SSISD Personnel Changes Made Monday
A number of personnel changes were made by the Sulphur Springs ISD Board Monday night during their April meeting. Professional employment contracts were approved, as recommended, for the 2017-2018 school year.
Retirement
Cindy Welch Fine Arts Clerical Aide High School 05/31/17
Resignations
Jamie Hale SpEd Aide ECLC 05/31/17
Sonya Smith Campus Secretary ECLC 06/15/17
Rebecca Woods Head Start Secretary ECLC 06/15/17
Rebecca Shirley Grade 1 Teacher Lamar 05/31/17
Amanda Salters Grade 1 Bilingual Teacher Travis 05/31/17
Jack Brandon Science Teacher Middle School 05/31/17
Sarah Frazier Math Teacher Middle School 04/05/17
Macy Hurley PE Teacher/Girls Coach Middle School 05/31/17
Chelby Murray SpEd Aide Middle School 05/31/17
Morgan Taylor Math Teacher Middle School 05/31/17
Brad Abell HSTE Teacher/Asst. Trainer High School 05/31/17
Jennifer Carter HSTE Teacher High School 05/31/17
Nancy Reese Family & Consumer Sci Teacher High School 05/31/17
Breanna Richey English Teacher High School 05/31/17
Gina Wilder Computer Programming Teacher High School 05/31/17
Stephanie Cowden SpEd Aide Connections 04/13/17
New Personnel
Sheryl Carnes LSSP Intern Special Services
Tiffany Kral Grade 3 Teacher SS Elementary
Alexsa Baylus English Teacher Middle School
Lynn Haberstroh Math Teacher Middle School
Dustin Lawson Math Teacher Middle School
Sara Price PE/Girls Coach Middle School
Ryan Watts Science Teacher Middle School
Amber Norris Academic Specialist High School
Brynn Smith HSTE Teacher High School
Personnel Change New position/campus Former position/campus
Sara Tanton Maintenance Sec/Administration Campus Secretary/Bowie
Whitney Helfferich Kindergarten/ECLC Grade 3/SS Elementary
Pam Scott Head Start Sec/ECLC Campus Secretary/Travis
Rachel Kistler Academic Spec./Bowie Literacy Support/Bowie
Ana Ramirez Academic Spec./Travis Grade 2 Bilingual/Travis
NCL Offers Heavily Discounted Mediterranean Cruise
NCL Offers Heavily Discounted Mediterranean Cruise
In my constant quest to find interesting and cheap cruise deals, I ran across a heavily discounted Mediterranean Cruise offered by NCL for October 2017. As always, the prices and deals I find are short lived and if you think you would like to take advantage of the savings you should act quickly. Inside cabin rates start at only $599/pp and Suites on some sailings are priced beginning at $899/pp. Airfare is not included in these rates and some port charges and taxes will apply. These are some of the lowest prices for a Mediterranean Cruise we have seen this year. Extra discounts and incentives are available for these sailings so email here if interested: [email protected]
Norweigan Epic cruising from Barcelona, Spain on a 7-day Mediterranean sails out on Sundays this October. The best dates for savings are October 8, 15, 22, & 29. The NCL Epic will visit the following ports:
Marseille, France – The country’s second largest city (after Paris)
Cannes, France – Home to the famous film festival
Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Italy – Travel inland to see Leaning Tower of Pisa
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy – Historic 2,500 year old capital city
Palma de Mallorca, Spain – large island port off coast of Spain
With only one sea day in the 7 day cruise, this is an active itinerary with the ship staying in port until early evening each day.
We have been finding some moderate airfare to Spain from U.S. lately as well, making this a fantastic deal to visit the Mediterranean this year. American Airlines AAdvantage members that hold enough miles in their account can fly round-trip from DFW-BCN (connecting through Miami) for as little as 77,500 miles for each passenger.
Unique Imaging retouched
Central Baptist Church Plans Good Friday Service
Pastor Bruce Stinson and Worship Pastor Steven Bailey are inviting the community to a unique service at Central Baptist Church detailing Jesus’ life during Easter Week. The non-formal service will especially focus on “Good Friday” and events surrounding Jesus’ death. It is set for Friday April 14 at 7pm. The hour-long service will include music, Communion and scripture reading.The entire community is invited back again on Sunday April 16 for Easter Sunday services at Central Baptist Church to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. The church is located at 840 Connally Street, across from Buford Park in Sulphur Springs.
