Hallsville Junior High is off to a strong start, having successfully completed the first nine weeks and now heading into the second half of the semester. Our students have shown exceptional dedication in the classroom, and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments so far. As we continue to push for academic excellence each day, we also want to shine a light on all the amazing things happening around campus.

Next Tuesday, HJH will host our 4th annual Community Tailgate Party, where we’ll recognize over 600 students involved in various clubs, organizations, and teams. Our students have worked hard this year to represent HJH, and we are incredibly proud of them. We invite you to join us for this special event—more details can be found below.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our parents and guardians for their continued support of our campus. Be sure to check out this newsletter for important updates and upcoming events in November.

Clayton Farrell

Principal Hallsville Junior High

Dear Parents,

Beginning in December, the home side parking lot at Bobcat Stadium will undergo renovations. As a result, Hallsville Junior High will need to adjust our parent drop-off and pick-up procedures. Starting in December, all student drop-offs and pick-ups will take place on the backside of campus along Ladycat Lane. Detailed instructions are listed below. Again, this will begin on Monday, December 2nd when we return from Thanksgiving Break.

We appreciate your patience and support as we work to make this transition as smooth and efficient as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

2nd UIL Math/Science Meet

2nd HJH All Region Choir Concert

5th Football vs Nacogdoches

5th Community Tailgate/Title 1 Parent Night

8th End of PR3

11th Veterans Day Parade

11th Girls Basketball at Nacogdoches

11th Fire Drill

14th College Day

14th Tennis at Jacksonville

16th UIL Math/Science Meet

18th Boys Basketball vs Marshall

18th Girls Basketball at Marshall

19th Tennis at Center

22nd Kona Ice

22nd End of PR4

22nd Gobble Wobble Dance

23rd Fishing at Toledo Bend

25th-29th Thanksgiving Break

*Please join SportsYou located at the bottom of our newsletter for complete schedules and game locations

*Students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian in order to attend home events

*Details of these events listed below

Bobcat Nation,

The Hallsville Junior High Football teams are close to wrapping up their seasons and are working diligently every day to get better. They are developing very well and the team chemistry is growing everyday. Come out and support us for our last game of the year at home against the Nacogdoches Dragons on Tuesday, November 5th and let these young athletes know that we are here for them every step of the way. Go Bobcats!

7B starts @ 4:30

7A starts @ 5:30

8B starts @ 6:30

8A starts @ 8:00

The 8th Grade Purple team finished off the season 13-1 with one 1st place tournament win, and 8-0 in district taking the title of undefeated district champions!

The 8th Grade White team ended an outstanding undefeated season with an overall record of 11-0, a 1st place tournament win, and a record of 8-0 in District!

The 7th Grade Purple team finished their amazing season with a record of 7-1 in district and 11-3 overall giving them the title of Co-District Champs. These girls competed at such a high level of competition and will be worth keeping up with in the years to come!

The 7th White team had an UNSTOPPABLE season where they played undefeated in district play and ended the season with an overall record of 9-2!

The Ladycat team did a great job getting better each week and we look forward to seeing the great things they do in the future as well.

We are so proud of each and every one of these girls for their hard work and commitment, as well as school spirit and encouragement for each other. Ladycats, this season you made us proud! The HJH volleyball teams were coached by Coach Benge, Coach Slaten, Coach Rice, Coach Cox, Coach Arnold, and Coach Rodriquez.

Congrats to our HJH Cross Country team for finishing the year strong. Ealier this month, the team competed in the District Cross Country meet hosted at Hallsville High School. The girls finished 3rd in district and the boys brought home the gold medal and the title of DISTRICT CHAMPIONS! The meet was highlighted with a personal district champion in Brycen Richardson who finished the race with a time of 12:32. Way to go Cats!

The HJH Tennis team is off to a great start. The Cats defeated Whitehouse 33-19 and Pine Tree 36-0 earning a perfect 2-0 record. The Cats are back in action on Thursday, November 14th as they travel to Jacksonville. The team will wrap up their year at Center Junior High on Tuesday, November 19th. Great job thus far in your season tennis!

We are excited to announce that tryouts for the LadyCats basketball team will begin on Wednesday, October 30th. This is a fantastic opportunity for all players to showcase their skills and determination. Following tryouts, our first practice is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5th, where we will come together as a team to start building our strategies for the season. We are looking forward to our first game on Monday, November 11th, where we will take on the Lady Dragons in Nacogdoches. Let’s bring our energy and support as we kick off what promises to be an exciting season for the LadyCats!

