New Texarkana Elementary School Ready for Enrollment

Texarkana Independent School District’s newest campus, Waggoner Creek Elementary School, will begin enrolling this Friday, April 1.

Opening in August of this year, the school is located at 6335 Gibson Lane. It will serve an estimated 400 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The facility has been designed and positioned for add-on space for future enrollment growth above the 400 capacity.  Attendance zone for the school is all property within the TISD boundaries that are located north of Interstate 30. TISD is an open enrollment district.

“Waggoner Creek Elementary is designed to allow children to discover their genius,” said Paul Norton, Superintendent of Schools. “Students are given the opportunity to find their own learning styles through an inquiry-based approach which encourages learners to build upon past experiences and knowledge and use their intuition and creativity. Through self-discovery, a child will not only unveil new facts but develop confidence and an appreciation for the world around them.”

Staff will differentiate discovery instruction by embracing student differences in the classroom which will cultivate their natural curiosity and promote individual interest. Daily

“Discovery Learning Time” opportunities will be student-driven with activities derived through student interests which focus on educating the whole child and developing a strong cornerstone for their K-12 journey.  Development of after-school enrichment programs will offer a holistic approach to foster the student’s intellectual, emotional, social, physical, artistic and creative potential.

Instructional team members will be required to attend training for the level of excellence expected in providing Discovery Learning.  They will be dedicated to the training and implementation requirements of the curriculum mode and committed to developing an array of after-school enrichment experiences for the students.

With a total of 67,800 square feet, the school will feature a pod design for extended learning spaces.  Included in the design are:  22 classrooms; Research & Design Center/Library; Media Center; Art Room; Gymnasium; Cafeteria and Kitchen.

The new elementary school was approved by taxpayers during the November 4, 2014 Bond Election for $29.9 million. The election addressed overcrowding due to enrollment increases during the past 12 years of an average 146 students per year. Enrollment growth in the upcoming five years is anticipated to remain on par with past increases and more classroom space at the elementary and middle school levels were needed to accommodate students and maintain an appropriate student/teacher ratio. Also included in the election was the construction of a new Sixth Grade Center on the Texas Middle School campus.  It is also slated for opening in August 2016.

Applications for enrollment may be obtained: online, in person at 4241 Summerhill Road or by phone at 903-794-3651, Ext. 1030.