The Wrangler WrapUp
December 2024 Edition
GREETINGS FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Happy December!
Dear Parents and Families of George Junior High School,
As we welcome December, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made together this school year. We are so proud of the hard work, resilience, and growth our students have shown in and out of the classroom. Their commitment to learning and our community continues to inspire us every day.
The end of the calendar year brings opportunities to celebrate achievements and to reflect on the values that make George Junior High School #DestinationGeorge. Our staff is dedicated to creating a positive, inclusive environment where every student can succeed, and we are grateful for the partnership and support from our families.
Looking ahead, we have a number of exciting events and activities in December, including:
• Band Winter Concert (December 5, 6:30 @ SHS): Join us for an evening of music as our bands perform festive tunes!
• Finals Week (December 16-20): Please help your child prepare and make sure they are well-rested and prepared for this week.
Choir Winter Concert (December 16, 6:00 @ SHS): Join us for an evening of music as our choirs sing us into the holidays!
• Winter Break (December 23 - January 6): School will resume on January 7, 2025.
During this busy month, we also encourage families to take time to relax and enjoy the season. The holiday season is a great opportunity to recharge and connect with loved ones, and we hope that you and your family experience a joyful and restful break.
As always, we appreciate your continued support and involvement. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we are making this a year of growth and success for our students. Wishing you and your family a warm and wonderful December! #DestinationGeorge #WeAreGeorge #SpringdaleFamily
Warmest regards,
Dr. Jeff Flanigan, Principal
DECEMBER TEACHER SPOTLIGHT:
MS. JOSIE SCOTT
10 Questions With Ms. Scott
1. What inspired you to become a teacher, and how long have you been teaching?
I didn’t have the best teachers when I was in high school and I would see my friends that had other teachers actually enjoying their time in class. I told myself that I would be a teacher that makes the class engaging and actually gets to know the students. This is currently my 4th year as an educator!
2. What subject(s) do you teach, and what do you enjoy most about it/them?
I teach mostly English 9 and Pro Comm. I enjoy working with the students on the lessons from the books and I love seeing them engage with the text. It’s really satisfying to see them actually take interest in a book when I know that most of them aren’t big readers.
3. Can you share a favorite teaching moment or a memorable experience from your classroom?
I would have to say that my memorable experience was standing in front of my 1st hour class on the first day of school during my first year of teaching. Very overwhelming but exciting!
4. What do you believe is the most important lesson you want your students to learn from you?
I try to show positivity with my students. I know that it gets difficult for them and they are at an age where it feels like a lot is against you, but I want them to remain positive and not resign to giving up.
5. How do you like to spend your time outside of school? Any hobbies or interests?
I like to spend time with my family and I am a huge reader!
6. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would love to go to New Zealand and take a tour of Hobbiton.
7. What’s one fun fact about you that most people might not know?
I have NEVER been outside of the country before - don’t even have a passport!
8. Who is a teacher or mentor who greatly influenced your life and career?
My 9th grade English teacher, Mrs. McGinnis, is always in the back of my mind when this question comes up. She was a strict teacher but an amazing person.
9. What’s your favorite book or movie, and why does it resonate with you?
One of my favorite books has to be the Harry Potter series because I love how magical and timeless the story is.
10. If you could give one piece of advice to your students, what would it be?
Don’t give up on yourself.
Wrangler Library Media Center
The Wrangler Library Media Center has been busy with Class of 2029 and Class of 2028 orientation the past few weeks. Students have been discovering the library and checking out books! Ask your students what they are reading. Research has demonstrated that reading for at least 20 minutes a day exposes readers to new vocabulary, enhances comprehension, and reduces stress!
IMPORTANT ITEMS
DECEMBER @ GJHS
12/2 Welcome Back!!
12/3 JET- Learning Goal *ELECTIVES ONLY*
12/4 9th Grade- B classes Civics Quiz Bowl- Seminar Room
12/5 JET- Learning Goal *ELECTIVES ONLY*
12/5 Band Winter Concert 6:30pm (ROSTERS)
12/5 Boys' Soccer Tryouts - 4:15 - 6pm
12/5 9th Girls Basketball vs Siloam Springs at GJHS
12/5 9th Boys Basketball vs Siloam Srings- 6:45- GJHS
12/5 FCS students staying after to bake cookies for Caroling in the Courtyard
12/5 9th Grade- A classes Civics Quiz Bowl- Seminar Room
12/6 FCS students planning to attend Caroling in the Courtyard
12/9 9th Boys Basketball @ Bentonville West- 6:45
12/11 Mrs. Duhaime Floriculture Lesson for 8th Grade Ag Classes (2B and 4B)
12/12 9th Grade State Civics Exam -A classes
12/12 9th Girls Basketball @ Lakeside
12/12 9th Boys Basketball @ Lakeside- 6:45
12/13 9th Grade State Civics Exam--B classes
12/13 Principal's Cabinet Seminar Room 11:30-12:30
12/13 Mrs. Duhaime Floriculture Lesson for 8th Grade Ag Classes (2B and 4B)
12/16 Boy's Soccer Parent Meeting 4:15pm - 5:00pm
12/16 9th Girls Basketball vs McDonald County at GJHS
12/16 Winter Choir Concert Rehearsal/ Concert @ SHS, PAC 6:00 PM
12/20 2nd Quarter Grades finalized
12/23-31 WINTER BREAK
DECEMBER LUNCH MENUS
Names to Know
Principal: Dr. Jeff Flanigan, jflanigan@sdale.org
Assistant Principal: Cara Sedberry, csedberry@sdale.org
Assistant Principal: Josh Jenkins, jjenkins@sdale.org
9th Grade Counselor/Lead Counselor: Andrea George, ageorge@sdale.org
8th Grade Counselor/Parent Resource Center Director: Valarie Howe, vhowe@sdale.org
Social Worker: Letty Hug, lhug@sdale.org