Bobats:

The last football game is Tuesday, November 5th. Coach Holson will meet with all athletes who are interested in trying out for the team on Wednesday, November 6th during their athletic period. Tryouts for the JH boys will begin on Thursday, November 7th, continuing on Friday, November 8th. Tryouts will conclude on Monday, November 11th for both the 7th and the 8th grade. The athletes will find out who made the team on Monday, November 11th at the conclusion of tryouts. Athletes who make the team will have their first practice the next day, Tuesday, November 12th.

The HJH Bobcat Band has been working hard to learn a new march and a new fanfare written by our very own Wayne Smith. Our final football game performance will be on November 5th. Like usual, we will perform for the 8th grade A game. On November 8th, we are inviting our 8th graders to come perform in the stands with the high school band at the last Friday night home game against Mount Pleasant. More information about that will be sent out through Remind. Our monthly Band Booster meeting will be Tuesday, November 12th at 7pm. We encourage Junior High parents to attend and be involved in our Band Booster program. We will be having a chair test before Thanksgiving Break to determine how we will split the band in the Spring for UIL competition. The audition music for this will be the All-Region music. We hold optional weekly All-Region practices on Thursdays after school until 5pm for any student wanting to come in and get help with their All-Region music. All-Region Band auditions will be Saturday, December 7th. I am very proud of how the band is performing. They have worked really hard this semester. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach your kids!

Woodwind Student of the Month: Jennabelle Hardy

Brass Student of the Month: Olivia Mah

Percussion Student of the Month: Elil Broughton

Band Member of the Week: John Cavin

Hallsville Auxiliary Lines Sweep Top Honors at SFA Pineywoods Fall Classic!

We are thrilled to announce that our Hallsville Junior High Auxiliary Lines achieved outstanding success at the SFA Pineywoods Fall Classic Auxiliary Line Competition, hosted by the SFA Twirl-O-Jacks, this past weekend!

HJH’s theatre is proud to present this year’s one act play, titled The Comedy Of Errors. A traditional Shakespearean comedy with a non-traditional cast! Two sets of twins get seperated at a young age by a shipwreck. After the boys grow up, the first set of twins goes looking for their brothers. When they unknowingly end up in the same town, people that they’ve never met before talk to them like friends, sisters, and even wives. After a wild goose chase, an arrest, some sword-fighting, and a huge case of mistaken identity, will the brothers figure out what is going on? Or will they leave without ever meeting their other halves? Make sure to come out and support your HJH Theatre department at one of our shows! Free contest performance on Saturday, December 14th at HHS @1:30pm and a free public performance on Monday, December 16th at HJH@6:30pm. We’ll have you seeing double!

The Hallsville Junior High Cheer Squad has become a vibrant part of both the school and the wider community. Their enthusiasm and dedication have made significant impacts in various events and activities. Their energetic performances not only entertain but also inspire students and faculty alike, creating a sense of unity and excitement that resonates throughout the halls. Walking in the Western Days Parade, the squad brings a lively presence that showcases school pride to the entire community. The cheer squad extends their influence by assisting with elementary schools' "Meet the Teacher" events. By helping younger students and their families feel welcome, the cheerleaders foster a sense of continuity and community within the educational landscape. At local festivals, the cheer squad's friendly interactions make them stand out ambassadors for the school. Their dedication and hard work continue to leave a lasting impact, making them a cherished asset to Hallsville Junior High.

HJH UIL Academics are off to a great start. Tryouts began before fall break with teams determined once we returned. If your student didn’t make the preferred team, there’s no worries. We still have teams that need students to join. Please have them stop by to see me in the 200 hall and I can tell them what teams still need help. We will be hosting the District meet on Saturday, February 1st, 2025 and will need a lot of parent volunteers. Please be on the lookout for further information and the sign up sheets later this semester. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the event coach or the UIL Coordinator, Mr Gerald (mgerald@hisd.com).

Top Service Hour Earners:

The Student Council wishes to illuminate the extraordinary contributions of these remarkable young ladies, whose dedication to our campus and the wider community shines brightly. Their tireless efforts enhance campus life and leave a heartwarming impact on the community through their unwavering commitment to volunteering. Thank you Blaire, Ella, and Vivian for your hard work!

