Staff Report
It’s been more than two years in the making, but Wallace Middle School is almost ready to purchase a new school sign. The current one is more than 15 feet tall, making it difficult to update. Another rationale for a new sign is improved communication with the school’s more than 67 percent Hispanic families, many of which are English as a second language, or ESL.
So why the delay in getting a new sign?
As with many schools these days, a lack of money held up the process.
The school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) started fund raising in 2011 after they got a bid from Lewis Signs for $22,000 – which does not include the stonework around the sign.
With patience and time, the PTA and the students raised $20,000 – just shy of the goal. Contributions from local businesses helped; several organizations gave more than $500 including Hays Youth Basketball Association, WMS Ranger Athletics, Wallace Rangers Band, Lehman Lobo Band, Capstone Dental and Charles Reeves, DDS.
But the PTA leaders said about 75 percent of the funds raised came from students’ support of various fundraisers in the past two years. Through their efforts, students raised more than $14,000.
With just $4,000 left to reach the goal, Wallace PTA members hope they can complete the project soon.
Any community member or business that would like to make a contribution to the Wallace Middle School sign fund may send a check to WMS PTA 1500 W. Center Street in Kyle, Texas 78640.
