Congratulations to the class of 2022!! 🟣⚫️⚪️🟣⚫️⚪️🟣⚫️⚪️
Spearman ISD Board of Trustees Invites you to a
Retirement Reception Honoring Mrs. Sherry Boyd
Tuesday, May 10th 4-5pm at Gus Birdwell Elementary
Today we recognize our school lunch heroes on National School Lunch Hero Day. Spearman ISD appreciates the hard work each one of these professionals do every day of the week.
Clara Borunda
Maura Briseno
Rosa Cantu
Bernice Flores
Emma Garcia
Merced Juarez
Rebecca Mendoza
Maria Guadalupe Ortiz
Celia Perez
Claudia Vela
Rosie Acosta
Spearman ISD’s 2022 District Teacher of the Year
Melissa Klafka teaches Special Education (SPED) grades Early Childhood (EC)-5th grade. She has been an educator for fifteen years. She and her husband, Dustin, have four children that attend Spearman schools.
Klafka is a graduate of Leveland High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University. She earned her Post Baccalaureate Degree (PBD) from Texas A&M University, Kingsville. “I did not go to college to be a teacher,” stated Klafka. She shared that her desire to be a Special Education teacher was inspired by a friend’s child who had special needs. She started her teaching career in Dalhart, Texas.
“I look back and I was not a very good student. I was the student that could never stop talking!” laughed Klafka.
The Klafka family moved to Spearman last year. “I like the community and the pride that is here. Our children have thrived living here both educationally and emotionally,” stated, Klafka.
“Spearman ISD is not like any other place we have worked. I can go to any administrator or teacher and get help. If I have an idea, I can brainstorm with an administrator, and they listen to me. I accept no for answer well, but I am not afraid to ask,” joked Klafka.
Klafka was nominated by coworkers for the Gus Birdwell Elementary Teacher of the Year award. One of her coworkers stated,” Servant leadership. Culture. Two words used as goals for our school and district. Missy Klafka represents these words in every way. Everywhere you look she is there stepping up and stepping in, all with a smile on her face, love and compassion, and maybe a bit of mischief! Whether it be a duty around the school, a student who isn’t hers but needs assistance (or just a smile!), or one of her students who is having a difficult time adjusting, she isn’t willing to ask someone else to do the job, but takes on the task herself.”
Another coworker shared,” Missy is a huge asset to the GBE campus. The success of not only her students, but all of the students in general is her top priority. She goes above and beyond to help her students and the staff have all the resources they need to be successful. She is respectful and kind, but she will also fight for what needs to be done. Missy is the type of person you want in your corner, and GBE is so lucky to have her!”
Klafka will represent Spearman ISD in August competing for Region 16 Teacher of the Year. Good luck and thank you for being a teacher that loves every student that comes your way!
Spearman ISD Names 2022 Lynx Legacy Distinguished Alumni
Spearman ISD is proud to announce Dr. Maribel Martinez-Mejia as the recipient of the 2022 Lynx Legacy Distinguished Alumni Award. The purpose of the award is to identify, recognize, celebrate, and honor alumni who have distinguished themselves through public service, academic achievement, and professional contributions. The recipient must be a graduate of Spearman High School (SHS) who graduated within a minimum of ten years’ prior
Dr. Maribel Martinez-Mejia is the daughter of Homero and Maria Martinez. Dr. Martinez-Mejia graduated from Spearman High School in 1998. After completing her undergraduate degree in Geosciences/Geophysics at Texas Tech University, she continued to earn a master’s degree in Atmospheric Science from Texas Tech University. She did not stop there and went on to complete her PH.D. in Wind Science and Engineering at Texas Tech University, 2009.
Dr. Martinez-Mejia has over sixteen years of experience in Emergency Management and has coordinated response for numerous incidents, declared disasters, large scale special events, and COVID operations to include hospital/mass fatality coordination, COVID mass testing, and mass vaccination operations. She recently accepted the position as the Emergency Preparedness Manager for the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and is currently serving as the Interim Director for the division.
Dr. Martinez-Mejia is an International Association of Emergency Managers Certified Emergency Manager and has been a remote instructor with the West Texas A&M University Emergency Management Administration Degree Program. She currently is appointed as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisor for the International Association of Emergency Managers Region 6 Executive Board, Emergency Management Association of Texas Board, and the State of Texas Emergency Professional Development Committee. She is also a co-host for The Current of EM Podcast, aiming to address issues facing Emergency Managers today. (Information credit: Nominator for Dr. Maribel Martinez-Mejia).
“There are times when she goes to work and spends four days there with only a few hours of sleep on a cot. She takes her job seriously and does her best in all she does. Maribel orchestrated the largest COVID 19 testing center in Texas. It ran so smoothly people were in awe. When asked about her awards, she said she could not do anything without the wonderful staff and volunteers,” shared nominator for Dr. Martinez-Mejia.
She has been a speaker at multiple events across the United States speaking on a variety of topics regarding Emergency Management. She spoke to the Spearman High School National Honor Society several years ago.
Her hometown will always be Spearman, and she visits frequently. Her parents are residents of Spearman. She has deep rural roots embedded in her.
She and her husband, John, reside in Burleson, Texas.
There will be a reception and recognition ceremony in honor of Dr. Maribel Martinez-Mejia on September 2, 2022 at the homecoming pep rally.
Congratulations, Dr. Maribel Martinez-Mejia on well deserved award! You make Spearman proud!
Culture Day is every Wednesday at SISD. We proudly wear shirts that represent the district's vision for success. Our teachers Commit to Excellence every day! Thank a teacher this week.
Athletic Banquet
Monday, May 9, 2022
6 pm O’Loughlin Center
Spearman High School will be on a modified schedule Tuesday, May 3rd, and Wednesday, May 4th. A copy of the schedule will be sent home with your student today.
We love our SISD Teachers! Let a teacher know how much you appreciate them as we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 2-6.
Picture by Ernie Bowen--Sophomore Braylen Lusby finishing as the REGIONAL CHAMPION in the 800m (2:18.95)
LYNXETTE REGIONAL TRACK RESULTS
Braylen Lusby-REGIONAL CHAMPION and STATE QUALIFIER 800m, Silver Medalist and STATE QUALIFIER 300H
Destinee Perez-4th 3200m, 5th 1600m
Yarely Jacquez-6th Pole Vault
Estefany Tarango-Gold Medal WC Shot Put, WC 100m
STATE TRACK MEET WILL BE HELD MAY 12-14 IN AUSTIN
THE 3A COMPETITION ON THURSDAY, MAY 12TH
Yarely Jacquez finished tied for 5th in the pole vault at Regionals! Great year Yarely!
Ethan Ramos finished 6th in the 1600 m run at Regionals! Personal Record of 4:36!! Great season Ethan!
Destinee Perez finished 5th in the 1600 m run at Regionals! Great season Destinee!!
Brenen Thompson continues to dominate by winning the 200 m dash! Sets new regional record with a 21.00!! Incredible!
Braylen Lusby finished in 2nd the 300 m hurdles at Regionals! Rough start… but a great finish! On to State!
Boys finish 8th in the 4 x 200 m relay at regionals!
Estefany Tarango 1st 100m wheelchair at Regionals! Go Steph!!
Brenen Thompson 1st in the 100 m at regionals! Go Brenen on to State!!
Jeb Garnett is 1st in the 110 meter hurdles! Regional champ on to State!!
Braylen Lusby 1st in the 800 m run at the regional track meet! State bound baby!!
