Life Middle School Waxahachie News & Notes

• Board of Directors Approves $1.5M in Pay Increases

  Life School is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has approved the allocation of approximately $1,500,000 for increases in staff salaries for the 2022-2023 school year. This allocation will result in an average increase of 5% for certified teachers, $750 increase for non-certified teachers and 2% increase for all other Life School staff.

• Charter School Pioneer Life School Celebrates 25th Anniversary

  In 1995 the Texas Legislature authorized the establishment of charter schools in Texas. Just 3 years later in 1998, Life School opened its doors in Oak Cliff, TX, with a small team of 15 staff members to serve 266 students. Sparked by the vision of Dr. Tom Wilson, the school was established to “provide a quality education and give parents educational choice regardless of their ability to pay.” Today, Life School employs more than 600 staff and serves more than 5,500 students across the Dallas area.

• Continued Safety Efforts at Life School

  Dear Life School Families,

  Ensuring the safety and security of students and staff is always Life School’s top priority. Last year, we formed the Life School Safety & Security Committee. This committee is responsible for reviewing and approving Life School’s Emergency Operations Plan as well as makes recommendations for necessary security improvements across our district.

  As a result, Life School has spent the past year making significant improvements and investments toward keeping our students and staff safe while on campus. Some of the recently enhanced safety and security measures include:

  • Increased security presence on all campuses
  • Improved access control on several campuses
  • Additional security cameras at multiple campuses
  • Upgraded radios and communication on campuses

  The Life School security team has been working closely with local law enforcement in the communities in which all of our campuses are located. If we should encounter an emergency situation, these agencies are prepared to provide the necessary support to our campuses. Additionally, Life School has expanded our integrated school safety software system, Raptor, to include emergency management and communication capabilities.

  All of these efforts allow Life School and local law enforcement to respond quickly and efficiently in the case of any campus emergency. 

  Every month our security team publishes a security bulletin to inform you of any security updates and provides resources for parents and teachers to help keep our students and staff safe. Please be sure to stay up to date with all security measures by clicking here.

  We hope everyone has a safe, fun and relaxing spring break! We look forward to finishing the year strong when we return!

  Sincerely, 

  Dr. Brent Wilson, Ed.D.
  Life School Superintendent

• Education Foundation Raises $71,000 in Fairways for Life

   More than 120 golfers teed off during Life School's eighth annual Fairways For Leaders (FFL) Golf Tournament on June 13, raising $71,000 for the Life School Education Foundation (LSEF). This year marked a record year with the most funds raised, surpassing the previous 2016 record by $11,000. More than 45 businesses and individuals participated to support Life’s Schools mission – to develop leaders through strong academics, character training, and partnerships with parents and the community.

• How to Save a Seat Before the Lottery at Life School

  With the launch of a 4-day school week, Life School has attracted quite a bit of interest in the Dallas area. The district already serves families from 47 cities, and this fall may experience longer wait lists than normal. However, there is a strategic way for new families to save a seat for August enrollment and avoid long waits when the summer rush hits, and it requires urgent action.

• Life Middle School Waxahachie Principal Dances With The Stars

  n February, Life Middle School Waxahachie Principal Freddie Stanmore and his wife, Tiffany, will participate in Dancing with The Ellis County Stars. The event raises money for the Texas Baptist for Children (TBHC) Foster Care and Adoption.

• Life Middle School Waxahachie Principal Dances With The Stars

  In February, Life Middle School Waxahachie Principal Freddie Stanmore and his wife, Tiffany, will participate in Dancing with The Ellis County Stars. The event raises money for the Texas Baptist for Children (TBHC) Foster Care and Adoption.

• Life School Appoints New Members to the Board of Directors

  Life School, a public charter school district operating in North Texas, has recently appointed three new members to serve on the Board of Directors.

• Life School Athletics Keeps Students on Winning Track

  Life School is one of the few charter school districts that competes in UIL activities. As an open-enrollment district, students come to Life School from all over the Dallas area. And while winning on the field is fun, it’s not the main driver of success taught at Life School.

• Life School Athletics Names April 'Coaches Spotlight' Honorees

  During April 'Coaches Spotlight,' Life School's athletic department recognized Michael Boyefio and Heath Askew for their sacrifice of time and passion for Life School athletics.

