District in Pictures
November 2, 2018
'Principal for a Day' Event Introduces 25 Community Members to Schools
There’s nothing like a morning spent in the Principal’s office to get a feel for WFISD schools. On Tuesday, the Partners in Education program invited 25 community members into WFISD schools to shadow its principals. Community members see up close how principals interact with students and keep the fast pace. The "Principals for a Day" then joined the real principals for a luncheon with Superintendent Mike Kuhrt and PIE Coordinator January Cadotte. Over lunch, they shared the highlights of their morning. Pictured clockwise from top left: Horseshoe Bend Cellars Vineyard & Winery owner Scott Poenitzsch with Fain Principal Clarisa Richie; Domain Real Estate agent Kim Francis with Scotland Park Principal Laura Scott; and Jacoby Insurance sales agent Brooke Jacoby-Schaffner, who spent the morning at Haynes Northwest Academy with Principal Lori Apple (not pictured).
Two WFISD High School Students Selected for NASA Program
Rider High School junior Katherine Parham and Wichita Falls High School junior Peter Griffiths were accepted to NASA’s Texas High School Aerospace Scholars online program. The opportunity is open to juniors who want to pursue a future in the engineering field and explore careers at NASA. The program begins with a series of online lessons that will send top-scoring students on an all-expenses-paid visit to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston during the summer. Selected participants will plan a mission to Mars with guidance from NASA scientists and engineers.
Wichita Falls High School Orchestra Students Serenade Students in Passing Periods on Halloween
Orchestra students at Wichita Falls High School continued a favorite tradition Wednesday by playing Halloween-themed music during the holiday’s passing periods. They set up their music stands near a stairwell for maximum exposure to the throngs of students passing by. Conductor Kevin Nguyen wore a plastic disguise for the occasion.
Lamar Elementary Staff Compete by Painting Pumpkins
It never hurts to have a little friendly competition around Halloween. Just for fun, Lamar Elementary staff members divided up by grade level teams and painted pumpkins, then let parents who attended a Fall Carnival Night vote for their favorite.
Professional Development Day at Denver Alternative Center Featured Massages for All
Monday’s Professional Development Day for staff members at Denver Alternative Center included something special: a free massage. Principal Linda Nichols brought in J.W. Alexander from Back to Basix to treat the staff to massages after the team studied the book, “Healthy Anger.” Mr. Alexander gave a business card to everyone who had a massage. “He also showed teachers how to get rid of a crick in their neck, something they can do at home,” said Ms. Nichols. Pictured here, Denver staff member Janet Slack takes her turn in the massage chair.
Farris Head Start Teacher Keeps Lessons Going Through Restroom Breaks, Passing Periods
Quiz: In Stephanie Cauthen’s Farris Head Start class, do restroom breaks equal wasted time? Answer: No way! Ms. Cauthen (right) multitasks with her 3-year-old students by using restroom breaks to brush up on their syllables. “Every minute of the day is valuable learning time,” said Ms. Cauthen. “When we are going to and from PE, recess, or taking bathroom breaks, we are counting, saying the alphabet, clapping syllables (pictured here), saying nursery rhymes, and making patterns such as snap-clap.” She finds it helpful to review material in different settings. “Some children, due to their learning styles, can learn a skill this way very quickly,” she said. “Three-year-olds are little sponges and are so eager to learn and participate. I have the best job ever!” She is pictured here with her teaching assistant, paraprofessional Alex Davis (left).
Wichita Falls High School Quarterback Named 'Built Ford Tough Player of the Week'
Wichita Falls High School senior Anthony Vargas was named "Built Ford Tough Player of the Week" in the eighth week of the 2018 Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Player of the Week program. The Coyote quarterback earned the recognition for his performance against Abilene Wylie when he set an Old High record of eight touchdown passes and logged 558 passing yards. Anthony is the first Coyote player to ever win this award. The award is sponsored by Ford Motor Company for the 13th year.
