Whitley Mobile Dental Clinic Rolling into Town

The Whitley Mobile Dental Clinic is scheduled to be in Skidmore September 11-14. For those of you new to the district, they park their RV on the road that goes east and west just north of the main elementary and high school campus.

They offer complete dental treatment to our staff, community, and our students with parent permission. They accept most dental insurance, Medicaid, CHIP and private pay. We will be sending parent permission forms home with all of our elementary students and permission forms will be in the High School and Junior High offices for our older students. -- Submitted by Barbara Seger, District Nurse, S-T ISD

Get on the Game Bus!

S-T ISD will once again provide its popular gas-saving community bus service to out-of-town varsity football games. Those wishing to reserve a seat on the bus must sign up early and pay a $2 fee at the S-T ISD administrative office. Riders are asked to arrive at the S-T ISD Events center parking area no later than 5:15 Friday for a 5:30 p.m. departure time. Go Bobcats!

65 and Older Get in Free

Bobcat fans age 65 and older qualify for the Senior Citizen Gold Card. Fans who present the card at the gate will be allowed into games free of charge. To apply for yours, stop by the Administration building during regular office hours. A driver's license is required to show proof of age.

School Board Approves State-Mandated Adjustments to Election Cycle

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Skidmore-Tynan ISD was held September 10, 2007, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the S-T ISD Event Center Board Room.

In the Superintendent's Report, Dr. Brett Belmarez congratulated FFA Sponsor Domingo Garcia and Skidmore-Tynan's own FFA District President Trevor Dragon for successfully hosting the FFA Gateway Leadership Conference at the S-T ISD Events Center. Dr. Belmarez also reported that the High School and Junior High campuses qualified to apply for a special Texas Educators Excellence (TEEG) Grant for the 2008/09 school year.

Action items on the agenda included:
• Consideration and Possible Approval of a Resolution Adjusting Trustees Terms and Changing the Trustee Election Schedule. Trustee terms were adjusted to a 2 year election cycle with Trustees Rick Olivares, Ysrael Salinas, and Ken Haggard terms expiring in 2008 and Daniel Gonzales, Cipriano Guerra, Esequiel Ortiz, and Keith Petrus terms expiring in 2010.
• Consideration and Possible Approval of a Resolution Designating the Bee County Tax Assessor-Collector as the Skidmore-Tynan Independent School District Tax Assessor-Collector During the Negotiating Phase of the Tax Collection Contract. This item was approved.
• Consideration and Possible Approval of a Resolution for Skidmore-Tynan Independent School District to Provide for the Ad Valorem Taxation of Goods in Transit Pursuant to the Texas Constitution and Texas Property Tax Code 11.253. This Item was approved.
• Consideration and Possible Action to Re-Affirm the Local Optional (20% or $5,000; whichever is greater) Homestead Exemption and the Early Tax Payment Discounts of 3% in October, 2% in November, and 1% in December. This item was approved.
• Consideration and Possible Approval of Contract for Football Stadium Restroom Expansion and Renovations. This item was postponed indefinitely by administrative recommendation due to misinterpretation of the project specifications by the bidding contractors.
• Consideration and Possible Approval of a Resolution for the Extracurricular Status of the Bee County 4-H Organization. This item was approved.
• Discussion and Possible Action to amend Board Policy BDD local, to appoint the Board's designee to seek legal advice or information from the district's legal counsel as allowed per legal firm's contract. (Mr. Salinas). This item was approved by a 5-1 vote with Trustee Keith Petrus dissenting.
• Consideration and Possible Approval of Construction Delivery Method(s) for Packages A, B, C, and D from the 2007 Bond Referendum. This item was approved.
• Consideration and Possible Approval to Nominate a Board of Director for the Bee County Appraisal District. This item was postponed to the next regular board meeting for lack of nominees.
• Consideration and Possible Approval of Preliminary Design and Solicitation for Proposals for Package B (Elementary PE Pavilion and Campus Covered Walkways). This item was approved.
• Consideration and Possible Approval of Personnel Recommendation(s). There were no recommendations at this time.

