WOW – It is almost time to begin school for another year! The date indicates that our summer has come to an end, but certainly the heat does not indicate an end to the summer season any time soon. Hopefully by now, you have received a copy of school supply lists, have registered for PK and kindergarten, and will be taking advantage of pre-registration this week at high school and middle school. For anything you need regarding your child’s start of school, please do not hesitate to call the campus office where your child attends school – San Saba High School 325/372-3786; San Saba Middle School 325/372-3200; San Saba Elementary School 325/372-3019.

I want to remind parents of the opportunity to participate in the National School Lunch Program. If families qualify, students may eat in the lunchroom at a free or reduced rate. In order to participate in the program, parents MUST complete the application that will be provided in the student enrollment packet. This packet will come home with the student the first day of school. Of course, parents are always welcome to stop by the cafeteria at the high school and speak to Food Service Director, Diane Wood regarding this application.

So many great, new things will greet the school children this year. We are so very excited about the academic focus that our new curriculum will provide our children. CSCOPE will provide a content framework for our teachers that will put students at the forefront of their learning. Hands on projects, student technology projects, and active learning will be the everyday norm for instruction in the classroom. As well, the ISD will have a major upgrade in technology that will be implemented throughout the year. The high school staff and students will be receiving laptops through the Vision 2020 grant that was recently awarded to the District. Teachers will receive projectors, document cameras and numerous Smartboards. The middle school and elementary school teachers will be receiving laptops, projectors and document cameras through stimulus funding.

Students will also be greeted by many new staff members. These new educators bring to San Saba ISD their educational expertise along with an infusion of excitement and challenge for our students. Joining the ISD are the following: SSHS – Brenda Roberds – Science; Amy Bohensky – ELA; Brian Sours – Music; Shaina Hyatt; Alesha Rogers – FCS; Harper Stewart – Principal; SSMS – Drew Escamilla – Special Education; Shawn Messer – Music; Bonnie Walker – Secretary; Brooke Calcote – Technology and Inclusion; Michael Bohensky – Principal; SSES – Lauren Shero – Music; Sandra Snoddy – Secretary; Kay Shackelford – Principal. Not new to the campuses, but in new positions are Jeff Pannell – Athletic Director and Myia Stewardson – 5/6 Grade teacher.

Armadillo Football is in full swing! Don’t forget to join us at football games this season! Reserved seats and season tickets are available for at the San Saba High School Office.

Please remember that our website is the key to keeping up-to-date on school happenings. Please visit www.san-saba.net to view events and find information you need to know about SSISD.

If you have any questions about this article or any other question about school happenings please contact me at 325/372-3144.