SISD Community Report 2022-2023

SUNNYVALE ISD

COMMUNITY REPORT 2022-2023 School Year

www.sunnyvaleisd.com @SISDTX

@sunnyvaleisd

@SunnyvaleISDTX

417 East Tripp Road, Sunnyvale, Texas 75182 • 972-226-5974

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Methodology and Demographics

4

Pillar 4: Professional Learning and Quality Staff

16

Pillar 1: Student Learning and Progress

6

Pillar 5: Community Engagement

18

Pillar 2: Student Readiness

10

Pillar 6: Safety and Wellness

20

Pillar 3: Engaged and Well-Rounded Students

12

Pillar 7: Fiscal and Operational Systems

22

HOW SISD STUDENTS FEEL ABOUT THEIR SCHOOLS Students responded to the question, “How would you rate your school?”

Excellent: 8%

SES/SIS Students 716 students in grades 1-5 responded to this question.

76% 23% 1%

SMS/SHS Students

278 students in grades 6-12 responded to this question.

Good: 52% Average: 25% Needs Improvement: 13% Poor: 2%

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT When our community, parents and school district share the same vision for success, our students benefit the most.

Superintendent Matt Kimball

The Sunnyvale ISD Community Report is the result of that strong partnership.

Since 2015, we have brought you — our community — this annual statement of accountability. Once again, this year I hope you’ll enjoy reading the data, stories and a look back at SISD’s 2022-2023 school year.

Community-based accountability tells a much more vivid story about all of our Raiders than just a letter rating — which is determined by a one-day test. Our Community Report offers a deeper look into the lives of our students and who they truly are, in addition to their performance on STAAR. Likewise, you will see areas in which SISD needs to grow.

In addition to the state-mandated tests, we use the Community Accountability system to evaluate seven “pillars.”

These pillars are: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7)

Teaching and Learning Student Readiness Engaged and Well-Rounded Students Staff Quality and Professional Learning Community Engagement Safety and Wellness and Fiscal and Operational Systems.

Our Community Report is organized according to these pillars.

To make this report a true product of our community, we relied on a group of parents, teachers, administrators, residents and business leaders to formulate key questions that drove SISD’s progress in each pillar. We hope you will note this key information from each pillar as you read our annual report.

I hope you enjoy reading about the progress of our students, but please know that we are well into the work of growing as a district in the 2023-2024 school year. Our students and teachers are the best in the business, and we are ready to RISE this school year.

Raiders Rise!

Matt Kimball

Superintendent, Sunnyvale ISD

Our Mission

The mission of Sunnyvale ISD is to engage, equip and empower all learners for life-long success.

Our Vision

Raiders Rise!

Our Beliefs

Building relationships, promoting risk-taking, and inspiring learners of all ages and abilities encourages success.

Setting high expectations and providing diverse, meaningful learning opportunities supports student growth.

Educating independent learners, collaborative problem solvers, innovative thinkers, engaged citizens and effective communicators prepares students for their future.

Meeting the needs of all students and staff – academic, physical, social and emotional – promotes wellness and resilience.

Responsible fiscal planning and management enables us to provide safe, innovative learning environments for students, staff, and our community.

Strong community involvement and school pride fosters the success of our Raider family – four campuses, one school.

METHODOLOGY OF SURVEY RESULTS Annually, SISD surveys parents, faculty and staff and students (grades 1-12) in an effort to gain feedback and understanding about SISD’s progress toward our stakeholders’ priorities.

Throughout the Community Report, we hope you will find the highlights of these survey results helpful as a measure of additional transparency.

4 | 2023 Sunnyvale ISD Community Report

ENROLLMENT BY GRADE 2022-2023 Based on official snapshot data in October 2022 Early Education

9

Pre-Kindergarten

47

Kindergarten

133

Grade 1

149

Grade 2

142

Grade 3

166

Grade 4

178

Grade 5

157

Grade 6

171

Grade 7

194

Grade 8

189

Grade 9

164

Grade 10

186

Grade 11

180

Grade 12

140

TOTAL ENROLLMENT:

2,205

2022-2023 SUNNYVALE ISD DEMOGRAPHICS American Indian/Alaskan: 0.23% Asian: 23.76% Black/African American: 9.61%

Student Ethnicity

Hispanic/Latino: 17.14% White: 44.76% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.09%

Student Languages Arabic Bengali Cantonese English Gujarati Hindi Ibo (Igbo) Korean

Two or More Races: 4.4%

Laotian (Lao) Malayalam Mandarin

Economically Disadvantaged 423 out of 2,205 students

19.18%

Nepali Panjabi (Punjabi) Pilipino (Tagalog) Portuguese Russian Slovenian (Slovene) Spanish Tamil Telugu (Telegu) Urdu Vietnamese Yoruba 23 Total Home

