The Wolf's Howl

The Wolfe City High School Varsity Football Team swapped out their helmets and shoulder pads for gloves and trash bags this past weekend, coming together for a roadside cleanup in collaboration with the local Kiwanis Club. The team split into groups and tackled a two-mile stretch of highway beginning at the edge of the high school, picking up litter to beautify the community and encourage civic pride.

The players took to the task with the same intensity they bring to the field, working together to cover every inch of the roadside, collecting everything from plastic bottles to discarded paper. The cleanup was a valuable opportunity for the young athletes to give back to Wolfe City, strengthening the community spirit and making the town a more welcoming place. Athletic Director Brad Smithey stated, "We were extremely grateful for the opportunity to team up with our Kiwanis Club. It was a great opportunity to serve and play a small role in uplifting our community."

These young men really showed what it means to give back to their community. They didn’t hesitate to get their hands dirty, and their commitment to service goes beyond the field. It’s inspiring to see them work together to make Wolfe City a cleaner, better place for everyone.

This cleanup event is one of several initiatives by the Wolfe City ISD to promote volunteerism among local youth.

This initiative exemplifies the power of teamwork and the impact young people can make through service, showing that there is more to teamwork than just winning games.

The event stands as a testament to Wolfe City’s community spirit and the pride its residents have for their town. By uniting students, coaches, and local volunteers, Wolfe City is setting a strong example of what can be achieved when community members come together with a shared vision of service and improvement.

This year, Wolfe City Middle School launched an exciting new program called Junior Crew, a class designed to teach students about community service, leadership, and outreach. Led by teacher and coach Amy Herron, the Junior Crew program offers students hands-on opportunities to identify and respond to the needs of both their school and community.

"Our goal for the year is to create a school and community outreach program," says Herron. "We want to teach students to look for needs around them and then take action to address those needs."

Since the beginning, the Junior Crew has already made a meaningful impact. Early projects included helping the Special Education department at Wolfe City Middle School create mums for sale during Homecoming, a popular tradition that fosters school spirit and raises funds. Junior Crew members also assisted first- and third-grade classrooms during Math and Reading intervention periods, providing extra support to younger students.

In addition to classroom support, Junior Crew students have become "lunch buddies" to PreK, Kindergarten, and first-grade students, spending time with them during lunch to encourage a positive social experience. They've also shown school pride by designing and painting a spirited run-through banner for the middle school football team’s home games.

One of the class's current projects is participating in the "10,000 Cards for the Troops" campaign organized by radio station 96.3 KSCS. Junior Crew students are writing Christmas cards for military members who will be away from home during the holidays, bringing a personal touch to the season for service members.

To make their own campus more inviting, the class is working on a landscaping project for the front of Wolfe City Middle School. This project is part of their effort to improve and beautify the school environment.

The Junior Crew program is also based on the PAL (Peer Assistance and Leadership) curriculum, combining mentorship with community service. Through this program, students not only develop a sense of responsibility and compassion but also gain practical skills that prepare them for future leadership roles.

With such a strong start, the Junior Crew is already making a difference in Wolfe City and setting a powerful example for the entire school community.

Building a Positive School Culture: Wolfe City ISD Embraces the Capturing Kids’ Hearts Program

At Wolfe City Independent School District, a new wave of positivity and connection is taking shape as all campuses continue their journey with the Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) program. This initiative is dedicated to strengthening relationships and fostering a nurturing environment for students and staff alike. Through this program, each campus is making intentional efforts to build a sense of community and appreciation, resulting in a noticeable transformation across the district.

One heartwarming example of CKH in action was seen recently on Custodian Appreciation Day at Wolfe City Elementary. The young students took time to recognize the often-overlooked custodial staff, showing gratitude by covering the campus with post-it notes of affirmation. These notes included messages of appreciation, reminding staff members how valued they are by both students and faculty. This simple yet thoughtful gesture has left a lasting impression on the entire community, highlighting the power of words in uplifting spirits and creating a warm, inclusive environment.

Meanwhile, Wolfe City Middle School has brought a bit of local flavor to their affirmation efforts with a creative “Whatastaff” bulletin board, inspired by the beloved Whataburger theme. This board serves as a visual reminder of CKH principles, giving students and staff the opportunity to leave each other positive affirmations. Much like the popular Texas burger chain, “Whatastaff” has become a point of pride, fostering camaraderie among everyone who participates and sparking daily moments of kindness and support.

The high school campus is equally committed to building a culture of recognition and affirmation. They’ve established an Affirmation Station in the hallway, providing a space where staff and students can leave notes of encouragement for one another. Additionally, each month they vote for an Education Champion, a recognition based on affirmations from peers. This practice of publicly celebrating the contributions of teachers and students has helped to reinforce a culture of support, appreciation, and positive reinforcement within the school.

Throughout Wolfe City ISD, the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program is fostering a safe and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels valued and supported. As both students and staff actively practice kindness, affirmations, and appreciation, they contribute to a culture that prioritizes emotional safety and genuine connection. By capturing each other’s hearts, they are building a district-wide community that uplifts and empowers every individual.

Wolfe City ISD is proving that the journey to a healthier school culture starts with intentional acts of kindness. Through programs like CKH and initiatives like Custodian Appreciation Day, Whatastaff, the Affirmation Station, and the Education Champion, Wolfe City schools are setting a remarkable example. In creating a positive environment where everyone is encouraged and supported, Wolfe City ISD is transforming into a place where students and staff thrive together.

• New Track Project Complete
• Proud Pack Band Earns Highest Ratings in School History at UIL Competition
• AG Public Relations LDE Team placing 1st out of 28 teams at the Winona LDE Contest. Team consisted of Ella Hale, Cameron Williams, Elizabeth Gardner, and Hadlee Painter.
• Varsity Girls Cross Country Wins District Championship
• Varsity Boys Cross Country Wins District Championship
• Varsity Volleyball Wins District Championship
• Junior High Volleyball Wins District Championship
• Community Partnership With Kiwanis Club
• Wolfe City Middle School Junior Crew Class in Full Force
• Wolfe City High School had 38 students on the Dean's List for Term 1
• Wolfe City Elementary has read over 5 MILLION words since the beginning of the school year
• The BEST Students EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations to Lisa Tisdate, Wolfe City ISD's "Go The Extra Mile" award recipient for October! Lisa, who currently serves as the Girls Athletic Coordinator, has become an invaluable presence within our school community, embodying dedication and positivity in every role she takes on.

Lisa’s commitment to the district extends beyond her formal responsibilities. Whether coordinating athletic events, supporting her teams, or capturing memorable moments on the sidelines, Lisa goes above and beyond to support both students and colleagues. Her camera is always in hand, ready to capture the heart of each game, preserving moments that students and families will cherish.

Known for her unwavering positivity, Lisa tackles every task with a smile, a can-do attitude, and genuine warmth, inspiring those around her. Her "extra mile" approach reminds us of the impact one person can make simply by showing up with passion and kindness.

We are incredibly grateful for Lisa's dedication to Wolfe City ISD and look forward to seeing her continued contributions. Thank you, Lisa, for all that you do—on and off the field!

To The 2024-2025 Proud Pack Band,

We are proud of your performance at the UIL Marching Contest! You earned the highest scores in Wolfe City history with a huge improvement from last year! Thank you to Mrs. Keane and Mr. Kopp for leading the band in the right direction! We support you and are very proud of all of you! Pictured is the Wolfe City Proud Pack Band performing at the UIL Contest while members of the Wolfe City Varsity Football Team cheer them on!

Thank you,

Donna Pessel

Superintendent