The Pride - Volume 41, Issue 1

THE PRIDE The Official Newsletter of Shallowater ISD

VOL. 41 ISSUE 1 • OCTOBER 2024

Welcome to Volume 41 of

THE PRIDE Wow! What an incredible start to the 2024-2025 school year!

From exciting athletic and extracurricular activities to our newly refreshed facilities and outstanding learning happening in classrooms, it's been fantastic to have our students and staff back in action!

Upcoming Dates: October 11th EARLY DISMISSAL 1:00

October 14th

Please enjoy this first issue of The Pride Digital Newsletter for the 2024-2025 school year and be on the lookout for more issues to come!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

If you have a story you would like to share, please click here to provide us the details!

OCTOBER 14th & 15th

The Pride continues to offer advertisement opportunities.

Local businesses can reach a broader audience in the digital format!

Please contact Jennifer Mitchell at jmitchell@shallowaterisd.net for all advertising inquiries.

TENNIS - REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS

October 22nd FALL CHOIR CONCERT REGIONAL CROSS COUNTRY

October 28th - November 1st RED RIBBON WEEK

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Message from the Superintendent

The sweet pumpkin spice busyness of fall is upon us, and we’re truly enjoying the beautiful days with our students—whether they’re in the classroom or excelling at school events. As we embrace this season, I want to share some important and practical information about the value of attendance at Shallowater ISD. First and foremost, being in school gives your child the best chance to excel—whether they aspire to be an outstanding student, athlete, musician, artist, scientist, welder, or chef. Time spent learning in the classroom or practicing on the court, field, or stage alongside peers is crucial for developing skills. Studies consistently show that regular school attendance improves performance, and at Shallowater, we strive for excellence. This is what Fillies and Mustangs do: they show up, work hard, and become the best version of themselves.

On the other hand, when students miss too much school, it can have a negative impact. They may feel overwhelmed and struggle to catch up, missing out on new lessons and fun activities. Trying to make up work without the guidance of a teacher can be a real challenge.

Now, I understand your concerns: “What about when kids get sick? Should I feel guilty keeping them home?” Absolutely not. If your child is running a fever, has a virus, or isn’t feeling well, they should stay home to rest and recover—and to prevent spreading illness to others. However, there are times when it’s okay to encourage resilience. If your child just has a headache or is feeling a bit tired after a late activity, it’s a great opportunity to push through and attend school. After all, this is a skill they’ll need in the real world, where we often have to meet commitments even when we’re not feeling 100%.

Now, let’s talk about something not everyone likes to discuss—how attendance affects school funding. This isn’t about money for its own sake; it’s about maximizing resources for our kids.

Some may believe, “The school just wants kids there for the money.” That couldn’t be further from the truth. We want your children in school because we care about their growth and success.

However, funding is a reality we must consider, and attendance plays a significant role in how we receive it. continued on next page.

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Our school taxes go into two categories: daily operations and bond payments. The state supplements our funding based on daily attendance—meaning, for each day your child is present, we receive a set amount of funding. When they’re absent, that funding is reduced. This system makes your child’s presence in school even more important.

So, how can you help us? It’s simple: 1. Emphasize the importance of attending school every day.

2. Keep your child home when they are genuinely sick.

3. Schedule appointments after 10 a.m. when daily attendance is recorded.

4. Plan family trips during long weekends or holidays to minimize absences.

5. If you need to pick up your child early, try to do so after 10 a.m.

Shallowater ISD consistently ranks among the highest in the state for attendance, and I believe that’s one of the keys to our success. Before COVID, our average daily attendance was over 97%.

This year, we’re already at 96.6% for the first six weeks—an incredible achievement. I’m confident that with your help, we can reach 97.5%. Not only will this better prepare our students for the future, but it could also bring in an additional $75,000 in state funding to support our programs.

Together, let’s continue the Shallowater tradition of rising to the occasion! Thank you for your commitment to your child’s education and for being a part of what makes our district exceptional.

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PRIORITIZING SAFETY AT SISD:

E N H A N C IN G S E C U R I T Y M E A S U R E S A C R O S S O U R S C H O O L S

As we begin the 2024-2025 school year, safety remains at the forefront of Shallowater ISD’s priorities. We are committed to maintaining a secure and welcoming environment for our students, staff, and community.

Here are some of the recent enhancements and ongoing efforts to improve the safety and security of our district: Enhanced Safety Features: Thanks to safety grants, SISD has been able to install shatterproof glass on windows throughout the district and add additional security cameras to further monitor our campuses. These new additions play a critical role in safeguarding our schools and preventing potential threats.

Compliance with Safety Standards: We are proud to announce that Shallowater ISD is fully compliant or provisionally compliant with all minimum safety standards for school facilities. This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to creating secure learning environments that meet and exceed state requirements.

Collaboration with Emergency Responders: On September 30th, SISD conducted a comprehensive walkthrough with local emergency and law enforcement agencies. This joint effort strengthens our partnership and ensures coordinated responses in case of emergencies, helping us remain prepared for any situation.

