HJH Parent Newsletter
April 2024
HJH is coming to the final stretch...
We are very proud of the work our students have done thus far in the school year as we begin the final push in our 4th 9 weeks. Having such talented and amazing students on our campus is truly an honor and blessing for us. Throughout the spring semester, we will maintain our focus on continuous growth, not only for the campus, but also for each student who walks through our doors. As a campus, HJH continues to empower students to take advantage of academic opportunities that prepare them for success. To ensure our students are prepared for the rigors they will face during their educational journey, our teachers continue to challenge them in our classrooms. Our students also participate in extracurricular activities outside the classroom which we are very proud of. Listed below are some of the highlights and events we have on campus in the month of April. Thank you for all your continued support. HJH is a great campus because of the people we serve. Go Cats!
Clayton Farrell
Principal Hallsville Junior High
National Assistant Principal Week
We want to thank all our Assistant Principals for all their hard work they do on our campus. From safety and security to instructional leadership, and everything in between, we are truly blessed to have such amazing leaders on the HJH campus. National Assistant Principal week is celebrated from April 1st to 5th.
2024 STAAR
As April approaches our students are working hard to prepare for the upcoming STAAR tests. Teachers have analyzed data from our Spring Mock tests to help identify specific needs of each individual student. Leading up to STAAR, students will be working on engaging lessons, spiral reviews and small groups to help prepare them for success. Please talk to your child about the importance of these next couple of weeks and assure them they have done a great job this year preparing for them. Thank you for all your support.
Needs Assessment
The purpose of a needs assessment is to support educators in recognizing, comprehending, and prioritizing the needs of schools to enhance performance. Your feedback will help guide our Site Based Decision Making Committee discussions towards improving our campus. Please take a few moments and fill out this form.
Solar Eclipse Event
On Monday, April 8th HJH will have an opportunity to view the solar eclipse. Every staff and student will be provided safety glasses. Additionally, students will be informed of the significance of this event and the importance of practicing safety while viewing the event. If you DO NOT want your child to participate in this event, please fill the the form out below. We will keep those students inside during that time. For more information and to stay up-to-date with this event, please visit here.
April Events
8th Fire Drill
8th Solar Eclipse Event
8th Tennis vs White Oak
8th FFA Parent Meeting
9th '25 Washington DC Trip (Current 7th graders ONLY)
11th Kona Ice
11th College Day
15th HISD Board Meeting
16th RLA STAAR
18th Science STAAR
18th-21st Matilda Jr Performance
23rd JH Jazz Band Performance (HHS)
24th Social Studies STAAR
25th Advanced Theatre Auditions
26th Special Ed Field Day
26th JH Solo and Ensemble Competition (HHS)
27th JH Band Performance in the Park
30th Math/Algebra I STAAR
*Only events on HJH campus are listed. Please check with SportYou for complete schedules.
*Students are NOT allowed to stay after school on campus to wait for an event. Students must be accompanied by an adult to attend all home events. More information on these events provided below.
***REMINDER***
The campus will be closed on all STAAR Testing days. Thank you for understanding.
UIL Math/Science - STATE Bound
The HJH Math & Science Team (MST) has been competing in local and regional competitions since last October. All of their hard work and dedication has culminated in the opportunity to compete at the state level. On Saturday, April 12th, 2024 the members of the Bobcat MST will compete in the 2024 Texas Middle School State Championship. The Middle School State Championship will be held on the campus of the University of Texas at San Antonio. At this meet, schools from across the state will come together for one final competitive challenge to see who will win the crown of 2024 Middle School State Champions. Congratulations to the following students that are qualified to represent Hallsville at the State competition in San Antonio in April.
7th grade: Tucker Abel, Lauren Courtney, Ella Dierkes, Ellah Etheridge, Nicholas Fincher, Pierson Haines, Myra Kataria, Sawyer Leviton, Liam Oney, Jacob Parker, Andrew Pechacek, William Scasta, Hayden Thornton, Kinlee Ward, Max White
8th grade: Drew Adams, Harrison Daub, Emma Davis, Jackson Dozier, Chandler Emerine, Emily Miller, Brayden Norris, Avery Orr, Carter Ouzts, Eben Reyes, Garrett Simmons, Caylee Snook, Aiden Vidaurri, Jacob Whitehurst, Ben Yates
These students have worked hard all year and have seen tremendous growth both individually and as a team. When you see a member of the HJH Math & Science Team, shake their hand, give them a high five or dab them up and wish them luck! A huge thank you to all of the faculty, staff, parents and local businesses that have supported these students and the entire team throughout the year. Without you, this team would not be as successful as it is. And finally, a special thanks to the coaches that have put in countless hours for this program: Mr Gerald, Ms Fuller, and Mrs Emerine.
