Economic Development Corporation Meeting: Update
The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) honored two industries and teachers on Monday at noon. The eight high school teachers paired up into teams of two, and then two teams visited Saputo Dairy Foods, and the other two teams visited Clayton Homes.
Jenny Arledge, Director of College and Career Readiness at SS High School, spoke with KSST to explain more about how the teachers and industries worked together. The teachers were given a week at the company and rotated through all of the jobs from on the floor positions to new hires and executives. They got to see the behind the scenes work at the companies and participated in interviewing potential new employees. At the end of the week, the teachers collaborated and “developed a partner based education where they tied in what they learned from job shadowing into their lesson plans.” The goal is to”help students gain hands on, real world experience.” All of the teachers expressed an appreciation for this experience. The EDC is already “making plans for next year”, hoping to continue this partnership.
The first group was Carrie Bohman, Geometry, and Harold Smithson, Construction. The group toured Clayton homes and created the lesson plan called “Put a Lid on it” which focused on roof building. Bohman and Smithson were really amazed at the “group emphasis, and teamwork” the Clayton Homes Employees had. “They all had their own jobs, that benefit the team.” Bohman said. Smithson compared the employees at Clayton Homes to a “well-oiled machine” saying “They don’t talk to each other because it’s loud and they have earplugs, but they all know what they need to be doing, and have a great group mentality.” Both teachers plan on encouraging their students to work together, as well as have more practical applications of their class work.
Lori Owen, Chemistry, and Lacie Stracener, Health Science, having toured Saputo, were up next. Their lesson plan was called “The In’s and Out’s of Microbe Management.” They explained the steps for purifying and testing the milk and products from Saputo. The products are tested about ten times between entering and leaving the facility. The two decided to focus on “Awareness on effects of prescription drugs in food sources”. Owen plans on having her classes analyze Dairy products by “knowing how atoms form bonds, naming compounds and writing formulas, classifying matter as pure or a mix, and constructing electron dot formulas of antibiotics found in milk.” Stracener plans on having her students “summarize biological and chemical processes, as well as wellness strategies for the prevention of disease.” She wants her students to study vitamins and the benefits of milk. The two also plan on strengthening their student’s soft-skills: leadership, teamwork, communication, adaptability, work-ethic, and integrity. Stracener explained “10+ managers [from Saputo] began on the floor and worked their way up.” Stracener and Owen want their students to have the same type of hardworking skills that the Saputo workers did, as well as “the three most vital attributes needed in a workplace: positive attitude, punctuality, and attendance.” The team plans on helping their students develop these skills by teaching how to write a resume and giving the students a chance to have “mock interviews” to prep for when the students have to get a job.
Christina Davis, Family & Consumer Science, and Kevin Tanton, Geometry, spoke third about their visit to Clayton Homes. They explained that the company is “Friendly, organized, noisy, and transparent-which means the company has nothing to hide.” Tanton also spoke about the company’s efficiency and how they “build 28 houses a week.” The pair was excited about ways to teach their students the soft-skills they would need to survive in a work place. Some of the skills they plan on taking to their students are: “attention to detail, hard-work, efficiency, accountability, friendliness, and organization.”
The last group to present a lesson plan was Lynn Smith, Business, and Emily Westberry, English. Their lesson plan was titled “You’re Hired”- Smith and Westberry wanted to emphasize the soft-skills their students need to be successful both inside the classroom and workforce. The team also decided to implement a “production log” for their students, to keep their students accountable for their work. Some of the many soft skills Smith and Westberry plan on focusing on in their classrooms are: “attention to detail, accountability, good communication, teamwork, [and] professionalism”. They want to encourage their students to think logically, and plan on helping walk their classes through filling out job applications, writing a cover letter and resume, participating in community service, and practice interviews once in a casual setting and then with Saputo Officials who will come in to interview the students.
For more information about the EDC, Saputo, Clayton Homes, and Teachers partnership click here.
