Justiss Newsletter

Please keep all of your contacts updated with the school office. If you move or get a new phone number just call the office and let the staff know so the school can stay updated in case we need to contact you. Thank you for all that you do for your child!

Sept. 2-Labor Day-No School

Sept. 3-Rainbow Rumble Dress Up Day

Sept. 4-'Merica Wednesday-Dress in Your USA Gear

Sept. 4-Willie the Wildcat Pics

Sept. 5-Throwback Thursday-Dress in Your Best 90s Attire

Sept. 6-Student DO HAVE School today!

Sept. 6-Wildcat Friday-Dress in Spirit Gear

Sept. 6-Early Release at 3:15

Sept. 6-Homecoming Parade Downtown at 4:00

Sept. 6-Homecoming Game

Sept. 9-Grandparents Day Kinder & 1st Grade

Sept. 10-Grandparents Day 2nd Grade

Sept. 11-Grandparents Day 3rd Grade

Sept. 12-Grandparents Day 4th Grade

Sept. 16-Hello Week Starts

Sept. 16-Progress Reports available on Parent Portal

Oct. 3-End of 1st Nine Weeks

Dear School Families,

Welcome to a new school year! My name is Dustin Smyers, your principal. This is my 26th year in education, my 21st year as a school administrator. I started at Justiss as a student teacher back in 1997 while in college. After graduation, I taught at Chisum Elementary for five years before becoming an administrator for Chisum ISD, Jacksonville ISD, Tyler ISD, and Roxton ISD. Eight years ago I returned to Justiss as an Assistant Principal. I have come full circle! Justiss is an amazing place and I can honestly say that I would not want to be at any other school.

We are thrilled to have each of you as part of our school community and are looking forward to the exciting journey ahead. As we begin the school year, our commitment remains true, providing a nurturing environment where every student feels valued, inspired, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

This year, we have many exciting plans and initiatives designed to enrich the educational experience of our students and strengthen our community relationships. We encourage you to stay engaged, participate in school events, and communicate openly with us. Your partnership is essential in creating a supportive and thriving learning environment.

Thank you for your continued support and trust. We are looking forward to a year filled with growth, discovery, and success!

Dustin Smyers
Principal
Justiss Elementary

Hello and welcome back to another great year at Justiss Elementary! My name is Andrea Irwin and I am excited to begin my 10th year at Justiss, as the school counselor and my 32nd year in education! I am her to help ALL students be successful socially, emotionally and behaviorally, so they may access their education without barriers. Ms. Karen Raney is also one of our Justiss School counselors! She is here on Wednesdays and Thursdays and brings years of expertise and compassion in working with students at Justiss! She is amazing!!

Here’s what we do at our school:

• Classroom Guidance-I visit all grades to teach social-emotional skills such as feelings, safety, communication, problems solving, respect, career exploration and overall character development.

• Small Group Counseling-We facilitate small groups for students upon need who could use extra support in certain areas.

• Individual Counseling-We meet with students short-term and in crisis situations to work through problems affecting them at school.

• Consultation/conferencing with staff/parents-We are available to meet/talk with parents and teachers to help support their students and provide resources and education about issues affecting their children.

Here’s what you should know about us:

• We are one part of a team that works to help your child succeed.

• We like to know ALL the students so they may feel connected and safe while they are with us.

• We respect your right and your child’s right to privacy. Confidentiality is a big part of our job.

• We love it when parents reach out to us for questions, concerns and to share positive things about your child.

• We love the work we do and feel very passionate about helping children become respectful and responsible citizens.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SEPTEMBER???? “START WITH HELLO” WEEK!!! WHAT’S HELLO WEEK ALL ABOUT????

Throughout the month of September, we will be presenting a curriculum called , “Start With Hello”! This program targets concepts on: Inclusion of others, recognizing the importance of reaching out to all students, and ensuring that students are not excluded based on differences…or for any reason! We will also learn ways to be an upstander when someone is being mistreated!

Some of the activities for “Start With Hello” Week will be:

• Daily Greetings with music, high fives, handshakes and hugs by our Student Council kids.

• Kick of assembly with a video prepared our our 3rd and 4th grade Socrates students, sharing what Hello Week is all about (Presented at our Sept.12th Rise Up Assembly)

• Daily announcements and virtual Books sent to every classroom that reinforce the friendly focus behavior for that day.

• Guidance lessons in all grades and classrooms

• A collaborative “Let Your Kindness Shine” Wall Art Display

• Lots of fun handshakes!

• Lots of pictures!

• “Mix It Up” lunch

• Making new friends and learning how to be a better friend!

• A wrap up video to highlight all the fun and meaningful activities done throughout the week (Presented on Thursday, Sept. 19th at our Rise Up Assembly)

Please help us by talking to your children and modeling how important it is to BE KIND…to all HUMANKIND..You are their first and most important teacher!

Love,

Your Counselors,

Mrs.Irwin and Ms.Raney

Our PTO membership drive is in full swing and will end on October 3rd. The cost is $5 for the whole family! If you would like to join, you may send money to the office or cash app $JustissPTO (be sure to put a description so we will know what it’s for). The class in each grade level with the most participation will receive a popsicle party and each child of any family joining PTO will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Visa gift card. Thank you in advance for supporting the Justiss PTO!