Quinlan Woman, Commerce Man Jailed On Possession Charges
A Quinlan woman and a Commerce were jailed on possession charges overnight Thursday, according to arrest reports.
FM 499/FM 275 Traffic Stop
(HCSO jail photo)
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tanner Steward reported stopping the driver of a Ford F150 pickup who failed to stop at the designated stopping point at the intersection of FM 499 and FM 275 at 9:08 p.m. July 28, 2022. While talking to Steward, the 62-year-old Commerce man driving allegedly admitted to consuming alcohol. Steward had Thomas Christopher McCarty step out of the truck for further investigation, the deputy noted in arrest reports..
When asked if he had anything illegal in the pickup, McCarty allegedly claimed no, but did admit to having an open container in the truck. As he approached the passenger side of the car, Steward reported seeing an open can of beer in the floorboard. He advised that gave him probable cause to search the truck. McCarty then admitted to having meth inside the vehicle, Steward alleged in arrest reports.
Steward reported finding a small amount of drug paraphernalia and a clear glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine. Steward then advised McCarty of his rights as HCSO Deputy Isaac Foley and Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley arrived to offer assistance. Further searching revealed a bag containing a crystal-like substance Steward in arrest reports stated he believed to be methamphetamine. McCarty was taken into custody and transported to jail.
The crystal-like substance field-tested positive for meth and weighed 0.935 grams, resulting in McCarty being booked into Hopkins County jail at 12:09 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2022, on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
The 62-year-old Commerce man was released from Hopkins County jail later Friday, July 29, 2022, on a $5,000 bond on the felony controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
SH 19 south/CR 1165 Traffic Stop
A HCSO deputy also reported stopping the driver of a Ford Focus at 12:33 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2022, on State Highway 19 south at County Road 1165 because the license plate could not be read at a distance of 50 feet,
While talking to her, he noted the driver failed to maintain eye contact with him and was also deceptive about her criminal history. She did, however, give the deputy permission to search her vehicle, the deputy alleged in arrest reports. He reported finding in a clear container a crystal-like substance he believed was methamphetamine. When field-tested it did come back positive for meth, according to arrest reports.
The 47-year-old Quinlan woman was taken into custody at 1:02 a.m. July 29, 2022, on a possession of drug paraphernalia charge; the vehicle was impounded. She was jailed at 2:12 a.m. Friday, then released from Hopkins County jail later in the day on the Class C misdemeanor charge, according to jail records.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Meet the Teacher at Little Lambs Parent’s Day Out
The Little Lambs Parent’s Day Out program at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Sulphur Springs is hosting a Meet The Teacher Event Friday July 29th, 2022. The events runs from 4:30 to 6:30.
You can leave your little lamb, ages birth to 5 years of age, with Sara and her staff on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
There is a waiting list for some age ranges, but openings are available. The 2022/2023 program starts officially on August 1st. As long as there are openings, little lambs can join anytime during the year.
Little Lambs director Mrs Sara encourages people to attend the Meet the Teacher event today. “Anyone interested should get on the waiting list.” says Sara, “If there is enough need, additional days and times may be opened.”
The program is available for the entire year, and is paid for on a monthly bases.
Membership in the Lutheran Church is not required for participation in this program.
SSHS Wildcat Band Preparing To Soar Into 2022-2023 Marching Season
The student athletes, athletic and administrative staff aren’t the ones hard at work on campus. The Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat Band members and staff are hitting the practice field in the late July heat, hard at work on music that will allow the musicians to soar into the 2022-2023 season.
Percussionists began attending camp on July 18, with color guard camp following on July 19. Wildcat Band leadership began reporting on July 25. The entire band then reported for summer band camp on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Friday morning, July 29, instructors and drum majors were out working with small groups on stepping and pacing, sans instruments; the temperature had already risen to about 90 with humidity pushing the heat index even higher, in spite of the much welcome balmy breeze blowing across the practice field.
According to SSISD Director of Bands Spencer Emmert, this year’s half-time show and competition show is designed to combine the fun a DreamWorks production coupled with traditional smooth jazz and classical pieces in a way that leaves the audience feeling as if they are soaring along with the band.
The program is designed both to entertain the audience and promote the quality of performance that will garner high marks at band competitions this fall. The pieces will include John Powell’s flight music from “How To Train Your Dragon,” as well as the version of “Fly Me To the Moon” made popular by Frank Sinatra, as well as operettic pieces by Gioachino Rossini and others.