Innovative Safety Tools: We will be introducing the Alertus system, a silent panic alert now accessible to all employees, including substitutes. This system allows staff to quickly and discreetly report emergencies. Additionally, the Raptor system serves as our internal emergency communication tool, enhancing communication and response among staff during critical situations.

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Ongoing Safety Exercises: Our commitment to preparedness continues with planned tabletop exercises involving district administrators. These exercises are designed to simulate real-world scenarios, helping leaders refine their responses to potential emergencies.

District-Wide Rekeying and Secure Vestibules: As part of the 2022 bond, we are in the process of rekeying all district facilities and installed secure vestibules at every campus entrance. These measures significantly enhance the physical security of our buildings and help us maintain controlled access to each campus.

On-Campus Security Personnel: Every campus and building now has a designated officer, marshal, or guardian, ensuring a trained security presence is available at all times. Their presence is a key component of our district’s safety strategy.

Strong Partnerships with First Responders: We continue to build strong relationships with area first responders, which helps us remain aligned with best practices in school safety and provides ongoing support from experts in the field.

At Shallowater ISD, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. These efforts, along with our commitment to continuous improvement, reflect our dedication to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all.

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INTERMEDIATE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 1ST 6 WEEKS

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SHS MUSTANGS & FILLIES OF THE MONTH

August/September

9th Grade: Presley Kute & Easton Foster 10th Grade: Katie Ogle & Byron Carreon 11th Grade: Kambell Morris & Connor Loafman 12th Grade: Paisleigh Brownd & Hudson Franklin

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SHS STUDENTS EARN AP DISTINCTION Shallowater High School students Porter Beldon and Ayden Rideout have earned the prestigious AP Scholar Award in recognition of their academic excellence. This award is given to students who score a 3 or higher on three or more AP (Advanced Placement) exams, showcasing their commitment to rigorous coursework and academic achievement.

The AP Scholar Award is a significant academic honor that highlights a student’s ability to master college-level material while still in high school. This distinction is not only a testament to their dedication but also serves as a valuable credential for college applications and resumes, setting them apart in an increasingly competitive academic landscape.

Congratulations to Porter and Ayden on this impressive accomplishment! We look forward to seeing their continued success!

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DIGITAL SAFETY TOOLKIT At Shallowater ISD, we prioritize the digital safety and well-being of every student in our care. In today’s technology-driven world, students are constantly exposed to new digital environments, and we understand the importance of working hand-in-hand with families to keep them safe online. To support this effort, we have curated a collection of trusted resources to help parents navigate and better understand the digital spaces their children engage with. By fostering this partnership with families, we aim to create a safe, informed, and supportive digital experience for all students, both at school and at home.

View SISD’s Digital Safety Toolkit here! Be sure to check back often, as we’ll continue adding new resources for you!

CHAMPIONING IT Thanks to a generous technology grant from the Shallowater Education Foundation and funding from the 2022 Bond, every classroom in our district is now equipped with state-of-the-art Interactive Flat Panels (IFPs). These innovative tools are transforming student learning by boosting engagement and expanding teaching possibilities.

A special thank you to our Instructional Technology Coach, Jillian Phillips, and the dedicated technology team for their outstanding work in ensuring our teachers are well-trained and confident in utilizing these IFPs. Jillian's passion for integrating technology into the classroom shines through in the resources and ongoing support she provides to our educators.

To stay updated on the latest in instructional technology, be sure to visit the Championing IT website and follow the Shallowater ISD Instructional Technology Facebook page.

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MRS. COX RECEIVES $4,000 GRANT At the beginning of the school year, Rachel Cox, the librarian for Shallowater Elementary and Intermediate Schools, has been awarded a $4,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. This generous grant will be used to purchase additional books for the school libraries, further enhancing students' access to quality reading materials.

Mrs. Cox’s dedication to fostering a love of reading in our students is evident in her efforts to continually expand the library's offerings. With this grant, students will have more opportunities to discover new stories, learn about different subjects, and grow their literacy skills.

This recognition is a testament to Mrs. Cox’s passion for literacy and her commitment to creating a rich learning environment for all students. Congratulations, Mrs. Cox, on this welldeserved achievement, and thank you for your ongoing contributions to our school community!

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SISD + PEACHJAR Parents and community members, don’t forget to check out Peachjar for all school-approved flyers, signups, and fundraiser information! Peachjar is our new digital platform that delivers important school and community flyers directly to your inbox, so you never miss out on events, programs, or opportunities.

You should already be receiving these flyers via email, using the address we have on file in Parent Portal. You can also easily access active flyers by visiting the Peachjar flyerboard on our school website, where you can sign up for events and programs directly from the flyers—no more digging through backpacks for lost papers!

If you haven’t received a welcome email from Peachjar, let us know. No action is needed to begin receiving these communications, but be sure to add school@peachjar.com to your contacts and enable images for the best experience.

Peachjar is used exclusively for school- and district-approved flyers, ensuring your email is safe and private. If your organization would like to distribute a flyer, please contact Jennifer Mitchell at jmitchell@shallowaterisd.net for details.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to keep parents and the community informed! Click here for more information.

