Adopt a Class

Adopt-A-Class is a mutually beneficial partnership pairing local businesses and community organizations with individual classrooms in Waxahachie ISD. The WISD Partners in Education department began Adopt-A-Class as a pilot program during the Spring of 2008 at Northside Elementary with only three classes. The response to the program generated so much interest and excitement that it has expanded to include all 3rd-grade classes district-wide, totaling more than 50 classes.

A strong public school system is essential to the overall health of the community. Quality schools attract people and businesses looking to relocate to the area, which helps to drive the local economy. Programs like Adopt-A-Class strengthen the relationship between the community and the school district by actively engaging citizens in the learning experiences in our classrooms. Through this partnership, students learn more about their community and benefit from the unique skills and resources of their adopting organization.

Businesses, churches, and civic organizations of any size can adopt a class. Each volunteer must complete the registration process and pass a background check. Community members passionate about serving students and teachers are the perfect candidates for this program.

Each teacher/adopter partnership develops its own goals and activities based on the resources of the adopting business or organization and the needs of the class. Adopters may help in a variety of ways, including:

• Serving as readers or resource speakers
• Sponsoring awards as incentives for improvement and success
• Serving as tutors or mentors
• Assisting with enriching activities
• Attending special functions of the class, such as field day or other special programs
• Donating equipment or supplies

There is a one-time $50 investment that is given directly to the classroom teacher. The funds may be in the form of specifically requested items/classroom supplies, or a gift card (Amazon or Visa Gift Cards are wonderful options). Funds for your adopted class will not be due until after all teacher/adopter matches have been formed.

Adopters are expected to spend a total of one hour a month in their adopted classrooms, with suggested 30-minute twice-a-month visits. However, each adopter and classroom teacher will work together to find the right fit for their classroom and adopter needs. This could look like 2 visits of 30 minutes each during the month to share lunch with students, 4 visits of just 15 minutes to read out loud in the classroom, and 1 visit of an hour to give a special presentation to your class. The opportunities are endless!

The following dates are pause points/pause days tentatively scheduled for 3rd-grade students across the district during the 2024-2025 school year. Pause days are opportunities for students to enhance their learning as teachers may provide guest speakers, perform classroom transformations, or plan unique activities that show real-world applications of materials related to what students have just learned. The following dates are an estimated schedule, and may fluctuate from campus to campus; planning visits directly with your adopted teacher will be most effective.

To register as an adopter for the school year, complete the Adopt-A-Class application or in person at the WISD Administration Building located at 411 N. Gibson St., Waxahachie, TX 75165. Applications may be emailed to Caitlin Sauceda for processing.

Adopter Standard of Commitment

1. The point of Contact/Representative of your business or organization must attend the kick-off informational meeting.
2. Adopters and all regular volunteers must register on the Partners In Education volunteer management website, as well as submit to & pass a background check, before spending time in the classroom or on campus.
3. Provide a one-time donation to your classroom for $50. This may be in the form of supplies requested by the teacher or a gift card (Visa or Amazon are great options!).
4. Volunteer a minimum of 30 minutes twice a month in your matched classroom. Adopters are also encouraged to participate in GrandFriends Day, D.E.A.R. Day, and other district and campus activities as your schedule allows.
5. Provide an email and phone number to your teacher as well as the Lead Adopter to:
   • Stay informed of volunteer opportunities within the class, campus, and district
   • Have a quick bi-monthly check-in with the lead adopter regarding your experience
   • Give feedback to the Community Outreach Coordinator on the Adopt a Class program
6. Inform all employees or volunteers about opportunities to volunteer within WISD, such as Grandfriends Week, Mentoring, Guest Speaking, Back 2 School Bash, Operation First Day of School, D.E.A.R. Day, Lighthouse for Learning, and more.

Lead Adopter Commitment

We ask each campus to have a “Lead Adopter.” This individual ideally will be someone who has participated in the program previously, is friendly and willing to share ideas, and is a great communicator. Each lead adopter will be asked to adhere to the same standards as all other adopters with the following additional responsibilities:

1. Offer encouragement, ideas, experiences, and knowledge of “what works” to your fellow adopters. Be a source of positivity and advocate for the program.
2. Send a bi-monthly check-in text or email to the lead teacher and each of the adopters at your campus. Take any feedback they may have, and note any problems that may arise.
3. Report any issues OR successes to the Adopt a Class Committee and/or Community Outreach Coordinator.