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Thursday, September 11, 2014
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Ladies continue tough volleyball slate
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Paws for effect
Volume 51, Number 21
Page 1B
Page 13A
SISD deals with student death
$1 Springtown, Texas 76082
Lighting of the Letters
By Natalie Gentry ing department,” he said. “The somBarely a week and a half into the ber tone led to the overall decision of school year, Springtown High School squashing any rumors that might be has faced the challenging task of dis- generated on social media sites. “More importantly, keeping the cussing coping with the Sept. 3 death family in our thoughts and prayers is of freshman John Tafoya, age 15. “We activated the Crisis Team imme- essentially part of the healing process diately after confirming the tragic news,” this class must go through.” Counselors at said Springtown both SHS and the ISD Superintendent middle school were Mike Kelley. then made avail“Recognizing the able to students and importance of sharstaff. ing facts rather than “I believe most allowing rumors if not all of our to circulate, SHS counselors have re- The tradition continued as the annual Lighting of the Letters ceremony capped the Homecoming paPrincipal Scott Photo by Natalie Gentry ceived ‘Trauma and rade Sept. 8. TWO PAGES OF PARADE PHOTOS, 8-9A! McPherson asLoss’ training, and sembled the freshwe understand our Mike Kelly man class in the role in the grieving SISD Superintendent auditorium shortly process,” Kelley after lunch,” Kelsaid. “Some stuley said. McPherson explained that the meet- dents will progress through this more ing allowed a discussion about the loss quickly than others, and our staff will and acted as a way to let the students provide assistance for as long as necknow there are people they can speak essary. “This loss has been difficult for with as they cope with the loss. By Natalie Gentry “Classroom walk-throughs are a part sponsibility to prepare our kids with “The freshman class met as a group many of us, and our thoughts and of my daily routine, and it is amazing the skills needed to be an asset in our It’s a new school year and the stuwith the administration and counsel- prayers go out to the Tafoya family.” dents at Springtown High School how the teachers have opened their society. “Technology that is to be used in the classrooms to this strategy and welcome (SHS) have a new principal. classroom should be an extension to For Scott McPherson, accepting the me in their rooms,” he continued. Another area McPherson has been the state’s curriculum and will not be position was a homecoming of sorts. Prior to serving as principal at Forte encouraging is the use of technology expected to replace the guidelines we follow.” Middle School in Azle, McPherson in the classrooms. McPherson comes to SHS just as “Teachers have accepted the chalwas the Porcupine baseball coach. So, as principal he wants to con- lenge to utilize technology more as major changes are taking place in Texa tool within their classroom, rather as education as a result of the passing tinue the tradition of exof House Bill 5 (HB5) cellence already estabby the legislature. lished. “While HB5 will im“When the students pact a number of areas walk through the doors in the Texas Education of SHS each morning, Code, the new law will they know they are cared By Natalie Gentry of the Gator’s death was heat exhaussignificantly change the for, they will be chalAnimal control officers with the tion. requirements for high lenged academically, When the investigator on the case Parker County Sheriff’s Office reschool graduation, gradceived a call Sept. 2 about a small spoke with Gator’s two owners – At- and they realize the exuation planning and state pectations for excellence black and white dog chained to a tavia Dean Cross, 53, and her daughtesting requirements at are representative in all ter Kearsten Ann Henager, 22, both pole. all levels,” McPherson areas,” McPherson said. of Springtown – the women indicated The animal was without adequate explained. “Not only are the stuthey left their home at about 8 a.m. to water or shade. “The bill is designed dents being challenged, According to the probable cause take Henager’s child to a doctor’s apto instill more flexibility but I feel we have chalpointment. affidavit, no one answered the door in public education by Cross said that she had left water in lenged the teachers to when deputies knocked. enabling students to eiThe dog – later identified as Gator the mop bucket within Gator’s reach. raise their level of teachther pursue a traditional ing within the classroom She also stated that they should have – came out of his “Dogloo” but colpath into colleges and to a new height.” probably given him a larger container lapsed once he reached the full length universities or move diHe is a hands-on adof water, because the dog tended to of his chain. rectly into the workforce ministrator and makes Although a bowl sat near the dog, spill his water. to help fill what business it a point to be visible Both Cross and Henager said they it was empty as was the mop bucket. leaders say is a critical When the deputy checked on Ga- ran errands and paid bills after the ap- within the school. skills shortage.” “As a principal, I feel tor’s access to the bucket, she found pointment then picked up their spousHe added, “The stugetting into the classthe chain approximately three feet too es. dents of SHS are now rooms is a vital compoThe family then returned home at short to reach it. given opportunities to nent of a school adminThe deputy stated that the ground about 4 p.m. choose the path that best According to the affidavit, Cross istrator, and seeing great around the bowl was completely dry. suits them for the future. teachers and great stutold the investigator, “I didn’t think.” The officer put Gator in the air-conSHS Principal Scott McPherson looks forward to the No longer does the state dents completing great Both women stated that they should ditioned truck and headed toward the challenges, changes, and achievements that are sure utilize a cookie cutter Millsap Vet Clinic; however the dog have checked on him at some point tasks, is the sole reason to come with the role. Photo by Mark K. Campbell belief limiting students I accepted this job,” He during the day. died en route. in their choices. With the The women were arrested on Fri- said. “Springtown has had According to the affidavit, the vet examined the dog and found his tem- day, Sept. 5, and charged with cruelty a tradition of excellence for many years, than a luxury merely used by the stu- governor’s approval, Texas students to non-livestock animals – torture, a and I do not want to falter in this area, dents,” he said. “As we trudge forward now need to pass five end-of-course perature to be 110 degrees. into the 21st century, I feel it is our re- PLEASE SEE MCPHERSON, PAGE 2A. but rather strengthen it in all aspects.” He reportedly concluded the cause state jail felony.
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Tafoya family.
Leading in a time of change McPherson takes high school reins
Springtown women arrested for cruelty when heat kills dog
Homecoming Court The 2014 Springtown High School football Homecoming court: (l-r) junior representative, Jill Ray; sophomore representative, Taylor Ervin; senior Queen nominees – Lauren Brouhard, Kalie Wells, Nikki Sorrels, Rani Armstrong, Katie Sugg, Kendyl Dean, Sydney Johnson, Makenna Pruitt; and freshman representative, Kassidy Sugg. Photo by Natalie Gentry
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