Band News & Events

October is Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month, and WSISD will join school districts across Texas to educate our students and families and increase awareness of the dangers of fentanyl and potential overdoses. Our district will promote drug, alcohol and tobacco/vaping prevention and awareness during Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 21 through 25. As required by law, all sixth through 12th graders will receive age-appropriate instruction related to fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness through EVERFI® from Blackbaud® the Prescription Drug Safety: Know the Truth Fentanyl Fast and Fatal course. To learn more about the course, click the link.

While WSISD has not had any cases of fentanyl deaths, there is a growing threat to the health and safety of our youth. Fentanyl is a narcotic that has reached a growing number of communities across Texas. According to the Centers for Disease Control, teen overdose deaths related to Fentanyl have tripled over the last two years. Over half of all overdose deaths are related to Fentanyl use.

Fentanyl is generally used in the medical field to treat severe pain. Sadly, an underground market has developed for this drug, and

it is often marketed to youth. Fentanyl can come in many forms, and even the smallest amount can be lethal. It is often mixed with other drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Prescription medications can also be laced with it. In some cases, Fentanyl pills were made to look like candy. Oftentimes, the individual has no idea that what they are taking has Fentanyl in it.

What can you do as a parent to prevent your teen from falling prey to this deadly trend?

• Talk to your teen. Talk about the dangers that they may face at parties and social events.
• Let them know that they can talk to you about things that concern them.
• Monitor their social media and app usage. This is a common way that teens get access to this drug.
• Encourage your teen to get involved with extra-curricular activities, church, and school and community organizations. Keeping your teen involved can help battle loneliness, isolation, and hopelessness.
• Know how to access WSISD’s anonymous reporting tool, TipLine. Report any suspicion that Fentanyl use may be occurring in the schools or that someone may be abusing it. Encourage your child to do the same. You could save a life.
• Monitor your child’s behavior. Has their behavior changed lately? Do they have a new set of “friends?” Are they keeping to themselves more often than usual?
• Seek help if your child is facing a mental health challenge or if you suspect they are using any substance.

Check out the Bear Bulletin for information about the upcoming Student Holidays, Elementary School Night, Thanksgiving Food Drive, and more! https://www.wsisd.com/news-events/district-newsletter

Bear Bulletin
What's inside? 

• Staff Development & Student/Staff Holiday
• Pink Out Breast Cancer Awareness Day
• Elementary School Night
• Hope Day
• White Cane Walk
• Bus Rider Change Request Form
• Thanksgiving Food Drive
• Red Ribbon Week Dress Days
• Fentanyl Education and Awareness

Join us for Elementary Night Friday, Oct. 18 at the Bears varsity football game! Every pre-kindergarten through sixth grade student with a Brewer or school shirt or White Settlement Youth Football Association jersey or cheer uniform gets in free with a paying adult. 

Two fifth graders from every school will participate in a Punt Pass Kick Challenge at 6:30 p.m. during pre-game to win $250 for their campus! Come out and cheer them on!

Our stadium safety measures include a clear bag policy and metal detectors so plan ahead! Visit the website to purchase tickets. Click the link for more details about our safety procedures.

Bear Bulletin
What's inside? 

• Homecoming Parade & Community Rally 
• Bus Rider Change Process 
• Parent & Family Engagement Policy
• Clear Bag Policy and Athletic Safety Protocols
• Notice of Non-Discrimination 
• School Health Advisory Council
• WSISD Education Foundation Golf Tournament

White Settlement ISD celebrated the opening of the new West Early Learners Academy, alongside City of White Settlement officials, during a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 3.

Superintendent Frank Molinar recognized the WSISD Long Range Facilities Planning Committee, School Board, BTC, and VLK Architects for their efforts in making the new school a possibility.

“It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but here we are today in this beautiful facility, where the lives of our earliest learners will be forever changed,” he said. “This school will provide our kids with new opportunities and experiences, and we thank the citizens of WSISD for exercising their right to vote and for making this a reality for our kids.”