HJH Track
The HJH track teams ended the season with a great performance at the district track meet. The 7th grade girls, 8th grade girls and 8th grade boys took 1st place and the 7th grade boys placed 3rd. Congrats to all the athletes and coaches on a successful track season. Here is a list of individual gold medalists from the district meet. 7th grade boys - Brycen Richardson (1600m/2400m), Grant Huffman (Discus), Korie Davis (Pole Vault). 7th grade girls - Lauren Hunt (200m, 4x400m), Raleigh Rhone (4x400m, High Jump), Taylor Horn (4x400m), Devin Tucker (4x400m), Lexi Foster (Discus). 8th grade boys - Gavyn Goates (200m, 4x100m, 4x200m), David Macedo (400m, 4x100m), Braeden Polk (100m, 4x100m, 4x200m), KT Muckelroy (4x100m, 4x200m) Aidan Green (4x200m), Cole Smith (Triple Jump), Kingston Hopkins (Pole Vault). 8th grade girls - Caroline Harkey (100m, 200m, 4x200m), Kylee Fernandez (4x200m), Jacelyn Retiz (4x200m), Kamdyn Biddle (Pole Vault, 4x200m), Elizabeth Hale (800m, 300mh), Madi Farrell (High Jump).
HJH Tennis
The HJH Tennis team is off to a great start this spring. The Cats are coming off big wins against Bullard (28-17), Pine Tree (26-4) and Jacksonville (23-12) to extend their win column to 3-0. The tennis team is back in action on Monday, April 8th (schedule change) against the White Oak Roughnecks at home (HHS). Come out and support the Cats!
HJH Choir
The Hallsville Junior High Choir will be traveling to Whitehouse High School on March 6th and 7th to participate in the Region 21 UIL Choir Concert and Sight Reading Contest.
The Tenor/Bass Choir will be competing on Wednesday, March 6th and the Treble Choir will compete on Thursday, March 7th. The choir students have been working diligently in class and sound amazing. Best of luck to our HJH Choir Students!!
HJH Band
HJH Cheer
Prior to Spring Break, we held tryouts for the 2024-2025 Cheer Squads. We are excited to announce our 8th grade Cheerleaders and Mascot for next year. Congrats & we are looking forward to a great season!
HJH Library
As the school year swiftly approaches its end, it is crucial to begin preparing for the return of all library books. Please note that all books are required to be returned by Wednesday, May 1. We kindly ask that you engage in conversations with your child to ensure they are aware of the whereabouts of their library books. If your child requires assistance in identifying the books they need to return, they are welcome to visit the library, and we will be more than happy to assist them. A gentle reminder that fines for lost or damaged books will carry over to their high school records and must be resolved prior to graduation. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the timely return of all library materials.
HJH Theatre
HJH Theatre is proud to present our 2024 spring musical Roald Dahl’s Matilda Jr. Come watch us sing and dance our way to rebellion on April 18th-19th @ 6:00pm, April 20th @ 2:30pm, & April 21st @ 5:30pm!
HJH Art
On Saturday, April 13th many of our HJH advanced art students will be headed to Tyler, Tx to compete in the anual Jr. VASE art competition. Jr. VASE is an incredible learning experience in which our young artists get to present their art work amongst students from all over the region and area. Our artists have been honing their minds and skills all year to get out there and show everyone what they can do!
HJH Advanced Theatre
Do you consider yourself creative? Do you like pretending to be someone else? Do you like playing games or making people laugh?
Then why not try advanced theatre!
Fill out your scheduling from with advanced theatre as a choice to get more info about auditions and what’s required! Email kbumpas@hisd.com for details!
HJH FFA
Congratulations to our Hallsville FFA students who participated in Farm City Week this year. We are proud of all of their hard work.
Spring Pictures
Organization & Group Photos
HISD ATHLETIC EVENT GUIDELINES
In an effort to make Hallsville ISD Athletic Events enjoyable and safer for all spectators, the following guidelines for spectators in attendance at all home events are as follows;
Gates will open approximately 45-60 Minutes prior to the start of the event.
No outside food or drinks are allowed into the stadium/coliseum.
State laws and school district policies will be in effect concerning alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, and tobacco products (including e-cigs).
Spectators will not be allowed to leave the stadium and return without purchasing another ticket.
Students in Pre-kindergarten through 8th grade WILL NOT BE ADMITTED to athletic events without adult supervision.
Elementary Students (Pre-K through 5th grade) are to remain within the presence of parents/guardians at all times including trips to the restroom and concession stand.
