Student Spotlight: Archie Jones, 12th Grade

This week's Student Spotlight is Archie Jones. Archie's grandmother is Peggy Peters.

Archie is a 12th grader at Hughes Springs High School where he is involved in football, basketball and track.

Archie says his favorite class is Officer Wayne Mosley's Criminal Justice Class. He says he enjoys this class because he is able to learn about the laws of Texas and he wants to be a police officer.

Archie says the educator who has had the most impact on him thus far is Mrs. Stacy Green. He says Mrs. Green is always there when he needs her and always makes sure he has his work done.

Archie says the best thing about being a student in Hughes Springs ISD is being around his friends and being able to give Mrs. Green a hard time!

Archie plans to attend Kilgore College after graduation and to one day become a police officer.

Archie was nominated by Mrs. Deanna Putman. Mrs Putman says, " Archie is a student that you just enjoy having around. He is always smiling and has a very positive attitude. He is liked by his peers and is friendly to everyone. Archie is a positive role model by encouraging other students to do their best. He is polite and respectful to the teachers and staff. Archie's personality helps make a tough day at school easier."

Congratulations Archie! We are so proud to have you as a student at Hughes Springs ISD.

My Christmas Wish by Mrs. Edward's 3rd Graders

Happy Holidays from Mrs. Edwards' 3rd grade class and all of the HSISD Staff and Students!

Blessings In A Backpack Program

We are pleased to announce that we have received part of a grant from the AEP Foundation!!!! The $32,000 grant was awarded to Titus County Cares (TCC) for a community campaign to support its food pantry and school backpack program. The following schools will benefit from the TCC grant:

- Mt. Pleasant ISD
- Chapel Hill ISD
- Winfield ISD
- Mt. Vernon ISD
- Winnsboro ISD
- Hughes Springs ISD
- Daingerfield ISD
- Paul Pewitt ISD

The grant money will be used for TCC’s “Blessings in a Backpack” program which enables qualified students to take a backpack home over the weekend that contains sustainable food items for nutritious meals they may not have received otherwise.

Hughes Springs ISD has been awarded $2,500 of the grant to start a program in our school district. The Hughes Springs High School Student Council is now kicking off the local community campaign to help support the “Blessings in a Backpack” program. Local pledges are needed to help match AEP’s generous donation and help this program thrive in Hughes Springs ISD. All pledges made to the Hughes Springs High School Student Council will stay here in HSISD and benefit our children. The cost of a backpack for one child is $80 per year.

If you are interested in making a pledge to the Hughes Springs ISD “Blessings in a Backpack” program or know a child who might benefit from the program or would like more information please contact:

Katie Denevan, Student Council Sponsor
denevank@hsisd.net
903-639-3841

Or

Deanna Putman, HSISD Communities in Schools Coordinator
putmand@hsisd.net
903-639-3873

Jr. High Choir Concert Video

The Hughes Springs Jr. High School Choir Concert was held on Tuesday, December 8, 2009. The students and Mr. Williams did a great job. For those of you who were unable to attend, here is a sampling of the concert - enjoy!

Here is a video of the Jr. High Choir....

High School Choir Concert Video

The Hughes Springs High School Choir Concert was held on Tuesday, December 8, 2009. The students and Mr. Williams did a great job. For those of you who were unable to attend, here is a sampling of the concert - enjoy!

Here is a video of the HS Choir....

Student Spotlight: Carlos Montalvo

This week's student spotlight is Carlos Montalvo, a 4th grader at Hughes Springs Elementary. Carlos' parents are Mariana Montalvo and Mario Reyes.

Carlos enjoys school and is actively involved in ACE, After-School Centers of Education. His favorite subject is Math. Carlos says he enjoys math because he likes to learn and he knows that it will help him in the future.

Mrs. Courtney Edwards is the teacher that Carlos says has had the most impact on him thus far. He says that Mrs. Edwards loved the way he was always ready to learn when he was in her 3rd grade class.

Carlos says the best thing about being a student at Hughes Springs ISD is that he gets to learn something new every day.

In the future, Carlos says he would like to go to college and become a successful person.