The fantastical program is designed in a way to allow a few exceptional students, including a drum major and oboist, to showcase their abilities by performing solos within the program. And, expect a surprise prop or two to appear before the program concludes. Overall, if the band steps it up they will soar to new heights of performance which leaves the audience feeling with a flighty feel as if they too are soaring through the night sky.
PJC Third Baseman Drafted by New York Yankees
Beau Brewer of McKinney, Texas, who has finished up a stellar sophomore year at Paris Junior College, was drafted in the 19th round by the New York Yankees. “I give a big shout-out to Paris Junior College. I owe my career and my life to ya’ll,” said Brewer. “It’s been a blessing to have this opportunity to play professional baseball. Coming out of high school I didn’t have much. Coach [Clay] Cox gave me the opportunity to play baseball for PJC; now I’m here playing for the Bananas and now I’m about to start my professional baseball career. You never know what life is going to hold for you – just keep on grinding.”
This year his post-season honors included NJCAA Region XIV East All Conference First Team Third Base and All-Region XIV First Team Infield, as well as the PJC Barney Bray Cup for Baseball MVP, Bobby Walters Cup for 4.0 GPA (5-way tie), and McLemore Cup for All Sport MVP. He was named 2021 All Region Outfielder. He was also named JBB All-American Honorable Mention for NJCAA Division I baseball (JBB is a nationally renowned community and junior college baseball media outlet).
“We are extremely excited for Beau and the opportunities that lie ahead for him in professional baseball,” said PJC Baseball Coach Clay Cox. “He’s earned every bit of this. He came in two years ago, bought in, put in the work and now he is being rewarded for that. He has a tireless work ethic and is one of the most selfless teammates and best leaders I’ve been around on a ball field. We can’t wait to see him in pinstripes.”
A 2020 graduate of McKinney Boyd High School in McKinney, Texas, Brewer was a standout in the classroom as well, including two years in Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year college honor society and named to the President’s Honor List for academic excellence three times. Brewer was a 2021 Paris Junior College Homecoming nominee and crowned 2022 Mr. PJC. He also won the Distinguished Service Award at the Spring 2022 graduation, the highest honor a PJC student may receive.
“Beau was a standout at PJC on campus, in the classroom and on the baseball field,” said Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President. “He is an outstanding young man who will do well and we are excited for Beau today. We wish him the very best with the New York Yankees.”
Since graduation, Brewer has been playing with the Minor League Baseball team Savannah Bananas and was named the 2022 Coastal Plain League All-Star Hitter of the Game.
He had signed to play with Kansas State prior to being drafted by the Yankees.
Parents of Cumby High School Volleyball And Cross Country Team Members Asked Attend July 28 Meeting
CISD FFA Plans Back To School Bash, Class of 2023 Hold Pain Your Own parking Spot Fundraiser, Cheerleaders Offer Spirit Wear For Fans
With school only 2 weeks away, Cumby ISD students, staff and friends will want to make note of several upcoming activities and dates.
Parents of Cumby High School Volleyball and Cross Country teams are asked to meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 28, 2022, in the new gym in readiness for the season.
Two-a-days are salted to begin on Aug 1 for volleyball. Volleyball schedules are as follows: 8-11 a.m. Monday-Thursday, with scrimmages on Friday at a time as yet to be determined. Monday was designated ‘Merica Monday; Tuesday as Tie Dye Tuesday and Thursday as Neon Day. Wednesday was dubbed for Color Wars, with seniors instructed to wear white, juniors black, sophomores gray and freshmen maroon. Cross country practice starts at 6:30 a.m.; athletes should meet Coach Crumpton in front of the new gym. While water will be provided students are strongly encouraged to bring their own.
Cumby ISD teachers return to school next week, while students will return Aug. 10 for the 2022-2023 school year. New-to-the-district teachers will report for duty on Aug. 2. All Cumby ISD staff will report for staff development on Aug. 3-5 and Aug. 8-9. Students will begin classes Aug. 10, 2022.
Team Spirit wear is now available as well. Cumby Junior High Cheerleaders are selling caps, hats, tote bags, blankets, shorts, scarfs and shirts. Simply go online to download the form, select the desired items and either email the completed form to [email protected] or text the form to 903-742-2251 to order now. Order forms will also be available the first week of school from students. All orders are due Aug. 20, 2022.
The Class of 2023 is having a Paint Your Own Parking Spot fundraiser. For a fee of $25.00 (for Seniors) and $30.00 (for all other Cumby ISD Parking Permit holders) they will have the opportunity to paint their parking spot. All parking spot designs must be sent to Mrs. Megan Petty for approval. All details can be found by clicking this link.
