Schools are often best remembered for the wide variety of experiences they offered during our formative years, because they play a vital role in our overall development from children to young adults. In addition to the core education that forms the foundation of any school, many institutions take a proactive approach to put in place initiatives that go beyond the core and establish standards that help mold student character and behavior as well. One such school is Willow Bend Elementary School. 

Willow Bend Elementary School is in the Frenship Independent School District, just west of Lubbock, Texas, and its mission is to ensure every student feels loved, prepared, and ready to move forward believing in themselves and their future dreams. Willow Bend accomplishes this mission with a committed staff that strives to cultivate and promote in all their students the proper skills for lifelong learning. There is a wholehearted belief at Willow Bend that all children are eager to learn, and that success for both students and staff members is achieved through deep, positive relationships. Like other schools, Willow Bend receives a large portion of funding from local taxpayers to meet basic needs and works very hard to garner additional support from both families and the community. 

Opening in 2006, Willow Bend Elementary serves children in Wolfforth from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Not only is the elementary recognized as a Title I campus, but it provides bilingual staff members as well. In fact, this past year, fifth-grader Cesar Guzman competed in and won the 12th Annual Lubbock Spanish Spelling Bee Championship, securing his spot at the 2023 national competition. Cruz’s victory proves the bilingual program that Frenship ISD implemented has been successful, and it highlights the rigorous instruction provided by Willow Bend teachers. Another achievement for the elementary school this year, and for the sixth consecutive year, is the Willow Bend Student Council receiving the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) Student Leadership Award. The school is one of only 66 student leadership teams across the state to receive the honor this year.  

Initiatives Willow Bend has in place for students include: 

• Bluebonnet Book Club 

• Robotics team competition 

• Character Wall 

“The Character Wall lists a new word like integrity, honesty, and responsibility every six weeks that encompasses core values we all should possess,” said Atmos Energy Public Affairs Manager Ed Espinoza. “Students in every grade level strive to project and reflect the listed core value throughout the designated six-week period, with the top students receiving a personal pan pizza for their reward. Programs like the Character Wall align with Atmos Energy’s Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities initiatives and reflect our AtmoSpirit.”  

In the fall of 2020, Atmos Energy recognized an opportunity to partner with Willow Bend Elementary School and Make a Difference in the lives of both the students and staff. We have been able to donate supplies for the teachers, T-shirts, backpacks for students, and even volunteer to read stories for several classes. These efforts, along with delivering food and drinks during Teacher Appreciation Week and providing an occasional breakfast in the break room, have allowed our local Atmos Energy employees a chance to be present in the community and make a lasting impact for these wonderful teachers and students. 

If you would like to give back to schools such as Willow Bend in the Frenship Independent School District, please donate to the Frenship Foundation at https://frenshipfoundation.org/. The Frenship Foundation provides funds that support student scholarships and teacher grants to further educational learning while at Frenship ISD and beyond.