Walking the Halls
By SHERIDA BARNES Rowe Principal

Each morning while walking the halls, I am routinely greeted by the smiling faces of fifth and sixth grade students who are eager and ready for a new day.

Their charismatic smiles and enthusiasm remind me of my purpose and personal mission as an educator, "Create an optimal learning environment for all students."

Such an environment is one that requires constant critiquing and reviewing to ensure that all is being done to promote a learner-centered atmosphere. The rigorous process of assessing data and reviewing students' performance has been conducted throughout the semester by teachers, administrators, and the Department of Instruction.

I am elated at the effort and diligence that have been put forth towards teaching the Texas Essential Elements, Knowledge, and Skills. The majority of the fifth and sixth grade students are scoring moderate to good on weekly assessments.

In fact, the Accelerated and GT students are scoring 80 percent and above on mock tests and benchmarks. I am proud of the hard work exemplified by the faculty and students. The diligence of many has laid the foundation for the upcoming February, March, and April assessments.

While the spring semester is just weeks away, I am pleased that Rowe will be beginning the new semester by implementing the Community Outreach Mentor Program.

Approximately 20 citizens of the community attended the interest meeting that was held on Nov. 9. Ideas, guidelines, and goals were discussed. The mission of the COMP is to help youth overcome the risk factors that can lead to educational failure and low self-esteem.

The next meeting will be held on Jan. 25. Ten mentors and mentees will begin meeting on a regular basis during the month of January. I hope to see the program grow and expand to serve ten percent of Rowe's at-risk students.

The Accelerated Reader Program is a computerized reading incentive program. Points are awarded when reading tests are successfully completed by students.

The AR Program is currently used by schools across the county and is a researchbased program that has shown remarkable results. I encourage all parents to stop by our library and review the AR collection of books with your child. Daily reading opens the door to imagination, comprehension, and success.

Our Odyssey of the Mind and University Interscholastic League teams are gearing up for competition. Rowe students will participate in upcoming competitions: 5th Grade UIL - Dec. 4 and 7; 6th Grade UIL - Jan. 23 and 25; OM - during the month of March

Rowe is celebrating the holiday season by composing Christmas greeting messages and cards during Discovery Time. The greeting cards will be shared with elderly citizens during the weeks of Dec. 11 and 18.

The Rowe Choir will conduct a caroling tour on Dec. 8th. The choir will perform at local banks, hospitals, nursing homes, and the Jasper School District boardroom. The choir will also conduct a night performance for parents on Dec. 5 in the cafeteria.

The performance will begin promptly at 7 p.m. The faculty and administrative team wish all citizens of Jasper a Merry Christmas.

Lastly, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the parents and community for the numerous gestures of support that have been rendered to Rowe during the 2006 Fall Semester.

Your presence, collaboration, and shared ideas continuously help to promote and provide an equitable, safe, and stimulating environment for all students. Thanks for all you do to support education and the boys and girls at Rowe.

"When parents and community are included in the process and valued as an educational asset, they become the magical piece to the puzzle. Things begin to fall in place!"