Fall Festival: Emerald City Band concert on Friday, August 25, 2017
The Hopkins County Fall Festival is excited to once again be hosting the Emerald City Band concert on Friday, August 25, 2017. Thanks to our sponsors, Century 21 – First Group and City National Bank, we will once again have a fun, entertaining and high energy event! Since we had such a large crowd last year, we will be having the concert in the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center arena. The theme this year will be Hawaiian Luau, so dress to have a fun time! The concert is FREE for those who want to bring lawn chairs or sit in the bleachers. Again, we will be selling VIP tables and seats. Click here for the VIP packages. Be sure to purchase yours early!!
SSISD Announces Meet the Teacher and Schedule Pickup For All Campuses
Back to School events, including Meet the Teacher and Schedule Pickup for all campuses have been announced by Sulphur Springs ISD Assistant Superintendent Rusty Hardin. The dates and locations include:
Monday, August 14
5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. ECLC Head Start 3, Head Start 4, and Pre-K
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. ECLC Kindergarten (K) and Transitional First (T-1)
Tuesday, August 15
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Bowie, Lamar, Travis Grades 1 and 2*
*Students in grades 1 or 2, who are new to the district, must pre-register with the Elementary Education Office at 631 Connally Street to determine campus assignment.
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. SSES Grades 3 and 4
Thursday, August 17
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Douglas Grade 5
4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. SSMS Grades 6, 7 and 8**
**Students and parents may come anytime between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 pm to pick up schedules, drop off school supplies and meet the teachers! Parents of returning students, please be sure to complete all enrollment documents on-line before this day. Schedules may not be ready for students who have not enrolled on-line prior to Thursday, August 17th.
**Parents of new students may come in before this date to complete all enrollment documents so that a schedule will be ready for their student at meet the teacher.
**Parents and students who are unable to attend Meet-the-Teacher on Thursday night may come Friday, August 18th or Monday, August 21nd to pick up schedules between the hours of 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. However, teachers will not be available on these dates to meet with parents and students.
**Remember, ALL 7th grade students have an immunization requirement from the state of Texas that must be verified by our nurse BEFORE the student will receive his/her schedule. We URGE parents to take care of this requirement by faxing updated immunization records to Vickie Vaughan at 903-439-6126 (SSMS fax #) as soon as possible.
Monday, August 21
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. SSHS Grade 9 – Freshman Fish Camp***
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. SSHS Grades 10, 11 and 12****
Any Grade 9 schedules not picked up during Freshman Fish Camp
***Ninth grade students are encouraged to participate in the SSHS Student Council’s annual Freshman Fish Camp! Fish Camp provides useful information that will make the transition from middle school to high school as smooth as possible. Most of all, it is a FUN way for students to get connected! During this time freshmen will have the opportunity to learn about various organizations, enjoy a fashion show emphasizing dress code requirements, meet administrators, pick up schedules, take a walking tour of the campus and participate in a mock class day. Attendance at Fish Camp is not required, but is encouraged, as it is a fun and exciting way for students to become familiar with SSHS and help reduce first day jitters!
****Counselors will be available Monday, July 31st – Friday, August 11th from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. for seniors to check schedules, transcripts, etc. No appointment necessary!
*Students at SSHS will be able to pick up their laptops before the start of school. Returning students will be able to pick up their laptops from August 14th-August 18th. The available time are between 9-11 am and 1-3 pm in the high school library. Freshmen will be able to get their laptops at the conclusion of Fish Camp on August 21st. The initial laptop fee will be $10. Meredith Townsend can be contacted at [email protected] with any questions.
Who’s Getting a Pumpkin Patch in Sulphur Springs?
Shannon Oaks Church is going to have a new event for the community this fall: a pumpkin patch! The Patch will be open September 29th and every weekend in October, everyone is welcome to attend! Admission will be $5 per person. Children 2 years and under will be free.
The church is hoping to get local schools involved and wants it to be an event the community looks forward to every Fall. The pumpkin patch will offer several activity centers including: a hay bale maze, a hay ride, photography back drops, a fun tire playground, a hay bale climbing station with slides, a paintball course, and a pumpkin patch with pumpkins for sale.
Make sure you mark this on your calendars for some Autumn fun!
Dairy Queen Donation for the Senior Center Building Fund
Wildcats’ Team Tennis Opened Practice Monday
The Wildcats’ team tennis squad began practice for this season Monday morning bright and early. The first order of business was using squeegees to get some puddles of water off the courts from overnight and early morning rainfall. At 7:15 a.m., practice was underway.
