Horizons, Issue 10 - August - Back to School/New Family Guide
10 | SEPTEMBER 2024
OUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL ISSUE, FEATURING VITAL INFORMATION ABOUT GETTING CONNECTED AND INVOLVED WITH SISD CELEBRATIONS AND INFORMATION FROM
SUNNYVALE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
417 East Tripp Road, Sunnyvale, Texas 75182
phone | 972-226-5974
fax | 972-226-6882
www.sunnyvaleisd.com
Horizons is the magazine for the Sunnyvale Independent School District. Its purpose is to provide parents and students of SISD and other Town of Sunnyvale residents with useful information about SISD. It has a press run of 3,200 and is mailed to the same audience via postal carrier route through bulk mail delivery. Horizons is published three times annually by the Sunnyvale ISD Communications and Marketing Department.
Articles are written by Director of Communications and Marketing Emily White. Graphic Design is by Kristin Odom. Photography is by Emily White and the staff, students and community of Sunnyvale ISD. For questions about Horizons, please call 972-226-5974.
Town of Sunnyvale
Sunnyvale ISD enjoys a strong partnership with the Town of Sunnyvale.
Please contact Town Hall at 972-226-7177 or www.townofsunnyvale.org.
Mayor Mr. Saji George mayor.george@townofsunnyvale.org
Town Manager Mr. Jeff Jones jeff.jones@townofsunnyvale.org
MATT KIMBALL
Welcome back to the Raider Nation!
If you are brand new to SISD: welcome! We are happy that you’re here. I am so pleased that you and your family have chosen Sunnyvale ISD for your education. You are now a part of a school district with a rich history of excellence and a community known for its positive, close-knit atmosphere.
I hope you’ll use this New Family Guide issue of Horizons as a way to acclimate to SISD. There is helpful information throughout the issue including campus contact information, school start times and other logistics that will make starting the year easier for all of us.
Inside these pages, we will get to learn about our new instructional focus for the year, The Sunnyvale Six. You’ll also learn about our Technology Department’s 1:1 Initiative, Raider Connect
You’ll also meet some of our new SISD staff members and see some familiar faces in new roles, including our new SMS principal, Angel Perez, our new Director of Advanced Academics, CTE and Accountability Courtney Sharkey and our new Director of Special Programs Brittany Dlabaj, (our former SES Principal who is taking on a new role.)
You’ll also see information about our upcoming bond election which will take place starting with early voting in October.
We are fortunate to be one of very few school districts to be operating with a balanced budget. While many districts are closing schools, cutting budgets and are unable to offer staff raises, SISD has posted a balanced budget and offered a 3% raise to our staff. We are thankful for the tireless work of our Business Department, which once again received a Superior Rating on the First Award. The First Award - or Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas - is designed to encourage greater transparency in Texas school finance. Our business department has received “Superior” in this rating since the award’s inception.
As you read through Horizons , keep in mind that school is not just about academics or extracurricular activities. More than anything, it’s about the people who walk through our hallways. The connections and friendships you will make during your time as a Raider are very important. Throughout your time as a student, you will get to know families who will encourage and support you, meet teachers who will change your life and make friends who will last a lifetime.
Sunnyvale is a very special place and we’re glad you’re here. Please use this back-to-school edition of Horizons to familiarize yourself with your new home and feel free to ask any questions of any of our faculty or staff or parent volunteers.
SISD is proud to offer several ways for parents, students, faculty members and the community to stay connected to SISD.
MONITOR YOUR CHILD’S GRADES WITH PARENT PORTAL
One of the most important ways SISD communicates with our families is through regular grade updates in Parent Portal. As a new parent, you should receive an email from your campus registrar with your student’s unique Parent Portal ID. At that point, you’ll be able to access your child’s grades and attendance by linking them to your account. You can access the Parent Portal at portals10.ascendertx.com/ParentPortal/ login?distid=057919 (all grades).
MANAGE YOUR CHILD’S MEALS WITH NUTRISLICE CAFETERIA MENUS AND SCHOOLCAFÉ
It’s easy to find information about cafeteria menus and student account payments. Simply download the Sunnyvale ISD app, tap on “Menus” and then tap on “Cafeteria.” From there, you’ll be able to access menus, and load money on to your Raider’s lunch account using his or her student ID number. You Raider will receive this information from his or her teacher.
