How significant is parent involvement in Wylie ISD? The President of PTA for the ENTIRE state of Texas,Suzi Kennon, is a Wylie parent. Big deal, right? But wait, there’s more. Wylie parent, Heidi Pecoy, serves as treasurer of the Texas PTA.
Parents are essential to the success in Wylie ISD. Our parents serve on our school board, civic clubs, foundations, not to mention our booster clubs and tons of other groups that make Wylie ISD one of the most family-friendly schools in Texas! Lots of new families enroll every year, If you are new to Wylie ISD, we want you to feel welcome and empowered to get involved!!!
Nine years ago, the Vinson’s were that new family, enrolling our 3rd and 4th-graders at Smith Elementary. Our experience was fantastic. But even the superintendent’s wife was a little intimidated to volunteer. From my wife, Cristy:
“Coming to a new school no matter how many people you know or have met can be intimidating. You don’t know where you fit in. I encourage new parents to let campus PTA officers you want to volunteer. For me, I worked during the day, so I could not attend a lot of the day time events – but was quite happy to send a package of paper plates or cups and volunteer for evening events. Once you are plugged in, there is always a place to help.”
BE A MENTOR!
Volunteering in Wylie ISD isn’t limited to parent groups; we have an excellent mentoring program that makes a massive difference for some of our kids that need a little extra adult support. If you would like to be a mentor or your kiddo needs a bit of additional adult support. Click on the link below and get started.
HIGH SCHOOL HELP!
Have you ever clipped a pig? No, seriously. Giving pigs a haircut is something FFA parents help do in Wylie ISD.
They also support the marching band, choir, cheer, theatre, ROTC, engineering/robotics…just to name a few.
Our kids are in high school and Cristy now helps with tennis, SMARTGirls and is the AHMO Football mom. Yes, that’s a thing. There is a RAIDER mom too. They talk. TONS of opportunities exist for parents to engage and we need you. Don’t be afraid to jump in and help!
“The challenge at the high school level is the same; making sure people feel comfortable volunteering while not making them feel guilty if they are unable to help. We love all the help we can get for our kids; it builds the community. So the same rule is true, ask that organization leader how you can help. We need the paper cups just as much as we need the mom making sandwiches. When that “Sign Up Genius” comes out (and you know it will!) grab your slot to bring something or volunteer. If it’s full? Come on up anyway, and more hands will always be put to work and appreciated.”
Wylie ISD reveres volunteers. The Wylie ISD Board of Trustees Wylie ISD awards only six groups or individuals the prestigious Wylie Way Award for their service to our schools and community.
These folks contribute in different ways, but all have one thing in common, they volunteer.
CONNECT!
Whatever campus your student attends or group they participate, a website, social media page and lead volunteer is welcomes you. A fantastic way to get connected is the annual kickoff celebrations Meet the Raider/Meet the Pirate and the PTA “back the future” events provide fun, food, games, and a chance to connect with other families.
HELP’EM OUT!
New parents, I hope you feel loved and welcomed during your first experience volunteering at Wylie ISD. If you are a leader of a volunteer group, please encourage everyone to look for new folks and help them feel welcome!
Achieving kids have great teachers and a support system that helps them on their journey. You can help make positive changes and support student growth and family enrichment. Parental involvement, no matter what it looks like, is a valuable part of student success. Be the booster club President, fundraising chair for the PTA, room-parent or the person who sends the paper plates to the school party, supporting our kids is the Wylie Way!