Jr. High & High School Students may be asked to present their district ID’s to district personnel.
Spectators will be required to sit in the bleachers except when they are purchasing items from the concession stand or using the restrooms.
Athletic items such as Frisbees, balls, bats, skateboards, bicycles, noise makers, etc. are not allowed.
Running, tackling, and other horseplay is not allowed as it causes a safety hazard to others in attendance.
Large bags, coolers/ice chests are prohibited. All bags and purses may be inspected for security purposes.
Students/spectators, who throw food, drink, or other items will be escorted from the stadium, will not be allowed re-admittance, and may be banned from the stadium for the remainder of the school year.
Students are expected to be picked up no later than 15 minutes after the end of the event. Failure to pick up students within this timeframe may result in being restricted from attending future events.
SPECTATOR RULES OF CONDUCT
By entering this facility, spectators agree to abide by the following Rules of Conduct set forth in the University Interscholastic, League, Constitution and Contest Rules:
No insults or personal comments of any kind are to be directed towards game officials, referees, coaching staff or game workers;
Inappropriate language or profanity will not be tolerated and will result in immediate ejection from the game;
Taunting or ridiculing of either team or team members is not allowed;
Spectators may not enter the court/field during a game.
Spectators further understand that failure to comply with the above rules will result in the offending spectator being ejected from the game. Game officials and school district personnel are authorized to eject spectators from the stadium/coliseum. Spectators who are ejected from the game will not receive a refund nor be allowed to return for the semester.
Ms. Mayes - HISD Secondary Teacher of the Year
Big shoutout to Ms. Mayes (7th/8th Spanish) for receiving the distinct honor of being named HISD Secondary Teacher of the Year. Ms. Mayes has been apart of the HJH family for....
Washington DC Trip 2025 (Current 7th Graders ONLY)
Any current 7th grader interested in attending Washington DC in the summer of 2025 please make plans to attend the meeting on Tuesday, April 9th at 5:30pm in the HJH cafeteria. All 7th grade students will receive an informational packet in their Texas History class on Wednesday, April 3rd. Use the links below for more information.
KONA Ice
We look forward to having Kona Day on campus Thursday, April, 11th! If you would like to prepay for your child, please visit here.
Google Classroom
Attendance
Parent Notes
Parent notes must be turned in within 3 days of the absence. Per our handbook, early pick-ups are unexcused unless our nurse sends your student home or we receive documentation from a doctor's office for that date. Any documentation needing to be turned in can be done so through the reception desk or attendance office, or emailed directly to Mrs. Magallanes at emagallanes@hisd.com
School Safety Drills
In an effort to practice our safety protocols, HJH will regularly perform safety drills to ensure our students and staff know how to respond in a crisis situation. Safety is our number one priority and we will continue to practice all state mandated drills throughout the school year so that our students and staff are prepared. In the event of an actual emergency, HJH will communicate to our families in a timely manner to keep you informed.
Tutorials
If your child is struggling in a classroom we have opportunities for them to receive extra support 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, 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.
SATURDAY SCHOOL/CREDIT RECOVERY
Texas Education Agency states that a student must attend a class 90% of the time it is offered to earn credit for that class. Students with less than 90% attendance will not earn credit and cannot be promoted to the next grade level. Both excused and unexcused absences count toward time missed in a class. The state will allow us to place a student in the next grade level if that student has completed a principal approved plan to recover attendance. You will be notified if your student falls below 90% attendance and requires credit recovery. Credit recovery classes will continue to be scheduled into the month of April.
The Model for Continuous Improvement
In order to continue to prepare students for the Spring STAAR test, HJH will use the Spring Mock Tests to gather necessary data, targeting specific student's individual needs. This will inform instructional strategies and build bridges from previous learning to the new. In order to better prepare your child for the upcoming STAAR test, please use the strategies above as a resource. Thank you for all your continued support.
HJH College Day
Every 2nd Thursday of the month, students and staff are encouraged to wear college shirts to endorse education beyond high school. This month will be Thursday, April 11th. On this day, we can come together regardless of our college mascot and cheer on our students as they begin to prepare for their future.
HISD Community News
8th Grade Dance Info
The 8th Grade Dance is a month away! We are still taking donations if you would like to help. Our goal is to make this even free for our kids. A formal invitation and waiver will be emailed early April. If you placed an order for a shirt, they should be delivered in a couple weeks. Thank you so much for your help and we look forward to making wonderful memories! *Reminder, the 8th grade dance is for current Hallsville Junior High students ONLY.
