Horizons, Issue 6 - May 2023

PLAN SUMMER FUN WITH SISD

SMS REWARDS GOOD BEHAVIOR WITH GOLD

NEW HORIZONS AHEAD FOR DOUG WILLIAMS

LOOKING BACK AT AN ACCOMPLISHED CAREER AND FORWARD TO NEW ADVENTURES.

CELEBRATIONS AND INFORMATION FROM THE SUNNYVALE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Proud Supporter of Sunnyvale ISD

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.

From the Superintendent

On Saturday, May 5, 2007, my family and I were in Chandler, Texas, gathered around our home computer and anxiously tracking election returns for a school bond proposal in a district 75 miles away. Around 9 p.m., a few minutes after news hit that the bond had passed, our phone rang. Sunnyvale ISD Board President Brad Cravens was on the line, inviting me to their next board meeting. An adventure of a lifetime was on!

The next 16 years have been filled with great moments of challenges and achievements. Williams Kids #2 and #3 would later graduate from the high school that the 2007 bond ratified. Caleb (2011) and Olivia (2013) left Sunnyvale prepared for their own bright futures, along with more than 1,500 students in the first 14 graduating classes of Sunnyvale High School.I have had the opportunity to congratulate each of them with a hand shake, hug or—in the case of the 2020 class—a fist bump. My greatest professional accomplishment has been being a small part in engaging, equipping and empowering these students.

The district has undergone tremendous changes during the last 16 years, including numerous building projects. The district was home to 570 students in May 2007. We will wrap up this school year with 2,209 students, having almost quadrupled in student population. While the growth has been dramatic, our core values have remained constant. A few years ago, I coined the phrase “Four Campuses, One School.” Raider pride is ingrained in our students upon entry into the district, and that cohesion is evidenced in classes and programs across the district.

There are so many people to express my appreciation to for making these years outstanding. We have a supportive and hardworking Board of Trustees, and I appreciate their commitment to continuing our long standing level of success. Our parents take an active role in the education of their children and set high expectations for students. Our faculty and staff work tirelessly to provide great instruction and guidance. I will miss you all.

However, the real stars of the show are the students of SISD! How I have enjoyed watching you learn, perform and compete over the years. My best days are those when I get to see our students demonstrate their excellence. Students, know that you have been and will continue to be prepared for greatness.

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.

Facebook @sunnyvaletx

Twitter @TownofSunnyvale Instagram @ townofsunnyvaletx

Mayor Mr. Saji George mayor.george@townofsunnyvale.org

Town Manager Mr. Jeff Jones jeff.jones@townofsunnyvale.org

Doug Williams Signs Off As Superintendent, But His Fight for Texas Education Continues

Doug Williams Signs Off As Superintendent, But His Fight for Texas Education Continues

Over 600 members of the Sunnyvale community gathered to honor Superintendent Doug Williams’ retirement on April 22 in the SHS Gym.

Sunnyvale ISD and the entire Town of Sunnyvale are truly grateful for the leadership of Doug Williams. His vision for Sunnyvale’s future launched our small, elite K-8 school district into the forefront of educational excellence in Texas in 2007. SISD is now one of the leading K-12 public school districts in the state.

-BradCravens,SISDBoardPresident

Local dignitaries from SISD Board President and Mayor Saji George to U.S. Representative Lance Gooden (a Sunnyvale resident) spoke on behalf of Mr. Williams’ accomplishments during his 16 years at the helm of SISD. Current and former students shared memories about their favorite Raider.

But when it came time for Mr. Williams to speak, his continued commitment to this community and Texas public education was evident:

“I may be retiring from full-time duty as superintendent from Sunnyvale, but I consider this change to be a re-purposing in my service to education and this community,” Williams said.

A long-time and outspoken advocate for Texas’ educators and students, Mr. Williams plans to continue his work in Austin as a public education champion. In the last several years, he has served as the Legislative Chair, Vice President and the President of the Texas Association of School Administrators. Mr. Williams has advocated for school finance reform and for local accountability for school districts. He was also named the Region 10 Superintendent of the Year for 2022.

Under Williams’ leadership, SISD has experienced the most significant changes in its history, including passing several elections and the construction of new campuses.

