The Wildkat Word: September 2025

From excited students walking into classrooms to the energy of new learning underway, it’s clear this year is off to a great start.

Enjoy this newsletter with a snapshot of what we've been up to.

September 10th (5:30 pm) - September Board Meeting @ SHJ Administration Building

September 12th (7 pm) - Varsity Football vs. Caney Creek @ Moorhead Stadium

September 13th (8-11 am) - Fall Future Sweethearts Clinic @ Willis High School

September 19th (7 pm) - Varsity Football vs. The Woodlands @ Yates Stadium

• Fall Future Sweethearts Clinic - At this special event, students will have the opportunity to spend the day dancing alongside the 11-time National Champion Willis Sweethearts. Open to all students in kindergarten through 8th grade, the clinic is designed to be a fun and inclusive experience, with no prior dance experience required.
  
  (Click here to learn more about this event and register.)

At Willis ISD, safety isn’t something we talk about once a year; it’s built into our daily routine.

Even though school has just begun, our campuses are already practicing safety drills, students are learning protocols directly from their School Resource Officers (SROs), and protective measures such as secure entrances, surveillance, and the daily presence of SROs are firmly in place. Teachers, administrators, and staff are also building strong connections with students and participating in ongoing training so they can quickly recognize and respond to concerns.

This month, we are adding another layer of action by launching a district-wide safety awareness campaign on social media. The campaign will highlight the protections in place and remind students, staff, parents, and community members that school safety is a shared responsibility.

We’re proud to share that Willis ISD has been named one of the most improved school districts in the Houston area, showing one of the largest gains in student performance between 2023 and 2025, as noted in a recent Houston Chronicle report. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff, students, and community partners.

This progress matters because it reflects the district’s commitment to ensuring that every student has access to high-quality learning experiences and the support they need to succeed. Together, we are building momentum for even greater achievements in the years ahead.

Congratulations are in order for several Willis ISD campuses that earned distinctions from TEA based on these performance scores.

For the 2023–24 school year:

• Lagway Elementary received a distinction for Postsecondary Readiness.

• Parmley Elementary earned distinctions for Academic Achievement in Reading/Language Arts and Postsecondary Readiness.

• Willis High School was recognized for Top 25% Comparative Academic Growth.
  
  

For the 2024–25 school year:

• Lagway Elementary was awarded distinctions for Academic Achievement in Reading/Language Arts, Postsecondary Readiness, and Top 25% Comparative Closing the Gaps.

• Turner Elementary earned distinctions for Top 25% Comparative Academic Growth, Postsecondary Readiness, and Top 25% Comparative Closing the Gaps.
  
  

These recognitions highlight the hard work of our students, teachers, and staff in pursuing excellence across the district. Keep up the great work, Wildkats!

They are the first to arrive, the last to leave, and always leave our schools better than they found them!

When the hallways are quiet and classrooms are empty, our custodial team is hard at work, scrubbing, polishing, and preparing every space for our students. Over the summer, they worked tirelessly to make sure every floor shines, every desk is ready, and every building feels welcoming for the new school year.

It’s work that often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every single day. Our schools wouldn’t be the same without the care, dedication, and pride our custodians bring to their work.

To every member of our custodial team, thank you for being a vital part of Willis ISD and for putting the well-being of our students at the heart of everything you do.

Backpacks were on and smiles were wide; our 2025-26 school year began with a picture-perfect start! Our Wildkat parents did a great job of capturing those first-day moments, grins, and all-around excitement.

Here’s a peek at some of the sweet memories from that special morning. Thank you for letting us be part of them; we loved seeing our students start the year with so much joy and Wildkat PRIDE.

Long before the first bell rang, our newest teachers were already making memories during the New Teacher Academy scavenger hunt. From silly selfies to teamwork triumphs, they jumped right in and began building connections from day one.

Now that the school year is underway, you may see these smiling faces in our halls. Be sure to stop and say hello. We can’t wait to see the difference they’ll make in the lives of our students.

Welcome to the Wildkat family, teachers. We are lucky to have you!

Staff kicked off the year in true Wildkat style, with a warm breakfast, inspiring words, high-energy performances, and plenty of school spirit. We might be a LITTLE biased, but there’s no team we’d trust more to inspire and guide our Wildkats this year!

A huge shoutout to our Director of Fine Arts, Ken Labonski, along with our amazing student organizations and staff, for making this celebration a roaring success.

We are proud to announce that Lynn Lucas Middle School counselor Amanda Cheatham has been named the Region 6 Jr. High/Middle School Counselor of the Year!

Often described as the heart of her school, Amanda is a passionate advocate for children and families, breaking down barriers and creating safe spaces where every student can thrive. Her empathy, commitment, and dedication to ending the stigma around mental health continue to make a lasting impact at LLMS and beyond.

The afternoon glow made every moment brighter, but the true HIGHLIGHT of Meet the Kats was the spirit of Wildkat Nation.

Thank you to the Willis community for showing up in support of our students, teams, and organizations. Your encouragement means the world to them and makes all the difference.

