SSISD Board Hears Reports, Approves Contracts, Approves Personnel Changes During November Meeting
Sulphur Springs School Board approved the purchase of replacement air conditioning/heating units for four classrooms at the high school and took a tour of Salem, Massachusetts during colonial times during their Tuesday evening November board meeting. The board also learned that almost all of the local policies in the district complied with the 800-plus pages of legislative chances for public education.
Lamar Primary School students, who had lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flag shared their headsets with board members for the tour. The headsets allowed students and board members to adjust the focus of the lens and provided popups to highlight the various sites to be observed. It was noted that stocks for prisoners were among the first things to be built in colonial villages. Wigwams, colonial thatched roof homes and furnishings, and other sites were featured. Board members exhibited an enthusiasm that matched that of first graders who experience the headset tours. Principal Rowena Johnson presented an audio-visual overview of all the activities at Lamar.
Regarding state legislative changes, policies for firearms in the vehicle of a teacher were discussed. The legislative changes allow school policy to permit teachers to store a handgun in their locked vehicle. The policy allows for the weapon to be unloaded and the recommendation to the board is to delete “not loaded”.
In the 2016-2017 school year, SSISD provided services for 585 students of limited English proficiency. Bilingual and ESL Programs served 572 of these students.
Dan Froneberger will serve as one of two SSISD representatives on the Hopkins County Civic Center Board of Directors. He returns to the post for a second time and will serve the new term, January 1, 2018-December 31, 2020.
An agreement between the district and the Sulphur Springs Country Club will allow golf teams to use the course for practice and tournaments.
Reading at the Kindergarten level is a top priority for the local school district, according to Assistant Superintendent Kristin Monk. Monk reported on the various emphases on the Primary Education level. Josh Williams reported on the Secondary level.
PERSONNEL
Resignations
Alexis Navarrette Purchasing Clerk Administration
Andrea Rodriguez Office Clerk ECLC
Sy Lucas Grade 1 Teacher Lamar Primary
Janlyn Therwhanger ESL Aide Middle School
Maci Newsom Government Teacher High School
New personnel
Alison Thompson Grade 1 Teacher Lamar Primary
Tobias Adams Special Ed Aide Middle School
Ruston Pennington Math Teacher High School
Beatty Named Texas A & M-Commerce Vice President of Advancement
Commerce, TX – President Ray Keck announced that Keturi Beatty will serve as the University’s next Vice President of Advancement. Beatty joined A&M-Commerce as the Associate Vice President for Advancement in July of 2017. Interim Vice President for Advancement, Wyman Williams, will continue his service to the University as the Associate Vice President for Advancement and Beatty’s senior development officer.
President Keck looks forward to working with Beatty in her new role, stating, “Everyone who works with Keturi notices her acute ability to listen and to engage a community of active participants in University life. She possesses all the warmth and openness East Texas proudly offers both our nation and the global community. She will serve as the ideal partner with Wyman Williams, whose knowledge of this population and its history is unmatched.”
Beatty previously served as the Senior Director of Development for the College of Education at the University of North Texas. In this role, she redesigned major gift solicitation strategy, aligned the strategic priorities of the university’s College Development Board, implemented a peer solicitation program, and integrated communications, alumni, marketing, events and strategies to support college and campaign goals. Prior to her time at UNT, Beatty held advancement positions with The Hockaday School, where she served as the Director of Planned Giving and Stewardship and the Director of Annual Giving.
Now settled in with the A&M-Commerce advancement team, Beatty looks forward to assuming her new role, stating, “In my short four months, I have fallen for this great university. I am honored to serve in this role, and I look forward to partnering with our alumni and donors to build a robust culture of philanthropy at A&M-Commerce.”
Wyman Williams has served as a development officer at A&M-Commerce since 2010, and as Interim Vice President for Advancement for the past 18 months. Williams has lived in Commerce since he was three years old, and has had the rare opportunity to attend first grade through college in Commerce. He also owned and operated a family business in town. He is a 1969 graduate of East Texas State University and prior to joining senior leadership at A&M-Commerce, Wyman served on its Foundation Board for more than 20 years.
Wyman looks forward to continuing the important work of expanding alumni and donor support for his beloved alma mater. “Keturi is the right person to lead advancement at A&M-Commerce,” he said. “I am thrilled to assist her in taking our fundraising enterprise to the next level.”
Wildcats Defeat 6A Ranked Arlington Bowie; Face Rockwall Heath Tuesday
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta said he was proud of his team and the way they came out focused and prepared in a season opening 66-58 win over Arlington Bowie in the Cowtown Showdown Saturday in North Crowley. Bowie was ranked #23 in Class 6A by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats played the way he knows they can play. He said the team started making defensive plays right from the beginning of the game.
As with any first game, all was not perfect. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats did have some careless fouls and turnovers that led to easy Bowie baskets. The Wildcats trailed by 4 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Wildcats surged into the lead outscoring Bowie, 15-2. Junior post Victor Iwuakor led the Wildcats with 23 points. Sophomore Godsgift Ezedinma, or GG, and senior Keaston Willis added 14 points apiece. Sophomore Michael Jefferson chipped in 12 points. Despite Iwuakor’s offensive numbers, Coach Cipoletta was excited about his defense, played against a player Coach Cipoletta called one of the top guards in the country. Coach Cipoletta also praised the play of junior Xavier Cork. He was scoreless but Coach Cipoletta said he made his presence known with blocked shots and rebounds.
The Wildcats, 1-0 for the season, play at Rockwall Heath Tuesday at 8 p.m. Coach Cipoletta said Heath is expected to win their district. He said they shoot the ball well and will press and play at a fast pace.
