Ott's Outlook
August 2025
The beginning of August is an exciting time for Temple ISD as we prepare to welcome back our staff, students, and families for the start of a new school year. Our campuses will soon be full again and we as educators can’t wait to see our students and families engaging with our teachers and staff.
The last two months have been a busy time in the district with planning and preparation for the upcoming year. Our buildings have been occupied with the sound of construction, summer learning, and professional development opportunities. We have been working hard to ensure that the 2025-2026 school year provides outstanding learning and extracurricular opportunities for students in all grade level.
Students and staff will also be returning to several new initiatives that will enhance those learning experiences and preserve the learning environment free from distractions. Temple ISD was already planning to expand its cell phone policy to include elementary and middle school campuses, even before the Texas legislature passed a bill requiring districts to put those policies in place. We first communicated those plans to families at the end of last school year and we will again share information on those initiatives prior to students returning to campus. TISD’s cell phone policies were created after consultation with parents, local pediatricians, administrators, and legal counsel and were also backed up by the positive data compiled after Temple High School implemented its cell phone policy prior to the 2024-2025 school year.
Temple High School will also be implementing a new policy where students will be required to physically carry their student ID with them throughout the school day. When asked, a student must be able to show proof of their identity. This plan will enhance safety and security on campus by ensuring that staff can easily recognize and verify who should be on campus. This plan will be rolled in over the start of the school year and again, additional information will be communicated to students and families before the start of the school year.
Students on multiple campuses across the district will also be returning to new learning spaces, new cafeteria/kitchen areas, renovated classrooms, and new competition fields as Temple ISD continues to complete the projects approved in Bond 2022. We had a detailed list of those projects and timelines in the July issue of Ott’s Outlook and we are so grateful for the community’s support as we address growth in the district. It truly is a partnership between TISD, our students, our families, our businesses, and our community. All of you play a role in making Temple such a special place.
We look forward to another tremendous year in 2025-2026 for Temple ISD and we appreciate your trust in us as we continue to serve your children and our students. Go Wildcats!
Sincerely,
Bobby Ott
Kennedy-Powell Elementary in Temple named Project Lead the Way Launch Distinguished School for eighth consecutive year
Temple ISD recognized by state organization for outstanding visual arts participation, curriculum
Temple ISD names Lamar Middle School competition field after former NFL player Brad Dusek
You can nominate a special Temple ISD alum for our Alumni Spotlight!
Temple ISD has a long history of excellence and we have had many, many graduates who have gone on to exemplify our vision to become influential and impactful leaders in their local communities and beyond. Temple ISD Alumni Spotlight will feature alumnus and alumna that have represented our community and our district in a positive way.
To nominate yourself or a Temple ISD graduate, please complete our online Alumni Spotlight Nomination Form. Nominations will be reviewed and candidates selected by the Temple ISD Board of Trustees Policy Committee
All 180 Band members received a "Spread the Empire" bracelet for their first week back.
Cheerleaders preparing for the upcoming season. Way to go!
Proud of these football guys! Hard work pays off!
Awarding Tem-Cat volleyball camp players with "Spread the Empire" bracelets.
Hillary Hickland took a tour of Temple High School and the CTE programs.
THS Alumni, returning to Temple ISD as first year teachers. Welcome back!
Truly thankful for our Special Education Paraprofessional Educators.
Packed house for our TISD Parent Meeting on Safety & Seats.
THS alumna Thymisha received a "Spread the Empire" bracelet at the Parent Meeting.
Thank you, spiritual leaders, in our community!
Thank you Dapper & Dashin' for your continuous support to TISD!
Visit with Jarrell Supt. Dr. Toni Hicks.
Congratulations Jamarion on committing to Baylor Football!
Dr. Ott stopped by Tem-Cat soccer practice for a motivational speech.
TISD Administrative Assistants are the real MVPs of TISD.
Dr. Ott stopped by the 7 vs 7 football team before they left for state competition. Each player received a "Spread the empire" bracelet.
Administrator Leadership Retreat at Holdsworth Center.
