The Texas Skyward User Group (TSUG) proudly presents, “The SUG.” We’re putting together a newsletter in hopes of updating you on what’s happening in the world of TSUG, Skyward software, and other related items pertaining to the group, the conference, and the software options we all use. This edition of the newsletter includes information as of our April 2024 meeting. Stay tuned for more news following the upcoming July 2024 meeting!
We’ve got some new faces to introduce to you! Over time, committee members come and go, so it’s our job to replace them with persons interested in volunteering their time for the greater good. Committee members join us from different backgrounds and districts from around Texas, and we look forward to utilizing their tenure and skills to shape the conference, courses we offer, and the direction of program changes when possible. Please welcome the following new committee members:
Terra Traynham was voted in as the Committee’s new Treasurer in 2024. Serving on the TSUG Finance Sub-Committee since 2022, Terra first began using Skyward software in 2006 and is currently the Executive Director of Finance at Royse City ISD. She brings a solid finance background with her to fulfill this role on the Executive Committee. Congrats on the new role with the Committee, Terra!
Ana Webb joins the HR Sub-Committee bringing over 20 years of experience in the fields of Finance and customer service. For the past 9 years, she has been a dedicated professional at Boerne ISD working with Skyward Q. She advanced to the role of Assistant Director of Business Services and brings with her a background that includes financial management, budgeting, procurement, and other administrative functions.
Sheryl Moulden returns to the TSUG Student Sub-Committee. A former TSUG member and former Skyward employee, Sheryl returns with additional years of service working at Mansfield ISD. With over 20 years experience working with Skyward software, Sheryl brings a great deal of experience including awesome backgrounds in Grading, Scheduling, and PEIMS. Welcome back, Sheryl!
Taylor Oster is our newest TSUG Finance Sub-Committee Member. She has been a Skyward user for over 10 years in various capacities ranging from Student to Finance as well as Employee Access. Taylor is currently a Systems Data Analyst that serves all faculty, staff, students, and parents of Grapevine Colleyville ISD. Welcome aboard, Taylor!
Mallory Scott joined as a new member of the Health Sub-Committee starting in January, 2024. She has been a Skyward user since 2022 and currently works as the Director of Health Services for Community ISD in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She enjoys teaching Texas nurses how to customize Skyward to best fit the needs of their District. Welcome to the Committee, Mallory!
Most people already know that the 2024 Conference will again be held at Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Round Rock, Texas, and will remain at this site for each year through the 2030 Annual Conference. The venue was already a big “splash” for families and kids but that fun will now change as the water park giant has expanded its outdoor waterpark. Kalahari expanded its existing outdoor waterpark by thousands of square feet including a 900-plus foot wave action river, an interactive kids play area with 9 new outdoor slides, and an outdoor adult swim-up bar area.
As far as the conference goes, the group from TSUG is working diligently to meet the needs of all Skyward user types, including reviewing options for more classes for the company’s latest version of the product, Qmlativ or “Q” as folks refer to it. The Committee is always looking for volunteers to teach classes, so should you be interested in sharing your knowledge, it’s possible to join us at a discounted rate for those interested in teaching classes. If your itching to share your knowledge whether it be Skyward SMS 2.0, Qmlativ, or anything related to or showing how your district utilizes software or processes to efficiently and effectively make things smoother for district workers is welcome. Click here to send us an inquiry!
Continuing with the annual conference topic, the economy is getting its hands on costs to host this incredible event. Rising prices eventually reach everyone and the Committee has felt the impact on all aspects of costs that go into putting on the conference. The group has worked to best bring down that price to benefit users from across Texas who are all feeling the weight of budget cuts across the board. Attendees can expect a minor spike in costs to attend the conference and the cure for that is Early Bird Registration to save up to $150.00. When the registration process opens in August, do your best to secure your place at the conference by registering quickly. Details on pricing can be found by clicking here.
As always, we’re looking forward to getting social with you at the conference. The TSUG Social is a great opportunity to set down the laptops and to network with other districts. The social gives attendees an option to connect with other users while kicking back a bit to enjoy the surroundings of the venue while processing what you’ve learned at your classes. The Committee will continue with hosting a theme for the social with this year’s theme being a “Rock Show.” You’re invited to join your group of attendees in dressing up in your favorite “rock” attire, whether it be country rock, classic rock, modern rock, etc. To learn more about the TSUG Social, please click here.
A variety of product updates were discussed by the TSUG Committee and representatives of Skyward, Inc. at the April 2024 meeting. Each meeting, the group works with Skyward representatives to attempt to curb product enhancements and requests submitted through the Skyward Uservoice option, as well as to discuss points of emphasis, including state reporting needs.
Skip the line and subscribe to Skyward’s Monthly Newsletter, so you can be in the know…click here! Want to know more about partnerships and other Skyward, Inc. press? Hit up the Skyward Newsroom for press and social media releases…click here!
Lastly, y’all can visit the Q Community Link using your login to access by choosing to click here.
Round Rock is a city near Austin, Texas. It’s known for its outdoor activities and historic sites. The Round Rock, a large stone in Brushy Creek, marks the site where wagons made low-water crossings in the 19th century. Nearby, Chisholm Trail Crossing Park has plaques detailing the city’s cattle-driving history. Old Settlers Park includes baseball fields, playgrounds, a disc golf course and a fish-stocked lake.
As you plan for your trip to attend the TSUG Conference in October, keep in mind there are many wonderful things to check out besides the amazing confines of the Kalahari Resort. Whether it’s lunch or dinner out, arriving a day early, or staying a day later, Round Rock has a plethora of attractions and incredible businesses to visit.
Rather than reinventing the wheel, we’ve grabbed a link from Tripadvisor to assist you with checking out the wonderful city and surrounding areas of Round Rock, Texas. Want to learn more – click here!
Want to join an elite force of Skyward software users and commit yourself to the committee? Ok, maybe we’re not elite force but we certainly LOVE what we do. If Skyward software is part of your life and you have skills and the drive to share your talents and help us with building a successful conference as well as providing input on the direction of Skyward software, we could use you!
Steering Committee Members consist of employees from Texas Skyward School Districts who volunteer their time and labor. As a Steering Committee Member, you will be assisting in the review process of Product Ideas submitted for the software in use within the State of Texas. Each Steering Committee Member also plays a vital role in the planning and execution of the TSUG Annual Conference.
The TSUG Steering Committee meets four times per year. Typically, two meetings are held in the greater Austin area, and two in more in the greater Dallas area. Attendance to these meetings is critical to the success of TSUG. If you are interested in serving, download and complete the membership application and return it to the Membership Coordinator.
Use the button below to access the TSUG Steering Committee application: