SSISD Trustees Approved 13 Personnel Recommendations
Contract Release Date For Resignation Notifications Announced
Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees approved 13 personnel recommendations and recognized one of their own. The contract release date for employees was also noted during the regular June school board meeting.
The June session, like many things this year, was a little bit different in observance of COVID-19 social distancing guidelines for indoor group gatherings. The school trustees are typically seated side-by-side at the board table at the front of the meeting room in the Administration Building. School administrators then sit beside one another in a line of tables put together longways, facing the community seats.
However, on Monday, everyone spread further apart, with three board members sitting with at least one chair space between them at the school board table, with additional board members and staff each assigned to their own individual tables, spaced several feet apart in a U-shape facing the board table. Several guest seats have also been removed to establish social distancing in the middle of the square for guests and community members.
Recognition of Service
After honoring Lamar Elementary Principal Rowena Johnson for 50 years of service to SSISD and wishing her well in her retirement, Superintendent Mike Lamb presented trustee Robbin Vaughn with a plaque of appreciation. Vaughn, like Leesa Toliver before her, served 2 consecutive terms on the school board as president.
Lamb offered thanks to Vaughn for supporting him and being an “amazing president, amazing friend and amazing board member.”
Contract Release Date
Assistant Superintendent Rusty Harden announced Monday, July 6, as the 45-day contract release date, the date after which which school districts are not required to release staff from their contracts.
Trustee John Prickette asked if the date was a state-wide requirement.
Lamb explained that it was, but the deadline could be a different date, as schools begin and end on different dates.
Harden explained that the release day is simply 45 days before the first day of instruction.
Personnel Recommendations
Trustees also, following an executive session Monday night, approved 13 personnel recommendations, including 1 retirement, 2 resignations, 3 summer contracts, 6 new personnel and one campus transfer.
Assistant Superintendent Rusty Harden notified administrators of his planned retirement from SSISD.
Resignations were accepted from Middle School English teacher Jacie Reger and Sulphur Springs High School science teacher Amanda Clark. Rhonda Caldwell was approved to join the SSHS faculty as an English teacher.
Approved to join the staff at Barbara Bush Primary as recommended by administrators were Rocio Diaz as a kindergarten English language arts and reading teacher, Cassity Egan as a special education aide, Miranda Jones as a special education teacher and Guadalupe Mejia as a third grade ELAR teacher.
Trustees also approved Natalie White to join the Sulphur Springs Elementary faculty as a fifth grade ELAR and social studies teacher.
Summer contracts due to mid-term hire dates were approved for Travis Primary second grade teacher Sofia Sosa, SSHS English teacher Ashley Hall and SSHS Spanish teacher Carlos Ramirez.
Physical education teacher Sara Price will be swapping campuses, moving from SSMS to SSES.
SSISD High School and Middle School Cross Country Athletes Attend The Edge at Prim Stadium
Wildcats and Lady Cats Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks is offering The Edge conditioning program Monday through Thursday from 7:15 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. at Gerald Prim Stadium. The program began Monday (June 8). Coach Hicks said some 30 to 40 high school runners and 15-20 middle school athletes attended daily during this week. He said the athletes showed up with great attitudes ready to run. Coach Hicks said he and his assistant coach Bryan Jones were taking each athletes’ temperature and were stressing distancing. In addition to running, Coach Hicks said the athletes were running the stands at The Prim and were also weight lifting some two days a week. He said the runners were enjoying going around Peavine Pinion Pond and crossing into Coleman Park. He said they would probably run other routes as the program progresses this summer.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Wildcats Soccer Earns Two Superlatives and Has 16 Players Named to All-District Team
The Wildcats Soccer Team was very well represented this past season on the All-District Soccer Team in District 15-5A. 16 Wildcats made the team and that included two superlatives. Senior goalkeeper Noe Ponce was selected the district’s Keeper of the Year and senior midfielder Kevin Yanez was chosen Offensive Midfielder of the Year. Three Wildcats made the All-District 1st Team: senior defender Nabian Ramirez, senior defender Manuel Esparza and junior forward Omar Hernandez. Four Wildcats were chosen for the 2nd Team All-District: senior midfielder Isaac Gutierrez, senior forward Cristian Ramirez, senior midfielder Christian Palomino and junior defender David Moreno. Seven Wildcats were named All-District Honorable Mention: senior defender Osiel Lopez, senior defender Chris Dockweiler, senior defender Ricardo Torres, senior goalkeeper Eleazar Brena, senior midfielder Jose Salazar, junior defender Bryant Sanchez and senior midfielder Alfredo Vargas. The All-District Team is selected by the district’s coaches who can not vote for their own players. The Wildcats, under Coach Alexi Upton, were a second place district team with a 7-2 district mark. Their final district game at home against Royse City and the playoffs were canceled due to the UIL suspension of athletic events due to coronavirus concerns. The Wildcats ended with a solid season record of 13-6-5.
Photos courtesy of Alexi Upton.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Former Saltillo Basketball Star Now Denison Lady Jackets Head Coach
Brock Giles, a former basketball star at Saltillo, is now the Head Coach of the Denison Lady Jackets Basketball Team. The 26-year old Giles, who was an assistant coach for the team last season, was elevated to head coach last month after Coach Rod Been decided to leave the job to pursue other business opportunities. Before coming to Denison, Giles was a head coach at Bland and Avery. Giles played two seasons at Morningside College in Iowa after his stellar high school career. At Saltillo, Giles was the District MVP his senior year, was the Offensive Player of the Year as a junior and was Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore. At Saltillo Giles played for his father Bill, now the Saltillo Lady Lions Basketball Coach and Saltillo Athletic Director.
Rowena Johnson Honored For 50-Year Legacy In Education
Sulphur Springs ISD Board Of Trustees this week celebrated the “career of a valued employee, treasured educator and cherished friend” for a milestone achievement few achieve in their career. Rowena Johnson was honored for 50 years of service at SSISD.
“Tonight is an extremely special night. It’s a night we can all come together to celebrate, and I can’t think of a better person to celebrate this night with than Mrs. Rowena Johnson,” SSISD Board of Trustees President Robert Cody said during the board’s regular June meeting.
The Lamar Primary School principal in March officially turned in her notice of intent to retire this year. Cody recognized the long-time educator as the first SSISD female African American elementary principal,
Rowena Spigner Johnson has diligently served students for 50 years, from 1970 to 2020, starting as a third grade Houston elementary teacher in 1970. She served as a third-sixth grade teacher at Bowie Elementary from 1971 to 1991. In fact, Cody noted, she taught him at Bowie during that time. She serve as a reading specialist from 1991 to 93 at Travis Elementary. Johnson became campus principal at the Lamar campus in 1993, and has continued to serve as campus principal through this year.
“She has left a legacy in education in the Sulphur Springs ISD and made a difference in the lives of students, fellow educators, administrators and board members,” Cody read from a framed resolution recognizing Johnson.
Cody presented Johnson with the resolution as well as a vase of flowers.
Assistant Superintendent Kristin Monk acknowledged Johnson “for all that she has meant to me in my role as an educator.” Monk first met Johnson as a student at Bowie Elementary.
“I knew how nice she was and everyone wanted to be in her classroom,” Monk said. As an administrator, 12 year ago when I became the principal at Travis, you were always very helpful to me. We could data and TAKS testing at the time and things like that,” Monk said.
From Johnson, she learned just how to be tough — to figure out what you want to do and make it happen. Johnson also set an example in her commitment to education.
“We are talking about 50 years, getting up and coming to school every day. She did that. I know what a hard job that is, the last 27 as principal. It’s a very hard job. So, I have her to look up to. I don’t know if I can make it 27 years in my role,” Monk said with a laugh. “You are a true jewel.”
Monk noted the importance of family and faith to Johnson.
“I think those things help her to be a very well rounded and a very good principal. I have enjoyed having you as a mentor,” Monk said, offering a hug of thanks to Johnson before presenting her with a photo of her seated on a bench at Lamar. The photo of a smiling Johnson has often served as a friendly welcome to new students assigned to Lamar, giving them at least one familiar face to recognize on their new journey as a Lamar student.
Superintendent Michael Lamb said when Billy Watkins, a former football teammate at Texas A&M University-Commerce, found out he’d been hired as SSISD superintendent 8 years ago he instructed him to “treat Mrs. Johnson right.” Watkins, a former Sulphur Springs SISD student, had fond memories of and great respect for Johnson. He recalled purchasing candy bars for Johnson and bringing them to her on school days. So, when he found out Johnson would be at one of his very first meetings as a superintendent, he came in prepared. He put a Snickers bar down for her. They shared a laugh as she recalled the little boy who used to bring her candy bars.
