In my Superintendent Entry Plan, linked below, you will see that one of my Pillars of Focus is Family and Community Engagement. My goal is to enhance engagement with our parents, our staff, our students, and the greater community. This month I began holding listen and learn sessions with the community and staff. These sessions are designed to allow for honest and comfortable exchanges so that I can learn what you think is working, and what we need to do better. This will help us create inclusive opportunities for stakeholder involvement, improve communication channels, and build strong partnerships that support student success and well-being. Ultimately we want the best schools for the students in Willis ISD. And we want your help to build that.

On Monday, October 21, Dr. James held her inaugural session, "Engage & Exchange with Dr. James." This event served as an opportunity for community members to familiarize themselves with her Superintendent Entry Plan, a comprehensive initiative designed to address the district's needs and goals. During the session, Dr. James outlined her vision for the future and detailed the key areas she aims to focus on for improvement.

Additionally, the gathering included an open forum at the end, encouraging attendees to actively participate by sharing their insights, ideas, and concerns via ThoughtExchange. Community members were invited to share their ideas on significant issues the district should address and also propose potential solutions.

Thank you to everyone who attended and shared their valuable insights! Together, we’re shaping a stronger future for our district. Stay tuned for more sessions and continued opportunities to make your voice heard!

Recently, the Lone Star State School Counselor Association (LSSSCA) revealed its 2024 Professional Awards recipients. These accolades honor individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the school counseling profession and demonstrated exceptional support and commitment.

We are excited to announce that our very own superintendent, Dr. Kimberley James, has been named the 2024 Superintendent of the Year recipient for her incredible service to the school counseling profession and unwavering dedication to our students.

Congratulations are also in order for Jessie Gilliland and Brittany Wheaton, who were both named semi-finalists in the Counselor of the Year category!

Congratulations to our unstoppable Wildkat football team, who clinched the title of back-to-back district champions last Thursday with a resounding 63-21 victory over Grand Oaks! This remarkable win also secured an undefeated regular season for our Wildkats - a testament to their hard work, dedication, and team spirit.

We’re incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of our Wildkat community, whose cheers and encouragement have fueled the team’s success every step of the way. Thank you for standing by us and celebrating this journey. We look forward to a long playoff run with you!

On October 2, we celebrated and expressed our gratitude for our incredible custodial team! They do so much more than keep our schools clean—they build strong connections and form meaningful relationships with students and staff, creating a welcoming, comfortable environment for all. As valued members of the Willis ISD family, their dedication and passion are truly invaluable.

Thank you for all that you do!

The third-grade students at Lagway Elementary recently put on an exciting glow-in-the-dark music program titled "Glow"! Both students and parents had a fantastic time.

A special thank you goes to Mrs. Coffman, the specials teachers, and the third-grade teachers at Lagway, who dedicated so much time and effort to make the evening enjoyable for everyone!

We are so proud to announce that four of our Willis High School journalism students, along with their advisor Emily Meachan, brought home several awards from the Texas Association of Journalism Educators Fall Fiesta conference in San Antonio this past month!

Results:

Honorable Mention: Photography - Ella McDonald

3 Honorable Mentions: Photography - Victoria Medina

8th place (Best in Show) - 2024 Wildkat Yearbook

7th place (Best in Show) - Online Newspaper (wildkats.org)

Head to wildkats.org to read all about their trip! We are so proud of these dedicated students and hope you enjoy a few memorable moments they captured during their time in San Antonio!

Last month, our students explored future career paths at the Youth to Career Fair held at the Lone Star Convention Center. They participated in hands-on activities and chatted with professionals across various fields. From interactive demos to real-world advice, they got a glimpse into the exciting careers they could have in the future!

A huge THANK YOU to the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce and Conroe EDC for making this experience possible!

A heartfelt thank you to Director of Transportation Frank Gonzalez and Transportation Supervisor Isidro Tabangcura for hosting a surprise ceremony honoring several of our outstanding bus drivers and monitors!

These dedicated drivers went above and beyond during the recent gas line leak near Lagway Elementary. They volunteered to stay behind after their regular routes to ensure the safe transport of students and staff. Their swift actions and unwavering dedication to our community’s safety fill us with pride!