Williams joined Sunnyvale ISD in 2007, after the town narrowly passed a bond for Sunnyvale High School. After working to gain support among parents and other residents, Williams, the Board of Trustees and the administrative team unified the community. The team successfully passed three bond packages between 2007 and 2018. Williams managed the construction of three new campuses, athletic facilities, an agriculture studies barn and a much-needed auditorium. He led the district to a successful Tax Ratification Election in 2019 and a successful Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election this past November.

and Teaching Scholarship

The Sunnyvale Education Foundation rebranded a scholarship in honor of Doug and Kris Williams, whose careers have served the students and teachers of SISD. To date, more than $60,000 has been donated to the endowed fund.

The SHS Auditorium will bear Mr. Williams’ name, as a permanent reminder of his legacy at SISD. The Board of Trustees bestowed this honor on Mr. Williams in recognition of his efforts to bring the auditorium to Sunnyvale in 2019.

TASA

Full re-opening of SISD after COVID-19 with Rowdy’s Reunion ; Served as TASA president; SISD fine arts presentation at TASA/TASB conference

The Superintendent Doug Williams Auditorium

The Doug and Kris Williams Education

Grade Raider Baseball Team

Lunch with Former SuperintendentGwinn Blankenship

ss

of Congratulations Top Ten Percent

LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

“The most important lesson I learned at Sunnyvale was to accept failure as one step toward success.”

- Valedictorian Jerin Andrews

“The most valuable lesson that I learned as a student at Sunnyvale ISD is to not be afraid to confront my mistakes. I learned this during a difficult class I took my junior year of high school. At the time, I didn’t want to look at the mistakes I made on exams and analyze them. I eventually realized that while the process of identifying and learning from mistakes can be difficult, it allows for growth. Hiding from mistakes does not allow them to disappear, instead it only leads to bigger problems that are harder to ignore.”

- Salutatorian Rebecca John

Jerin Andrews Evan Biggins

Angela John Annu Naganoolil

Rebecca John Judy Samuel

Valedictorian Salutatorian

LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Mesquite Rotary: Jonathan Karun

PTSA: Sarah Griffin

PTSA: Destiny Dunn-Jaramillo

PTSA: Blakely Peach

Second Mile Award: Kris Williams

Raider Athletic Booster Club: Kaitlyn Gonzales

Raider Athletic Booster Club: Nathanie Burleson

Raider Athletic Booster Club: Sarah Griffin

Raider Athletic Booster Club: Emma Tinall

Raider Athletic Booster Club: Blakely Peach

Raider Athletic Booster Club: Luke Taylor

Raider Athletic Booster Club: Rebecca John

Raider Athletic Booster Club: Emily Stevens

Raider Athletic Booster Club: Kaden O’Neal

Band Booster Club: Lily Yang

Band Booster Club: Rachel Phillips

SEF Academic: Rebecca John

SEF Academic: Christen Kuruvilla

TC Lupton Leadership: Sarah Griffin

Ronnie Henderson Community Service: Robert Tezock

SEF Fine Arts: Lily Yang

SEF - CTE: Taya Palmer

SEF - CTE: Luke Taylor

SEF - STEM: Noble Mathew

SEF - HST: Riya Chelagiri

SEF - Education: Rachel Phillips

SEA: Robert Tezock

SEA: Rachel Phillips

SEA: Emily Stevens

SAR: Samuel Le

DAR: Clarksyn Miller

FFA Booster Club: Brayden Billingsly

Trinity Capital: Blakely Peach

Trinity Capital: Sarah Griffin

Trinity Capital: Wyatt Grubbs

Sunnyvale Garden Club: Noah De La Garza

Sunnyvale Garden Club: Destiny Dunn-Jaramillo

Sunnyvale Garden Club: Sarah Griffin

Sunnyvale Garden Club: Lauralei Totsch

Sunnyvale Garden Club: Jesvin Varghese

Sunnyvale Alumni Association: Wyatt Grubbs

Sunnyvale Alumni Association: Sarah Griffin

Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce: Emily Stevens

Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce: Sarah Griffin

Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce: Rachel Phillips

STAGE Scholarship (Theatre): Wyatt Grubbs

STAGE Scholarship (Theatre): Emma Derr

STAGE Scholarship (Theatre): Blake Patterson

Noble Mathew

Melanie Chappetta

Riya Chelagiri

Nate Burleson

Robert Tezock

Noah Mathews Lily Yang

Christen Kuruvilla

Ethan Siao

SHS SUNNYVALE HIGH SCHOOL

A Year of Champions

LADY RAIDER BASKETBALL: SILVER MEDALISTS

Overall Record: 33-7

Team Highlights:

• 2nd basketball team to go to the state tournament

• 4th regional tournament trip

• 7th consecutive district championship (out of 11 overall)

• 6th trip to the state tournament for Coach Jill McDill

Player Highlights:

• New school record for points in a game: Micah Russell (45 v. Farmersville)

• TABC and TGCA All-State: Micah Russell and Alli McAda

• TABC All-Star Game: Micah Russell

• THSCA, TABC, and TGCA Academic All-State: Sarah Griffin

SHS Debate Ranks in Top Eight of State Programs

After five Raiders advanced to state this year, the SHS Debate Team is now ranked one of the top eight programs in the state.

Two students made state appearances in Student Congress, two in CX Debate and one in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, making SHS Debate now an elite school activity.

“My students are hands-down the best part of my job - it’s fun to work with people who are so clever and kind,” current adviser Camille Bales said. “I became a teacher because I

wanted to empower young people to see themselves as intelligent, capable individuals who have meaningful things to share, but I never imagined it could happen like this, on this scale. It’s the students, ultimately, who have made this program what it is. I’ve been so fortunate to be part of it.”

The team meets daily and is part of an overall debate program offering two courses: Debate I and Debate II-IV. Debate I is a survey of speech and debate, while Debate II-IV allows students to specialize through teacher-guided independent study. These classes are scheduled during the same period and the students function as a team, building their cases or speeches.

UIL STATE PROSE

Blake Patterson earned a silver medal.

GIRLS GOLF

Gold Medalist Alex Hileman was invited to play in the NHSGA National Invitational.

BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS OF AMERICA

Financial analyst team Samuel Thomas, Daniel Samuel and Rachel George placed third at Nationals.

Morgan

Additional Raiders Who Competed Beyond Regionals

Band: All State

Rowan Anthony, Caroline Finamore

Band: 1st Division State Gold Medal Soloists

Aidan Biggins, Alex Sreang

Band: 2nd Division State Silver Medal Soloists

Maximo Matta, Jeremy Rillera, Tred Sjavik, Aiden Westfall

Band: 1st Division State Ensembles

Aidan Biggins, Katie Bowser, Noah Canning, Feba Chacko, Christine Chandy, Sofia DuBose, Raygen Jean, Jonathan Joy, Anslie Linton, Tyler Linton, Maximo Matta, Jaden Richardson, Jeremy Rillera, Sam Sjavik, Alex Sreang, Emery Stevens, Natalie Weickert, Jonathan Williams Leah Williams, Sydney Wofford

Cheerleading

UIL State Spirit 4A Division 2 Bronze Medal

Choir: All-State Blake Patterson, Preston Senter, Jonathan Williams, Sidney Williams

Choir: TSEEC Division One Ensemble

Silvia Baldwin, Ethan Bohanan, Katie Bowser, Carson Coldwell, Christen Kuruvilla, Lexi Lowe, Weston McWhorter, Nathan Ramey, Daniel Samuel, Preston Senter, Sidney Williams

Students attend invitational meets on Saturdays about once a month to prepare for competitions, with occasional workshops or after-school practices. Bales says she bases her expectations on patterns in performance.

“It’s okay to lose a round of debate as long as you learn from it,” Bales said. “We’re more concerned with patterns in performance than the outcome of a single round or a single tournament. Though winning is great, I’m more interested in nurturing the real-world skills that students will take with them after they’ve left Sunnyvale.”

Choir: TSSEC Division Two Soloists

Silvia Baldwin, Ethan Bohanon, Savannah Bryan, Carson Coldwell, Vincent Egwuonwu, Stephen Kahng, Christen Kuruvilla, Grant Rabe, Nathan Ramey, Liam Reagan, Kennedy Wilson

Choir: TSSEC Division One Soloists

Katie Bowser, Abigail Jacob, Anslie Linton, Lexi Lowe, Weston McWhorter, Daniel Samuel, Sidney Williams

Fishing Team

Noah DeLaGarza, Adam Hamad

HOSA

Vinjay Upa

News Writing

Emma Vaughan

Powerlifting

Alaric Brown, Carson Coldwell, Mia David

Swimming

Mario Castellon, Riley Hatch, Brooke Johnson, Caleb Johnson, Jace Mangrum, Hannah Powell, Austin Taylor, Grace Zollinger,

Track & Field

Cade Andrews, Choira Enyinna, Brady Navaja, Katy Sloan, Ethan Tanck, Emma Tindall

Junior debater Morgan D’Elia, who qualified for state in LD last year and this year said she was drawn drawn to the class by her interest in argumentation, social issues, and public speaking.