School supply lists are available on the school website. Those who choose may purchase needed materials from Supply Kit, an online ordering company that packages the school supplies for participating school, then delivers them to the school before classes begin, provided they are ordered by the priority date. And a portion of all proceeds will be donated to the school’s PTO.
All students, parents or community members wishing to be part of Cumby FFA should plan to attend the Back to School Bash which begins at 6 p.m. Aug. 25, at The Ag Shop! The event will include burgers and hot dogs, important information pertinent to the 2022-2023 school years. This is open to all students in grades 3-12, their parents and community members interested in the Cumby FA program.. Students in grades 8-12 must be enrolled in an agriculture class to participate in Cumby FFA. Questions may be directed to Mrs. Megan Pruett at [email protected].
Como-Pickton Cheer Squads Earn Bid To Nationals, All American Nominations
Como-Pickton cheer squads earned honors at competition earlier this month, including All American nominations, and bids to nationals. Eagle Mascots also were recognized at the cheer event.
The CPHS Varsity Cheerleaders won an award for most improved squad, received a superior rating on their Band Chant, an excellent rating on their Game Day material, and a Spirit Stick. The squad also earned a bid to Nationals.
All American nominees included Lauren Lewellen, Katie Tifft, Brenna Patrick, Maddie Williams, Maci Glover, Sanay Diaz, Zoe Reed, Bella Romero and Valeria Gonzalez.
Big E also was named an All American Mascot, received a superior rating on the skit, Spirit Stick, and Most Improved Mascot recognition.
CP Junior High Cheerleaders also received a superior rating on their Chant and Band Chant, an excellent rating on their Cheer, A Stunt Award and Spirit Stick. The CPJHS squad too received a bid to Nationals.
All American nominees included Jaylin Gillis, Faith Gilbreath, Aubrei Gaspar, Channing Nation, Anika Fiock, Abby Williams and Brylee Moon, Pin it Forward Award. Ethel the Eagle was also nominated for All American and Ernie the Eagle made All American Mascot.
Sulphur Bluff ISD Begins Class Aug. 8, And, After 2 Weeks Will Have 4 Days of Classes Weekly
Sulphur Bluff ISD will begin classes on Aug. 8 this year, and after 2 weeks will be trying something new — classes will only be held 4 days a week after that. That’s right, students will not report for classes nor will buses run on Fridays after the second week of school.
School officials in the spring held an informational presentation for parents, then in March asked SBISD families to complete an online survey to share their thoughts on the potential for a four-day school week.
Some of the”pros” noted in favor of the four-day school week included:
- Making SBISD more competitive when it comes to teacher recruitment and retention
- Reduction of transportation costs for the district
- Reduction of energy costs for the district
- Increased attendance rates
- Flexibility for doctor and dental appointments for families
- Increased job opportunities for students. (They have a full extra day they can potentially be available for work!)
- Increased time for teacher planning
- More time with family
- Boost teacher morale
Some of the “cons” or potential negatives identified regarding the program included:
- A need for parents of younger students to find and afford additional childcare for younger students on Fridays while parents work.
- Lack of transportation to Friday athletic events
- Longer school days
- Lack of food sources for families in need on Fridays
Ultimately, after all surveys were in and comments from families considered SBISD has opted to go with a four-day school week, expanding the school hours from 7:55 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday. However, students will be required to attend full five-day class weeks for the first
This will give students time to become acclimated to the new semester, then will adjust so they can use Fridays to work from home or whatever is needed. This should save the district some utility, fuel and other funds, and allow students to have three days for other activities, including catching up on school work.
This will still allow graduation to be held May 26, 2023. Student holidays will be Sept. 5, Nov. 21-25, Dec. 21-Jan. 2, Jan. 16 and March 13-17. Teachers will have in-service and work days Aug. 1-5, Aug. 26, Sept. 9, Sept. 23, Oct.7, Oct. 21, Nov. 4, Nov. 18, Nov. 21-22, Dec. 9, Jan. 6. Jan. 20. Feb. 3, Feb. 17, March 3, March 24, April 14, April 28, May 12 and May 26.
The district will use 9-week grading periods, with the first grading period Aug. 8-Oct. 6, the second Oct. 10-Dec. 20, the third Jan. 3-March 25, and the fourth March 20-25. That will give the district 153 school days.
Parents are reminded they will need to fill out the free and reduced -price meals form this year, in order for the district to meet USDA requirements for the program.
