Ott's Outlook

As we move into February, I would like to shine a spotlight on some of the exciting things happening across Temple ISD in terms of the opportunities available to our students. TISD provides a number of ways for our students to find areas of interest to help them develop and reach their full potential.

The district recently held several showcases on campuses, along with a district-wide third-grade GATE showcase at the administration building. I had a chance to visit with our families in attendance and seeing the engagement and excitement from our students as they shared and described their projects to family and friends was truly inspiring. Also, a group of Western Hills Elementary fourth and fifth graders participated in the FIRST LEGO League robotics challenge in Waco. This was the first time a TISD elementary robotics team has competed in that competition, and it was a joy to see the passion and dedication of those students and teachers.

Students representing our Career and Technical Education Department also competed for the opportunity to advance to state earlier this month. Fifteen students from the Temple High School chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA) qualified for the state competition and four members of the THS HOSA – Future Health Professionals earned spots in the state competition. Both of those numbers are significantly higher than last year. The TISD CTE Department has also been recognized as a Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT) District of Distinction for its leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success, and it is rewarding to see the way those and other organizations have grown as they provide opportunities for our students to expand their skills and make professional connections.

Athletics and Fine Arts are also excelling. The Temple HS swim team qualified multiple athletes for the regional meet, basketball and wrestling are in the heart of their seasons, and the soccer teams have started district play. A Temple HS art student has been selected to have her artwork displayed at the Bullock Texas State History Museum as part of the TAEA Youth Art Month Exhibition, and our jazz band also had an opportunity to travel to New Orleans for a clinic and performances.

All of these accomplishments and activities highlight the ways that Temple ISD is developing well-rounded students and providing them with opportunities to find their passions and develop. I am so proud of the work our students, staff, and families are doing in those areas.

I also wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the way our community responded to the closures related to the icy conditions we experienced at the end of January. The decision to close schools is one we take very seriously and is made after deliberation and consultation with a number of partners – both inside and outside of the district. I am grateful for our staff and administrators for driving to campuses and across town to provide first-hand feedback on conditions to help inform our decision-making and for making sure that our facilities were prepared and welcoming when we reopened. We also had staff members working with our families and staff to ensure that they had access to resources they might need during the event. I appreciate our partners with the city, county, and other departments or agencies that provided services and information during this process. Finally, I wanted to thank our parents and families for their patience, understanding, and cooperation over the past week. I assure you that the safety of our students and staff is always priority number one in times like these.

I think that all of the examples above help illustrate the way our community supports, provides for, empowers, and nurtures our students and families. I am so proud to be a part of a district and a community that supports and values its students and families and works together to provide the best opportunities and outcomes for those it serves.

Temple ISD will be relocating community track and stadium access from Wildcat Stadium to the brand-new tracks at Bonham Middle School and Travis Science Academy effective February 2nd. The change is being made in response to the following factors: 1. Vandalism to new stadium renovations at Wildcat Stadium – which represent a significant investment of taxpayer dollars. 2. Unauthorized stadium use by organized teams – both in and out of the Temple area. 3. Incidents that have compromised the safety and security of spectators and students during student competitions.

Relocating access to Bonham and Travis will allow the community to use facilities that include brand-new tracks, bleachers, and ample parking, and involve far less student and spectator use. The move protects the significant investment made in Wildcat Stadium and facility renovations, and also provides multiple locations spread out across the community to accommodate neighborhoods. The tracks at Bonham Middle School and Travis Science Academy will be open for public use after school hours, seven days a week, and the district is committed to providing lights at both facilities until 10 p.m. each night – something that was not provided at Wildcat Stadium.

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