District in Pictures

On Tuesday afternoon, WFISD had the honor of holding a special graduation ceremony for some of our most precious Special Education students. Thank you to the parents and staff who have supported these students for so many years. Thank you to Region 9 Education Service Center for hosting the ceremony. Thank you to Dave Carroll for the wonderful photos. Congratulations to Diego Abel Gil-Yanez, Nolan Daniel-Louis Lee, Jaqueline Lopez and Robert Edward West.

On Monday, May 15th, Isaac Hawkins, a senior at Hirschi High School was elected to the Area IV FFA State Officer team for the 2023-2024 year. This is a huge accomplishment for Isaac and the Wichita Falls FFA chapter. According to the Texas FFA past state officer database Wichita Falls FFA has not had a state officer since 1991 and Isaac made history by becoming the first state officer from Hirschi High School. Isaac's next step is to continue his campaign for Texas FFA State President this summer. He will compete against the other eleven elected state officers to hopefully be on the Texas FFA "Travel Team" consisting of the Texas FFA President and 1st Vice President. The team of twelve Texas FFA State Officers represent each of the twelve area associations within Texas FFA. These student officers work in partnerships with the board of directors to develop policy for the Texas FFA Association and provide student leadership to the Texas FFA members. For more information on Wichita Falls FFA and to keep up with Isaac's journey visit the Facebook or Instagram page @wichitafallsFFA1972.

Wichita Falls HS will host the Canyon Randall Raiders at 2pm today at Hoskins Field for Game 1 of the 4A Region 1 Semi-Finals. Ticket prices will be $3 for students and $5 for adults. The first 200 students wearing Old High spirit wear will get in free!

The Franklin Elementary Franklin Lion Leaders led a Handshake and Introduction Workshop for all kindergarten through third grade students. During this time, the 4th and 5th grade student leaders modeled appropriate handshakes and introductions, helped the younger students practice, and then played games using these skills. The Lion Leaders also led small groups of students in some "Get to Know You" questions to practice speaking and listening skills.

The Rider High School UIL Science Team coached by Trevor Wildman were awarded the Team Silver Medal at the UIL State Academic Meet last week. The team members included Madhi Kabir, Vincent Doan, Prasi Desai and Maverick McKown. The team alternates were Zara Farooq and Trinity Munoz.

The Lamar fifth graders in Mrs. Kelli Rasbury's class were assigned to research different states throughout the United States of America. The students had to put together the information that they found and put it into a slideshow to present to the class.

Rider High School senior, Prasi Desai, was awarded the ACS ChemClub National Scholarship by the American Chemical Society for her leadership, scholarship, and service contributions to the Rider High Chapter of the ACS ChemClub. Prasi is the first student from WFISD to receive this scholarship and was nominated by her AP Chemistry teacher and ChemClub sponsor, Stacie Martin, and UIL Science Coach, Trevor Wildman.

Scotland Park Elementary 4th and 5th graders used their math skills to carve fruit in different shapes and sizes! Look at these amazing fruit creations!

Last weekend the Hirschi High School ROTC cadets volunteered their time to help Base Camp Lindsey during their Give-A-Ruck fundraiser to help homeless veterans.

The fourth grade students at Fain Elementary are learning all about carnivals during their last week of school. The students read all about the invention of the ferris wheel and were assigned to build and code a ferris wheel of their own. They used Legos to build their "invention" and programmed their ferris wheel to spin, add music and voice adaption while lights were actively shining.

The Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) awarded ten senior scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year. The recipients of this scholarship have parents that must be a WFISD educator and a member of TCTA to be considered. Pictured below are the scholarship recipients Back Row: Abby Schreiber (Jenny Price, Zundy), Kenneth Cooper (Conrad Cooper, Fowler), Baxter Naylor (Henri Naylor, Hirschi), Cayden Resensez-Sigle (Jordan Criswell, Hirschi)

Front Row: Adriana Rojo (Angelica Rojo, Scotland Park), Tyler Clancy (Liz Ozuna, West Foundation), Hailey Marion (Kelli Marion, West Foundation), Carsen Watson (Stacie Watson, Scotland Park), Brennin Rumfelt (Adrienne Michelle Allen, Fowler)

Not Pictured: Jace Rios (Jennifer Rios, Fain)

On Wednesday morning, Haynes Northwest Academy opened its doors to former students, staff members and community members as they honored the history of the school. Students and guests heard from Dr. Donny Lee, Dr. Peter Griffiths and former Haynes principal and current school board member, Mark Lukert. Haynes Northwest Academy, which opened in 1964, is named after Kate Haynes - one of the first educators in WFISD. The school has seen 17 different principals with the most recent being Mr. Tristan Browne. Mr. Browne will serve as the principal at Burgess Elementary during the 23-24 school year where a majority of the current Haynes students will attend. Beginning next year, the Haynes building will serve as an early childhood center and will be renamed Haynes Head Start.

The Rider High School advanced piano class gave a recital for their peers and families on Wednesday, May 24. The recital was held in the choir room, and students were given the opportunity to play the new conservatory grand piano. "We appreciate Mrs. Strenski for finding this beautiful instrument for us and Dr. Blair for making the purchase," said Rider choir director Melanie Coons. This was the first time the student musicians have performed in front of an audience.

On Thursday morning, Lamar Elementary held a flag lowering ceremony that consisted of performances by the Lamar Honor Choir and speeches from Lamar principal Amanda Garcia and superintendent Dr. Donny Lee. Lamar teacher and veteran, Robert Maxwell, and Director of Elementary Curriculum, Jeff Hill, folded the US flag and presented it to Mrs. Garcia at the conclusion of the ceremony. Lamar Elementary, which opened its doors in 1955, closed at the end of the end of this school year. Lamar students will attend Booker T. Washington Elementary or Southern Hills Elementary next school year.