“My favorite part about being on the debate team is the people I get to work with,” D’Elia said. Debate has improved my ability to think critically and manage my time effectively. I’ve learned a lot about professionalism and objectivity, drastically improving my communication skills in every context. Debate has given me a safe space conducive to learning and self-growth.”

D’Elia earned 12th place at Nationals in Prepared Speech.

Making Schools More Secure While Piloting Drones in Class

Eighth graders in Nicolas Fletcher’s STEM 3 classes are helping to make SISD campuses more secure through a new project using drone technology.

The students are providing SISD Safety and Security Coordinator Justin Mathew and Sunnyvale PD with helpful interior drone footage of district campuses to help keep all Raiders safe.

“When I saw the students fly the drones for the first time at the Middle School, I immediately thought about how I could use it,” Mathew said. “This type of project is what experts are doing and what the future of security will look like. The ways we can use the footage for training can be endless!”

The premise behind the project was to provide students with a unique opportunity to obtain a Drone Pilot 107 License through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Unlike other STEM projects that are part of the TEKS or Project Lead the Way curriculum, the SMS Drone Team is an independent curriculum designed by Fletcher. The program is exclusively for eighth-grade students in the STEM 3 program, and all students who wish to participate can join.

“My ultimate goal is for the students to obtain skills in the following areas: drone piloting, video editing and rendering, and professional communication,” Fletcher said. “Through the assignments and tasks completed by the SMS Drone Team.”

The students work with Mathew during Flextime to collect footage of the Middle School and

High School for Sunnyvale PD. Additionally, they take the project home to render and edit the footage and finalize the videos. The equipment the team uses includes various DJI drones, such as Avata, FPV, and Mini Pro 3, which were funded by a grant from the Sunnyvale Education Foundation.

“My favorite part of working on this project was working with my classmates and producing something that we could all be proud of,” eighth grader Caitlyn Chandy said.

Gold Standard

SMS LAUNCHES GOLD COIN BEHAVIOR REWARD PROGRAM

Middle school students who show good behavior are being rewarded at SMS.

A new program called, “Gold Coin Day,” is giving students who demonstrate positive behavior and character traits, such as good grades, good behavior, kindness to peers, and participation in extracurricular activities an opportunity to be celebrated for their hard work and good behavior.

Gold Coins - while not actual gold - are a token of recognition from SMS teachers. Over a two-week period, every staff member at Sunnyvale Middle School has a gold coin to give to one deserving student.

The goal of Gold Coin Day is to encourage students to demonstrate positive behavior and character traits, such as good grades, good behavior, kindness to peers, and participation in extracurricular activities. Any student who a staff member feels always does a great job in these areas is eligible to receive a gold coin.

“At the end of the three week period, students who receive a coin are rewarded with free time during Power Block and the first 30 minutes of 5th period,” Assistant Principal Angela Teel said. “Students get to hang out in the admin gym or outside the admin gym, play games, hang out with friends, and have treats such as ice cream sandwiches and sodas.”

The SMS Drone Team is just one of the many projects in which the STEM 3 students may choose to participate. Other projects include Minecraft coding, VEX robot battles, and app development. Fletcher encourages students to take ownership of their projects and believes that student autonomy helps students develop their problem-solving skills and their passion for the project.

The best part of this reward program is that it recognizes and celebrates individual students for their hard work and good character, setting an example for others to follow. Students who receive a Gold Coin feel proud of themselves and motivated to continue to work hard and demonstrate positive behavior in the future.

“We have seen a positive change in climate and culture on campus because most students are striving for a gold coin,” Teel said. “When staff hands out their gold coin, they are reinforcing with students “why” they deserve the gold coin and their peers see the positive interactions.”

Students Get a Glimpse Into the Real World During STEM Career Day

Once a year, Raider intermediate students get a first-hand glimpse into the careers of STEM professionals in the Sunnyvale community.