Languages

|5

STUDENT LEARNING AND PROGRESS

PILLAR 1 |

MEASURES OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS (MAP) END OF YEAR ASSESSMENTS

Grades 3-5

Grades 6-8

Math Assessment

Low Average 13%

Average 23%

Low 6%

High 23%

Math Grades 6-8 High Average 35%

Low Average 10% Average 18%

Low 9%

High 30%

Math Grades 3-5 High Average 33%

6 | 2023 Sunnyvale ISD Community Report

Reading Assessment

Low 9% Low Average 10%

Average 23%

Low Average 9% Average 17%

High 22%

Reading Grades 6-8 High Average 36%

Low 8%

Reading Grades 3-5 High Average 30%

High 36%

TO WHAT DEGREE: …Are all students demonstrating growth? …Are all students achieving mastery of course expectations? …Is student data impacting the design of instruction for students who have not yet learned or who have already learned? …Are all students able to articulate their progress and learning need?

STAAR/EOC 2022-2023 DATA READING: Percentage of Students Achieved Passing Standard SISD

MATH: Percentage of Students Achieved Passing Standard

Texas

SISD

100

100

75

75

50

50

25

25

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

English I English II EOC EOC

Grade 3

Texas

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade MS HS Combined 8 Algebra I Algebra I Algebra I

AP EXAMS: PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS SCORING 3 OR HIGHER 2D Art and Design

Computer Science A

Literature & Composition

90

90

90

70

70

70

50

50

50

30

30

30

10

80%

76.4%

83.6%

SISD

Texas

Global

10

75%

62.1%

68%

SISD

Texas

Global

10

86.4%

65.4%

77.1%

SISD

Texas

Global

94.4%

61.3%

69.9%

SISD

Texas

Global

Microeconomics

Physics 1

Physics 2

90

90

90

70

70

70

50

50

50

30

30

30

10

73.2%

32.6%

68%

SISD

Texas

Global

10

50%

31%

45.6%

SISD

Texas

Global

10

|7

PILLAR 1 |

STUDENT LEARNING AND PROGRESS

LEARNING TO READ WITH PHONICS SES beginner readers are using “decodable books” to help make reading a snap!

Decodable books are an evidence-based and systematic approach to learning to read. Students learn phonics skills in a sequential and systematic manner. Raider readers learn 44 sounds in the English language and their corresponding letters that represent their sounds. Decodable books include words with phonics patterns that have been taught and begin with consonant-vowel-consonant words and move slowly to include more complex spelling patterns.

“As they learn new sounds and letters, they apply this knowledge through reading enjoyable books,” says SISD’s Texas Reading Academy Literacy Coach Kristen Nester. “Decodable books encourage children to sound out words by using decoding strategies rather than guessing what words are from pictures or predicting from other cues. The pictures in decodable books support the story, but not the specific words, Did so that students learn You and practice to read Know? words by utilizing phonics patterns.”

SISD Libraries circulated

27,421 books this

Developing a habit school year. of reading accurately will occur before fluency is expected. After students show strong decoding skills, they are ready to read leveled readers and read books on their own.

8 | 2023 Sunnyvale ISD Community Report

Every day: 8%

How often do

you access your Raider’s grades through

Parent Portal?

A few times a week: 21% About once a month: 21% A few times a month: 16% Once a month: 18% Less than once a month: 16%

TO WHAT DEGREE: …Are all students demonstrating growth? …Are all students achieving mastery of course expectations? …Is student data impacting the design of instruction for students who have not yet learned or who have already learned? …Are all students able to articulate their progress and learning need?

K-2 END OF YEAR mCLASS DATA 2022-2023 Reading Well Below Benchmark Below Benchmark At Benchmark Above Benchmark Kindergarten - 135 Students 10% 10% (13) (13)

29% (39)

51% (70)

First Grade - 149 Students 4% 8% (6) (12)

54% (81)

34% (50)

Second Grade - 151 Students 13% (17)

13% (18)

Math

26% (38)

Intensive

48% (70)

Strategic

Benchmark

Kindergarten - 134 Students 6% (8)

34% (46)

60% (80)

37% (55)

56% (83)

Second Grade - 145 Students 12% (17)

47% (68)

SMS Science Teacher Dawn Sheets Shares How She Uses Purposeful Classroom Discussions to Demonstrate Classroom Mastery of Learning Standards I always start with the TEKS (Texas Essential Dawn Sheets Knowledge and Skills). I do not keep these a secret from my students. We discuss them in depth at the beginning of each lesson so that everyone in the room knows the depth at which we need to be successfully reaching. In our discussions, throughout the class period I try to build on basic knowledge they already have to enable students to apply their thinking to the new material they must master.

I also try to encourage students to have confidence in their own ability to think independently from me. Just because our ideas may be different, does not mean they are incorrect or invalid. I try to ensure that students feel confident that nothing bad will happen to them when they fail or make mistakes, and that it is the perfect experience in which to learn. I make sure our classroom is a safe place, where their ideas are supported even when they struggle, and that it is ok to take risks. We treat our classroom as a community, with respect and support for each other.

