Happy October! As you know, October is one of the busiest months in schools. There are so many wonderful things to celebrate, from Hispanic Heritage month to Principal month, to Fire Prevention Week and Custodial day, among many others.

Recently you received an email with my Superintendent Entry Plan. You can review it in this newsletter. I'm excited to accomplish these goals together with you!

We are proud to present Dr. James' Superintendent Entry Plan, which lays out her foundation of priorities for the school year. Click on the image below to read the full document.

Join us for our Engage & Exchange with Dr. James on October 21 at the Willis High School CTE to discuss ways we can further improve our district.

Congratulations to the 27 Willis High School students named 2024-2025 College Board National Recognition Program Scholars! This distinction celebrates students who excel academically on College Board assessments, including PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT10, and AP Exams.

This award benefits students because colleges and universities actively seek out recipients, and some even offer scholarships to those who earn this distinction.

Fun Fact: Willis High School had 18 program scholars last year. This year, 27 students earned this title. Way to go, Kats!

2024-2025 College Board National Recognition Program Scholars: Christopher Aleman, Jose Alvarez, Lindsay Boston, Giavanna Casso, Brigham Cesan, Cade Ford, Ava Foster, Kamden Frazier, Brianna Fuerte, Odalys Garay, Melissa Guerrero, Hayden Irvine, Jasmyna Joyner, Elijah Maddox, Aliyyah Owoseni, Daysi Palma, Cory Pierce, Alexis Plummer, Ian Sheridan, Danica Sundquist, Kaeley Uhlig, Dylan Van Wyk, James Bright, Kaitlin Burns, Victor Gomez, Alexander Hernandez, and Morgan Thomas.

Parmley Elementary students put their creativity to work by decorating pizza boxes for Marco's Pizza as part of a special school Spirit Night event. During the week of September 16 to 20, families had the opportunity to visit Marco's Pizza and collect their child's decorated box. 15% of the proceeds from each order went directly back to the school.

The students enjoyed the opportunity to express themselves and showcase their artistic talents through these custom-designed pizza boxes.

To help our students celebrate Constitution Day, the North Shore Republican Women generously donated class sets of constitutions to all Willis ISD 5th-grade classrooms. This donation allows students to explore the principles of the Constitution, further enriching their understanding of our nation's foundational document. The Willis ISD community is extremely grateful for this generous contribution!

With grant money from Mrs. Dyann Wilson's top 5 finish in H-E-B's Secondary School Counselor of the Year award, Brabham Middle School created a "Zen Den." This space is specifically designed to help individuals manage their emotions and reduce anxiety.

The calming room serves as a retreat for those feeling overwhelmed. It is available not only to students but also to staff, community partners, counseling groups, mediations, and more. Calming rooms have been shown to benefit these groups by promoting emotional well-being, enhancing focus, and fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.

Congratulations to the Willis High School Homecoming Court! It was so exciting getting to cheer these students on during the homecoming parade and game.

Freshman Duke & Duchess:

Keaton Jeffcoat

Brooklynn Massoth

Sophomore Duke & Duchess:

Julian Figueroa

Daisy Skelton

Junior Duke & Duchess:

River Shaunfield

Mia McGowen

Senior King Candidates:

Kelley Abke

Adrian Diaz

Kevin Fonseca

Alexander Hernandez

Cutler Wasson

Senior Queen Candidates:

Stephanie Castaneda

Kelsey Diaz

Marisol Gonzalez

Giselle Ramirez

Kimmora Reed

The Willis community gathered on Wednesday, September 25 to cheer on the district's students during the vibrant annual homecoming parade. The theme for this year was "Game On," and the creatively designed floats truly exceeded expectations!

2024 Parade Float Winners:

Most Spirited - WHS Cheerleaders

Most Creative - BMS Cheerleaders

Principal's Award - Roark EEC

Community Award - NCFL Seahawks

Best in Show - WHS Girls Basketball and WHS Volleyball

This month, our Child Nutrition Crew worked hard to create special lunches for our students! Not only did they grow and harvest hydroponic romaine lettuce and basil at Brabham Middle School to add to students' salads, but cafeterias across the district celebrated National Rice Krispies Treat Day by giving every student in line a mini Rice Krispies treat!

At Willis High School, students also had the opportunity to enjoy ramen noodles and boba tea today!

We are so proud of this department and their efforts to provide delicious and nutritious lunches for our students. Having them as part of our team is something we are constantly grateful for!

Law Enforcement students from Willis High School proudly presented the Conroe Police Department with a rubbing of Sgt. Ed Holcomb's name from the National Police Memorial in Washington, D.C.

When cadets visited the memorial during Police Week in May, their goal was to obtain rubbings from local Texas Law Enforcement Agencies and then present these meaningful mementos to the respective agencies as a token of respect and gratitude.

Willis extended their winning streak with a victory against Cleveland in a homecoming matchup that is sure to be remembered. With a final score of 77-0, the Wildkats celebrated with a rousing rendition of the school song and a halftime performance that followed the conclusion of the game.

