The Woodlands High School
Highlander Happenings October 18, 2024 - November 1, 2024
2024-2025 ADMINISTRATORS & COUNSELORS
Senior Campus Administrators
Dr. Ted Landry, Principal
Ms. Beth Wyrick, Associate Principal Operations
Ms. Jaime Cassidy, Associate Principal Curriculum
Senior Campus Assistant Principals
Mr. Clint Rushing, A-Car
Ms. Paige Jeanes, Cas-Fue
Ms. Laura Braun, Ful-Jai
Ms. Stefanie Roland, Jam-Med
Ms. LeighAnn Wolfe, Mei-Ramd
Mr. Craig Harbin, Rami-Sto
Mr. Chad Lanham, Str-Z
Senior Campus Counselors
Ms. Julie Emmons, A-Bru
Ms. Brittany Darden, Brv-Dew
Ms. Lisa Algaze, Dex-Gou
Ms. Keisha Clarke, Gov-Joh
Ms. Monica Frank, Joi-Mas
Ms. Jane Iribarren, Mat-Pag
Ms. Elizabeth Bowling, Pah-Ros
Ms. Venitra Bradberry, Rot-Tay
Ms. Tiffani Jaqua, Taz-Z
Ms. Kristi Tabor, Lead Counselor A-Z
Ms. Kayla St. Romain, College & Career A-Z
9th Grade Campus Administrators
Mr. Dennis Muehsler, Principal
Ms. Shawne LeDee, Associate Principal
9th Grade Assistant Principals
Mr. Ryan Clapsaddle, A-L
Ms. Riqui Boyles, M-Z
9th Grade Campus Counselors
Ms. Vicky Woods, A-Gr
Ms. Allison Chambers, Gu-Pe
Mr. Matthew Kelley, Ph-Z
COUNSELORS CORNER
The counselors visited all of the Junior English classes this past month. They discussed 4-Year Planning in the new Naviance platform. Counselors are currently meeting with Sophomores and Freshmen in their classes to introduce this information. Parents will have an opportunity to hear more about the Naviance 4-Year Planning platform at the end of this month. Please see the flyer in the Highlander Happenings.
Students who are interested in taking Dual Credit courses next year are invited to attend an interest meeting on November 6th for Current 11th graders and November 7th for Current 10th graders. They have the opportunity to sign up for this interest meeting. Counselors will discuss the procedures for applying to Lone Star College and enrolling in Dual Credit courses. The Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA2) is a college readiness entrance exam that students must pass to qualify for Dual Credit. TWHS will administer this assessment on November 20th and 21st during the school day. Students can also qualify for dual credit courses with an SAT or ACT score instead of taking the TSIA2. The dates to register for the SAT or ACT are listed below. Those test administrations are on Saturdays at TWHS. The deadline to qualify for dual credit courses and turn in all paperwork and test scores will be Friday, April 11, 2025.
ATHLETICS
BOYS BASKETBALL: Attention all basketball players! We are excited to announce tryouts for both Freshmen and upperclassmen:
Freshmen Tryouts:
- Dates:
- Thursday, October 24th at 2:30 PM
- Friday, October 25th from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
- Location: 9th Grade Campus
Upperclassmen (Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors) Tryouts:
- Date: Saturday, October 26th
- Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Location: Main Campus
Important Requirements for All Players:
- A current physical must be on file.
- All students should be passing all classes.
To sign up for tryouts, please visit our website at www.highlanderbasketball.org and complete the tryout sign-up form. We look forward to seeing you on the court! Go Highlanders!
CROSS COUNTRY: What impressive and hard fought outcomes at Districts! Highlander runners are the District Champions in the Varsity Girls, JV Girls, JV Boys, Freshmen Boys, and open divisions; a second place finish for Varsity Boys. Next stop: Regionals in Grand Prairie. Highlander runners will compete in Grand Prairie on Monday the 21st! Wish them luck!
SWIM & DIVE: The Highlander Swim Team is excited to compete in the Kingwood Duel Meet on Oct. 17th and 19th. Your Highlanders have also been preparing for the Klein JV invite on Oct. 26th. Our Highlanders have been working hard to perform their best at these competitions!