The Hallsville FFA is proud to share some of their recent community events and accomplishments. Just this October, they hosted a Hunter’s Education Safety Course for students who needed their Hunter’s Safety Certificate as well as a community-wide Trunk or Treat. At the Trunk or Treat, the attendees contributed over 100 canned food items that will be donated to the Hallsville Community Outreach Center. Our FFA and Jr FFA students also participated in the yearly Harvest Festival and Livestock Show in Longview. This activity generates educational scholarship funds for our local youth. We are specifically proud of our HJH FFA Students who participated in this event. They are: Emery Werth, Evey Huggins, Savannah Isgitt, Kayla Beatty, Bailey Meek, Beau Burghart, Ali Eitelman. Hallsville FFA will have their monthly chapter meeting on Monday, November 11th at 6:00pm at the High School. All are welcome to attend to find out more about their amazing program. Let’s give the students a round of applause.

There are 10 Junior High members of the Hallsville Bobcat Anglers. The Junior High and The High School teams compete monthly on area lakes. Bobcat Anglers compete against other area schools for a spot in the Ultimate High School Fishing Championship in May. Junior High Anglers can be awarded Cash and Prizes. They may also qualify for the Anglers of the Year prize sponsored by Plano Marine, which includes a 2024 Skeeter Bass Boat. Bobcat Anglers also participate in the KYKX Big Bass Tournament. Bobcat Anglers are under the direction of Mrs. Gipe.

October Book Club Highlights

This month, our Book Club theme celebrated Crime Prevention Month. Students who participated were invited to read a mystery or true crime book of their choice. They then met to discuss their readings and enjoyed an exciting hands-on science activity, extracting DNA from strawberries.

We would love to see more students join us! Each month brings a new theme and activity, providing an excellent opportunity for learning and fun. Don't miss out!

We are excited to invite you to our school-wide tailgate party at Bobcat Stadium on Tuesday, November 5th! This event will showcase many of our school’s organizations, teams, and clubs. The 7th and 8th grade football teams will be playing that evening, with performances from the band, flags, twirlers, and cheerleaders during the 8th grade A team game. Our choir will also perform the National Anthem before the game. Throughout the evening, we will recognize students who represent HJH in various capacities during halftime and between quarters of the 8th grade A team game. Free nachos and bottled water will be available for the first 1000 attendees near the end zone, and you'll have opportunities to learn how to partner with our campus to help achieve student success. Kona Ice and Tom's Traveling Coffee Truck will also be on-site for purchases. The festivities are scheduled to tentatively begin just before 8:00pm. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for students, but we are offering a family pass for just $5, covering admission for the entire family. We look forward to seeing you there!

Order of events, click here

HISD will hold a Veterans Day Parade on Monday, November 11th. We want to thank the following staff members on the HJH campus for their service: Mr. Brown (Navy), Mr. Gerald (Navy) and Mr. Dorsey (Air Force). Thank you for your service to our country and the service you provide for our campus.

On Friday, November 22nd we will have a Gobble Wobble Dance for any students interested in attending. Tickets are $3 and snacks/drinks will be available to purchase as well. This is not a student incentive; ALL students may attend pending no ISS/OSS placement on that Friday. Students who do not wish to attend will have the option to remain in class during their grade level time slot. Tickets will go on sale next week during lunches.

*An update has been provided on last year's HJH yearbook: they are currently being printed, and a delivery date will be provided upon completion. Parents, keep an eye out as we continue to receive updates. Thank you for your patience as we continue to work with the company on producing these yearbooks for students.

This semester, we’re excited to introduce an Advisory Party to celebrate students' hard work and achievements. At the end of the grading period, students will enjoy part of their incentive within their Advisory classrooms and the remaining time socializing with their grade level. To earn a ticket for this event, students need to meet the following expectations: pass all classes, maintain good attendance, and demonstrate positive behavior on campus. This is a wonderful way to send students off for the holiday break, and we know they won’t want to miss it! Please encourage your child to stay on track with these goals so they can join in the fun. Thank you for your support!