DOWNLOAD THE SISD APP TODAY AND GET NEWS AND INFORMATION IN THE DIRECTLY TO YOUR PHONE
Sunnyvale ISD makes it easy for families to stay in touch with teachers and their class information from that same app. Using the Sunnyvale ISD app, families can easily switch from district and school information to “Rooms”, where they can see their Raider’s classes and engage directly with teachers. Rooms can be accessed via computer on the web and from your smart phone, using our district app, which is available for free and can be used on both Apple and Android phones under Sunnyvale ISD TX.
NEW PARENTS AND STUDENTS:
Download the app and wait for SISD to send a password and login information directly to the e-mail you registered with SISD.
NEW THIS YEAR: Students may see a slight increase on menu prices this year, as recommended by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
EXISTING PARENTS AND STUDENTS: Your Raider’s new teachers’ rooms will rollover at the beginning of school.
SISD E-NEWS
SISD’s weekly e-newsletter will be delivered to your e-mail inbox each Friday. There’s no need to register to receive the e-news. All families who correctly register an e-mail address with the district upon their child’s enrollment will receive the e-newsletter. You can receive the SISD E-News on the app, as well. To ensure your registration information is correctly on file with SISD, be sure to contact your Raider’s campus front office.
HORIZONS
THE DISTRICT MAGAZINE OF SUNNYVALE ISD
Horizons is the district magazine of Sunnyvale ISD
Horizons is distributed three times annually (summer, fall and spring) digitally and by bulk mail carrier route. The magazine may be picked up on all district campuses or at the SISD Administration Building. Local business may also distribute Horizons
FIND YOUR BUS RIDER EASILY WITH SISD’S BUS APP
Thanks to a partnership with TripSpark, a K-12 bus transportation software company with over 30 years of experience, Sunnyvale parents can track their Raiders as they travel to and from school via GPS using the TripSpark/Viafy app.
TripSpark, (previously known as Viafy), alerts parents via app push notification when their student’s bus arrives or when his or her bus is running late. By downloading the TripSpark (shown as Viafy in the App Store) parent app, parents can access real-time bus tracking, making it easy to always know where their Raider’s bus is. The app is available on iOS and Android.
Parents and students can find instructions on how to use the app on our website under “Transportation.” Please note that custom log-in information will be sent directly to the e-mail address you have registered with SISD. (Be sure to check SPAM folders.)
Users who do not receive their login e-mail should contact their child’s campus and ask the front office staff to be sure their contact information is correct within SISD’s data systems. The e-mail will come from ‘Viafy’.
Any questions about transportation at SISD or the TripSpark app should be directed to Director of Transportation Todd Staley at todd.staley@sunnyvaleisd.com.
NEW THIS YEAR: YOUR BUS RIDER’S SAFETY IS OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY
All bus riders must sign up on one of two Bus Rider Lists - the “Existing Bus Rider” list or the “New Bus Rider” list. Help us make keeping track of all bus riders one step easier.
SISD LAUNCHES RAIDER CONNECT
A NEW ERA IN STUDENT TECHNOLOGY
Sunnyvale ISD is excited to introduce Raider Connect, a new 1:1 Technology Program debuting in the 2024-2025 school year.
Building on the success of our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative for students in grades 6-12, Raider Connect marks a significant evolution in how technology enhances learning at SISD. This program ensures each student in grades 6-12 will receive a districtissued device, simplifying access to educational tools while promoting responsibility and equitable learning experiences.
"With Raider Connect, every student will have a dedicated district device throughout their academic journey at Sunnyvale ISD," Director of Technology Buck Baskin said. "This move streamlines classroom activities, ensures compliance with district guidelines both in and out of school, and supports uninterrupted learning."
The decision to transition from BYOD to Raider Connect was influenced by technological advancements and educational needs.
"Personal hotspots and VPNs are now commonplace, posing new challenges in maintaining a secure learning environment," Baskin said. "By standardizing on districtmanaged devices, we mitigate these risks while empowering parents to monitor and manage their child's digital interactions."
For more information on Raider Connect, including device policies and support, visit Sunnyvale ISD's Raider Connect page or contact Buck Baskin at buck.baskin@sunnyvaleisd.com.
KEY FEATURES OF RAIDER CONNECT
DISTRICT-ISSUED DEVICES: Each student receives a designated device for academic use, maintained throughout their tenure at SISD.
