As we move through the spring semester, I’m reminded again of what makes this district special. Every week, I see students stepping up, supporting one another, and showing the kind of character that reflects our Portrait of a Graduate. Their leadership, kindness, and willingness to help others make a real difference on our campuses.
I want to share a simple idea that I have shared with our staff, and that has stuck with me over the years: Danny Meyer’s 51% principle. Meyer, a well-known leader in the hospitality industry, believes that technical skill matters, but it only accounts for 49% of what makes someone truly successful. The other 51% comes from how we treat people: kindness, empathy, optimism, integrity, teamwork, and the ability to connect with others. In his words, skills can be taught, but character, attitude, and care for others are what truly set people apart.
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One way we’re highlighting those qualities this year is through our new Student Spotlight. These students are examples of what it means to go above and beyond, whether it’s lending a hand, encouraging a classmate, or quietly leading in the classroom. Recognizing students who uplift their peers and teachers helps reinforce the kind of culture we want in Whitehouse ISD. |
Online registration for incoming Pre-K and Kindergarten students opens April 1. Families who need Pre-K eligibility verification or assistance with online registration are encouraged to attend an in-person help session on April 7 from 2 to 6 p.m. or April 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the WISD Education Support Center.
All registered Pre-K and Kinder students are invited to join us for Campus Tours on April 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. More details will be shared on our website in the coming weeks.
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The Texas School for the Deaf is offering summer camps designed for children and youth who are deaf or hard of hearing. These programs provide supportive environments where students can learn, build friendships, and explore new activities. The registration deadline is March 23. To learn more, visit the TSD website. |
February was Black History Month, giving students the chance to learn about the achievements and contributions of Black Americans who have helped shape our nation. We’re proud to see this important history highlighted across our campuses. |
Our review of school start times and transportation efficiencies is still underway. We are continuing to gather information and evaluate options. Once we have more to share, we will communicate updates with our families. |
This month, we recognized several important groups across Whitehouse ISD. We celebrated National School Counseling Week and honored our counselors for the daily support they provide to students and families. We also recognized our School Resource Officers on February 15 and are grateful for the relationships they build and the safety they provide. Our crossing guards were also celebrated for welcoming our students each morning and helping them begin and end their day safely. |
The Maroon Illusion Junior High Dance Team competed at the American Dance Drill Team Gussie Nell Davis Classic and brought home several top awards. They earned Best of the Best recognition across all teams at the contest, including high schools. The officers placed second, and the team placed third overall. Both groups earned first place in the junior high division. Congratulations to these students for an outstanding performance. |
Whitehouse High School hosted the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest, and our choir students delivered outstanding results. Our students earned a record number of Division 1 ratings, including 26 Class 1 solos and two Class 1 ensembles advancing to state. We also have seven freshmen advancing. Congratulations to these talented musicians on an incredible achievement. |
WHS Criminal Justice students competed in the Texas Public Safety Association Regional Competition and had an exceptional showing with 16 gold medals, 13 silver, and 6 bronze. In total, 55 students qualified for the state competition in Houston. We are proud of their dedication and hard work. |
The Lady Cats finished the regular season with a remarkable 36-0 record and entered the playoffs as district champions. Although their playoff run ended earlier than hoped, this undefeated season is an accomplishment worth celebrating. The teamwork, preparation, and energy this group showed all year, and the support they showed each other from the bench to the final buzzer, made this season something special. |
Speaking of basketball, our Life Skills students hit the court last week for a morning that was as heartwarming as it was fun. Whitehouse and Lindale students played with energy, pride, and great sportsmanship from start to finish. We’re grateful to our friends in Lindale for joining us each year and for making this tradition such a meaningful reminder that teamwork and joy matter just as much as the scoreboard. |
After many years of dedicated service, Mrs. McCarter has announced her retirement from Brown Elementary. We are grateful for the leadership and care she has given to her campus community. We are pleased to share that Mr. Sean Little has been named the Lone Finalist for Principal at Brown Elementary. His experience and connection to the campus will serve students and staff well. |
Whitehouse ISD is aware of recent concerns regarding Lifetouch and its parent companies. While Lifetouch has shared information about its commitment to protecting customer privacy, the safety and security of our students remain our priority. Out of an abundance of caution, we have paused the use of Lifetouch services while we review our agreement and seek additional assurances. We will update families once the next steps are finalized. |
Early voting in Smith County is underway. If you plan to participate, you can find polling locations, hours, and registration information through Smith County’s official election website or VoteTexas.gov. |
To help you stay connected with everything happening this spring, we’ve linked our calendars below. Spring sports, concerts, and events are already underway, and these calendars will continue to be updated throughout the semester. |
Spring Break is just around the corner, March 9 through 13, with March 16 as a student holiday for staff development. I hope your family finds time to relax and recharge. And if you’re a senior family, thank you for filling out the Graduate 2026 yard sign delivery survey. We’re finalizing routes now. It’s hard to believe how quickly this semester is moving!
Thank you for your continued support of our schools. I’m grateful for this community and looking forward to the good things ahead this spring.
Casey Whittle, Ed.D
Superintendent of Schools, Whitehouse ISD
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