In The Know
An Internal Newsletter from the
Sherman ISD Communications Department
June 30, 2022
SISD Summer Hours Through July 29
Get ready to get into gear for August as summer hours come to an end after the week of July 29.

Professional/Paraprofessional Staff
SISD Service Center hours will be Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with 30-minute lunch and Fridays off.

For the 2022-2023 school year, all 226-day employees will have 10 days of flex time. Principals and directors are asked to communicate their use of flex time to Susan Whitenack and Jill O’Neal. In addition, it is the employee’s responsibility to enter the absence in Frontline TEAMS. All other 226-day employees should communicate their flex time use to their immediate supervisor and enter the absences in Frontline TEAMS.

Calendar End Date for 2021-2022: June 30, 2022

Calendar End Date for 2022-2023: June 30, 2023

Auxiliary Staff
SISD auxiliary staff will be expected to work Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch and Fridays off.

Supervisors may flex the hours listed above if needed and communicated.
Dr. Thomas O'Neal Named Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Thomas O’Neal, an experienced administrator with deep roots in the Sherman community, was named deputy superintendent of Sherman ISD on June 6.

O’Neal, who is entering his 30th year in education, served for 10 years in Sherman ISD as an elementary school principal, high school assistant principal, and high school principal. While he was the principal at Fairview Elementary School, the campus earned recognition at the national level for parental involvement and also received ratings of exemplary and recognized from the Texas Education Agency for student performance. Under his leadership at Sherman High School, the campus was named to Newsweek’s list of top high schools in the nation, as well as Texas Monthly’s Best Public Schools list.

“We have an amazing legacy in Sherman ISD, and Dr. O’Neal’s proven leadership and experience will be great assets as we continue to advance,” said Superintendent Dr. Tyson Bennett. “He also lives in our community, his children attended Sherman schools since kindergarten and graduated from Sherman High School, and he represents the values and qualities that make Sherman a wonderful place.”
Jeff Cordell Named Sherman ISD Athletic Director
Sherman ISD announced June 30 that Jeff Cordell is the new athletic director, bringing back to the area a proven leader with 15 years of experience as an athletic director and head football coach.

Cordell grew up in Grayson County and played football for Austin College in Sherman from 1987 to 1991, where he was named the Kodak All-American Defensive Back and Most Valuable Player in 1991. He is also a member of the Austin College Hall of Honor.

 “We are so excited that Jeff is coming back to the City of Sherman and leading our athletic program,” said Superintendent Tyson Bennett, Ph.D. “He has a tremendous legacy of success in athletics and life. His character, determination, energy, and experiences are outstanding. He will automatically connect with our kids, staff and community in a positive way.”
Scott Johnston Named Sherman Middle School Principal
Sherman ISD announced June 9 that a familiar face will take the helm of Sherman Middle School. Scott Johnston, who is entering his 23rd year in education, has been named principal of Sherman Middle School. Johnston spent the last two years as the principal of S&S High School. Prior to his time at S&S, Johnston served in Sherman ISD as an assistant principal at Sherman High School for two years, and assistant principal for the DAEP, Perrin Learning Center, Bootcamp and JDC for two years.

“Scott is an experienced principal with a heart to serve and lead our students and staff at Sherman Middle School,” said Dr. Tyson Bennett, superintendent. “He has all the qualities identified in our leadership profile that was recently built from surveying staff and I can’t wait to see the amazing things he does for our SMS Bearcats.”
Kalyn McAlester Named To New Fine Arts Coordinator Position
Sherman ISD announced on June 9 that the district’s new fine arts coordinator position would be filled by Kalyn McAlester, an experienced administrator with a passion for fine arts education. McAlester, who has worked for Sherman ISD for the past eight years and most recently as assistant principal at Fairview Elementary, will begin the position on July 1. McAlester’s experience ranges from elementary through high school, and roles as a teacher to instructional coach and campus administrator.

“We have some amazing fine arts programs in Sherman ISD,” said Dr. Tyson Bennett, superintendent. “As our fine arts programs continue to grow, this position will be crucial in supporting our staff and promoting our students as they perform across our community, state, and nation. Kalyn’s energy, passion, and positive approach, as well as her experience as a campus administrator, leader of fine arts programs, and her accolades as a performer will make her the ideal person for this position.”
US News Ranks Sherman High School Among The Best
With its brilliant new facilities dedicated to teaching students the latest in career pathways, technology and the fine arts, Sherman High School is a testament to the impact the investment the Sherman community made in 2017.
Sherman ISD Communications Department Wins National Awards
Sherman ISD's Communications Department received seven awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for their work during the 2021-2022 school year.

  • Award of Excellence – Todd Kleiboer for, “Singing What’s Left Unsung: Post-Adjudication Students Place in National Songwriting Contest.”
  • Award of Merit – Todd Kleiboer for, “Bearcat Builders: Students Construct Their Own Futures.”
  • Award of Merit – Todd Kleiboer and Arena Blake for the Bearcat Connect newsletter. 
  • Honorable Mention – Ahmad Alzubi for “Battle of the Ax Hype Video.”
  • Honorable Mention – Ahmad Alzubi for “Team of the Month: Warehouse and Print Shop.”
  • Honorable Mention – Arena Blake for “SISD Takes Part in College and Career Week.”
  • Honorable Mention – Arena Blake for “Early Childhood Enrollment Flyer.”
SHS Teachers Mentor Young Musicians At Austin College Music Camp
Even though it's summer, it's always time to teach for these two Sherman High School educators! SHS Director of Bands Ryan Jenkins and Orchestra Director Michael Moore served as faculty at the very first Austin College Summer Music Camp.

Jenkins worked primarily with the brass players and even picked up a last-minute part of a camper who'd fallen sick. Moore worked with the string players, many of whom are enrolled in Sherman ISD.
Partnerships
PATH Home Loan Program
SIR Child Care Funds
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.