In the Know
An Internal Newsletter from the SISD Communications Dept.
SISD Silver Cats Return to School for Campus Tours
The Sherman ISD administration lobby quickly filled with a group of individuals excited to load the bright yellow school bus parked outside. Within the minute, the Sherman ISD Silver Cats crew received the cue to get on the bus to start their annual SISD campus tour.
For the next few hours, the group of 20 senior adults would spend the day exploring SISD campuses and interacting with students and staff.
Sherman ISD Superintendent Dr. David Hicks and Partners in Education Director Julie Mitchell joined the group on their bus ride to caravan to Sherman High School and Washington Elementary. Upon the group’s arrival to SHS, they were given a Bearcat welcome by the SHS band, cheerleaders, and student organizations.
Retired Sherman ISD teacher Linda Hughes embraces the opportunity to return to SISD to witness teaching and learning in action.
“I served as a teacher in Sherman ISD for 25 years, and I’m really excited to be able to come today and be a part of the Silver Cats tour,” Hughes expressed. “I think the community is a very important aspect of the school system so bringing us in and showing us around is a good thing.”
At Washington Elementary the Silver Cats were greeted and escorted to several classrooms by student ambassadors. The adults interacted with students, observed classroom lessons and asked questions.
Principal Amy Pesina believes that the tours allow community members to see the quality of learning taking place on the campus.
“I want our visitors to experience the love and excitement that we have for our students through great instruction,” Pesina explained. “ The Silver Cats were pleasantly surprised to see our use of technology, the concepts that our students are learning, and the overall family feel of Washington.”
As the tour concluded, the Silver Cats loaded the school bus with smiles and more insight as to what goes on behind the walls of SISD campuses. Tour participants received a Sherman ISD goodie bag, a t-shirt to showcase their Bearcats spirit, and a framed group photo to commemorate the day.
For more information on the next Silver Cats Tour or joining the organization, please email Partners in education Director Julie Mitchell at JMitchell@ShermanISD.net.
The Sherman Education Foundation Circle of Success and Professional Development grant applications are now open. All grants are designed to be innovative enrichment projects that enhance instructional approaches to fulfill SEF's vision statement. We welcome and encourage the submission of grant applications today!
- Read the Guidelines BEFORE completing the application.
- Technology-related grant applications should be submitted by January 18, 2019.
- All other grant applications should be submitted by January 31, 2019
- Send all grant applications to Kathy Bickerstaff at the Sherman ISD Service Center.
- Click HERE to access the Circle of Success Grant application.
Human Resources Welcomes New Team Member
Chelsea is a proud 2005 graduate of Sherman High School and attended Stephen F. Austin University. She’s excited to be back in Sherman ISD and says she is dedicated to the success of the school district.
“Not only did I grow up in Sherman, but my two children are also growing up and attending school in Sherman ISD,” she said. “I'm happy to be here and if any employee has a question or concern about their benefits, I can assist them in getting their question answered and any problem resolved.”
If you have questions regarding your Sherman ISD benefits, Chelsea can be reached at extension 2023 or via email at CHWalker@ShermanISD.net.
Email: CHWalker@ShermanISD.net
Phone: 903.891.2023
Our district is proud to participate in the American Heart Association’s Go Red District Heart Challenge! We want to inspire staff to get their blood pressure checked, be active and learn about how to keep our hearts healthy. By partnering with the American Heart Association, we will raise awareness and help fight heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 killer and No. 5 killers of Americans.
On Friday, February 1st, National WEAR RED DAY, we will GO RED to support the mission of the American Heart Association – building healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Throughout this school year, you will receive monthly emails on a variety of health topics. Learn the simple ways you can make big changes with your health.
Together, we will learn about heart health, get our blood pressure checked, and raise lifesaving funds for the American Heart Association. We also have some great incentives and prizes along the way. Go online and donate for your shirt today!
We will be asking EVERYONE in our district to go RED on Friday, February 1st
Please note:
- Shirts must be earned by Thursday, January 10th to receive them in time for our GO RED DAY.
- ONLINE/TEXT DONATIONS ONLY – NO CASH/CHECKS ACCEPTED
We are challenging all employees to get their blood pressure checked between now and January 10th. Check your blood pressure and then make your donation!
There are 2 ways to donate!
1. From your phone, text DHCSHERMAN to 41444.
You will immediately receive a donation link specifically for our district.
2. CLICK HERE to donate online
T-shirts are earned at the $20 donation level and ALL proceeds benefit the American Heart Association and its mission.
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.
Attendance Fuels Learning-What Can You Do to Fuel Attendance?
Hello Bearcats!
We all know that for students to learn, they must be in class. Students that miss class or are absent from school affects student learning and could perhaps lead to long-lasting habits that could result in negative behaviors later in life.
We know that attendance is linked to literacy development and helps with improving social and emotional development. As educators, we also know that to increase a child's learning status, they must be in school.
Do you have a student that is absent from class regularly now? Is there a student in your class that has missed over ten days in the first semester? Do you know why they are missing school? Have you reached out to the student's parent to express your concern? If you answered yes to any of the above questions and are in need of ideas to help improve a student’s attendance, take some time to read this article by Shaun Killian, “10 Proven Ways to Improve School Attendance.”
Classroom management, involving your parents, and even making sure the student is engaged in an extracurricular activity is essential to improving student attendance. Take some time to reflect on your practice as a teacher, think of that student who is missing your class, work with your campus administration and try one of the suggestions from this article. After all, improving certain practices may lead to better attendance.
Dr. Smalskas
Classroom Corner
Holiday day cheer has filled the air! Without a doubt, the cool weather and holiday decor brings about excitement for students and teachers. Here are some classroom activities filled with arts & crafts, games, activities, decorations, cards, gift, book ideas, and more to help celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
Christmas Classroom Activities that are Sure to Bring Holiday Cheer
We've Been Busy!
We are happy to provide you with bond updates and information as we move forward with our projects. We thank you all for your support of the 2017 bond and invite you to click the image below for the most recent bond project information. #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.
Upcoming District Events
Dec. 6-8- SHS Boys & Girls Basketball at Highway 5 Basketball Classic Tournament
Dec. 11-SHS Swimming vs Denison at Austin college @ 6:00pm
Dec. 17-School Board Meeting 7:00pm
Dec. 20- 21-Early Release Days
Dec. 24-Jan. 4 Christmas/New Year Break
Jan. 7-Teacher Work Day
SISD Winter Concert Series
- SHS Winter Concert Bands/Jazz Band @ SHS auditorium
December 10
- Piner/Dillingham Winter Band Concert @ SHS auditorium
December 13
- SHS Choir Winter Concert @ SHS auditorium
December 14
- SHS Orchestra Council performance at Eisenhower State Park Recreation Hall-TBA
Upcoming Community Events
Sherman Off the Square Block Party at Ideation Station- Friday, December 7th from 6:00pm-8:00pm
North Texas Young Pros Christmas Party at CBC Creative (100 N. Travis)- Friday, December 7th at 7:00pm