“This is my absolute favorite day of the year! We have a large number of parents and community members who come and talk with our students about their career,” Intermediate principal Sara Staley said. “Their dedication to showing our students why STEM is important and how they will one day use some aspect of STEM brings out so many ‘light bulb’ moments for our students.”

This spring, SIS students enjoyed learning about a wide variety of occupations including engineering, nursing, dentistry, horseback riding, magic performance (from a local magician!), organ transplantation, cardiology, forensics, aviation, city services, emergency services and more. Speakers brought materials and hands-on equipment to spark student interest in various career fields.

“Students get a sneak peak of what is involved in different career pathways during STEM Career Day,” Staley said. “They learn what type of post-high school education they will need, learn about a day in the life of different jobs and the fun that comes with that. They are fascinated by the tools, wardrobe and sometimes even the salary!”

STEM education prepares students for future careers in a world where technology is evolving rapidly. It helps students develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that will serve them well in any career they pursue. STEM education also instills a passion for innovation and creativity, which can lead to new discoveries and inventions that benefit society as a whole.

“STEM education provides students with skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the modern world,” STEM teacher Suzanne Valenta said.

SIS Raiders ROCK the School With Annual Fun Run

Q&A with Sarah Thompson, PTA SIS Vice President

WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF THE RUN?

The name says it all: FUN! The goal of the PTA’s 2nd Annual SIS Fun Run goal was to bring the school together for a celebration of physical activity and students supporting each other, all while having FUN! Everyone wons when they crossed the finish line.

The theme was a ROCK STAR RUN followed by a ROCKIN’ RAIDER RECESS. Students and teachers were encouraged to dress in their best rock star gear and prizes were given to the best dressed. After the run, students and teachers enjoyed a special recess with music, snacks, yard games and then an epic game of Tug of War.

HOW DID PTA AND SIS WORK TOGETHER TO ACCOMPLISH THE RUN?

When it comes to planning events for the students of SIS, PTA is continually inspired by Principal Sara Staley. PTA worked closely with Principal Staley to provide a fun experience that fit the needs of Sunnyvale Intermediate School. PTA was able to fund, plan, and implement the event.

WAS THIS A FUNDRAISING EVENT?

No funds were raised – this was a gift to the kids for their hard work all year!

WHAT EVENTS ARE ON THE HORIZON FOR SIS NEXT YEAR?

For the upcoming 2023-2024 school year, PTA is looking forward to our 3rd Annual Fun Run. The theme for the run will be brand new and a surprise, so be on the lookout for that announcement!

PTA also plans to welcome students back to school by decorating the school and providing school supplies kits (on sale through July 13 at sproutsupplies.com). Later in the year, PTA will provide funds for literacy night, STEM night, and field day, just to name a few. We appreciate our PTA members who make this all possible! If you are not yet a PTA member, come join the fun at SIS and SES as a PTA member next school year!

Music Sharing Day Brings Music to Life For Kids and Families

SES music teacher Candice Stout believes that music is a shared experience and should be enjoyed by all. That’s the premise behind Music Sharing Day.

The Annual Music Sharing Day is an informal opportunity for guests to join their kids in the music room and actually experience what Raiders are learning in elementary music class.

“In a small setting, the enthusiasm of the performers can fully reach the audience,” Stout said. “The audience can come up onto the stage and see exactly what their children are doing and experiencing. I want the kids to teach and play with their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. I want them all to touch and play the instruments! I want them all to touch and play with the props!”

Inspired by Stout’s own personal experience growing up where her mom attended her performances with her brothers and sisters in tow often for over an hour, Stout

wanted to create an interactive musical education experience for parents, siblings and other guests that enabled them to participate and not tie them a chair where they might have to also entertain younger siblings during a long performances.

“No concert or presentation should ever feel like a “sit and get,” one-sided experience,” Stout said. “Music Sharing Days are a balance of music-making, enjoyment, and participation for all who attend.”

Stout creates the experience herself from start to finish. She starts with a basic concept she needs to teach (examples: form, rhythm, tempo, beat, pitch, dynamics) and then writes a simple song that will best help reinforce that concept. Once she has the basic melody, she looks for a picture book to pull repeated phrases or major plot points to finish writing the words for the song. Then, she writes instrument parts, dances, or additional activities and makes sure the concept is touched on at least three different times or three different ways.