• Life School Athletics Names April Coach Spotlight Honorees

  During April's Coach Spotlights, Life School's athletic department recognized Braylon Birdowand Jasmine Sanchez for their sacrifice of time and passion for Life School athletics.

• Life School Athletics Names February 'Coaches Spotlight' Honorees

  During February 'Coaches Spotlight,' Life School's athletic department recognized Thomanique Hubbard and Chris Collett for their sacrifice of time and passion for Life School athletics.

• Life School Athletics Names February Coach Spotlight Honorees

  During February's Coach Spotlights, Life School's athletic department recognized Cole Orrick and Alexandria Scales for their sacrifice of time and passion for Life School athletics.

• Life School Athletics Names January 'Coaches Spotlight' Honorees

  During January 'Coaches Spotlight,' Life School's athletic department recognized Lena Lilly and Jennifer McCord for their sacrifice of time and passion for Life School athletics.

• Life School Athletics Names March Coach Spotlight Honorees

  During March's Coach Spotlights, Life School's athletic department recognized Welton Johnson and Logan Houser for their sacrifice of time and passion for Life School athletics.

• Life School Athletics Names November 'Coaches Spotlight' Honorees

  During November 'Coaches Spotlight,' Life School's athletic department recognized Ashley Jackson and Caleb Veteto for their sacrifice of time and passion for Life School athletics.

• Life School Athletics Names October 'Coaches Spotlight' Honorees

  During October 'Coaches Spotlight,' Life School's athletic department recognized Andrew Duzyk and Colten Oder for their sacrifice of time and passion for Life School athletics.

• Life School Athletics Names September 'Coaches Spotlight' Honorees

  During September 'Coaches Spotlight,' Life School's athletic department recognized Nicholas Perkins and Haleigh Boyce for their sacrifice of time and passion for Life School athletics.

• Life School Athletics Names September 'Coaches Spotlight' Honorees

  During September 'Coaches Spotlight,' Life School's athletic department recognized Lauren Wright and Michelle Martin for their sacrifice of time and passion for Life School athletics.

• Life School Earns Highest Fiscal Accountability Rating

  Life School officials announced that the district received an “A” rating for “Superior Achievement” under Texas’ 2020-2021 Charter FIRST financial accountability rating system.

• Life School Earns Seven Campus Distinctions

  On Friday August 12th, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) released new accountability ratings for the 2021-2022 school year. Accountability ratings are based on end-of-year test scores including STAAR and EOC exams. As a district, Life School received a score of 87 out of 100, earning a ‘B’ rating and improving from a score of 81 in 2018-2019. Students across the district saw growth in all grades and subjects. Four campuses earned a cumulative seven distinctions. Overall, Life School students outperformed their peers in many surrounding school districts.

• Life School Hosts 7th-annual Parade of Choirs

  School choirs from across Dallas-Fort Worth gathered in Oak Cliff Sunday evening for the 7th-annual Parade of Choirs. Life School Oak Cliff’s Everlasting Life Gospel Choir hosted the 2022 event on February 27, 2022. The 2020 competition was featured on Channel 5 for its community impact, showcasing Elementary, Middle, and High School choirs, community choirs, and gospel choirs from around DFW.

• Life School Hosts Future Chefs Cooking Contest

  Life School is working to teach students about the importance of making healthy food choices through a cooking contest hosted by its food service provider, Sodexo. The event, called Future Chefs, was held on April 27, where students competed in a competition that allowed students to put their cooking skills to the test.

• Life School Receives Dyslexia Grant

  Life School is excited to announce that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has awarded Life School a grant through the Dyslexia Grant Award Program. The total grant of $370,000 provides $260,000 for 2022-2023 school year and $110,000 for the 2023-2024 school year. Funds from the grant will allow staff members to receive further education to serve students.

• Life School Student-Athletes Give Back Through Community Partnerships

  In the spirit of giving, Life School student-athletes and staff stepped up their volunteer efforts this year to assist those in need throughout the community. From food pantries to clothing closets, and mentorship opportunities - students exercised citizenship and gained hands-on experience while giving back.