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS NEWS
DECA: Our DECA chapter is excited to announce that we’ve surpassed 300 members this year! At the Fall Leadership Conference, we created and donated 450+ Birthday Bash Boxes to the Montgomery County Food Bank. Now, we’re gearing up for the District Competition on January 14th and are looking for judges, sponsors, and prize donations. If you're interested in supporting, please contact Kendra Meyers at kcmeyers@conroeisd.net.
Also, congratulations to our Member of the Month, Sitara Akarare, for her outstanding dedication and leadership!
Upcoming DECA Events:
The Woodlands HS Blanket Fundraiser We are excited to announce our latest DECA fundraiser - a super soft and cozy TWHS Blanket! These 60x70 blankets are perfect for those chilly evenings and show off your school spirit in style. Purchase The Woodlands blanket here at https://supportandgive.com/store/brochures.php?sID=60346281
Join Us for the Run for Jeev! Lace up your shoes and sign up for the Run for Jeev! This special event is a chance to support a great cause while staying active and having fun. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just want to walk for a good cause, everyone is welcome. Let's come together to honor Jeev and make a difference in our community. Don’t miss out - register today and be part of something meaningful! DECA Students need to upload the Receipt to Canvas to get points for participating!
Support Needed for District 4 DECA Competition – Can You Help?
Sponsoring an Event/Career Cluster If you or your business would like to sponsor a specific event or career cluster, we have an opportunity for you! Sponsorships are a great way to support our students while promoting your business. Here is a document that outlines the specific sponsorship opportunities.
Judging We need around 90 judges to volunteer from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on competition day, January 14th. If you or someone you know can help, please sign up using registration form.
Item Donations We are in need of:
90 small items for judges' bags (e.g., free drink coupons, etc.)
1,000 lanyards (you can donate a portion or the full amount)
Prizes for students (gift cards, apparel, etc.)
If you're interested in sponsoring, judging, or donating, please email Kendra Meyers at kcmeyers@conroeisd.net as soon as possible. Your involvement will help create an impactful and memorable experience for our students. Thank you for your continued support of DECA and our students. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
JROTC: Our Corps is helping Mitchell Intermediate School with their Mitchell Social this Friday. Cadets will help run games and food stands for the 5th and 6th graders at Mitchell. On Saturday, October 19th, we will compete in the Oak Ridge Iron Eagle competition. Good luck to our Drill, Marksmanship, Orienteering, Drone, PT, and Academic teams!
JROTC will lead off the annual Red and Green Day Parade on Wednesday, October 23rd. This is an amazing opportunity to see our Corps in action! We will conduct a Campus Cleanup the next day.
On Saturday, October 26th, our Orienteering cadets will compete at the Tom Bass Orienteering Meet. Then, ALL cadets will meet at the Senior Campus on Monday morning, October 28th, at 6:30 for our Unit Inspection from JROTC Headquarters. The uniform is Service Dress for upperclassmen and Unit Polos for freshmen.
Saturday, November 2nd, is our 7th annual Aerial Drone Competition Expo at the Jett Center. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and the event runs until 4:00 p.m. Teams from as far away as Palestine, Texas have signed up to compete. Spectators are welcome!
MEET IN THE MIDDLE: Our mission is to bring students with intellectual disabilities together with their typically developing peers for food, fun and physical activities! Everyone is welcome to join! An inclusive meeting with the men's soccer team is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 28, at 2:45-3:30 p.m. in Room 107. As always there will be plenty of snacks and social time! Pickup is in the front loop at 3:30 p.m. sharp. We meet twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Mondays. Questions? Contact the sponsor, Dianne Maberry at dmaberry@conroeisd.net - check us out on IG @twhs.mim.
STUDENT COUNCIL: Our next meeting will be on Monday, October 21st at 6:00 p.m. in the main campus cafeteria. Halloween attire is optional. The new t-shirts will be available for pickup if you weren't at the last meeting.
The Interfaith Food Drive donations will be accepted via School Cash Online through October 22nd. When donating, please be sure to list your teacher and class period. This is our only school wide food drive this year, so PLEASE consider donating!
