Smore logo
remove_red_eye 5.5K
page background

Ott's Outlook

October 2021

Ott's OutlookOctober 2021

We have finished the first grading period and I want to personally thank our students and staff for a strong start to this 2021-22 school year!


Our enrollment numbers continue to climb and our COVID-19 case counts continue to be minimal across the district. We are actively moving forward with presentations across the community to inform parents and citizens about the bond election. Please remember that you can view this presentation and find more information on the proposed bond on our website HERE. Early voting will begin on October 18 running through Oct 29, 2021 and election day is Nov 2, 2021. More information on voting locations is included below and I want to encourage each of you to get out and vote.


Recently, we retired the first ever Temple ISD jersey - #75 Joe Greene’s Dunbar Panthers. Joe is a remarkable individual and this recognition was long overdue. He has accomplished more in his life that many even dare dream to achieve but yet has remained undeniably grounded and rooted in humility. In fact, when Joe was asked to provide a statement about this event to the media, he thanked his two previous high school coaches - Lester Moore and Curtis Elliott for developing his “attitude and desire to win one-on-one all the time.”


This commitment to challenging yourself to be the very best version of yourself is exactly what we hope to instill in every child that enters Temple ISD. As I visit campuses, I see example after example of our students excelling in the classroom, on the field and on the stage. Having the drive to push yourself to be better than you were the day before in all that you do is what sets our students apart from the rest.


I challenge each of us to follow our students’ example and aspire to win one-on-one everyday!



Bobby Ott

Temple ISD Bond 2021 Website
Click to learn more about our bond process and the proposed package.

*************************************************************** ***************************************************************

THS Highlighters earned a National Award!

The Temple High School jazz ensemble, the Temple Highlighters, has been awarded national honors by The Foundation for Music Education. The Temple Highlighters were selected as a National Winner in the Mark of Excellence/National Jazz Honors Project. See the video below to learn more about this extraordinary program at THS!
2021 Temple Highlighters Jazz Band National Winner

All 4th graders in TISD learn how to swim...

This year the district has implemented a program in which all fourth grade students participate in a 4 week session to learn how to swim. As part of the PE lesson, students ride the bus to the THS swim center where they are taught basic swimming principles.

TISD admin was invited as one of 14 districts to participate in the Holdsworth Leadership Academy...

The Holdsworth Leadership Collaborative is an 18-month program designed to help district leaders build a strong bench of principals who are ready to step into school leadership positions when they arise.

Five TISD campuses earned the "No Place for Hate" designation...

The “No Place for Hate” initiative provides schools and communities with an organizing framework for combating bias, bullying and hatred, leading to long-term solutions for creating and maintaining a positive climate. Five Temple Independent School District elementary schools have earned “No Place for Hate” designations from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Cater Elementary, Hector P. Garcia Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Kennedy-Powell Elementary and Scott Elementary all received that recognition from the ADL for the 2020-21 school year.

...Now that you know, please share our story with others! ...Now that you know, please share our story with others!

*************************************************************** ***************************************************************

*************************************************************** ***************************************************************

Susan Hill Kamas is a proud graduate of the THS Class of 1965. She also attended Reagan Elementary, Scott Elementary and Travis Junior High in Temple ISD. Upon graduating from THS, Susan went on to earn her Associates Degree from Temple Junior College, Her BS in Home Economics with Teaching certificate from Southwest Texas State College and graduate degree in Political Science from Angelo State University.


Susan is a very familiar face across our region where she has served as the Executive Director of Workforce Solutions of Central Texas for 33 years. Her contributions to the economic development of the areas she serves have been profoundly instrumental in the stability and growth that the region has experienced.


Her husband of 51 years, James Kamas, is also a Central Texas native and is a chemical engineer. To the surprise of no one, Susan is known as the “fun Aunt” to her nieces and nephews! Her older sister Sharon lives in Sherman and younger brother Dennis resides in Temple.


When asked about her favorite memories as a TISD student, Susan shared:
• Pepperettes – what precious memories marching at halftime at the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving football games. I can see Mr. Howard stomping his foot and waving those arms.
• We had such great teachers and administrators: Mr. and Mrs. Whatley, Miss Black, Miss Hendricks. They always had the best interests of their students and encouraged us to excel. I remember being greeted at the classroom door—always with a big smile.


As far as what being a Wildcat means to her, Susan’s response “We’re the greatest ones alive; we’re the class of 65!”


Susan – We are so proud of you and all that you have done and continue to do for Central Texas. It is an honor to feature you in our Alumni Spotlight this month!

Alumni Spotlight webpage
Click to see all of our Alumni Spotlight stories and nominate your favorite Temple ISD Alumni here!

*************************************************************** ***************************************************************

zoom_out_map

Visiting new teachers

zoom_out_map

Showing Wildcat Pride

zoom_out_map

Rewarding hard work

zoom_out_map

Back to School Prayer event

zoom_out_map

Catching up with Alums

zoom_out_map

Honoring the voice of the Wildcats Jody Donaldson

zoom_out_map

Blue Blazers Abound w/ Elementary Principals

zoom_out_map

THS Ladies Cross Country

zoom_out_map

THS Boys Cross Country

zoom_out_map

Rotary South

zoom_out_map

Temple HS

zoom_out_map

Thornton

zoom_out_map

Bonham

zoom_out_map

Rising Leaders

zoom_out_map

Garcia

zoom_out_map

Lions Club

zoom_out_map

Western Hills

zoom_out_map

Cater

*************************************************************** ***************************************************************

zoom_out_map

Bobby Ott, Ed.D.

Email: bobby.ott@tisd.org
Website: https://www.tisd.org/apps/pages/Superintendent
Phone: 254-215-6760
Facebook: facebook.com/templeisd
Twitter: @OttTempleISD

Loading indicator

close

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

Smore empowers educators to connect with their community, streamline school communications,
and increase engagement.

Create a newsletter