Here’s to a season that truly SHINES!

It takes more than recipes to feed a school; it takes dedication, teamwork, and a whole lot of WILDKAT PRIDE!

Long before the first tray is served, our child nutrition team is hard at work. From planning meals and testing new recipes to creating warm, welcoming cafeterias, they put their hearts into ensuring every student is cared for.

This summer, our team went above and beyond, attending trainings, working alongside a professional chef, and even meeting with the Land O'Lakes team to bring fresh ideas to Willis ISD. Their dedication shines through in every meal served and every smile shared.

We are grateful to our child nutrition team for going beyond the cafeteria line - nourishing bodies, fueling learning, and brightening each student’s day.

No matter how early the morning, the student ambassadors at A.R. Turner Elementary are ready to serve their campus with a smile. Whether it’s opening car doors at morning drop-off or guiding younger students to class, these leaders show that character shines at any age.

We couldn’t be prouder of the responsibility, kindness, and commitment these students display daily. Way to go, Turner Ambassadors - you are setting the Wildkat standard!

At Brabham Middle School, learning comes to life in every classroom.

Last week, Mrs. Wright’s students explored Salsa Science, testing pH levels through food and discovering the chemistry behind their favorite flavors. Meanwhile, in Mrs. Calvillo’s class, students became scientists in action, investigating and identifying the physical properties of matter while having fun along the way.

Hands-on learning, curious minds, and plenty of Wildkat spirit; science at Brabham is anything but boring!

Our community gathered at Calfee Middle School the weekend before school started with a single mission: to prepare the campus for staff and students. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves, tackled projects across the campus, and left a lasting impact that will be felt all year long.

From early-morning breakfast tacos to Chick-fil-A lunch and plenty of snacks in between, the day was fueled by generosity and teamwork.

On behalf of the entire district, thank you to everyone who gave their time, energy, and heart! Together, we’ve shown there are no limits to what we can accomplish.

This school year has brought exciting changes to classrooms at Cannan Elementary.

With the introduction of the district’s new curriculum, Bluebonnet Learning for Math and Savvas for Reading & Language Arts, teachers are bringing lessons to life in engaging and dynamic ways. We are excited to see students enjoying the new materials and look forward to all they will discover in the year ahead

We are proud of our Wildkat educators for embracing these resources and transforming them into meaningful opportunities that help students grow, achieve, and shine.

During the first week of school, Ms. Lambert’s class put their collaboration skills to the test with a hands-on activity called “Saving Fred.” In this challenge, Fred the gummy worm found himself in a sticky situation. He fell out of his boat without his life preserver!

Working in teams, students had to figure out how to get Fred safely back into his life preserver. The activity sparked plenty of laughter while also building important skills like communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking.

Most importantly, it showed students the power of teamwork, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.

Fifth-grade readers at Lagway Elementary recently took a seat at the “literary café” for a special Book Tasting. With menus in hand, students sampled a delicious variety of genres, including informational texts, historical fiction, fantasy, graphic novels, science fiction, and more.

The experience allowed them to explore new titles, discover fresh favorites, and spark meaningful conversations about reading. It was a fun and creative way to inspire a lifelong love of books!

Sixth-grade science is off to an exciting start at Lynn Lucas Middle School.

In their very first investigation of the year, students jumped right into the science lab to gain hands-on experience while learning the essentials of lab safety and the importance of following directions. Working together in teams, they practiced using lab equipment, observed safety protocols in action, and discovered how careful preparation leads to successful results.

This engaging activity not only sparked curiosity and built confidence, but also laid the foundation for a year of exploration, discovery, and safe scientific learning ahead.

Peter Rabbit isn’t just a story; it’s a springboard for learning!

Students in Ms. Johnson's class recently explored the differences between plants and animals. They learned how plants make their food, while animals like Peter Rabbit depend on plants or other animals to survive. They also discovered that Mr. McGregor’s garden is more than just a setting in a story. It is an example of how seeds are planted, nurtured, and harvested to provide food for families.

From sorting vegetables to discussing where our food comes from, students saw that meals don’t just “grow on trees.” They start with a seed, some care, and a little bit of science!

At Parmley Elementary, kindergarten students are proving that learning can be both colorful and fun.

Under the guidance of their art teacher, Mrs. Willey, these young Wildkats have been exploring the color wheel and discovering the magic that happens when colors come together. From identifying primary colors like red, yellow, and blue to experimenting with how they blend to form new shades, students are building a foundation in art that sparks both creativity and curiosity.

This hands-on experience not only teaches important artistic skills but also helps students understand how art can brighten the world around them. With paintbrushes in hand and plenty of imagination, our Parmley kindergarteners are learning that when in doubt, you really can just add a little color.

Our youngest Wildkats had a wonderful time bringing Eric Carle’s classic story The Grouchy Ladybug to life!