The Burgess Elementary first grade students participated in an impromptu disc golf clinic with the MSU Disc Golf team captain, Jacob Newberry, who is 2021 Hirschi graduate. The students had fun learning how to throw the disc and putting it into the basket. Getting it into the basket was definitely not an easy task, and the students were especially proud once their disc landed beneath the metal chains. "It was one more opportunity for the students to make a memory with their friends while trying something new," said Burgess first grade teacher, Jamie Newberry.

Each year, the Faith Masonic Lodge of Wichita Falls awards scholarships to seniors at the CEC to further their education. This year, three students were awarded scholarships. Daniel Granados is a culinary student from Rider High School, and he is planning on attending Oklahoma State University. Gerardo Ramirez is a construction student from Hirschi High School, and he is planning on attending Texas State Technical College. Jaylynn Stroman is an agriculture science student from Rider High School and is planning on attending Louisiana State University and was also the recipient of the Maribeau B. Lamar Award of Excellence in education. Thank you to Faith Masonic Lodge for their support of our students!

Hirschi High School art students had their art work displayed at Sikes Senter Mall in honor of Women's History celebration during the months of April and May courtesy of the Wichita Falls Area Arts Council. Students made their own interoperations of classics such as Frida Kahlo's self-portrait, Liz Montague's famous cartoons, Georgia O'Keefe's floral masterpieces and so much more. Ms. Johnson and Mr. Johnson oversaw the projects and posted the students work through Hirschi's campus and at the mall for everyone to view. "Sincere thank you to the management team at Sikes Center and Cassie Erazo of Wichita Falls Area's Art Council for their help in assuring our local student artists could share their work with the community," said Hirschi assistant principal Wendy Moulds.

The Rider High School administrators recognized their custodian, Mr. Steve, with a bucket of goodies and a gift card to show their appreciation for him. Mr. Steve always goes above and beyond and is always there when the Rider staff needs him.

This month's Child Nutrition CHEERS! award recipient is Assistant Director of Compliance, Lisa Lonsdale. Lisa has worked for WFISD for 31 years and is being recognized for CK12's value of Responsibility. "Lisa is a wealth of knowledge and has a heart for feeding WFISD students. She is a shining light in the department and an incredible asset to WFISD," said Chartwells Marketing Specialist Emily Kincaid

WFISD Police Chief Anthony Smith and members of his department showed up for Kate Burgess student, Lucas Flores, who has aspirations of becoming a police officer. When it came time for the 3rd grade awards assembly, Lucas stated that police officers "do not do awards assemblies." Because of this belief, he would not participate in his own graduation ceremony. In an attempt to change his mind, Lucas and Mrs. Emily Valverde made a phone call to Chief Smith. Chief Smith spoke with Lucas and promised him that he would personally come visit him and that one of the officers would attend Lucas's awards assembly. Five officers showed up and cheered loudly for Lucas as he walked across the stage! The officers also brought him two shirts, stickers, and bracelets to honor their visit. "They made Lucas's day, but also made my entire year," said Burgess at-risk coordinator Emily Valverde.

The Barwise Middle School 7th grade science students learn about "Factors Affecting the Earth's Systems." Each student played the role of an endangered species living in different ecoregions of the state. The game takes them through the perils of attempting to survive in their environment.

Not only is it a busy week for seniors across WFISD, but it's a busy time for elementary graduates as well! On Wednesday, the kindergarten students and the 5th grade students of Southern Hills Elementary celebrated their graduation from elementary school as they closed an important chapter of their lives. "It was beautiful to see all the families cheer on their graduates as they walked the stage," said Maria Carrillo. "Having a campus that celebrates important moments such as these is a truly blessing. The families for both kindergartners and 5th graders were treated to a picture slideshow followed by a reception in the library with refreshments and photo opportunities.

The Barwise Middle School science department received an unexpected large quantity of rock and mineral samples. The teachers immediately decided they "needed to build kits." The Barwise PTO stepped in and acquired the storage and testing materials to allow the students and teachers to build the teaching kits that will benefit students for years to come. "Huge thank you to our PTO," said Barwise science teacher, Ferran Kaspar.

Mrs. Maria Anguino's 4th and 5th grade classes at Lamar Elementary are published authors! Each grade level had the opportunity to choose a topic for a book they were going to create as a class. While the fourth grade students chose to write about Easter, fifth graders chose to write about their favorite Lamar memory once they found out that the campus would be closing. Each student wrote their story and went through the writing process to finalize their writing before they made their illustration to accompany their story. Mrs. Anguiano then sent their work off to Student Treasures to have the books published. Lamar's art teacher, Ms. Kaitlin Tryon, had the honor of creating the cover for the book. "This is a treasure these students will always have," said Lamar counselor Gladys Pando.

Foundation for the Falls is dedicated to making a positive impact in the local community. For the month of June, a portion of every vehicle sold at Foundation Automotive of Wichita Falls will be donated to the WFISD Foundation. These funds will be used to fund scholarships for students and grants for teachers!

WFISD is excited to, once again, be offering the Summer Meal Program. Summer Meals are open to children and teens 18 and under at no charge. No paperwork or enrollment is necessary. Simply bring your child or teen to one of the Summer Meal sites during meal time and they will receive a fresh, balanced, delicious meal at no charge.

District in Pictures is a weekly publication developed by the WFISD Community Relations department. If you have events, recognitions or classroom activities taking place on your campus that you would like us to feature, please let us know by completing the form at the following link: www.wfisd.net/dip. We would love to include you in our weekly district news.