Statement Regarding Governor Announcement

Today Governor Abbott announced an executive order regarding masks which goes into effect March 10, 2021. We are requesting additional guidance from TEA regarding safety measures in schools. All current safety protocols will remain in effect in Willis ISD schools and offices until further information is received.

District Secondary Student of the Month-February 2021

William “Bud” Baker, 11th grade, WHS. Nominated by Mr. Slovak. Bud is in one of my co-teach classes and may struggle a bit more with certain things than the average student, but his work ethic is outstanding. He goes above and beyond to ensure that he asks questions, participates in discussions, and does everything in his power to be successful. His drive to learn and be his best is truly inspirational. Bud is also one of the most caring students I have. After I was out for a few days, he was so excited when I returned to work. As a teacher, that was a nice feeling.

District Elementary Student of the Month-February 2021

Elementary Student: Ayleen Maldonado, CC Hardy Elementary; Nominated by Ms. Coberley. Ayleen is an exemplary student. She deserves recognition for being an invested learner, a compassionate friend, and a consistently active participant in making CC Hardy the best place to be. Ayleen started her academic journey at Hardy as a kindergarten student and has grown into an independent and enthusiastic learner. She has shown herself to be trustworthy, kind, sincere, loving, and capable. I am extremely proud to call Ayleen one of my students. 

2021-2022 Academic Calendar Approved

The WISD Board of Trustees approved the new school year calendar during the February board meeting. The calendar features an August 11, 2021 start date, Thanksgiving week of Nov. 22-26, and Winter Holidays beginning with an early release on Dec. 17 and with students returning Jan. 5, 2022. Spring Break will be March 14-18, 2022, and the final day of classes for students will be May 20, 2022.

Kameron Wilder Named Principal of Elementary #6

Willis ISD is proud to announce that Kameron Wilder, Principal of Turner Elementary, has been named principal of the District’s new Elementary #6, opening August 2021. "It was important to us to put strong leadership in place at our new school," said Dr. Harkrider. "We wanted someone who has been with the District and can build a strong foundation for years to come. There is no better person for this job than Mrs. Wilder." Mrs. Wilder will remain Principal at Turner Elementary through the end of the school year.

Revised Close Contact Quarantine Procedures

As of December 2, 2020, the CDC has amended their guidance to allow two shorter options for the quarantine (stay at home) period after a close contact with a COVID positive person. Based on new CDC guidance, as well as guidance from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the stay at home period can end for individuals experiencing no symptoms as described at page linked above.

NEW Anonymous Alert App

Willis ISD is excited to introduce a new communications tool called Anonymous Alerts®. Anonymous Alerts® allows students or parents to quickly, easily, and anonymously report urgent information to school officials across all of our school campuses. Click headline to learn more.

Revised 2020-2021 Calendar

In response to feedback from campus administrators and teachers indicating the need for additional time to plan for instruction, Dr. Harkrider presented a plan to the Board of Trustees at the Oct. 14, 2020 meeting that would add additional early release days to the current 2020-21 calendar. The Board unanimously approved adding six additional Early Release dates to the current calendar. Click headline for more information.

Substitutes Needed

The Willis ISD Board of Trustees approved to raise daily substitute pay rates from $15-$30, depending on qualifications.