After reading the book together, Pre-K students created their own colorful ladybug art and discussed the important lesson that being kind and helpful makes the world a much happier place than being grouchy. Through this activity, they combined creativity with character learning, building both artistic skills and positive friendships.

Ms. Stelter’s U.S. History students are kicking off their study of the Gilded Age with an interactive gallery walk.

As they moved through the hall, students examined and analyzed primary sources connected to the Homestead Act and the journey of the Exodusters. By working directly with historical documents, students saw how laws and movements influenced real people and communities and how these changes helped shape the United States during this era of rapid growth and transformation.

This hands-on activity not only brought history to life but also encouraged students to think critically about cause and effect, perspective, and the lasting impact of decisions made more than a century ago.

The Willis Wildkat volleyball team achieved a historic milestone with their first-ever victory over The Woodlands, defeating the Highlanders 3–1.

The Highlanders opened strong and claimed the first set 25–19, but the Wildkats refused to back down. With grit and determination, Willis rallied to win the next three sets 25–23, 25–23, and 25–16, sealing the program’s first win against this longtime opponent.

This landmark victory not only reflects the hard work and dedication of the athletes and coaches but also demonstrates the continued growth and momentum of Wildkat volleyball. It is a win that will be remembered as a turning point in program history.

On August 20, the Willis ISD Board of Trustees held a Lone Star Governance Workshop at 4:30 p.m., followed by a Public Meeting concerning the proposed 2025–2026 budget and tax rate, and then the Regular Board Meeting at 5:30 p.m. All meetings took place at the Sharon Hill Jennette Administration Building. Details of the items discussed can be found at the link below.

The next meeting will be held on September 10, 2025 at 5:30 pm.

Welcome to the latest edition of the Willis ISD Guidance & Counseling Parent Newsletter, thoughtfully crafted by Kelly Locke, Director of Guidance & Counseling.

In this issue, we focus on strengthening mental health and well-being across our school community while providing families with helpful resources, tools, and support.

Whether you’re a proud member of the Wildkat community or a future Willis family, we want YOU to stay in the loop!

Join our Wildkat Network, a community email list for anyone interested in staying informed and engaged, even if they do not currently have a student enrolled in the district. From inspiring student success stories to important district-wide events, this is your all-access pass to the heart of Wildkat Nation.

Have questions or want to opt-out later? No worries - just send an email to kbrocato@willisisd.org.

We’re proud of our schools, students, and community, and we can’t wait to share it all with you!

Beginning in September, and continuing through the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, students who qualify for reduced-price meals will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost.

Please Note: We encourage ALL Willis ISD families to complete an application, even if you don’t think you qualify.

Just create an account on School Cafe, where you can manage your child’s lunch account and fill out the National School Lunch Program application. Once you log in to School Cafe, click on the “Apply for Benefits” button. Please submit only one application per family.

Completing the application provides a variety of benefits:

• Additional funding for your campus

• Reduced or waived fees for academic testing such as the ACT or SAT

• Reduced or waived fees for college applications

• Continued benefits through the first 30 days of the next school year

Healthy school meals fuel learning all day long, and now even more students can enjoy them!

For questions, please contact Mandy Chance in the Child Nutrition Department at 936-890-7730 or mchance@willisisd.org.

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.

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!

Education is a team effort. When students, parents, teachers, and staff work together, we set the stage for a successful year.

Please take time to review the Student Handbook, Code of Conduct, and Dress Code with your student. These resources provide clear expectations, build consistency, and help ensure that every Wildkat can learn in a safe and positive environment.

Our "Calendars" webpage houses three calendars for community use: a district calendar, an athletics calendar, and a fine arts calendar. These calendars are updated routinely to keep you informed about upcoming events.

All Willis ISD campuses also have a campus calendar located on their homepage.

A.R. Turner Elementary Calendar

Brabham Middle School Calendar

Calfee Middle School Calendar

Cannan Elementary Calendar

C.C. Hardy Elementary Calendar

Lagway Elementary Calendar

Lynn Lucas Middle School Calendar

Meador Elementary Calendar

Parmley Elementary Calendar

Roark Early Education Center Calendar

Willis High School Calendar

As part of our efforts to be more environmentally friendly, embrace innovative technology, and maintain fiscal responsibility, we have transitioned from paper to electronic flyer delivery. Our district cooperates with approved community partners by posting digital flyers online and distributing them electronically through our service provider, Peachjar.

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:

1. Visit www.peachjar.com.
2. Hover over the tab titled Community Organizations.
3. Click on Why Peachjar?
4. Select "Get Started Now."
5. Register your organization.
6. 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.

You will receive periodic emails about local opportunities through Peachjar, but you can also view your campus Peachjar board anytime by clicking the “Campus Peachjar” button on your school’s website. There, you’ll find flyers relevant to your student.

A R Turner Elementary

Brabham Middle School

Calfee Middle School

Cannan Elementary

C C Hardy Elementary

Lagway Elementary

Lynn Lucas Middle School

Meador Elementary

Parmley Elementary

Roark Early Education Center

Willis High School

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

Calfee 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