Pastor Stinson also hosts the program “Central Minute” heard during morning and noon-time programming on KSST.
WORSHIP PASTOR STEVEN BAILEY, PASTOR BRUCE STINSON
Aviation History: Douglas C-124 Globemaster II
Aviation History: Douglas C-124 Globemaster II
The Douglas C-124 Globemaster II evolved from the earlier Douglas C-74. Many referred to the large aircraft as “Old Shakey”. The first flight by a C-124 took place on 27 November 1949. The first operational aircraft were delivered in May 1950, and production ran through May 1955 (204 C-124As and 243 C-124Cs). The improved C-124C featured more-powerful engines, as well as wingtip-mounted combustion heaters that provided cabin heating and wing and tail surface deicing, and an APS-42 weather radar in a distinctive nose “thimble.” These latter improvements were eventually retrofitted to the C-124As.
To facilitate cargo handling, the C-124 featured “clamshell” loading doors and hydraulic ramps in the nose and an elevator under the aft fuselage with electric overhead cranes (each with a capacity of 16,000 pounds) which could traverse the entire length of the 77 foot long cargo compartment. The C-124 was capable of carrying 68,500 lbs. of cargo. It could transport such bulky cargo as tanks, field guns, bulldozers and trucks without disassembly. It could also be converted into a transport capable of carrying 200 fully-equipped soldiers or 127 litter patients and their attendants in its double-decked cabin.
These airplanes went on to provide a much-needed airlift capability in the Korean War, as it was the only aircraft that could carry many of the Army’s vehicles. It also performed many other missions such as airlift support in the Far East and Southeast Asia; resupply missions to Antarctica, refugee evacuation, disaster relief, and mercy flights. Although very reliable, the C-124s were slow (97 hours flight time from Travis AFB, Calif., to Tan Son Nhut AB, South Vietnam, and back).
Used in conjunction with Douglas C-133 Cargomasters, the C-124 Globemasters remained in service until 1970 with the Military Airlift Command and 1974 with the Alaskan Air Command along with the Air National Guard and Reserves.
With the introduction of the C-141 Starlifter into active service, most C-124 planes were transferred to the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard by 1970. The first ANG unit to receive the C-124C was the last Air Force unit to retire their aircraft in September of 1974.
Ling-Temco-Vought/LTV Electrosystems/E-Systems in Greenville, Texas performed IRAN/PARC, extensive structural repair, replacement of R4360-20W engines with R4360-63A engines, and rework of the front spar and wing leading edge on 415 C-124 aircraft in 1963 through 1965 with a complete functional check flight of each aircraft after work performed.
The C-124 had a crawlway in each of the wings leading edges, commonly called the tunnel. Access was from the “P” compartment in the lower part of the fuselage at a point between the two wing roots and contained the doors leading into the wings.
On test flights the LTV/E-Systems Company Flight Mechanics performed the tunnel checks. We would crawl out to the rear of each of the 4 engines, drop the door to the accessory section and check for leaks, other defects or damage. Here we connected our headset to the aircraft intercom system and made contact with the Flight Engineer.
On one test flight we were at about 8,000 feet headed from Majors Field, Greenville, Tx to Gregg County Airport, Longview, Tx to perform a check of the ILS Glideslope and it was time for a tunnel check. I had just made my way out the right wing to the right wheel well, crawled over the two main tires and was squatted on the catwalk, forward and between the two right main landing gear tires behind #3 engine. Just as I was reaching for the intercom connection, there was a sudden, loud powerful jerking movement in the landing gear. I jumped and dropped my company badge holder out of my shirt pocket down on the closed landing gear doors. The Co-Pilot realized he had failed to put the gear handle in the up position before I entered the wing and when the 3000 psi hydraulic pressure hit the up side of the landing gear retraction cylinder, it rapidly lifted the landing gear a couple of inches up off the uplock which is normal.