Carlos was nominated by his teachers who say he is "a great kid, smart, responsible, helpful to his classmates and always follows through with what he is supposed to do."

Congratulations Carlos - we have no doubt you will be a successful person and we are so proud to have you as a student at Hughes Springs ISD!

Give Someone A Helping Hand by Jimmy Purdon, 11th grade

Everyone knows that there are less fortunate people and families out there, but have you ever thought how close they may be? Possibly a next door neighbor, someone living across the street, down the road, or other side of town or a neighboring town. The point is, there are families in our small community and neighboring ones that could use a helping hand.

You can help someone in many ways by donating: clothing, food, personal hygiene items, blood, money, and toys. The good news is that no one in Hughes Springs has to travel far to do any of these things. You can give a child the gift of Christmas by donating to any of the toy drives around, including Toys for Tots, which is set up at many locations, or by picking a list from the Angel Tree set up at City Hall and providing the items on that list.

Clothing can be as simple as giving a coat to any of the annual coat drives, or by contacting a local church to see if they distribute clothing to those who need it. Donating food is by far one of the easiest things to do. There are many food drives around during the holiday season including the one here at our high school. If you want to donate food, but may have missed one of the drives, you can always give to a local food bank such as the one at City Hall.

The one way to help that may most directly save someone’s life is donating blood; this can be accomplished at any of the numerous blood drives our school hosts throughout the year.

These aren’t the only ways to help out. You can always contact a shelter; don’t be shy about asking what they need at this time, or if they are seeking volunteers at the time.

These are just a few of the ways you can help out others in your community, and I encourage everyone to find a way that best suits you in helping others. Do not forget that it could be anyone that needs help including, one of your child’s classmates, a coworker, or that person you don’t know but will still appreciate your help.

Student Spotlight: Jasmine Martinez

This week's student spotlight is Jasmine Martinez! Jasmine lives with her sister and brother-in-law, Andrew and Keziah Eckstrom.

Jasmine is a junior at Hughes Springs High School. She enjoys being involved with her school and community as much as her schedule will allow. Jasmine was recently inducted into the National Honors Society which only makes her more determined to keep up the hard work and dedication towards academics. Jasmine is a member of the Varsity Mustang Tennis Team. She also volunteers in the community by assisting Outreach programs at NTCC, as well as time she spends in the ministry.

Jasmine's favorite subject is Anatomy and Physiology. Since she is interested in the medical field, she finds this class challenging but rewarding. The teacher who has most influenced her is Mrs. Martha Giddens. She says she really enjoys the way that Mrs. Giddens' teaches, which is through a hands-on method. She says she likes how Mrs. Giddens brings lifelong experiences into the classroom that she finds fascinating. She also appreciates how Mrs. Giddens encourages her to pursue a medical career.

Jasmine says the best thing about being a student at Hughes Springs ISD is....being a Mustang! She says that HSISD offers a friendly atmosphere and has a great reputation for their academics.

After graduating from high school, Jasmine plans on attending NTCC for her first 2 years of college. After that, she may consider transferring to a larger university or she may stay at NTCC to take advantage of the programs they offer. Jasmine is sure she wants to pursue a medical career, perhaps becoming a Radiologist.

Jasmine was nominated by Mrs. Deanna Putman who says "Jasmine is a model student. She always wants to do her best. She is caring and is always helping out a fellow student in need, whether it is with their homework or just an encouraging word. It is a pleasure to work with Jasmine because of her positive outlook."

Congratulations Jasmine! We are so proud to have you as a student at Hughes Springs ISD!

Academic Excellence Indicator System Reports for HSISD Now Available

Hughes Springs ISD would like to notify you that our Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) reports for 2008-2009 have been posted on our website, www.hsisd.net.

You can obtain a copy of the district report by going to the website, selecting the “Administration” tab and choosing “District AEIS” from the drop down menu.

You can obtain a copy of the campus reports by going to the website, selecting the “Campuses” tab, selecting your campus and choosing “Campus AEIS Report” from the drop down menu.

Printed copies are also available, upon request, from each campus office and the superintendent’s office.

The Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) pulls together a wide range of information on the performance of students in each school and district in Texas every year. The performance indicators included in the AEIS Report are:

· Results of Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS*); by grade, by subject, and by all grades tested;
· Participation in the statewide assessment programs (TAKS/TAKS(Accommodated)/TAKS-M/TAKS-Alt);
· Exit-level TAKS Cumulative Passing Rates;
· Progress of Prior Year TAKS Failers;
· Results of Student Success Initiative;
· Attendance Rates;
· Annual Dropout Rates (grades 7-8, grades 7-12, and grades 9-12);
· Completion Rates (4-year longitudinal);
· College Readiness Indicators;
o Completion of Advanced / Dual Enrollment Courses;
o Completion of the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program;
o Participation and Performance on Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Examinations;
o College-Ready Graduates;
o Texas Success Initiative (TSI) – Higher Education Readiness Component; and
o Participation and Performance on the College Admissions Tests (SAT and ACT).

Performance on each of these indicators is shown disaggregated by ethnicity, sex, special education, low income status, limited English proficient status, and at risk status (district only). The reports also provide extensive information on school and district staff, finances, programs and student demographics.

If you have any questions about the district or campus AEIS reports, you can contact Rick Ogden or Sarah Dildine at the Superintendent’s office at 903-639-3802.

Student Spotlight: Uryia Kemp

This week's student spotlight is Uryia Kemp! Uryia is in the 8th grade and is the daughter of Marticia Chism.

Uryia is a member of the Hughes Springs Jr. High National Honors Society and is a star participant on the Lady Colt volleyball, basketball and track teams. She also actively participates in the youth department at her church.

Uryia's favorite subject is algebra because she is good with numbers and seems to catch on to the concepts quickly. She says the teachers that have had the most impact on her are Mrs. Pam Golden and Mrs. Shelia Ashlock. She says that Mrs. Golden always pushes her to do her best and to try hard every day. Mrs. Ashlock always helps to encourage her and is always there when she needs someone for advice.

Uryia says the best thing about being a student at Hughes Springs ISD is that the teachers are great and all the students are good friends. She says it is a nice environment. In the future, Uryia plans to go to Law School and has the goal of one day being a District Attorney.

Uryia was nominated by Mrs. Kim Stovall who says "Uryia is a model student. She makes good grades and focuses on her education. She is positive, outgoing and is an asset to Hughes Springs Jr. High."

Congratulations Uryia! We are proud to have you as a student at Hughes Springs ISD!!!

Thanksgiving Greeting From Mrs. Bean's 2nd Grade Class

As a teacher at HSISD, there are so many things that I am thankful for. Working for a super school district, having access to so many things that help pique the interest of my students, and teaching a great group of kids are just a few. My class has created a video on things that we are thankful for, and we would like to share it with you. We hope you enjoy our video and have a Happy Thanksgiving.



- Jennifer Bean

Student Spotlight: Brandon Lindsey

This week's student spotlight is Brandon Lindsey. Brandon is in 12th grade and is the son of Betty Davis Pruitt.

Brandon participates in football, band, track and power lifting; he has been a part of Hughes Springs Athletics for six years. He is also active in his church, Hughes Springs Missionary Baptist Church.

Brandon's favorite subject is English because he seems to get lucky and do good in the class (his words, not mine)! Brandon says that Coach Edwards is the teacher who has had the biggest impact on him. He said that he appreciates how Coach Edwards always made sure he had a way home after every practice and how he taught him that no matter how far a goal may seem, you should never give up.

Brandon says the best thing about being a student at Hughes Springs ISD is how nice all of the teachers are to him. He says now matter how much he may mess up, his teachers always help him get back up and try again.

After graduation, Brandon hopes to attend UTI and major in automotive technology.

Brandon was nominated by Ms. McGregor who says this "Brandon truly has the spirit of a Mustang - works hard, is always positive and gives 110%. A great student! One whose presence in the student body will certainly be missed come May."

Brandon, we are proud to have you as a student at Hughes Springs ISD!!!

