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One of the employees, Cosmo, took the time to send a note complimenting our students and their behavior during the show. He shared that when large groups of teenagers attend performances, it can sometimes be unpredictable. However, he specifically wanted us to know that our Sundown students were respectful, engaged, and an absolute pleasure to have in the audience. In fact, he was so impressed that he even invited a couple of our students to participate in the show, something he typically reserves for adults. #uncommon
This speaks volumes about the character of our students and the leadership of their teachers, Mrs. Ashley Bufe and Mrs. Kari Rodgers, who do an outstanding job preparing and guiding these young people.
Thank you to our Apollo students for representing Sundown with class, respect, and pride. Moments like this remind us that who you are when no one from home is watching matters.
Great job, Mrs. Bufe, Mrs. Rodgers, Roughettes, and Roughnecks!

Sundown HS GT students enjoyed an incredible research trip to Colorado Springs this weekend!
On Friday, students toured the U.S. Air Force Academy and attended an admissions briefing. A highlight was meeting Sundown alum Koy Torres, who is currently attending the academy and shared advice and stories with our students.
Students also worked in cooking teams, planning meals, shopping for ingredients, and preparing food for the group. From beef & shrimp stir fry to a full breakfast spread and a pepperoni bake, the students did an outstanding job!
Saturday included a Mediterranean cooking class at Chef’s Kitchen, a hike at Garden of the Gods, and a tour of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, where students even met a USA Olympic shooter and watched Paralympic bocce ball.
The day wrapped up with a fun and mind-bending night at Cosmo’s Magic Theater.
On Sunday, the group completed a service project at Food to Power, helping in a local community garden by harvesting spinach, planting lettuce and green onions, and packaging herbs for distribution.
Our GT students are grateful for a safe trip and these incredible learning experiences. A big thank you to the Sundown School Board for supporting opportunities like this!

Dr. Miguel Salazar had the opportunity to speak on a panel at the SXSW EDU Conference in Austin this past week, where he shared how Sundown ISD is intentionally developing the next generation of leaders.
During the session, Dr. Salazar highlighted some of the incredible leadership development happening right here in Sundown.
Mr. Justin Mauldin’s “Head of Family” (HOF) system within the band program empowers student leaders to help organize, mentor, and lead what truly becomes an army of a band. Before marching season begins, Mr. Mauldin spends intentional time coaching these students on the expectations and standards that come with serving as a Head of Family.
Coach Brannon Rodgers’ athletic leadership model uses a performance-based point system to help identify and develop his athletes. He places students of strong character into leadership roles where they help hold their teammates accountable for attendance, performance, and behavior both in the classroom and in athletics. Coach Rodgers reinforces the mantra #uncommon, reminding students that their commitment to doing things the right way is what sets Sundown apart.
“These programs are great examples of what happens when adults intentionally create opportunities for students to lead,” said Dr. Salazar. “We have some of the best developers of leaders for our next generation at Sundown ISD.”
We are proud of the work our educators are doing every day to develop leadership, responsibility, and character in our students.
#SundownISD #StudentLeadership #SXSWEDU #uncommon #NASSP #TASSP

