Willbern ES, Westway Baptist Church Establish Adopt-a-School Partnership
Representatives from Westway Baptist Church visited the staff at Willbern Elementary School on Aug. 21 to officially announce their Adopt-a-School partnership with the campus.
CFISD’s Adopt-a-School program pairs schools with community organizations and business partners to utilize resources of the community to strengthen and enrich the quality of education for students.
A former Willbern parent and campus advocate helped bridge the relationship. Deborah Washington served on the Willbern PTO through last school year as her second son now joins his brother at Campbell Middle School. Washington, who serves as Westway Baptist’s secretary, said she hoped to continue her relationship with the school and give back to a campus that gave so much to her family.
“This school was such an influential part of kids’ lives and mine as well,” Washington said. “It was bittersweet to say goodbye.”
Deborah Washington, center, a former Willbern Elementary School parent and PTO member, serves cake during an Adopt-a-School ceremony at the campus on Aug. 21. The campus officially announced an Adopt-a-School partnership with Westway Baptist Church, a partnership forged by Washington, who serves as Westway Baptist’s secretary and said she hoped to continue her relationship with the school. Westway Baptist is also an Adopt-a-School partner with Campbell Middle School and has future plans with other neighboring campuses at both the elementary and secondary levels.
“We want the school to know that the church community cares for them and we want to be able to help them with their needs,” said Daniel Baldesi, associate pastor. “If it’s supplies, then we will help because then the teachers don’t have to worry about that and can focus all their energy on the students. Deborah saw this opportunity and we were more than willing to fill that gap.”
In addition to attending the adoption ceremony, Westway Baptist representatives helped serve a lunch and refreshments to Willbern staff. Connye Roberson, Willbern principal, expressed her gratitude for Westway Baptist and Washington.
“I’m really grateful. [Campus namesake] Mr. [Bubba] Willbern was all about looking out for other people and that’s what we do here,” Roberson said. “We consider ourselves a family. And knowing it was Ms. Washington was just amazing.”
For more information on the Adopt-a-School program, contact Dawn Tryon, director of community engagement, at 281-894-3950 or dawn.tryon@cfisd.net.
Source: CFISD