What Is An American? by Guest Blogger, Jade Connor, 11th grade

What do people mean when they say, “As American as apple pie”? Well, considering apple pie is Dutch, that statement makes absolutely no sense; or, maybe, that’s the point…

“Being American” doesn’t really have to mean “being American.” It means accepting other nationalities, and being honored that so many people of varying ethnicities and cultures want to live in America. It’s also about being grateful for all the opportunities, privileges, and rights we have, which many other countries aren’t able to enjoy.

Being American is also about defending our flag, and standing up for what we believe in. On September 11, 2001, the twin towers collapsed when an airplane flown by terrorists hit them. Americans became outraged and our nation’s pride rose to new heights… it’s sad to think that it took thousands of men and women dying to make Americans stand up for themselves and to be proud of our country. Should we not always be proud to be an American?

On November 5, 2009, an army major who was serving as a psychiatrist at Fort Hood shot and killed 13 people and wounded 30 others. Some news reports are calling this “an accident” or simply “friendly fire”. What is so “friendly” about an army major killing the very ones he should have been healing?

This Wednesday, November 11th , is Veteran’s Day. Let’s honor those who’ve fought for our country. Don’t let those lives lost have been lost in vain. Our country is one of opportunity and freedom. We should be proud to be Americans, and no one will ever be able to take that dignity away…and I hope when you sing the National Anthem and hear the words “...the land of the free, and the home of the brave,” your heart swells with honor and glory for those words are true, and we are Americans…

Student Spotlight: Charli Clark

This week's Student Spotlight is Charli Clark. Charli is in the 6th grade and is the daughter of Misty Clark.

Charli is involved in Band, Advanced Math and Keyboarding at HSJH and enjoys those activities. Her favorite subject is Social Studies because she enjoys the fact that it allows her to go back in time and it is really fun! Her favorite teacher is Ms. Ashlock because she tells the students stories, plays games with them and helps them to get to know Social Studies better.

Charli says that the best thing about being at student at Hughes Springs Jr. High is that she gets to have fun and learn at the same time. In the future, Charli plans on attending college and becoming an LVN nurse.

Charli was nomitated by Ms. Stovall. Ms. Stovall says "Charli is always smiling and LOVES school! She has a lot of friends and always has a positive attitude."

Congratulations Charli - We are proud to have you as one of our students!

Cass County Livestock Show - HSISD Results

Congrats to all HSISD students who competed in the Cass County Livestock Show - we are proud of you!

RABBITS (out of 60 pens)
Grand Champion Rabbit- Jarod Short
Reserve Grand Champion Rabbit- Jasper Qualls
5th place Rabbit- Valerie Barnard
11th place Rabbit- Makayla Mashaw
13th place- Riley Wertz
14th place- Jessica Modisette
15th place- ALisha Fields
16th place- Blakely Martin
17th place- McKenzie Burch
18th place- Catie Wertz
19th place- Nathan Smith

CHICKENS (out of 18 pens)
3rd place- Ashley Sumners
6th place- Hailey Davidson
8th place- Amber Smoak
10th place- Brittany Smith

GOATS ( out of 34 goats)
10th place- Chelsea Hall
15th place- Jennifer Morgan

HOGS (out of 20 hogs)
Grand Champion Hog- Dustin Campbell
9th place- Corky Westmoreland
10th place- Dylan Dunn
14th place- Shyne Bright
17th place- Nick McGuire
19th place- Joseph Fitzgerald

HSISD Suspicious Person Alert

* HSISD would like to clarify the following: We were informed around 8:15 am on 11/4/2009 that a suspicious person was seen around the school on the afternoon of 11/2/2009. We took immediate action at that time by posting the suspicious person alert; we did not wait 2 days to issue the alert.


Update: Suspicious Person Alert

HSISD and Hughes Springs City Police have identified the individual who was reported as a suspicious person on 11/2/2009. They have visited with the person and do not believe he poses a threat to HSISD students.

However, please remind your children that if they ever notice any suspicious person to report them to an adult immediately.

