Dear WISD Families,
As we kick off the 2024 calendar year, it is my plan to include an occasional column in The Drumbeat. While Facebook Live is a great way for us to connect, this is another opportunity for me to share some thoughts with you about our important work as we grow and challenge our 11,100 students.
For the first time ever in WISD, we are excited to announce the addition of a Naval Junior ROTC program at WHS beginning in the 24-25 school year. Additionally, our first WISD Space Night takes place this month, where we will announce that two of our sixth grade student teams will have their microgravity science projects launched to the International Space Station! In addition, every week there are fantastic athletic and fine arts events taking place at all of our junior high campuses and at WHS.
This week, we announced that the Board has officially named our second comprehensive high school. Planning for Waxahachie Creek High School (WCHS) is well underway and the new school will open in the fall of 2027. We are very grateful to the committee of community patrons who helped us navigate the naming of our newest campus. Below, you will find a graphic that explains the inspiration behind this name choice. In the coming weeks and months, we will narrow the focus on the selection of school colors and mascot and will seek input from the students who will be impacted by the opening of Waxahachie Creek High School.
With the opening of our tenth elementary campus, Jimmie Ray Elementary School (located in the Saddlebrook subdivision), we are currently holding town hall meetings that discuss our plans for rezoning to ensure the effective and efficient use of all district campuses, with the first being held last Tuesday. I hope you are able to join us in person or online for our Town Hall on Thursday, January 18. If you have specific questions about rezoning, please email us.
Our ongoing growth as a community creates many opportunities that are both exciting and challenging. Welcoming new families every day and opening new campuses is such a great part of our WISD experience. Additionally, honoring our great history and traditions makes Waxahachie like no other. Thank you for continuing to partner with us as we become a district where innovation thrives and growth is limitless!
Warm regards,
Dr. Jerry D. Hollingsworth
