Wildcat Tales

Vol. 2, Issue 1

After so much disruption to life in the past 18 months, we are now settling into the "new normal". Back to school at Winona ISD has been an exciting time. Groups have already hit the road to compete in various athletic and extra-curricular activities throughout East Texas. Students have taken the NWEA MAP assessment and have just received their PR2 progress reports.

We value each student and are committed to make ensure learning for all. If you need to speak with someone about your student, please email or call the campus office. You may reach the campuses at the numbers below:

• Winona Elementary School - (903) 939-4800
• Winona Middle School - (903) 939-4040
• Winona High School - (903) 939-4100

We are here to serve you. Let us know how we can help you!

The Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) program makes online accounts available to eligible parents of students with disabilities who have been impacted by COVID-19 school closures and remote learning. SSES goods and services are offered to support additional educational progress for students who, because of their complex needs and significant cognitive disabilities, have been among those most greatly impacted by school closures and remote learning. Eligible families can use the online accounts to obtain goods and services up to the dollar value in the account which will supplement and bolster services a child is already receiving in school. Items that the grant may cover include private tutoring, supplemental teaching materials, and technology items like tablets or computers. Families can receive up to $1500 per child.

Where do I apply? Use this web address to apply online: https://sses.tea.texas.gov/

Who qualifies for this grant and what proof of eligibility is needed? To apply for the SSES program families will need to follow the application process outlined at TEA.Texas.gov/SSES. Eligibility is based on primary disability and educational setting for students in Kinder through 2nd grade and STAAR ALT participation for students in 3rd through 12th grades.

When is the application deadline? The SSES program is extended through the 2023-2024 school year after the passing of Senate Bill 1716. The deadline to apply for an SSES account is no longer September 30, 2021. There are SSES accounts still available, we encourage you to apply quickly as this is a first come, first serve grant.

When will I find out if my child has been approved for an account? All applicants will get an immediate email confirmation indicating their application has been received. Families will be notified within 30 days if they have been approved, placed on a waiting list, or do not qualify.

If you need additional assistance, please call Angela Adams, Special Education Director, at 903-939-4880.

Each month we will highlight a team who has gone above and beyond to make Winona THE place to be. The team nominated for this honor for this month is the Instructional Coaches.

Winona ISD is excited to welcome two new Instructional Coaches who have joined us this year. Teaching is an art and a science. Teachers are expected to know the "what" of teaching - the knowledge of the subject area (content). They are also expected to know the "how" - these are the many research based ways to teach students and help them become successful learners (pedagogy). Instructional Coaches are content and pedagogy experts. They have expertise in a specific content area as well as many years of teaching experience. Their job is to provide teachers with support so they can grow as teachers and improve their skills.

Tammy Johnson serves as the K-12 Instructional Coach for Reading Language Arts in the Winona Independent School District. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas A & M University and her Masters in Educational Leadership and Supervision from the University of Houston-Victoria. She brings over 30 years of experience to Winona in which she has served in the roles of classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, adjunct professor, and district content coordinator.

Jennifer Dutton serves as the K-12 Instructional Coach for Mathematics. Before coming to Winona, Jenny had 17 years as a professional educator in both Tyler and Lindale. She has served in various leadership positions including curriculum contact, part-time instructional coach and math department head where she was able to use her skill in data analysis and curriculum design to build both PLC teams as well as successful programs. She has a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UT Tyler as well as completed an additional accelerated graduate program through UT Arlington for her Principalship.

Susan Gronow serves as the K-12 Instructional Coach for Social Studies in Winona Independent School District. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University, and her Masters in Educational Administration from Lamar University. She brings 28 years of educational experience to Winona in which she has served in the roles of classroom teacher, campus instructional coach, district instructional specialist, district content coordinator, and district summer school principal.

Brittney McCarty serves as the K-12 Instructional Coach for science at Winona ISD. She is passionate about inquiry-based instruction that yields itself naturally to the Science discipline, and is excited to support the Science department. Brittney is also a member of the ministry staff at God's Promise Restoration Center, and is a wife to, Brandon, and mother to her four beautiful children. When she has free time, she enjoys fishing, long walks with her family, and traveling.

October 4 - FAFSA Night (4:30-6:30). Come receive assistance with completing your FAFSA, the federal student aid application.

October 8 - CTE Night at the Varsity football game. Each CTE program will have a booth with students present to answer questions. Be sure to drop by and get your free gifts! This is the Pink Out game. Come prepared wearing your pink. A limited number of shirts made by students in Print Shop will be available for a donation.

October 11 - School Holiday

October 12 - Data & Dine is back! Get personalized information about your student's progress, speak with a district or campus leader, schedule and appointment for a conference, AND pick up dinner for your family all in one spot! (High School parking lot; 5:00-6:30 pm).

October 13 - SAT/PSAT School Day. All sophomores will take the PSAT test. This is a national test to help you prepare for college entrance. All juniors and seniors will take the SAT. This test will help students prepare for college entrance. It can also help students earn scholarship funds and increase the schools who are interested in recruiting them. There is NO CHARGE for students to take these tests at school (registering for and taking the tests outside of the district requires payment to College Board).

October 26 - Winona MS Fall Fest/Open House (WMS Cafeteria, 5:00-7:00 pm). Join our Middle School scholars for a fun night to meet teachers, view student work, and eat dinner.

October 28 - CTE Career Academy at Winona Elementary School. CTE programs will be presented for all students at Winona Elementary. Students will learn about future careers and opportunities.

Email: hcarnes@winonaisd.org
Location: 611 Wildcat Drive, Winona, TX, USA
Phone: (903) 939-4141