This Principal Appreciation Month, we’re giving a standing ovation to the one and only Mr. Michael Keough – the fearless leader of our school, master of morning car line, and champion of both high standards and hallway fist bumps.

Mr. Keough leads with wisdom, compassion, and just the right amount of dad-joke energy to keep us all smiling. We’re grateful every day for Mr. Keough’s unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and community.

Join us in thanking Mr. Keough for being the heart of our school, and for reminding us all that leadership can be both strong and kind (with a touch of humor on the side)!
2 days ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
Mr. Keough principal appreciation month image

October is Principals’ Month—a time to honor the dedicated leaders at SCUC who serve as the heart of our schools. Principals are more than administrators; they are mentors, motivators, and visionaries who shape the culture of learning and growth on their campuses. They are multipliers of excellence, change and continuous improvement. Additionally, their leadership fosters safe, inclusive environments where students thrive and teachers feel supported. Principals help build the foundation for academic success and personal development.

The work of a principal often begins before the first bell rings and continues long after the last student leaves. They memorize student names. They attend every athletic event, PTC meeting, every science fair and every concert.
They manage budgets, hire and guide staff, oversee operations, and respond to the needs of students and families—all while maintaining high standards for teaching and learning. Their days can be filled with countless challenges and responsibilities - yet they show up with resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to their school community.

As SCUC celebrates Principals’ Month, let us recognize the incredible impact these leaders have—both seen and unseen. Their dedication shapes futures, strengthens communities, and inspires excellence in every corner of the school. Please take a moment to thank the individuals who lead with heart and purpose, help make our district THE destination district for the SCUC community.

PHOTO - front row, from left to right: Julie Hardy, Cibolo Valley ES; Trina Simmons, Green Valley ES; Steven Piles, Watts ES; Ashley Hawk, Wiederstein ES; and Leana Smoot, Rose Garden ES.
Back row, from left to right: Debra Rebec, DAEP; Michael Gonzales, Clemens HS; Justin Linthicum, Steele HS; Phil Jackson, Wilder Intermediate; Justin Monk, Jordan Intermediate; James Butler, Schlather Intermediate; Allison Miller, Paschal ES; Windi Hughes, Dobie JHS; Stacy McWilliams, Corbett JHS; Mikie Keough, Sippel ES; and Joey Treviño, Allison L. Steele ELC.
Not pictured: Geri Pope, Schertz ES

2 days ago, SCUC Communications
IMG_0719-min
What is art? What makes someone an artist? Our students are finding their inner artist on brush stroke, one watercolor, and one crayon at a time. What beautiful masterpieces! 🎨 #4houses1family #WeAreSCUC
22 days ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
I am an artist poster
students creating self portraits in art class
students creating self portraits in art class
students creating self portraits in art class
students creating self portraits in art class
students creating self portraits in art class
students creating self portraits in art class
teacher with self portrait drawing
students creating self portraits in art class
Bob the Builder who??? These students put their building brains to work in Ms. Aldis' class to build some words with trigraphs. Brilliant brains in the works! #4houses1family #WeAreSCUC
24 days ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
students working on building words
students working on building words
students working on building words
students working on building words
students working on building words
students working on building words
That's a wrap on August at Sippel! From learning new routines to making unforgettable memories and building friendships that will last all year long, our students have started the year strong. We're so proud of all the growth we've already seen and can’t wait to see what September has in store! Let’s keep the momentum going! #4houses1family #WeAreSCUC
about 1 month ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
students learning in class
teacher and daughter for pink day
students learning in PE
students wearing paper crown
students learning in class
students learning in class
students learning in class
student outside on playground
students learning in class
students learning in class

Gifted and Talented Referrals (1st-4th Grade ONLY), Now Being Accepted
If you have a 1st-4th grade student who would benefit from G/T services, please submit a referral by Oct 3rd, 2025.

To submit a referral to test a student for G/T services, go to this link.