“I take great care in choosing the books and the songs I use or write,” Stout said. “If it doesn’t have a connection to our students, I

SES music teacher Candice Stout believes that music is a shared experience and should be enjoyed by all. That’s the premise behind Music Sharing Day.

won’t use it. Music can and should touch everything.”

Stout notes that music affords children an opportunity to learn across multiple disciplines - math with fractions, addition or subtraction (rhythms and beat); science with vibration and sound production; reading with lyrics and solfege (Do, Re, Mi), and tracking rhythms across a page; writing with composing songs and history to look at where the songs came from before us. Studying Music at any age is a chance to develop important life skills.

“Parents, just show up,” Stout said. “Help your students practice their music at home, even if all you do is clap along to the beat and give encouragement. Remind them that achievements take time, and no one gets it perfect on the first try.”

THE MANY DRESSES

OFMs. Stout holds more than 100 themed dresses (plus accessories).

MRS.STOUT’S AWESOMECLOSET R

Most dresses are HOMEMADE to some degree (some are altered or enhanced).

5 Dresses

Now in production

2 Hours To make an easy dress

2+ Days

To make a complex dress (with a little help from mom)

Ms. Stout’s talented mom’s homemade costumes were the inspiration for Ms. Stout’s love of fun clothes.

Dress themes are inspired by suggestions from students, teachers and parents, and Ms. Stout’s collection of mickey ears.

TRUSTEES NAME MATT KIMBALL NEW SISD SUPERINTENDENT

SISD Trustees have confirmed Matt Kimball as SISD’s newest Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Kimball begins full time work at SISD July 1.

The Sunnyvale ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name Matt Kimball the Lone Finalist for the position of Superintendent at their regularly scheduled meeting on April 24. Mr. Kimball’s contract became final on May 16.

“We are excited to welcome Matt Kimball to the Raider Nation,” Board of Trustees President Brad Cravens said. “He is the right fit for our community and most of all, for our Raiders. We look forward to watching him lead Sunnyvale ISD’s continued success.”

Mr. Kimball comes to the Raider Nation from Blue Ridge ISD, where he has served the district as superintendent since 2019. He began his career in Coppell ISD as a teacher and assistant principal. He was a principal in Frisco ISD from 2002 to 2014 and then became assistant superintendent for human resources with San Angelo ISD. His 31-year educational career is highlighted by one of his campuses being selected as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2006.

“My wife and I are excited to join the community and serve our students, staff and parents. Sunnyvale is a special place. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to honor what has made the district a unique and highly successful school system while helping it to continue to ‘engage, equip and empower’ all students to pursue their hopes and dreams,” Mr. Kimball said.

During his time at Blue Ridge ISD, the district passed a $25 million bond, built a new elementary school and remodeled the other campuses. The district also built two new agricultural education barns and a new athletics field house. The district has expanded Career and Technical Education opportunities for students and improved SAT participation and scores under Mr. Kimball’s leadership. He helped BRISD establish an Education Foundation, which supports students and teachers with innovative grants and scholarships. Mr. Kimball also led the district in recovering from a 2022 tornado that disrupted school function and caused an estimated $12 million dollars of damage.

Looking ahead, Mr. Kimball plans to spend a substantial amount of time getting to know district staff and leaders, each individual board member, town and community leaders, and parents and students. He plans to arrange meetings and opportunities to interact with stakeholders in June, July, and August.

Mr. Kimball has been married to his wife, Jennifer for 32 years. They have two children, Grant and Sheridan. Grant, a graduate of Texas A&M University, is married to Laura. The couple has a one-year-old son named James (the Kimball’s first grandchild). Sheridan is a junior at Texas A&M University. The Kimballs attend Prestoncrest Church of Christ in Dallas.

Once they secure housing, the Kimballs will reside in Sunnyvale.

WHY SUNNYVALE ISD?

QUALITY STAFF

“Sunnyvale ISD is well-known across the state for the stellar success students have inside and outside the classroom. The district has a reputation for having a talented staff and leadership team that supports students in achieving their potential. In addition, parents in Sunnyvale are involved, supportive, and recognize the value of the school and home partnership. I find all of those qualities extremely valuable and exciting. I also appreciate the strong sense of community in Sunnyvale. It is an idyllic setting. At the end of the day, SISD is a district who engages its community, empowers its staff, and equips its students for a bright future!”

