What’s going on in November and December at San Saba ISD? There is never a dull moment or a lack of activities at the school. Of course we are in the football playoffs for the second year in a row – Go‘Dillos! I hope you take the opportunity to join us in Dripping Springs for our playoff game against Karnes City High School. The stadium opens at 5:30 pm and the game will begin at 7:30 pm. San Saba will be the home team, so get out and support the Armadillos in their quest for another victory. We are really proud of our players and all those who have supported the junior high, JV and Varsity teams, trainers, and coaches. As well, the support staff is tremendous and is the unsung heroes of this fine season.

Even though football is still moving forward, basketball does not stop. The junior high, JV and Varsity lady teams are launching their season this week. The Lady Armadillos will once again sponsor their classic basketball tournament next week. So, please make plans to come out to Armadillo Arena and the white gym to catch some great basketball action. As well, the most important events are taking place in the classroom. Attendance is really great; the three campuses are reporting 97% attendance so thank you parents for getting your kiddos to school. And thanks to our two great truant officers as well for their part in this attendance rate.

Each year the last Friday in October is what we call our District Snapshot. This is a picture in time that sets the accountability set for our District. On Friday, October 29 we posted an overall enrollment of 717 kiddos which is an increase from 683 students at this same time last year. Coming up in the near future parents and patrons need to be aware that we have several Optional Flexible Days scheduled. Please recall that the OFYP program provides students who are excelling in grades 9-12 to remain at home while those who seek additional assistance on their state assessment and in their classroom work, an opportunity to receive 1 to 1 tutoring from their teachers. As well, in grades 5 – 8 students who are excelling can attend "challenge" activities on these OFYP days in lieu of staying at home. Additionally, the 5-8 kiddos who need extra help will be provided 1 to 1 assistance by their teachers in their identified area. This is a win – win situation for all students. The next OFYP days are November 22 and 23. The 5-8 kiddos who do not have to attend tutorials will be provided the opportunity to take a trip and private tour of Fort Concho in San Angelo. This will be on 11/22 and no challenge activity is scheduled for 11/23. Students required to attend OFYP days for additionally assistance will be notified in writing and a letter will be sent home to parents. Specialized instruction will be set up for these students according to their identified needs since the last OFYP day and according to their performance in the classroom since the beginning of school. For the high school students, letters will be sent to parents and to students notifying them as well as to their status to attend OFYP days on both 11/22 and 11/23.

The Thanksgiving Holiday will begin on November 24 and continue through November 26. School will resume on November 29. Another OFYP day rolls around quickly. December 9, 2010 marks the next OFYP day for middle school and high school. This date too, is an early release day for elementary, and San Saba Middle School will be hosting 7 other school districts for the 6AA Middle School UIL District meet. On this day, students receiving challenge activities will participate in UIL and those needing to attend OFYP interventions will participate in activities provided by their teachers to be hosted at the First Baptist Church. In order to host the UIL meet, the middle school and the high school building complex both must be used. Therefore, the First Baptist Church has graciously agreed to accommodate our students and provide a quiet place to host the high school and middle school OFYP day. Transportation to the FBC, breakfast and lunch will all be provided to the students off-site at the church. Wow – lot’s going on and much detail to attend to. If you would like to assist us in these activities, OFYP or UIL, please don’t hesitate to call. There are never enough people to go around. Also on December 9, 2010, San Saba Elementary will get to participate in a very special training for staff. The early release date on this day will allow the Elementary Staff to be trained on a session called A Framework for Understanding Poverty. Poverty strikes many of our kiddos and families and learning how to assist and educate students from poverty will enable and empower our staff and more importantly our students.

Please visit www.san-saba.net to view events and find information you need to know about SSISD. As well, don’t forget to sign up for the "alerts" available from the website, and don’t miss the opportunity to sign up for the Parent Portal giving parents access to grades and attendance. Parents, let us know how we can help you the first day of school all the way until the last day of school!! 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!