West Intermediate Earns Great Expectations® Model School Distinction in First Year

TOMBALL - Tomball ISD’s West Intermediate was celebrated for its commitment to the Great Expectations® (GE) program as a first-year campus earning the prestigious Model School distinction by the organization.

West Intermediate now joins every other Tomball ISD elementary and intermediate campus celebrating another year as a GE Model School, solidifying all eligible TISD schools as Model campuses. Tomball ISD’s 17 GE Model Schools is the most by any school district in the nation.

“Great Expectations is woven through the culture of every elementary and intermediate school in Tomball ISD,” said Dr. Lee Wright, Assistant Superintendent of Human Talent. “The culture of respect and academic excellence that GE promotes continues to help solidify our schools and our district as a destination for families.”

In order to receive a GE® Model School distinction, each campus was evaluated by GE® coaches and were required to have 100% of staff members demonstrating 90% of classroom practices during their on-campus visits. 

West Intermediate School Principal, Dr. Caitlin Cain
“To be named a Great Expectations Model School in our very first year says so much about who we are as a campus. Our staff and students came together from day one to build something special—a place where high expectations, strong relationships, and a commitment to every child truly matter. I am incredibly proud to work alongside a staff that pours so much into our students each day. This recognition reflects the heart of WIS and the “Gold Standard” we’ve worked so hard to create!”

Dr. Lee Wright on WIS earning GE Model School status
“I am thrilled, but not surprised that West Intermediate School earned a GE Model School recognition in their first year as a campus. Dr. Caitlin Cain was intentional in hiring teachers and support staff that believe in the Practices, Expectations and Life Principles of GE. These Tigers continue to develop new and creative methods to showcase student success, a climate of mutual respect, and academic excellence as they cultivate learners and leaders." 

What is Great Expectations®?
Great Expectations® (GE) is a professional development program that provides teachers and administrators with the skills needed to create harmony and excitement within the school atmosphere, elements that are basic for inspiring students to pursue academic excellence. With a focus on human quality of teaching and learning, GE provides renewal and inspiration for teachers who may have lost their way and forgotten why they became teachers in the beginning.

Great Expectations® Tenets
The Great Expectations® (GE) teaching/training model is also guided by six basic principles (Tenets). These Tenets provide guidelines for program training and implementation and serve as standards for evaluating GE schools/districts.

The Tenets are as follows:

• (1) High Expectations
• (2) Teacher Attitude and Responsibility
• (3) All Children Can Learn 
• (4) Building Self-Esteem 
• (5) Climate of Mutual Respect 
• (6) Teacher Knowledge and Skill 

To learn more about GE, visit the Great Expectations® website.

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 23,000 students across 25 campuses.