Westmoreland Institute for Lifelong Learning

From our very first day to our final celebration… what a beautiful journey this has been. ❤️

These pictures capture so much more than a school year. They capture courage, growth, laughter, friendship, curiosity, resilience, and a whole lot of love.

WILL began with a vision — a small group of learners gathering together to think differently, learn deeply, and grow in community. Today, I look at these smiling faces and see confidence, connection, and students who know they are valued exactly as they are.

We explored. We created. We asked BIG questions. We built relationships. We learned in libraries, courtyards, museums, parks, and through real life itself. And somewhere along the way… we became family. 🌱

To our students: thank you for your joy, your imagination, and the way you showed up every single day ready to learn.
To our families: thank you for trusting WILL and believing in this dream.
To our community: thank you for helping us grow.

The second picture may be our “last day”… but truly, it feels like just the beginning. ✨

Here’s to a year of growing minds, nurturing hearts, and building something beautiful together.

✨ Grateful for Community. Grateful for Partnership. ✨

We are honored to partner with Lazy Dog Restaurant in Euless for a special fundraiser supporting the work of the Westmoreland Institute for Lifelong Learning (WILL).

It is not lost on us that this work—reimagining education, creating spaces where students are truly seen, and building something meaningful—does not happen alone. It happens because of community. It happens because of businesses like Lazy Dog who believe in giving back.

💛 Here’s how you can support:
Simply dine in or order takeout from Lazy Dog and show the flyer, and 15% of your total bill will be donated back to WILL.

📍 Lazy Dog Restaurant – Euless
2521 State Highway 121
Euless, TX

🗓 Participating Dates:
April 16–17
April 20–21
April 29–30
May 4–5

⏰ 11:00 AM – 11:59 PM
🔑 Code: 02Euless

✨ Not able to make it to Lazy Dog?
Your support is still deeply appreciated and makes a meaningful impact. You can give directly here:
👉 https://www.westmorelandinstitute.org/donate

Every act of support—whether sharing a meal or making a donation—helps us continue building a learning environment where students can thrive, grow, and experience education in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. 💛

Westmoreland Institute for Lifelong Learning (WILL) 🌿

After a season of quiet building, I’m grateful to share a meaningful milestone for WILL.

We have been awarded a $10,000 grant from the VELA Fund.

This support is more than funding—it is affirmation. A reminder that innovative, student-centered learning environments matter. That reimagining education matters.

At WILL, we are creating space for students with learning differences to be seen, supported, and challenged—through literacy, reasoning, and real-world application.

Thank you to the VELA Fund for believing in this vision.

And this is just the beginning. 🤍

Happy MLK Day!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life fighting for equity and justice. He taught us that even in the face of intimidation and discrimination, we must never stop working towards a better future – a lesson that feels especially relevant today.

Change has never been easy. It takes persistence and determination, and requires all of us to speak out and stand up for what we believe in. As we honor Dr. King today, let’s draw strength from his example, and do our part to build on his legacy.

Facts!

The signs listed in this table are common indicators of school-related anxiety and are intended to raise awareness among educators, caregivers, and support staff. It is important to remember that every child expresses anxiety differently, and some signs may overlap with other emotional, behavioral, or neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD, Autism, or trauma.

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis. If a child is showing consistent signs of school-related anxiety, it is essential to consult with qualified professionals, such as a school psychologist, counselor, or pediatric mental health provider, to develop an individualized support plan.

🌱✨ **Day 2 of the Grow Your Dreams Pilot!** ✨🌱

WILL students gathered at the **House of Shine** with our incredible Learning Guides to dive into the power of **ideas!** 💡📖 They explored the inspiring story *What To Do with an Idea* by Kobi Yamada and discovered how journaling helps **nurture and grow** their own unique ideas.

From big dreams to bold visions, today was all about planting seeds for the future! 🌟✍️

🚀 WILL Pilot Day 1: A 4.0 Journey Begins at House of Shine! 🌟

Saturday, March 1 marked the official launch of the Westmoreland Institute for Lifelong Learning (WILL) Pilot, and I couldn’t be more excited to kick off this journey as a 4.0 Fellow and grant recipient!

Hosted at the inspiring House of Shine, Day 1 was all about laying the foundation for a new kind of education—one that is experiential, student-driven, and designed for lifelong learning.

Through hands-on activities, deep discussions, and a focus on sustainability and entrepreneurship, we are reimagining what learning can look like for students who desire a different learning environment.

I’m beyond grateful for the support of 4.0 Schools and the House of Shine community for believing in this vision. This is just the beginning! Stay tuned as we continue building an educational model that empowers, inspires, and transforms.

💡 Because education should be as unique as the learners it serves!

The PDSES application window is open now! If your child is enrolled in a Texas public school and receives special education services, you may be eligible to receive this one-time $1,500 online grant. Learn more here: http://bit.ly/4igeYhD