For twenty-nine years, the Reading Recovery program has supported young learners in Spearman. Past and present program teachers recently came together to celebrate the 484 children in Spearman—and 8,017 students across the region—whose lives have been transformed by the gift of reading through Reading Recovery.
Pictured: Verlan Winegarner, Norma Hinojos, Karen Thompson, Kara Harrell, and Kristi Ramon. (Not pictured: Judy Park and Jennifer Nollner)
High school students in the Migrant Education Program (MEP) spent the day exploring the wide range of opportunities available at Amarillo College.
Surprise Assembly Honors Gabriela Ruiz, Gus Birdwell Elementary Teacher, with May 2025 Teachers on the Rise Award
Teachers and students at Gus Birdwell Elementary gathered for a surprise assembly to celebrate one of their own being named a recipient of the May 2025 Teachers on the Rise Award. Faculty, students, and administrators were all in attendance for the special recognition.
Teachers on the Rise is a monthly teacher recognition program that honors outstanding educators across the Amarillo and Lubbock areas. Teachers are nominated by students or parents, and each month, three winners are selected—one from an elementary school, one from a middle school, and one from a high school.
Winning teachers receive a prize package valued at over $300, while the student who submits the winning nomination receives a $50 gift card in appreciation.
Maria Bozarth nominated Gabriela Ruiz:
Dearest Mrs. Baird,
Please nominate…. Mrs. Ruiz for she is caring, understanding, not expecting the best, kind, and all in all just Amazing! Writing to y’all is doing me so much. I just want to talk about her and her awesome lesson(s).
Whenever someone is feeling down or unwell she does EVERYTHING in her power to make them feel better. ANYTIME you ask me who my #1 favorite teacher is, I will always say, Mrs. Ruiz” as fast as possible for SHE makes ME feel all good inside and out. (She is) always complimenting people-either it’s earrings or attitude-she makes EVERYONE feel all better. (DISCLAIMER: she may not make sick people feel better but she will send them to the nurse).
She may seem rude, but when you get to know her she is just Wow! She makes me want to cry from her sweetness, so please nominate Mrs. Ruiz.
Congratulations on this well-deserved award—your hard work, dedication, and excellence truly shine through!
Surprise Assembly Honors Kendall Snead, Spearman Junior High Teacher, with May 2025 Teachers on the Rise Award
Teachers and students at Spearman Junior High gathered for a surprise assembly to celebrate one of their own being named a recipient of the May 2025 Teachers on the Rise Award. Faculty, students, and administrators were all in attendance for the special recognition.
Teachers on the Rise is a monthly teacher recognition program that honors outstanding educators across the Amarillo and Lubbock areas. Teachers are nominated by students or parents, and each month, three winners are selected—one from an elementary school, one from a middle school, and one from a high school.
Winning teachers receive a prize package valued at over $300, while the student who submits the winning nomination receives a $50 gift card in appreciation.
Camryn Beck nominated Kendall Snead:
“I believe Coach Snead goes beyond and more, because she is always trying to be in a good mood and always tries to make us happy and healthy. Even though it is her first year, she still makes us feel good. Whenever I’m about to enter her class, she always says, “How is Camryn doing?” She smiles and even if we do something wrong, she always forgives us. She acts like a mother to all of the 7th grade girls and the 8th graders.”
“Also, I thought I was gonna hate health, but she has made it so MUCH fun. She explained every detail so well, and it made me understand so much better. Also, I had really good grades because of her.”
“I especially remember one time in athletics I wanted to give up, but she said I could do it! I would have never gotten that far in sports without her. She always had an activity planned out, and they were always a fun and new way to learn.”
“I am so thankful I got the opportunity to be in her class! I really do believe that Coach Snead deserves this award. It would the be the best choice that anyone in the world could make.”
Congratulations on a well-deserved award!
Our GBE staff had an amazing time participating in a secret Underground Spirit Week! Keeping it a surprise from the students, the staff displayed their school spirit in a creative way each day. The effort paid off, as it was delightful to see the students' smiles and hear their laughter while they puzzled over the mystery. A big thank you to everyone who participated and made this an unforgettable week!
Click the link below to watch the video:
https://youtube.com/shorts/YAV-6MLDakE?feature=share
The Lynx have spirit the Lynx have drive Says the class of ‘25
Click the link below to watch the Class of 2025 take their final walk through the halls of GBE.
https://youtu.be/3FXen5Cr0SU?feature=shared
🧑🎓: The Senior Scholarship Breakfast will be held tomorrow, 5/13/25, at 8 a.m. in the high school cafeteria.
✏️: The SHS Awards Assembly will follow at 10 a.m. in the auditorium.
🏫: 9th-11th grade students will begin school at 9:45 a.m.
Teacher Appreciation Week is a special time to recognize and celebrate the dedication of our entire staff. We understand that educating a child is a collective effort, and together, we can truly make a difference.
Thanks to the support of Jessica Brown and the Spearman community, our staff enjoyed thoughtful gestures of gratitude throughout the week.
We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to making it a memorable and meaningful celebration.
The Lynx to Learning Academy team was honored at the school board meeting for successfully completing their first year of training. Teaching is a highly valued profession, and SISD is fortunate to have such dedicated educators.
The rivalry gets real.
Powder Puff 2025 is set for Tuesday, May 13th at 12:35 PM. Don’t miss the action!
Each month, the SISD administration shines a spotlight on the dedication of the staff during school board meetings. This month, the spotlight belonged to the outstanding food service team, honored for their exceptional work and daily commitment to our students
Congratulations to Monica Lerma and Shane Schneider for being selected as the Spearman Junior High 8th Grade Students of the Month!
Congratulations to Pedro Robeldo and Johana Davila (not pictured) for being recognized as the Panhandle First Bank Student of the Month.
The SISD Board of Education recognized Gary Ellsworth for being named the 2024 recipient of the Lynx Legacy Distinguished Alumni Award.
Congratulations on a well deserved award!
Happy Mother's Day to all of our Spearman ISD Mothers. May your day be blessed, and you spoiled by your family.
FCS burgers for teachers!
For the final project in Culinary, students were assigned to research a country and select a traditional dish from that culture.
Novali & Piper – Italy – Cannolis
Rachel – China – Tanghulu
Emma – United States – Orange Chicken
Paysley & Blake – Greece – Melomakarona
Maddy & Bella – France – Crêpes
Cameron – Greece – Zucchini Lasagna
The 5th Grade Science Fair was a huge success, showcasing incredible student creativity and curiosity through fun, hands-on projects that wowed everyone
The 5th Grade Science Fair was filled with excitement as students proudly presented their innovative experiments and sparked a love for science in all who attended!
We proudly welcome our newly elected school board members as they take the oath of office and commit to serving our students, families, and community.
Congratulations to Dustin Mackie, Board President; Jay Tracy, Board Vice President; and Scott Sonnenberg, Board Secretary — we look forward to your leadership!
