The Connection

January is School Board Appreciation Month! This year’s theme, “Leadership for Tomorrow’s Texas,” celebrates the essential role of school boards in shaping the future of education. We are proud to honor the dedicated members of the Anna ISD Board of Trustees who work tirelessly to create meaningful opportunities for our students and community.

From long hours in meetings to advocating for education, these leaders are the foundation of Anna ISD’s success. Their vision and commitment ensure our Coyotes are prepared to thrive in college, careers, and beyond.

In preparation for potential inclement weather this week, we want to remind you of our communication procedures:

• We will notify families and staff of a late start, early release, or full-day closure through our mass communication system. This will include a phone call, text, and email.
• Ensure you have downloaded the Anna ISD Parent Square App to stay informed of important updates.
• Follow Anna ISD on social media for the latest weather-related announcements.

Anna ISD will be closed on Monday, January 20, in observance of MLK Day. As a result, we will be open and holding classes on Friday, January 24. This will allow us to remain in compliance with the required school minutes set by the Texas Education Agency. This is noted on the Student Academic Calendar.

Today, we proudly recognize our Anna ISD police officers for their dedication to the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and campuses. From building meaningful connections with students to ensuring a secure environment, their commitment makes a positive impact every day. We are grateful for their service and support.

Officer Hampton brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Anna ISD. He earned his Associate in Criminal Justice from Grayson College and graduated from the Texoma Regional Police Academy. With 30 years of service as a commissioned officer in Texas, he has made a lasting impact in every role he's held.

Officer Hampton served the Sherman Police Department for nearly 23 years, during which he took on diverse roles, including Bike Officer, TCOLE Instructor, Hostage Negotiator, Field Training Officer (FTO), and Public Information Officer (PIO). He is also a proud graduate of the Bill Blackwood LEMIT Leadership Command College (Class #70). Before retiring as a Patrol Lieutenant in 2018, Officer Hampton left a legacy of leadership and excellence in Sherman.

Following retirement, he established and led the Whitesboro ISD Police Department as Chief of Police, serving the district until 2023. In August 2023, Officer Hampton joined the Anna ISD Police Department, where he continues to serve with dedication.

Officer Hampton is in his second year as an Anna Coyote, and we are proud to have him on our team!

A new year often inspires fresh goals and aspirations. While many start with strong intentions, few successfully achieve the goals they set. In fact, some studies suggest that as few as 8% of people stick with their goals through to completion. So why do we continue to set goals, and how can we improve our chances of success?

Setting goals to develop a new habit, skill, or knowledge base is a powerful practice. It fosters intrinsic motivation, boosts self-confidence, and promotes meaningful engagement and independence. Cultivating these benefits in children from an early age helps prepare them to become lifelong learners, capable of adapting to a rapidly changing world.

One key to achieving goals is to make them SMART—specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. For example, instead of a vague goal like “I’m going to read more,” a SMART goal might be: “This year, I will read one book per month about a different artist or art movement to discuss at my monthly art club meetings.” This approach provides clarity, focus, and a clear pathway to success.

While goal setting is often associated with the start of a new year, it is a valuable tool that can be applied at any time. The ability to envision a destination and plan the steps to reach it is a critical and transferable skill that benefits learners of all ages, equipping them to navigate challenges and achieve their aspirations.

• Register to be a volunteer at your child's school. Volunteer Application.
• Join your school PTA or Booster club. AISD is grateful for the support of these parent leaders.
  

In the know: In addition to this eNewsletter, which typically comes twice a month, there are other ways to keep up with all the great things happening in Anna ISD:

• Ensure your information is current with your school, so you receive text message alerts, phone calls, and emails.
• Visit our website annaisd.org
• Follow AISD and your campus on social media. Facebook Twitter Instagram
• Download our mobile app

January 16 ..........School Board Meeting

January 20 ..........District Holiday: MLK

January 24 ..........Regular School Day (Friday)