I allow adequate time for students to think about the lesson topics and feel comfortable with the new material. I feel like, being in science education for 23 years allows me the strength to adjust my lessons “on the spot” to make them more applicable to the student and push them towards thinking in the mastery mindset. In my room, I set high expectations for my students. Students are fully aware that just passing is not ok, we all strive to reach mastery of the material.

First Grade - 149 Students 7% (11)

TESTS AREN’T THE ONLY WAY TO EVALUATE LEARNING

41% (60)

I discuss with my students about setting their own mastery-oriented goals when working through science units. This allows them to engage in more effective learning strategies such as learning from their own mistakes, asking for help when necessary, and changing study habits that are not working for them. I also try my best to model mastery in my subject area. If I do not know something, I am not afraid to ask or learn from someone who specializes in that area. I let my students know that I, too, must learn at the mastery level to prepare for them. They understand that this is not a one-sided expectation.

Pillar 1: Student Learning and Progress | 9

PILLAR 2 | STUDENT READINESS

COACH RYAN MATHEW Coach Ryan Mathew juggles lots of duties as a Raider football coach.

One minute, he’s making the teams’ traditional “stomp mats” for players to stomp on as they leave the locker room. Next, he’s helping Coach Navaja with the quarterbacks. Then he’s editing film for the team’s HUDL account after flying the drone during practice—one of his main duties.

He does all this is all before he gets home to do his homework.

That’s right. Coach Ryan Mathew isn’t just a valued member of the Raider Football coaching staff, he’s a Raider himself — a member of the Class of 2024.

“I had a coach on my staff approach me and ask what I thought about Ryan being a part of our staff,” Athletic Director John Settle said. “ I thought it was a great idea. I had no idea at that time just how much a part of our staff that he would become. He comes to every practice, every meeting, every weekend coaches meetings, and is a part of our staff in every way. This year we were unable to fill a Middle School coaching position. Ryan has stepped in to fill that role for us and we could not be more excited for him and our profession”.

Mathew, whose parents did not want him to play football because of safety reasons, has always had

a passion for the game. During his freshman year at SHS, he shared some of his knowledge and ideas with Coach Zach Geer. Geer suggested he meet with former Coach John Broom.

“He asked me if I’d like to join the football team and help out in some way,” Mathew said. “I got to meet the coaches one summer afternoon and learned that I could fly the drone to film practices while also learning more about football and coaching. I thought it was very cool and so I decided to join the team and fly the drone. From there on, I have gone to all the practices and games and have helped the coaches in any way I could. What started as something small became something bigger than I thought it would ever be.”

Since then, Mathew has become an essential member of the SISD coaching staff and a true example of an SISD student who is being truly prepared for his future. By exposing Coach Mathew to this real-world coaching experience, the coaching staff has helped this Raider develop real-world skills.

And this year, Mathew is taking on a new duty that

10 | 2023 Sunnyvale ISD Community Report

reflects upon his proven credibility within the coaching staff: a full-fledged coach for the SMS Raider football team.

“My favorite responsibility is being the middle school quarterbacks coach,” Mathew said. “I coach the QBs and teach them our offense and the fundamentals/ principles that will help set them up for success both now and in the future when they get to the varsity level.” I work closely with the WRs Coach, Coach Taylor and we collaborate on the passing game of the offense at the Middle School. I am also the offensive play caller/offensive coordinator for the Gold Team.”

Mathew says his coaching passion is a definite part of his future plans.

“I would love to be a head football coach one day. I’m not sure about the level (high school, college, NFL) as I’m not worried or focused about that for now, but wherever God takes me I’ll go. This experience has been great regardless of what position I’ll be in the future (Head Coach, Coordinator, Position Coach, Assistant, etc) because I have learned what it takes to be a successful football coach.”

TO WHAT DEGREE: …Are we supporting student identification of strengths and supporting pursuit of strengths-based paths? …Are we developing real-world skills, such as how to learn, plan, prioritize, and work through failed attempts? …Are we exposing and connecting students to varying industries and post-secondary options, including the design of secondary programs that lead to industry-based certifications? …Are we preparing students for success on college (ACT/SAT), career (IBC), and military-ready (ASVAB) measures?

CLASS OF 2023 COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS ACT Scores 25 20 15 10 5 0

24

19.8

19.8

SISD

State of Texas

National

SAT Scores 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0

1087

1001

1050

SISD

State of Texas

National

SISD graduates have been accepted at more than 250 colleges and universities.

Scan the QR code to view the complete list of schools.

SMS Career Pathways Course SMS students are required to take the Career Pathways course that follows the following units of study - Envisioning Success, Post Secondary Options, Programs of Study/Career Clusters, Community, Finances and Job Did You Searching. The course Know? exposes students to the The SHS Class of 2023 opportunities available earned $85,000 in local to them in high school scholarships. and beyond.

COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS EVENTS HELD AT SHS IN 2022-23 •

School Day SAT — Tested more than 100 students in grade 11

•

PSAT Test — Tested more than 300 students in grades 9, 10 and 11

•

College Fair ­— Students interacted with representatives from more than 100 colleges on campus

•

Career Fair — Students connected with representatives from more than 20 careers on campus

•

192 AP Exams taken

•

ASVAB assessment provided for one student interested in the military | 11

PILLAR 3 |

ENGAGED AND WELL-ROUNDED STUDENTS

WILL ROSS, SMS

How do you balance your busy schedule?

What activities are you involved in?

The activities I participate in at Sunnyvale Middle School are NJHS, Cross Country, Basketball, and Track. Outside of school, I am a part of a volunteer group at my church, and I play select basketball.

I also volunteer helping to run the concession stands for the school and I participate in many food drives and community fairs. I also help control traffic, help the elderly, and pickup trash at my church.

SISD TEACHERS HELP EACH OTHER UNDERSTAND PARENT CULTURE SHS Math teacher Sam Thomas and SISD Security Coordinator Justin Mathew led the SHS staff in a special Lunch & Learn last spring about understanding the Indian family culture.

In order to balance a busy schedule I have to set my priorities straight and focus on what’s important the most.

How do you keep your grades up?

To keep my grades up I have to manage my time wisely and take breaks occasionally.

What does it take to have the heart of a Raider?

What is means to have a heart of a Raider is displaying integrity, grit and respectfulness.

IN IN 2022-2023, SHS RAIDERS COMPETED BEYOND REGIONALS IN: Sam Thomas

Thomas and Mathew briefly discussed their culture, its expectations and how connected Indian family networks are in an effort to help SHS teachers better connect with Indian families. “[Our culture] is very different from that of a traditional American family, so helping teachers Justin Mathew understand Indian culture helps them connect with their Indian students and meet them where they are at,” Thomas said.

After the two educators took some time to introduce their subject matter, they opened the floor for questions. The Lunch & Learn offered an opportunity for teachers to ask questions and learn how best to help their Raider students and their families in appropriate ways.

12 | 2023 Sunnyvale ISD Community Report

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Band (including soloists and ensembles) Business Professionals of America Cheerleading Choir (including soloists and ensembles) Debate Fishing Girls Basketball Golf HOSA News Writing Powerlifting (Girls and Boys) Prose Swim Track & Field

TO WHAT DEGREE: …Are students contributing to their school and community in a positive way? …Are students engaged in school activities both inside and outside the classroom ,that contribute to …passions and interests? …Are we celebrating and embracing the diverse cultures of our students? …Are students provided opportunities to develop effective communication and collaborative skills?

SERVICE TO COMMUNITY: THE HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT Brook Nelson, Class of 2023 Describe your High

LEARNING ABOUT THEIR COMMUNITY HANDS-ON Third graders in Sunnyvale learn about their community by participating in Thirdville, a special, hands-on learning unit that introduces them to their own community and allows them to participate in their very own election.

School Project.

I made Thanksgiving baskets for the cafeteria and custodial workers at my school. I called them Blessing Baskets.

What preparations did you take?

I asked grocery stores to donate the turkeys and I asked my principal for help, as well. I also got supplies for making the Blessing Baskets, decorated the Blessing Baskets, and passed them out a week before Thanksgiving for the cafeteria workers and custodians.

Third grade Raiders spend weeks learning about the their community and the importance of community leaders. They elect a Thirdville Mayor and a Thirdville Superintendent is appointed. The unit culminates with a field trip around town and ends with Did You mock Town Council and School Board Meetings.

Know?

The Class of 2023 earned 5,613 hours of community service during their high school career.

How did you create school-wide awareness so that others would participate?

My principal helped out by getting the “Ranches” involved [school groups who obtained points for participation]. My teachers and classmates helped by donating items for the Blessing Baskets and they got Ranch Points for doing so. All of the cafeteria and custodians workers were able to receive a full Thanksgiving basket.

Is it important for students to serve their community?

It’s very important. It helps shows how you love and care for your community. In service, it doesn’t matter how big or small the service is. It matters how you serve the individuals you serve.

How did it feel to complete this project?

I felt happy that I could help the staff members. They have helped a lot for our school; the cafeteria staff helped us by making enough food for all students to be fed and the custodians helped us by making the school clean and also cleaning up after sick kids. It was the least I could do for them. It helps me to know that I could help them and show how much I care and appreciate them for their help and I could make their Thanksgiving a happy and peaceful day.

Pillar 3: Engaged and Well-Rounded Students | 13

Community Minded.

Customer Focused.