PARENTAL OVERSIGHT: Parents gain access to GoGuardian Parent, enabling them to monitor and set controls on device usage beyond school hours.
NO RENTAL FEES: Devices are provided at no cost to families, aligning with educational funding regulations.
RESPONSIBILITY AND GUIDELINES: Students are accountable for adhering to the District Acceptable Use Agreement, ensuring safe and responsible technology usage.
Enhance Campus Security
with the New Hall Pass Visitor Management System
Are you a frequent visitor to SISD campuses? Streamline your check-in process and enhance security by purchasing a Hall Pass!
This year, the SISD Security Team introduces the Hall Pass Visitor Management System, designed to provide efficient and secure campus access for volunteers and visitors.
“Our top priority is the safety of our students and staff,” Safety and Security Coordinator Justin Mathew said. “The Hall Pass system not only enhances safety protocols for campus visitors but also offers convenience.”
The Hall Pass system utilizes RFID key fobs synced with our security infrastructure, automating entry and exit records. It includes robust features such as real-time identification checks against a comprehensive database of national sex offender registries. Instant alerts are triggered if a match is found, preventing unwanted access to our campuses and events.
Under state law, convicted sex offenders must regularly report their location and remain within registered states, reinforcing our commitment to safety.
Parents registering with the Hall Pass system need only complete this process once. The RFID key fob, available for purchase from Mathew and his team, simplifies subsequent visits by securely storing visitor information.
For further details, please contact Justin Mathews, SISD Security Coordinator at justin.mathew@ sunnyvaleisd.com or purchase them at the front office of any campus.
THE SUNNYVALE
Q&A WITH JENNIFER SETTLE
SISD’s instructional focus for 2024-25 is called The Sunnyvale Six. What is the overall goal for this focus?
When we think of teaching in the classroom, we know that WHAT we teach is determined by TEA. These are non-negotiables. Our teachers teach and assess the TEKS. However, HOW we teach – our approach to instruction – is up to us. We get to design and deliver lessons in the best possible way we know how. That’s what separates the good teachers from the great teachers - the magic of teaching!
This spring, the teaching and learning team started discussions on what observable tactics lead to quality instruction. We began by asking the principals:
• What do you want to see in classrooms?
• If you walk into a master teacher’s room, what are you seeing?
• What strategies used by the teachers get the best results of student learning and growth?
We also asked groups of teachers and our instructional coordinators the same questions. We collected the data, and came up with the Sunnyvale Six.
The Sunnyvale Six are six keys to instructional success. Obviously the level of thinking is different, but whether in a kindergarten class with five year olds or in a senior-level government class, the teacher will use these strategies to guide student learning. These are tried-and-true, solid instructional strategies, not an instructional trend that will be here today and gone tomorrow. Veteran teachers and new teachers alike can use these are strategies to have positive results that lead to student learning.
SUNNYVALE SIX
How will SISD teachers implement the Sunnyale Six?
Our teachers will plan and design lessons with the Sunnyvale Six in mind, whether designing individually or as a grade level team. We want our teachers to use these six keys to instruction as their first mode of delivery. SISD teachers have been using a variety of instructional strategies for years, so this is not a new concept for us, nor are teachers restricted to using just these six. We want teachers to plan and design lessons that give students the best opportunities for engagement and learning. We simply identified the top six keys so that they are at the forefront of teachers’ minds as they are designing lessons and activities for students.
How will these concepts be measured?
The Sunnyvale Six are not meant to be evaluative. As we move into our Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) or department meetings, we will discuss and share how teachers are using these in the classrooms and the impact they are making on student growth and progress.
What tools will teachers have to support implementing the Sunnyvale Six?
Teachers have access to classroom posters that will be used as reminders. Also, they will receive a monthly Smore newsletter that will spotlight one of the Sunnyvale Six each month along with ideas and resources for that strategy. As we meet with teachers each week, we plan
to continue the conversation and continue to keep the Sunnyvale Six at the forefront of design and delivery of lessons.
JENNIFER SETTLE EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR OF TEACHERANDLEARNING
How did the back-to-school professional development prepare SISD teachers for this initiative?
