Sunnyvale ISD E-News

SHS held a sendoff for Raider Robotics on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Led by teachers Michell Frederiksen and Emaleah Rutherford, the Raider Robotics Team is competing in the State competition this Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13 at Fair Park in Dallas in the Coliseum.

We’re so proud of their hard work, innovation, and teamwork. Let's go, Raiders!

Congratulations to the 28 SHS students who earned a spot in the All-Region Band this week! Of those, 22 have advanced to the Area round on January 10 for a chance to qualify for the All-State Band.

Sunnyvale High School led the way — with the most students qualifying for Area, the most in the top ensemble, and even tying for the most 1st Chair musicians overall! What an incredible accomplishment for our talented student musicians and directors!

SHS students in Mrs. Kayla Stamas' class determine blood type from samples in order to find out which suspect was involved with the crime.

The SHS Daybreak Choir filled the room with festive spirit during the Sunnyvale Garden Club’s Annual Holiday Luncheon this week. Their beautiful harmonies and joyful energy made the season a little brighter for everyone in attendance.

We’re so proud of these talented students for sharing their gifts with our community!

Sunnyvale ISD hosted the inaugural meeting of its new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Committee on December 10. The newly formed committee will serve as a vital liaison between Sunnyvale ISD and community partners, helping connect students with mentors, internships, and potential employers while providing valuable input on the district’s growing CTE program.

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Superintendent Matt Kimball opened the meeting with updates on ongoing district construction, highlighting new and expanded spaces designed to support CTE pathways — including enhanced medical classrooms, robotics labs, and dedicated culinary and education training areas.​

CTE Director Sara Staley shared an overview of current course offerings and career pathways across the district, as well as plans for the continued expansion of CTE and College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) opportunities for Sunnyvale students.

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The advisory group also engaged in discussions around entrepreneurship and business planning, with SISD Board of Trustees member Kelleyton Wilson, Sr. contributing valuable insight to support real-world connections for students.​

Sunnyvale ISD looks forward to working closely with this committee as it continues to develop meaningful opportunities that prepare students for success in future careers.

Holiday cheer was shining bright this week on SISD campuses! Administrative staff and campus leaders made special visits to classrooms, spreading smiles, sweet treats, and plenty of festive spirit. Teachers and staff showed off their holiday socks, sweaters, and other festive apparel while enjoying a well‑deserved thank‑you treat for all the joy and hard work they bring to our students every day.

SHS students were greeted with smiles and holiday cheer as Principal Soliz dressed up as the Grinch to kick off the day! His festive spirit always make mornings a little brighter during the holiday season.

This week in the SES library, students read Olive the Other Reindeer by J. Otto Seibold and made reindeer food out of oats and glitter. It’s been a week full of laughter, creativity, and holiday magic at SES!

On Tuesday, December 9, Lakepointe Church, Sunnyvale and Sunnyvale High School staff pulled off a feel-good surprise for custodian Shannon Ball, showering her with cozy new winter hats and coats. Ball shared how grateful she was for the thoughtful gesture from Lakepointe and her Raider family.

Sunnyvale Elementary students won first place overall in the USA Chess competition held last weekend in Plano at Hua Yi Education.

• Sajan Valverde — 2nd grade

• Sophia Valverde — Kindergarten

• Davin Munyan — 2nd grade

• Ryan Holland — 2nd grade

• Elena Webster — 2nd grade

• Calvin Forston — 2nd grade

Raider Fans, give a gift that lasts a lifetime! Buy a personalized brick for the Sunnyvale Legacy Walk, right outside Raider Stadium, and celebrate your favorite Raider graduate, teacher, friend, or group. Perfect for honoring achievements, creating memorials, or recognizing sponsors!

Every brick supports the Gwinn Blankenship Scholarship Fund—so your holiday gift makes a difference. Any Raider or Raider fan can order!

Leave your mark on Sunnyvale ISD. Order your brick today and be part of the tradition!
Order online at www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/SunnyvaleRaiders
Questions? Feel free to contact SunnyvaleRaidersAlumni@gmail.com

The Parent Pick Me Up Podcast

Try to say that three times fast. Or just listen three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), wherever you get your Podcasts. You'll get insightful tips and encouragement from Technology Director Buck Baskin on dealing with the many things our kids are facing that affect their social and emotional health, behavior, and achievement.

The link for the SHS is - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2I1D6C0KF6PKD/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2

The link for the SMS is - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3H9TFRDXHJW4Z/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

All High School Items should be sent to this address –

Sunnyvale High School
222 Collins Rd
Sunnyvale TX, 75182
Attn: Annette Coats

All Middle School Items should be sent to this address –

Sunnyvale Middle School
216 Collins Rd
Sunnyvale TX, 75182
Attn: Principal Perez

Stock the Lounge FAQ:

Q: Can I buy other things not on the list?
A: Absolutely! Just send to the correct school/attention this month, and your PTA team will make sure it gets distributed.

Q: Can I drop off things in person?

A: Yes! Just drop off items at the front office of the school, marked for PTA Stock the Lounge, and your PTA team will take it from there.

Q: What items do you need?

A: Check the list for the respective schools, but any individually packaged snack/drink items are the main things each school wants. Bonus points if it is gluten free for the High School, as we have many teachers/admin that can’t eat gluten on that campus.

Does your child ever struggle with staying organized, following through on tasks, or managing time? These challenges are often related to executive functioning — the brain’s “management system,” which helps us plan, focus, remember instructions, and regulate actions to reach goals.

Join us on Wednesday, January 22, at 5:30 p.m. in the SISD Boardroom for a parent training led by Lindsey Nikaidoh. Designed for parents of students of all ages, this session will provide realistic, low-stress strategies to support executive functioning at home — strategies that fit naturally into busy family routines.

Come learn practical ways to help your child strengthen these essential life skills in a supportive, encouraging environment.

For questions, please contact Brittany Dlabaj, Director of Special Programs at brittany.dlabaj@sunnyvaleisd.com.

For parents with children of all ages, come learn more about the impact of technology on your child's mental health with Russell Baxter, LPC-S on February 2, 2026 at 6 p.m. in the SISD board room. This talk helps parents understand how constant screen time, social media, and digital distractions are shaping kids’ attention, moods, and daily habits. We’ll look at how phones and apps slowly shift what children see as “normal,” making it harder for them to focus, enjoy quiet moments, or feel satisfied without constant stimulation.

Using real examples and clear explanations, the presentation breaks down why today’s digital world can leave kids more stressed, more distracted, and less confident—and what parents can do about it. Families will leave with practical tools to set healthier tech boundaries, lower the “noise” in their home, and teach their children how to use technology in a balanced, intentional way.

If you have any questions, please contact Melissa James at melissa.james@sunnyvaleisd.com.

College Prep Consultations are available on certain days over the holidays.

This is a great time for your high schooler to meet with former SMS teacher, Angela Henderson Smith, as she guides freshmen to seniors through the college preparation process—

You can schedule your first session directly on her Google Calendar.