Roughneck Band Fireworks is open! These kids would love to sell you some! Open until 10:00 tonight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1S27Rfnpyg
Leaning into Leadership podcast by Darrin M Peppard, EdD
Episode 221: The Power of Belief-Miguel Salazar’s Journey to Transformative Leadership NASSP MS POY
In this powerful episode, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with Miguel Salazar, principal of Sundown Middle School and NASSP National Middle School Principal of the Year finalist. Miguel shares his deeply personal story—from growing up in poverty and facing multiple challenges as a youth to becoming a leader determined to give every student a chance at success.
Miguel explains how a single teacher, Coach Danny Randolph, changed the trajectory of his life by believing in him. Now, Miguel pays that belief forward through a culture-first leadership approach rooted in visibility, relationship-building, and care.
A highlight of their conversation is the “Beyond the Classroom” program, an initiative where staff use their passions—whether it’s budgeting, button sewing, or pickleball—to teach students life skills and, more importantly, to build trust and authentic connections.
Key takeaways from this episode:
The importance of being vulnerable and owning your story as a leader Why giving “every kid a champion” isn’t optional—it’s essential A framework for building authentic relationships through schoolwide culture systems The role of self-care, balance, and spiritual growth in sustaining great leadership Whether you're a new principal or a veteran leader, Miguel’s story and leadership model will inspire you to see the potential in every child—and in yourself.
Guest Bio: Miguel Salazar is the principal of Sundown Middle School in Sundown, Texas. Before assuming his current role, he served as a math teacher, coach, assistant principal, and high school principal. Miguel is committed to fostering positive school culture, promoting equity, and ensuring every student’s success. His leadership philosophy centers on shared accountability, high expectations, and building strong, authentic relationships with students and staff. Through innovative programs like “Beyond the Classroom,” Miguel and his team ensure every student has a champion who sees them not just for who they are today, but for who they can become.
Leaning into Leadership podcast by Darrin M Peppard, EdD
Episode 221: The Power of Belief-Miguel Salazar’s Journey to Transformative Leadership NASSP MS POY
In this powerful episode, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with Miguel Salazar, principal of Sundown Middle School and NASSP National Middle School Principal of the Year finalist. Miguel shares his deeply personal story—from growing up in poverty and facing multiple challenges as a youth to becoming a leader determined to give every student a chance at success.
Miguel explains how a single teacher, Coach Danny Randolph, changed the trajectory of his life by believing in him. Now, Miguel pays that belief forward through a culture-first leadership approach rooted in visibility, relationship-building, and care.
A highlight of their conversation is the “Beyond the Classroom” program, an initiative where staff use their passions—whether it’s budgeting, button sewing, or pickleball—to teach students life skills and, more importantly, to build trust and authentic connections.
Key takeaways from this episode:
The importance of being vulnerable and owning your story as a leader Why giving “every kid a champion” isn’t optional—it’s essential A framework for building authentic relationships through schoolwide culture systems The role of self-care, balance, and spiritual growth in sustaining great leadership Whether you're a new principal or a veteran leader, Miguel’s story and leadership model will inspire you to see the potential in every child—and in yourself.
Guest Bio: Miguel Salazar is the principal of Sundown Middle School in Sundown, Texas. Before assuming his current role, he served as a math teacher, coach, assistant principal, and high school principal. Miguel is committed to fostering positive school culture, promoting equity, and ensuring every student’s success. His leadership philosophy centers on shared accountability, high expectations, and building strong, authentic relationships with students and staff. Through innovative programs like “Beyond the Classroom,” Miguel and his team ensure every student has a champion who sees them not just for who they are today, but for who they can become.
Sundown Elementary is looking for a Paraprofessional. If interested please fill out the online application and email Mr. Berry.
Application can be found at the following link:
https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/SundownISD
If you haven’t made plans to purchase fireworks for the upcoming coming 4th of July, you should consider supporting our Sundown Roughneck Band! Details are provided below!
Sundown Middle School has an opening for a Science Teacher for Grades 7 and 8. If you know someone who would be a great fit for us here at Sundown, please have them email me their resume: msalazar@sundownisd.com
Softball All-District Honors
A huge congratulations to our Roughette Softball Team! We knew we would have a couple of post-district honors as we had a historic State Softball Championship run this year, so to get ALL 10 of our players the honor of earning MVP, Offensive MVP, Defensive MVP, 1st Team All-District Infield/Outfield, and Utility Player for our District is an amazing accomplishment! We are so proud of their efforts and attitudes this past season!