The Sunnyvale 6 are not new concepts for our teachers. We have been training teachers in instructional strategies for many years through iLearn. Our training consisted of looking at each of the six individually and spotlighting what it looks like in classrooms, how to implement the strategy and the benefit for the students. Training will continue throughout the year.
Is there anything else that you would like the community to know?
Our teachers are the best in the state. They not only love our students and care for each and every one, but also provide exceptional instruction every day. There is no downtime! I am blessed by the opportunity to be in these classrooms everyday and see the fantastic work our teachers and students do.
District-wide additions and renovations
District-wide Multipurpose Student Activity Center
and track reimbursement
GET INVOLVED! JOIN ONE OF SISD’S PARENT GROUPS
SUNNYVALE RAIDER YOUTH SPORTS ASSOCIATION - SRYSA
Sunnyvale Raiders Youth Sports Association’s fall sports season is underway! Come out and support our young Raiders this season as they compete against neighboring towns in football, baseball, soccer and cheer!
SUNNYVALE FFA BOOSTER CLUB
Sunnyvale FFA Booster Club is looking for volunteers and members! Watch the Raider football games while doing something good for the community by signing up to help us sell visitor side concessions. Concession profits benefit scholarships and other FFA activities.
RAIDER ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB
Raider Athletic Booster Club is kicking off our annual membership campaign! All proceeds from membership go straight to Sunnyvale athletic programs. There will be many athletic program needs to meet this year, and each member helps to make that possible. Thank you for supporting our Raiders!
SUNNYVALE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Commemorate your days at Sunnyvale ISD and leave your mark on the Sunnyvale campus by purchasing a personalized brick. Proceeds benefit the Gwinn Blankenship Scholarship Fund, which benefits seniors. The Legacy Walk is located near the entrance of Raider Stadium.
RAIDER PRIDE BAND BOOSTER CLUB
Support the Raider Pride Band by purchasing a SISD-branded clear bag, backpack, or belt bag – perfect for stadiums with clear bag policies! These bags as well as high school fall sports programs will be on sale at all varsity home football games. Proceeds are used to purchase instruments, hire master instructors, and more!
SUNNYVALE THEATRE ARTS GUILD FOR EDUCATION (STAGE)
The Sunnyvale Theatre Arts Guild for Education is a non-profit organization formed to support the Sunnyvale High School theatre program by providing financial and volunteer support for theater activities, performances, faculty, and students.
SUNNYVALE CHOIR BOOSTER CLUB
The Sunnyvale Choir Booster Club is a non-profit organization which benefits the fabulous SISD Choral Program. With an increasingly growing group of performers, our choir programs would benefit greatly by your volunteer efforts, financial assistance and overall support.
SUNNYVALE EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Sunnyvale Education Foundation (SEF) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to funding exciting new learning opportunities for Sunnyvale students and teachers. SEF’s primary fundraiser is the annual gala held each spring. We look forward to announcing more details about the gala this fall.
SMS AND SHS PTA
Get ready to MAKE HISTORY at SMS and SHS this year by supporting our new PTA! Partner with us and champion needs specific to the upper SISD campuses like academic programs, senior scholarships and much more. By becoming a member of the PTA, you send the message that you support SMS/SHS teachers, students and administrators! Join today!
Celebrating Community: The Birth of Sunnyvale ISD’s New Middle School and High School PTA
After a two-year process, the Middle School and High School PTA has officially launched, focusing exclusively on enhancing the student experience at Sunnyvale ISD’s upper campuses.
Early in June, almost 70 parents, teachers, and community members attended a charter meeting. At the same meeting, executive officers were elected. The board has been busy planning for the upcoming school year this summer.
SES AND SIS PTA
Partner with us to support PTA Field Days, STEM and Literacy Nights, Teacher Appreciation, Fall Festival, Daddy/Daughter Dance, Mother/Son Glow Party, academic programs, and much more each year! Come be part of the fun and serve our amazing community in the process! For more info, visit us at www.sunnyvalepta.com or follow us on Facebook.
for more information, visit: www.SunnyvalePTAmshs.com for more information, visit: www.SunnyvalePTA.com
“Parent engagement is a hallmark in Sunnyvale,” Superintendent Matt Kimball said. “We are excited to see the addition of this new PTA to provide more ways for parents to support their children, partner with the schools, and be engaged in making Sunnyvale ISD a unique educational experience for our students. We appreciate the volunteers who agreed to lead this effort.”
