Ott's Outlook
October 2021
We have finished the first grading period and I want to personally thank our students and staff for a strong start to this 2021-22 school year!
Our enrollment numbers continue to climb and our COVID-19 case counts continue to be minimal across the district. We are actively moving forward with presentations across the community to inform parents and citizens about the bond election. Please remember that you can view this presentation and find more information on the proposed bond on our website HERE. Early voting will begin on October 18 running through Oct 29, 2021 and election day is Nov 2, 2021. More information on voting locations is included below and I want to encourage each of you to get out and vote.
Recently, we retired the first ever Temple ISD jersey - #75 Joe Greene’s Dunbar Panthers. Joe is a remarkable individual and this recognition was long overdue. He has accomplished more in his life that many even dare dream to achieve but yet has remained undeniably grounded and rooted in humility. In fact, when Joe was asked to provide a statement about this event to the media, he thanked his two previous high school coaches - Lester Moore and Curtis Elliott for developing his “attitude and desire to win one-on-one all the time.”
This commitment to challenging yourself to be the very best version of yourself is exactly what we hope to instill in every child that enters Temple ISD. As I visit campuses, I see example after example of our students excelling in the classroom, on the field and on the stage. Having the drive to push yourself to be better than you were the day before in all that you do is what sets our students apart from the rest.
I challenge each of us to follow our students’ example and aspire to win one-on-one everyday!
Bobby Ott
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THS Highlighters earned a National Award!
All 4th graders in TISD learn how to swim...
TISD admin was invited as one of 14 districts to participate in the Holdsworth Leadership Academy...
The Holdsworth Leadership Collaborative is an 18-month program designed to help district leaders build a strong bench of principals who are ready to step into school leadership positions when they arise.
Five TISD campuses earned the "No Place for Hate" designation...
...Now that you know, please share our story with others!
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Susan Hill Kamas is a proud graduate of the THS Class of 1965. She also attended Reagan Elementary, Scott Elementary and Travis Junior High in Temple ISD. Upon graduating from THS, Susan went on to earn her Associates Degree from Temple Junior College, Her BS in Home Economics with Teaching certificate from Southwest Texas State College and graduate degree in Political Science from Angelo State University.
Susan is a very familiar face across our region where she has served as the Executive Director of Workforce Solutions of Central Texas for 33 years. Her contributions to the economic development of the areas she serves have been profoundly instrumental in the stability and growth that the region has experienced.
Her husband of 51 years, James Kamas, is also a Central Texas native and is a chemical engineer. To the surprise of no one, Susan is known as the “fun Aunt” to her nieces and nephews! Her older sister Sharon lives in Sherman and younger brother Dennis resides in Temple.
When asked about her favorite memories as a TISD student, Susan shared:
• Pepperettes – what precious memories marching at halftime at the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving football games. I can see Mr. Howard stomping his foot and waving those arms.
• We had such great teachers and administrators: Mr. and Mrs. Whatley, Miss Black, Miss Hendricks. They always had the best interests of their students and encouraged us to excel. I remember being greeted at the classroom door—always with a big smile.
As far as what being a Wildcat means to her, Susan’s response “We’re the greatest ones alive; we’re the class of 65!”
Susan – We are so proud of you and all that you have done and continue to do for Central Texas. It is an honor to feature you in our Alumni Spotlight this month!
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Visiting new teachers
Showing Wildcat Pride
Rewarding hard work
Back to School Prayer event
Catching up with Alums
Honoring the voice of the Wildcats Jody Donaldson
Blue Blazers Abound w/ Elementary Principals
THS Ladies Cross Country
THS Boys Cross Country
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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