The Homecoming dance is Saturday, October 26th, in the Senior Campus Large Gym 7-11 p.m. You may purchase one ticket for yourself, and one ticket for a date (via your School Cash online account). Tickets will NOT be sold at the dance. They must be purchased online by Thursday, October 24th.
Student dates may not be older than 20. No Junior High students are allowed as dates. All dates must have a School ID or State identification to enter the dance.
You will need to present your paid receipt AND Student ID (not a driver's license) to be admitted to the dance. (No 'tickets' will be issued prior to the dance this year.)
Even if you don't plan to attend the dance you can still purchase a ticket to help support the many events that the Student Council organizes for students and staff throughout the year!
FINE ARTS
TWHS BAND & GUARD: We will be competing at the UIL Region Contest on Tuesday, October 22. We perform at 4 p.m. This is our second competition of the season. Each band performs once. Tickets are only $5 and parking is free. Come cheer us on and see our new show, “Fantasia on Frenchmen Street” at Woodforest Stadium.
If you would like to see a full performance by TWHS Marching Band for free, please stay after the Homecoming Football Game on October 25. See you at the Red & Green Parade on October 23!
TWHS Band & Guard is selling holiday wreaths and greenery. Deadline to order is Oct 31. You can order directly through your favorite band or guard student & they will deliver it to your home right after Thanksgiving. There is also an option for shipping. Thank you for supporting the band. If you have questions, email fundraisers@twhsband.org.
Support the band by eating at Torchy’s Tacos (by the mall) on October 28 from 4-9 p.m. Just mention you are with the band. Thanks for your support!
CLINIC NOTES
VACCINES: If you have received a letter or email from the clinic notifying you that your student has overdue vaccines or an expired Conscientious Objector exemption, please take care of it as soon as possible so they may remain enrolled. We will be completing our state vaccine report at the end of October, and cannot allow students to be enrolled if they are out of compliance.
ATTENTION PARENTS OF SENIORS: You may not be aware that colleges and universities require a second dose of the MCV4 (meningitis) vaccine, received on or after a child’s 16th birthday. There is also an optional Meningitis B vaccine that is available to protect children against additional strains of the meningococcal bacteria. Please discuss that with their pediatrician. If you need a copy of your child’s vaccine record to submit to their college or university, you can request to have it sent to you by emailing Mrs. Ansley with your child’s name and ID number; aransley@conroeisd.net.
VISION And HEARING: We are in the process of conducting state-required vision and hearing screenings on all students who were not enrolled in Conroe ISD in the 7th grade. If your child does not pass our screening, a referral will be sent home. We ask that you take them to their doctor and return the signed referral so that we can mark it as complete. We only screen for distance vision, so if your child is having trouble seeing up close, we highly recommend an annual appointment with an eye care provider. Children’s vision can change rapidly during puberty, and we want them to be safe on the road!
ANNUAL DOCTOR’S ORDERS: If your student has a chronic condition that may require them to have medication available during the school day, there are action plans that need to be signed by a doctor each school year and turned in to the clinic BEFORE your student may begin carrying his or her medication; inhalers, Epi-pens, and diabetic supplies are the ONLY medications that students may carry. You can find those forms and other useful information by visiting https://twhs.conroeisd.net/departments/department-home/clinic/ Those forms are especially important for students who may attend overnight trips with school organizations.
MEDICATIONS: Parents or guardians are welcome to check in OTC medications such as ibuprofen, Tylenol, allergy medication or cough drops to be kept in the clinic and administered by the clinic staff. We do not have stock medication, and do not keep medication from year to year. We ask that medication be unexpired, in its original container, and no more than a 30-day supply (No Costco-sized containers). Medications that contain aspirin, suppress diarrhea, or need to be given in doses other than what is specified on the container do need to be accompanied by a doctor’s order.
NUTRITION TIPS: As we get into the second nine weeks, which always seems to be a stressful time of year for students, we find that many of them are not eating breakfast or hydrating well, and are coming to the clinic before lunch with headaches, stomachaches, dizziness, and nausea. Please encourage your children to eat something in the morning that contains protein, such as eggs, meat, or peanut butter, and keep a water bottle with them throughout the day. We do have water bottle filling stations available at school. Coffee and energy drinks do not provide good nutrition, and can lead to feeling bad once the caffeine wears off.. Athletes need to ensure they are hydrating well before and after practice, and may want to consider drinking something containing electrolytes.