We’re Proud to Call Sunnyvale Home! $20,000 & $2,500 Scholarships Exclusive to SHS Graduates Sponsor of the Education Foundation | Supporter of School Programs & Athletics Active in Chamber of Commerce | Customer Appreciation Events

Stop by to meet our friendly team!

Chris Lawless Regional President

Lyndie Wangler Branch Manager

Troy Tutle Executive VP/CCO

Brandon Fowler Mortgage Loan Officer

Trinity Capital Bank of Texas- A Branch of Ennis State Bank 370 E. Tripp Rd. | Sunnyvale, TX 75182 | (972) 330-8550 | www.trinitycapitalbank.com

Take Your Bank Home

With the TCB Mobile App you Can... ✓ Check Account Activity & Balances ✓ Deposit Checks ✓ Transfer Funds ✓ Turn Card On/Off ✓ Pay Bills ✓ Send Money Via P2P ✓ Setup & Manage Alerts ✓ Locate Branch or ATM

Trinity Capital Bank of Texas- A Branch of Ennis State Bank 370 E. Tripp Rd. | Sunnyvale, TX 75182 | (972) 330-8550 | www.trinitycapitalbank.com

PILLAR 4 |

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND QUALITY STAFF

SECOND ANNUAL SISD JOB FAIR

Somewhat Agree 12%

SISD hosted over 50 applicants at the second annual SISD Job Fair. The event was held on April 1 at SIS and was coordinated by Director of Professional Learning Jennifer Settle and Director of Human Resources Stacy Bellows.

I am thankful to work in SISD

From the busy event, eight teachers were hired.

Totally Agree 88%

Agree: 85%

Teachers set high expectations for learning

Somewhat Agree: 11% Neutral: 2% Somewhat Disagree: 2% Disagree: 0%

16 | 2023 Sunnyvale ISD Community Report

TO WHAT DEGREE: …Are we providing time for professional development and growth? …Do we recruit and retain high-quality staff? …Are we increasing diversity on our staff? …Are we developing effective, high-quality staff that can support the diverse needs of our students?

30 Mentor Partnerships in 2022-23

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

BY THE NUMBERS

Did You Know?

92% of all teachers and staff met their professional learning goals this year.

Diamond Level: 50+ Hours.. . .. . . . . . . 14 Teachers Platinum Level: 40-49 Hours. . . . .. . . . 15 Teachers Gold Level: 30-39 Hours. . . . . .. . . . . . . 27 Teachers Silver Level: 21 - 29 Hours .. . .. . . . . . . 45 Teachers

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPTIONS FOR 20222023 INCLUDE: • • • •

Book Studies Bingo PD in a Box Choose Day Tuesday

Did You Know?

412 Classroom Walkthroughs (Teacher Evaluations) Completed in 2022-23

| 17

PILLAR 5 | COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Parent Support Groups

COMMUNITY PARTNERS PROGRAM Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, SISD raised over $80,000 in local sponsorships. Those funds stay locally in SISD without being subject to state recapture payments and are reinvested directly into our classrooms.

Our community partners include: Legacy Level Trophy Nissan The Ojeda Family - Fritz-Pak Concrete Admixtures Raider Level Gallagher Construction Services JCQ Trinity Capital Epps Realty Sunnyvale First Baptist Church Gold Level Chick Fil A Mutual Title WRA Blue Level Barnett Signs Sunnyvale FBC Frank Insurance Daniel Steel Houston Tullos State Farm Teresa Bruszer Realtor C21 Fine Homes & Estates Judge Fite Dryman Landscape and Firewood DFW Powerwasher

SISD is grateful for the support of our parent groups, who devote their time and resources to our students and faculty. Our parent groups support a wide variety of student activities around campus, most notably the funding of annual local senior scholarships.

SISD Parent Support Groups: • Sunnyvale Education Foundation • Sunnyvale PTA • Raider Athletic Booster Club • Raider Pride Band Booster Club • STAGE (Sunnyvale Theater Arts Guild for Education) • Sunnyvale Choir Boosters • Sunnyvale FFA Boosters • Sunnyvale Alumni Association • SISD Gold Club (Seniors 65 and Better)

Anonymous Reporting

During the 2022-2023 school year, SISD offered the SISD Tipline, an online tool to anonymously report bullying, harassment or discrimination of any kind, suspicious activity on campus, or any Did You other important Know? information. The 413 individuals signed up in Tipline was VOLY.org, our volunteer tracking available from software, to volunteer on campus, in the front page classrooms, on field trips, with student of all websites support groups and in various and via the SISD app; tips capacities throughout the year. were sent directly to Dr. Christi Morgan.

Total funds donated for local scholarships for the Class of 2023 by support groups: $82,050

New for 2023-2024:

SISD has contracted with Tip 411 for its anonymous tip reporting.