The PTA’s primary goal is to support students and teachers at SMS and SHS, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed, including classroom resources, supporting events like dances and school activities, and providing scholarships for seniors.
Historically, Sunnyvale’s PTA supported all campuses from one board. However, with significant growth in the town and school district, expanding the PTA to meet the specific needs of SMS and SHS was a must.
“Our newly elected PTA board is very excited for this school year,” new SMS and SHS PTA President Chelsea Nowell said. “We have so many plans for this school year to give back to our students and staff at SMS and SHS. Having a separate PTA for the middle school and high school will give us more flexibility in how we allocate our funds. We can target both campuses with each and every membership and sponsor we receive. Please join the SMS and SHS PTA now!”
To support SMS and SHS students and teachers, the community is encouraged to join the PTA. Membership revenue directly impacts the PTA’s budget and its ability to support educational initiatives.
Join today and help shape the future of Sunnyvale ISD’s upper campuses.
SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS WHILE SUPPORTING SISD
Sunnyvale ISD is proud to announce a new Community Partnership Program, aimed at providing opportunities for local businesses and community members to partner with us, advertise and market their brands in a hyper-local way. These new program enhancement offer ways to support students and educators by celebrating their achievements.
COMMUNITY PARTNER ADVERTISING
Choice of advertising package (digital, print, signage) totaling the sponsorship level amount
Raiders Rise Club Yard Sign
Raiders Rise Vehicle Decal
Raiders Rise Corporate Sign
15-second video ad spot on scoreboard during home football games
Event night sponsor at one home football game (sponsor may distribute promotional materials)
Website ad on front page of www.sunnyvaleisd.com for one year
SPECIAL EVENT SPONSORSHIPS
NEW THIS YEAR! Supporting special events is another way businesses and individuals can contribute to our vibrant community. Event sponsorships cover incidentals related to the event, from student and teacher needs, food, marketing/advertising of event, materials for the events and other needs designated by the principal.
School Board Appreciation Month Sponsor: $500
Supports dinner and tokens of appreciation for our hard-working Board of Trustees
Special Olympics Sponsor: $1,000
Sponsorship covers costs associated with mutli-school basketball and track event hosted by SISD. Recognition includes signage, social media, e-news, front page ad on the website, and video on website and e-news
Teacher Appreciation Week Sponsor: $500 Per Campus
Support principals as they recognize teachers for their hard work throughout the school year. Teacher Appreciation Week is in May.
Special Event Sponsor: $500 Per Event
Sponsors will be showcased in event signage, social media, E-news, website and any event night announcements. Choose from a number of event, including:
• SIS Stem Night
• SES Literacy Night
• Superintendent’s Fall Tailgate for Staff
• Bonfire to Kick-Off Winter Sports and/or Football Playoffs
• Middle School event (example: SMS dance)
• Senior event (example: Senior Sunset)
• Community Partner Recognition Luncheon in April
• Legacy Club Luncheon (twice annually)
Looking for ways to extend your brand to your local audience? SISD has great opportunities to advertise your business to our district audience including:
• Digital advertising - SISD E-News, website, campus TVs
• District Signage - scoreboard and stadium signage, campus marquees, sports complex signage
• District Event Sponsorships
Show your Raider Pride with a RAIDERS RISE yard sign! Only $25 and includes a vehicle decal.
NEW THIS YEAR! A new sponsorship opportunity invites local businesses and community members to support our new (and some of our traditional) recognition awards. By sponsoring awards like the new RISE Award, Raiders of the Month, the new, Community Partner of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsors not only contribute to celebrating excellence but also gain prominent visibility across our district. Sponsorship covers costs associated with the award including plaque or award, recognition support and other items associated with recognition.
• RISE Award: Quarterly award recognizing an employee on each campus who is: Relational, Innovative, Servant-Hearted, and Enthusiastic
• Paraprofessional of the Year: one per campus
• Operations Staff Member of the Year: one per campus
• Teachers of the Year: one per campus, stewarded by SEF
• Community Partner of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year Award
• Distinguished Alumnus of the Year
• Legacy Award: Sunnyvale Alumni Association
NEW THIS YEAR! For supporters of the arts, SISD offers tailored sponsorships that include benefits such as event signage, premier seating at performances, and recognition across various media channels. Proceeds will help cover performance production costs such as licensing fees, production materials, costumes or uniforms, food for students or teachers, advertising and marketing materials, props, lessons, choreographers and more.