Education Center Staff Enjoy Western Burgers from WFISD Food Truck
Student Services Coordinator Linda Muehlberger had heard about Western Burgers throughout her 30-year career with WFISD but had never tried one -- until Friday. The WFISD Food Truck put Western Burgers on its menu and parked at the Education Center. She bought one and liked it. “I can’t believe I waited 30 years to try one,” she said. Western Burgers have been a WFISD tradition since the Wichita Falls High School food service employee Emaline Anderson introduced them more than 40 years ago in the WFHS cafeteria. The buttery hot roll is filled with meaty, oniony, cheesy goodness. Chartwells, WFISD's food service provider, brought this WFISD favorite back to its food trucks and cafeterias this year.
Wichita Falls High School Student Receives Zavala Art Competition Award
Wichita Falls High School Student Miguel Terrones is pictured here receiving an award from the Zavala Hispanic Cultural Initiative Art Contest. To enter, students created a work of art relating to Hispanic Heritage Month in October. Miguel’s award-winning piece is titled, “Calaveras,” which means skulls. Pictured here from left to right: WFHS Art Teacher Carol Rose, Miguel Terrones, Region 9 Education Center’s Raquel Oxford and WFHS Assistant Principal Jackie Wheat.
Scotland Park PIE Partners Make Annual Carnival a Success
For elementary school children, there aren’t too many things better than a carnival. This year, Scotland Park PIE Partner Wichita Falls Kiwanis Club donated and cooked plenty of food, with members pictured here cooking hot dogs by the dozens. PIE Partner Excalibur Paint & Coatings donated the dunking booth – another big hit.
Education Center Print Shop Busier Than Ever Printing Banners
Print Shop Manager Hilda Myles (pictured left) and graphic technician Karina Rodriguez-Contreras (right) have been busier than ever in the Education Center’s Print Shop this fall. They’ve printed more banners than usual – many for Hirschi High School’s Texas Boys Basketball Elite 14 Showcase Tournament on Nov. 4. They’ve also churned out many posters for the Capturing Kids’ Hearts programs in WFISD schools. Did you know the Print Shop also prints all tests used by the District, including all STAAR tests, benchmark tests and curriculum based assessments? Ms. Myles has worked in the Print Shop 16 years; Ms. Rodriguez-Contreras for 3.
Fish Fry Raises Funds for Shane Spear Family
With the tragic loss of Zundy Elementary teacher Shane Spear in June, friends have sought a way to help the Spear family. On Sunday, friends hosted a fish fry at the downtown Farmers Market to raise money to help his widow, Elementary Curriculum Director Misti Spear, and their three children – Rider High School students Kameron and Kyler and Wichita Falls High School graduate Kaegyn. The event included a silent auction and raffle and raised more than $14,000.
Scare-O-Rama is a First for Barwise Middle School
Barwise Middle School hosted its first safe Halloween event at the school on Sunday. The event was free and open to students of all ages. The Barwise Robotics Club sold food and drinks as a fundraiser.
Officials Screen Car Seats at Scotland Park Elementary
Scotland Park Elementary parents were treated recently to a Car Safety Seat Checkup. Officials from United Regional Trauma Services, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Public Safety gave parents hands-on training by demonstrating how to properly select and install child safety seats. “The event was a great educational opportunity for our parents,” said Joe Clement, Scotland Park At-Risk Coordinator.
Southern Hills Principal Says, 'Ask Me Anything'
When parents poured into Southern Hills Elementary on Monday for student-led Parent-Teacher Conferences, Principal Jeremy Lopez challenged them to “Ask Me Anything.” He gave examples of categories he could address: Grades, Attendance, Curriculum Based Assessments, upcoming events, STAAR tests and more. “Parents responded really well,” he said. “It provided them an opportunity to ask questions without setting a formal appointment.” One parent asked, “How do you pick when to dress in costume?” His answer: “Every opportunity I get, especially when I think it will make the kids smile!” On the first day of school, he dressed as an astronaut; he recently dressed as a piece of pizza and a piece of candy corn.
