Dear Parents and Families of George Junior High School,

As we enter November, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your continued support and involvement in our school community. The energy and enthusiasm that our students bring to George Junior High School every day is inspiring, and it’s a joy to witness their growth and accomplishments.

This month, we will focus on fostering a sense of community and kindness among our students. With Thanksgiving approaching, it’s a perfect time to encourage our young people to reflect on what they are thankful for and to practice gratitude in their daily lives.

Upcoming Events:

• Thanksgiving Break: Please remember that school will be closed from November 25 to 29. We hope you enjoy this time with family and friends.

• Community Service Projects: Our students will have the chance to participate in various service projects this month and throughout the year. We encourage all families to engage in community service together, reinforcing the values of empathy and support. This can include Boy/Girl Scout activities, church or other civic, community group functions.

As always, thank you for being an integral part of our school community. Your involvement makes a significant difference in your child’s education and helps create a positive school environment. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out. Wishing you all a wonderful November filled with gratitude and joy. #DestinationGeorge #WeAreGeorge #SpringdaleFamily

Warmest regards,

Dr. Jeff Flanigan, Principal

1. What inspired you to become a teacher, and how long have you been teaching?

This will be my 16th year of teaching (12 years elementary, 4th year in junior high). The main reason I became a teacher is that a college friend believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. Ms. Bingham was studying to become a teacher at the University of Arkansas, and I was a first-generation college student trying to find my path. She told me I would be a great teacher and suggested I think about majoring in it. After years of working hard, dealing with student loans, and going to school, I finally graduated. Without Ms. Bingham's encouragement, I wouldn't be a teacher today.

2. What subject(s) do you teach, and what do you enjoy most about it/them?

I'm the EAST Facilitator at GJHS. What I love most about teaching here is helping students succeed in their interests. I want to give my students a chance to explore new things that they might not get to experience in their other classes.

3. Can you share a favorite teaching moment or a memorable experience from your classroom?

I had a student who faced challenges in reading comprehension; however, he demonstrated the ability to learn through a guided, step-by-step collaborative process. He successfully completed the design and production of a complex 3D print independently. This achievement instilled a sense of pride in me regarding his accomplishments within the educational environment I provided.

4. What do you believe is the most important lesson you want your students to learn from you?

The main thing I want my students to learn from me is to be resilient when faced with challenges. Life has its highs and lows, and how you deal with those tough times really matters.

5. How do you like to spend your time outside of school? Any hobbies or interests?

I really love the Arkansas Razorbacks and I've got season tickets for both football and baseball. My favorite springtime activity is getting together with friends to cheer on the Razorback baseball team.

6. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I wish to journey to Vietnam with my mother in order to experience her homeland and forge meaningful connections and memories together. She fled her country at the conclusion of the Vietnam War and became a refugee. Although I seldom discuss her life prior to her arrival in America, this trip would afford me the opportunity to perceive her country through her perspective.

7. What’s one fun fact about you that most people might not know?

The tradition of the Arkansas Razorback Baseball Bases Loaded Beer Hat at Baum Stadium was initiated by my friends and me during our college years. Each time the Razorbacks load the bases, thousands of individuals don their felt Beer Mug hats..

8. Who is a teacher or mentor who greatly influenced your life and career?

Two of my former colleagues at the elementary school where I was employed, Mrs. Mansell and Mrs. Johnson, were instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges of my initial teaching experience. They are exceptional educators who are deeply committed to the welfare of their students, and I would not have sustained my teaching career for this duration without their invaluable support.

9. What’s your favorite book or movie, and why does it resonate with you?

I really love Disney movies, especially the musicals since I used to sing in a choir. Aladdin is my top pick, but I also adore Lilo and Stitch and Up. I connect with these movies because their characters are all on a journey to find where they belong. Growing up can be challenging when you're trying to figure out where you fit in, but ultimately, it's all about being true to yourself.

10. If you could give one piece of advice to your students, what would it be?

A piece of advice I have for my students is that “It’s okay not to be okay.”. Keeping your feelings inside and pretending to be strong for others can be unhealthy. It’s really important to find a good way to express and deal with those feelings. Life can be tough, and it can be even tougher if you don’t ask for help when you need it.

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!

11/1 SHS Band Member for A Day

11/1 EAST Student Champions Field Trip (1B, 2B, Advisory)

11/3 Daylight Savings Time Ends

11/4 Educational Talent Search Meeting 8th in Seminar Room 12:08-1:08/9th in Library 11:37-12:38

11/5 ETS Field Trip to U of A
11/5 ELECTION DAY! GO VOTE!
11/5 GJHS STUCO Election!!

11/7 8th Grade Football vs. Ramay-6:45pm Springdale High School

11/7 Girls Basketball Parent Meeting 5-5:30pm

11/10 Sunday National Vanilla Cupcake Day!

11/11 Veteran's Day!

11/11 ATLAS Interim

11/11 9th Grade Girls Basketball vs Southwest 7pm- Siloam Springs High School

11/11 9th Boys Basketball vs. Stilwell 8:15- Siloam Springs Tournament

11/12 ATLAS Interim

11/12 Parent Participation Meetings - 10am & 5:15pm/Learning Center Parent Meeting; 6:15pm

11/11 Junior Leadership Field Trip

11/13 World Kindness Day! + GJHS Observance of National Vanilla Cupcake Day!

11/13 9th Grade Girls Basketball (TBA)- Siloam Springs High School

11/13 9th Boys Basketball (TBA)- Siloam Springs High Tournament

11/13 Girls Soccer Tryouts 4:30-6pm

11/14 9th Grade Girls Basketball TBA- Siloam Springs High School

11/14 9th Grade Boys Basketball (TBA)- Siloam Springs Tournament

11/15 ESL Exit Celebration, between lunches (12:08-12:38pm), library

11/15 9th Boys Basketball (TBA)- Siloam Springs Tournament

11/15 9th Grade Girls Basketball (TBA) - Siloam Springs Tournament

11/16 9th Boys Basketball (TBA)- Siloam Springs Tournament

11/18 Girls 9th Grade Girls Basketball vs Huntsville 6:30pm- Huntsville Tournament

11/18 9th Grade Boys Basketball vs OMSD 5:15- Huntsville Tournament

11/18 Girls 8th Grade Basketball vs Lingle 6:45pm

11/18 8th Grade Boys Basketball @ Lingle (Heritage High School)- 6:45

11/18 Picture Retake Day - Mini Choir Room 1A

11/19 9th grade Football Banquet-6:00pm-Arena

11/20 GJHS Holiday Craft Fair in the Library 8:30-4:00 PM

11/20 National Absurdity Day & Lunch Potluck

11/20 Girls Make Up Soccer Tryouts 4:30-6pm

11/21 9th Grade Girls Basketball @ Huntsville TBA

11/21 9th Grade Boys Basketball (TBA)- Huntsville Tournament

11/21 Girls 8th Grade Basketball vs Darby 6:45pm

11/21 8th Grade Boys Basketball @ Darby- 6:45

11/22 Principal's Cabinet Seminar Room 11:30-12:30

11/22 Walton Arts Center Trey McLaughlin- Choir students 9:30-12:00

11/22 WAC Field Trip - Theatre & Day's 4A ELA Students 9:30 - 12:00 PM

11/22 WAC Field Trip - EAST Students 9:30 - 12:00 PM

11/22 9th Girls Basketball (TBA) - Huntsville Tournament

11/23 9th Boys Basketball (TBA)- Huntsville Tournament

11/25-29 THANKSGIVING BREAK

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