Bulldog Bulletin

More Than a Race: The Power of Showing Up

At Watkins Middle School, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to discover what they are capable of—and sometimes that means having someone willing to run beside them.

One of our Watkins Bulldogs, Jordan, is visually impaired and had a goal: he wanted to run. He wanted the opportunity to participate in cross country and track alongside his peers.

Making that goal a reality took planning, collaboration, and the support of many people. Coach Guest first brought the possibility to our attention last school year, and our campus began working with the appropriate district staff to determine what would be needed for Jordan to participate safely and successfully.

This year, everything was in place—except for one very important piece.

Jordan needed someone willing to run beside him.

That is when Mr. Williams, one of our sixth-grade teachers, stepped forward and volunteered to serve as Jordan’s running guide.

Mr. Williams is doing much more than helping Jordan navigate a cross-country course. Through his actions, he is reminding Jordan—and all of our students—of something we want every Watkins Bulldog to know:

You belong here.

You are capable.

Your goals matter.

And there are people who believe in you.

This is the culture we are continuing to build at Watkins: a school where students are challenged, supported, encouraged, and given opportunities to succeed.

Jordan’s story is also a beautiful reminder that making a difference in the life of a child does not always require a grand gesture. Sometimes it begins with learning a student's story. Sometimes it means believing in them, encouraging them, or simply showing up.

And sometimes, it means putting on your running shoes and saying, “I’ll run with you.”

Thank you, Mr. Williams, for choosing to show up for our students in such a meaningful way. And thank you to all of the educators, coaches, families, and community members who continue to believe in the potential of every Watkins Bulldog.

This is Watkins. This is what it means to be a Bulldog.

Celebrate the Success. Chase EXCELLENCE!

From Watkins to the Stage—and Always Back to Students!

We have another wonderful reason to celebrate one of our own!

Mr. Kedrick Brown, Watkins Middle School Theatre Director, was recently inducted into his high school’s Lee Legacy Wall of Honor! This special recognition celebrates a career that has taken him from the stage to television, film, commercials, and the classroom—and we are incredibly proud that, while continuing to pursue his own dreams, he chooses to call Watkins home.

If Mr. Brown looks familiar outside of school, there may be a good reason! You might be watching television and suddenly spot him in a commercial. His professional acting career has included film and television productions, national commercials, and live performances.

But what makes us especially proud is that each day, Mr. Brown brings those real-world experiences back to our Bulldogs.

In just three years, Mr. Brown has worked to build an outstanding theatre program at Watkins. He challenges students to develop their craft, introduces them to new opportunities, encourages creativity and confidence, and helps students discover talents they may not have realized they possessed.

Perhaps one of the most meaningful parts of his recent recognition happened while Mr. Brown was back home being honored. During a weekend that was meant to celebrate his accomplishments, he still made time to visit an elementary school and work with students.

That is the heart of an educator.

There is something powerful about watching someone continue to chase his own dreams while helping young people discover theirs.

Mr. Brown continues to pursue his professional acting career while also choosing to teach, mentor, inspire, and create opportunities for students.

And we are fortunate that he chooses Watkins.

Congratulations, Mr. Brown, on this well-deserved honor! Your Watkins family is incredibly proud of everything you continue to accomplish, but we are even more proud of the impact you make on our Bulldogs each day.

Student ID Badges

Students received a permanent ID badge, sleeve, and lanyard the first week of school. Just a reminder that all students must wear their ID badges throughout the school day, including on the bus. Badges are required to:

• Purchase breakfast & lunch
• Check out a library book
• Ride the bus (permanent or temporary)
• Attend athletic events

Badge Replacement

If a student needs a replacement badge, they can get one before school in the cafeteria or at lunch. Payment is accepted through School Cash Online only.

• Permanent Badge: $3.00
• Lanyard: $1.00
• Sleeve: $1.00
• Temporary Badge: $1.00

Late Bus Information

Late buses will begin this Monday, August 24th , and will run on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. If there is ever a change to that schedule, we will notify the community. Students that stay afterschool for a sponsored practice or tutorial are eligible; students must have their badge and a late bus pass to ride.

Athletics has set up a team store for everyone to enjoy this fall.

Pink out day for Volleyball is October 22nd and all orders will be received by that date!

Watkins Team Shop https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/uLZ9rVECyM

Watkins Pink Out Shop https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/B44c544XYV

Thank you to Karla Espinoza, Kausar Taj, Lakisha Jones and Sonia Thomas for helping with picture day. We appreciate you!

When parents volunteer, students thrive! Our VIPS program helps create a stronger, more connected school community — and your involvement shows our students that education matters.

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the short form below.

Show your Watkins Bulldog pride!

Watkins spirit shirts are available for purchase through SchoolCash Online for $20, and Watkins spirit socks for $10, while supplies last.

Items will be delivered directly to your student during the school day.

Thank you for your continued support of Watkins Bulldogs! We appreciate you!

With SchoolCashOnline you can:

• Pay for your child's school fees online. Anytime, anywhere.
• Avoid the hassle of having cash on-hand to pay for school fees.
• Receive email notifications regarding school fees and events.

Fast. Safe. Convenient.

School Cash Online is our school's method of payment.

At Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, every voice matters in school safety. To strengthen safety across our district and support student well-being, the CFISD Anonymous Tipline is transitioning to Lightspeed STOPit this week. STOPit is a secure, 100% anonymous platform that empowers students, parents, and community members to safely report concerns and help prevent potential threats. This system replaces our previous P3 Campus web portal, ensuring our school safety teams receive and respond to reports quickly and efficiently.

When to Use the Tipline

If you are worried about a situation or notice something unsafe, please share your concern. You can submit an anonymous tip for issues such as:

• Bullying, cyberbullying, or online harassment

• Threats or weapons at school

• Substance abuse (drugs or alcohol)

• Mental health concerns or self-harm

All reports go directly to our CFISD school safety teams so the situation can be reviewed and addressed promptly.

What You Need to Know:

• It is 100% anonymous: Whether a student has witnessed something concerning or knows someone who may be in danger, they can use STOPit to submit tips anonymously—anytime, anywhere.

• Where do tips go? Reports go directly to our CFISD school safety teams so concerns can be reviewed, assessed, and addressed quickly.

• New Mobile App Option: In addition to web reporting, students can now use the mobile app. Download the free STOPit App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

• Built-in Crisis Support: The STOPit app also includes a 24/7 Crisis Text Line connecting students to trained mental health counselors, as well as helpful self-help resources.

Email: watkins@cfisd.net

Website: https://watkins.cfisd.net/

Location: 4800 Cairnvillage Rd. Houston, TX

Phone: 281-463-5850

Facebook: : Watkins Cfisd

X: @Watkins_CFISD