THE PRIDE THE PRIDE
The Official Newsletter of Shallowater ISD
Welcome to Volume 41 of THE PRIDE
As we wrap up the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our students, staff, and community for making it such a wonderful start to the year.
We wish everyone a joyful holiday season filled with love and laughter May your Christmas be merry, and your New Year be bright Enjoy your well-deserved break, and we’ll see you in 2025, ready for another great semester!
December 23rd - January 3rd CHRISTMAS BREAK
January 6th PROFESSIONAL
January 20th SCHOOL HOLIDAY
February 13th END OF 6 WEEKS
Don’t forget to check out Peachjar for all student/family opportunities Click the icon to the left to be directed to the dashboard of all flyers! Flyers also come to your email Tuesdays and Thursdays and can be accessed at anytime from the district website!
If you have a story you would like to share, please click here to provide us the details!
February 14th PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY
February 17th SCHOOL HOLIDAY
Message from the Superintendent
As December unfolds, I find myself reflecting on the past year celebrating our successes and identifying areas where we can grow. This time of year inspires me to set new resolutions that build on our momentum and lay the foundation for an even better year ahead. I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished together and deeply grateful for the team of dedicated individuals who make it all possible.
At the heart of Shallowater ISD’s success is our exceptional team of teachers, administrators, and support staff. Their love for children and unwavering commitment to their growth and future is the cornerstone of our achievements. In Shallowater, success doesn’t happen by chance it is earned through hard work, perseverance, and an enduring dedication to excellence Every hiring decision we make prioritizes individuals who will strengthen and contribute to our culture of excellence How fortunate we are to have such outstanding educators guiding and inspiring our students every day
I also want to take a moment to express my gratitude to our Board of Trustees They are not only leaders in our district but also active and involved parents, juggling many responsibilities Despite their busy schedules, they consistently provide thoughtful leadership and direction for our schools Their steadfast support and invaluable feedback make a tremendous impact, and we are so grateful for their service
As a district, we remain deeply committed to our mission: “In partnership with our community, Shallowater ISD is committed to fostering a challenging and supportive culture for all students to prepare them for lives of service, leadership, achievement, and exemplary character ” This past year, we lived out that mission in extraordinary ways
From completing construction projects and enhancing our learning environments with new furniture and technology to implementing new grade alignments, our community has demonstrated incredible flexibility and cooperation Thank you for your unwavering support as we worked together to make these changes a success Our students excelled across so many areas academically, athletically, and artistically and we couldn’t have done it without the collective strength of our community cheering them on
We also expanded our career-focused programs, allowing students to explore their passions in meaningful, hands-on ways Your support, whether through partnerships or resources, has made these opportunities possible For this and so much more, I extend my heartfelt thanks
As we look ahead to the new year, our focus remains on setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly to achieve them While perfection may elude us, one thing is certain: in Shallowater ISD, you can always count on our unwavering dedication to the success of every child
Thank you for your continued partnership and trust Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season and a bright, hopeful start to the New Year See you in January!
--Dr. Anita Hebert
GIFTED/TALENTED PROGRAM
CHAMPIONING IT
We have a Gifted/Talented page on the district website! Here, you will find any news, upcoming dates, or other updates related to G/T Make sure to check back regularly Click here to check it out!
Students are exploring digital citizenship and learning how to stay safe online Mrs Phillips is also actively supporting teachers in integrating technology into their classrooms. Stay updated on all the exciting initiatives by following the SISD Instructional Technology Facebook page!
The holidays are just around the corner and Shallowater ISD would like to provide our families with a few digital safety tips. This resource provides guidance on respectful tech use and safe sharing practices to empower parents to create a safe, balanced environment for children while enjoying precious time with family.
Click here to go to the SISD Holiday Digital Safety Toolkit!