The next regular meeting of the S-T ISD Board of Trustees will be held at 6:00 p.m. Monday, October 8, 2007.

Junior Varsity Football Update

Coach Arroyo informs the Signal that Thursday's Junior Varsity football game in Bishop has been moved to 6:00 p.m. since there are no Junior High games scheduled that day.

Bobcats Dominate in Football Scrimmage vs. Agua Dulce

Cody Chambers breaks a tackle to score the first of his two touchdowns in Friday's scrimmage.

The Bobcat defense turned in an absolutely solid performance during Friday's scrimmage against Agua Dulce. The offense, after getting off to a slow start, also dominated with five unanswered touchdowns (by my count). Scoring for the Bobcats were Cody Chambers (2), Eric Boggess, Clint Isaacks, and Noel Solis.

The Bobcats will face off against the Bishop Badgers next week at Bobcat Stadium in the first official game of the season. Go Cats!

Click here for more scrimmage photos at Shutterfly.com

S-T 7th Graders to be IssuedLaptop Computers

On September 6, 2007; there will be a meeting with parents/guardians of seventh grade students of the Skidmore-Tynan Junior High School at 6:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss policy and procedure of the Dell Inspiron Laptop computers that will be issued to all seventh grade students this school year. Parents and students will be required to sign a Laptop Agreement before the computer can be issued.

Skidmore-Tynan Junior High School has been selected for a Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP) program as part of a grant from the Texas Education Agency. Our goal is to increase the academic progress of students by immersing the campus in innovative technologies. Our students will benefit from the technology enriched curriculum as STJH enters this phase of the program. Teachers, staff and students at STJH have been receiving training on how to incorporate technology into their daily lessons.

Lions Host Annual Punt, Pass & Kick

The Skidmore-Tynan Lions Club announces their 17th annual Punt, Pass & Kick competition. The event will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 15th at Bobcat Stadium. Children ages 7 to 12 will compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies to be awarded before the October 12, home football game versus Odem. All children will receive a participation ribbon on the day of the competition and 1st place entrants are eligible to advance to District Competition in Bay City.

Hurricane Dean Forecast Track

After last week's near miss from tropical storm Erin, hurricane Dean is on a track that will likely bring additional rainfall to the Coastal Bend.

Update: So much for my career as a weather forecaster;-)

Crime Stoppers Alert

On July 30, 2007, Deputies were called to the Skidmore Football Field. Sometime between June 28 and July 30, 2007, unidentified suspect(s) gained entry into the press box at the football stadium. Once inside, the suspect(s) stole several pieces of electronic equipment. If anyone has any information, please call Bee County Crime Stoppers at 362-0206. All calls are anonymous. A reward will be paid following an arrest and indictment.

Sports Pics - Mathis Football Scrimmage

Junior Varsity Bobcat John Arrisola takes down a Mathis Running Back.

The Bobcats looked sharp in Saturday's scrimmage against the Mathis Pirates. Click here for more scrimmage photos at Shutterfly.com

Hurricane Dean Threatens Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Erin turned out to be a non-event. We may not be so lucky with Hurricane Dean. Keep up with the latest forecast track at www.noaawatch.gov

Tropical Storm Warning

The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for the Texas coast from Freeport southward. As of Wednesday morning, maximum sustained winds were are 40 mph with strengthening expected over the next 24 hours. For more information, visit www.noaawatch.gov.