I tried every way to reach my badge, even hanging down from the catwalk as far as I could, but just could not get to it. I finished checking #3 & #4 engines and crawled back to the “P” compartment. I watched out the window and when the landing gear was lowered for the ILS pass I saw my badge come out and fall to a field below. The company badge had a return address on it but no one ever returned it.
The included information comes from local Sulphur Springs resident Tony Hughes. Mr Hughes worked on, performed engine run up, pre-flight/post flight and flew as an aircraft mechanic observer on FCF’s (functional check flight) at the Greenville, Tx. plant, formerly known as TEMCO. The Greenville plant started as Temco (Texas Engineering & Manufacturing Co.) then changed to Ling-Temco Electronics, Inc. in 1960, then Ling-Temco-Vought, Inc. in 1961. The company then changed it’s name to LTV Electrosystems, Inc. in 1965, then E-Systems, Inc. in 1972. A merger changed the name to Raytheon E-Systems in 1995, and now the company has been managed by L-3 Communications since 2002.
Como-Pickton Buses To Run Two Hours Late; Flooded County Roads
Due to flooded roadways, Como-Pickton school busses will run two hours later than their regular daily schedule Tuesday, April 11, 2017
SSISD Elementary and Intermediate Academic UIL Team Scores First Place Victory
SSISD Elementary and Intermediate Academic UIL Team Scores First Place Victory
Celebrations for SSISD competitors in Elementary Academic UIL April 24th at both Douglas Intermediate and Sulphur Springs Elementary School will highlight the overall first place finish for the local students in a Academic UIL competition. This is the second year for SSISD second through fifth grade students to compete.
Last year the local elementary students finished third but this year they scored a total point first place finish with 686 points. Hallsville finished second with 631 points and Pine Tree was third with 433.
The SSISD team was composed of 115 students with 33 coaches and five campus coordinators. The students competed in 27 events ranging from number sense to storytelling. The competition was hosted by Parkway Elementary School in Longview.
The celebrations of victory will be pep rally style with SSHS cheerleaders and band performing. Both competing students and those who practiced but were unable to travel with the team will be honored. Local administrators expect the elementary UIL program to generate enthusiasm for academic UIL and increase student participation as they reach the middle school and high school programs. The district seeks to increase SSISD’s statewide competitiveness at the high school level.
SSISD Now A District of Innovation; Title I Funding to be Used for Teacher Training
SSISD Now A District of Innovation; Title I Funding to be Used for Teacher Training
With Title I Federal Funds available to fund the training, 150 Sulphur Springs ISD teachers in kindergarten through second grade will receive “Capturing Kids Hearts” training following a vote by the Sulphur Springs ISD board of trustees Monday night. The board also approved the final step to become a District of Innovation and approved the calendar of school days for students and teacher workdays for the next school year.
According to Superintendent Michael Lamb, 30 SSISD teachers received “Capturing Kids Hearts” training before the current school year began. Those teachers returned with an enthusiasm for their peers to receive the training. At a cost of $63,000, three groups of 50 teachers K-2nd grade will now receive the training before the start of school for the 2017-2018 school year. In following years teachers in other grades will receive the training. The board agreed to the training, noting in a motion by Don Sapaugh, after being assured that no local budget money would be used to pay for the training. Lamb noted that the “Capturing Kids Hearts” program had been introduced to local teachers over the past four years.
Sulphur Springs ISD is now a District of Innovation as defined by guidelines set by the state following the vote of the board. Now the TAB will be informed of the vote. The vote following several months of specific steps taken within the district that led to Monday’s action. As a District of Innovation, the local district will benefit from two specific opportunities now available. An earlier start to the school year will allow the district to accomplish specific purposes in minutes in the classroom for students and make available teacher workdays at intervals desired. The designation will also allow the district to have greater flexibility in hiring as a shortage of teachers continues to plague schools across the state. The district will be able to hire based on certification, experience, and knowledge that an individual has acquired through industrial/business experience that may not fit the normal demand for a degree. Although one is hired without teacher certification, they must begin working toward that certification. Under the District of Innovation structure they would have up to five years to accomplish the needed teacher certification. It was noted that the need for teachers in various technical fields could be filled with greater ease under the program.