File Photo
Lady Cats Basketball Use First Game to Set Bar for Improvement
Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. That was the assessment of his teams play in their season opener by Lady Cats Basketball Coach Jeff Chapman. He added his team sometimes has trouble with respecting all and fearing none. Coach Chapman said sometimes his team thinks the other team is just going to lay down and let the Lady Cats have the victory. He said Emory Rains played lights out in the first half at home.
After the Lady Cats opened the game with a 17-0 run, Rains hustled their way into a 27-26 halftime lead. Coach Chapman said the game changed in the second half. He said the Lady Cats made defensive stops, made shots and got some breaks. Coach Chapman said Rains’ emotions cooled down some in the second half. The Lady Cats outscored Rains 47-19 in the last two quarters. Included was a 15-0 run in the third quarter. Coach Chapman said he has five new varsity players. Returning point guard Sadavia Porter, who scored 27 points, also had three three-point baskets.
Coach Chapman credited Porter with working to improve her three point shot. He said several of his players, led by Kaylee Jefferson, were staying after practice to work on their games. Imani Taylor is expected to join the team soon. Coach Chapman said Taylor is working on her conditioning and he added she will provide needed depth to the varsity.
County Schools Cross Country Teams Honored in Proclamations
In what is becoming an annual event, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom recognized the excellence of cross country running in the county on the steps of the County Courthouse Monday morning. Judge Newsom read proclamations honoring girls Class 1A state champion Jorja Bessonett, runner up Sienna Collins of Saltillo, Class 1A second place girls’ team Miller Grove, Class 1A state champion boys team Miller Grove, boys team runner up Saltillo and fourth best boys team Sulphur Bluff. The state cross country meet took place November 4 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.
The six proclamations urge all Hopkins County citizens to congratulate the athletes for their accomplishments. Before proclamations were read, one of the county’s foremost runners, District Judge Eddie Northcutt, praised the athletes for making it to the state meet and then for doing so well when they got there. He said he encouraged Judge Newsom to recognize Miller Grove, Saltillo and Sulphur Bluff. It was noted that the fourth in state finish by Sulphur Bluff was the highest finish for any team sport in school history.
Members of the State Champion Miller Grove boys team are Kobe Robertson, Albert Serrano, Luke Brignon, Grant Earp, Grant Sharp, Matthew Brignon and Andre Treyton. The second place Saltillo boys team includes Trevor, Moore, Walker McGill, Hendrick Rios, Branson McGill, Dillon Beadle, Lyle Bench and Matthew Gurley. Members of the fourth place Sulphur Bluff boys team are Turner, South, Montana Hurley, Ishmael Wade, Trayton South, Shane Johnson and Jonathan Brown. The second place Miller Grove girls team includes Jorga Bessonett, Lauren Bullard, Jolee Fox, Cassidy Seaney, Alexa Pelerosa and Katie Williams. 
Sulphur Springs Youth Orchestra Sets Fundraiser Concert
Sulphur Springs Youth Orchestra will present a Fundraiser Concert at Shannon Oaks Church Thursday, November 16. Donations are welcome.
CASA Cookie Walk Set for December 1
The annual CASA Cookie Walk is set for Friday, December 1, 2017 at First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 301 Church Street, 9 a.m. until noon. Cookies are $5 per pound. The event is a fund raiser for Lake Country Court Appointed Special Advocates. Lake Country Court Appointed Special Advocates serve as advocates for children in the Child Protective Services System awaiting court appointments and they assure that no child “falls through the cracks” of the system.
Lake Country CASA serves Hopkins, Franklin, and Rains Counties.
Lucas Announces Intent to Run for City Council Place 2
Jimmy Lucas has announced his intent to run for Sulphur Springs City Council Place 2.
“I am pleased to announce my intent for candidacy to the Sulphur Springs City Council. My single encouragement for seeking this position is solely based on the fact that I feel this community includes every aspect of the city, not just portions. If elected, I will be only prompted by the citizens of this community to ensure all departments are equally represented.”
A native resident of Sulphur Springs for 54 years, Lucas said choosing this city as his home has been key to his success in life, and it’s time for him to give back.
“The basis of my support has no boundaries. Demographics do not play a role in my campaign, as each citizen is equally important. My motto has always been that I am a proud supporter of “special people for special projects,” and I feel our community has too many special people for just a few special projects. My base is equality for all projects that pass through the chambers of the city council.”
If elected, Lucas plans to address the growing challenges facing the community including road repairs, taxation and business development outside of downtown. Additionally, fire/rescue, police services, parks and recreation and senior citizen services are a top priority for Lucas.
“If elected, I can ensure citizens that each vote made from this seat will be in the best interest of all citizens and all consumers for our city. I have no issue or reservation with questioning or going against the grain to guarantee all residents are represented.”
“Our city has reached a point where accountability needs to be addressed. If elected, I am confident I can seek, find and articulate to the residents of this city exactly where tax dollars are being spent. It is those dollars I intend to make sure benefit every department, citizen, neighborhood and business leader. I look forward to meeting with citizens, addressing the challenges and a positive campaign.”
A Facebook page for Lucas’s campaign has been set up here. Citizens are encouraged to visit the page and reach out to Jimmy directly should they have any questions.
Eagle Scout Project Update
Nathan Tiegiser has completed his Eagle Scout Project. He has decided to refurbish the signs in Pacific Park, on Saturday November 11th. With the help of his troop and members of the public the group was able to update and repair the four signs around the park.Each sign needed new wood backs, wood frames, and new paint all around. Stop by Pacific Park to admire their hard work and the new beautiful signs!