At halftime, the homecoming king and queen were announced to wild cheers in the stands. Congratulations to all members of our homecoming court, and a special congratulations to Alexander Hernandez and Kelsey Diaz for being named the 2024 Willis High School Homecoming King and Queen!

Congratulations to the 16 members of the Willis FFA and Willis 4H Clubs Heifer Team, who traveled to Waco with 28 heifers for the Heart O' Texas Fair! To say that these individuals did amazing is an understatement. These hard-working students participated in the Showmanship Show on Wednesday, the Scholarship Show on Thursday, and the Premium Show on Friday and brought home some outstanding results!

Willis ISD students participated in Celebrate Freedom Week, as required by Texas Education Code, §29.907, during the week that includes September 17. School administrators provided age-appropriate content concerning the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, in their historical contexts.

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

past few weeks!

On September 11, the Willis ISD Board of Trustees met in a regular board meeting at 5:30 PM at the Sharon Hill Jennette Administration Building in the Willis ISD Boardroom.

The following students were recognized:

Kashtyn Brown (LLMS); American Pledge

Carlos Cruz Lozano (LLMS); Texas Pledge

Madilyn Dingman (LLMS); Invocation

Rilee McGowan (LES); Elementary Student of the Month

Kashtyn Brown (LLMS); Secondary Student of the Month

Highlights from this month’s meeting include the approval of categorical purchases over $50,000, an update to local CW policy, board operating procedures, and the selection of Test & Balance Professional Services Firm to provide construction services for the Middle School #3 HVAC system. The board election scheduled for November 5 has been canceled as the current board members are unopposed.

Stay up-to-date with board happenings by attending meetings in person or reviewing the monthly board briefs. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 9, beginning with a public meeting at 5 pm to review the district's financial, and the regular meeting at 5:30 pm. Meetings are held at the Sharon Hill Jennette Administration building.

If voters approve all three propositions on the ballot, the potential increase is 1 cent to the I&S tax rate. Click on the button below to visit our website and determine how this bond will impact your taxes.

What is a bond?

• A bond is similar to a home mortgage. It is a contract to repay borrowed money with interest over time. Bonds are sold by a school district to competing lenders to raise funds to pay for the costs of construction, renovations, and equipment. Most school districts in Texas utilize bonds to finance renovations and new facilities.

How can bond funds be used?

• Bond funds can be used to pay for new buildings, additions, and renovations to existing facilities, land acquisition, technology infrastructure, technology devices, equipment for new or existing buildings, buses, and district vehicles. Bonds cannot be used for salaries or operating costs such as utility bills, supplies, building maintenance, fuel, and insurance.
  

How was the bond package developed?

• Development of the bond proposal was an in-depth process of information gathering, research, and community input. The Long-Range Facility Planning Committee -- made up of 70 community members, business owners, and parents -- met over several months to study and prioritize the district’s needs before making a recommendation to the Board of Trustees. Members of the committee studied demographics, enrollment information, financial bonding capacity, tax implications, existing facility status and needs, previous bond projects, and future growth. Following the committee’s recommendation, the Board voted unanimously to call for a May 2024 bond election. An additional three meetings were held in August 2024 to discuss community interest in running the remaining three propositions from May on the November ballot. Following these meetings, the Board voted unanimously to call for a November 2024 bond election.
  
  

Why did Willis ISD call a bond election?

• School districts are required by state law to ask voters for permission to sell bonds to investors to raise the capital dollars required for projects such as renovating existing schools. Essentially, the voters are permitting the district to take out a loan and pay that loan back over time, much like a family takes out a mortgage for their home. A school board calls a bond election so voters can decide whether they want to pay for proposed projects. The 2024 bond proposal asks voters to consider giving Willis ISD authorization to issue bonds to fund an athletic complex with a stadium and a community room, an aquatic center, and a student activity center to address the growth of the district.
  
  

When will the 2024 bond projects be complete?

• Willis ISD has a potential timeline that has all projects completed by Fall 2027.
  
  

Why is a new high school not on the ballot?

• In May 2024, voters approved a 1,200-student 9th Grade Center at the current high school that is projected to provide enough space to delay opening a new high school for approximately 10 years. The long-range planning committee spent hours discussing this topic and, after many discussions, met a two-thirds vote to select the 9th grade center. The delay of opening a second high school will allow time for Willis to grow, creating a larger tax base and student enrollment capable of supporting a new campus. Building a new high school costs approximately $350 million and involves more than just the construction of the building. It includes other operation costs like hiring additional personnel – principals, assistant principals, counselors, teachers, custodians, food service workers, etc. The District’s goal is to be ready to fill that school with students prior to taking on these additional construction and operating costs. Additionally, the district owns land that is slated for the high school off Longstreet and 1097. However, the infrastructure is lacking and won't support the traffic. Additionally, there is a lot of new growth on the east side of Willis. The district is investigating land on the northeast side of the district that could possibly be the site of the 2nd high school. Delaying the 2nd high school will allow time for the growth to continue and for the district to accurately determine where the school should be located.

Photos are for conceptual purposes only

How much is the proposed bond package?

• The total bond amount for all projects is $115,400,000.

What if I am over 65 years old? What is the tax rate I pay?