ENCORE (PREMIERE): $2,500
Choose to sponsor one of the following special events (limit one sponsor per event): Homecoming Half-time Marching Show, SHS Musical, or Daybreak Spring Show
CURTAIN CALL (LEAD): $1,500
Choose to sponsor one of the following special events: SHS Senior Night Marching Show, SHS UIL One-Act Play public performance, or SHS Christmas Concert
FINALE: $2,500
Sponsor your choice of any three performances or shows from choir, band, theatre or art at any SISD campus.
ACT 2: $500
Sponsor your choice of any two performances or shows from choir, band, theatre or art at any SISD campus.
ACT 1: $250
Sponsor any performance or show from choir, band, theatre or art at any SISD campus.
for 4
For more information, please contact
SISD Welcomes New Administrative Staff Members
Introducing Angel Perez, Sunnyvale Middle School Principal
“Ms, Perez’ humility and passion for children was easily seen; wanting to build relationships with students, celebrating milestones, both great and small. Most importantly her leadership style aligns with the style of our most successful and loved SISD staff members...a servant leader.”
- Binu Thomas, SMS Parent
Ms. Perez is an experienced administrator who joins SISD after serving as principal at Blue Ridge Middle School in Blue Ridge ISD. Prior to that, she was a secondary assistant principal at the same campus. She also spent several years as an administrator and teacher in San Angelo ISD.
“Mrs. Perez brings hands-on experience as a principal in a community similar to Sunnyvale,” long-time SMS teacher Mitzi Miller said. “Her leadership qualities, insightful experience, and passion for kids will compliment SMS as we continue to cultivate a forward-thinking and student-centered atmosphere.”
She is especially skilled at working with students at the middle school level. She said that building relationships, showing empathy and understanding the developmental stages of middle school-aged children are all key to working with the age group.
“My experience includes working with secondary students in various capacities — as a teacher, mentor, at-risk coordinator, assistant principal, and principal,” Ms. Perez said. “Through these roles, I have gained insights into the unique needs, challenges, and strengths of adolescents and developed strategies to support their academic, social, and emotional growth. Supporting their unique needs requires a combination of empathy, knowledge of adolescent development, effective communication skills, and a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. First and foremost, it takes building positive relationships and learning the needs of each individual student.”
Ms. Perez’ leadership skills extend to working with teachers and school staff members. She recognizes the needs of SMS’ teachers and is excited to be a part of the team.
“Supporting teachers and addressing their needs is crucial for fostering a positive school culture and enhancing student outcomes,” she said. “ Here are several ways I will support teachers: celebrate them (recognition & appreciation), provide constant
feedback, support their professional growth and development, provide time for collaborative team planning and providing access to mentoring and coaching.”
Veteran SMS teacher Melissa Walker said she felt that Ms. Perez’ “...philosophy about education and heart for kids is right in line with what we want in a leader. Along with her extensive experience, I believe she will bring a fun, positive atmosphere to SMS.”
Creating a positive campus culture by making sure everyone feels respected and included in the process is a priority for Ms. Perez. She is already busily planning activities to engage this process.
“I believe by actively involving students, parents, and staff in shaping the campus culture, you can create a vibrant and inclusive learning environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and motivated to thrive,” Ms. Perez said. “First, I will start this process by building relationships and trust with all and make sure they are all involved in the decision-making process. For students, I will empower them to help lead in shaping the culture through lunch with principal, student panels, student councils, clubs and organization. For staff, I will create a positive and supportive work environment through team building and collaboration. For parents, I will ensure I am maintaining open lines of communication and strengthen the bond between the school and the community through newsletter, social media and parent involvement activities.”
Ms. Perez is married to John, who works for the City of Celina. They have four children: Noah, 23; Jeweleana, 19; and twin boys Jace and Jett who will be in seventh grade at SMS.
Introducing Sherrie Koerner, Sunnyvale Elementary Principal
Mrs. Koerner is a 22-year educator, having spent the last nine years in SISD. She is an embedded part of the SES community and was already an essential part of the SES administrative team. Her experience as a teacher, District ESL and Dyslexia Coordinator, summer school principal and assistant principal made her the ideal choice for SES’ new leader.