SPECIAL PROJECT TEAMS: VALUING YOUR VOICE • • • • • • •

Superintendent’s Roundtable Strategic Planning Team Community Relations Team Diversity and Inclusion Team Long-Range Facilities Planning Team Safety Task Force Supt’s Crew

“Being a part of the Long-Range Facilities Planning Team has been very informative. This committee is full of amazing individuals who truly have SISDs and the communities best interests in mind as we plan for the current and future needs of the district.”

- Nick Talbott

“Being a parent representative at the Superintendent Roundtable has given me an immense sense of inclusion. My opinions and perspectives as a parent were always valued, and I have also come to appreciate with a new sense the hard work our teachers put in to make our children’s educational journey a success.

- Dimple Chelagiri

18 | 2023 Sunnyvale ISD Community Report

“Being on the Community Relations Team gave me an in-depth look into the inner workings of SISD. It was great to see the hard work the communications team puts into bringing pertinent information to stakeholders. It was a worthwhile experience!”

- Allison Lewallyn

TO WHAT DEGREE: …Does our community consider it a benefit to partner with the school district financially (sponsors in marketing), as educational sponsors (partners in education) and/or as volunteers? …Do our community audiences (internal, external, new families) feel they are adequately informed about district events, activities, information via relevant communication modes? …Does SISD provide and inclusive framework for parent involvement and leadership? …Is SISD establishing a comfortable system for parents/family/community members to share comments, concerns and questions with staff?

SUNNYVALE ISD COMMUNICATIONS SURVEY, 2023

HORIZONS SISD’s District Magazine Mailed to all addresses in the 75182 zip code.

ISSUE 6 | JUNE 2023

PLAN SUMMER FUN WITH SISD KEEP YOUR STUDENTS ENGAGED AND BUSY WITH SISD SUMMER CAMPS. PAGE 18

________

SMS REWARDS GOOD BEHAVIOR WITH GOLD THE SMS GOLD COIN BEHAVIOR REWARD PROGRAM MOTIVATES STUDENTS TO EXEMPLIFY POSITIVE CHARACTER TRAITS. PAGE 11

NEW HORIZONS AHEAD FOR DOUG WILLIAMS LOOKING BACK AT AN ACCOMPLISHED CAREER AND FORWARD TO NEW ADVENTURES. PAGE 4

CELEBRATIONS AND INFORMATION FROM THE

SUNNYVALE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

WEBSITE

www.sunnyvaleisd.com July 1, 2022- June 30, 2023

• Total Visits: 146,814 • Total Page Views: 125,955

RAIDER NEWS APP 2,747 Downloads

TEXT MESSAGING 2,278 Recipients

WEEKLY E-NEWS • 4,658 Parent/Staff/ Students Recipients • 6,698 Total Community Recipients

SOCIAL MEDIA Followers: 7,011 Total Page likes: 6.1K Followers: 1,008 Social Media Reach – August 1, 2022 211,469 – Increase of 33.5% 28,556 – Increase of 11.7%

1,635 followers

Last February, Sunnyvale ISD surveyed parents on its communications practices. The district asked questions about how to improve its current practices and parents overall communications preferences. 294 parents completed the survey.

Community Feedback on Improving District Communication:

“

“I think the newsletters are helpful, but there is a LOT of • Parents asked for one central source of information for scrolling to get to the relevant SISD that is mobile friendly. Parents did not want to information. It would be nice search for information from multiple teacher apps. if there was a more concise • Parents asked for better and more consistent way to communicate the communication from teachers. information.”

• Parents asked for more targeted information according to campus, with respect to SISD’s Weekly E-News. Parents felt the weekly e-news was “My phone is too long in its current form. with me all the time.

Mobile notifications are best for me.”

Addressing these issues: “Please streamline Beginning in fall 2023, SISD introduced a new what communication communications platform called Thrillshare (a apps are used with teachers product of the company Apptegy). Thrillshare and coaches. There are just too powers the new SISD website and Sunnyvale ISD, many. Everyone communicating from the same app would TX app. From the app, parents can find teacherbe amazing.” specific information from each Raider’s “Rooms,” a feature that provides direct messaging between parents, “Streamline it. teachers and students.

We need one means of communication for The Weekly E-news now features a campus edition with links to those everyone. Not five.” editions in the Friday district e-newsletter.

Themes of the survey included:

“

HOW DO WE COMMUNICATE?

In order of preference, how do you want to receive DISTRICT communications?

1 2 3 4 5

Email or Text (Tied) App Notification Social Media School “Robo Call” Magazine/Printed Publications

When you view the SISD website, what type of device are you MOST LIKELY to use?

Cell Phone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61.19% Desktop Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19.40% Laptop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.93% Tablet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.48%

Pillar 5: Community Engagement | 19

PILLAR 6 | SAFETY AND WELLNESS

ZONES OF REGULATION The Zones of Regulation is a framework for teaching strategies for self-regulation.

