Winter 2105
When Hopper Middle School Principal Wendi Witthaus was a child, her mother bought a chalkboard for her as a gift because she was always teaching. Her passion would launch a 22-year career in education.
From her teaching start at Cook Middle School as an academic specialist for at-risk kids to assistant principal at the Alternative Learning Center East and opening the doors as principal of Alternative Learning Center West before arriving at Hopper, Witthaus has kept it local. Whether leading church or school classes, she says, “A natural ability to connect with children to ignite a desire for learning in students has always been there.”
Owning Success
The school’s namesake, George E. Hopper, Jr., spent 32 years advancing learning in the district. In less than a decade, the school has distinguished itself with recent awards for academic achievement in reading, plus two top 25% distinctions for closing performance gaps and student progress.
Witthaus is most proud of her students’ accomplishments, whether in choir and band, on the sports field, or competing for selection to the Texas Science Olympiad for the eighth year in a row. This year, Hopper staff stresses students to “own it,” encouraging students and staff to create and claim their success. Parent involvement spurs momentum in all areas. “Every event at Hopper is jam-packed with family,” Witthaus says. “Parents have to park in the field if they don’t arrive early, and we always need more chairs for guests.”
Every Student, Every Day
Witthaus is visible, greeting children in the hallways and cafeteria, and as the busses load at the day’s end. She maintains an open-door policy for staff as well. Team building on Staff Development Days, plus ongoing events, have built a strong connection. This translates into cheerleading all around with Friday Shout Out, an email listing the great things going on amongst staff and students.
The school energy also turns outward to the community. Classes compete to raise Pennies for Patients, spirit teams provide stuffed animals for children in custody with Child Protective Services, while canned food and clothing drives help those most in need. Staff additionally supports Teen Life Center, aiding pregnant students. “We have caring staff—whether it’s financial, emotional or educational,” Witthaus says. “If they see a need, they will fill it.” This supports Cy-Fair IDS’ theme: Every student, every day.
Shepherding Students
Hopper’s proudest program is the Small Learning Community. As elementary students transition from two or three teachers to more classes and freedom, Hopper staff shepherds them in dens of 125 children. “Their core content teachers share the students to support the whole child,” Witthaus says. Regular assessment fosters relationships in the dens and includes parent contact as necessary. The dens are named for Texas universities, setting students’ sights on future development. This promotes the strong vertical alignment that is already in place—feeding elementary schools to Hopper and onward to high school.
At the year’s end, Witthaus visits fifth graders to explain the Small Learning Community and how they will soon be small fish entering a bigger pond. She builds their confidence and gives away Hopper T-shirts to a lucky few. Like the students already at Hopper, these up-and-coming middle-schoolers are thrilled about becoming a Husky. CFM
Gail G. Collins writes internationally for magazines and has co-written two books on expatriate life proving charity streams for education.
Hopper Stats
- Year Opened: 2007
- Current Enrollment: 1403 students
- Colors: Red, blue, white
- Mascot: Husky
- Motto: It’s all about TEAM: Trust, Effort, Attitude, Message
- Principal Wendi Witthaus
- Location: 7811 Fry Road Cypress, TX 77443
- Contact: 281-463-5353 Website: hopper.cfisd.net