INTERMEDIATE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT
3RD 6 WEEKS
SHS MUSTANGS & FILLIES OF THE MONTH
December
9TH GRADE: Braylee Wall & Connor Youso
10TH GRADE: Lilah Graves & Brooks Rowin
11TH GRADE: Carli Buckley & Champ Clanahan
12TH GRADE: Haley Davis & Kale Moore
SHS MIGHTY MUSTANG OF THE MONTH
DICTIONARY SKILLS
Paisley Roberts - 2nd Place
Mathew Day - 3rd Place
Tatum Carter - 5th Place
Kinley Johnson - 2nd Place
Braley Bair - 5th Place
Kyra Clanahan - 6th Place
CHESS
Caleb Gandarilla - 1st Place
Reid Loafman - 2nd Place
Anaya Frausto-Perez - 6th Place
Kate Jock - 1st Place
John Paul DeHoya - 2nd Place
Mason Freitag - 2nd Place
Chris Starcher - 6th Place
MUSIC MEMORY
Daniel Gutschke - 2nd Place
Holly Rawls - 6th Place
MIDDLE SCHOOL UIL RESULTS
2ND PLACE OVERALL
ART
Delilah Rodriguez - 4th Place
Keleigh Farris - 5th Place
Ellie Clark - 6th Place
Colton King - 6th Place
Raider Hix - 2nd Place
Aranza Olvera - 4th Place
LISTENING
Kenley Hester - 4th Place
Paisley Roberts - 5th Place
Taylor Wann - 1st Place
Tatum Carter - 3rd Place
Montgomery Aven - 5th Place
Hannah Hamilton - 3rd Place
Haidyn Henry - 4th Place
CALCULATOR
Ryker Ivy - 1st Place
Wade Wallace - 3rd Place
Case Conner - 6th Place
Brody Tucker - 3rd Place
Baron Schmitt - 5th Place
Isaac Vasquez - 1st Place
Kenzie Banks - 2nd Place
Braley Bair - 3rd Place
READY WRITING
Paisley Roberts - 1st Place
Brinkley Hart - 2nd Place
Harper Sallee - 6th Place
Hope Waltisperger - 3rd Place
Kinley Johnson - 5th Place
Henley Hoelscher - 6th Place
MATHEMATICS
Kury Schwarts - 5th Place
Tripp Timmens - 6th Place
Daniel Gutschke - 3rd Place
Annabella Rodriguez - 4th Place
Haegen Moore - 5th Place
John Kade Hunter - 1st Place
Jackson Nidy - 2nd Place
IMPROMPTU SPEAKING
Callie Beach - 1st Place
Brenna Meyer - 1st Place
Place Team
Place Team
SPELLING
Paisley Roberts - 3rd Place
Perri Noble - 6th Place
Micah Cole - 6th Place
Hannah Hamilton - 3rd Place
Kendall Arney - 4th Place
Phoenyx Hensley - 5th Place
NUMBER SENSE
Kury Schwartz - 6th Place
Daniel Gutschke - 3rd Place
Rebeka Fluitt - 5th Place
Henley Hoelscher - 1st Place
Braley Bair - 4th Place
ORAL READING
Chandler Bernal - 4th Place
Brenley Kute - 5th Place
Bayler Jeter - 4th Place
John Kade Hunter - 6th Place
MIDDLE SCHOOL UIL RESULTS, CONT.
2ND PLACE OVERALL
CHESS
Caleb Gandarilla - 1st Place
Reid Loafman - 2nd Place
Anaya Frausto-Perez - 6th Place
Kate Jock - 1st Place
John Paul DeHoya - 2nd Place
Mason Freitag - 2nd Place
Chris Starcher - 6th Place
EDITORIAL WRITING
Brinkley Hart - 2nd Place
Paisley Roberts - 3rd Place
Melby Trotter - 5th Place
Kinley Johnson - 3rd Place
Henley Hoelscher - 5th Place
MODERN ORATORY
Callie Beach - 1st Place
Ellie Graves - 6th Place
Haidyn Henry - 6th Place
SCIENCE
Jeremiah Gray - 4th Place
Easten Ramos - 5th Place
Oakley Garza - 5th Place
Henley Hoelscher - 2nd Place
Mason Freitag - 3rd Place
SOCIAL STUDIES
Trayson Glasscock - 2nd Place
Paisley Roberts - 6th Place
Caleb Harris - 3rd Place
Jack Holmes - 5th Place
Cason Campbell - 5th Place
MAPS, GRAPHS, CHARTS
Jesse Boschma - 1st Place
Camden Padilla - 2nd Place
Matthew Day - 4th Place
Brynlee Wilkins - 2nd Place
ORAL READING
Braylee Phillips - 1st Place
Delanie Newman - 5th Place
Klara Jane Onstead - 1st Place
Jaxson Smith - 4th Place
Eliot Foster - 5th Place
Blake Ketchersid - 2nd Place
Nash Stanton - 3rd Place
MAPS, GRAPHS, CHARTS
Blaize Raindl - 5th Place
Charlie Thornhill - 6th Place
LISTENING SKILLS
Marnee Jackson - 2nd Place
Petra Truitt - 5th Place
DICTIONARY
Cannon Jones - 2nd Place
ELEMENTARY UIL RESULTS
2ND PLACE OVERALL
CREATIVE WRITING
Myles Dennis - 2nd Place
Kameron Tabor - 3rd Place
Adeline Calhoun - 2nd Place
Josie Ketchersid - 4th Place
Nova Bean - 5th Place
Lilly Skipworth - 5th Place
Eliott Foster - 6th Foster
Blake Ketchersid - 3rd Place
Brynn Garner - 5th Place
Nash Stanton - 6th Place
NUMBER SENSE
Kate Tabor - 2nd Place
Magnus Carlson - 2nd Place
Blake Ketchersid - 2nd Place
Cannon Jones - 3rd Place
Cash Brickey - 5th Place
ART SMART
4th Grade - 3rd Place Team
5th Grade - 3rd Place Team
Jess Johnson - 2nd Place
MUSIC MEMORY
2nd Grade - 3rd Place Team
Grahm Hason - 5th Place
3rd Grade - 3rd Place Team
Claire Johnson - 5th Place
4th Grade - 3rd Place Team
5th Grade - 3rd Place Team
SPELLING
Brecklyn Pax Cole - 6th Place
Blake Ketchersid - 1st Place
STORY TELLING
Gracie Waltisperger - 4th Place
Josie Ketchersid - 1st Place
CHESS
3rd Place Team
Rustyn Boatright - 5th Place
SHS STUDENT WINS UIL SCHOLARSHIP
Congratulations to SHS student, Jay Alexandroni, on his outstanding achievement! Jay recently earned 1st Place in the Fall Fandango Computer Science competition, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication. As a result of his hard work, he was awarded a $500 scholarship from Texas Tech University This remarkable accomplishment highlights the talent and determination of our students at Shallowater High School. Way to go, Jay!
