Wildkat Families,

I hope you all stayed safe and warm during last month's winter weather! It’s not often we get to see snow in Willis, and while it was a fun surprise, I know many of us are ready for the return of sunshine and warmer days. That said, I hear we may have another cold snap before spring fully arrives - so don’t put away those coats just yet!

Although the semester kicked off with a brisk chill in the air, our schools are flourishing like never before. Students and staff are immersed in their work, fueled by a palpable enthusiasm for learning and growth. Everywhere you look, there are stories of success blossoming across the district. We deeply appreciate your unwavering support as we journey forward together, embracing each new challenge and celebrating every achievement.

Go Kats!

Dr. Kimberley James

Superintendent, Willis ISD

At Willis ISD, we prioritize open and effective communication with our families. To enhance our service, we are introducing a new Communications Process on our website. This system will help ensure that your questions and concerns are directed to the appropriate individual, allowing for quicker and more efficient responses.

What’s Changing?

We recognize that it can sometimes be difficult to find the right person to contact. This new process will provide a step-by-step guide to help you identify the appropriate point of contact before submitting an inquiry, which will reduce delays and misrouted messages.

How Does It Work?

• A "Contact Us" button will be available on the right side of district and campus websites.

• Clicking the button will walk you through a step-by-step communication flow, helping you determine the best person to assist you.

• Once you’ve found the appropriate contact, you’ll be redirected to a Contact Request Form, which will automatically connect your inquiry to the correct staff member.

• The designated staff member will receive an email notification and will respond to your request as soon as possible.
  
  

Communication Levels:

• Level 1: Campus Receptionist – General inquiries, schedules, events, and policies.
• Level 2: Teacher – Questions related to class content, grades, and assignments.
• Level 3: School Nurse – Health-related concerns, immunizations, and student well-being.
• Level 4: Counselor – Student support, academic planning, and social-emotional concerns.
• Level 5: Campus Administrator – Issues unresolved at prior levels.
• Level 6: District Department – Larger concerns requiring district-level resolution.

Why Does This Matter?

This structured approach ensures that your questions reach the right person quickly and efficiently, improving communication between families and staff.

We encourage you to use this new tool to streamline communication. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued support of Willis ISD!

Congratulations to Drue Walker, a sophomore at Willis High School, for earning FIRST place piccolo player in Texas! After ranking second last year as a freshman, Drue has reached the top and will perform with the All-State Band in San Antonio next month!

A video of Walker performing an etude has gained over 140,000 views on Instagram, captivating listeners from around the world with his exquisite playing.

Through rain showers, a tornado watch, and even thunder and lightning at weigh-in, the Willis Junior BassKats didn’t let anything stop them from giving their best on Sam Rayburn at Tournament 3!

Congratulations to all our anglers for their hard work and dedication, no matter the weather!

Highlights:

• 6th Place: Martin/Robb - 4.83 lbs
• 8th Place: Brandt/Briscoe - 4.69 lbs
• 10th Place: Adkison/Brown - 4.14 lbs
• 11th Place: Diehl/Kosh - 3.55 lbs

Kaylee Trotter and Joe Dittfurth presented at the Texas Dance Educators Association conference in Houston on Thursday, January 9. The presentation encapsulated how building strong relationships between colleagues and programs fosters student investment and universal success.

We are thrilled to announce that Ms. Kyrie O’Loughlin, the Dance Director at Brabham Middle School, was also awarded the prestigious Texas Dance Educators Association (TDEA) Scholarship at this conference!

In January, we had the privilege of celebrating the graduation of FOUR exceptional students from HOPE Academy! The overwhelming support from family, friends, and staff made the event truly special - thank you to everyone who came out to show your encouragement!

This year, nine students have already fulfilled their graduation requirements, with some choosing to walk the stage at later dates. Our students have completed more than 150 courses, setting a new benchmark and demonstrating their unwavering determination to achieve their goals.

We are so proud of their dedication and perseverance. Congratulations to all our graduates - your future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!

Congratulations to the newest members of the CERTIFIED KATS!

These hard-working students in Equine Science at Willis High School's CTE have reached an impressive milestone by earning their NHJTCA Equine Management & Evaluation Certification!

Their dedication and commitment to excellence in equine science are paving the way for successful careers in the equine industry. With a focus on management, evaluation, and care, these students are developing the skills to thrive in this specialized field.

FAST FACT: The equine industry contributes billions to the economy annually, creating vast opportunities for skilled professionals in areas like management, breeding, training, and evaluation.

Students who earned their certification:

• Brooklyn Christopher
• Madison Culp
• Carley Dorough
• Sofia Edwards
• Emerson Johnson
• Nevaeh Knight
• Tanner Lucius
• Natalie Mayronne
• Kindal Rigsby
• Levi Risner
• Taylor Siegfried
• Nicole Devitt
• Carter Isom
• Addyson Miller
• Katy Mixa
• Victoria Roberts
• Bailey Scogins
• Claire Smyth
• Megan Stafford
• Paige Urbanovsky
• Jamyriya Wilson

On January 14, the Willis High School DECA Chapter sent 29 members to the DECA District 4 Competition in Conroe. We’re thrilled to announce that 11 of these outstanding students have advanced to the State Competition in Dallas on March 7!

State Qualifiers:

• Paris Egbert: Principles of Hospitality & Tourism
• Brianna Fuerte: Marketing Communication
• Odalys Garay: Principles of Entrepreneurship
• Anthony Garcia: Retail Merchandising Series
• Melissa Guerrero: Business Services Marketing Series
• Daphne Henson: Principles of Hospitality & Tourism
• Ethan Lopez: Principles of Marketing
• Molly McCollum: Sports & Entertainment Marketing Series
• Vanessa Ruiz: Principles of Business Management & Administration
• Katelyn Teague: Business Finance Series Event
• Lillanna Weeks: Food Marketing Series

Special shoutout to Melissa Guerrero and Lillanna Weeks for advancing to State for the 3rd year in a row!

Co-sponsors Cheryl Gehovak and Tommy Reed couldn’t be prouder of these students and their incredible accomplishments!

We are excited to share that our Child Nutrition department has received the "Cream of the Crop" award in the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Farm Fresh Challenge!

This achievement highlights our commitment to incorporating fresh, local ingredients into our school meals and educating students about the importance of healthy eating.

Special thanks to Sharon Jones, our incredible Menu and Compliance Supervisor, for leading the charge and making this possible!

Coach Hammonds' and Mrs. Deschensky's science classes at Brabham Middle School, along with Mrs. Harrell’s science class at Lynn Lucas Middle School, explored the layers of the Earth this week! These young scientists investigated everything from the crust to the core, learning how each layer works together to shape our planet.

We hope you enjoyed your snow day adventures. It has been a joy seeing all the wonderful photos of our students making the most of the winter weather!

Here are some snapshots from this historical event!

Congratulations to our Willis High School Powerlifting program for an outstanding performance at the Oak Ridge Invitational! All our lifters worked hard, showcased incredible determination, and made us so proud! Way to represent, Wildkats!

Team Awards:

• Girls Team
• Boys Team
  
  

Individual Awards:

• J Reyes
• Tatum Authement
• Morgan Horner
• Bryce Walton
• Warren Nolen
• Christian Hall
• Logan Hilton
• Dazia Denson
• Johnathan Miller
• Austen Hernandez
• Carley Dorough
• Taylor Siegfried
• Braiden Wylie
• Aniyah Philio-Milton

What an amazing month for our Brabham CheerKats, who competed at the 2025 NCA High School Nationals! They finished second against the reigning four-time champions, hit ZERO on both days, and won the prestigious Showmanship High Point Award.

Earlier in January, the cheer squad from Lynn Lucas also showcased the spirit of Willis by participating in the United Cheer Competition. They achieved an impressive milestone by winning FIRST place and earning the title of GRAND CHAMPIONS. The team finished with the highest score of 97.

We are so proud of their hard work, talent, and sportsmanship!

Willis High School CTE students attended the Tri-Agency Regional Convener Conference hosted by TX Workforce Solutions last week! Our students represented Willis ISD with pride, engaging in meaningful professional conversations with local industry professionals.

We are so proud to call these students Wildkats!

Congratulations to this month's Momentum Maker Attendance Award winner, Roark Early Education Center!

With an impressive 2.2% growth in attendance for December, you’re setting the standard for showing up and making it count. Amazing job, Roark TEAM!

Please join us in congratulating Cindy Adkison, Amanda Cheatham, Kathleen Daily, Aracele Garcia, Jessie Gilliland, Tonya Mathews, Lauren Posey, Brittany Wheaton, Dyann Wilson, and Michelle Witham for being named 2024 Super Care Heroes!

This special recognition from Care Solace honors school counselors and mental health advocates who go above and beyond to connect students with the care they need. Their dedication to student well-being and their commitment to making a difference in our community is truly inspiring.

Thank you, Super Care Heroes, for your compassion and hard work!

Take a peak into the classroom and see what Willis ISD students have been doing for the

past few weeks!

Willis ISD has launched its Paws of PRIDE program - a special initiative to recognize staff who go above and beyond in their daily roles.

Alongside Superintendent Dr. James, we created the acronym PRIDE.

This acronym stands for:

• Passionate
• Responsive
• Innovative
• Dynamic
• Empathetic
  
  

These five values reflect what we expect from our Wildkat staff. Utilizing a form, staff and community members can send personalized appreciation cards to any staff member who they believe is going above and beyond in their duties.

After a thoughtful review, we’re thrilled to recognize Lagway Elementary’s Kameron Wilder, Lynn Lucas Middle School's Amanda Cheatham, and Cannan Elementary's Richard Kreitz

as last month's Paws of PRIDE honorees! These outstanding staff members have made a remarkable impact on those around them, truly embodying our PRIDE values. They were both honored by the Willis ISD Board of Trustees at the January board meeting.

We encourage you to show your appreciation year-round by submitting a Paws of PRIDE card for any staff member who goes above and beyond. It’s a great way to recognize their hard work and dedication!

There are several places you can go to submit an employee Paws of PRIDE card:

• Direct Link to Form: https://forms.gle/CQJxj1pkjnFCdfFW6
• Visit the Willis ISD Website and click on Paws of Pride under the "Community" tab.
• On any district or campus website, find the Paws of PRIDE button on the right middle of the screen.
• Use the Willis ISD Mobile App: Click on the "paw" icon in the "More" screen.

On January 15, the Willis ISD Board of Trustees met for a regular board meeting at 5:30 PM at the Sharon Hill Jennette Administration Building in the Willis ISD Boardroom.

The following individuals and groups were recognized:

• Logan Stanley (LES); Pledge
• Madelyn St. Louis (LES); Prayer
• Maverick St. Louis (LES); Elementary Student of the Month
• Kyron White (BMS); Secondary Student of the Month
• Kameron Wilder, Amanda Cheatham, and Richard Kreitz; Paws of PRIDE Award
• Delia Baker; Kats on Patrol Safety Award
• Willis Kool Kats Bocce Ball Team
• Girl Scouts Troop; School Board Recognition Month

The Board also discussed and approved:

• The Annual Financial Audit for the Year Ending August 31, 2024
• Strategic Planning Consultant
• Memorandum of Understanding with Family Houston
• Selection of Designers for the Roark Playground and Lynn Lucas Middle School Shot Put/Discus Area
• Contractor Approval for the CTE AG Hay Storage Containers Project
• Procurement Collaboration with the Central Texas Purchasing Alliance for Calfee Middle School

Special presentations included counselor and special education department reviews and the VLK project update for Calfee Middle School.

Stay up-to-date with board happenings by attending meetings in person or reviewing the monthly board briefs. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, February 12, at 5:30 pm. Meetings are held at the Sharon Hill Jennette Administration building.

The following staff members were hired between January 8 and February 4. Welcome to the district - we are so happy to have each and every one of you!

February is BLACK HISTORY MONTH!

This month, we honor the significant impact of Black leaders, innovators, and trailblazers who have shaped our history and continue to inspire future generations. Black history is a vital part of American history, and together, we celebrate the resilience, achievements, and voices that empower us all.

This app will provide you with easy and fast access to your children’s bus route/pickup locations and times and allow the district to send you updates about early or late buses or other information related to your child’s bus.

To download the app: Visit the App Store or Google Play Store, type in "My Ride K-12" and select "Install/Download/Get," or click on the links below.

Download My Ride K-12 on iPhone

Download My Ride K-12 on Android

This newsletter provides valuable information, resources, and tips to help you navigate mental health and wellness topics. The goal is to create a supportive community where everyone feels empowered to prioritize mental health.

February is a time to focus on kindness, connection, and emotional well-being. In this issue, the department highlights National School Counseling Week and the impact of our dedicated counselors in supporting students’ academic and personal success. We also recognize Random Acts of Kindness Week, encouraging small, meaningful gestures that promote positivity in our community.

