local UIL meets, the SH Education Foundation, and many more. Congratulations to Mrs. Carrie Jones and the SHHS student council for being a shining example of service.
Primary Students Earn Reward Day
Primary students strive each six weeks to have exemplary behavior. It is a big accomplishment and a big deal! We recognize these outstanding citizens by rewarding them with a surprise treat at the end of every six weeks. This six week's celebration included a professional storyteller who delighted and entertained the boys and girls with performances that included "Skippy John Jones" and "Pete the Cat". Sara Ward, a former elementary school teacher travels to school districts around the area and brings children's books to life in a way that has children and adults alike captivated! We are so proud of the exceptional behavior our students at Spring Hill Primary show each day and we want to celebrate their efforts and let other students who are trying to improve their behavior recognize the value of making choices!
Texas Rangers Visit SH Junior High
On Wednesday, April 8, the Texas Rangers visited the seventh grade at SHJH. Sergeant Todd Martin of Longview talked to the students about the history of the Texas Rangers and what it takes to become one. Sergeant Brent Davis of Tyler brought his crime scene trailer and talked about and showed the students some of the equipment used to gather forensic data. The students also met Lieutenant Ken Bond. The students learned that most of the present-day Texas Rangers have advanced degrees. There are actually 150 in Texas including three women. Spring Hill graduate (’98) Jeff Owles is a Texas Ranger stationed in the Houston area. Stephen F. Austin established the Texas Rangers to protect the early settlers from Native American attacks. Many Texas Rangers, including the ones that visited the JH campus are spending a great deal of time dealing with border issues along the Rio Grande. Students were excited to hear about crime scene technology and are planning to have Sergeant Davis back in May to talk about some of his work along the border and some of his interesting cases.
Mrs. Parker would like to thank Mrs. Susan Baker, 7th grade Texas history teacher, for arranging this presentation.
PTA Meeting to focus on Social Media Trends
Spring Hill hosts district U.I.L. Academic Meet
A big thank you goes out to Principal Denny Lind and the staff of SHHS for being flexible and accommodating to the day's events. Below are the results:
Overall Points:
School Points
- Spring Hill HS, Longview 513 (Champions!)
- Chapel Hill HS, Tyler 321
- Bullard HS, 311
- Gilmer HS, 141
- Kilgore HS, 79
- Gladewater HS, 34
Spring Hill Team Events/Place:
- Accounting 1st place
- Calculator Applications 1st place
- Current issues 1st place
- Computer Science 2nd place
- Cross Examination Debate (Team 1) 2nd place
- Cross Examination Debate (Team 2) 3rd place
- Literary Criticism 1st place
- Mathematics 1st place
- Number Sense 1st place
- One Act Play 1st place
- Science 2nd place
- Social Studies 1st place
- Speech 2nd place
- Spelling and Vocabulary 2nd place
Individual Student Results
Accounting- Hagen Tucker (1st)
- Laura Gibson (2nd)
- Whitnie Holp (3rd)
Calculator Applications
- Nick Cerio (1st)
- Robin Kim (2nd)
- Daniel Vadasz (3rd)
- Ali Badar (4th)
Current issues
- Jacob Moore (1st)
- Jacob Schmidt (3rd)
- Talia Schell (5th)
- Gabe Johnson (6th)
- Nathan Bienhoff (1st)
- Taylor Gee (2nd)
- Katie Everett (6th)
Headline Writing
- Katie Everett (5th)
Informative Speaking
- Jae'lah Harris (1st)
- Jason Galeas (3rd)
Lincoln Douglas Debate
- Jae'lah Harris (2nd)
Literary Criticism
- Sherry Bogue (2nd)
- Spencer Myers (5th)
- Daniel Vadasz (1st)
- Ali Badar (2nd)
- Nick Cerio (3rd)
- Robin Kim (6th)
- Nick Cerio (1st)
- Daniel Vadasz (2nd)
- Mabry Nichols (3rd)
- Robin Kim (5th)
- Londyn Bull (3rd)
- Danielle Giffin (4th)
- Mallory Wallace (5th)
- Danielle Giffin (5th)
- Sherry Bogue (6th)
Ready Writing
- Avery Barnhill (1st)
Chemistry
- Ali Badar (1st)
Science
- Robin Kim (1st)
- Braedon Sims (5th)
- Daniel Vadasz (6th)
- Robin Kim (1st)
- Braedon Sims (2nd)
- Matthew McFatridge (3rd)
Spelling and Vocabulary
- Eli Koonce (3rd)
Spring HIll High School Tennis
"For the Nguyen" Tennis Tournament that was held on April 2nd. This tournament was named in honor and memory of Jenny Nguyen. It was a great day to have fun, play good tennis and celebrate Jenny's life! As a team, Spring Hill placed second out of 8 teams.