Thunderstorms Rumble Across Area Creating Flooded Streets and Roadways
Thunderstorms rumbled across Hopkins County Monday evening and into early Tuesday morning bringing heavy rains and creating flood warnings for county roads and city streets. A severe thunderstorm watch was issued at 5:15 p.m. Monday and expired at 11 p.m. even though lightning and thunders continued until around 2 a.m. Tuesday. Only one severe thunderstorm warning was issued as the potential of 60 mph wind gusts and one inch diameter hail was noted by radar. The county was under the severe warning until 6:30 p.m.
Stalled autos were found at various locations on city streets as heavy rains drenched the city at locations familiar to local drivers.
Over 3-inches of rain fell across the area according to rainfall measured at the Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport. The possibility of thunderstorms extends into Tuesday morning and decreases during the day. Thunderstorms during the day Tuesday are not expected to be severe.
Lady Cats Seek 21st Win of Season
The Lady Cats’ softball team recorded their 20th win of the season last Friday as they defeated Pine Tree, 7-1 at Lady Cat Park. The Lady Cats improved to 7-2 in district play and they are 20-6 for the season.
Lady Cats Softball Coach David Carrillo said 20 wins is still a landmark. He said it means things are going well. Coach Carrillo added the win over Pine Tree was a big one. The Lady Pirates are one of the top teams in the district and at one time were tied with the Lady Cats for second place. The Lady Pirates also defeated the Lady Cats at home, 5-3 during the first half of district play. Coach Carrillo is still hoping for a district championship.
Texas High has a two game lead so the Lady Cats will need help from someone. Coach Carrillo said his team does control their destiny for the second seed in the district. He said Bailey Haggerty pitched a good game for the Lady Cats against Pine Tree. She allowed only 1 run by scattering 8 hits and she walked only 1 batter. The Lady Cats made some solid defensive plays behind Haggerty. Catcher Macee Hollins threw out a Lady Pirate trying to steal in the first inning. Second baseman Hannah Crowson started a double play by tagging out a base runner before throwing to first. Center fielder Alyssa Abron ran down a ball in the gap and made the catch. Shortstop Kelsey Wallace fielded a ball in shallow left field and threw out a runner trying to go from second to third. Brinklee Driver and Sadie Stroud provided big home runs. Stroud hit a 2-run homer to give the Lady Cats a 4-1 lead. Driver’s three run shot made the score 7-1.
The Lady Cats play at Marshall Tuesday night. Then they have their showdown with Texas High at Lady Cat Park Thursday evening. That’s senior night and the Lady Cats will honor Kristen Allen, Jaye Doughtie and Hannah Crowson.
Wildcats Ranked #13 in State Class 5A Baseball
According to one high school baseball poll, the Wildcats are ranked #13 in the state in Class 5A. After a 5-4 win over Pine Tree last Friday night, the Wildcats are 7-0 in district play and 13-5-1 for the season. Two of the Wildcats losses came to Forney, #5 in the poll, and to Waxahachie, #16 in the poll.
Hallsville, who the Wildcats beat in district play, are ranked #15. Wildcats Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammack talked about the Pine Tree win on KSST Radio and Channel 18’s Saturday Morning Coaches Show. He was a little concerned with his team’s demeanor during the game. Instead of the usual free and easy approach with smiles on their faces, Coach Hammack said the team seemed to have a monkey on their backs, perhaps realizing that they were unbeaten in district play. He said it was Pine Tree that came in relaxed and playing free and easy. They came in after a big win at Texas High feeling they were in position to challenge for a playoff spot. Still the Wildcats figured out a way to win. They came back from 1-0 and 4-2 deficits. The Wildcats won in walk-off fashion with a run in the bottom of the seventh.
Coach Hammack said the Wildcats have shown this year that they feel they are never out of a game. They came back against Sanger in a tournament. Three of the Wildcats’ wins have been by a single run. This week is a big one for the Wildcats, one game up on second place Hallsville in the district race. The Wildcats play at Marshall Tuesday night. The Mavericks were picked to finish second in the district and they are currently in third place at 4-3. Then Texas High comes to Eagle Stadium Thursday night. Texas High is in fourth place with a 3-4 record.
