#stuckonWylieISD

#stuckonWylieISD

by Ian Halperin

The Nike swoosh. The distinctive Coke lettering. The Apple apple. Each of these iconic logos instantly stirs up feelings that go beyond the product they represent. Wylie ISD wants its “W” logo to bring up the same positive feelings for students, staff, parents, and the community.

“Growing up in west Texas I learned that a brand means things like honor, commitment, and relationships,” said Dr. David Vinson, Wylie ISD superintendent. “If someone shared your brand it meant they had your back and you had theirs. Things that we consider part of the Wylie Way.”

Two years ago the district launched the “W” brand based on a literal brand like Texas cowboys and ranchers use. Each campus and department has the same design, signifying they are all part of the same “herd,” but each campus brand is in the school’s official color to preserve its identity. As part of the new branding campaign, the district produced car stickers for each campus to share with parents and their community. The Wylie ISD brand has been spotted at competitions and conferences and across DFW and around the state.

“These brands make our community feel connected,” said Stacie Smith, Wylie ISD board president. “In Wylie ISD, we want everyone to have that feeling. When our parents and fans pull up to a road game, seeing a “W” brand means they know there are other Wylie fans there to support our kids.”

People who find this kind of connection feel just like the cowboys who “Ride for the Brand.” They work to protect the people and the things they hold so dear; they know that those people and those things are the root of what’s important. They know that, above all else, those people and those things are what really matter.

This school year the district will be looking out for these stickers in their #stuckonWylieISD contest. The district’s community relations team will provide Wylie ISD-branded prizes to drivers when they see cars around town or parked on campuses sporting a campus or district brand sticker.

Winners in the #stuckonWylieISD promotion will find a business card on their vehicle with instructions on how to claim their prize. The contest will run all school year.

“Our brand goes far beyond a logo and colors. It defines who we are,” says Vinson. “It’s in every message we send and every personal encounter we experience on behalf of our district. From new hires to our youngest students, our brand is integrated into our daily interactions on behalf of the Wylie ISD.”

Students, staff, parents, and community members are all encouraged to take part. Stickers are available at campuses or at the Community Relations and Marketing office, located in Wylie Stadium. The district has produced a short video showing how to properly place a brand on your vehicle. •