The Wolf's Howl

Wolfe City ISD celebrated Homecoming with a parade that drew a huge turnout from the community. Most students and local organizations participated, showcasing the spirit and togetherness that define small-town rural life in America.

There’s truly nothing better than a small-town parade—full of tradition, pride, and hometown charm.

"Silver Seniors for the Wolves" kicked off the school year in September, just before Homecoming, with a special celebration that brought generations together. The event featured performances and appearances by the Wolfe City band, football team, volleyball team, and cross country team.

Students had the opportunity to interact with senior citizens through a Q&A session, where they took questions from the Silver Seniors. The seniors especially enjoyed the conversations and had students sign autographs—a highlight of the day! This year’s event was more interactive than last year’s, and the positive response showed it. Both students and seniors shared plenty of laughs and created lasting memories.

Sponsors for the September event included:

WC Athletic Booster Club, 10-2-4 Ranch, SCRIPT, WC Grocery, Pat & Cathy Painter, Carolyn Williams, Chris & Stephanie Sheets, Heath Davis and Colt Herron

This year’s Homecoming included a special milestone—the inaugural Hall of Honor celebration, recognizing the first-ever inductees into this prestigious new tradition.

The inductees were treated to a full day of events, beginning with a luncheon at Webb Hill Country Club. They also received a guided tour of Wolfe City High School, led by Dean of Students Doug Schmidt, Principal Joyce Sample, and Superintendent, Donna Pessel. The celebration continued with public recognition at both the volleyball and football games, making it a truly memorable day.

It was a heartfelt tribute to the individuals who have made a lasting impact on Wolfe City ISD and the community. The inaugural class of Hall of Honor Inductees includes:

Mr. Doug Williams, Mr. Samuel Allen "Butch" Creed, Mr. Dorman "DK" Tucker, Mrs. Ola Cooper Owens, Mr. Bobby Richardson, and Mr. Christopher Sheets.

Wolfe City ISD showed appreciation to their hardworking technology team with a shout-out and a basket of goodies.

We are especially grateful for Victor Lemieux and Abdul Azeem Syed for their dedication and tireless work in supporting the district’s technology needs. Their behind-the-scenes efforts help keep everything running smoothly, and their contributions do not go unnoticed.

To show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication, we treated our amazing teachers and staff to coffee from Mugs during our September Professional Development Day.

A small gesture for the BIG impact they make every day!

Wolfe City Middle School Principal, April Bellows, recently shared her expertise in data-driven instruction at the Region 10 Accountability Summit. At the summit, held earlier this month, April presented the strategic plan she used to improve her campus’s accountability rating from a C to a B—a significant achievement that reflects her leadership and commitment to academic excellence.

April’s work extends beyond her campus. She has generously shared her knowledge with other administrators and educators within the district, supporting efforts to enhance student achievement and promote continuous improvement. Her collaborative spirit and data-informed approach are making a lasting impact across Wolfe City ISD.

• FFA had 3 of 5 students earn spots at the State Fair of Texas
• The band proudly debuted their new uniforms this month
• Mrs. Carr, the BETA sponsor, inducted 52 students into BETA this year!
• The first ever Hall of Honor inductees were recognized at Wolfe City Homecoming
• Silver Seniors for the Wolves is off to a great start
• The leadership team continued its Texas Strategic Leadership initiative in conjunction with the Region 10 Education Service Center
• WCES students read 6,612,260 words for AR
• WCMS Junior Crew did a Bingo Prize fundraiser for the Community Center
• WCHS has increased its CTE programs of study from 11 to 15 increasing student opportunities
• The BEST Students EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Miss A'deja had students build moose habitats as a way to encourage teamwork and collaboration amongst her students. The character trait for the month is courage. Moose need courage to survive in everyday life, and just like them, we as WCES staff and students also use courage in our everyday lives

The middle school librarian launched a cozy Starbooks section, turning part of the library into a book-themed café where students can relax and read. With comfy seating and a creative atmosphere, it’s the perfect blend of fun and literacy.

Exciting things are heating up in the kitchen at WCHS! Culinary Arts is one of the newest additions to our CTE course lineup, and students are loving every minute of it. From learning how to prepare delicious family meals to mastering essential cooking skills, this hands-on class is serving up fun and valuable life lessons. Plus, students are earning their food handler’s certification along the way!

The ACE After-School Program continues to be a fun, enriching experience for students each and every day! From academics to exciting activities, there's something for everyone.

During Power Hour, students stay focused by completing homework, reading AR books, and receiving tutoring support on key concepts taught during the school day. It’s a productive and supportive environment where learning never stops!

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of two brand-new clubs this month:
Astronomy Club – where students explore the wonders of space
Animal Care Club – perfect for young animal lovers and future vets!

Justin Vanhooser was selected by his administrative team as the September Go The Extra Mile recipient. When asked what makes Justin stand out, Jamie Williams shared:

"Justin is the first to arrive and the last to leave. You will never hear him complain—he simply asks, 'How can I help?'”

As the Transportation Supervisor for the district, Justin plays a critical role in ensuring that students and staff have reliable transportation to and from school, as well as to all events. His dedication, work ethic, and positive attitude make him an invaluable member of our team.

Justin can always be counted on to get the job done—and to do it with integrity and a spirit of service.

Thank you, Justin, for always Going The Extra Mile!

This month we recognize our Elementary School Principals, Kim Crump and Melia Garner, for their dedication and countless hours spent working to improve student success and provide the best possible learning opportunities for every child.

Both leaders have gone above and beyond to ensure their staff is equipped with the curriculum, resources, and support needed to help students thrive. They are leading with a data-driven mindset while also empowering teachers and staff by giving them a voice in the decision-making process.

Their leadership is evident the moment you walk into the elementary building. The positive culture, engaged students, and joyful atmosphere in the halls reflect the deep care and intentionality behind everything they do.

Kim and Melia love their students deeply and are working tirelessly to ensure each child feels safe, supported, and successful. Thank you for leading with passion, purpose, and heart. You are truly making a difference!

Jill Woodruff, Vice President of the Wolfe City ISD School Board, has played a vital role in supporting and shaping the district's community engagement. Working closely with the Superintendent, Jill has helped implement initiatives that strengthen the connection between the schools and the community—introducing new traditions such as Silver Seniors for the Wolves and launching the district’s first-ever Hall of Honor.

In addition to her board responsibilities, Jill actively serves on numerous committees and was a key participant in the Texas Strategic Leadership initiative through Region 10 Service Center during its inaugural year. Her leadership and dedication have been instrumental in bringing forward-thinking strategies to Wolfe City ISD.

Jill also led the organization of the city's Five-Year Homecoming Celebration—an especially meaningful event as it was the first major Homecoming since the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a full decade since the last celebration. Her commitment to both preserving long-standing traditions and introducing new ones speaks to her deep roots in Wolfe City, where she was raised and continues to serve the community she loves.

Through her tireless efforts behind the scenes and her passion for education and civic involvement, Jill Woodruff continues to be a driving force in making Wolfe City ISD a place of pride, tradition, and innovation.