The Pride - Volume 41, Issue3

THE PRIDE The Official Newsletter of Shallowater ISD VOL. 41 ISSUE 3 • DECEMBER 2024

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!

Upcoming Dates: December 23rd - January 3rd CHRISTMAS BREAK January 6th PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY January 20th SCHOOL HOLIDAY February 13th

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!

THE PRIDE

END OF 6 WEEKS February 14th PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY February 17th SCHOOL HOLIDAY

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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 THE PRIDE

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GIFTED/TALENTED PROGRAM

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!

CHAMPIONING IT

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!

Holiday Digital Safety Toolkit 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!

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INTERMEDIATE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 3RD 6 WEEKS

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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

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MIDDLE SCHOOL UIL RESULTS

2ND PLACE OVERALL DICTIONARY SKILLS

ART

READY WRITING

Paisley Roberts - 2nd Place Mathew Day - 3rd Place Tatum Carter - 5th Place Kinley Johnson - 2nd Place Braley Bair - 5th Place Kyra Clanahan - 6th Place

Delilah Rodriguez - 4th Place Keleigh Farris - 5th Place Ellie Clark - 6th Place Colton King - 6th Place Raider Hix - 2nd Place Aranza Olvera - 4th Place

Paisley Roberts - 1st Place Brinkley Hart - 2nd Place Harper Sallee - 6th Place Hope Waltisperger - 3rd Place Kinley Johnson - 5th Place Henley Hoelscher - 6th Place

CHESS

LISTENING

MATHEMATICS

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

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

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

MUSIC MEMORY

CALCULATOR

IMPROMPTU SPEAKING

Daniel Gutschke - 2nd Place Holly Rawls - 6th Place

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

Callie Beach - 1st Place Brenna Meyer - 1st Place

*1st Place Team

*2nd Place Team

*3rd Place Team

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MIDDLE SCHOOL UIL RESULTS, CONT. 2ND PLACE OVERALL SPELLING

CHESS

SCIENCE

Paisley Roberts - 3rd Place Perri Noble - 6th Place Micah Cole - 6th Place Hannah Hamilton - 3rd Place Kendall Arney - 4th Place Phoenyx Hensley - 5th Place

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

Jeremiah Gray - 4th Place Easten Ramos - 5th Place Oakley Garza - 5th Place Henley Hoelscher - 2nd Place Mason Freitag - 3rd Place

NUMBER SENSE

EDITORIAL WRITING

SOCIAL STUDIES

Kury Schwartz - 6th Place Daniel Gutschke - 3rd Place Rebeka Fluitt - 5th Place Henley Hoelscher - 1st Place Braley Bair - 4th Place

Brinkley Hart - 2nd Place Paisley Roberts - 3rd Place Melby Trotter - 5th Place Kinley Johnson - 3rd Place Henley Hoelscher - 5th Place

Trayson Glasscock - 2nd Place Paisley Roberts - 6th Place Caleb Harris - 3rd Place Jack Holmes - 5th Place Cason Campbell - 5th Place

ORAL READING

MODERN ORATORY

MAPS, GRAPHS, CHARTS

Chandler Bernal - 4th Place Brenley Kute - 5th Place Bayler Jeter - 4th Place John Kade Hunter - 6th Place

Callie Beach - 1st Place Ellie Graves - 6th Place Haidyn Henry - 6th Place

Jesse Boschma - 1st Place Camden Padilla - 2nd Place Matthew Day - 4th Place Brynlee Wilkins - 2nd Place

*1st Place Team

*2nd Place Team

*3rd Place Team

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ELEMENTARY UIL RESULTS

2ND PLACE OVERALL ORAL READING

CREATIVE WRITING

MUSIC MEMORY

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

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

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

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

NUMBER SENSE

Kate Tabor - 2nd Place Magnus Carlson - 2nd Place Blake Ketchersid - 2nd Place Cannon Jones - 3rd Place Cash Brickey - 5th Place ART SMART

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

4th Grade - 3rd Place Team 5th Grade - 3rd Place Team Jess Johnson - 2nd Place

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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:

THE PRIDE

Stone Beach, Lana Brickey, Ethan Green, Kassidy Dutra, Kaylor Bouldin, Tristan Powell, Holt Hoelscher, and Abi Brownd

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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!

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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!

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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 ​c hair!)

Kyleigh Williams - Trombone (10th chair) Reese Medrano - Percussion 1 (3rd chair) Colton King - Percussion 1 (8th chair) Annabella Rodriguez - Percussion 2 (1st chair!)

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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!

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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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