The Wildkat Word: Jan & Feb 2026
Happy New Year! I hope the holiday season provided time for rest, reflection, and meaningful moments with those you love. As we move through January and February, we are well into the second semester, and I’m excited about the growth, accomplishments, and opportunities that lie ahead for our students and staff.
The start of a new year is a natural time for reflection and renewed focus. Across Willis ISD, our classrooms are full of energy as students set goals, deepen their learning, and continue building the skills that will carry them forward. From academic milestones to athletic competitions, fine arts performances, and countless everyday successes, there is so much to celebrate during this busy and rewarding season.
This semester also marks an important step forward for our district with the establishment of a Long-Range Planning Committee. This group will help guide future decisions by studying district needs and planning thoughtfully for growth and sustainability. We are committed to keeping our community informed as this work progresses, and updates will be shared during Board of Trustees meetings, on the district website, and through our social media platforms.
Across Willis ISD, our schools continue to thrive thanks to the strength of our Wildkat community. I am grateful for our families’ partnership and ongoing support in creating environments where students feel safe, encouraged, and inspired each day.
As we continue through the semester, please know that we remain committed to open communication and to providing a nurturing environment where every student can reach their full potential. Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for being such an important part of the Willis ISD family.
Together, let’s make the months ahead filled with meaningful learning, growth, and Wildkat pride.
With gratitude,
Dr. Kimberley James
Superintendent, Willis ISD
January 1-31- School Board Recognition Month
January 14 (5:30 PM) - January Board Meeting @ SHJ Admin
January 19 - MLK Day (Staff/Student Holiday)
January 23 (7 PM) - Shrek Jr. The Musical @ PAC
January 24 (10 AM-2:30 PM) - Wildkat Baseball Family Day @ Wildkat Baseball Field
January 24 (2 PM, 7 PM) - Shrek Jr. The Musical @ PAC
January 26 (12 PM) - SPED Lunch & Learn: Social Security @ Virtual
January 26 (9-11 AM) - RISE Mentor Meeting @ Lynn Lucas Middle School
January 29 (10 AM-2 PM) - Wildkat Resource Center Open House @ Wildkat Resource Center
February 6 (7-10 PM) - Daddy Daughter Sweetheart Ball @ Willis High School
February 7 (9 AM-2 PM) - Chili Cook-off @ American Legion Hall
February 11 (5:30 PM) - February Board Meeting @ SHJ Admin
February 13 (4-9 PM) - Valentine Cupid Care @ Willis High School CTE
Did you know that you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), Nextdoor, or LinkedIn?
We love sharing all the incredible things happening across Willis ISD, and we want to make sure you’re seeing it all!
If you’ve noticed fewer of our posts showing up in your feed, here are a few quick ways to stay connected:
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Like, comment, or share a few of our posts. This tells the platform you want to see more from us.
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On Facebook, select “Favorites” under the “Following” tab to prioritize our updates.
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On Instagram, tap the bell icon 🔔 on our profile and turn on Post and Story notifications.
Your engagement helps our stories reach more families and celebrates all the wonderful things happening in Wildkat Nation!
In this issue, we’re highlighting January’s focus on gratitude, mentorship, and mental wellness, encouraging families to start the new year with intentional practices that support healthy minds and strong relationships. From National Thank You Month to National Mentoring Month, we’re celebrating the power of appreciation, connection, and the positive impact caring adults can have in students’ lives through programs like R.I.S.E.
We’re also sharing practical tools to support family wellness, including healthy New Year’s resolutions for children that emphasize balance, kindness, sleep, physical activity, and academic goal-setting. January’s resources also spotlight Human Trafficking Awareness Month, offering families important information on warning signs, digital safety, and trusted resources to help keep students safe.
In February, we turn our attention to connection, kindness, and student support. We celebrate National School Counseling Week by recognizing the essential role school counselors play in helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Families will also find resources tied to Random Acts of Kindness Week and Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, along with articles and guidance on navigating technology use, relationships, and mental health.
Together, these months focus on awareness and connection, empowering families with the tools, resources, and support they need to help every student grow with confidence.
Keep track of daily transportation updates with the My Ride K-12 app!
My Ride K-12 gives you instant access to your child’s bus route, pickup location, and schedule. It also enables the district to send real-time notifications about delays, changes, or other important updates. If your student rides the bus, this app is ESSENTIAL; it’s the primary way our transportation team communicates with families.
*Please note that this year, each student will be given a student ID to scan when boarding and exiting the 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 the links below.
If you're a community organization seeking to have your flyer distributed to Willis ISD students and families via Peachjar, please follow these six steps:
- Visit www.peachjar.com.
- Hover over the tab titled Community Organizations.
- Click on Why Peachjar?
- Select "Get Started Now."
- Register your organization.
- Follow the steps to upload your flyer for approval.
If your event is free and benefits school-aged children, you may be eligible for the Peachjar Community Free Flyer Program. If you believe your flyer meets these guidelines, please submit it to support@peachjar.com for consideration.
