News and Announcements

We've got all the information you need to get ready for a new school year! Click on the photo or the headline for our Roo News - Back to School edition.

Season Ticket Renewals Available Until Wednesday, August 12
All Remaining Tickets on Sale to Public on Thursday, August 13

All who held season tickets (Reserved Seating) to Weatherford High School Varsity Football games for the fall 2014 season were mailed a letter several weeks ago, and have first option, beginning Monday July 27, 2015 through Wednesday, August 12, 2015, to purchase season tickets and a parking pass for the Fall 2015 season.

During the renewal process you will be able to renew your parking pass and/or seats or select a different location if the seat is available. Please bring your letter to the WISD Athletic Office, 912 Charles Street, located between Hall Middle School and the WISD District Service Building to purchase your tickets. Hours for season ticket renewal sales, during these dates, will be Monday-Thursday 8:00am - 1:00pm and 2:00-4:30pm. WISD Offices are closed on Fridays during the summer.

This renewal option must be exercised, and payment must be received by the Athletic office, beginning Monday, July 27, 2015 and no later than end of sales on Wednesday, August 12, 2015.

Failure to renew this option, including payment, by the end of sales on Wednesday, August 12, 2015, will result in your seats becoming available for sale to the public at 8:00am on August 13, 2015.

The price for a four game season ticket book (one seat) is $28.00. The price for a reserved parking pass is $50.00. Payment may be made by checks or cash. Electronic payment by debit/credit card is not available at this time.

**Beginning Thursday, August 13, 2015 at 8:00am, all remaining reserved seat tickets and parking passes will become available to the public for purchase.

This summer 275 athletes committed to the Summer Strength and Conditioning program hosted by the Weatherford Athletic department. The program runs six weeks during the months of June and July with sessions for high school and middle school students. Students focused on both physical and mental preparation for their upcoming seasons. We're proud to report the program has experienced an increase of 150 athletes in the past two years! Way to go ROOS!

The Campbell Clinic located at 1517 Texas Drive will offer free immunizations on Saturday, August 1st and 8th from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm for children ages 4-18. Youth physicals will also be available for $15.

Weatherford ISD provides staff development for teachers at our Summer University event each summer. On Monday we are thrilled to have nationally-known educator, Don Wettrick, present at Summer University.

Don Wettrick is an Innovation Coordinator at Noblesville High School, just outside Indianapolis, IN. Wettrick has worked as a middle school and high school teacher; educational and innovation consultant; and educational speaker. Don is passionate about helping students find their educational opportunities and providing them with the digital tools they need to give them a competitive edge. Don has lectured across the US and Europe about collaboration, social media use, and work environments that enable innovation. He also hosts an internet radio program, InnovatED, for the BAM! Radio Network. He is the author of "Pure Genius: Building a Culture of Innovation and Taking 20% Time to the Next Level". Most importantly Don works with educators and students to bring innovation and collaborative skills into education. Don lives in Greenwood, IN with his wife, Alicia, and three children: Ava, Anna, and Grant. You can find him on Twitter @donwettrick where he tweets updates on his student's innovation work or on his website at http://theinnovationteacher.com/don-wettrick/ .

The Weatherford ISD Community Education Department and Adult Education Cooperative was spotlighted at the recent Texas Workforce Commission’s Adult Education State Business meeting in Austin for initiating “Best Practices” at community outreach and recruiting efforts within their service area. Dr. Chip Evans, Director of Community Education, presented a brief overview of the cooperative’s efforts to the group including the WISD Community Education catalogue distributed throughout the community three times a year as well as cooperative efforts with local businesses in displaying recruitment banners providing information about opportunities for adult learners provided by Weatherford ISD. These opportunities include GED preparation and English as a Second Language classes for adults. The classes are offered free of charge to any member of our community as part of WISD’s ongoing commitment to provide life-long learning for all. In addition to Weatherford and Parker County, the cooperative also provides services to residents of Palo Pinto and Wise counties. For more information about the available adult education classes, please call 817-598-2806 and ask for the adult education department.

The Weatherford ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved Jerry Blizzard as the district’s new Executive Director of Facilities. Jerry brings 20 years of experience as a Facilities and Operations Director to Weatherford ISD. In his previous leadership roles Jerry managed several bond programs that were successfully completed on time and on budget. Jerry said, “I look forward to protecting and providing Weatherford ISD with a great place to grow, learn, work and play.”

