Whitehouse ISD Families,   October has been full of reminders of what it means to be part of one community. Folks stepping up to help, showing support, and celebrating together is what makes Whitehouse such a special place. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to give more than 20 presentations across our community. Each time, I walk away encouraged by the conversations, the ideas shared, and the simple truth that we’re all pulling in the same direction: doing what’s best for kids.

That spirit of teamwork has shown up in so many ways lately, including when Lindale ISD stepped in to make sure our entire Whitehouse Wildcat Band could travel to their game in Texarkana. Five Lindale bus drivers made the three-hour trip to get all 215 of our students to the game before kickoff. Community helping community is what makes East Texas great.

From National Night Out to Friday nights under the lights, we’ve seen the best of what happens when folks come together. As we head into November, I hope we carry that same spirit of gratitude and generosity into the busy holiday season ahead.

Early voting for the Whitehouse ISD School Funding Election is open through Friday, October 31, with Election Day on Tuesday, November 4. Our schools belong to this community, and voting is an important way to ensure your voice is heard. For more details on voting dates, hours, and locations, visit www.wisdschoolfunding.com/voting-information.

Happening Tonight

We have a couple of exciting events taking place this evening. The Whitehouse Theatre Company opens its production of The Addams Family tonight at 7:00 p.m. in the WHS Auditorium. If you can’t make it tonight, there will also be performances on Friday and Saturday. 

Our Varsity Ladycats Volleyball team is also headed to Athens for their first playoff match. Their season has been full of hard work, growth, and determination, and we know they’ll represent Whitehouse well.

We’re proud of our students for stepping up, leading, and sharing their talents — whether on the stage or on the court. If you’re able, we hope you’ll come out and support them.

Wildcat Band Shines at State

Whitehouse ISD recently hosted the annual Life Skills Volleyball Game against Lindale ISD, and what a day it was! While Lindale may have taken home the win on the scoreboard, the real victory was the joy, teamwork, and sportsmanship on display from both sides. These games remind us what it’s all about: connection, inclusion, and having fun together as a community.

Our campuses are buzzing with energy this week as students celebrate Red Ribbon Week and enjoy a little Halloween fun. From tie-dye shirts and crazy socks to creative costumes, each themed day has been a colorful reminder of the bright futures our students are building. I also had the chance to stop by several elementary classrooms for a spooky storytime and help judge the pumpkin contest at Brown Elementary. There’s nothing quite like the excitement and laughter on an elementary campus to brighten your day!

Academic Calendar Survey We’re starting the process of planning next year’s Academic Calendar, and your input plays an important role. Please take a few minutes to complete our Calendar Survey. Your feedback will help us create a calendar that supports both student learning and family needs. A follow-up survey in early December will give you the opportunity to review and provide feedback on two proposed calendar options. The survey closes Friday, November 7. Celebrating National Principals Month This month, we take time to honor the incredible leaders who make a lasting impact in our schools each and every day. Our principals lead with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our students and staff. Please join me in celebrating and thanking our amazing campus principals for all they do to make Whitehouse ISD a place where students thrive. Mrs. Porche – Higgins Elementary Mrs. McCarter – Brown Elementary Mrs. Blain – Cain Elementary Mr. Dean – Stanton-Smith Elementary Mr. Sartor – Holloway 6th Grade Mr. Holder – Whitehouse Junior High School Mr. Speights – Whitehouse High School Dr. Jacobs – AIM Center Project Joy As we look ahead to the holiday season, we want to remind families that Project Joy is available to help support those who may need assistance with food or gifts. If your family could use a little extra help this year, please complete this Google form or contact your child’s school counselor by November 21 at 10:00 a.m. Counselors are also available to assist with completing the form if needed. And for those who would like to give back, keep an eye out for opportunities to support Project Joy through your child’s campus. School Bus Safety Week (Oct. 21–25) School Bus Safety Week was a great reminder that we all share responsibility for keeping students safe. Whether you’re driving through a neighborhood or stopped behind a bus, please remember that when you see the stop sign, it means stop. Every time. Superintendent’s Advisory Council This month, I met with both our Student and Teacher Superintendent’s Advisory Councils. These groups give me the chance to hear directly from the people who experience our schools every day. Our Student Advisory Council includes representatives from 9th through 12th grade who bring thoughtful ideas and honest feedback about what life at Whitehouse High School is really like. We talked about topics like the calendar, bell schedule, and ways to make student life even better — all over a few boxes of pizza, of course. Conversations with our teachers are just as valuable. These meetings give me the opportunity to run ideas by staff, gather feedback, and better understand what’s working well and where we can continue to grow together. Community Breakfasts: Honoring Service & Legacy The end of September and October provided several wonderful opportunities to connect with special groups in our community. At the Retired Educators Breakfast, I enjoyed watching our Ready, Set, Teach students visit with those who paved the way before them. The laughter, stories, and wisdom shared that morning were powerful reminders of the lasting impact our educators make on generations of students and teachers alike. We also hosted our Veterans and First Responders Breakfast—an event that holds personal meaning for me. Coming from a family that includes both veterans and first responders, I understand the deep dedication and sacrifice that come with these callings. It was an honor to thank these men and women for their service and to watch our students express their appreciation with genuine gratitude and respect. New Reading Resource: Sora App Whitehouse ISD students now have access to Sora, a reading app from OverDrive that provides free access to e-books and audiobooks through their school or public library. Students can borrow books anytime, with content available 24/7 and accessible on most devices using their school login. Parents can view and manage their child’s access through the Sora Parental Controls resource.