John A. Sippel Elementary School

Parades, concerts, and most of all, thank-yous, were the focus of campus Veterans Day observances throughout SCUC leading up to the observance on November 11th. Processions were held through the halls of some campuses; students beamed with pride as they walked with parents, grandparents and other family members who currently serve or have served in the United States military. 

Meanwhile, Samuel Clemens High School Air Force and Byron P. Steele High School JROTC cadets led the yearly observance at their respective campuses. Family members, many of them military-connected, watched as school choirs paid tribute to their guests with patriotic songs and expressions of gratitude for their service. 

Veterans Day, first recognized as Armistice Day after World War I, reminds us of the men and women who serve to protect the nation from enemies, foreign and domestic. They trade comfort for duty, endure long deployments, often to volatile locales around the world. These sacrifices are felt by the service members themselves, and by their families at home. 

SCUC is grateful and proud to be a military-connected school district, with approximately 40 percent of its enrollment tied to current or former military veterans. We express our deepest thanks for those who volunteer to serve to keep our nation safe and free. 

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

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.

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