WISD employees honored

Students were not the only ones honored at the awards ceremony last week. Three employees of Woodson ISD were also recognized for their years of service to the district.

Rhonda Thomas

Rhonda Thomas has retired from the teaching field after 24 years at WISD, her first and only teaching position.

Thomas began teaching in Woodson in 1998, she must have enjoyed it, as she stayed 24 years in the same classroom, and with the same desk. Thomas has taught 6th grade, English, reading, careers, and PE, but if you ask any student, they will remember her from health class and will talk about the deep discussions and lessons learned in that subject.

Thomas, is considered lovingly as “old school” by most of her students with “straighten up!” a common classroom request. Her classroom could be described as structured and organized.

Raising money to benefit others has always been a passion for Thomas, who encouraged her sixth graders to raise money each year for “Polo on the Prairie”, which benefits MD Anderson and cancer research.

Thomas describes the whole of Woodson as “her family.” She has said that she will always “treasure the memories of our school and our town.”

The teaching contract includes “other duties as assigned” and Thomas has willingly performed those duties, even including keeping the clock and books at sporting events, driving the bus, cleaning the school, mowing the lawns... just name it.

“Thank you, Mrs. Thomas, for the huge part you have played in the success of our students.” WISD Superintendent Casey Adams said.

Kimberley Miller

Kimberley Miller has worked at WISD for 20 years and was honored for her service.

Miller was hired by the district in 2002, beginning her career as a junior high reading and English teacher. However, fate placed her in the lives of hundreds of 2nd graders since then.

In addition, Miller has been the cheer sponsor, and the volleyball, cross country, track, and basketball coach. Sadly, Miller is retiring from coaching to dedicate more time to her family and to her second grade students. The athletes will miss their “Coach Miller.”

Miller has been described as “caring” and “always there for our kids” and “dedicated” and “kind.” Adams described her as “professional and working behind the scenes for our kids, never taking credit for what she does.”

If a volunteer is needed, it will be Miller, and any duty she accepts will be carried out.

“Woodson is blessed by her loyalty and I hope we are lucky enough to have her for many years to come,” Adams added.

Sissy Atkinson

Sissy Atkinson (a.k.a. Mr. Sissy) was honored for 25 years of service at WISD.

Atkinson has been with the school since 1995, and went full-time in the 1997-98 school year. She has worked as custodian, maintenance and cafeteria, but the hats don't stop there.

Atkinson is the resident painter, floor repair specialist, cleaner and fixer upper. She has served as Booster Club President for 15 years, which means if you have ever eaten at the concession stands, she has probably served you.

The coaches couldn't make it without her. The “New Gym” is still the “New Gym” because it has been under Sissy's care.

“Sometimes we don't think about how much it takes to keep everything clean, especially a school and we sometimes take for granted how nice and clean everything is. Sissy, thank you so much for your 25 years of service and love for our school,” Adams said.

“These are amazing women who are vital to making Woodson a special place,” Adams added.