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.