“He helped me with that deal and it’s been nothing but love ever since,” Lamb said with a laugh. “I can imagine putting 50 years in. That is such an amazing feat. Congratulations! You are an awesome lady and have done amazing things. We love you dearly.”
Lamb, on behalf of SSISD Board of Trustees, presented Johnson with a plaque of appreciation for 50 years of loyal, dedicated service to public education at SSISD. He offered congratulations “on a job well done.”
Typically, the recognition would be presented during a reception to allow others to honor the long-time educator for her service. However, due to COVID-19 were not able to host the reception on schedule, so the school officials celebrated her at the regular trustees meeting June 8. Lamb said the district would still like to host the celebration when safety guidelines allow them to do so.
“It’s been great. I thank the Good Lord for the opportunity to be able to have served for 50 years, because without Him, it would not have been possible. So, all praise and glory go to our heavenly Father,” Johnson said. “I wish the district well.”
Joining Johnson at the regular school board meeting Monday night for the celebration of her 50 years in education were her daughter 2 granddaughters, sister, and 2 cousins and friends.
Patricia Cooper, a friend and cousin of Johnson, noted that Rowena Johnson “took to heart Galations 6:9-10.” Cooper said Lamar school is dear to her heart as her mom taught there for 30 years, and Rowena has faithfully served as Lamar principal for 27 years. In honor of Johnson’s service, Cooper asked the school board to consider the possibility of changing the school from Lamar to Rowena Johnson Elementary School.
“We will certainly take that into consideration. Thank you,” Lamb told her.
Two Arrested For The 2nd Time In Less Than A Year
Two people were arrested for the second time in less than a year on one felony charge each of the last two days, according to arrest reports.
South Broadway Street Arrest
Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Brandon Mayes and Officer Robble Acosta arrested Wesley Mills at 7:05 a.m. June 9 on South Broadway Street for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone.
The officers stopped Mills for not wearing a seat belt. On contact with the 60-year-old Bogata man, Mayes alleged the man was visibly shaking and had fast breathing.
When asked about a criminal history, Mills spoke of firearm possession but failed to mention a narcotic charge, Mayes and Acosta alleged in arrest reports. Jail reports show Mills was arrested July 12, 2019 on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
While talking to the officers further, Mills allegedly admitted to having a small amount of methamphetamine inside his pickup. After the suspected meth was located, Mills was taken into custody on the controlled substance charge, Mayes and Acosta alleged in arrest reports. Due to the stop’s proximity to a primary school, a drug-free zone enhancement was added to the charge, the officer noted in arrest reports. The truck was left parked at the location, at his request, for another male to pick up.
Mills was released from Hopkins County jail Wednesday, June 10; bond on the June 9 third-degree felony controlled substance charge was set at $10,000, according to jail reports.
FM 2297 Warrant Arrest
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputy Zack Horne contacted Destiny Renee Scott at an FM 2297 address. A records check showed a warrant for the woman’s arrest.
The 26-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was taken into custody at 10:13 p.m. June 10 on the warrant to revoke bond on a December 10, 2019 possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
Scott remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday morning, June 11, on the charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Modified Relay For Life Will Feature Survivors Parade, Luminaries June 12
Things are ever changing due to Covid-19, and the Relay For Life Tri-County, TX Event Leadership Team has made changes this year to keep the community and survivors safe. Although later than normal, a modified Relay For Life event will still be held June 12.
This year’s event will not include the normal survivor lap and booths. A survivor “parade” will at Buford Park, on the corner of North League Street and Connally Street, and an online silent auction is planned later this month.
“While I am sad that we will not have our normal event this year, I am excited that we have been able to collaborate with the city to come up with a plan to honor our cancer survivors in the community!” said RF Event Leadership Team member Gina Giguere, “We are so sorry for the many changes this year, but we are trying to adapt to the situation while still honoring our survivors. We appreciate your understanding.”
Community members and survivors from Hopkins, Franklin and Wood counties are invited to participate in this year’s modified Relay For Life event.
Survivors will line up in their personal vehicles in the visitor’s parking lot at Gerald Prim Stadium at 7 p.m. Enter at the north entrance on Houston Street. The home parking lot at the stadium has been reserved for a horse show.
Starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, survivors will proceed down Buford Circle, then, turn left onto Connally Street.