Thank you so much for your help in keeping our students healthy and happy. Have a great weekend!
SCHOOL NEWS
ATTENDANCE: To report an absence, call:
9th Grade: 832-592-8025
10th Grade: 936-709-1236
11th Grade: 936-709-1233
12th Grade: 936-709-1234
Early Releases: If your student needs to leave early, please send them with a note to be delivered to the Attendance office before school. Doing so will ensure that the check-out process will be as quick and efficient as possible. There are no early releases after 2:00 p.m. Please feel free to call the Attendance office with any questions or concerns. We are happy to help!
LIBRARY: Enter to WIN!!! Every time you check out a book between October 21 and October 30 (limit one entry per day) you are given a chance to win a BOO! Basket. See what's up for grabs in the library display cabinet. Drawing will be held October 31 and winners will have their prizes delivered to class that day.
NEWCOMERS: Don’t forget that we are a school that welcomes families from different parts of the world. For this reason, we have a person who helps and guides families newly arrived in the school district, and we are fortunate to have her office in this area. Mrs. Iytzia Cardenas, who has been with us for more than 12 years, assists over 100 families monthly from all over the district, but luckily for us, she is located at TWHS 9th Grade Campus. So if you need help or have any questions about the adaptation of a student or family who has recently moved, don’t hesitate to contact her. She also speaks Spanish, and for any matters related to newcomers, feel free to reach out to her at 832-592-8251 or icardenas@conroeisd.net.
SCHOOL CASH ONLINE: Attention Parents: Please be sure to check your child's School Cash Online account frequently. The website is www.conroeisd.schoolcashonline.com. Fees are added throughout the year for various activities. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the fees charged to your child, please contact the classroom teacher or club sponsor. Failure to pay fees listed as "required" or "overdue" may result in a student not being permitted to participate in some extracurricular activities. If you need assistance logging in to School Cash Online or adding and viewing your child's account, please visit schoolcashonline.com/Home/Support and view the resources available to help.
UNDERCLASS YEARBOOK PICTURE RETAKES: Tuesday, Oct. 22 - Main Campus & Wednesday, Oct. 23 - Freshman Campus LGI If you missed the original picture day, you may have your picture taken on this date as well. We will send a pass for you with a specific time. Please have the original picture package with you for your retake during lunches. Package information and order forms at: thewoodlandsyearbook.com.
THE WOODLANDS HIGH SCHOOL ART TRUST
WE ARE CELEBRATING OUR 14th YEAR!!!
Have you ever noticed the 66 works of art by established Texas artists that are permanently displayed in the hallways at school? This is The Woodlands High School Art Collection and the works have been selected and purchased by our students. Each year we add new works to the collection and our next selection process has begun. Our student committee has narrowed down the works submitted by Texas artists to 12 that will be voted on by the entire student body in mid-November. Posters of the artworks will be on display by late October, video presentations will be on Highlander TV and the original pieces will be displayed in the cafeteria just prior to voting. The students will purchase as many as possible of the pieces that receive the most votes.
Thank you to all the artists that submitted their work for consideration. This year's nominated artists are:
THERESA BOND (AUSTIN), BRAVEN BRAZIL (SPRING), ELIZABETH CLEMSON (THE WOODLANDS), RANDALL ENSLEY (ORANGE), PATTI GARY (MONTGOMERY), TOM LAROCK (THE WOODLANDS), LAUREN LUNA (HOUSTON), CAROLINE RYAN (HOUSTON), JOHN SCHAEFFER (LA GRANGE), LAURA SPECTOR (HOUSTON), AND CHARLES WALLIS (COLLEGE STATION).
Visit our website to see the winning entries: www.twhsat.org.
Everyone (students, faculty, parents, guests) are invited to view and discuss the works of the 11 artists on Friday, November 1 from 1:30-3:00 pm in the front foyer of the main campus. (Artworks will also be displayed again from November 12-14 for all students to view.) If you would like more information on parking for the reception, please contact us at twhsat@gmail.com – no RSVP is necessary.