HABIT 1: BE PROACTIVE

At HJH, we are dedicated to fostering a safe and positive environment for all students. As part of our proactive approach, our campus behavior team meets quarterly to review discipline data and examine routines, policies, and procedures. These meetings bring together staff from across the campus to assess and enhance our processes, making adjustments as needed to ensure that safety and security remain top priorities. This strategy aligns with our district’s Leader in Me program, which emphasizes the leadership habit of Being Proactive. By focusing on clear expectations and continuous improvement, we empower our students to thrive in a secure and supportive learning environment.

The school day starts at 7:50am and ends at 3:35pm. At 7:45am, students will be released from the gym to their classrooms, and morning announcements will start at 7:50am. Attendance is taken every period at the Jr. High. Any student arriving late or leaving early will be marked absent for the periods that he/she misses. All absences, full or partial day, require documentation to be excused. If a student misses more than 20 minutes of a class without valid documentation, the student will be considered absent for this purpose.

When a student is absent and returns to school, he/she MUST bring a note signed by the parent explaining the reason for the absence or a note from a doctor. Any absence of more than 5 consecutive days for illness will require a statement from a doctor verifying the illness. Parent notes must be turned in within 3 days of the absence.

*Any documentation needing to be turned in can be done so through the reception desk, attendance office, or emailed directly to Mrs. Dorsey at bdorsey@hisd.com.

Save the date. The 8th grade dance is in its early planning stages. Thank you to the 8th grade parents for getting together and getting the ball rolling on this event. More details to come as we move closer to May.

If your child is needs extra support in a classroom we have opportunities for them to receive assistance outside the school day. Teachers are available before and after school for tutorials. Even if the day you can bring your child early or pick them up late doesn't match with their teacher's tutorial schedule, someone in that department can help. Please contact your teacher if you feel your child needs the extra support to be successful this school year.

Dr. Michele Borba, Educational Psychologist and recipient of the National Educator Award, offers parenting strategies that teach kids to set goals and to help them succeed. She identifies seven steps:

1. Define what a goal is. An easy way is to link it to an area of interest. For example, a football player is aiming for a touchdown. It is something to shoot for. Explain goal setting as planning what you need to work on.

2. Share your own goals. Let your children know that you have dreams, and that you recognize that you may need to work on some things in order to achieve them.

3. Help kids create their “dream list”. Help them create a list that includes those things that they actually have the power to make happen. Then spend time together discussing those dreams. Consider what skills are necessary. Does your child need help in order to succeed?

4. Tailor the goal to your child. Have a first time goal-setter work on a goal that can be achieved within a week. Some examples are making their bed every day, reading a book, brushing teeth without being reminded, getting a strike in bowling.

5. Help your child think through steps to success. Some children need to write down steps. The more they think about their goal, and identify what they need to do to achieve it, the greater the chance they will succeed.

6. Track your child’s progress. Use the fridge to show stickers or stars when steps are completed.

7. Celebrate! As goals are achieved, celebrate as a family.

http://micheleborba.com/

As children work on their plans, it is inevitable for them to experience challenges and perhaps disappointment. Remember that failure is an important and valuable part of learning. In an article in Time, author Rachel Simmons wrote: “Of course kids should be taught to work hard and be resilient.” Simmons concludes, “But fantasizing that they can control everything is not really resilience. We would be wise to remind our kids that life has a way of sucker-punching us when we least expect it. It’s often the people who learn to say ‘stuff happens’ who get up the fastest.”

https://time.com/5593706/hard-work-achievement-mindset/

• Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework starting at a young age. Children need a consistent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that is quiet, without distractions, and promotes study.

• Schedule ample time for homework; build this time into choices about participation in after school activities.

• Establish a household rule that the TV and other electronic distractions stay off during homework time.

• Supervise computer and Internet use.

• By high school, it's not uncommon for teachers to ask students to submit homework electronically and perform other tasks on a computer. If your child doesn't have access to a computer or the internet at home, work with teachers and school administration to develop appropriate accommodations.

• Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child's homework for her.

• Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive.

• If your child is struggling with a particular subject, speak with your child's teacher for recommendations on how you or another person can help your child at home or at school. If you have concerns about the assignments your child is receiving, talk with their teacher.

• If your child is having difficulty focusing on or completing homework, discuss this with your child's teacher, school counselor, or health care provider.

• For general homework problems that cannot be worked out with the teacher, a tutor may be considered.

• Some children need extra help organizing their homework. Checklists, timers, and parental supervision can help overcome homework problems.

