Ott's Outlook
February 2021
We wrapped up the first semester this week and that has been no small undertaking. Our staff has done an outstanding job juggling the demands of delivering both on-campus and remote instruction, while implementing new safety and health protocols. I want to be clear in saying that Temple ISD has not relaxed safety protocols even though vaccinations are in process. We have been incredibly diligent about these protocols which is why we have had very low case management and continued to keep our schools open. Temple ISD currently provides in-person education to over 80% of our students.
We have relied heavily on local health experts and authorities over the last ten months to provide us with information and guidance on how to respond to the needs of our students and staff during this pandemic. Early on, we forged a strong partnership with the Bell County Health District which continues to grow. In the last few weeks, we have sent TISD nurses to assist with administering vaccines to the community and produced an educational video that provides answers to the most commonly asked questions about the vaccine.
All this to be said, relationships with our local entities are critically important to the success of Temple ISD and this community in moving past the pandemic. When we work together, we can accomplish anything!
Bobby Ott
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In December, Dr. Janice Smith and Dr. Amanda Robison-Chadwell were recognized as the recipients of the Superintendent’s Leadership Award.
Planning for the needs of our staff and students during a pandemic is not easy. However, we are fortunate to have experts in our community like Dr. Smith and Dr. Chadwell of the Bell County Health Department whose leadership roles have been critical the last nine months
Dr. Smith and Dr. Chadwell have been constant sources of knowledge and insight since March. They have given countless hours to review district protocols and procedures providing feedback and suggestions for how we can best implement health and safety measures and have truly partnered with the district every step of the way.
Since this summer they have met with Temple ISD, and all Bell County school districts, on a weekly call with superintendents to provide advisement and guidance on specific situations. Early in the morning or late in the evenings, they are always responsive to our needs and questions because they know how critical it is to mitigate the spread while providing educational continuity.
Their acts of service above self is what defines true leadership.
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DID YOU KNOW?
...Now that you know, please share our story with others!
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Michelle attended Thornton Elementary and Travis Middle School before graduating from Temple HS in 2007. During her High school she was involved with the Kittens Dance Team, Theatre Arts, FFA, and was a top 10% graduate with the class of 2007.
She went on to graduate from Texas A&M University Central Texas in 2015 with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), serving the community through Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services. She has also served as a role model through community service. Michelle is the past president of the Junior League of Bell County where she has dedicated her free time to volunteering and assisting women and children in our community who need it the most.
As wife to Ruben Villarreal and mom to Cora 6, Ellie 6, and Honor 1, Michelle admits that “…the work and time serving the community in various ways isn't always easy to juggle, but it is always worth it, to leave a legacy behind for my children and the community.”
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Counting with PreK
Presenting to Lamar staff
Catching up at THS
Weighing in @ Powerlifting
Before game pep-talk
Greeting friends @ MLK, Jr. Parade
Presenting at TASA Aspiring Supt. Academy
Checking in @ Woodson Field
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Bobby Ott, Ed.D.
Email: bobby.ott@tisd.org
Website: https://www.tisd.org/apps/pages/Superintendent
Phone: 254-215-6760
Facebook: facebook.com/templeisd
Twitter: @OttTempleISD