You can call 911 or Hughes Springs Police Department at 903-639-2621. I may be reached at 903-960-4168 or email at mosleyw@hsisd.net.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Wayne Mosley
HSISD Chief of Police

Seniors For The Stangs

Hughes Springs ISD is pleased to announce the beginning of the “Seniors for the Stangs” Lunch Group. The lunch group is open to all Hughes Springs ISD residents who are 65 or older (or other retired persons).

The lunch group will meet the 3rd Thursday of each month from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. Lunch will be provided, free of charge, and there will be a short program.

The lunch group is a way for Senior Citizens to have social interactions within the community, as well as be involved in the school and its’ events.

Please RSVP to Nita Clark at 903-639-3802 if you plan to attend the November 19th meeting.

2009-2010 Meeting Dates
November 19, 2009
December 17, 2009
January 21, 2010
February 18, 2010
March 25, 2010 (meeting 4th Thursday because of Spring Break)
April 15, 2010
May 20, 2010

* All meetings will be held in the Hughes Springs High School Library

Please pass this information along to anyone who may be interested in joining the "Seniors For The Stangs" Lunch Group.

Upcoming Special Events

Veteran's Day Program - We will honor all retired / active military servicemen and women on Wednesday, November 11th at 11:30 am in the High School Gymnasium. All parents and community members are invited and encouraged to attend!

Open House / Report Card Pick Up - We will have our Fall Open House / Report Card pick up on Thursday, November 19th from 5:30 - 7:00 on each campus. Please make plans to attend and visit with your child's teachers about their academic progress. Free hot dogs, chips and drinks will be served in the cafeteria. We hope to see all HSISD parents there!

Lights On Afterschool by Guest Blogger, Casey Morgan

Lights on Afterschool was a hit!

Lights on Afterschool is an event that is celebrated by afterschool programs nationwide on October 22.

At Lights on Afterschool, we celebrated by inviting parents, community members, and administration to see what our Afterschool Program is doing. The parents and students enjoyed making Halloween crafts together as well as viewing the student’s crafts and projects that were displayed. In all, we had about 200 people at our event, which is awesome!

Our guests included Dollar Dog from Northeast Texas Credit Union and our very own Marty the Mustang Mascot.

Subway platters were provided by: Greg’s Miracle Mart and First National Bank of Hughes Springs


A BIG THANK YOU for everyone who came and supported this great program!!

A little bit about ACE:

ACE provides extended learning opportunities for children and their families and offers innovative, hands-on activities that reinforce and complement students’ regular academic programs. These before and afterschool activities are based on research and best practices and include academic enrichment, challenging curriculum, and tutorial services. Our ACE, Afterschool Center on Education, helps keep kids safe, inspires them to learn, and helps with working families.

Red Ribbon Week, Oct 26th-30th by Guest Blogger, Kim Stovall

The Story Behind the Symbol & Red Ribbon Week

Enrique "Kiki" Camarena grew up in a dirt-floored house with hopes and dreams of making a difference.

Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer. When he decided to join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out it. "I can't not do this," he told her. "I'm only one person, but I want to make a difference."

The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover in Mexico investigating a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government. On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37-year-old Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five men appeared at the agent's side and shoved him in a car. One month later, Camarena's body was found in a shallow grave. He had been tortured to death.

Within weeks of his death in March of 1985, Camarena's Congressman, Duncan Hunter, and high school friend Henry Lozano, launched Camarena Clubs in Imperial Valley, California, Camarena's home. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices made by Camarena and others on behalf of all Americans. These coalitions began to wear red badges of satin, red ribbons, as a symbol Camarena's memory. The Red Ribbon Week campaign emerged from the efforts of these clubs and coalitions.

Today, Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated, helping to preserve Special Agent Camarena's memory and further the cause for which he gave his life. The Red Ribbon Campaign also became a symbol of support for the DEA's efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and education programs. By wearing a red ribbon during the last week in October, Americans demonstrate their ardent opposition to drugs. They pay homage not only to Special Agent Camarena, but to all men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of our nation's struggle against drug trafficking and abuse.

