Superintendent Greetings
January 2012
Superintendents Message,
As we begin our spring semester, I am excited about what lies ahead. That statement may seem strange considering all the changes that are heading our way, but it is true. Let’s take a look at two of the challenges that are on the horizon.
- The new STAAR and EOC state assessments
- Probable future cuts to state funds that have already been reduced
There is nothing like rising to a challenge or finding a solution to a difficult problem. In fact, I believe one of the greatest skills we can teach our students is how to be creative thinkers. Undoubtedly, we have helped create many of the problems that our children will have to solve in the future.
It is easy to worry about the unknown, and to fret about all the things that we cannot control. For example, look at the two examples listed above. I choose to look at the new state assessments as a challenge that has been presented to take our teachers and students to a new level of academic rigor. With that outlook in mind, the next question becomes obvious – How do we get the students to that next level? The answer to that question is equally evident - Hard work! These new assessments will be linked to our students’ grades and graduation plans. Therefore, it is imperative that we help every student rise to the challenge. As parents, you can help be realizing and emphasizing there importance at home as well.
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation,
hard work, and learning from failure.”
Colin Powell
In regards to state funding, there is every indication that there will be even more cuts to education in the next legislative session. If that is the case, we will once again get an opportunity to show how to do more with less. Don’t get me wrong, I strongly believe that education should be adequately and equally funded throughout the state, and I am more than happy to express that view to others. However, until that belief becomes a reality, I am ready to make the tough decisions needed to move forward. If I get too concerned about current situations, I just think about how my Dad made it to A&M after starting out in a one room school house without an interactive whiteboard. Again, it is all about perspectives. I believe that Nazareth will have a bright future not because of what we have, but because of who we are.
September 2011
As we remember the tragedy and the sacrifices of 9/11/2001 this weekend, I am reminded of the things in this world that really matter. Last week, I had a close friend who had a frightening experience when one of his children was misdiagnosed with what could have been a terminal illness. The relief he expressed when it turned out to be a minor problem was overwhelming. It was a life changing experience that will surely serve as a strong reminder of what is important in his life. As we embark on a new school year, I think it is important for us to all remember what is really important as well. We all have priorities in life, but sometimes we like to think our priorities are different than what they really are. To many times our paths are diverted by things that distract us and keep us preoccupied. A wise man once told me, “Look at where you spend your time, and that will tell you what you really care about.”
As your child starts a new school year make a point to read with your Kindergartener, help make a project with your 5th grader, or have a meaningful conversation with your teenager. The opportunities to do these things will be gone before you know it. We are blessed in Nazareth to have a great community and an equally exceptional staff. As our mission statement says, “… educating students is best accomplished when home and school work together.” With new assessments and financial challenges ahead of us it is easy to be discouraged, but I know Nazareth will rise to the challenge. Our determination is shown each year in many ways including our tradition of academic excellence and the numerous extracurricular achievements made by our students and teachers. I am excited about what the future holds and am thankful for what we have been blessed with in this small town.
James Oliver, Superintendent
Nazareth ISD
December 2010
HO-HO-HO - Tis the season to be jolly, and why not with all the great things that are happening at the Nazareth Schools. The new FAST rating recently came out scoring Nazareth as a top-performing school that has excellent academic progress along with low per pupil expenditures. Simply put, this report shows that we excel at doing more with less. Our elementary and junior high also recently won their Academic UIL Contests with the elementary accumulating 1031 points and the junior high students earning 885 points. Last but certainly not least, our Junior Varsity Swiftettes won the River Road Tournament on December 9th. Those are just a few of our recent highlights, and I can’t wait to see what’s to come after the Holidays. As we leave this Friday to spend time with family and friends, I encourage you to remember and treasure the true meaning for the season. Some gifts cannot be purchased. I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Mr. Oliver
August 2010
Students, Teachers, Parents, and Community,
I can’t tell you how excited I am about starting the 2010-2011 school year. We have been working hard on the class schedule this summer to make it the best that Nazareth ISD has ever offered. Among other things, we have added a Government/Economics and a U.S. History class in our ITV room. Students taking these classes will receive college credit through Frank Phillips College. We will also be offering Spanish 3 for the first time. Starting next year, these two new additions will allow students an opportunity to graduate under the “Distinguished” plan. Students were surveyed last year, and many made comments asking for us to offer more dual credit courses. We are listening, and hope to add even more in the years to come.
I encourage the community to come visit our campus and look at some of the painting that has been done this summer as well. We added a touch of gold to the hallways along with more cork strips for hanging posters to show off that Naz spirit! In addition to the main building, it only seemed right to brighten up the old gym where so many winning teams have played in the past. It has been given a fresh coat of gold with a blue lining.
We have much to accomplish this year. Nazareth is known for greatness. It is not something derived from being good at any one thing, but more importantly being the best we can be at everything. It is a success that has come from many sources, but I believe that three of the most important variables have to do family, dedication, and faith. Students here are not afraid to put in some extra effort because they know that the outcomes will reflect their hard work. The school, the parents, and the community can encourage our students, but that desire to succeed, along with the ability to support each other, is what helps make the difference year after year. I will again come back to the message that shows down our hallway, “TEAMWORK, together we achieve the extraordinary.” I encourage all of you to join with me and make the 2010-2011 school year the best it can be.
James Oliver, Superintendent
Nazareth ISD
October 2009
I would like to start off by saying what a privilege it is to work with such a great group of educators. Although my family has not been here long, it is easy to see why Nazareth is in a league of its own in many respects. Since day one it has been clear that the whole community has the highest of standards in regards to student achievement and success. It is a success that is measured by character as well as what is accomplished in the classroom or on the field. It is a work hard, do your best, and hold your head high outlook on life. I have seen how the staff and students at Nazareth respect each other. That trust helps establish a cycle of support and cooperation that lasts for years. It is easy to see why the Swifts and Swiftettes are known throughout the Panhandle, and Texas as a whole, for their outstanding achievements. Regardless of what objectives the Swifts are chasing our winning attitude will help us to succeed.
James Oliver, Superintendent
Nazareth ISD