The Wildkat Word: December 2024

Dear Willis ISD Families,

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving break filled with family, friends, and cherished moments. As we return to school, the next three weeks promise to be both fast-paced and full of excitement as we prepare for the holiday season. There are so many ways to get involved, from attending campus events and concerts to celebrating student achievements at award ceremonies. Be sure to check your child’s campus calendar for opportunities to join in the fun and make lasting memories.

At its November 13, 2024, Regular Meeting, the Willis ISD Board of Trustees proudly voted to name Middle School #3 after Homer C. Calfee, a local pioneer and advocate for education.

Calfee moved to the area from Louisiana with his parents, eventually settling on the 1,100-acre homestead where the new middle school now stands. Together with his wife, Delphia, the Calfees operated a sawmill and cattle ranch on the property and made lasting contributions to the community.

Demonstrating their commitment to education, the Calfees established a one-room elementary school, White Oak, on their land. Their children—John Harvey “Dick,” Homer Estil “Estil,” and Lula Belle—attended White Oak alongside children from nearby farms. White Oak later merged with Willis ISD in the mid-1920s, and Homer’s son Estil became the first Calfee to graduate from Willis ISD in 1926, followed by Dick in 1929. Tragically, Lula Belle passed away in a car accident at a young age.

Homer C. Calfee also served as one of Willis ISD’s earliest Trustees, shaping the district’s foundation. Naming the new school in his honor celebrates his legacy of service, education, and community building.

November was a thrilling month for Wildkat Football, as the team remained undefeated through the first two rounds of playoffs, showcasing their determination and skill on the field.

The journey began with a dominant win against the Spring Lions, where the Wildkats claimed the Bi-District title with an impressive 63-16 victory. The excitement continued the following week in a nail-biting matchup against the Tomball Cougars. In a hard-fought game, the Wildkats emerged victorious, securing the Area title with a final score of 28-24.

On Saturday, November 30, the team traveled to Frisco for a highly anticipated showdown against the DeSoto Eagles. While the game marked the team's first loss of the season and the end of their playoff run, the resilience shown by the players was nothing short of inspiring.

As the Friday Night Lights fade, the Willis community beams with pride for this incredible team. Thank you, Wildkat Football, for an unforgettable season!

Congratulations to Willis High School's Jermaine Bishop Jr. on being named a Top 10 finalist for Dave Campbell's Texas Football's Mr. Texas Football Award. This award is meant to recognize the most outstanding high school football player in the state of Texas!

Last year, DJ Lagway received this title- so let's bring this award back to Willis!

Vote for Jermaine Bishop Jr. here: https://tinyurl.com/2kuwn7rc

(Poll is at the bottom of the page on mobile and to the right on a desktop - voting is UNLIMITED)

Congratulations to Willis High School's Jack Emerson on being named a finalist for Dave Campbell's Texas Football's Quarterback of the Year Award! The QB of the Year finalists consists of the 11 Quarterback of the Week winners from each classification, selected based on outstanding performances throughout the regular season, along with four editor's choices.

Vote for Jack Emerson here: https://tinyurl.com/55bp482u

(Voting is UNLIMITED)

In just 10 weeks, our Hope Academy students at Stubblefield Academy completed an incredible 100 courses. This achievement comes at an exciting time as students get ready to pre-order their cap and gowns for graduation!

Hope Academy is dedicated to supporting at-risk students through a unique screening and application process, providing the focus and motivation they need to earn their high school diploma. By aligning students’ goals with the hard work needed to achieve them, Hope Academy is helping pave the way for their future success.

A huge congratulations is in order for our talented Willis High School Sweethearts!

They brought their A-game and earned a Superior Division 1 rating at the TDEA/UIL Drill Team Pilot competition last month at Clear Creek ISD's Challenger Stadium!

Your hard work, dedication, and passion truly shined through. We're so proud of you! Keep dancing pretty, Sweethearts!

Congratulations to Lieutenant Richard Durbin, our new Director of Security for Willis ISD!

In just three months, Lt. Durbin has made a profound impact on the safety and preparedness of our district. His leadership has been instrumental in improving the security measures and the readiness of our School Resource Officers (SROs) through enhanced training, advanced safety tools, and collaboration with local first-responder agencies to address real-world threats.

Recently, Lt. Durbin was officially pinned as a Lieutenant and honored with the Professional & Accountable Award by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. His dedication to student and staff safety is unmatched, and our students are safer under his direction.

Please join us in celebrating Lt. Durbin for his outstanding achievements and contributions!

A huge congrats goes to Aaron Barker. The Willis HS Aquakats 100 breast record has finally been broken!

It was originally set in 1993 by Peter Bigler - this Aquakat was determined to break this record!

This kid broke the longest-standing Willis High School Swim Record tonight, a record that Peter Bigler held for 31 years in the 100 Breaststroke with a time of 1:05.58

The new record was set by Aaron Barker in 2024 with a time of 1:04.18

Willis High School Cheer kicked off their season at UCA during November! Our talented Wildkat cheerleaders brought home 1st Place for their traditional routine and wowed the crowd with a STELLAR Game Day routine filled with powerful stunts and incredible spirit!

Way to show what Wildkat pride is all about, WILDKAT CHEER!

We are THRILLED to share that one of our Brabham Middle School students, Chris Coker, was recently featured in an article in Paths to Literacy!

While receiving homebound instruction from teacher Kathy Neighbors, Chris created an inspiring nature-themed story by using items collected from outside and arranging them on a frame to bring his story to life.

We’re incredibly proud of his creativity and resilience and can’t wait to see all he’ll accomplish now that he’s back on campus!

Read the article here: https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/stick-to-nature/

Photos courtesy of Paths to Literacy for Students Who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Willis ISD staff and students displayed their patriotic spirit by swapping out our iconic purple for red, white, and blue in honor of Veterans Day!

On Monday, November 11, our district proudly donned patriotic colors as we came together to pay tribute to our veterans! From moving performances and special programs to shared meals and heartfelt conversations, every celebration was a testament to the courage and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.

A huge thank you to everyone who made these events memorable, and most importantly, to all our veterans - your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Check out some of our favorite photos from these celebrations!

We also had two Willis High School students earn spots in Region Orchestras! Drue Walker was named 1st Chair on Piccolo in the Region Orchestra, and Joshua Grush was selected for the Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Willis Alleykats Bowling Club is on FIRE!

The varsity boys are back and dominating the lanes, continuing their win streak from last season! With impressive 200+ games from Brent Moody and Ryan Jackson, and a blazing 235 Baker's Game, the reigning state champs cruised to another victory at Bowlero on November 20.

Can't forget our LADYKATS either! Starting the season strong with a 2-0 record, they’re showing incredible growth and determination. Even without an opponent, their scores are climbing higher with each match!

A special shoutout to Maddy Bruce, who bowled her highest game yet as a first-year bowler - for the second match in a row!

Kindness was in the air at Brabham and Lynn Lucas!

On November 13, students and staff at Brabham Middle School celebrated World Kindness Day by spreading kindness everywhere! To make the day even sweeter, Principal Anthony Roberts treated his staff to donuts.

At Lynn Lucas Middle School, student ambassadors went above and beyond by creating heartfelt posters to welcome fellow students to campus for this special day.

These thoughtful touches remind us how a little kindness can go a long way!

Willis AFJROTC cadets showcased their talents at multiple events held at Conroe ISD's Walter P. Jett Teacher and Learning Center and Sheldon ISD's King High School.

The WHS AFJROTC Aerial Drone Team, known as the Drone Kats, excelled at The Woodlands High School Aerial Drone Competition, competing against 14 teams from six schools. The Drone Kats took home three first-place trophies:

• Teamwork Mission Champions
• Skills Mission Champions
• Coding Champions
  
  

The WHS Drill Teams also performed well at the C.E. Drill competition, earning three trophies:

• Unarmed Exhibition, 3rd Place
• Armed Exhibition, 3rd Place
• Academics, 3rd Place
  
  

Watch the Drone Kats in action here.

Congratulations to our Willis FFA students on their achievements at the Blackland District LDE on November 5 at Conroe High School!

• GH Spanish Creed - Jocelyn Loera placed 1st and advanced to Area.
• GH Quiz - Dillon Darnell, Emery Larson (10th individual), Hadlee Davis (8th individual), and Mia Steele (1st individual) placed 10th.
• Chapter Quiz Team - Levi Risner (6th individual), Loryn Gates, Mason Lightfoot, and Leslie Johnson placed 3rd and advanced to Area.
• Ag Issues Team - Corynne Lambert, Emerson Johnson, Bailey Scogins, and Cory Pierce placed 3rd and advanced to Area.
• Radio Broadcasting Team - Paisley Baylor, Addyson Miller, Megan Stafford
• GH Creed Speaker - Mia Steele
• Job Interview - Kameron Smith

We’re incredibly proud of the students in our Willis High School TAFE chapter who represented us with excellence at the recent Texas Association of Future Educators competition, and thrilled to announce that two of our students have earned a spot at the State competition in February!

Kristen Eilers (Junior Varsity) competed in Exploring Education Administration Careers, earning a near-perfect score! She shadowed Mr. King for eight hours, took detailed notes, and presented her findings at SHSU. Amazing dedication, Kristen!

Kiriana Leach (Varsity) competed in Lesson Planning and Delivery (ARTS). Kiriana created an engaging art lesson and taught it to children at Mrs. Smith’s Stay and Play. She also recorded the lesson and completed a reflection piece. Fantastic work, Kiriana!

Kristen and Kiriana are refining their projects to compete again at the state competition at Moody Gardens, with their sights set on Nationals in TAFE’s first year at Willis High School.

Congratulations to the Brabham Middle School Cheerkats, who delivered an outstanding performance at NCA Regionals, securing FIRST PLACE with a flawless ZERO deductions routine!

Their exceptional effort has earned them a bid to NCA NATIONALS in Dallas!

We are incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and passion. Brabham Cheer is on fire and ready to shine at Nationals!

Willis High School was named one of only nine recipients of the prestigious Dave Campbell's Texas Football Robotics Club Spotlight Award, presented by Aurora Innovation! This award recognizes robotics programs that demonstrate excellence in creativity and STEM advancement.

To top it off, Aurora Innovation visited our campus and presented a $500 donation to support our amazing robotics team!

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/4zdppk4s

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 Dawson Asher and Brabham Middle School’s Mindi Maturin 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 November 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 November 13, 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 departments were recognized:

Dawson Alguire (ART); Pledge

Rosie Hernandez (ART); Prayer

Turner Writing Kats

Sofia Rubio (ART); Elementary Student of the Month

Paloma de Paz (WHS); Secondary Student of the Month

Mindi Maturin (BMS) & Dawson Asher (LES); Paws of PRIDE Award

Miranda Madea; Kats on Patrol Safety Award

ATPE honorees Tommy Reed & Katrina King

San Jacinto River Authority

Willis Supermarket

The following three trustees have been sworn in and will continue to serve in their positions: Paulett Traylor, Charles Perry, Sr., and Chad Jones.

Highlights from this month’s meeting include the approval of the Instructional Framework, SSI Partnership Grant Cohort 4, Learning Acceleration Support Opportunities Cycle 3, General Budget Fund Amendments for 2024-2025 Budget, One-time Incentive Payment for December 2024, and Construction Contracts. Huckabee was also named the architect of the Ninth Grade Center and VLK the architect of the Transportation Center.

The board accepted the naming committee's recommendation and officially announced that Middle School #3 will be named HOMER C. 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, December 11, at 5:30 pm. This meeting will be held at the Willis ISD Performing Arts Center.

The following staff members were hired between November 5 through December 3. Welcome to the district - we are so happy to have each and every one of you!

Ready to take your career to the next level? Join the Willis ISD team and make a difference in our community!

We’re hosting TWO job fairs to connect talented individuals like YOU with rewarding careers in education and support roles! From teaching positions to vital support roles like transportation, food services, and more - there’s a place for YOU on our team!

Visit willisisd.org/departments/human-resources to explore available jobs and apply today.

WILLIS ISD PROFESSIONAL JOB FAIR

Thursday, December 5

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

CTE Center - 40 FM 830, Willis, TX

WILLIS ISD AUXILIARY JOB FAIR

Saturday, December 7

10 AM - 12 PM

SHJ Administration Building - 612 N. Campbell Street, Willis, TX

Mark your calendars for Friday, December 13, as Willis ISD hosts its annual Christmas in the Barn & Toy Drive at the Willis ISD Ag Barn. This beloved holiday event is perfect for elementary-aged children and promises an evening filled with fun and festive activities.

Families can enjoy crafts, games, a petting zoo, and even snow to bring the magic of the season to life. Of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa too!

We encourage all attendees to bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the Wildkat Resource Center. Your generosity will help spread joy to families in need within our community.

Join us as we celebrate the season, create special memories, and give back to those who need it most. We look forward to seeing you there!

Get ready for a day of fun and giving back at the Willis High School Automotive Program’s 2nd Annual Car & Bike Show and Toy Drive!

This exciting event will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Willis High School CTE Building, located at 40 FM 830 in Willis, Texas. The event runs from 10 AM to 2 PM, with registration closing at 12 PM. Trophies will be awarded at 2 PM.

Registration is simple - bring a new, unwrapped toy or pay a $25 fee. All proceeds will benefit the Wildkat Resource Center and the Automotive Program.

Attendees can look forward to special attractions like Hot Wheel races and an appearance by Santa himself.

Come out to enjoy the show, celebrate the season, and make a difference in our community!

For more information about the event, please contact: ahammond@willisisd.org or dculver@willisisd.org

If you weren't able to sponsor a child but still wish to make a contribution, there are other ways to help. We are in need of gift cards in $20 to $40 increments. These will go a long way in helping us support children and families.

If you are interested in donating a gift card, please email wildkatresourcecenter@willisisd.org.

Here’s what we currently need:

Amazon: 10

Target: 100

GameStop: 6

Academy: 9

Walmart: 25

Maurices: 1

Ross: 6

Nike: 1

Hobby Lobby: 1

TJ Maxx: 1

O'Reilly Auto Parts: 1

Old Navy: 2

Join the Willis ISD Team DRIVING THE FUTURE!

Willis ISD is actively seeking dedicated and reliable bus drivers to support our students and community by providing safe, dependable transportation across our district. If you’re passionate about making a difference and enjoy working in a supportive environment, we want to hear from you!

As a Willis ISD Bus Driver, you’ll have the chance to make a positive impact on students’ lives every day while earning up to $19.27 per hour. Our Transportation team is welcoming and excited to have you onboard!

Ready to Drive? Visit our website to apply today, or call 936-856-1220 for more information.

Come make a difference, one ride at a time! 🎉

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

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