Parents can find school supply lists for their students in grades pre-kindergarten through high school on the Sulphur Bluff School Facebook page
Meet the Teacher will be held at SBISD from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 4, 2022, a the school.
Senior Cap and Gown photos are scheduled from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 7. The annual Sulphur Bluff Scholarship Banquet will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 29, in the SBISD Gym.
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Supports ESA’s New Common Names For Three Hornet Species
WASHINGTON – The Entomological Society of America (ESA) announced “northern giant hornet” as the common name for Vespa mandarinia (Asian giant hornet) in their list of “Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms” on July 25. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) supports ESA’s plans to adopt this new common name, as well as new common names for two additional hornet species.
V. mandarinia is the world’s largest hornet. It is native to tropical, subtropical, and temperate mountainous regions in Asia. This invasive pest was first reported in the Vancouver Island area of Canada in August 2019 and has since been detected in the far northwest corner of Washington State. V. mandarinia preys on many types of insects, including honey bees. They also consume carbohydrates such as sap and ripe fruit.
In conjunction with “northern giant hornet,” ESA has adopted “southern giant hornet” as the common name for Vespa soror and “yellow-legged hornet” for Vespa velutina. Neither of these hornets are currently found in the United States. V. soror is a closely related—and similarly large—species to V. mandarinia, and the descriptors “northern” and “southern” refer to the species’ native geographic ranges in Asia.
APHIS will follow the scientific community’s lead in adopting the new common names. In future communications—including its research journals, ID Tools, USDA blog, website, and social media—APHIS will adopt “northern giant hornet” in reference to V. mandarinia, “southern giant hornet” for V. soror, and “yellow-legged hornet” for V. velutina.
To learn more about the northern giant hornet, click here.
To learn more about ESA, click here.
To learn more about USDA, click here.
To learn more about APHIS, click here.
Northeast Texas WDA Unemployment Rates Rose In June 2022, But Remain Lower Than June 2021 Rates
Unemployment in Northeast Texas Workforce Development area rose for the second consecutive month, but the June 2022 unemployment rates were still below June 2021 unemployment rates for all nine counties in the WDA. Franklin and Hopkins continued in June 2022 to have the lowest unemployment rates in NETWDA and both county’s 3.5% unemployment rates are still below the overall state unemployment rate of 4.4% for June 2022, according to the Texas Workforce Commission’s Texas Labor Market and Career Information site (https://texaslmi.com/)
“Texas set a new all-time employment record in June by adding 82,500 jobs, the highest monthly jobs increase this year,” TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel was quoted in a Texas Workforce Commission about the June 2022 unemployment statistics released July 22, 2022.
For the eighth consecutive month, the state set new employment highs as total nonfarm employment reached 13,431,100. Texas added a total of 778,700 positions since June 2021. The seasonally adjusted Texas unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from May 2022. In terms of COVID recovery, employment has expanded by 464,900 jobs above the February 2020 level, according to TWC.
Education and health services gained 27,900 jobs over the month. Leisure and hospitality added 12,700 positions, followed by trade, transportation, and utilities, which grew by 11,400 jobs. The information industry saw the highest percentage job growth of 3.6 percent, notching an additional of 8,100 jobs from May to June 2022. Of the 11 major industries, nine saw growth in June 2022.
“The Texas civilian labor force is more than 14.5 million people – that’s a lot of Texans willing to work in the many career options available in our state,” TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez was quoted in the news release.
Overall, the labor force in Texas grew from by 639,455 to 14,585,252 from May to June of 2022, which is 369,117 more people across the state either employed or actively seeking employment over the last year, according to the TLMI data.
“There are more than 630,000 Texas employers and more than three million small businesses that call the Lone Star state home, and TWC offers them a number of tools and resources that assist them in retaining and increasing the skill set of their current workforce,” TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson was quoted in the TWC release. “In addition, we always encourage our Texas employers to look at other innovative talent pipelines, that can include hiring veterans, people with disabilities, transitioning foster youth, internships, apprenticeships and second chance individuals.”
Across the Northeast Texas WDA, the workforce consisted of 124,804 people either working or looking for jobs in June 2022, up from 124,601 in May 2021, but still slightly less than the 124,869 reported in June 2021, according to the TLMI data.
WDA Lowest Unemployment Rates
Franklin and Hopkins counties were the only counties in the Northeast Texas WDA with a June 2022 unemployment rate below 4%.