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Presley St.Clair

Tatum Rentfro

Paisleigh Brownd

Grace Barrett

Jaysyn Dobbs

Rylen Blackburn

Blaine St.Clair

Noah Bernal

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SPORTS ZONE MUSTANG FOOTBALL The Mustang football team is off to a strong start this season with a 4-2 record, having faced some fierce competition early on.

Impressive victories over Monahans, Clyde, Idalou, and Canadian have propelled the Mustangs to #16 in MaxPreps’ 3A-1 rankings.

Despite tough losses to highly competitive teams in Seminole and Midland Greenwood, those setbacks only seemed to fuel the Mustangs' determination. A standout moment of the season was their homecoming game, where they handed Idalou their first loss of the year in a thrilling matchup. The following week, the Mustangs made headlines again, traveling to face the Canadian Wildcats and delivering the powerhouse team their first home loss in six years.

With momentum on their side, the Mustangs are preparing for their upcoming game against Pecos before a well-timed bye week, which will allow them to recharge and refocus ahead of district play.

The team’s resilience and grit promise an exciting remainder of the season.

Click here for more photos.

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FILLIE VOLLEYBALL FILLIE VOLLEYBALL EYES ANOTHER DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER STRONG START The Fillie Volleyball team is on a hot streak, dominating their first round of district competition and setting their sights on another district championship. With commanding sweeps over Tulia and Childress, along with hard-fought 3-1 victories against Littlefield and Idalou, the Fillies are proving to be a force to be reckoned with as they head into the next round of district play.

Led by strong senior leadership and guided by head coach Levi Savage, the Fillies are determined to add another district championship gold ball to their collection. Their focus, grit, and teamwork have been on full display this season, and the team is ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

The Fillies will face Tulia on the road on Tuesday, October 15th, followed by a home match against Littlefield on Saturday, October 19th. Come out and support the team as they continue their quest for another title.

Click here for more photos. Photo credit: Shallowater Yearbook staff THE PRIDE

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CROSS COUNTRY FILLIE XC HEADS TO REGIONALS The SHS Cross Country team delivered an outstanding performance at the district meet held at Mae Simmons on Tuesday, October 8th. The Varsity girls secured a 3rd-place finish, earning them a spot in the regional meet, while the JV girls dominated the competition and were crowned district champions!

A big congratulations to the following athletes for their individual achievements: Kamryn Boatright (Varsity - 5th Place), Alexa Welch (Varsity - 10th Place), Faith Bass (JV - 1st Place), Valeigh Salyer (JV - 4th Place), Parker Young (JV - 5th Place), and Emma Kate Foster (JV - 7th Place).

We are incredibly proud of our athletes' dedication and hard work. Best of luck to the Varsity team as they prepare for regionals! Click here for more photos.

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TENNIS SHALLOWATER TENNIS SECURES BIDISTRICT VICTORY, ADVANCES TO AREA ROUND The Shallowater Tennis team continued their impressive season with great, showing their dominance both in district play and in the playoffs, competing against 4-A teams.

In a pivotal match against Levelland, Shallowater came out strong in doubles, securing a 5-2 lead. They carried that momentum into singles play, clinching the match with a 10-3 advantage. Ultimately, they won 8 of the 12 singles matches, finishing with a commanding 13-6 victory. This performance secured Shallowater an 8-2 record in district play and the title of 2024 4-4A District Runners-Up. The momentum carried over into the Bi-District Round on Monday, October 7th, as Shallowater faced San Angelo Lakeview in Big Spring. Once again, they took control early, coming out of doubles with a 5-2 lead. Clinching the match at 10-4, Shallowater won 9 of the 12 singles matches, ending with a decisive 14-5 final score.

"I couldn’t be more proud of these kids," said Coach Johnson. "They came to play today, and all of our hard work is paying off with each match!"

Next up, Shallowater faced San Elizario in the area round in Monahans on Thursday, October 10th.

They came out as Area Champs after defeating San Elizario 10-4. They will take on Andrews in the Regional Quarterfinal Round in Brownfield on Monday at 10:30am!

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Thank you to our sponsors for your continued support of The Pride Newsletter!

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THE PRIDE STAFF DR. ANITA HEBERT, SUPERINTENDENT OF SISD, PUBLISHER JENNIFER MITCHELL, MANAGING EDITOR FOR ADVERTISING RATES, CONTACT THE MANAGING EDITOR AT 806-832-4531 OR JMITCHELL@SHALLOWATERISD.NET

The Pride is a publication of Shallowater Independent School District and is distributed monthly during the school year.

Newsletters are sent free of charge digitally to all subscribers and printed free for community members who are 60+ by request. Printed subscriptions are available for other residents for $25 annually. Articles published in the PRIDE are copyrighted. All Rights Reserved.

Readers can express their views on articles in this newspaper by writing to: The PRIDE Letters to the Editor 1100 Ave. K Shallowater, TX, 79363

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