'Teens Make a Difference Day' Challenged Students
Students from all over the District participated Saturday in “Teens Make a Difference Day.” For example, at Kirby Middle School, Kirby students cleaned up around their own school. Rider High School students volunteered at Friends of the Wichita Falls Public Library. At Wichita Falls High School, 11 groups took on various projects. The Key Club picked up trash around WFHS. The cross country team worked an extra three hours to complete its project. The Lady Coyote basketball team scrimmaged on Saturday so they did their service Sunday. Pictured here, a Kirby student shines up windows at her school.
Hirschi High School, Kirby Middle School Choirs Perform in Combined District Concert
On Monday, the Kirby Middle School and Hirschi High School choirs teamed up to make beautiful music together at the annual Hirschi and Kirby Fall Concert. It was the first time for many students to sing in public, said Kirby Choir Teacher Sharri Torrance. Hirschi Choir Teacher Mineasa Nesbit reminded the audience that music education is important because it includes math, history, language arts, science and even foreign language at times.
Chartwells Turns Ordinary Day into 'Lucky Tray Day'
Chartwells, WFISD’s food service provider, turned an ordinary Thursday into “Lucky Tray Day” at some of the District’s elementary schools. Students who ate in the cafeteria checked their trays for signs of a win. This Milam student cheered her good fortune. “There were many winners and lots of fun prizes,” said Marci Spruiell, Chartwells’ marketing representative. Parents and staff members can track “Lucky Days” by downloading the Nutrislice app, then clicking a favorite school to receive push notifications of special events.
Wichita Falls High School Senior Creates Art Work on Atypical Surface
What would you create if you were asked to produce a piece of art on a surface that is not typically used for art work? No paper. No canvas. WFHS senior Mitzi Mendoza chose to paint on a tortilla. She is pictured here drawing a picture of herself eating a tortilla on the tortilla. She is working under the direction of WFHS art teacher Chris Mayfield.
Burgess Elementary Puts Friday Clubs to Work
On Fridays, Burgess Elementary students attend a club that dovetails with one of their interests. Or, they choose a club to pursue a new interest. Clubs include topics like cooking, art, yoga, sports, circuits, games, Lego construction, and dance. Pictured here, a Burgess student works on an art project in her club time.
Ben Milam Elementary Fourth-Grade Students Use 'The Force'
Milam teacher Tara Skipper introduced fourth-graders to “The Force” -- gravity, magnetism and friction. They used a variety of magnets to push and pull a magnetic marble through a maze. They experimented with table tops covered in different materials to see what materials they could use to test gravity, magnetism, and friction. “They enjoyed exploring,” said Ms. Skipper.
Sheppard Elementary Student Council Hosts Spaghetti Dinner
Students in the Sheppard Elementary Student Council got some experience in hospitality when they sponsored a spaghetti dinner last week. The Wichita Falls Force Hockey Team even joined in to help students serve the meal, said Brenda De Leon, Sheppard special education teacher.
Southern Hills Door Decorating Contest Highlights Red Ribbon Week
Southern Hills Elementary sponsored its annual door decorating contest to publicize Red Ribbon Week. This special week draws attention to the alcohol, tobacco, drug and violence prevention campaign held annually in October. The Southern Hills Door Decorating Contest winner was Stacey Barton (pictured below) with her mummy-like door that proclaimed, “Don’t Get Wrapped Up in Drugs.”
Hirschi High School Spanish Students Converse About Food
It’s fun to talk about your favorite foods, but could you do it in Spanish? Hirschi High School students in Erika Vonheim’s Spanish 1 class held a dialogue about food in class this week. They discussed – in Spanish -- the foods they like to eat at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Scotland Park Elementary Halloween Parade Moved Inside
A parade is still a parade, even if it’s moved inside because of rain. On Wednesday, Scotland Park Elementary was packed with parents, costumed children and dressed-up staff, all eager for a Halloween celebration. As the rain poured down outside, the students trooped down the long school hallways to show off their Halloween costumes.
WFISD Maintenance Crew Sings Its Sound Check
WFISD Maintenance Supervisor Johnnie Ozee led his team in a round of Jingle Bells today after they finished setting up the risers for the school choirs that will perform at Christmas Magic this weekend. Click below to hear their performance.
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