The Wharton Independent School District continues to make major strides to improve the upcoming school year for its students.
On June 14, Wharton ISD announced school supplies will be provided to all its students for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year.
The decision eliminates the hassle of finding specific items, and would allow teachers to prepare classrooms prior to the first day of school. Parents are only responsible for providing their child with a backpack, lunch box and water bottle.
“When the decision was made to purchase school supplies, we took into consideration the tremendous financial constraints some of our parents may still be under because of the pandemic,” WISD Superintendent Dr. Micheal O’Guin told The County Gin.
“We analyzed and determined the district had available Title monies remaining that had not been designated for other things. [The district] decided there was enough money available to purchase the supplies that our students would need, and alleviate the stress of purchasing school supplies may cause for some.”
O’Guin also encouraged any community members wishing to donate items to keep the supplies stocked throughout the year to continue to do so.
“Wharton ISD values its relationship with its community partners and looks forward to continuing to strengthen the relationship moving forward,” O’Guin told The Gin.
“[The donations] will be utilized throughout the school year to supplement supplies as they dwindle.”
Individuals with donations may contact the district at (979) 532-3612 for drop-off availability.
Job Fair on June 29
Wharton ISD invites all educators interested in filling any of the district’s open teaching positions to its virtual job fair.
Individuals interested in teaching for the district are asked to fill out a google form. Staff will send a zoom invitation once the google form is completed and submitted.
The form can be found here.
Over 35 employment opportunities are listed on the district’s website.
Community input needed for ESSER III Funds
In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act, also known as the ARP Act, was signed into law. This act dedicates funds for K-12 schools through the Elementary and Secondary School Education Relief (ESSER) III funds.
As a result, Wharton ISD is eligible to receive one-time federal funds through the program to be spent prior to September 30, 2024.
These funds are to be used to address expenses and learning loss associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The district is seeking input on how to utilize the funds to best meet the needs of WISD students and families,” WISD said.
Anyone from students and community members to WISD educators and community stake holders are asked to complete this survey to recommend the district’s use of the allocated funds.
The survey asks individuals which type of programs the student could benefit from concerning accelerated learning. The options include: intensive tutoring; summer learning programs; extended day learning or after school learning; and extended year learning.
For more information about the district and its plans for the 2021-2022 school year, visit www.whartonisd.net.
