Ott's Outlook
DECEMBER 2020
A few weeks ago, I was filling up my car with gas at the HEB on Adams Street. As I was finishing up, a car drove up beside me and a kind lady rolled down her window asking “Are you Superintendent Ott?”. I answered her with a smile and then she waved me over to her car. She immediately engaged in a conversation about her grandchildren who are students in the district. I enjoyed hearing about her grandchildren and appreciated her positive comments about Temple ISD. However, it was her final words to me that continued to echo in my head after we parted. She grabbed my hand with both of hers and said, “Keep on loving our children, Dr. Ott.”
At the time, I simply answered with an affirmative “yes, ma’am.” However, as I have reflected on her comment, and the way she looked at me, here is what I wish I had said to her:
“Our students are loved in Temple ISD, but it's not just by me. I see evidence of this daily through the interactions between our staff and students. Our children are also loved by this community - a community that continues to provide the district with tangible resources and intangible support. Yes, Diane, we all will continue to love our children and remain blessed to be part of this incredible Wildcat community.”
Bobby Ott
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- THS Wildcat Band earned a SUPERIOR rating at UIL competition! Dr. Ott congratulated them in person at one of their early morning practices. See his message in the video below.
- Our Wildcat Football team are District Champions and heading into postseason play next week.
- Our Finance department received the Governmental Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Award for financial accounting.
...Now that you know, please share these exciting accomplishments with others!
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Born in 1919 in Temple, Texas Ms. Catherine Robertson Beimer is the first woman to be recognized in the Alumni Spotlight and at the young age of 101 she would probably tell you that it’s about time.
A force to be reckoned with, for over 50 years Catherine Beimer was a local retail leader promoting downtown Temple as a shopping destination and later helping to establish 31st Street as a vital artery in the city's business community.
Catherine attended Reagan Elementary School and then graduated from Temple High School in 1936.
After graduating from THS Catherine attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College now Texas State University and taught for several years in a one room schoolhouse right outside of Temple near Holland which had 20 students from Kindergarten to 12th Grade.
At the onset of WWII, she married Frank Beimer and spent the subsequent years following him from Naval Base to Naval Base up and down the east coast.
After WWII they returned to Temple and established Beimer’s Jewelers in downtown Temple in 1947. For the first few years of the business Catherine worked as a secretary at Scott and White to support the family.
In 1951 she joined Beimer's Jewelry full time and the store began to experience massive expansion. In 1971, the store was relocated to the blossoming 31st Street retail district. From 1951 to 1992, when the store closed Catherine oversaw all the finances, inventory and staffing of the business, including the design and construction of their last store on 31st street, where Precious Memories Florist now operates. In short, she was the genius behind the business that expanded Beimer's Jewelry from a single watch bench in the corner of a drug store to an over 5,000 square foot fine jewelry retail establishment.
In 1981 she stepped in to help to raise three of her grandchildren after her daughter-in-law passed away from cancer but Catherine remained firmly in charge of the business during this time.
At the age of 73, she retired from the jewelry business and at the age of 80, retired from raising grandchildren.
After retiring she spent many years volunteering as a Yellow Bird at Scott and White Hospital and Meals on Wheels through Grace Presbyterian Church.
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Drayton McLane, Jr.
The Friend of Temple ISD Wildcat Award allows the district to formally recognize high-level partners for their contributions.
Drayton McLane, Jr., Chairman of the McLane Group, has been a long-time friend and supporter of Temple ISD. Mr. McLane, who has made his home in Temple for over 50 years, has publicly and quietly supported the work and projects of Temple ISD.
Mr. McLane’s two sons, Drayton McLane III and Denton McLane, are graduates of Temple High School. He has personal ties to the district, and has always made it a priority to listen and consult with our district leadership over the years.
Publicly, he has been a strong supporter of the recent district bond campaigns. He took a very visible position with the PAC supporting the bonds and advocated for their passage. This helped ensure their overwhelming success.
He has also quietly backed the district in other ways, not wanting publicity and attention for his positive actions. His generosity has benefited several district facilities and our marketing efforts.
Perhaps his greatest gift to the district is the advice and guidance he has shared with our district leadership. His questions and challenges have sharpened the district’s focus and set up the district for greater success.
For these reasons and so many more, Drayton McLane, Jr. is a true Friend of Temple ISD.
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Perry Office Plus
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Dropping by Cater
Encouraging words from Diane Henderson
Recognizing staff @ Thornton
Mentoring @ Scott
Being a good sport @ the Pep Rally
Checking on Porkie @ the ag barn
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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