In The Know
An Internal Newsletter from the
Sherman ISD Communications Department
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February 8, 2023
Calendar of Events
February 9
Piner Cheer Tryouts @ Piner Gym
6 p.m.

Girls Powerlifting @ S&S High School Meet
4 p.m.

February 10
Public Meeting to Discuss SHAC Recommendations @ SISD Service Center
12 p.m.

SHS Varsity Tennis @ McKinney HS Tournament
8 a.m.

SHS Boys Basketball @ Princeton
5 p.m.

February 11
SHS Varsity Tennis @ McKinney Tournament
8 a.m.

Boys Powerlifting @ S&S High School Meet
4 p.m.
Two Bond Propositions to Appear on May Ballot
Sherman ISD voters will consider authorizing $540 million in bonds to prepare for growth, address aging facilities, and provide safe and secure schools. All of the proposed projects would be paid for with no increase to the tax rate, which is at its lowest point in 15 years.

The list of proposed projects includes:

  • Districtwide safety, security, and technology upgrades
  • Two new elementary schools in growing areas of the district
  • New school buildings to replace Crutchfield and Fairview elementary schools
  • New Early Childhood Center at current site of Wakefield Elementary
  • Additions to Sherman High School
  • Renovation and conversion of Dillingham Elementary into a middle school
  • Renovations to Piner Middle School and Jefferson Learning Center
  • Completion of a new multipurpose stadium at Sherman High School utilizing the existing athletic field and infrastructure 

Election Day is May 6, 2023. Early voting will begin April 24 and conclude May 2. As we move forward, please keep in the following in mind:

  • School district employees are encouraged to share factual information about the bond at any time.
  • Employees are free to get involved in the election and advocate on their own time, using their own resources.
  • Employees cannot use district time or resources to advocate for a particular outcome in the election.

Make sure to check out our first informational bond video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/5oApaKHkjdw and share it with friends. 

The bond website will continue to be developed at www.shermanisd.net/bond. Look for more details and shareable resources coming soon!
The Results Are In!
Nearly 800 employees completed our annual staff survey, and more than 90% of you told us you “love” your job! Companies with a 50% job satisfaction rating are typically acknowledged for having a positive work culture and climate.

Overall, the district saw an increase in positive responses in 68% of survey statements. No statement decreased more than 2.6 percentage points from 2021 to 2022.

District and campus staff continue to examine survey results and identify opportunities for improvement. Thanks to everyone who completed our survey. Your feedback is important to us!  
W-2 Forms Mailed, Available Online
Employee W-2 forms were mailed January 26 to all employees who did not opt out of receiving a paper copy. Remember, electronic copies are available online for all employees, including those who received paper W-2 forms. They can be accessed through the Self-Service Center, going under "My Payroll Information," and clicking "My W-2."

Please help us save time and money next year by opting only to receive an electronic copy in the future. Follow the directions in the image below to see how.
Mark Your Personal Data Private
Did you know that the district is obligated to release certain employee information upon request? As a public school district, employee information such as phone numbers and personal emails can be released by filing a Freedom of Information Act request. Companies looking to market to teachers sometimes request that information the district has to lawfully share.

However, in the Self-Service Center, you can opt to make your information "private," preventing your details from showing up in the final information release. By clicking on "My Personal Information" and navigating to the "My Privacy Flags" tab, you can check the "All Private" box in the upper left and save to hide your data from public records.
Board Recognizes Outstanding Educators, Volunteer
Elementary Teacher of the Month
Wakefield Elementary art teacher Arielle Harmon was recognized as the December Elementary Teacher of the Month. She holds an Art Club once a week where students stay after school to create art projects with her. In November, she held the first ever art shows and invited parents and students to an evening where the students could share the art they have been creating during class. Ms. Harmon has a great love for art and she is sharing and spreading that love to the students.
Secondary Teacher of the Month
JDC Post-Adjudication teacher Kyle Duffer was recognized as the December Secondary Teacher of the Month. He ensures that all students' accommodations are in use and adapts to their needs. Mr. Duffer provides interactive opportunities as much as possible whether that is using built in games and interactive elements similar to those seen in IXL, or creating his own games and interactive segments such as “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” with former Staar EOC questions. He will work nights and weekends if a student is needing extra time to graduate before their release.
Employee of the Month
Sory Elementary instructional coach Shawna Easton was recognized as the December Employee of the Month. Easton has been instrumental in growing the Sory PLC process. She is assisting teachers with planning, assessment creation and data digs that inform our next steps of instruction. Because of her leadership in this area, Sory is already seeing huge progress in student achievement.
Volunteer of the Month
Washington Elementary volunteer Arie Vanderveer was recognized as the December Volunteer of the Month. Arie serves as Washington’s PTA President and has been for a couple of years. Each year she works to improve parent involvement and fundraising activities. Aside from giving her time with this association, she also finds time to ensure the staff feels appreciated by organizing donations for staff snacks and other appreciation gestures.
Benefit-Eligible Employees Can Receive
Paid Telehealth Visits
Did you know the district pays for a telehealth benefit for all benefit-eligible employees and their qualified dependents? The flyer below will explain how to register using the app, webpage or by calling 855-673-2876. Use your Social Security number as your member ID when setting your account up. There is no cost to have or use this benefit. The only cost to you will be if the physician determines you need a prescription. For more information, visit their website at recurohealth.com.
Partnerships/Community Events
PATH Home Loan Program
American College
Of Education
Online Bachelor's Degree Completion
Education Studies
Industry-low Tuition
Tell Us Your News!
We would love the opportunity to feature honors and recognitions received by SISD employees. Please send accomplishments and news to Todd Kleiboer at tkleiboer@shermanisd.net.