"A" Division Results:
Mabry Nichols: 1st place girls singles
Dawson Penn: 1st place boys singles
Karly Branch & Anna Scott: 3rd place girls doubles
Camie Copeland & Brooke Presley: Consolation girls doubles
Braedon Sims & Blake Zeilinger: Consolation boys doubles
Trystan Deck & Corben McNeese: Consolation mixed doubles
"B" Division Results:
Wade Worley: 1st place boys singles
Cameron Seymour: 2nd place girls singles
Mallory Decherd & Chase Dimond: 2nd place girls doubles
Danielle Deason: Consolation girls singles
Sophie Buckelew & Grace Gee: Consolation girls doubles
Tyler Chapman & Jaxson Smith: 4th place boys doubles
Katherine Spurrier & Jake Mulkey: 4th place mixed doubles
SH Girls Tennis District Champs!
Medalists:
Mabry Nichols: District Champion-girls singles
Karly Branch & Anna Scott: District Champions---girls doubles
Mallory Decherd & Chase Dimond: District Runner-up---girls doubles
Cameron Seymour: 3rd place-girls singles
Trystan Deck & Corben McNeese: 5th place-mixed doubles
Katherine Spurrier & Jake Mulkey: 6th place-mixed doubles
Spring Hill Tennis Regional Qualifiers!
Mabry Nichols: District Champion-girls singles
Dawson Penn: District Champion-boys singles
Karly Branch & Anna Scott: District Champions---girls doubles
Mallory Decherd & Chase Dimond: District Runner-up---girls doubles
SH Boys District Runner's Up!
Medalists:
Dawson Penn: 1st place - singles
Braedon Sims & Blake Zeilinger: 4th place-boys doubles
Wade Worley: 5th place-singles
SH Track Hosts the Bill Secord Relays
SH Track hosted several area schools in the Bill Secord Relays this month. We even had an all-star cast of board members, central office staff and teachers timing the events (pictured). Thanks to Coaches Quinton Jones and Jordan Eudy for organizing such a great and well run event.
Here are the Spring Hill student athlete highlights:
VARSITY BOYS
Field events
High jump: D'Bravian Black from Spring Hill jumped 6'0" and finished in 1st
Running Events
3200 meters: Jacob Tomme ran 10:34 and finished 1st
400 meters: Kase White ran 51.96 and finished 1st
1600 meters: Kase White ran 4:35.9 and finished 1st
1600 meters: Jacob Tomme ran 4:44.1 and finished 2nd
800 meters: Kase White ran 1:59.8 and finished 1st
VARSITY GIRLS
Field events
Triple jump: MiKai Brown jumped 36'3.5" and finished 2nd
Pole vault: Jenna Peterson vaulted 9’6” and finished 2nd
Running events
100 hurdles: Ann Hollas ran 15.68 and finished 1st
400 meters: MiKai Brown ran 60.46 and finished 2nd
300 hurdles: Ann Hollas ran 49.24 and finished 3rd
200 meters: MiKai Brown ran 26.94 and finished 3rd
Bill Secord Relays
Bill Secord Relays
Bill Secord Relays
SHISD Welcomes New AD/Head Football Coach Kelly Mercer & Family
Spring Hill ISD
Email: superintendent@shisd.net
Website: www.shisd.net
Location: 3101 Spring Hill Road, Longview, TX, United States
Phone: 903-759-4404
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spring.hillisd?ref=hl
Twitter: @s_snell