Superintendent Headlines

In case you have not heard, Sharyland ISD is officially an "A" rated school district, academically and financially! Let's not take this honor for granted. In fact, I strongly recommend you grab your kid and give them a great big hug and a big sloppy kiss. When you see your child's teacher(s), make sure to give them a high-five, a thank you, or a fist bump. Definitely give the principal a knowing nod and wink that says, "I see you leading the pack". Take an extra moment to wave at the bus driver and cheer as you see them roll down the road. Make sure the cafeteria workers, custodians, grounds, maintenance crew, and the district's service center staff know how grateful you are. Why? Because success should be celebrated. Here is a peek at what it takes to be an "A" rated school district:

• Kids show up in every sense of the word. Literally, their attendance at school matters. That they are working hard and learning more than ever before is significant, and their academic performance matters! They balance school, friends, activities, sports, volunteering, and serving others, all while still finding time to be great students. They are smart, curious, eager, and willing. Our students showed up in every way possible over this past school year. We are so very proud of each of them. Students, YOU are the best part of our school district!
• Our teachers, instructional support professionals, and aides are the bombdiggity! Their work is impactful, authentic, valuable, hard fought, given sacrificially, and pure. They are not given the credit they so deserve for the integral role they serve in society and community. On top of being in the classrooms, they often sponsor clubs, coach teams, hold late-night or weekend practices and rehearsals. Did I mention, they also have to prepare lessons, attend meetings, participate in trainings, review data, and produce evaluations that look like dissertations to earn additional pay? Educators, you are the blood that flows through the veins of Sharyland ISD!
• Auxiliary staff define what "support" looks like. Without the hard work of all the amazing humans who provide meals, keep our schools and grounds looking beautiful, keep the lights on, ensure the air conditioning is flowing, and keep our buses rolling, we wouldn't have the buildings and facilities to call home. These employees are the very reason we are able to open our doors every day for learning and fun. We may not always see their work, and that's the point. But I can assure you, things don't clean themselves or fix themselves. Kids don't show up at school or have hot meals without all of the hard work of our auxiliary staff. Shout out to our custodians, maintenance, child nutrition, and transportation staff, for making us an "A" district.
• If it weren't for the many talents of our paraprofessionals and professionals from our campuses and departments, things around here would come to a screeching halt! Our receptionists, secretaries, clerks, specialists, coordinators, licensed professionals, and business professionals are the driving force behind the operations of this machine we call Sharyland ISD. They are the powerhouses that ensure resources and support reach where they need to go. They carry the load of reporting and monitoring. The quiet hum you hear in the background is them working to cheer on our classrooms every day!
• Our administrators, thank you for helping to lead the way to achieve the "A". I believe we are blessed with some of the best leaders in education. They are hungry. I know that seems like a strange way to explain their impact on our school district. But it's true. They desire so much more for our students and staff, for our school district, and for themselves. It's not enough for them to be the best; they want more. They often take the hits, receive the criticisms, and endure the hand-to-hand battle on behalf of our students and staff every day. They are the epitome of professionals; they are steadfast and strong. They show up each day to cast the vision, close the deals, and remove obstacles!
• We are, because of our parents, community, and school board. Sharyland ISD is a direct reflection of your hopes and dreams for the future. Without our families, we would be just a bunch of strangers, kicking each other off an island for survival. Instead, you are the foundation of the family we call Sharyland. You love us when we are in need, you encourage us when we are down, you protect us when we are being attacked, you fight for us when we need help, and you celebrate us when we win. Thank you for wearing the Sharyland ISD name with pride! We are grateful!

So there you go, that's what it takes to get an "A". Notice I didn't talk about state tests and budgets; it's about the people. What we have is special, let's not take it for granted. "YAAAAAAAAAY! SISD YOU DID IT!!!!

On August 27, a group of approximately 130 students, staff, parents, and community members came together to begin a conversation about our school district's past, present, and future. Our members of the facilities planning committee are not only an energized and engaged group of students, staff, parents, and community members, but they are also investors and stewards of our school district. We will learn a lot over the course of the next several months about what our community dreams and believes education should look like at Sharyland ISD.

What does the Facilities Planning Committee do?

• They serve as a critical advisory body, providing informed recommendations and insights to ensure Sharyland ISD makes good decisions that are aligned with the community's needs and district goals.
• They promote transparency and accountability. They play a key role in making sure the district's actions are communicated clearly and effectively to the public.
• They foster community engagement. Our committee represents a diverse community and encompasses a wide range of perspectives. They ensure the voices of students, parents, staff, and community members are heard in the planning process.
• They work collaboratively with district leadership to enhance the educational experience for students and the overall success of Sharyland ISD.

Next meeting: September 10, 6:30 PM at John Shary Elementary School, all are welcome.

If you would like to serve on the FPC, please contact Nancy Barboza, nbarboza@sharylandisd.org.

Click here to view the Aug. 27 presentation.

In a world where school shootings, cyberbullying, and disregard for our neighbors are just a part of life, where we have every right to be angry and lash out, I choose gratitude and joy. Over the years, I have observed that when I find myself surrounded by my own stinking thinking, or when there are those around me who focus on the problems and not the solutions, I have a choice. Either I fall into the hole of misery with them, or I can get back to what brings me joy.

For me, that means heading to campus to help with the drop-off and pick-up line, where I get to wave like a crazy lady at all the awesome moms, dads, and loved ones. I find a way to get into a classroom and watch a kinder teacher do their thing in a way I never could. I watch a water polo match (shout out to our Rattlers and Dbacks this week at the pool) or attend a sporting event. I go watch junior high kids perform their plays at competition, or take in kindergarteners in their little caps and gowns at their graduation ceremony. So if I ever tell you "Go fix your face..." what I'm really saying is go find what brings you joy and gratitude, focus on that. This world and life are hard enough, don't make it harder for yourself or others. Here are some of the images that have brought me joy these past couple of months.

Thank you for choosing Sharyland ISD for your family. We are honored to serve you as partners in education. Your trust means everything to us, and we are committed to providing an exceptional Sharyland ISD experience. Together, we’re shaping the future, one student at a time. Thank you for being a valued part of our community.

Sharyland ISD...Excellence is Our Tradition