Ott's Outlook
May 2024
May is filled with culminating activities and celebrations as we reflect on the growth our students have experienced throughout the year. From our youngest students who have successfully experienced their first year in PK to our oldest students who are embarking on their next chapter in life, every stage of development is crucial to their success. The fact that we have the opportunity to support our children at any point along their path is both an honor and a gift. It is also an incredible responsibility that our staff takes very seriously. No matter the length of the journey so far, please find a way to celebrate our students and staff as the year draws to a close. Encouragement from family, neighbors, friends, co-workers and others in our community makes a difference.
On community and parent matters, the Board of Trustees adopted new elementary attendance boundaries for the upcoming school year to coincide with the opening of Sampson-Howard Elementary. We received outstanding feedback from parents during this process. Their contributions have allowed us to be even more thoughtful in planning for both our immediate and future needs as the southeastern part of Temple continues to grow. Campus assignment letters have been mailed to our elementary families. You can also find your assigned campus by inputting your address HERE.
We are also actively reviewing progress measures, examining resources, and exploring innovative ways to meet the needs of our students amidst budget constraints. We will provide you an update on this over the summer but rest assured that our Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team will continue to prioritize students and staff in every effort to minimize our lack of public education funding. I do feel optimistic that the next legislative session will rectify the funding gap we are currently experiencing, but that relief will not be in time for the 2024-2025 school year. Like always we will be diligent, thoughtful and transparent about budget allocations as we make decisions that reflect the values of our community.
Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Bobby Ott
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Sam Jones - Class of '88
Sam Jones is a proud graduate of the Temple HS class of ’88 and he also attended Scott Elementary and Travis Middle School in Temple. Sam and his wife, Krista, have three children -- Cole, Talyor, Jake and 3 grandchildren.
Sam Jones has dedicated his entire life to serving the youth of the Temple community. He started working at the youth club at the age of 16. He has worked at Ralph Wilson Youth Club for 38 years. It is almost impossible to talk about the many great youth that have come through Temple, Texas and not find a connection to Sam Jones. His work at the youth club has impacted youth from all walks of life. In his time as Club Director, he trained and put staff in place to make sure the needs of our community where addressed. His current tenure as Athletic Director he has managed an athletic program that continues to provide high level skills development opportunities for our youth. His launching of a girls' volleyball program in 2018 will have a lasting impact on our female volleyball players.
More than anything else, Sam Jones embodies what it means to be a Wildcat; he meets people where they are at and embraces them for who they are and challenges them to be more than they could ever have imagined. Being a Wildcat means being that individual that sees beyond themselves and sees the greater good of the Temple community.
What does being a wildcat mean to you?
Being a Temple Wildcat meant everything to me. I grew up in a Wildcat family and was a third-generation Wildcat. My grandfather, dad and uncles were Wildcats and I remember my dad taking me to watch Temple Wildcat football practices at a young age. I couldn't wait to put on those blue front-white back pants and play on that field. Before I was old enough to wear the actual pants, my grandmother, Jean Jones, made me blue front-white back sweatpants to wear. We all knew that being a Temple Wildcat was special. Friday nights were about family and football. Everyone went to football games on Friday nights. As a little kid, I watched. As an older kid, I played. Being a Temple Wildcat will always hold a special place in my heart and part of me will always "bleed blue".
We are so proud to shine the spotlight on Sam!
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