MY BACKGROUND

“I was born and raised in Alaska. My dad was in the Air Force and then went to work for an oil refinery. My mother was a school secretary. Our family loved the outdoors and did everything from ice fishing to downhill skiing. My favorite Alaskan activity is fishing, specifically fly fishing. In school, I was involved in athletics from elementary through high school. I participated in wrestling, basketball, football, and track. While my athletic prowess lacked definitive talent, I knew early in high school I wanted to be a teacher.

I pursued my teaching degree at Abilene Christian University, where I met my wife, Jennifer. I began my education career in Coppell ISD as a fifth-grade teacher in 1992. Since then I have been an assistant principal, principal, executive director of schools, assistant superintendent and superintendent.”

MY FAVORITE TEACHER

“I had several favorite teachers, but Mrs. Massie comes to mind most often. I had her for Honors English my sophomore, junior and senior years. Every assigned essay would find me writing two and three drafts before submitting it for a grade in her class. Through verbal and written feedback, she helped me develop my writing skills and improve my ACT score. I rarely got an “A” in her class. She had high standards and expectations but supported her students.”

“Thebestwaytodescribemyenthusiasmforeducationandworkingwithstudentscomesfromamemoirturnedmovie.Basedonthebook Rocket Boys,the movie October Sky depictstheimpactaneducatorcanhavewhenheorsheempowersstudentsandprovidesthemwiththeresourcesandsupportnecessary. Ilookforwardtoengaging,equipping,andempoweringourSunnyvalestaffandstudentsastheypursuetheirdreams!”

—MattKimball,IncomingSISDSuperintendent

SISD’s Outbound Class has a new business project that has gone to the dogs - literally!

The students — who are part of the district’s adult transition program - are making and selling homemade dog treats and selling them for a price that can’t be beat. For $5, anyone can purchase Rowdy’s Bow-Wow Biscuits online on the SISD website.

“A major focus of the transition program is adult employment,” program coordinator Rachel Parrish said. “Having a student project such as our dog treat business teaches greater economic self-sufficiency, gives students an opportunity to use their skills and have a more active participation in community life.”

Weekly, the students begin their project with a grocery list and then do the shopping. They then make the treats in the kitchen of the administration building by following a recipe using all-natural ingredients.

Parrish said the students are also practicing, “kitchen safety, quality control, packaging, money counting and changemaking, social skills during transactions and independence.

Rowdy’s Bow-Wow Biscuits will be on sale again in the fall.

SUMMER CAMPS

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FUN TO DO OVER THE SUMMER? NEED TO KEEP THE KIDS BUSY?

SEE OUR SUMMER CAMP LIST:

Little Raider Course

Incoming Grades 3-6 | Mondays through Wednesdays in June., 6-6:50 .pm. | $100 total or $10 walk-up

Sunnyvale Raider Basketball Camp

Incoming Grades 2-9 | June 12-14, 9 a.m. - Noon | $80

“Raiders” of the Lost Ark Archaeology/Paleontology Camp

Incoming Grades 3-6 | June 12– 15, 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. | $125

Magic Camp - Purple Wand Course

Incoming Grades 3-6 | June 19-22, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | $250

Pop Art

Incoming Grades 4-6 | June 19- 22, 12:30-3 p.m. | $100

At the Seaside

Incoming Grades 4-6 | June 19-22, 9-11:30 a.m. | $100

Sunnyvale Raider Tennis Camp

Incoming Grades 2-9 | June 19- 21, Grades 2-5: 8:30-10 a.m., Grades 6-9: 10:30 a.m.- Noon | $80

“Art With a Splash” Summer Art Camp

Incoming Grades 6-9 | June 26- 29, 9:30 a.m.-Noon or 1:30-4 p.m. | $140

Fabric Textiles Camp

Incoming Grades

4-6 | June 26- 29, 9-11:30 a.m. | $100

Animal Art

Incoming Grades 4-6 | June 26-29, 12:30-3 p.m. | $100

SCAN FOR REGISTRATION AND TUITION DETAILS:

Magic Camp - Purple Wand Course

Incoming Grades 3-6 | June 26-29, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | $250