Survivors are encouraged to decorate your car and/or put a sign with your name on it. Wear purple or an old Survivor t-shirt.
“We will still have our luminary bags in honor or in memory of those affected by cancer! The bags will line Connally Street on the parade route,” Gina Giguere stated.
If you haven’t bought a luminary bag and would like one, call Gina at 903-573-2064. Luminary bags are $5 or three for $10 this year.
Instead of booths and a walk, community members are asked to show support for cancer survivors by turning out along the parade route.
“We are asking our community to come together to make this special for our area cancer survivors. We would love Relay teams and members of the community to make signs/noise makers, wear purple and line the parade route in Buford Park where you see purple arrows. We’d like to have the streets as full as possible while still maintaining social distancing,” Gina Giguere said.
Central Baptist Church has graciously given RFL permission to park in their parking lots.
“Community members are asked to please park in the green checked areas of the map, along the street on the south side of Buford Circle or along the street on League Street,” the leadership team member said.
RFL will also have a silent auction online this year to raise funds.
“We have some amazing items to auction off. More details to come on the silent auction, but the plan is to start the Silent Auction on Monday,
June 15,” Gina Giguere said.
Commerce Man Arrested For Second Time In 4 Months
A 50-year-old Commerce man was arrested for the second time in 4 months by deputies. He is accused of theft of a firearm, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Sgt. Tanner Steward reported stopping a red Dodge 1500 around 5:45 a.m. June 9, 2020, on the north Interstate 30 service road at FM 2653, for a defective tail light. Both occupants were identified, Steward noted in arrest reports.
The driver allegedly refused Steward’s request to search the truck. An on-duty canine, called to the location to conduct an open-air sniff search around the truck, allegedly alerted.
Using that as probable cause to search the vehicle, deputies found a firearm with the serial number scratched off to the point it was unreadable, Steward and Deputy Elijah Fite alleged in arrest reports.
Consequently, Todd Patrick Harrigan was arrested for the second time in 4 months that Harrigan has been in custody at Hopkins County jail. He was also arrested Feb. 29 on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge and a warrant for not taking care of a speeding citation. He was released from jail March 7 on the controlled substance charge.
He was released from jail June 10 on the theft of firearm charge; bond was set at $5,000 on the felony firearm charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Registration For New-To-SSISD Kindergarten-3rd Grade Students Ongoing
Registration Extended For Kindergarten 2-Way Dual Language Enrichment Program
Kindergarten through 3rd grade new student registration is ongoing at Sulphur Springs ISD. This is for new-to-SSISD students only. Parents of students already enrolled in SSISD in pre-kindergarten or Head Start are not required to participate in the Online Round-up, but do need to complete the Returning Student Registration with their family’s Skyward Family Access account.
Currently, the district is offering face-to-face-registration by appointment and online registration also continues. New-to-the-district kindergarten through 3rd grade students will register with Patty Garcia, administrative assistant to the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education by emailing Ms. Garcia at [email protected].
Families interested in enrolling their kindergarten students in the Two-Way Dual Language Enrichment Program may continue the application process at this time as well.
Registration for all of these program had just gotten under way when the COVID-19 closures began. As school begin resuming limited activities according to the guidelines established by the state, SSISD will once again offer face-to-face registration. The Kindergarten Dual Language Two-Way application window for incoming kindergarten students wanting to learn English and Spanish has also been extended.
“We are scheduling appointments for parents to come in, face-to-face, to start and/or finish registration, submit student enrollment documents and conduct student screenings,” said Kristin Monk, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education and Learner Services.
To register a student for kindergarten-3rd grade classes, or the kindergarten two-way dual-language enrichment program, parents will be asked to provide the following items:
- Proof of residency within the district. One of the following must be presented in the name of the parent or guardian: a current utility bill, current rent/lease agreement, or mortgage statement.
- Photo ID of parent or guardian
- Student’s official birth certificate
- Student’s social security card
- Student’s up-to-date immunization record
- Note from a medical practitioner concerning student’s allergy and/or health needs
- Custodial documents or court order, if applicable
Any additional pre-k and Head Start enrollment questions should be directed to Rita Taylor, Head Start specialist, at Douglass ECLC, located at 600 Calvert St. in Sulphur Springs. Ms. Taylor can be reached by phone at 903-885-4516 or email at [email protected].