• Some children may need help remembering their assignments. Work with your child and their teacher to develop an appropriate way to keep track of their assignments – such as an assignment notebook, or in their cell phone.

World Kindness Day is November 13. Let's make Kindness the NORM at HJH by spreading kindness in the month of November! Click the picture to see the random acts of kindness calendar for November.

• Campus screenings for hearing, vision and scoliosis have been completed.

• Parents will only be notified of a failed screening that requires a physician follow-up. If you are not contacted about your student’s screening results by Thanksgiving break, please know that your student has passed all parts of the screening. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

• Please note the HISD medication administration policy change: any and all medications must have doctors orders to be given at school. This includes over the counter medications, such as Tylenol. The district does not provide these medications. Medication Administration forms can be found online at https://www.hisd.com/Domain/50

• Students are not allowed to carry any medications without written permission from the school nurse and the prescribing physician.

Always reach out with any questions or concerns.

–Nurse Holt

Email: aholt@hisd.com

Phone: 903-668-5990, ext 2042

HISD looks to a have a GREAT year in 2024-2025! Attached is a copy of the HISD calendar.

• Teachers will ask that phones be turned in class.
• Phones may be used in the hallway before/after school, during transition, and in the cafeteria during lunch.
• No cell phone used in the hallway during instructional time.
• Devices used for other purposes will be confiscated immediately and the following fees will be charged:

• First offense: Student may pick up from the office at the end of the school day.

• Second offense: Parent must pick up from the office (no charge).

• Additional offenses: $15 fine for every incident thereafter and parent must pick up from the office.

• Any items not collected after July 1,2025 will become property of Hallsville Junior High.

Parent Drop-off/Pick-up:

The map below has instructions for parent pick-up and drop-off. Please make sure you enter in the correct locations and stay in line. The first couple of weeks will be hectic. Thank you in advance for understanding and being patient as we work to make these processes as efficient as possible for our students.

Car Tags for parent pick-up will be passed out during Meet the Teachers or afternoon pick-up on the 1st day.

Parent Drop-Off:

• Gym Parking Lot
• Do not enter via Bobcat Lane once the parking lot is already full
• Enter through the stadium home side parking lot on Rob Street
• Doors open at 7:15am, no students should be dropped off prior to this time
• Students will enter through 100 hall doors located above the gym and make their way to the gym
• After 7:50am, students should be taken to the main entrance
  

Parent Pick-Up:

• Gym Parking Lot
• Do not enter via Bobcat Lane once the parking lot is already full
• Enter through the stadium home side parking lot on Rob Street
• School dismisses at 3:35pm and once all staff is in position we will begin calling names. It is important that you have a car tag in your window to maximize efficiency with this process
• If for some reason your child does not come to your car, please pull your vehicle across Bobcat Lane to our stadium parking lot and our Officer will help locate your child and get them to you safely
• This allows for our flow of traffic to continue as we work to get all students home safely
• At 3:55pm all students remaining at pick-up will be escorted to the front of the building and you may pick your child up from there

7th/8th Grade Boys Athletics:

• 8th Grade Boys begin their day at the fieldhouse and may be dropped off in the fieldhouse parking lot
• 7th Grade Boys end their day at the fieldhouse and may be picked up at the fieldhouse parking lot
• ONLY Boys Athletics may be picked up or dropped off at this location

*Students may NOT be dropped off or picked up anywhere other than these locations

Parents and Guardians,

We are reaching out to bring your attention to an important new policy change that has been passed by the 88th Texas Legislature and will be taking effect immediately in our district.

House Bill 114 (HB 114) has been enacted to respond to the increasing concerns around e-cigarettes, vaping, marijuana, and THC related products amongst our youth. The Bill mandates that any student found in possession of, under the influence of, selling, gifting, or delivering these substances within a 300-feet radius of any school premises, will be immediately removed and placed in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).

You can access the full version of the Bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/HB00114F.pdf

Please take a moment to discuss the implications of this new law with your children, emphasizing the importance of adhering to school policies and laws for their own welfare and for the betterment of the school community as a whole.

Thank you,

HISD Administration

Website: https://www.hisd.com/Domain/9
Location: 1 Bobcat Lane, Hallsville, TX, USA
Phone: 903-668-5990
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HallsvilleJH/