My daily news briefings include a broad perspective on the many ways schools are approaching the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, Chicago will begin “in-person” learning starting February. Las Vegas changed their plan to keep schools completely virtual when startling numbers of student suicides made them reconsider. 

COVID remains a severe health crisis; YOU opened your doors and hearts to kids and the community. This is commitment! This is GRIT, the Wylie Way! From the start, our priority is the health and safety of everyone in our care. YOU realized early on that this includes social and emotional health. In that spirit, YOU have found “ways to say yes” that allows the show to go on, albeit differently, to keep that human connection alive and well in our schools and their hearts. 

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICALS

Behind these masks of both Raiders and Pirates were beautiful voices of outstanding students resulting in Freaky Friday and Les Miserables’ stellar performances that were some of the best musicals I have ever experienced as a superintendent. 

WHS Les Miserables

WEHS Freaky Friday

On Monday, Wylie ISD Culinary students prepared a fantastic meal in celebration of Board Member Appreciation Month. Whoa, it was AWESOME!

RAIDER SENIOR RING CEREMONY

The Ring Ceremony is a well-attended event traditionally held in the fall semester in the WEHS auditorium. No room, NO PROBLEM! The Raiders live-streamed the ceremony from the auditorium to the cafeteria, where we hosted a parents’ watch party. When the ceremony was over, students and special guests met parents in the cafeteria for pictures, etc. As Mrs. Doolan explained, “It was a great night to be a Raider! #RFL” 

PIRATE SENIOR MEETING

I am a WHS parent. I was so happy that WHS held their Senior Parent meeting virtually, where Mr. Alexander explained to parents that the prom would go on for seniors, outside, with masks and socially distanced. Imagine the joy of every dad knowing that all dancing will be six feet apart. Again, one more way to say YES!   (East is doing the same)

These are but a few examples of how YOU are finding ways to SAY YES to feed our kids’ souls and the community we serve. Thank you for helping me recognize the enormous level of grit required to make this happen by Wylie ISD employees and our school board. Equal praise to our parents and community for trusting us with your precious children. With the turmoil and discord around us, I am grateful for the hope, love, grit, and trust that make our world go round, the Wylie Way!