Editorial by Rickie R. Harris

During the month of February, activity calendars fill. Special events, programs, and a number of sports keep our students busy.

Early in the month, students at North Early Learning Center and West Orange – Stark Elementary celebrated the 100^th Day of School with a special math centered event.

This past week, our PTA invited parents onto various campuses as part of “Bring Your Family to School Week.” Eighth grade students attended an Endorsement Fair regarding High School courses of study.

Also this week, WOS Elementary and Middle Schools presented outstanding Black History Month programs. As part of their program, the Middle School recognized Stallion Legends, Heroes, and Champions, including football and basketball state champions from Wallace High School teams. I look forward to also enjoying the High School’s Black History Month program later this month.

Our students have also earned numerous honors in February.

Six WOS High School choir students earned advancement to the State Solo and Ensemble Competition. We are proud of Rita Jenkins, Alexcia Tezeno, Claydra Rhodes, Manuel Franklin, Jared Dupree, and Dwaun Guidry for this achievement.

Eleven WOS High School athletes signed letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at colleges and universities. Congratulations Keyshawn Holman, Jack Dallas, Mandel Turner- King, Te’Ron Brown, Jeremiah Shaw, Morris Joseph, Malick Phillips, Cory Skinner, Ronald Carter, Justin Brown, and Kentavious (K.J.) Miller.

Jack Dallas, Morris Joseph, Mandel Turner – King, and K.J. Miller also earned All-State Football Honors. Dallas, Miller, and Holman, along with Ryan Ragsdale also earned Academic All-State football honors. Coach Cornel Thompson was named the Coach of the Year by the Texas Sportswriters Association. Congratulations!

In basketball, our varsity boys’ team advanced into the playoffs.

We are honored that our back-to-back state championship football team will also be recognized on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives this legislative session. Representative Dade Phelan has spearheaded this event.

Finally, counselors at WOS High School are sharing local scholarship information. Please encourage your senior student to take advantage of these valuable opportunities.

Here is a listing of additional events scheduled in our district prior to Spring Break:

• Feb. 20 – Project Safe Graduation meeting, High School Library Lecture Room, 6 p.m.Feb. 21 – McTeach fundraiser for North Early Learning Center, McDonald’s, 16th St., 5 – 8 p.m.

  Feb. 24 – WOS Elementary Father / Daughter Dance, Hayes Gym, 6 – 9 p.m.

  Feb. 23 – WOS Middle School Girls District Track & Field Meet at WOS High School, 3:30 p.m.

  Feb. 24 – WOS Elementary presents their Black History Program at North Early Learning Center, Gym, 9 a.m.

  Feb. 24 – WOS High School Mustang Relays Track & Field Meet, 12 p.m.

  Feb. 27 North Early Learning Center 2017-2018 Applications for Returning Students Released

  Feb. 28 – West Orange – Stark High School Black History Month Program, Gym, 9:30 a.m.

  Feb. 28 – North ELC Mardi Gras Parade, Gym, 9 a.m.

  Feb. 28 – District PTA Meeting, High School Cafeteria, 6 p.m.

  March 2–4 – WOS High School Softball Tournament

  March 2 – North ELC Policy Council Meeting, 6:15 p.m.

  March 6–10 -North ELC celebrates Go Texas Week

  March 6 – Men of Excellence meeting, WOC Educational Service Center, Community Outreach Room, 7 p.m.

  March 9 – WOS Elementary Texas Program, Gym, 6 p.m.

Our district is empowering lives through excellence every day! 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