Editorial by Rickie R. Harris

 

In last week’s editorial column, I reported a very smooth start for the school year. In follow-up, our campuses and departments are continuing to operate smoothly. Enrollment is holding steady with current numbers reflecting the same population as that in which we completed the 2015-2016 school year. Instruction of our students began the first day of school. Grades are being recorded and report cards for the first six weeks marking period will be compiled very soon. We are also moving forward with new opportunities that will benefit students and parents.

I am very excited that West Orange – Stark Elementary has been approved for affiliation with the National Elementary Honor Society. The WOS Elementary Chapter advisor will be led by Sharon Robertson, campus counselor. She will be assisted by teachers Annely Domas and Yokeisha Hope. The Honor Society will provide great opportunities for the recognition of our students and their outstanding academic abilities. I look forward to sharing more information regarding this organization in the near future. An Induction Program will be held this semester.

Our district is also launching a new method of broadcast communications. The protocol in which we deliver broadcast messages for day-to-day outreach and attendance calls will change beginning October 1, 2016. We are asking our parents to “Opt-in” to receiving messages from the campuses and district regarding meetings, events, activities, attendance, and early release days. With this modified system, parents can select how they prefer to be contacted: email, phone, or text and to which numbers and email addresses. Additionally, changes can easily be made throughout the school year. Parents can register to receive messages through our Broadcast Communications Parent Portal. The link and directions can be found on our website: www.woccisd.net. We encourage parents to sign up soon. It is important to also note that we will continue to send emergency messages in the same manner as always.

Football, volleyball, and cross country athletic seasons are underway. The WO-S High School varsity football team is undefeated. Our Lady Mustangs High School varsity volleyball team is playing well again this year. In pre-season play, the team is 8 – 1. District play begins this Tuesday, Sept. 20.

Next Friday, Sept. 23, our varsity football team will face the Silsbee Tigers at home beginning at 7:30 p.m. From 6:45 – 7 p.m., prior to the game, we will officially dedicate the West Orange – Stark High School field as Leroy D. Breedlove Field. The public is invited to join us for this special event.

With next Friday’s dedication, the West Orange – Stark High School football stadium and field will now be officially referenced as the Dan R. Hooks Stadium and Leroy D. Breedlove Field.

As contemporary author John Maxwell said, “One is too small a number to achieve greatness.”

Go Mustangs!

Rickie R. Harris is the Superintendent at West Orange – Cove CISD