132 East Ovilla Road, Suite A,
Red Oak, TX 75154 – 469.850.5433 – F: 469.850.5434
Life Middle School Waxahachie News & Notes
- 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.
- Life School Students Use Book, Head, and Heart for Literacy
January 25, 2022 – Reading, and thinking critically, are among the most important parts of learning. But, it can be difficult to help students develop critical thinking skills. They are great at answering questions about what is explicitly stated, but Life School works to help students think beyond the text.
- Life School Technology Goes 1:1
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit last March, few entities had to pivot harder or faster than schools. Faced with the need to provide online education to more than 5,500 students almost overnight, Life School worked quickly to meet a growing need.
- Life School Waxahachie Names New Head Football Coach
Life High School Waxahachie (UIL 4A-Div 1) has named Sam Riepe as its next head football coach, effective January 13, 2023. Riepe was named the defensive coordinator of the Life School Mustangs last season after serving as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach of the Maypearl Panthers. As Head Football Coach in Maypearl, he led the team to the playoffs in consecutive years; and as Athletic Director, his staff led 31 programs to qualify for state playoffs during the 2020-2022 seasons. Riepe has 13 years of experience in education, has served in a variety of roles, and brings a wealth of experience to Life High School Waxahachie.
- Life School's Athletics Names September's Coaches Of The Month
Recognized for distinguished leadership, the Life School Athletics Departmenthas selected four outstanding individuals for September's 'Coaches of the Month.'
- Maximizing the Flexibility of Life School 4-Day School Week
Life School, a Dallas area charter school, recently made a bold and innovative change to its structure by moving to a 4-day school week. The 4-day school week is designed to boost student well-being; maintain strong student attendance; provide quality instruction for students; retain and attract quality teachers and staff; and give time back to students and staff to improve overall performance and quality of life. Students attend Monday-Thursday, with most Fridays off.
- Mourning the Loss of a Dear Friend, Board Member Joan Butler
Dear Life School Family,
It is with sadness that I inform you that Life School Board Member and treasured friend Joan Butler passed away on Saturday morning, June 18. Joan was appointed to the Life School Board of Directors in 2021 and was a longtime supporter of Life School. Joan and her husband, Gordon Butler Sr., served on the pastoral staff of Oak Cliff Assembly of God when Life School was established in 1998.
Joan was retired from a long career in finance and administrative support, most recently with Southwestern Assemblies of God University. She also served on the SAGU Board of Regents.
We will miss Mrs. Butler’s wisdom and heart for Life School.
Visitation will take place at Jeter and Son Funeral Home at 332 Cedar St. Cedar Hill, TX, 75104, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Monday, June 27th. The Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 28, at Crossroads of Life Assembly of God at 123 W. Hwy 67 Duncanville, TX 75137.
Thank you for joining in our sympathy for her family.
Sincerely,
Brent Wilson
Superintendent
- Parents Voice Benefits of Life School 4-Day School Week
In a post-COVID era, things have gradually begun to return to normal. For many industries, normal has meant learning new ways to do things. When COVID hit, no industry had to pivot as quickly and dramatically as schools. Overnight, in-person classrooms were replaced with distance learning. Teachers had to learn to engage students online, not just in the classroom. Parents became part-time teachers and tutors.
- Revered Life School Founder, Dr. Tom Wilson passes