Only four more people had joined the Franklin County workforce, increasing the total labor force in Franklin County during June 2022 to 5,174, with 4,991 employed and 183 seeking employment. That’s still 14 fewer in the labor force last month than in June of 2021. Unfortunately, the number of people employed shrunk from 5,170 in May 2022 to 4,991 in June 2022. That left 183 unemployed in June 2022, up from 149 in May 2022, but still only far below 2021, when 250 members of the 5,188 member workforce were unemployed giving Franklin County a June 2021 unemployment rate of 4.8%.
Unemployment in Hopkins County (as well as many other places) typically increases at least slightly during the month of June, as school lets out and more people of working age are available and seeking jobs, and 2022 was no exception.
In fact, since 2000, unemployment in Hopkins County has only declined once during the month of June, dipping from 6.9% in 2020 to 6.5% in June2020, then continuing to decline monthly in July and August of 2020.This largely reflects the impact COVID-19 and mandated shutdowns and restricted occupancy levels at businesses and venues from the latter half of March 2020 through July 2020. In 2020, unemployment rose from 3.1% in January and February, to 4.3% in March, then 7.8% in April, when everything except the most “essential” workers were allowed to be out and about. However, the unemployment rate for April 2020 was still not as high as in Hopkins County as the in 2010 and 2011 — the last time the tanked nation-wide. (Unemployment rose to 8.1% in January 2010 2011, 8% in February 2011 and 7.9% in February 2010, and 8.4% in June and 8.2% in July of 2011.)
As building capacities began to rise in 2020 along with the definition of “essential worker” and discontent of some in wearing face coverings, more and more people each month went back to work, causing the unemployment rate to decline. Unemployment in Hopkins County remain below 5% starting in October, giving 2020 an overall average of 5.1%. 2021 ended with an annual unemployment average of 4.6%.
Unemployment in Hopkins County this year has remained below 4%, peaking at 3.8% in January and February, 31% in March and May, 2.8% in April, and back up to 3.5% in June 2022. That’s an overall 3.35% unemployment rate for the first 6 months of 2022.
The 0.4% rise in unemployment from May to June 2022 in Hopkins County reflects a decrease in the overall labor force, from 18,103 to 17,993. The number of employed declined from 17,545 in May to 17,362 in June 2022, which were both better than in June 2020 when only 16,836 out of a labor force of 16,836 were employed. That left 631 people unemployed in June 20202, compared to 558 unemployed in June 2021 and 884 unemployed in Hopkins County in 2020.
Unemployment Below State and Regional Rates
Delta is the only other county in the Northeast Texas Workforce Development Area to post an unemployment rate below the 4.4% state unemployment average. Delta County’s 4.3% unemployment rate increased by 0.8% from May to June 2022, but was still a full percent less than in June of 2021.
The labor force in Delta County reached 2,461 in May 2022, dipped to 2,455 in June 2022 and was only reported at 2,432 in June 2021. A total of 2,302 in Delta County were reported to be employed in June 2021, leaving 130 jobless. In May 2022, a total of 2,374 were employed leaving only 87 members of the labor force without jobs. Last month, 2,349 Delta County residents were employed, leaving 106 unemployed.
Lamar County’s June 2022 unemployment rate of 4.5% was just below the overall 4.7% unemployment rate for the entire 9 county NETWDA.
In June of 2021, a total of 7,854 Northeast Texans out of the 124,869 labor pool were unemployed. The NETWDA labor pool had declined to 124,601 in May 2022, leaving 5,114 unemployed. The labor pool had risen to 124,804 in June 2022, leaving 5,894 unemployed last month in the Northeast Texas Workforce Development Area.
Lamar County’s labor force has continued to decline over the last year, from 24,474 in June 2021, to 24,114 in May 2022 and 24,110 in June 2022. In June 2021, 1,420 in Lamar County were unemployed, giving the county a 5.8% unemployment rate. In May 2022, only 959 in Lamar County were jobless, dropping the unemployment rate to 4%. Last month, however, 1,083 were seeking employment in Lamar County increasing the unemployment rate to 4.5% for June 2022.
Unemployment Below 5%
Bowie and Titus Counties each had a June 2022 unemployment rate of 4.9% for June 2022.
The labor force in Titus County has continued to rise over the past year, from 13,532 in June 2021 to 13,570 in May 2022 and 13,542 in June 2022. The number of employed in Titus County has fluctuated, from 12,696 in June 2021 to 13,049 in May 2022, then dipped again last month to 12,976. That left 836 unemployed (6.2%) in June 2021, 521 unemployed (3.8%) in May 2022 and 666 unemployed (4.9%) in Titus County in June 2022.