SHALLOWATER FFA COMPETES AT STATE
The Shallowater FFA Ag Advocacy team (State Semifinalists) and Ag Issues team (6th Place) were honored for their outstanding achievements at the State LDE Events held at Sam Houston State University. Reaching the state level places these students among the top 5% of FFA members (1A-6A) across Texas a remarkable accomplishment considering there are over 123,000 FFA members statewide. This year, 416 Ag Advocacy teams and 202 Ag Issues teams competed, making their success even more impressive Congratulations to these talented students! See below for the members of each team.
Ag Advocacy: Brynlee Swan, John Kade Hunter, Lainey Kate Barker, Landon Bouldin, Gisselle Havir, Gavin White, Graham White, Teegan Beach, and Heaven Chacon
Ag Issues: Stone Beach, Lana Brickey, Ethan Green, Kassidy Dutra, Kaylor Bouldin, Tristan Powell, Holt Hoelscher, and Abi Brownd
SEF DONATES OVER $90K TO SISD TEACHERS
The Shallowater Education Foundation’s annual Prize Patrol delivered an astounding $95,613 37 in grants to support our teachers and students! This incredible contribution was made possible through the generosity of SEF’s donors and the dedication of its board members, whose efforts during the annual gala helped fund these grants. We are beyond grateful for SEF’s unwavering support and the countless hours they invest in making a difference in our district. Thank you, SEF, for your generosity and commitment to Shallowater ISD!
SHS BOOK CLUB ORGANIZES BOOK DRIVE
The SHS Book Club made a meaningful impact this month by delivering 725 books to Covenant Children's Hospital! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who generously donated books and an extra round of applause to our amazing students for organizing this successful book drive. During their visit, book club members had the privilege of meeting the CEO and key leaders at Covenant, making the day even more memorable Thank you for showing the power of community and compassion, SHS Book Club!
FINE ARTS NEWS
3RD ANNUAL FINE ARTS SHOWCASE
The 3rd Annual Shallowater ISD Fine Arts Showcase brought the community together for a night of celebration, talent, and holiday cheer. Highlights of the evening included incredible performances by the Scarlet Steppers dance teams, captivating theatre productions, and beautiful Christmas carols led by the choir, culminating in the lighting of the Christmas tree on the high school lawn.
Guests also enjoyed impressive band performances, visits with Santa and Mrs Claus, and fun activities like ornament decorating and face painting. Food trucks added to the festive atmosphere, making the event enjoyable for all ages.
A special thank you to the Fine Arts Department and Dr Strickland for organizing this memorable event that truly showcased the talents of our students. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the arts in Shallowater ISD!
FINE ARTS NEWS
SMS ALL-REGION BAND AUDITION RESULTS
Congrats to the following students who earned a spot in the Middle School All-Region Band on December 7th:
Tailor Norris - Clarinet (1st chair!)
Logan Grams - Alto Saxophone (2nd chair)
Rebeka Fluitt - Alto Saxophone (5th chair)
Daniel Gutschke - French Horn (1st chair!)
Kacen Holmes - French Horn (2nd chair)
Chris Starcher - French Horn (5th chair)
Kelly Freeman - Trombone (1st chair!)
Kyleigh Williams - Trombone (10th chair)
Reese Medrano - Percussion 1 (3rd chair)
Colton King - Percussion 1 (8th chair)
Annabella Rodriguez - Percussion 2 (1st chair!)
SPORTS ZONE
MUSTANG FOOTBALL - STATE QUARTERFINALISTS
The Shallowater Mustangs wrapped up an incredible football season as State Quarterfinalists, finishing with an impressive 11-3 record. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the hard work, talent, and dedication of our players and coaching staff.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to our seniors for their leadership both on and off the field, as well as to our coaching staff for their guidance and commitment throughout the season Congratulations also to the players who earned well-deserved postseason honors we are proud of your achievements!
Thank you, Mustangs, for an unforgettable season and for representing Shallowater with pride and excellence!
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