Each year, Waxahachie schools open their doors to thousands of dedicated volunteers whose commitment enriches the educational experience for both students and staff. These individuals work alongside teachers, lending their time and talents to uphold and advance the district’s longstanding tradition of "Excellence in Education." The Partners in Education program has been instrumental in fostering this spirit of service, with volunteers collectively contributing over 400,000 hours—an extraordinary testament to the power of community support within the Waxahachie Independent School District.
In addition to these steadfast volunteers, the district benefits from the collaboration of more than 300 local and regional businesses. Throughout the year, these companies unite with the Partners in Education office, forming an essential network that nurtures the growth and success of Waxahachie’s students. Their involvement is not merely beneficial; it is vital to the district’s mission, ensuring that the pursuit of educational excellence remains a shared endeavor. Together, volunteers and business partners illuminate the path to achievement and transform schools into vibrant centers of learning and hope.
Businesses, service organizations, and churches can partner with WISD by adopting classrooms to enrich class experiences and support teachers and students. Through the Adopt-a-Class Program, (applications accepted June-August), students benefit from a wealth of interaction from community volunteers. The Adopt a Class initiative helps strengthen ties between our local community and our schools.
Parents, community members, business leaders, and students are invited to be guest readers on campuses from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. Over 500 readers participate in this exciting, one-day event each spring that encourages the value of reading. Readers are reading simultaneously during three different reading times throughout the day. Generous donations from the community enable the purchase of new books, which are then placed in the classroom for this event.
Grandparents, great-grandparents, grandfriends, and grandneighbors are invited to join students for lunch and then return to the classroom for a short time of reading and storytelling. This event encourages intergenerational relationships. Grandfriends join students during one week designated in September following Grandparents Day. Guests participate on all elementary and junior high campuses as well as the childcare center. Each year, thousands of Grandfriends join students in WISD schools.
Community members and parents are invited and encouraged to speak in classrooms about careers, travel, military experiences, and hobbies that would fit appropriately with the curriculum in the classroom. Leaders are encouraged to participate in Career Day Events to discuss career paths and opportunities.
Parents and community members are encouraged to participate in a mentoring program that focuses on relationships. Mentors serve as role models and friends while offering support and encouragement. Mentors are given training on how to best communicate with students. The mentoring relationship takes place only on school property and during school hours. The WISD Mentoring program is available throughout the district on WISD campuses.
Parent-Teacher Organizations are available on all elementary and junior high campuses. Each campus has many PTO-related volunteer opportunities available.
Waxahachie ISD has great booster club support in academic, athletic, band, cheerleading, choir, theatre arts, and drill team areas. Partners in Education works with PTO through its Parent Council Organization. This organization is represented by PTO Presidents from each campus and meets approximately five times a year. Partners in Education has great support on every campus through the work of a Campus and Parent Volunteer Coordinator, determined by each principal. The WISD Partners in Education Director works closely with campus coordinators throughout the school year.