Although the artworks are purchased through funds set aside by Student Council from the Homecoming Dance, the framing, lighting and conservation of these pieces need funding. Consider helping with that funding and show your support for The Woodlands High School Art Trust by joining our "One Hundred Friends of Art." Our goal is to have 100 arts supporters make an annual donation to support our cause. Donations are tax deductible and start as low as $10!! Visit our website to make a contribution: www.twhsat.org.
The Woodlands High School Art Trust (TWHSAT) a 501(c)3 organization, was established in 2011 to help maintain, conserve and display the student-selected, student-purchased collection of established artists at The Woodlands High School. The vision for the TWHS Art Trust is to see the art collection grow each year and to have it extend through the hallways of the high school. Students use funds from their Homecoming Dance to purchase the art works. TWHSAT fundraises for the preservation and permanent display of the art works.
Other than the public sculptures around The Woodlands, this is the ONLY permanent collection of art available to the public. It is seen by THOUSANDS of people every day. Please consider supporting this unique collection that sets us apart from other public high schools and strengthens our goal of being one of the best high schools in the state and country.
For more information on The Woodlands High School Art Trust please visit our website www.twhsat.org or contact Susan Cosculluela at twhsat@gmail.com.
The Woodlands High School Calendar
October 18, 2024 - November 1, 2024
Friday, October 18, 2024
Science NHS Meeting 6:40 & 2:40 LGI 1
Volleyball v College Park 4:30 TWHS
Mariachi Concert & Fajita Dinner 6:00 Cafeteria
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Swim & Dive Dual Meet @ Kingwood
Rise Against Hunger 7:15 Cafeteria
Monday, October 21, 2024
Choir Officer Meeting 2:45 LGI
Student Council Meeting 6:00 Cafeteria
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Picture Retakes LGI 2
Volleyball @ New Caney 4:30
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
9th Picture Retakes LGI
PSAT 7:15
National Honor Society 10:17 LGI 1
Model United Nations 3:15 LGI 1
Red & Green Parade 5:30 TWHS
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Robotics Student Leadership 2:35 Room 170
9th Football v New Caney 4:30 TWHS
JV Football @ New Caney 4:30
JROTC Kitty Hawk Induction Ceremony 7:00 LGI 1
Friday, October 25, 2024
Volleyball v Conroe 4:30 TWHS
Vars Football v New Caney 7:00 Woodforest
Saturday, October 26, 2024
ACT Testing
Lady Highlander Basketball @ Fort Bend Austin 9:00
JV Swim & Dive Invite @ Klein 9:00
Homecoming Dance 7:00 Main Gym
Monday, October 28, 2024
Choir Officer Meeting 2:45 LGI 2
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Interact Meeting 2:35 LGI 1
Lady Highlander Basketball Scrimmages 3:30 TWHS
Volleyball @ Oak Ridge 4:30
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Senior Panoramic Picture 10:00
Model United Nations 3:15 LGI 1
National Honor Society 5:30 LGI 1
Thursday, October 31, 2024
DECA Meeting 2:35 LGI 2
9th Football @ Conroe 4:30
JV Football 4:30 TWHS
Friday, November 1, 2024
Science NHS Meeting 6:40 & 2:40 LGI 1
Lady Highlander Basketball @ Tomball Memorial 4:00
Woodlands Invite Diving 4:00 Natatorium
Vars Football v Conroe 7:00 Woodforest
The Woodlands High School
The Conroe Independent School District (District) is an equal opportunity educational provider and employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in educational programs or activities that it operates or in employment matters. The District is required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Active of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as Board policy not to discriminate in such a manner.
For information about Title IX rights or Section 504/ADA rights, contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Section 504/ADA coordinator at 3205 W. Davis, Conroe, Texas 77304; (936) 709-7752.
Website:Main Campus http://twhs.conroeisd.net/
9th Grade Campus https://twhs9.conroeisd.net/
Phone: (936) 709-1200
Twitter: Main Campus @TWHSCISD 9th Grade Campus @TWHS9thCISD