It is important for students and teachers because it helps students self-identify how they feel and what their energy level is. It helps build self-awareness of their body and the signals it is giving them as the body relates to emotions. Children and teachers learn to recognize their triggers, problem-solve and become more aware of how their actions affect others. They learn to recognize their feelings, what zone they are in and begin to use appropriate coping strategies.

Restorative practice is critical for our students because it places the focus on strengthening relationships and connections. It not only focuses on discipline but changing the entire school culture and building a sense of community in classrooms. Strengthening the community and culture in the classroom and school helps to prevent conflict and encourages students to accept responsibility and rebuild relationships.

On SISD Campuses…

iRetore posters with the Zones of Regulation hang in every classroom. Teachers have been trained on the Brain and Zones of Regulation. Each campus has a calming room. In addition:

At SIS, Mrs. Stancliffe teaches guidance lessons on the brain and the Zones

At SES, Mrs. Hill teaches students to “Stop, Think, Settle Your Glitter, and then

At SMS, teachers have daily mindfulness activities and monthly guidance lessons

Act” through guidance lessons and follow up lessons in a calming room for coping strategies. Elementary teachers have also started creating calm down areas in their classrooms (green spaces) to help self-regulate and get back into the green zone.

Teachers have morning meetings with circles, check-is and mindfulness activities.

with Mrs. Medina.

SISD COUNSELING SERVICES ADDS TCHATT TO LIST OF SERVICES PROVIDED Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) provides telemedicine or telehealth programs to school districts to help identify and assess the behavioral health needs of children and adolescents and provide access to mental health services.

20 | 2023 Sunnyvale ISD Community Report

of Regulation and follow up lessons throughout the year on calming strategies.

Teachers have morning meetings with circles, check-ins and mindfulness activities.

At SHS self-regulation is supported through Mindful Monday class meetings,

circles, and guidance lessons.

Excellent: 32% Rate Crisis Counseling, Guidance and Counseling Services

Good: 44% Average: 17% Needs Improvement: 4% Poor: 3%

TO WHAT DEGREE: …Do our students feel safe at school? …Are campuses prepared for crisis situations? …Are students’ basic needs being met? …Is social-emotional well-being considered and included in classroom conversations, including the use of restorative practices? …Do we foster self-esteem by allowing students to express diverse viewpoints while respecting self and others?

SISD IMPLEMENTS NEW CELL PHONE POLICY In 2022-2023, SISD implemented new cell phone guidelines to help students learn to use cell phones responsibly.

These district-wide guidelines were created with the ages and stages of all Raiders in mind. The guidelines are developmentally appropriate for each campus.

SMS & SHS:

I feel like I belong and my friends care about me.

Somewhat: 35%

Personnel

Not Really: 7%

• Hired full-time Safety Coordinator for the district.

Partnerships

During the day, all Raiders were expected to follow the guidelines by turning off their cell phones and putting them away so that they could successfully learn and connect.

Students will always be allowed to use their cell phones for emergencies - even the day-to-day mix-ups like forgetting something at home. Students also always have access to the school phones in SISD classrooms, and parents can always contact the school’s front office at any time. Students simply need teacher permission.

Definitely: 58%

SISD Security Update

Always: 27% SMS & SHS:

I feel safe at my school.

Usually: 47%

• Held planned tours of all four campuses for Sunnyvale first responders, along with campus luncheons.

Rarely: 4%

• Created strong partnerships with Sunnyvale Fire Rescue and Sunnyvale Police Department.

Never: 5%

Trainings

Sometimes: 17%

• School Marshal Training Four Additional Marshals (1 full-time at SES).

SISD CARES CLOSET The SISD Cares Closet is a community project of Sunnyvale ISD and is spearheaded by the district’s Counseling Services Department. The community may donate new or gently used clothes, school supplies or individually wrapped snacks.

During the holiday season, the Cares Closet also provides gifts for families through an Angel Tree project.

In 2022-2023, SISD serviced a little over 100 students through Cares closet for food, school supplies clothes and the Angel Tree.

• Held multiple staff Lunch & Learn opportunities on Safety and Security, including ALERRT and CRASE training.

Other

Each weekend snack bags were provided to students with food insecurity. Many thanks to the Sunnyvale Garden Club and Sunnyvale First Baptist Church for providing snacks that are easy for students to make, such as breakfast bars, cereal, microwavable mac n cheese, soup, ravioli, crackers, chips, beef jerky and granola bars.

• Updated campus maps for security needs.

Pillar 6: Safety and Wellness | 21

PILLAR 7 |

FISCAL AND OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS

RETENTION INCENTIVE

Thanks to the support of the Sunnyvale community and a successful Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election in November 2022, SISD teachers are now seeing more support in their bank accounts.

The top priority of the VATRE was to provide competitive salaries for SISD teachers. This is being reflected in two ways: 1. A long-term commitment to provide significant annual raises to staff members.