HSISD Red Ribbon Week Events

Monday, October 26 – “Turn Your Back on Drugs” – Wear your clothes backwards

Student Assemby "The Making of A Champion" by Commandos USA http://www.commandosusa.com/

Tuesday, October 27 – “Don’t Let Drugs Get In Your Way – or, You Will Have A Crazy Hair Day” - Wear hair “CRAZY”

Wednesday, October 28 – “Put a Cap On Drugs” – Wear CRAZY caps or hats.

Thursday, October 29 – “Team Up Against Drugs and Show your Spirit” – Wear RED and BLACK

Friday, October 30 – “Dream It, Believe It, Achieve It….Drug Free!” Wear College t-shirts or sweatshirts.

Weather Plans / School Cancellations & Closures

A huge thank you to all the parents, grandparents, aunt and uncles who came yesterday to pick up your students when school was canceled at 1:30 pm, we truly appreciate you. As a superintendent, you have to make what you think is the best call based on the limited information you have at that given time. Based on the information we were receiving about road closures and the possibility of more rainfall, I thought it best to get our students home while we could safely do so.

I also want to take this time to update everyone on how we disseminate information about school closures/cancellations, so in the future, you know where to turn for information.

1. School2Phone: We will send out emails, phone calls and text messages to everyone who is signed up with our School2Phone system. In the event this system fails, as it did so last night, we have a variety of other outlets we use to get information out to the public, so please be sure to check those.

2. Our School Website: www.hsisd.net is constantly updated with the latest information, if you have access to the internet, always check it.

3. Our District & City Marquees

4. Media Outlets: KSLA - Channel 12, KTBS – Channel 3, KTAL – Channel 6, KLTV – Channel 7 and Radio Stations KYKX-FM, KIMP-AM, STAR 96.9 and KALK-FM.

We also depend on you to contact your friends and relatives to make sure everyone has the information they need.

Again, thank you for responding so quickly yesterday and I apologize for any inconvenience it may have caused

A True Mustang by Guest Blogger, Alanah Sloan, 11th Grade

A TRUE MUSTANG…

...can’t wait for Fridays, not because it’s almost the weekend but because they can’t wait to watch their football team play .

...has at least lost their voice once in their life because they screamed so much for their team.

...will be sitting there in the stands supporting the guys even when it’s pouring rain outside.

...does not leave the game early just so they can beat the crowd.

...not only supports their football team but also their cheerleaders, Shining Starz, Flags, Majorettes, and band.

...strives to be the best they can be in everything they do.

...doesn’t know the word “can’t”.

...isn’t afraid to paint their face and go a little crazy!

...knows their school song by heart and sings it with pride.

...supports and loves our team even when we lose.


No matter where they go or what they do, a true Mustang will ALWAYS be a Mustang at heart.

What Is A Mustang By Guest Blogger, Blaine Lewis, 11th grade

What is a Mustang? Who are the Mustangs? What does it take to be a Mustang? All of these are questions you may be asking yourself, but you would only be asking these questions if you were not from around here. By living here, you know without a shadow of a doubt who and what the Mustangs are. You know what it takes to be a Mustang and what kind of dedication you have to put forth. A mustang is a free-roaming feral horse that was brought to the Americas by the Spanish. They are wild, untamed, and can be very unpredictable; kind of like the Hughes Springs Mustangs.

When we're down in the fourth quarter 14 to 7 with 2 minutes left on the opponent's 30 yard line, all I can say is you better not be getting ready to celebrate because we're coming for you! I know what you're thinking... he's telling me all of this stuff about the mustangs but where are they and who are they? We are THE Mustangs and we live in the great town of Hughes Springs, Texas. To be a Mustang you cannot just live in Hughes Springs and go to Hughes Springs High School but you have to have the heart of a Mustang. You must be willing to give it your all whether you can win the game or not! You must be able to give your very best until you have nothing left and every second of the game has been played. That is the great thing about being considered a Mustang.