Ladycat Volleyball Schedule

High School Volleyball

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Aug.10 Odem, Mathis F/JV/V....... Home 10:00

Aug.13 Mathis F/JV/V............. Away 5:00
Aug.14 Orange Grove F/JV/V....... Home 5:00
Aug.16 Riviera F/JV/V............ Home 5:00
Aug.17-18 CCISD Spike Fest V..... Away TBA
Aug.21 Kenedy F/JV/V............. Home 5:00
Aug.24-25 CCISD Trny. JV......... Away TBA
Aug.28 Karnes City F/JV/V........ Away 5:00
Aug.30-Sep.1 Aran. Pass Trny V... Away TBA
Aug.31 Bishop Varsity............ Home 5:00
Sep.4  *George West F/JV/V....... Home 5:00
Sep.6,8 Banquete Trny V.......... Away TBA
Sep.7  Nixon-Smiley Varsity...... Away 5:00
Sep.8  Orange Grove Trny  F/JV... Away TBA
Sep.11 *Taft F/JV/V.............. Away 5:00
Sep.14 Kingsville Academy V...... Home 5:00
Sep.15 Pettus Trny. F............ Away TBA
Sep.18 *Odem F/JV/V.............. Away 5:00
Sep.22 *Bloomington F/JV/V....... Home 11:00
Sep.25 Freer F/JV/V.............. Away 5:00
Sep.28 *Three Rivers V........... Home 5:00
Oct.2  *Refugio F/JV/V........... Home 5:00
Oct.5  *George West V............ Away 5:00
Oct.9  *Taft F/JV/V.............. Home 5:00
Oct.12 *Odem V................... Home 5:00
Oct.16 *Bloomington F/JV/V....... Away 5:00
Oct.19 CC John Paul II V......... Home 5:00
Oct.23 *Three Rivers F/JV/V...... Home 5:00
Oct.26 *Refugio V................ Away 5:00
 
* District Games

Head Volleyball Coach: Judy Whatley
Assistant Coach: Adrian Pena
H.S. Principal: Patty Holubec
Athletic Director: Adam Arroyo
Girls Coordinator: Joseph Grimes, III
Superintendent: Dr. Brett Belmarez

Junior High Volleyball

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Sep.10 Three Rivers.............. Away 5:00
Sep.17 George West............... Home 5:00
Sep.24 Odem...................... Away 5:00
Oct.1  Pawnee.................... Away 5:00
Oct.6  S-T Tourney............... Home 9:00am

Oct.8  Refugio................... Home 5:00
Oct.15 Taft...................... Home 5:00
Oct.22 Bloomington............... Away 5:00

8th grade Coach: Amanda Stafford
7th grade Coach: Carissa Dial
J.H. Principal: Dan Garza

CBC Registration Dates

Fall registration for Coastal Bend College will be held August 20, 22, 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on all campuses. On Tuesday, August 21, registration is planned for 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To register online, go to www.coastalbend.edu.

Parents Urged to RegisterElementary Students

Skidmore-Tynan Elementary began formal registration on Tuesday, August 7, 2007. All students, new and returning, must come in to the elementary school office to complete formal registration paperwork for the 2007-2008 school year before Monday, August 27, 2007. If you have any questions, please call the elementary office at (361) 287-3425, ext. 207.

Skidmore Water Supply CorporationHosts Open House

Left to right: SWSC Board Members, Santana Lopez, Henrietta Brundrett, Bill Hartman, Antonio Alcorta, and Keith Petrus; Project Engineer, Allen Booe; Consultant, Walter Hill; and County Commissioner, Ronnie Olivares.

Community members and local dignitaries recently enjoyed a tour of the newly constructed Skidmore Water Supply office building and laboratory. Attendees of the Tuesday, August 2nd, Open House were treated to coffee, punch, and a light buffet. SWSC Board Member Henrietta Brundrett served as coordinator of the event with help from General Manager Alice Boland.

2007 Bobcat Football Schedule

Good news Bobcat fans! Football season is once again upon us. "Two-a-day" practices began at the crack of dawn Monday and coaches and athletes are working hard in preparation for the upcoming season. The Bobcats will face off against Bishop August 31st at Bobcat Stadium in the first official game of the season.

