October 2024

We would like to extent a great big Waco ISD welcome to the district's new Superintendent, Dr. Tiffany Spicer! Dr. Spicer has spent her first several weeks on the job making her rounds and visiting campuses to meet students and staff. Click here to view more photos from the campus visits.

WISD's Fine Arts students and directors have worked extremely hard as numerous productions have taken place over the past month, and several awards were received that deserve celebrating!

Waco High School Theater Arts students, directed by teachers Liz Vermeulen-Wise and Edward Wise, presented the musical, "Ruthless". Click here to view more photos from the performance.

University High School Theater Arts students presented the classic, "Little Shop of Horrors", with a man-eating plant and more! The students were instructed by teachers Savannah Jones and Katie Davis. Click here to view more photos from the performance.

G.W. Carver Middle School Theater Arts students, directed by teacher William Taylor, presented the beloved musical, "Moana, Jr." Click here to view more photos from the performance.

WISD Stadium played host to both the Waco High and University High School marching bands. Along with the bands of Cesar Chavez, G. W. Carver, and Tennyson Middle School bands, they entertained a crowd of family and friends with dazzling theatrical performances. Click here to view more photos from the inaugural event. Click here to watch a recap video of the event.

A big round of applause goes to the Waco ISD Fine Arts Department and the University High School Theater Arts Department for both receiving awards of distinction from the Texas Educational Theater Association.

Congratulations to the Waco High School Lion Pride Band on advancing all the way to the area competition! The band is directed by Tyler Sage, Michelle Lenker and Austin Lemmons. The district could not be more proud of this amazing accomplishment!

National Principal Recognition Month

Its October, and that means its the month that we celebrate our incredible campus leaders! Principals are not just administrators; they are the heart and soul of our schools. From setting a positive school culture, to ensuring every student has the support needed to thrive, principals wear many hats—leader, mentor, advocate, and visionary. They inspire teachers, engage families, and empower students, fostering an environment where everyone can succeed.

We appreciate the hard work, dedication, and passion our principals bring to the table. Their commitment to excellence lays the foundation for lifelong learners and a bright future for our communities. Join us in celebrating the amazing principals in Waco ISD!

Student and Staff Accolades

Congratulations to Tennyson Middle School Principal Bradford McMillan for his promotion to the rank of Captain in the Texas Army National Guard, and his new role as a chaplain. Thank you for your service, Captain McMillan! Click here to watch the pinning ceremony at the WISD Principals Meeting, and here to view more photos.

Congratulations to Alta Vista Elementary School Principal Lindsey Helton who was selected to serve as the Region 12 President-Elect for the Texas Elementary Principals & Supervisors Association! Thank you, Principal Helton, for your leadership and service!

Congratulations to Bell's Hill Elementary School for its selection as an Apple Distinguished School. The school is one of only 889 schools from more than 5 million worldwide chosen for creating a learning environment that inspires creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Congratulations to Kendrick Elementary School 5th grader Ximena Romero. She is a published author with her book available through Kindle and hard copy on Amazon! Click here to read her story featured in the WACOAN.

Congratulations to Lake Air Montessori PDS student Rylee Carpenter for winning Reserve Champion-2nd place in the 3rd grade division of the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo Spelling Bee.

Dear Waco ISD Community,

I am excited to see and hear about all of the amazing things happening within Waco ISD!  From impressive performances in fine arts, to outstanding achievements in academics and athletics, it is clear that our students’ hard work and dedication are paying off.  However, these wonderful student achievements would not be possible without the hard work, dedication, and support of our amazing teachers and staff.  Our students and staff continue to impress me daily.  Let’s celebrate their hard work as a community, and encourage them to keep pushing their limits as we mark the halfway point of the fall semester!

On behalf of the board, I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to Dr. Spicer.  I encourage all of the WISD community to engage in conversations with Dr. Spicer about the bright future of the district.  While she has not been a part of the Waco ISD family long, it is evident that her dedication to and vision for the district will bring nothing but the best in this next chapter for Waco ISD’s students, staff and families alike!

Sincerely,



Stephanie Korteweg

Did you miss the October 24 Board of Trustees meeting? Get a quick update by watching the meeting recap video.

Click here for the full board meeting from October 24, 2024.

The next regular meeting will be held on November 21 at 6 p.m. in the WISD Conference Center, 115 S. 5th Street.

In October, Pilot Travel Centers Flying J, was selected as Waco ISD's Outstanding Community Partner. They are Waco ISD's premier partner in the district's Special Olympics program. With Pilot's financial commitment, Waco ISD is expanding its Special Olympics program, further allowing our students with disabilities to be included in athletics and maintain physically healthy lifestyles.

Dear Waco ISD Community,

I am honored and excited to introduce myself as your new Superintendent of Schools here in Waco ISD. It is a privilege to join such a vibrant community dedicated to the success of our students.

As I begin my journey with Waco ISD, I am excited to bring a vision that is deeply rooted in collaboration, transparency and a commitment to equity. My approach to leadership focuses on strengthening relationships, engaging meaningfully with all stakeholders, and ensuring that every voice is heard. I also have a commitment to the future of Waco ISD that includes my Community Engagement Plan, which is comprised of the following:

• Establish a strong foundation through listening and learning
• Amplify our message with Waco ISD’s new brand
• Build strong partnerships for educational success
• Champion equity and inclusion in the district
• Ensure transparent governance and accountability
• Celebrate achievements and foster pride
• 
  

I believe that when we work together—teachers, parents, students, and community members—we can achieve great things.

In the coming weeks, I look forward to meeting many of you at school events and community gatherings. I am eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and aspirations for our schools. Your input is invaluable as we work together to create the best possible educational experience for our students.

Thank you for welcoming me into this incredible community. I am excited about the journey ahead and look forward to what we will accomplish together.

Sincerely, 

Tiffany Spicer, Ph.D.

In the first district game since 2017, the University High School Trojans battled the Waco High School Lions at Waco ISD Stadium. The Trojans came out on top!



Prior to the game, both schools brought their sprit bright and early for a pep rally at Waco ISD Stadium, featured on 25 News KXXV. Click here to watch game highlights, and here for more photos from the early morning pep rally.

Hillcrest PDS Elementary Magnet School hosted its own Baylor University homecoming parade to celebrate its teacher interns and full-time teachers whose alma mater is Baylor! Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spicer served as the grand marshal. Click here to view more photos of the parade, and here for a video recap.

Waco ISD is looking forward to hosting families for Thanksgiving meals! Please remember to bring your state issued I.D. to enter the campus. Meals are $6.00 for adults and non-students.

Campuses concluded Hispanic Heritage Month by holding numerous programs and celebrations to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Click here to view more photos from the various celebrations across the district. Enjoy the video below of G.W. Carver Middle School's Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration.

In recognition of October being Dyslexia Awareness Month, Waco ISD families of students with dyslexia enjoyed learning the latest techniques to help their children learn more easily to read and write. Dyslexia coaches throughout the district worked with students in various activities to reinforce these techniques. Click here to view more photos from the event.

Community Resources