No cost school meals

Quick Check in Howe introduces new store manager

Submitted

1st Quick Check Convenience Stores would like to welcome Zachary Wilks to our team. Wilks accepted the position of Store Manager at our Howe location just a few weeks ago, and we are already seeing many positive changes and have received numerous compliments on his behalf.

Wilks was born and raised Howe. He graduated from Howe High School in 2010 and earned a bachelor’s degree in safety from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He and his wife, Rickie, have three children – Brightyn, Brystol, and Breckyn (twins). His hobbies include spending time with his wife and kids and cheering on the Texas Longhorns through the good years and the bad.

Zach previously worked at Quick Check from 2012-2015 while he was attending college. He also worked as a seasonal cashier at Lowe’s in Sherman and was quickly promoted to a management position. Under his leader-

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Zach Wilks

ship, his department sales ranked in the top 10 out of over 1800 stores nationwide. His track record of starting at the bottom and quickly rising to the top is a testament to his excellent work ethic and determination. We are very pleased to have him back with us in this capacity.

Howe ISD announced its policy that this school year, healthy meals will be offered every school day to all students at no cost

Typically, a student’s household must meet income eligibility requirements to qualify for free or reduced-price meals. However, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued guidance that allows schools to offer meals to all students at no cost for the 2021-2022 school year. Each school/site or central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed upon request. While no application or eligibility determination process is required for your student to receive free meals this school year, the income eligibility requirement will likely resume in the 2022-2023 school year.

Howe ISD anunció hoy su política de que, en este año escolar, se ofrecerán comidas saludables a todos los estudiantes sin costo alguno en todos los días escolares. Por lo general, el hogar de un estudiante debe cumplir con los requisitos de elegibilidad de ingresos para calificar para recibir comidas gratuitas o a precio reducido. Sin embargo, el Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA, por sus siglas en inglés), emitió una guía que permite a las escuelas ofrecer comidas a todos los estudiantes sin costo alguno para el año escolar 2021-2022. Cada escuela/ centro u oficina central tiene una copia de la política, que puede ser revisada bajo petición. Si bien no se requiere ninguna solicitud o proceso de determinación de elegibilidad para que su estudiante reciba comidas gratuitas este año escolar, el requisito de elegibilidad de ingresos probablemente se reanudarán en el año escolar 2022-2023.

Left to right: Drum Major Chloe Scoggins, Assistant Drum Majors Olivia Morris, Montana Sartor, and Korie Bouse. Staff photo.

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2021 is advancement year which means the stakes are much higher than just Friday nights. “We set out to go all the way,” said Band Director Angie Liss. We believe that we have the kids, and we believe that we have the show and our expectations are that they’re going to do the very best they can and if they do that, and the stars all align, there’s no reason to think that they can’t go get all the marbles.” The “Off the Rails” performance will have a “ghost train” type of feel with some original music to begin with some train sound effects. The second movement ballad is an arrangement of “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” The third movement will be “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne. “I can’t wait for that first football game where that train goes through at halftime,” said the grinning Liss. This year’s drum major is Chloe Scoggins who has been assistant drum major for two years prior. Montana Sartor, Olivia Morris, and Korie Bouse are assistant drum majors. Bouse will march but will also switch with Morris at times during the performance. The band president is Ethan Strunc and band vice president is Jentry Doty. Kayley Laubhan serves as color guard captain with Jessica Baustida is co-captain. Liss says that participation is ranging from 75-80 band students on the field which is typical. Some middle school students will be in the ensemble, but not marching on the field. However, she says there’s one eighth grader that could possibly march due to his abilities.

Scoggins says that she’s very excited for the upcoming season and is glad that an advancement year landed on her senior year. “I’ve already been once and I’m really hoping that’s the way we go this year,” said Scoggins who was assistant drum major during Howe’s trip to the state finals in San Antonio her sophomore year. The reason for her optimism lays partly with the freshman class. “I’ve seen these freshmen come out of their shells just on day two and sometimes that doesn’t happen,” said Scoggins. “It takes a while for them to come out of their shell. They’re not being shy and really getting a feel for what the band really is.” Scoggins says when she was a freshman, the leadership of Drum Major Kindle Catching played a major role in making the younger band members feeling comfortable and Scoggins says she wants to take that same approach. Liss, who will have her band play live at the Community Pep Rally for the first time on Aug. 21 says that she’s excited to get to be on turf.

“When people think of turf, they (Continued on page 6)

State Champ

Braden Ulmer (right) is once again the state champion in shot put in his class. He participated in the TAAF Games Of Texas in Cor-

pus Christi. Ulmer threw a distance of 40’-5” for the winning

throw. His next stop will be the State Games of America for Nationals. Courtesy photo.

Band President Ethan Strunc (front). Staff photo.

(Continued from page 4)

generally only think of football,” said Liss. “But the benefits that it has for our district is good for band, it’s good for multiple sports, and it’s good for events like Day of Champions.” Liss says she’s had to pay and rent stadiums with turf for practices over the years. “For them to have the opportunity to get on the turf on a regular basis is huge for us,” said Liss. “It’s such a bonus for our district. On Friday nights we don’t have to worry about our setup and if it’s going to be muddy. We shouldn’t have to worry now if we’re going to fall down. We are so excited.”

Band Director Angie Liss (above). Staff photo.

Nail was surprised at the awards and was accompanied by Howe ISD Superintendent Kevin Wilson and Howe High School Principal Phil Kempson. After being named the winner of the award, a video was shown with interviews from her students and Principal Kempson. Avery Snapp, a student at HHS said that Mrs. Nail is the best teacher she’s ever had and that she is helpful and respectful to her students. “She helps kids understand what we’re learning and if you don’t understand, if you ask her—she’ll help you in a different way in order for you to be successful,” said Jered Brussow, an HHS student. Senior Will Fleming said that he wasn't fond of English until he landed in her classroom. Landery Sanders explained that all the students received one-on-one attention before essays in order to learn their strengths and weaknesses and what to build upon. “Getting to know exactly what I need to focus on through my writing and telling me exactly what I’m good at gives me confidence and really prepared me for the test,” said Sanders. Snapp said she loves her person-

Chelsie Nail

ality as a person, but as a teacher she’s very interactive and really wants her students to succeed.

“She does a great job of being a task master or a drill sergeant, but yet the kids don’t see it like that,” said Kempson. “She’s leading them to do the work and to advance academically, but in a way that really draws the kids in and makes them want to learn and get better. She just makes it look really easy and that’s something that’s really hard to do. She gets kids to buy in, maintains respect, and also, they have fun in there and they like her. She just has ‘it.’”

CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE

Each student finished their video by saying they loved her. (Continued on page 9)

Bulldog Stadium renovation

In her speech, she said she was shocked and would have invited her husband to attend if she thought she had a chance to win. “I had it together until Will, Landery, and all of them said all of those kind things,” said Nail to the large audience. She thanked Superintendent Kevin Wilson, Principal Kempson, and her students.

“It’s been a tough year,” said Nail. “We went to battle last year so we’re ready to arm our kids this year with so much. We show up every day showing integrity and perseverance—things that mean so much more than a test score or a grade.” Nail was not aware she was going to win, however, Wilson and Kempson had prior knowledge.

Howe ISD Supt. Kevin Wilson with Secondary Teacher of the Year Chelsie Nail. Courtesy photo. Howe ISD Supt. Kevin Wilson with Elementary Teacher of the Year Donna Weir. Courtesy photo.

Dr. Gordon D. Taylor, executive director of Region 10 with Region 10 Teacher of the Year Chelsie Nail.

Courtesy photo.