We are fortunate to live in a community that supports Weatherford ISD…and that includes our local media outlets – because of their support and coverage, our community is informed about our student and staff recognitions, our school district initiatives, and our school district events.
At the July Board meeting we recognized members of Weatherford media who were named to the 2015 Texas Media Honor Roll for their fair and balanced reporting of Weatherford ISD news. These individuals are among 450 Texas newspapers, radio and television stations, and online publications to be honored by their local school districts.
We are proud to announce the 2015 Media Honor Roll representatives for Weatherford ISD:
Christin Coyne, Sally Sexton, and Greg Webb from the Weatherford Democrat
Melissa Winn formerly with the Weatherford Telegram
Randy Keck from The Community News
Brent Baker and Dave Cowley from 89.5 KYQX FM
Photo Information
Pictured (from left) are Christin Coyne, Greg Webb, Melissa Winn, and WISD School Board Trustee Member Tiffany Branson

In backyards all over America a time-honored tradition will continue this summer. When the sun fades the temperature will cool down and two arms will begin to warm up. Not many things can bond a father and son like a game of catch. As the father enjoys a distraction from his responsibilities the boy is simply dreaming that one day he will play professional baseball. For most boys it’s simply just that. A dream. But for Weatherford ISD, Raymond E. Curtis Field has literally become a “field of dreams” as our players are starting to achieve their boyhood fantasy in vast numbers.

Currently, there are six former WHS athletes playing for a Major League organization. Headlining the group is Zach Britton who currently serves as the closing pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles. The baseball talent runs in the family as Zach’s brother, Buck Britton, currently plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers AAA affiliate. WHS alum Colt Hynes is currently on the Toronto Blue Jays 40 man roster and Michael Peoples, Kevin Cornelius, and Grayson Huffman are starting their professional careers in Class A ball for their respective organizations. Six players from one high school is very impressive…and the next wave is coming.

In this year’s MLB draft three former WHS players were signed by organizations. The Detroit Tigers snagged two Roos when they selected Beau Burrows (1st round pick 22) and Trey Teakell (9th round). A few days later Jacob Dorris was signed by the Houston Astros organization. That makes nine former Roos that are playing professional baseball. Yes, that is enough to field an entire team.

This success is not a coincidence according to WHS Head Baseball Coach Terry Massey. “The school district gives us great support and everything we need to give our players a chance to be successful. The community also gives us great support and we have a strong little league program.” Massey said.

If anyone would know what it takes to get players to that level it would be Massey who has had two players make it to the big leagues in his 30 years of coaching. But the reality is not every player will achieve major league success. The best players will naturally catch the attention of big time college programs and MLB scouts. However, smaller colleges are always looking for quality athletes to contribute to their programs and don’t always have the scouts to evaluate talent. This is where Coach Massey and WISD go the extra mile to help their athletes plan their futures.

“We make calls and talk to different college coaches all the time. I also ask players if and where they might want to play and I will often call those schools for them.” Massey said.

This extra work is what helps our athletes get a chance to continue playing baseball and assist with college tuition. But it’s not just the baseball program according to WISD Athletic Director Richard Scoggin. “All of the coaches in Weatherford ISD do an excellent job in assisting our athletes to play at the next level. It’s very rewarding to be a part of helping these great young men and women continue their athletic careers. Then it becomes fun following and keeping up with their success.” Scoggin said.

Weatherford ISD is always attempting to build on its mission statement to be “world-class” in everything we do. Whether on the diamond, in academics, or other extra-curricular activities, we are always attempting to help our students achieve their dreams.

So the next time you are enjoying a game of catch in the backyard allow your son to dream big. Who knows? Someday you might find yourself smiling as you remember that game of catch during his major league debut. It could happen, especially in Weatherford ISD.


Below is a list of former WHS baseball players and their current MLB organization/college

Zach Britton (2006), Baltimore Orioles, MLB, closer
Colt Hynes (2003), Buffalo Bisons, Toronto Blue Jays AAA affiliate - started the season on the Blue Jays roster, currently on their 40-man roster
Buck Britton (2004), Oklahoma City Dodgers, Los Angeles Dodgers AAA affiliate.
Michael Peoples (2010), Lynchburg Hillcats, Cleveland Indians High A affiliate.
Kevin Cornelius (2011), Gulf Coast Yankees, New York Yankees affiliate
Grayson Huffman (2013), Bluefield Blue Jays, Toronto Blue Jays affiliate

2010
Trey Teakell- TCU, played in the College World Series, just drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 9th round of the 2015 MLB draft

2011
Jacob Dorris - Texas A&M Corpus Christi, just signed a contract with the Houston Astros organization

2012
Trooper Reynolds - Dallas Baptist University
Austin Hilton - Southwestern Oklahoma State
Ty Hanson - Grayson College

2013
Dustin Williams - Oklahoma State University - led the team with 6 HR's
Will Young - Weatherford College
Jake Davis - Texas Wesleyan University