Wildcats Team Tennis Coach Tony Martinez said new players this year were introduced. Coach Martinez said then he told players his expectations for the team this year. He said his theme this year is commitment. He said in the past he’s stressed words like effort and attitude.
Coach Martinez said he would have Zoe Wilson and Heather Harris returning on the girls side. They are the ones with varsity experience. They will be joined by two freshmen and a pair of senior girls who have just learned the game. Coach Martinez said they have proved to be quick studies.
On the boys’ side, Alex Benitez returns as the team’s one senior. Coach Martinez expects to pair him with sophomore Jonah Kirkpatrick for boys doubles. Chase Crouch also returns and Coach Martinez said he showed lots of improvement this summer. Returner Blaine Flemens is out four to five weeks with an injury but Coach Martinez said Flemens is expected to return in time for some key matches later. Coach Martinez is also excited about three freshmen on the boys’ side: Aaron Lucas, Logan Shoemocker and Jordan Gonzales.
After a week of practice, the Wildcats play five non-district matches next week. They travel to Tyler next Tuesday (August 15) to play John Tyler and Jacksonville. Tyler Lee will play the Wildcats at the Wildcat Tennis Complex on August 16. The Wildcats will play Forney and Terrell at Terrell on August 17. The Wildcats open district play at home against Hallsville the day after Labor Day on September 5.
Lady Cats Volleyball Open Regular Season Play Tuesday at Home
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Justin Maness said his team was looking pretty good early. The Lady Cats scrimmaged four opponents Saturday at Wills Point and Coach Maness said his team looked a lot better Saturday than they did Friday at a home scrimmage against Cumby and Commerce. He said Saturday the Lady Cats competed and did well against all four teams they played.
The Lady Cats had their entire 12 player roster at Monday morning practice. Included were Mieke VanBenthem and her sister Erica VanBenthem, who were not available to play in Friday scrimmages. The Lady Cats open the regular season at home Tuesday. They play North Lamar at 1 p.m. and then Sherman at 5 p.m. In between, North Lamar and Sherman will play. Coach Maness said both Tuesday opponents are good teams and he added the Lady Cats would have to come ready to play. He said North Lamar is always tough and has been for years. The Pantherettes took a five-set win in Wildcats Gym last year. Coach Maness said Sherman has several players who are club players that know what they are doing.
He said his team would have to show up, play consistently, put plays together, not give up points on errors such as bad serves or getting into the net and just play sharp. Coach Maness said the Lady Cats know they are capable of having another successful year. Last year they won 30 games, setting a new school record for victories.
Six Members of the Como-Pickton FFA Chapter Receive the Lone Star FFA Degree
Corpus Christi, Texas – Robert Flewelling III, Tristen Sickles (Not pictured), Tyler Osborne, Heston Wilburn, Brynden Andrews, and Denton Lawson(not pictured) of the Como-Pickton FFA Chapter, were awarded the Lone Star FFA Degree at the 89th annual Texas FFA Convention in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Lone Star FFA Degree is the highest degree bestowed by the Texas FFA.
Heston Wilburn
The Lone Star FFA Degree recognizes FFA members who have received the Chapter degree, been active FFA members for at least two years, completed at least four semesters of agricultural science at or above the ninth grade level, maintained a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program, demonstrated their leadership skills, and have shown a commitment to the FFA through involvement at the chapter level and above. These Como-Pickton FFA members were among the more than 2,400 FFA members to receive this esteemed degree.
Tyler Osborne
The 89th annual Texas FFA Convention recorded approximately 12,000 members and guests. Members of the state’s largest agricultural youth leadership organization spent the week attending leadership workshops, participating in events and activities, being recognized for their achievements, and serving as the legislative body for the Texas FFA Association.
Robert Flewelling III
The Texas FFA is the nation’s largest state FFA association with a membership of more than 119,000. FFA gives students the opportunity to apply practical classroom knowledge to real world experiences through local, state and national competitions. For more information about the Texas FFA, visit www.mytexasffa.org.
Brynden Andrews