Bowie County’s unemployment rate rose 0.5% from May 2022, when 1,718 were without jobs (4.4%), to 1,955 of the 39,441 labor force unemployed in June 2022. That’s still 1.6% fewer unemployed in June 2022 than the 2,540 who were unemployed in June of 2021.
Unemployment Above 5%
Both Red River and Cass Counties’ unemployment rates came in at 5.3% for June 2022, a 0.7% increase from May 2022 and a 2.3% decrease from June 2021 for Cass County, and a 0.7% increase from May 2021 and a 0.8% increase from June 2021 for Red River County.
In June 2021, a total of 945 of the 12,428 labor force in Cass County were without jobs. By May 2022, only 564 of the 12,217 labor force were without jobs. That number rose a bit in June 20222 with 652 of the 12,244 member labor force without jobs.
Red River County’s labor force has continued to grow over the past year, with 5,295 working or seeking work in June 2021, 5,343 seeking work in May 2022 and 5,375 seeking work in June 2022. The number of unemployed dwindled from 325 in June 2021 to 245 in May 2022 and had only risen to 285 in June 2022.
Morris County’s unemployment rate continued to be the worst reported in June 2022 in the 9-county WDA. While not nearly as bad as the 11.4% unemployment rate posted in June 2021, when 524 of the 4,062 workforce were unemployed, the 7.9% unemployment rate of June 2022 reflected 344 out of 4,370 in Morris County who were unemployed in June 2022. That’s not as good as in May 2022, when Morris County’s unemployment rate dipped to 7.1%, with 313 out of 4,388 jobless.
2022-2023 Back To School Events Planned At SSHS
The Sulphur Springs High School principal’s office today announced several back to school events planned to get SSHS students ready for the 2022-2023 school year. Events begin next week, and classes will begin on Aug. 17, 2022.
First, SSHS administration reminds that all students should be verified in Skyward, making the new school year ready to roll. Any who have not verified and submitted forms for 2022-2023, are asked to please do so as soon as possible. Students will not be able to access their school schedules until this is completed.
Beginning Monday, Aug. 1, SSHS office will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, with the exceptions of Aug. 4-5 and Aug. 8. The school office will be closed Aug. 4, 5 and 8 for training.
SSHS Students Activities
SSHS 2022-2023 back to school activities for students include:
- August 1-3
- 8-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Senior Credit Reviews with Counselors
- August 2
- 6 p.m. Freshman and new student orientation with the counselor in the cafeteria to help these students learn to navigate SSHS this year
- August 9-12
- By Appointment, Senior Portraits
- August 9-11
- 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Senior Parking Space Painting Days for those approved
- August 15
- 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. All Student Laptop Pick up at the library
- August 16
- 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fish Camp for freshmen and new students entering the campus for the first time begins in the cafeteria. Students will tour the campus and locate their classes.
- 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. All student laptop pick up at the library
- 5 p.m. Meet the Teacher at SSHS
- 7 p.m. Meet the Wildcats at Prim Stadium.
- August 17
- First day of school — Classes will be from7:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for all SSISD students in prekindergarten through 12th grade. The tardy bell for the first class of the day will ring at 8 a.m.
Josh Williams has returned to SSHS to serve as principal. He has been serving as an assistant principal, but said his heart is with the students and staff he’s missed desperately. When Derek Driver’s resignation was announced in May, Williams took the opportunity to return to the SSHS campus to once again serve and get to know the students in his role as principal. The move was announced at the end of the spring 2022 semester.
The campus will also have many new staff, new looks and Williams’ office anticipates, lots of new excitement.
The motto at SSHS is that “Everything Counts and Everyone Counts.”
For additional information about any of these topics or other back to school questions, visit the campus page on the district website, or contact SSHS Principal Josh Williams at 903-885-2158.
SSISD Staff/Teacher Activities
Students aren’t the only ones who will begin reporting to campus next week. Teachers and staff will begin meeting regularly in less than 2 weeks too in order to have their classrooms set up, receive the requisite training and get everything ready for the kids for meet the teacher and the start of the new school year.
The schedule for staff and teachers includes:
- Aug. 4-5
- New Teacher Orientation
- Aug. 8-12
- Back to School staff preparation days
- Aug. 15-16
- Back to School staff preparation days
Staff development and work days will be from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with an hour-long lunch break. and 8 a.m.to 4 p.m. with 1 1/2 hour-long lunch, per the SSISD calendar.