#WeAreSundownSmart #WeHaveSundownHeart #WeAreSundownStrong
Softball All-District Honors
Destiny Garza | All-District MVP
Emry Jourden | All-District Defensive MVP
Brynly Gregory | All-District Offensive MVP
Breigh Gregory | 1st Team All-District Pitcher
Ericka Posadas | 1st Team All-District Infield
Araceli Ibarra | 1st Team All-District Infield
Camry Jourden | 1st Team All-District Outfield
Ciena Jackson | 1st Team All-District Outfield
Paola Huerta | 1st Team All-District DP
Nayleen Morin | 1st team All-District Utility
Sundown High School is searching for a Family and Consumer Science teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. If you have any or know someone who has any interest please e-mail a resume to jgriffith@sundownisd.com
4 Roughettes make the Super Elite Team!!
Congratulations to Destiny Garza (MVP), Brynly Gregory (Catcher of the Year), Emry Jourden, and Camry Jourden!!
GWTSCA All-Star game Tonight at Frenship 5:00 pm
Come out and support Paola Huerta & Ericka Posadas as they play softball one last time!
Sundown Middle School principal woke up a Mr. this morning, and by lunch was a Dr. Miguel Salazar successfully defended his dissertation this morning and is now officially Dr. Salazar. Congrats Doc!
Sundown Middle School has an opening for a Math Teacher for Grades 6 and 7. If you know someone who would be a great fit for us here at Sundown, please have them email me their resume: msalazar@sundownisd.com
Signing Bonus ($5,000 split over 2 years)
State Approved Teacher Retention Allotment Fund (additional $4,000 for 3-4 years of experience, $8,000 for 5 years or more of experience)
The school basement doors (#'s 14 and 14A) are open at this time.
A huge congratulations to Coach Matthew Schovajsa and Coach Tanner Clark on a great season! We had a number of Roughnecks to earn All-District Honors for the 2025 Baseball Season!
Isaac Lopez - 1st Team Infield | Academic All-District
Landry Farrar - 1st Team Outfield | Academic All-District
Rayden Flores - 2nd Team Pitcher | Academic All-District
Rian Rose - 2nd Team Catcher
Marcus Solis - 2nd Team Infield
Braiden Lara - 2nd Team Outfield
Ollen Pearson - 2nd Team DH | Academic All-District
Hayden Powell - Utility | Academic All-District
Nathan Flores - Honorable Mention | Academic All-District
Joey Lopez | Academic All-District
Marco Landa | Academic All-District
All-State Honors for Sundown Roughettes Softball
Araceli Ibarra | All-State Most Valuable Player
Destiny Garza | All-State Pitcher
Nayleen Morin | All-State 2nd Base
Emry Jourden | All-State Shortstop
Camry Jourden | All-State Outfield
A huge congratulations to our All-State Roughettes and the rest of the UIL 2A-D2 Softball State Champion team! We are beyond proud of the heart, hustle, and teamwork they showed all season long! Shoutout to Coach Meagan Gonzales and Coach Ron Holson for their outstanding leadership, mentorship, and support every step of the way!
Way to go, Roughettes—STATE CHAMPS! 🏆
#RoughettePride #StateChamps #SundownStrong #UILSoftball #AllHeartAllSeason
Congrats to Isaiah Igo one being named to the THSCA Super Elite Golf Team for this past year!
Here is the link to the Max Preps photo gallery from Austin.
https://www.maxpreps.com/photography/gallery/shiner-vs-sundown-uil-softball-2a-d2-final-/?id=8985489b-251b-4300-957c-3c211c91955c
Summer Workouts for incoming 7-12th graders begins tomorrow!!!!
Congratulations to Araceli, Destiny, Nayleen, Emry, and Camry on making the All Tournament team!!!
Come join us today as we welcome home and celebrate our State Champion softball team in the auditorium! The team will be arriving just after 4pm. Congrats Roughettes!! STATE CHAMPIONS!
The SB team left Austin this morning around 9:20am. They are on track to be in town around 4:00pm. We will keep you updated with their ETA later today! Go Roughettes! STATE CHAMPS!