You know that no matter what, our players will give it their all until the very end - no matter what! I know that if our girls are winning 75 to 55 they are not going to start slacking and let the other team gain some ground. I know that that if our boys are on the baseball field and they have been playing in a tournament all weekend, and they're in the championship game, they're not going to take it easy because they're tired! I also know that if I hear someone talk about a fellow Mustang, then I can guarantee that it will be a compliment about that person because we do not accept poor judgments by our fellow Mustangs. We do not accept being second place, we do not accept being second best, and most importantly we do not accept anything less than a VICTORY! WE ARE THE YOUNG THUNDERING HERD!!!!!

College Week by Guest Blogger, Heather McGregor

This next week, in addition to our Homecoming festivities, our elementary and high school campuses are hosting College Week! This is a time when we encourage all of our students to begin thinking about what they will do after high school. We believe that all students should do something to further education after high school. Difficult economic times like these remind us of the importance of further education.

We talk to students about options in military training, vocational programs, community colleges and 4-year colleges and universities. At the high school level, we also talk about financial aid and scholarship opportunities. We do all of this because earning more education after high school gives kids the best chance for earning potential.

There are many activities being held on each campus to help students begin thinking about their future possibilities! This week would be a great time for you to join us in helping your child start planning for the future.

Please take a moment to talk to your child about what his/her plans are for after high school. Students who have a plan for the future have more success in school and (of course) after high school graduation. If they ask questions and you don’t know the answer, don’t worry (college planning has changed a lot!) just contact your school’s counselor; they will get the answer for you! Just having a conversation with your child helps him/her know that you believe the future is important, and that goes a long way!


Elementary Counselor: Ken Miller, millerk@hsisd.net

Jr. High Social Worker: Kim Stovall, stovallk@hsisd.net

High School Counselor: Heather McGregor, mcgregorh@hsisd.net

College Week Event Calendar for HSHS and other college planning tools are available on the HS Counselor’s website.

Go to: www.hsisd.net; Click on Campuses, High School, Counselor
* Hughes Springs Jr. High will host their college week next Spring.

HSISD Website Survey by Guest Blogger, Sarah Dildine

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate in the HSISD Website Survey that was posted on the home page, your input is greatly appreciated. I was really happy to see some of the suggestions everyone had for making the website better and would like to take this opportunity to address some of those suggestions:

1. Printable Events Calendar: This is a feature that NetStart, the website provider we use, is working on and it should be available sometime in the near future.

2. Paying For School Lunches Online: This is something we have explored in the past, but at the time, did not like any of the options available to us. However, we had quite a few requests for this, so we will continue to explore the products available and consider adding this feature to our district in the near future.

3. Pictures, pictures and more pictures: Okay, so I know you all love seeing the pictures on the home page – thanks for all the compliments! I had several suggestions regarding pictures: someone suggested posting pictures from the past, someone else suggested more junior high pictures and another person suggested putting an upload page so that community members could upload/share pictures they took at HSISD events. All great ideas! However, being that we are a school district, we have laws that limit what we can and cannot post. We have to have permission to post students’ pictures. I have to be sure that I do not post a picture of a student whose parent does not want it posted. Due to this, we cannot have a community picture page. This also limits our ability to post pictures from the past. Lastly, I am trying to do a better job of posting elementary and junior high pictures. A big THANK YOU to all the junior high parents who have sent me pictures and allowed me to post their pictures on the website – I really appreciate it!

If you have pictures from an HSISD event that you would like me to consider posting, feel free to email them to me dildines@hsisd.net. Remember, I cannot post every picture, but I will certainly take a look and post what I can.

Again, thanks for your input and feel free to contact me at anytime with suggestions on how we can make www.hsisd.net even better!

Stangs for the Cure Rescheduled, by Guest Blogger Katie Denevan

Good afternoon! As many of you have heard, New Boston had to cancel the football game for this Friday night because of their district closure…which was also the “Stangs for the Cure” game. We have rescheduled the “Stangs for the Cure” game to now be October 30th. This time extension should make it even bigger and better than planned!!!

I am extending the shirt sales through next Friday (October 9th) and the flag sales through October 28th. Again, shirts are $10 and flags are $5 each. It is VERY difficult to find pink t-shirt in October (go figure), so I don’t know what shade of pink will be available…we will just get them as dark as we can. Next year we plan to purchase the t-shirts early enough to get the color we want! You learn from experience!