2. A retainage incentive for every employee that will be earned upon every five years of service to the district.

To reward all of the almost 300 SISD employees for their continued commitment to our students, the Board of Trustees voted to provide a one-time longevity payment to be paid just before December 2022 (first half) and July 2023 (second half, as a measure of retention incentive). The new salary structure began this fall. The update to SISD’s salary procedures came after much research and discussion about the nation-wide teacher shortage and a desire to ensure that Sunnyvale salaries are on par with those of area districts.

Thank you, Sunnyvale!

SISD Passed a Successful Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election in November 2022!

Former Superintendent Doug Williams formed the Recruitment and Retention team, which was composed of staff members, community members, two board trustees and students. Simultaneously, the district’s Finance Team also began meeting to discuss the same concerns.

Sunnyvale ISD recognized as SUPERIOR in TEA’s Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for the 2021 - 2022 school year.

“The R&R and Finance Team met in a joint session in July with the hope of finding ways to not only attract new teachers to Sunnyvale, but to also retain our current, talented teachers,” Williams said.

The outcome of that joint meeting was to recommend to the Board of Trustees to the board to call a Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) to generate additional funding for the district.

“We are excited about what this program will provide for our staff and the benefits it will provide to our students and we are grateful to our town for supporting it,” Williams said. “The cornerstone of our community is the excellent teachers Sunnyvale has always supported.”

SISD RECEIVES “CLEAN” AUDIT

Once again, the SISD Business Office received an unmodified or “clean” audit for its operations during the 2022-2023 school year from its external auditing firm of Morgan, Davis and Company P.C. SISD has received such an audit for several consecutive years.

“We are very satisfied with the opinion of our external auditors,” Chief Financial Officer Brenda McFalls said. “The rating our Business Office received was the highest possible rating and reflects the integrity of our department and district.”

22 | 2023 Sunnyvale ISD Community Report

TO WHAT DEGREE: …Are all facilities well-maintained and conducive to learning? …Do teachers and administrators have access to resources necessary to meet the strategic plan objectives? …Is SISD planning for and adapting to changes in population and levels of funding? …Is SISD working with the Town of Sunnyvale to maximize the use of resources related to traffic, land use and safety?

FLAVOR FEST CREATES TASTY OPTIONS FOR FUTURE MEALS SISD’s Child Nutrition Partner, SFE, showcased a variety of food samples for Raiders to taste and rate at its first-ever Flavor Fest in February. Data from the event engaged students in the school lunch program and helped drive the selection for this school year’s menus.

Excellent: 11% Rate Food Services

Good: 18% Average: 26% Needs Improvement: 18% Poor: 11% Does Not Apply: 16%

Excellent: 43%

SISD Approves New Tech for Teachers

Rate Maintenance of Building and Grounds

The SISD Technology Team was able to approve plans and funding for an all-in-one laptop and tablet device for all teachers as well as new classroom projectors and wireless projection connectivity in their classrooms.

Good: 36% Average: 11% Needs Improvement: 10% Poor: 1%

Excellent: 26% SISD Business Office Implements New Procedures The SISD Business Office implemented new procedures to increase consistency throughout their department including purchasing, cash handling, adding vendors, processing payments and other important systems.

Rate Transportation Services

Good: 31% Average: 9% Needs Improvement: 5% Poor: 2% Does Not Apply: 27%

Pillar 7: Fiscal and Operational Systems| 23

Sunnyvale Independent School District 417 East Tripp Road Sunnyvale, TX 75182

JOIN THE

SISD FAMILY! Located only 15 minutes from downtown Dallas, Sunnyvale ISD is a wonderful place to live and work. Our district enjoys the feeling of a close-knit, small town atmosphere while engaging our students in state-of-the-art facilities and using innovative learning techniques.

****ECRWSS**** Rural Route Box Holder Carrier Route Presort Sunnyvale, Texas 75182

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mesquite, Texas Permit No. 256

HEART OF OUR SMALL TOWN Be a part of a district that is the heart of the Town of Sunnyvale. Think: hometown football games, a homecoming parade and a welcoming spirit behind every door.

CUTTING-EDGE FACILITIES Four successful bond election and a triumphant Tax Ratification Election means community-backed state-of-the-art facilities designed for how our teachers educate and how our students learn.

THE RAIDER FAMILY When you join SISD, you’re family. And that means your family is our family – beginning with your youngest Raiders. Take advantage of our modestlypriced tuition-based Pre-Kindergarten.

PERSONALIZED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Become the professional you have always dreamed of being at Sunnyvale ISD. Our Professional Development Program provides a fun, choice-based system of earning points toward your annual PD goals.

POSITIVE WORKPLACE CULTURE Working in Sunnyvale is… FUN! In SISD, you will find friends, camaraderie, school spirit and most of all, great students who love to learn. Enjoy supportive administrators and teammates.

For more information about recruiting and professional development, see page 17.