• Residents 65 and over are eligible for an “over 65” exemption. If you have applied for and received the age 65 and older exemption on your homestead, by law, your school taxes cannot be raised above their frozen level. The amount of taxes you pay is determined by the tax amount at the time your taxes were frozen.

Where can I find answers to my questions about the over-65 exemption?

• Homeowners over the age of 65 who have filed their Homestead Exemption with the appraisal district will not see an increase in property taxes associated with this bond. The Comptroller's website has a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
  
  

How will Bond 2024 affect my taxes?

• If voters approve all three propositions on the ballot this November, the potential increase is 1 cent to the I&S tax rate.
  

Has the district considered inflation?

• Yes, we have been monitoring public and commercial construction projects and costs in other school districts. During the Long-Range Facility Planning Committee process, the committee heard from industry experts and district leaders who provided information on the best costs possible in the current climate. We have planned for inflation by including funds for escalation and contingency in our bond project budgets.
  
  

Why isn't the district asking voters to consider teacher pay raises?

• By law, bond funds can only be used for capital projects like construction, renovation, equipment, and buses.

Who is eligible to vote in Willis ISD elections?

• Anyone who is a registered voter and lives within the Willis ISD boundaries is eligible to vote in this election.

Where can I check to see if I am already registered to vote?

• Visit the Texas Secretary of State’s “Am I Registered?” webpage or the webpage.

Where can I vote in the November 2024 election?

• During Early Voting, constituents can vote at any location. On election day, voters must go to the location assigned by their precinct number.
  
  

How will Bond 2024 affect my taxes?

• If voters approve all three propositions on the ballot this November, the potential increase is 1 cent to the I&S tax rate. The Willis ISD Board of Trustees has managed to maintain a fiscally conservative tax rate, lowering the overall tax rate by more than 31 cents over the last six years.
  

What if I'm not yet registered to vote or need to update my address?

• If you’d like to register to vote for the first time, complete a Voter Registration Application. Voter registration applications are available in most government buildings. You can also begin the voter registration process online. To vote in the November 2024 election, your voter registration application must be postmarked by Monday, October 7. If you need to update your name or address, you can make those changes on the Secretary of State’s website.
  

When can I vote in the November 2024 election?

• Early Voting schedule for the November 2024 election is below:
  October 21 - 25 (Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm)
  October 26 (Saturday, 7 am to 7 pm)
  October 27 (Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm)
  October 28 - November 1 (Monday-Friday, 7 am to 7 pm)
  November 5 (Tuesday, 7 am to 7 pm)

• Election Day schedule for the November 2024 election is below:
  November 5 (Tuesday, 7 am to 7 pm)
  

Directions on how to register to vote and how to update existing voter registrations can be found at VoteTexas.gov. Texas voters must be registered to vote at least 30 days before an upcoming election date, and voters do not have to declare a party affiliation when registering. Registered voters can check their status on the Secretary of State’s My Voter Portal website.

To be eligible to vote, you must be:

• A United States citizen
• A resident of the county where you register
• At least 18 years old on Election Day
  

Important dates to remember this election season include:

• Oct. 7: Last day to register to vote
• Oct. 21: Early voting begins
• Oct. 25: Last day to apply for ballot by mail
• Nov. 1: Early voting ends
• Nov. 5: Election Day
  
  

For official information, including registration and vote-by-mail deadlines, please visit VoteTexas.gov or call 1-800-252-VOTE.

The following staff members were hired between August 20 and September 27. Welcome to the district - we are so happy to have each and every one of you!

October is National Principals Month, and we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the amazing principals who lead our schools. Through their dedication, passion, and commitment we are able to shape the educational experiences of our students and foster positive school cultures.

Every day, our dedicated principals serve as sources of inspiration, motivating teachers, staff, and students to excel. They navigate obstacles and work hard to establish nurturing environments where each and every student has the opportunity to flourish.

This month, we invite you to join us in acknowledging and expressing gratitude to these truly exceptional leaders. Let’s all take a moment to #ThankAPrincipal and show our appreciation for their invaluable contributions to our schools and communities.

To learn more about how you can celebrate and honor principals in your life, visit principalsmonth.org.

Pictured from top left: Eric King, WHS; Anthony Roberts, Brabham; Tanya Maddin, Stubblefield; Kelley Moore, Lynn Lucas; Allie Wilkins, Parmley.
Bottom from left: Susan Fossler, CC Hardy; Calandra Lewis, Roark Early Education Center; Brooke Paulson, Cannan; Michelle Hall, Turner; Kameron Wilder, Lagway; Tamara Good, Meador.

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!

It may be hot out, but we’re already gearing up to make this Christmas magical for our Wildkats!

Want to bring joy to a student this holiday season? Become a sponsor and make a difference! Many families in our district are experiencing financial hardship and may struggle to provide gifts for their children this holiday season. Please consider sponsoring a student's wish list and help us make this season special for these wonderful families.

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!

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.

October is Bullying Prevention Month and Substance Use Prevention Month, so this issue includes information on Unity Day, preventing drug use in youth, and a variety of resources.

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 are available for home games 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