2014
Andy Swain - Louisiana Tech University
Andrew Healy - Paris Junior College
Corey Bynum - McMurry University
Andy Rogers - Weatherford College
Alex Adair - Weatherford College
Tony Rodriguez - Clarendon College

2015
Beau Burrows - selected #22 in the 1st round of the MLB draft by the Detroit Tigers. Also signed with Texas A&M University.
Hayden Rowell - Murray State College
Randy Crevier - McMurry University
Blake LaGrassa - McMurry University
Zachary Rodriguez- Howard Payne University

Standard and Poor’s Rating Services has upgraded Weatherford ISD’s bond rating to an AA- from an A+ following a recent bond rating review. This new rating covers the $74.9 million worth of Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds. In assigning the upgraded rating, S&P noted, “We base the upgrade on the District’s consistent budgetary performance, which has experienced four consecutive years of surpluses, and maintenance of strong reserves.”

Analysts also applauded the District for its
• very strong financial position,
• expanding tax base,
• stable enrollment growth.

WISD’s bond rating was also assigned an Aa3 rating by Moody's Investors Service, which is the equivalent rating to Standard and Poor’s AA- rating.

“Weatherford ISD has solid processes and procedures in place to ensure fiscal responsibility as we manage taxpayer dollars. The District’s bond rating is an important criterion for our taxpayers’ consideration. A school district’s bond rating is very similar to your personal credit rating. For our District, a higher bond rating means we can sell our bonds at a lower interest rate,” said Dr. Jeffrey Hanks, Weatherford ISD Superintendent. “These ratings will save Weatherford ISD taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars over the term of these bonds.”

Watermelon, blueberries, strawberries, and more, are now part of the lunches served to area children thru Weatherford ISD’s Healthy Kids summer feeding program thanks to a donation from the Department of Defense (DoD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetables program. Weatherford ISD learned late last week that we are the recipient of an additional $13,000 from this program, bringing the total donation from the DoD to $29,000 in free vegetables and fruit.

Alicia Hernandez, Director of Support Services for Weatherford ISD said, “We are so grateful to receive this donation of fruits and vegetables that will benefit our students by allowing us to add fresh fruits and vegetables in the meals served thru our Healthy Kids summer feeding program.”

This is the second year for WISD to offer free lunches to children 18 and under thru the Healthy Kids program. Over 5,200 meals have been served during the first three weeks.

Healthy Kids is administered by the Weatherford ISD Child Nutrition department in partnership with area churches including First Baptist Church in Horseshoe Bend, First Methodist Church in Weatherford, Grace First Presbyterian Church, Messiah Lutheran Church, New River Fellowship, and North Side Baptist Church.

Meals are served Monday – Friday from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm thru August 7th at the following locations:
Cherry Park, 302 West Lee Avenue
Curtis Elementary, 501 W. Russell Street
Lake Country Acres Pool, 100 Lois Circle
McGratton Park, 645 North Main Street
Seguin Elementary, 499 E. Eighth Street
Vine Street Park, 700 West Vine Street

For more information about Weatherford ISD’s Healthy Kids program, please contact the WISD Child Nutrition office at 817-598-2991.

We are filled with ‪‎Roo Pride‬ for Hannah Cleveland, WHS Class of 2015 graduate. Late last night we learned Hannah placed in the top 10 in Life Support Skills at the National Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) conference and competition! Hannah’s journey to Nationals began when she earned second place in her category at the Texas HOSA competition. With that win, she became the first student in the history of HOSA at Weatherford High School to advance to the national competition. Congratulations to Hannah Cleveland and her teacher, Pat Hoffman! ‪ Hannah's parents are Buster and Lisa Cleveland. #‎WhyWISD‬

Jamie Dorsett was recently awarded The Tom DeBeauford Memorial Scholarship. This $400 scholarship is awarded annually by the Kiwanis Club of Weatherford to a deserving student of the Weatherford ISD Adult Education Program. The club established this scholarship in honor of Tom DeBeauford, a long time Kiwanis member who was a big proponent of vocational education and believed that education is the key to success. Students are nominated by their adult education teacher and chosen based on a number of factors which include class attendance, performance, cooperation, self-initiative and the pursuit of future plans.
Pictured (l to r) are Kiwanian Vice President Melinda Gibbins and scholarship recipient Jamie Dorsett (photo courtesy of Suzanne Nottingham, WISD Adult Ed.).

Weatherford ISD's Kids Unite summer camps are well underway for this summer but there's still plenty of time to take advantage of these fun-filled camps! Registration for remaining camps is underway and all activities are included for one low price. Call WISD Community Education at 817-598-2806 for camp schedules and registration information. Don't miss another minute of summer fun with our Kids Unite summer camps!