Sunnyvale ISD E-News

Each year one of our drivers is nominated for PCAT Bus Driver of the Year. Insurica, our insurance provider, recognizes one of our drivers for this award. I need your help! If you would like to nominate one of our drivers for this recognition, please click on the form link and nominate your driver.

Sunnyvale High School senior Sara John recently decorated a holiday ornament for the office of State Representative Angie Chen Button, District 112.

Each year, House Members invite a constituent to create an ornament that represents what makes their Texas House District special. These ornaments adorn a majestic, Texas-grown Christmas tree that stands in the House Chamber of the Texas Capitol during the holiday season. Now in its sixteenth year, this project celebrates creativity and the spirit of communities across the state.

Congratulations to SHS athlete Destiny Arinze! On Wednesday, November 19 Destiny signed with Texas Woman’s University. Your hard work, dedication, and Raider spirit have truly paid off. Proud day for Sunnyvale High School and SISD!

At the Monday, Nov. 17 Sunnyvale ISD Board of Trustees meeting, the Sunnyvale Elementary Raider Reps proudly opened the evening by leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The Board recognized several outstanding student groups and individuals for their recent achievements.

The Sunnyvale High School Jazz Band was celebrated for its remarkable success in Area competition. Senior Luke Orendorff received special recognition after earning the top Bass Trombone position in the entire state of Texas for the ATSSB All-State Jazz Band—an exceptional accomplishment.

Athletic achievements were also in the spotlight. The Boys Cross Country team captured the District 13-4A championship and advanced two state qualifiers, Tyrus Cowan and Dev Kumar. The Girls Cross Country team was recognized for earning both JV and Varsity District Champion titles, finishing fifth at Regionals. Varsity team member Kaelyn Gardner advanced to the State contest, placing 49th out of 150 competitors.

The evening was a proud celebration of Raider talent, hard work, and school spirit across all campuses.

The PTA Reflections Exhibition was held on Saturday, November 15, at the Sunnyvale Elementary School Cafeteria.

The event marked the culmination of creative work from students across Sunnyvale ISD. All student artworks were displayed, representing a wide range of artistic styles, grade levels, and interpretations of this year’s Reflections theme. Nearly 200 works of art from all four Sunnyvale schools were featured, highlighting the imagination and talent of SISD student artists.

Of those 200 works, approximately 50–60 pieces received top honors. Students earning an Overall Award of Excellence are now eligible to advance to the Regional Level of the Reflections competition.

The exhibition served as a meaningful reflection of the creativity, originality, and artistic spirit of Sunnyvale ISD students.

Sunnyvale ISD is proud to recognize our teachers for their outstanding engagement and commitment to family communication through Apptegy/Rooms during the fall. Consistent staff and parent use of Rooms strengthens the partnership between home and school, keeping families informed and students engaged.

What is Rooms?

Rooms is SISD’s all-in-one communication platform for connecting teachers, parents, and students. Teachers send timely push notifications, emails, and texts. Students and parents receive class announcements and upcoming assignments through the Stream feature, all within a single app.​

Top Users for August - October, 2025:

SES: Erin Johnson

SIS: Amalie Hargrove

SIS: Alondra Robles

SMS: Amanda Jones

SHS: Kelsey Adams

Congratulations to SISD’s top Rooms users! Your proactive, welcoming communication strengthens family partnerships and boosts school engagement.

As of October, 91% of SISD staff and 74% of parents have activated their Rooms accounts, reflecting strong adoption district-wide.

Gift baskets provided by Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, located at1980 N Town E Blvd, Mesquite, TX 75150. Thank you for partnering with us!

Raider Fans, give a gift that lasts a lifetime! Buy a personalized brick for the Sunnyvale Legacy Walk, right outside Raider Stadium, and celebrate your favorite Raider graduate, teacher, friend, or group. Perfect for honoring achievements, creating memorials, or recognizing sponsors!

Every brick supports the Gwinn Blankenship Scholarship Fund—so your holiday gift makes a difference. Any Raider or Raider fan can order!

Leave your mark on Sunnyvale ISD. Order your brick today and be part of the tradition!
Order online at www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/SunnyvaleRaiders
Questions? Feel free to contact SunnyvaleRaidersAlumni@gmail.com

Nation’s Burgers is partnering with Sunnyvale PTA for a tasty fundraiser! Order a delicious pie for Thanksgiving and support Sunnyvale PTA! Place your order by Sunday, Nov. 23, at https://my.cheddarup.com/c/sunnyvalepies/items

Raider Nation (SMS Student Council) will be hosting a toy drive from Dec. 2 - Dec. 9. Whichever grade level brings in the most toys will receive a free class period with cookies and hot chocolate! Boxes will be set up in the entrance to the middle school. We will be donating those toys to Sharing Life to bring a little joy to children in the area. Grab an extra toy if you can over the Thanksgiving break!

The Parent Pick Me Up Podcast

Try to say that three times fast. Or just listen three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), wherever you get your Podcasts. You'll get insightful tips and encouragement from Technology Director Buck Baskin on dealing with the many things our kids are facing that affect their social and emotional health, behavior, and achievement.

Raiders,

Before you go into “break” mode (that’s right… Thanksgiving is less than 3 weeks away), I wanted to share some exciting news- Explorica is offering a last-minute Thanksgiving deal for our upcoming Italy & Greece tour!

If you’ve been thinking about joining but haven’t signed up yet, now’s your chance to lock in $200 off! Don’t wait too long – this deal ends BEFORE we leave for the holiday, on November 20, 2025!

http://www.explorica.com/Buck-4032

Enroll by November 20th, 2025 with code Thankful for $200 off!

Let’s make this a trip to be thankful for!

Your program leader,

Kelly Buck

It's Texas Recycles Month! If Sunnyvale PTA collects 2,500 lbs. or more of shoes, clothing,

Area Championship time! 🏈 Raiders vs. Van Vandals this Fri, Nov. 21, 7 PM @ Sulphur Springs Stadium. Can't make it to the game? Watch it live on Sunnyvale Raider Media Livestream! Visit https://sunnyvaleraidermedia.com/

Click on the calendar link to access. Let's go, Raiders! #RaidersRise #SunnyvaleISD

SRYSA Cheer squads earned first place in every division at Bravo’s Let’s Glow Crazy Competition last weekend! The athletes and coaches were recognized for their teamwork and Raider spirit.

Congratulations to SRYSA Cheer for their outstanding performance!

Sunnyvale ISD is pleased to partner with Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, located at1980 N Town E Blvd, Mesquite, TX 75150. Thank you for partnering with us!