Sunnyvale Raider Softball Camp

Incoming Grades 1-9 | July 10-12, Beginner 9-11 a.m., Advanced 1-3 p.m. | $80

Sunnyvale Raider Soccer Camp

Incoming Grades K-8 | July 11- 13, 6-8:15 p.m. | $90

Farewell To Summer Choir Camp

Incoming Grades 4-8 | July 17- 20, 9 a.m.-Noon | $25

Big Lady Raider Basketball Camp

Incoming Grades 7-9 | July 19- 21, 1-4 p.m. | $75

Sunnyvale Raider Football Skills Camp

Incoming Grades 7-9 | July 2527, 6-8:30 p.m. | $80

Mini Cheer Camp

Incoming Grades K-6 | August 3-5, 8:30-11:30 a.m | $85

CELEBRATING OUR RETIREES

Kris Williams

SHS ENGLISH TEACHER

25 YEARS OF SERVICE, 16 WITH SISD

LOOKING BACK…

Early in my career, I had a student who could be a handful, but I didn’t have any problems with him. His mom told me she’d asked him why he never got in trouble in my class. He responded, “Mrs. Williams has that momma way of looking at you and you know you better act right.” I thought that was hilarious, but it also made me realize that my students are someone’s babies, that someone loves them like I love my own babies. And so I would treat my students the way I’d want my own kids to be treated — with both kindness and high expectations.

Sunnyvale ISD has the total package of supportive administrators, school board, and parents, along with fabulous colleagues and world-class students. I’m going to miss the feeling of being “home” at Sunnyvale High School and of seeing my work family of both students and colleagues every day.

LOOKING FORWARD…

My first plan for retirement is to plant a lavender bed in my front yard. I love lavender and the bees it attracts. After that, I have classes I want to take, two grandchildren I want to spend time with, books to read, and maybe even some writing to do. If I can find a suitable dog sitter who can manage a spoiled German Shepherd, we will travel some as well.

Ali Bryant

SES ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

30 YEARS OF SERVICE, 15 WITH SISD

LOOKING BACK…

I taught first, second, and third grades for 15 years in Mesquite before coming to SISD as a fifth-grade teacher. After teaching for three years, I become the RTI specialist. Later, I became the academic administrator and eventually assistant principal at SES.

The best part of being an educator is the relationships you build with students and teachers. We must remember that this is what really matters. Relationships build a thriving classroom/campus environment. My favorite memories of SISD are encapsulated by one word: family. Each classroom is a family. Each teaching team is a family. Each campus is a family. And all of these come together as our RAIDER FAMILY.

LOOKING FORWARD…

To new teachers I would say: Do not underestimate the importance of relationships. It is well worth the time and effort to get to know your students, parents and campus family. People notice when you care about them. Showing others that you value them builds a trusting environment where everyone can learn and grow, students and adults alike.

In retirement, I would like to continue being with kids in some capacity. Ernie and I look forward to being able to visit our sons (Beau, 26, and Luke, 24) who are both out of state for seminary studies.

Sunnyvale Independent School District

417 East Tripp Road

Sunnyvale, TX 75182

SUNNYVALE ISD ADMINISTRATION DIRECTORY

Mr. Doug Williams Superintendent doug.williams@sunnyvaleisd.com

Dr. Christi Morgan Assistant Superintendent christi.morgan@sunnyvaleisd.com

Mrs. Brenda Rodriquez Assistant Superintendent brenda.rodriquez@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. Erica Lawless Director of Special Programs erica.lawless@sunnyvaleisd.com

Mrs. Robin Plett Director of Child Nutrition robin.plett@sunnyvaleisd.com

Mrs. Jennifer Settle Director of Professional Learning jennifer.settle@sunnyvaleisd.com

Mr. John Settle Athletic Director john.settle@sunnyvaleisd.com

Mr. Michael Tillinghast Network Administrator michael.tillinghast@sunnyvaleisd.com

Mrs. Amy Tutle Director of Assessment and Accountability amy.tutle@sunnyvaleisd.com

Mrs. Emily White Director of Communications and Marketing emily.white@sunnyvaleid.com

Mrs. Stacie Wilson Federal Programs and At-Risk Coordinator stacie.wilson@sunnyvaleisd.com

Mr. Todd Staley Director of Transportation todd.staley@sunnyvaleisd.com

Mrs. Kristen Nester Literacy Coach kristen.nester@sunnyvaleisd.com

Mrs. Sherrie Koerner Dyslexia/EL Coordinator sherrie.koerner@sunnyvaleisd.com

Mrs. Melissa James District Crisis Counselor melissa.james@sunnyvaleisd.com

Mr. Jacob Pipak Fine Arts Coordinator jacob.pipak@sunnyvaleisd.com