Varsity Football

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8/18 Mathis (Scrimmage)......... Away 10:00
8/24 Agua Dulce (Scrimmage)..... Home 6:00
8/31 Bishop..................... Home 7:30
9/7 Nixon-Smiley................ Away 7:30
9/14 Natalia.................... Home 7:30
9/21 Aransas Pass............... Away 7:30
9/28 Three Rivers*(Homecoming).. Home 7:30
10/5 George West*............... Away 7:30
10/12 Odem*(JH Bobcat Night).... Home 7:30
10/19 OPEN
10/26 Refugio*.................. Away 7:30
11/2 Bloomington*(Parent Night). Home 7:30
11/9 Taft*...................... Away 7:30
 
Junior Varsity Football

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8/18 Mathis (Scrimmage)......... Away 11:30
8/30 Bishop..................... Away 6:00
9/6 Nixon-Smiley................ Home 7:30
9/13 Natalia.................... Away 7:30
9/20 Aransas Pass............... Home 7:30
9/27 Three Rivers*.............. Away 7:30
10/4 George West*............... Home 7:30
10/11 Odem*..................... Away 7:30
10/18 OPEN
10/25 Refugio*.................. Home 7:30
11/1 Bloomington*............... Away 7:30
11/8 Taft*...................... Home 7:30

Junior High Football

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09/13 Natalia................... Away 5/6:00
9/20 Aransas Pass............... Home 5/6:00
9/27 Three Rivers*.............. Away 5/6:00
10/4 George West*............... Home 5/6:00
10/11 Odem*..................... Away 5/6:00
10/18 OPEN
10/25 Refugio*.................. Home 5/6:00
11/1 Bloomington*............... Away 5/6:00
11/8 Taft*...................... Home 5/6:00

* District Games

S-T ISD Trustees Call Special Meeting

A Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Skidmore-Tynan ISD will be held August 6, 2007, beginning at 6:00 PM in the Skidmore-Tynan School District Event Center Board Room.

Agenda discussion items:
• Pursuant to Section 551.071 Consultation with School Districts Attorney, (if needed) (Mr. Rick Olivares)
• Pursuant to Section 551.0821 of the Texas Government Code, the Board Shall Hear the Grievance Filed by Parent/Student R.S. and Administrations Response to the Grievance (Mr. Rick Olivares)

Agenda action items:
• Board Shall Take Appropriate Action Re: Items Discussed in Closed Session
• To Discuss and Possibly Amend the High School Dress Code for 2007-2008 (Mr. Danny Gonzales)
• Consideration and Possible Approval of Personnel Recommendation(s)

UPDATE: Board President Rick Olivares posted the following items to the administrative bulletin board, Thursday, August 2nd.

Closed Session:
Pursuant to Section 551.071/551.074 TGC - of the Texas Government Code, the Board shall hear parent/student grievance and adminstration response to the same and discuss, including consultation with legal counsel, re: parent/student grievance.

Open Session:
Board shall take action re: parent/student grievance, as presented and discussed in closed session.

Booster Club Announces Annual"Meet the Coaches" Cook-Out

The Skidmore Tynan Athletic Booster Club (STABC) will be hosting a "Meet The Coaches" hamburger cook-out on Thursday, August 9th, at 6:00 p.m. Coach Arroyo will introduce his coaching staff which includes a few new faces. The event will be held at the High School cafeteria. All student athletes and their parents are invited to attend the dinner free of charge.

The STABC will have donation buckets available if anyone is interested in making cash donations for the upcoming brisket barbeque scheduled for August the 31st. If you have not had the opportunity to purchase an ad for the football program or have not turned in your ad, you will be able to do that at the dinner. Time is running out, but you still have a chance to purchase your ad and have it in the program on the first home game on August the 31st.

The next Booster Club meeting is scheduled for Monday August the 6th at 7:00 p.m. Please make plans to be there!