Whitehouse ISD Families,  November always brings opportunities to pause and reflect, and this month has given us many reasons to be grateful. Across our district, we gathered to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. Our campuses hosted meaningful Veterans Day programs led by students who spoke, sang, performed, and showed deep respect for those who have served.

As we paused to honor Veterans Day, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all who have served and to our Wildcat families who have loved ones in uniform. Their courage, dedication, and sacrifice remind us of the freedoms we enjoy every day.

This day is especially meaningful to me because my brother, Chris, proudly served in the 1st Ranger Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment. His years of service and the stories he’s shared over time have deepened my appreciation for the selflessness and strength of those who answer the call to defend our country.

I’m proud of our district and how our campuses recognized Veterans Day. These celebrations were more than ceremonies; they were powerful lessons in civic responsibility, character, and community. I’m grateful to our teachers and campus teams who poured their hearts into making these moments meaningful for our students. Please join me in thanking every veteran, past and present, for their commitment to protecting the ideals we hold dear.

Looking Ahead

Next week is Thanksgiving Break (November 24–28). I hope your family enjoys rest, time together, and the chance to reset before the final stretch of the semester.

When we return, we’ll be heading into the last few weeks before Christmas Break and the end of the second nine weeks. It’s a busy time, and staying connected to your student’s progress makes a big difference. Skyward Family Access remains the best way to keep track of grades, assignments, and alerts.

Some students will also participate in assessments, diagnostics, and state-required testing. Encourage your child to do their best, keep routines steady, get good rest, and remember that no single score defines their worth or potential.

As we wrap up the semester, please also keep attendance in mind. These last instructional days are important, and every day in class helps students finish the semester strong. And for our senior families, be on the lookout for Graduate 2026 yard sign information coming soon. We’re excited to celebrate this milestone with you. Project Joy is still available to support families who may need help with food or gifts this season. If your family could use assistance, please complete this form or contact your child’s school counselor by tomorrow, November 21 at 10:00 a.m.

Academic Calendar Survey Results

Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in our Academic Calendar Survey. Your input helps us shape a school year that works well for students, families, and staff. Here are a few things we heard:

• Most families prefer starting the year in early August and finishing before Memorial Day.
• A full week off at Thanksgiving and a longer winter break continue to be priorities for our community.
• Many respondents support adding early release days for teacher planning.
• There was strong support for exploring staggered start times for elementary and secondary campuses, and we’ll be looking closely at what that could mean for families.

After Thanksgiving, we’ll share two draft calendar options for the 2026–2027 school year and ask for your feedback once again.

Lonestar Ribbon Award

Earlier this year, Stanton-Smith Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School, earning national recognition for high academic achievement and progress in closing performance gaps. Although the federal program was discontinued in August 2025, Texas has introduced a new state honor, the Lonestar Ribbon Award, to continue recognizing schools with exceptional performance and growth. Congratulations to the entire Stanton-Smith community for this well-deserved distinction.

Parent Conferences – February 13

Looking ahead to the spring, February 13 will be a dedicated Parent Conference Day across the district. Campuses will share specific times and sign-up information as we get closer, but we wanted to put this date on your radar now. These conferences are an important opportunity to partner together and support your student’s success.

School Funding Election

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Whitehouse ISD School Funding Election. Our schools belong to this community, and your involvement ensures your voice is heard. We appreciate your engagement in this process.

Majorettes Earn Top Honors

First Ladies Bring Home a Division 1

Our First Ladies earned a Division 1 rating at the Texas Dance Educators Association Fall Field Assessment held at Tyler Rose Stadium. Congratulations to these students on a well-deserved achievement!

Computer Science Takes First Place

WHS Computer Science students earned 1st place in their first UIL competition of the year. Congratulations to sophomores Nick Dudolski, Shavansh Jakkula, and Jackson Muncy on a strong start to the season.

The Addams Family – Theatre Excellence

A huge shoutout to our WHS Theatre cast and crew for a fantastic production of The Addams Family! Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the students who brought this story to life on stage.

Yearbook National Recognition

The 2025 Whitehouse High School yearbook has been selected for the Walsworth Gallery of Excellence, a recognition given to elite yearbooks nationwide for scholastic journalism, creativity, and storytelling.

Education Foundation Fall Grants

Thanks to the generosity of our community, the Education Foundation awarded $92,000 in 36 grants across all seven campuses. These projects enrich classrooms and reflect the strength of a community that invests in its teachers and kids.

District Updates

The Whitehouse ISD District and Campus Improvement Plans for the 2025–26 school year were approved at the November 10 Board Meeting and are now available on both district and campus websites.

Fentanyl Awareness

Fentanyl remains one of the leading causes of accidental overdose deaths among teens. We encourage families to take a few minutes to watch the two short videos below and use them as a starting point for conversations at home. Together, we can help keep our students informed and safe. 

• Video 1

• Video 2

Upcoming Events & Communication

As always, here’s a look at some of the events we have coming up.

As we head into Thanksgiving Break, I hope your family finds time to rest, reconnect, and reflect on the good around us. I am grateful for the partnership we share and for the privilege of serving this community.

Have a safe and relaxing holiday. We’ll see you back on Monday, December 1.

Casey Whittle, Ed.D
Superintendent of Schools, Whitehouse ISD
whittlec@whitehouseisd.org