“My years of experience teaching kindergarten and second grade not only has given me the hands-on experience needed to relate to teachers, but to know the instructional content and skills needed at this level as well,” she said. “I had the opportunity to work districtwide in the ESL/Dyslexia Coordinator position which allowed me to work with students at every campus, provide staff development and resources to staff, and gain the knowledge necessary to advocate for our special population students. I also enjoyed the leadership opportunities I got to carry out as Summer School Principal and Assistant Principal which helped grow me into the leader I am today. It is through these 22 years of experience that I hope to provide a leadership style that loves, supports, and is a true servant leader.”
Mrs. Koerner is ready to continue the excellent educational momentum that she has been a part of at SES for the last several years.
“My vision for Sunnyvale Elementary is to build on the incredible culture that has been built these last several years,” Koerner said. “The staff are like a family, and I want to continue fostering those relationships with teachers, parents, and students. I want to continue building a high-quality early literacy program so that we are creating and growing strong readers. I also plan to continue building parent and community partnerships so that parents are even more involved in knowing how to help their children grow and learn.”
Teachers can count on Mrs. Koerner to be transparent and available to them at all times as she takes on her new role.
“I believe in always having an open door that is built on trustworthiness,” she said. “I want teachers to always know that I will be there to support them and listen whenever they need
me. I’ve always believed that you build that trust by consistently showing up for your people, and I plan on continuing to show up for our teachers.”
Mrs. Koerner also wants parents to know that SES’ climate of openness, which has always included many volunteer opportunities, will remain intact.
“I love the amount of support our parents have shown Sunnyvale Elementary throughout the years,” Koerner said. “We have the BEST parents and I look forward to continuing to provide those opportunities for parents to be involved. We plan to have a few new ways for parents to volunteer, so I hope our parents stay on the look out for those opportunities and will join in.”
Mrs. Koerner lives in Rockwall with her family and she enjoys traveling and cooking. She feels blessed to get to work with her sister who also works in the district. She enjoys seeing her nephew, who is a Raider, as well.
“My heart has always loved PK-2. This age group is the foundation that a student’s educational career is built upon. I have always believed that foundation must be rock solid academically as well as socially and emotionally for a student to flourish and grow into the well-rounded adult they will become. I love building that foundation and getting to be the instructional leader who helps love, support, and guide the laying of that foundation. Getting to be a student’s first impression of school, building them into strong readers, and giving them the tools to be successful Raiders has always been my ultimate joy and calling.”
- Sherrie Koerner, SES Principal
Brittany Dlabaj Named Director of Special Programs at SISD
Veteran administrator
Brittany Dlabaj has been named SISD’s Director of
Special Programs
With 19 years in education, including 14 years in administration, Dlabaj brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She most recently served as principal at Sunnyvale’s elementary campus for the past five and a half years, following previous roles as Assistant Principal at Sunnyvale Middle School and Assistant Principal in Mesquite ISD.
“My ultimate goal has always been to ensure that all students are able to reach their full potential,” Dlabaj said. “I knew if and when I ever left the campus setting that it would be to work with our special programs. This role will allow me to support the teams that impact these students on a daily basis.”
Dlabaj’s extensive experience as an educator and her desire to invest in the lives of students and those who teach them make her perfectly suited for her new role. She believes strongly in personalized instruction through early intervention to address student needs effectively.
“My leadership style revolves around collaboration, support, and empowerment,” Dlabaj said. “My philosophy in regards to special programs is that all students are unique, capable of learning, and
have specific needs. Early intervention is the key to closing the gaps through specialized and targeted instruction. No matter what obstacles a student has, they have the potential to learn if given the right tools and instruction.”
In her new position, Dlabaj aims to forge strong relationships across all four campuses while staying abreast of the latest trends in Special Education and Response to Intervention (RTI).
“Mrs. Dlabaj has been a valuable member of the Sunnyvale family for many years. She has a true servant’s heart, always looking to do what is best for her students and staff. We are blessed to have her serve in a broader capacity and bring her passion for our Sunnyvale Raiders to all four campuses.”
- Matt Kimball, Superintendent
“My passion has always been in developing the whole child,” Dlabaj said.
“While our goal as educators is academic success for our students, I wholeheartedly believe that it is also our duty to instill quality character traits from our littlest Raiders to our graduating seniors and beyond. I hope to provide teachers and principals support and guidance in both the academic and social setting.”