Additionally, February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, a crucial time to educate students and families about healthy relationships and the warning signs of dating abuse. Resources and guidance are provided to help facilitate important conversations.

This month’s newsletter also features an update on the RISE Mentoring program, which continues to provide students with caring, supportive relationships that foster growth and confidence.

Finally, parents will find practical mental health tips to help children maintain balance and well-being as we continue through the school year.

Willis ISD invites you to this February's Ambassador Academy on February 7 from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Willis ISD CTE!

This academy is designed for community members interested in learning more about the district and its programs. Throughout the year, participants will have the opportunity to embark on guided tours of school campuses, engage in meaningful discussions with district leaders, and get a preview of the various programs offered to students!

To RSVP, please send an email to Michelle Bischof at mbischof@willisisd.org.

The Willis High School Sweethearts proudly present the 3rd Annual Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Ball, happening Friday, February 7th, from 7 to 10 PM in the WHS Cafeteria.

This special event is perfect for creating cherished memories with your daughter, featuring a DJ, dancing, fun games, photo booths with take-home photos, delicious desserts, and refreshing drinks. Tickets are $55 per pair, with an additional $15 for each extra daughter.

Don’t miss this unforgettable night of love and laughter! Reserve your tickets today at willissweethearts.net.

Discover your musical talent and join the band! Students attending Brabham, Calfee, or Lynn Lucas in the 2025–2026 school year are invited to find out which instrument is their perfect match!

Future BMS & CMS Students: Join us Thursday, February 20, 2025, at BMS (Gymnasium Doors).
Future LLMS & CMS Students: Join us Friday, February 21, 2025, at LLMS (Front Doors).

Both events are from 6:00–8:00 PM.

Each student will receive a personalized interview to determine the best instrument fit based on their interests and skills.

For more information, email:
BMS: eallison@willisisd.org
LLMS: hcicchillo@willisisd.org

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to explore the joy of music!

Wildkat Cheer and Mascot Tryouts for the 2025–26 school year are coming soon! Here’s everything you need to know to get started:

Mandatory Parent Meeting
Candidates and guardians must attend one of the following meetings to be eligible to try out. The meetings will take place on Tuesday, February 6th, or Saturday, February 10th, at 6:00 PM in the WHS LGI Room.

Tryout Clinic
The tryout clinic will be held from Monday, March 3rd, through Thursday, March 6th, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM in the WHS Purple Gym.

Tryouts
Tryouts will take place on Friday, March 7th, starting at 1:30 PM in the WHS Purple Gym. The end time will be determined based on the number of participants.

For questions or more information, contact sthiel@willisisd.org.

In Willis ISD, safety is our number one priority, and we will not tolerate behavior that threatens the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Students and parents can utilize the district’s anonymous alerts system to report any suspicious or known activity. K12 Anonymous Alert allows for anonymous reporting (or you can add your information, and we can reply). It also sends messages to school and district administrators 24 hours a day directly on our phones. The alert system can be accessed on the Willis ISD mobile app or on the website linked below!

Ensuring regular attendance is crucial, but we also recognize the significance of family vacations. With that in mind, we designed a comprehensive vacation planning document to assist families in organizing their trips during the academic year.

Please review the document below to determine the best time for your family vacation!

At no cost to you, Care Solace will quickly and confidentially find available mental health and substance use providers matched to your needs.

• 24/7/365 Multilingual Support - A multilingual team is available 24/7/365 to help you understand options, call providers on your behalf and schedule an appointment.
  
• Care Regardless of Insurance - Connect to care with any coverage including Medicaid, Medicare, and sliding scale options for those without insurance.
  
• Easy Access to Care - Use Care Match, the self-serve website, to find a provider on your own.
  

For more information, visit caresolace.com/willisisd

Texas Education Code 37.222 requires all Texas public school districts to share with parents and guardians information and resources about the safe storage of firearms including information on section 46.13 of the Texas Penal Code. Willis ISD is sharing this information with you, courtesy of the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Stay up-to-date with all the wonderful things going on in our district by following our
social media accounts! Click on the buttons below and give us a follow.

A R Turner Elementary

Brabham Middle School

Cannan Elementary

C C Hardy Elementary

Lagway Elementary

Lynn Lucas Middle School

Meador Elementary

Parmley Elementary

Roark Early Education Center

Stubblefield Academy

Willis High School