Testing FAQs for Parents

about 1 month ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
GT Referral graphic for parents to sign up students
We made it through our first full week of school, and there were some pretty "SPECIAL" things happening around campus! Check out the fun in the computer lab with Mrs. Flores, the art room with Mrs. Stakes, the library with Mrs. Van Gent, and in PE with Coaches Gonzales and Zimmermann. #4houses1family
about 1 month ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
students in computer las
students in art class
students in the library
students in PE
Our halls were filled with so many of our wonderful students and their families today! Our teachers were busy meeting new families so we got some behind the scene photos of these memory making moments. We'll see everyone back in our halls Thursday morning! #WeAreSCUC #4houses1family #MeettheTeacher
about 2 months ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
meet the teacher night for teachers and family in classrooms
meet the teacher night for teachers and family in classrooms
meet the teacher night for teachers and family in classrooms
meet the teacher night for teachers and family in classrooms
meet the teacher night for teachers and family in classrooms
meet the teacher night for teachers and family in classrooms
meet the teacher night for teachers and family in classrooms
meet the teacher night for teachers and family in classrooms
meet the teacher night for teachers and family in classrooms
meet the teacher night for teachers and family in classrooms
Throwback Thursday! We love when our community members visit our campus. Who remembers when the fire department brought their truck to Sippel and we got to see it up close? #ThrowbackThursday #4houses1family #WeAreSCUC
2 months ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
fire department visits students
One of the many things that makes Sippel special is our SPECIALS. From Art to Library, and Music to PE our specials teachers are the best! Take a look at the fun events from last year. We can't wait to see what they have in store for this year! #WeAreSCUC #4houses1family #ThrowbackThursday
3 months ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
lunar new year display
lunar new year display
students with puzzle in the library
student playing Clixo in the library
holiday performance
holiday performance
Throwback Thursday! There's nothing like a field day! Our APEX run was nothing but fun, fun, fun! Such fun memories! #4houses1family #WeAreSCUC #ThrowbackThursday
3 months ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
students winning prizes at the apex run
apex run
Throwback Thursday! Christmas in July! We have the best PTC, oops I mean elves, and they sure did a great job helping our students shop for holiday gifts. #ThrowbackThursday #4houses1family #WeAreSCUC
3 months ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
ptc helping students shop
ptc helping students shop
It's National Selfie Day! Smile for camera and share the pic with us. We sure do miss our students and would love to see their smiling faces 📸
3 months ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
selfie day graphic with flowers hearts and cartoon faces
BBQ and Books! The Harmon’s BBQ summer reading program is back! From now until August 1st, kids who read 6 books will get a kids meal! It’s time to feed your mind, so you can stuff your face! 🍗
3 months ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
harmons bbq summer reading program
harmons bbq summer reading program
Throwback Thursday! SCUCISD is one giant family! The Dobie Choir visited Sippel to sing some holiday songs and we had to take a picture of this fun cross-over. Mrs Morales's (Sippel librarian) daughter is in the Dobie choir with Mr. Clark, and Mr. Clark's daughters are students at Sippel. #WeAreSCUC #4houses1family #ThrowbackThursday
4 months ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
Dobie and Sippel students and teachers
Get the popcorn ready because it's Movie Night! What are you watching tonight? Share those pics with us 🍿 🎥 #4houses1family #WeAreSCUC
4 months ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
movie night graphic with popcorn, film projector, and film canisters
Paws to Read at the Schertz Public Library lets kids practice their reading skills by reading to a dog for 10 minutes. This is a great way to keep reading during the summer too. Check out their website to sign up for a spot. Share some pictures too! Our librarian, Mrs. Morales, would LOVE to see our stallions reading during the summer. 🐾❤️💙💚🖤 #4houses1family #WeAreSCUC
4 months ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
paws to read flier from Schertz public library with information on days and how to sign up
It's National Chocolate Ice Cream Day! It feels like a two scoop kind of day. Share your pictures with us if you are enjoying some ice cream today. 🍨
4 months ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
chocolate ice cream cone
On Memorial Day, we remember and say thank you to the brave people who gave their lives to keep us safe. Let’s be grateful for their courage and kindness. ❤️🤍💙
4 months ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
Memorial Day graphic
We are so proud of our amazing third graders and all the hard work they’ve put into their Wax Museum project! Over the past few weeks in ELAR, our students dove into research—choosing a historical figure, exploring books in the library and resources in class, and bringing their characters to life in the most creative ways. Walking through the museum felt like stepping back in time, with history coming alive right in our hallways! Incredible job, 3rd grade—your dedication and imagination truly shined!
5 months ago, John A. Sippel Elementary School
Student dressed up for third grade wax museum
Student dressed up for third grade wax museum
Student dressed up for third grade wax museum
Student dressed up for third grade wax museum
Student dressed up for third grade wax museum
Student dressed up for third grade wax museum
Student dressed up for third grade wax museum
Student dressed up for third grade wax museum
Student dressed up for third grade wax museum
Student dressed up for third grade wax museum