Life is great in rural Texas, sure we may not have some luxuries they have in the metropolitan areas, but we have many things to offer that larger schools and communities have lost. Today I am specifically talking about the county livestock and youth fair. I hope you took the time to attend and visit the youth projects displayed at the Senior Center and of course the animal exhibition at the show barn. Having been heavily involved in the 4-H program growing up, I can still recall the great experience I had in this program. Raising animals is a great opportunity for parents to teach responsibility, money management and instill pride in our young people. The Young Farmers and San Saba ISD's FFA program are certainly to be commended for the great show and sale that was organized. The last report, which I am certain has grown, was that approximately $90,000 was realized at the Saturday sale that was held at the SSISD cafeteria. San Saba ISD is so very fortunate to have had many academic and elective classes encourage their students to enter projects in the creative, foods, and educational categories. However, the biggest thanks go to our Ag teachers, Tracy Womack and Shaina Hyatt for their hard work with students and with the Young Farmers, the county extension agents and the County Stock Show officers for organizing the annual show. Thanks to all involved.

San Saba ISD had a rare opportunity recently to show off to the Commissioner of Education for the State of Texas. We recently presented a video and overview of recent grants that the District has received. The Commissioner of Education attended a monthly meeting of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) of which I am the president for our Educational Service Center Region. The meeting was held at Brownwood High School and was attended by area superintendents and administrators. The Commissioner viewed technology projects that have been put together by SSISD staff and students in the short time we have had our updated technology. It was an honor to have the commissioner present as it is not often that we have had him travel to one of our meetings. San Saba High School teacher, Amy Bohnesky who was featured in the video along with other teachers and students served as our spokesperson. Teachers Judy McCoy and Colleen Womack along with Technology Director Milly Summy constructed the impressive video that was viewed by the Commissioner, other area schools and superintendents from Region XV. We were also able to show the video that was presented at a recent school board meeting in recognition of School Board Appreciation month. The Commissioner presented some updated educational information and state level happenings to the group and then allowed the audience to ask him questions. It was certainly a great opportunity to highlight some of the innovations taking place in our school. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in seeing the progress we are making in bringing up to date technology to our students and teachers.

Basketball is in full swing! Please make it out to see our junior high teams play or come to Armadillo Arena for some high school hoops! As well, powerlifting, tennis and softball season is or will kick off soon. Remember that February 1, 2010 is announcement day for the next two-year realignment period. The UIL website will be clogged that date with interested people wanting to know, so we will make every effort to push this to KBAL and place it on our website as soon as the new district's are known.

As always, thanks so much for your support of all San Saba campuses and programs. We are always open to your visit, your calls and of you willingness to volunteer! As well, please remember we have our next round of substitute orientation on February 4. 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in the Elementary Cafeteria.

Please visit www.san-saba.net to view events and find information you need to know about SSISD. If you have any question about this article or any other question about school happenings please contact me at 325/372-3144 or email me at lglaze@san-saba.net. We are San Saba! We are together!