Dear George Junior High School Families,

Welcome to September! As we settle into the rhythm of a new school year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for the support and enthusiasm you have shown. Our students are off to a fantastic start, and it’s been wonderful to see their eagerness to learn and connect with one another. This month, we are focusing on fostering a positive and inclusive school environment where every student feels valued and supported. We have some exciting events and activities planned, from academic challenges to extracurricular activities, all designed to help our students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Please encourage your child to get involved and make the most of these opportunities. I also want to remind everyone of the importance of open communication. Our teachers, counselors, and staff are here to support your child’s academic and personal growth. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for being such an essential part of our school community. Together, we can make this year a memorable and successful one for all of our students. Wishing you a wonderful September!

#DestinationGeorge #WeAreGeorge #SpringdaleFamily

Dr. Jeff Flanigan, Principal

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

My mom has been a teacher my whole life, and I always used to love helping her set up her classroom and organize papers. I completed my first year of college in the University of Arkansas's Walton College of Business, but then I thought I could make more of a difference by being a teacher. I interned with Mrs. Eagle in the Spring of 2022, and I just HAD to work at GJHS, so I took a test that would let me teach Computer Science. I have never looked back!

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

I teach Computer Science Programming Year 1 and AP Computer Science Principles. I love that I have so much to learn about these subjects. I enjoy experimenting with programs and being creative. I love when a student has an AHA! moment or teaches me something.

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

My all time favorite teaching moment was when the Pasifika Club made lunch and amimono and danced for us during Teacher Appreciation Week. It was so special that they would include us in their beautiful culture. My other favorite moments include bonding with students and speaking to them in their own language. This is something that I really enjoy doing!! I am trying to learn some Marshallese right now!

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

The most important thing my students can learn from me is that they are capable of accomplishing whatever they desire in life, as long as they work for it. I only have two years at most with each student, and I try to be as encouraging and provide as many opportunities as I possibly can.

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

Outside of school, I love spending time with my family: my husband Andy, our dog Cherry, my brother Jude, my sister Anna, and my mom and dad. I also really enjoy reading: it's my favorite hobby!

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

If I could travel anywhere in the world, it would be a country in Latin America. I would love to learn more about the culture so many of my students come from, as well as speak Spanish with natives.

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

One fun fact about me that most people might not know is that I make candles! It is just a side hobby, but it is something that my dad and us kids did when we were younger, and it's really fun to do. I thrift mugs or ceramic cups, or I repurpose old candle mugs by filling them with soy wax.

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

Someone who really influenced my life and career is my mother. She always knew I would end up a teacher, but she was patient while I figured that out for myself. She really made a life for herself and her family that was better than the one she had as a child. I am really proud of her and all that she has done, and I love that I get to share a passion for teaching with her.

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

I love the Harry Potter books. This is always my fallback answer because these books are so comforting to me. I read them for the first time over the summer when I was younger, and now everytime I read them, I feel like I am a kid on summer break again, reading in a pool chair.

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

My advice for my students would be to recognize your potential. You are so special and unique, and you have so many people here at school that care about you!

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!

Parents, all students must sign and turn in their Code of Conduct if they haven't already. This is our agreement with them to help keep our school Respectful, Responsible, Safe and Kind. Please help them remember to turn them in signed ASAP. The deadline was last week. Thank you!

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