Honorees: Gracie Cadengo, Jennifer Cornish, Margie Duffy, Kari Dusebout, Chris Gallihugh, Kristina Harris, Richard Heath, Rachael Ingelido, Jean Kilby, Kimberly Lewis-Caldwell, Staci Lowe, Nicole Martin, Rozonno McGhee, Greg Meiss, Holly Muehsler, Krista Pasket, Annette Sokalski, Jones Stormy, Michael Sturgeon, Sheila Wheeler, Judy Williams

Congratulations to the Willis High School AFJROTC cadets who had an OUTSTANDING day at the Oak Ridge High School’s Iron Eagle Classic on Saturday, October 19.

The cadets brought home eight trophies after a long day of competition at Oak Ridge High School, where JROTC units from 14 Houston area schools competed.

Colonel Vincent Jefferson and SMSgt Bell are extremely proud of their cadets' dedication and hard work, which paid off in the competition.

Results:

2nd place - Overall (2 trophies)

1st place - Academics

1st place - Aerial Drones

2nd place - Rocketry

2nd place - Tug of War

3rd place - Dirty Decathlon (Physical Training)

3rd place - 30 Commands Basic Drill

The Kool Kats represented Willis ISD well at the Special Olympics Area 06 Bocce Tournament at Sam Houston State University. Four of our athletes competed, including one doubles team and two single players. All four athletes placed and brought home some hardware from the tournament!

Results:

1st place - Juan Lopez and Preston Seay

1st place - Hayden Urbanovsky

3rd place - Jude Shepherd

Keep up the excellent work, Kool Kats!

We are excited to celebrate our first completion-of-credit students at Hope Academy! Through unwavering dedication, resilience, and countless hours of hard work, these students have achieved their goal of graduating ahead of schedule!

Let’s honor these remarkable individuals as they close this chapter and set out to reach new heights. Here’s to their future accomplishments!

C.C. Hardy Elementary wrapped up Hispanic Heritage Month in style with a vibrant and festive parade that brought the entire school community together!

Students proudly wore colorful traditional clothing representing various Hispanic cultures, filling the campus with lively colors and energy. They also showcased their creativity with beautifully crafted signs celebrating Hispanic heritage and contributions, each reflecting their pride and appreciation.

The enthusiasm and joy radiating from the students made it a truly unforgettable event, celebrating diversity, unity, and cultural pride. Thank you to everyone who made this celebration so memorable for our students!

This month, our students had the opportunity to learn about fire safety firsthand, thanks to visits from our dedicated local fire departments. They explored fire trucks, met the heroes who protect our community, and discovered essential fire safety practices.

A huge thank you to our local firefighters for their commitment to safety and for spending time with our students. Your dedication makes a lasting impact!

Over the past month, our talented Willis FFA and Willis 4H Show Teams have been competing at the State Fair of Texas Livestock Show, which spans an impressive four weeks! We had exhibitors representing us each week, showcasing their skills in both the Market and Breeding Heifer divisions.

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

past few weeks!

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our 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.

On October 7, Rachael Tedder was recognized as the district's first recipient of a Paws of Pride appreciation card. District administrators visited Stubblefield Academy to surprise her and invite her to the upcoming board meeting. Ms. Tedder was nominated by Lt. Richard Durbin, the Director of Security, for being dynamic and responsive.

Her nomination read:

"When I found out about the new Paws of Pride recognition program that has been created, I immediately thought of Rachael Tedder. Rachael has her own job and responsibilities but goes out of her way to assist my SROs with anything they need. Rachael places our orders for parts and even takes the time to research what we need. Although it is not her responsibility, she never complains and is always willing to go the extra mile. She is an asset to this district, and her professionalism and dedication is unmatched."

On October 9, the Willis ISD Board of Trustees met in a public meeting concerning the Willis ISD FIRST Rating (Financial Integrity Rating System Of Texas) at 5:00 PM, followed by 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:

Aiden Lopez (CCH); Pledge

Jaylen Cabrera (CCH); Prayer

Gabriela Skelton (CCH); Elementary Student of the Month

Guillermo Bravo Castillo (BMS); Secondary Student of the Month

Rachael Tedder (SAS); Paws of PRIDE Award

Alex Kazmierczak (PES); Kats on Patrol Safety Award

Lagway Elementary; Honor Roll School, ERP

Human Resources Department for TASB Texas Education Human Resource Day

Campus Principals for National Principals Month

Highlights from this month’s meeting include the approval of the Renewal of Membership in Walsh Gallegos' Retainer Program, House Bill 3 Goals, the District Professional Development Plan for the 2024-2025 School Year, the selection of Architectural/Engineering Firms for 2024 Bond Projects - Transportation Center, the selection of Architectural/Engineering Firms for 2024 Bond Projects - 9th Grade Center, and many more.