Brittany and her husband, James, are long-time Sunnyvale residents. They have two sons: Owen will be a senior this fall at SHS and Eli will be a sophomore.
NEW FACES AROUND CAMPUS
PRINCE JOHNSON
College, Career and Military
Readiness Coordinator
MATT HANSON SHS Assistant Principal
EMILY COOK
SHS Assistant Principal
DUSTIN HOLLAND
Swim Coach
SISD Hires Director of Advanced Academics, Accountability and CTE
Courtney Sharkey is SISD’s new Director of Advanced Academics, Accountability and CTE
“More than anything else, what led me to Sunnyvale ISD are the values that seem to be at the heart of the district,” Sharkey said. “I want to be a part of a community that puts students first and stays consistent in their progress forward without sacrificing what matters most.”
Sharkey’s position has been converted from a previously vacated position and comes after some reorganization of SISD’s administrative team that will sharpen the district’s focus on teaching and learning.
“We are excited about this new position and the reorganization,” Superintendent Matt Kimball said. “In working on the goals our Board of Trustees has established, the reorganization and new director role is a crucial step. Ms. Sharkey brings a wealth of experience in the world of advanced academics and CTE. This new role allows a specific focus on K-12 advanced academics while also expanding career pathways that fit the needs of our students and families.”
CHARVIS RICHMOND SMS PE/Coach
Sharkey previously served as the Director of CTE and Early College High School in Richardson ISD — a position she held for the last five years.
“I love what I do, and I feel I have had the opportunity to gain so many valuable experiences,” she said. “I look forward to bringing my ideas into a community where I can share them with intentionality and collaboration.
Expanding SISD’s opportunities for students to reach their fullest potential is top of mind for Sharkey.
“One long-term goal that I am confident we will want to pursue is continuing to expand opportunities for students to increase future readiness,” Sharkey said. “Providing a consistent continuum of learning experiences, offering content that is rich with depth and complexity, and empowering students and parents with choice are always goals that we can strive to achieve with quality CTE and Advanced Academics.”
Mrs. Sharkey’s Five Components of a High-Quality Advanced Academics Program:
Sharkey and her husband live in Rockwall and have four children: Jobey, 25, graduated from Northwestern State in Business and lives in Dallas. Aubriana, 25 graduated from Texas State University and now lives in Flagstaff, AZ and works with children with special needs who are attending graduate school. Toriana,16, and Annika,13, are both gymnasts. They also have two dogs named Rudy and Teddy. 1 2 3 4 5
It cultivates student passions, tapping into natural curiosities, developing lifelong learners.
It allows for access and choice, with early identification, layering opportunities for acceleration, compacting and flexible pacing, etc.
It promotes transparency and communication, closely partnering with parents and stakeholders.
It encourages continued learning for staff and community, offering on-going training to teachers and parent education classes.
It supports larger strategic goals of the campuses, the district, and the families of SISD. As we work in each of these areas and bring new offerings to our students, we will certainly see success.
DEE TRACY SIS Principal’s Secretary
MELISSA GARZA SES Assistant Principal
LISA BEATTY SES Nurse
Sunnyvale Independent School District
417 East Tripp Road Sunnyvale, TX 75182
SUNNYVALE ISD ADMINISTRATION DIRECTORY
Mr. Matt Kimball Superintendent matt.kimball@sunnyvaleisd.com
Dr. Jacob Duce Assistant Superintendent jacob.duce@sunnyvaleisd.com
Mrs. Brenda McFalls Chief Financial Officer brenda.mcfalls@sunnyvaleisd.com
Mrs. Jennifer Settle Executive Director, Teacher and Learning jennifer.settle@sunnyvaleisd.com
Mrs. Amy Tutle Executive Director, Student and Staff Services amy.tutle@sunnyvaleisd.com
Mr. Keith Adams Director of Operations keith.adams@sunnyvaleisd.com
Mrs. Aimee Bartis District Librarian aimee.bartis@sunnyvaleisd.com
Mr. Buck Baskin Director of Technology buck.baskin@sunnyvaleisd.com
Mrs. Stacy Bellows Director of Human Resources stacy.bellows@sunnyvaleisd.com
Mrs. Brittany Dlabaj Director of Special Programs brittany.dlabaj@sunnyvaleisd.com