Thanks again for all of your support!!!

Battle for the Cure by Guest Blogger, Katie Denevan

For the past 25 years, the month of October has been a time for special focus on awareness, education, and cures for breast cancer. Last year, the HS Student Council took on a project that is now known as “Stangs for the Cure”. Our goal was to start small, selling a few T-shirts, and raise a little money to send to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for this cause. We chose a home football game during October to gear our focus, not only to football, but to a bigger issue. Many of the participants in the game supported the cause by wearing their shirts as they performed, the cheerleaders made a special pink run-through sign, the Starz danced with pink pom-poms, and the football players even showed their support by wearing pink sweatbands. Instead of the home side being flooded with red and black, it was flooded with pink!

The response by our wonderful community was AMAZING! It is not uncommon to run into someone from Hughes Springs, or one of our surrounding communities, wearing a “Stangs for the Cure” shirt. From T- shirt sales alone we were able to donate $2,500 last year.

This year we are not only selling T-shirts, but we are also taking donations for honorary/memorial flags that will line Mustang Drive on the night of the game…October 2nd.

Let’s make this year even “pinker” than last year! Please come out and support, not only the MIGHTY MUSTANGS on October 2nd, but wear your pink and support “Stangs for the Cure”!

Good Is The Enemy Of Great

In the spring of 2009, the HSISD administrative team and Board of Trustees began a book study on Jim Collin’s Good to Great upon the urging of Harvey Hohenberger, Region 8 Director. While many of us were skeptical at first, we decided to carry on, even if we learned only one thing from the book it would be worth the effort, right? After lengthy and sometimes heated discussions, we found ourselves immersed in frank and honest conversations about HSISD, about what we are and what we want to become.

We found out that we are a good district, and on some days, we do great things. However, we decided we were not “great” everyday and in everything. We decided that we did not want to become complacent and satisfied with the status quo ~ after all, “Good is the enemy of Great”. And we want to be a GREAT district.

We have decided to embark on the journey towards greatness. We know it is going to be a long road and it is not going to be easy, but we believe our community and most importantly, our students, deserve a GREAT district.

In September of 2009, we held a series of parent/community meetings. The purpose of the meetings was to invite parents and the community to join us in our journey and to draft a set of belief statements for HSISD. We have composed five statements, that we believe sum up HSISD and what we want for our district; the belief statements that will be proposed to the School Board in October are listed below.

At Hughes Springs ISD we believe….

….in challenging students to be life-long learners

….parents and staff lead by example and should continue to learn

….all students are unique and deserve the opportunity to achieve their potential

….staff, parents, students and community members are responsible for the learning and success of each student

….parental and community involvement are vital to student success

Blogs, Wikis and iPods - OH MY!?!?!

Digital Natives, Generation-D (digital), Nintendo Kids, the MTV generation, whatever term you chose to describe them, today's youth has grown up with an unprecedented access to and appetite for technology. Since 1970, when Pong (the revolutionary video arcade game, which I spent many hours playing as a teenager) was introduced, children have consumed a steady diet of digital games, music videos, and the world wide web.

More recently, they have enthusiastically embraced technologies that are on the leading edge of the technology wave including live chats, instant messaging, iPods, blogs, and more. While these terms might be the common language of “Digital Natives”, they are a foreign language to the "Digital Immigrants", like myself, who struggle to understand and master these new technologies.

Over the past 18 months or so, Hughes Springs ISD has jumped head first into the world of these “Digital Natives”. We have invested a lot of time, money and energy into creating 21st Century classrooms for our students. We have 2nd graders creating a class blog, junior high students using iPods to help them in math and high school students completing web quest. And now, I am blogging.

If we expect our students to be 21st Century Learners, and our teachers to be 21st Century teachers, then as superintendent, I must make that leap too.

This is the first post in what I hope is a continuing dialogue between Hughes Springs ISD and our educational community. It is my wish to maintain a site that keeps you informed about the issues that affect the school and community, and, at times, the world around us. I hope you enjoy the posts and look forward to hearing from you.