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, November 13, at 5:30 pm. Meetings are held at the Sharon Hill Jennette Administration building.

Willis ISD voters have rejected all three propositions of the bond election that appeared on the November 2024 ballot. The bond package, designed to address facility needs aligned with district growth and student programming, was proposed in response to demographic forecasts predicting significant enrollment increases in the coming years. As a result, plans for the Student Activity Center, Athletic Complex & Stadium, and Aquatic Center will not move forward at this time.

The district thanks all voters for their participation and will continue seeking ways to responsibly address the needs of our students and growing community.

Moving forward, Willis ISD is excited to focus on several important developments ahead. We are opening Middle School #3 in August 2025, Elementary #7 in fall of 2026, and preparing for the construction of our Ninth Grade Center at Willis High School to meet the demands of our growing student population. The district is committed to forward-thinking strategic planning that prioritizes both the improvement of student outcomes and the unique needs of our rapidly expanding community. These projects are vital steps in our journey to provide high-quality, future-ready learning environments for every student.

Kyle Hoegemeyer stated, “As Board President of Willis ISD, I know I speak for all of the school board members when I say that we know our families are deeply invested in ensuring that all students in Willis ISD have access to facilities that support a complete and well-rounded educational experience. While we are disappointed that the community did not approve this bond, we respect and appreciate the voice of our voters that showed in larger numbers. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to address the ongoing needs of our district in a fiscally responsible manner. Moving forward, we will continue to evaluate and prioritize how we can best serve our students within the existing resources, and we welcome further dialogue on these essential initiatives.”

“Having recently joined Willis ISD as Superintendent, I am encouraged by the community’s engagement and passion for the future of our schools," said Kimberley James. "We are fortunate to serve a district that values growth and educational quality, and while the bond results are not what we hoped, our commitment to serving our students, families, and staff remains unchanged. We will work diligently to seek alternative paths to meet the demands of our growing district while staying true to the core values and high standards that define Willis ISD.”

The following staff members were hired between September 30 and November 4. Welcome to the district - we are so happy to have each and every one of you!

November is National Scholarship Month, a perfect time to focus on opportunities that can help make college and career training more affordable. Scholarships are available for students with different skills, backgrounds, and interests—there’s truly something for everyone!

Take some time this month to explore scholarships you may qualify for. Willis High School students, come to the College/Career Center during lunch in B205, check out our scholarship listing on our website, and remember: every little bit counts when it comes to funding your future! Stay proactive, ask questions, and let us help you get started. Let’s make the most of National Scholarship Month!

SENIORS: Annual Iced Coffee Event is coming up on November 19th, it is just one activity during our celebration of Generation Texas. This event is sponsored by the WISD Counselors in the College/Career Center during lunch. All seniors will receive a free cup of Neumann's Famous Iced Coffee if they turn in proof of College Acceptance, College Application Submission, Scholarships, FAFSA Account creation, Military Enlistment, or ask a College/Career related question. Seniors, watch your email for more information and an incentive for the event.

Join us as we honor our veterans with a special Veterans Day program on Monday, November 11, from 10:00 to 10:30 AM at Willis High School. Let’s come together to honor the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans with a morning full of gratitude and respect!

All community veterans are welcome! Please bring a photo ID and check in at the front of the school. Arrive between 9:30 and 9:45 AM to find a seat and connect with fellow community members before the program starts in the gym.

Let's make this Veterans Day a memorable one - see you there!

Willis ISD invites you to this month's Ambassador Academy on November 22 from 10 AM to 12 PM at C.C. Hardy Elementary!

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.

As of November 7, we still had 754 students in need of a sponsor this season!

Many families in our district are experiencing financial hardship and may struggle to provide gifts for their children during the holidays. Please consider sponsoring a student's wish list and help us make this season special for these wonderful families!

Want to Give, But Unable to Sponsor a Child? You can still make a difference! 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.

Here’s what we currently need:

Amazon: 21

Target: 111

GameStop: 6

Academy: 9

Ulta: 2

Walmart: 33

Five Below: 1

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! 🎉

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.

November is National Career Development & Generation Texas Month, so this issue includes information on how Willis ISD is supporting your child's personal development and thus leading them into their career development. It also provides technology safety tips for parents and informative articles that can be helpful.

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

Purchase your Willis Football tickets on the Hometown Fan App. Tickets for the first playoff game will be available through the app! Use the instructions below to download the app or follow the link to save the website as a bookmark on your desktop.

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