How To Teach Your Teen To Use Self-Monitoring
What Is Self-Monitoring?
Self-Monitoring refers to how we understand our behaviors and how we adjust and make changes in the future. Self-monitoring behaviors can include both work-checking behaviors (reviewing mistakes, fixing errors, etc.) and social behaviors (responding to social norms, situational awareness, apologizing). Self-monitoring can also refer to a behavior intervention technique used with diverse learners to help them record and monitor their behavior as part of changing some aspect of their own responding. In this article, we review how you can teach your teen to use this type of self monitoring technique. Click here to read about the benefits of self-monitoring and the steps.
How to stay motivated for the rest of the school year!
How can you stay motivated? Here’s some tips on how to stay motivated so you can finish off the school year strong!
1. Participate in class It’s important to try your best and put in some effort to participate and join class discussions. When you engage in the classroom, it helps you stay focused and interested in learning the material. Participating in class will also help in forming better relationships with your teachers and classmates! It also makes your learning experience that much better!!
2. Keep positive & practice positive self-talk. When you think positively, it will result in positive actions and outcomes. Try to surround yourself with positive people who support you and make you happy. Practicing positive self-talk will help with reducing any stress and anxiety!
3. Practice self-care Make sure that you are getting enough sleep at night, engaging in healthy eating habits, and drinking enough water! Try to include some physical activity in your everyday routine. Most importantly, take care of yourself and do things that make you happy!!
Self-Care for Teens
Learning how to utilize important self-care tools can help children, teens, and young adults better manage their mental health and wellness. While self-care can look different for everyone, here are 4 simple categories that can help teens focus on their mental health: Physical, Emotional, Social, Spiritual.
Student Aide Applications
Incoming 8th Graders: If you are interested in applying for Student Aide next year, please scan the QR code or use the link to submit the Student Data form. Grades, attendance, tardies, behavior, and responses on the student data form will be considered. Submit the Student Data form by Friday, April 12th.
April is alcohol awareness month
Statistically, almost 40% of 8th graders report having tried some form of alcohol AND over 60% say that alcohol is easy to get (according to National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism).
With guidance, our young people of Hallsville will grow up to accomplish incredible goals. If you have any concerns about underage alcohol use or need a starting point to open the conversation, please see the links below or call our local Community Healthcore at 1-800-832-1009.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Always reach out with any questions or concerns.
–Nurse Holt
Email: aholt@hisd.com
Phone: 903-668-5990, ext 2042
Medicine
Any medication to be administered to a student must be brought to the school by the parent/guardian in the new, original container. Please do not put medicine in a sandwich bag with a note and send it to school with your child or expect that your child can keep medication in their backpack. You may come to school and administer medication directly to your student if you do not wish to leave any in the nurse's office. The “Medication Consent” form must be completed and signed by the parent and physician for any prescription medicine to be administered during school hours.
Student Pick-Up
With the onset of allergy/cold/flu season, please make prompt arrangements to pick up your child when the school notifies you that your child is ill. Pick-up should be in less than one hour. We completely understand when there are times when a parent is out of town, is not allowed to leave work, etc., but please make sure there is someone who can pick up your student when you are not available. Any person who is allowed to pick up your student should be added to their nurse contacts in Skyward. If your contact information changes, or anyone else's on file, remember to change it in Skyward.
Contact Info
We look forward to the many opportunities this new year will bring to further interact with you and care for your children as needed. We understand this time of year can get hectic and children begin to see symptoms of various illnesses. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me here at Junior High by phone or email.
–Nurse Holt
Email: aholt@hisd.com
Phone: 903-668-5990, ext 2042
Important Information
Parent Drop Off
In order to cut down on heavy traffic, please drop your student off and exit the campus through the stadium home parking lot to Rob Street. This will ensure that our vehicle overflow can efficiently move into the gym parking lot and all buses can move quicker in and out of Bobcat Lane to get students to their campus. Most of our bus drivers are campus teachers or support staff. This also ensures they can arrive at their campus quicker to prepare for their school day. Thanks for your support.
Restroom Policy
Tardy Policy
Tardies will be tracked cumulatively each 9 week grading period, with the following consequences in place for repeated tardies:
3rd tardy - 1 day of Lunch Detention
6th tardy - 2 days of Lunch Detention
9th tardy - 1 day of After School Detention
12th tardy - 2 days of After School Detention
15th tardy - 1 day of ISS
18th tardy - 2 days of ISS
19+ - Discretion of Campus Administration
Please discuss with your child the importance of punctuality as we are preparing students to be responsible with their time.
Click on the School Bus for HISD Transportation Services Information
House Bill 114 (HB 114)
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