New year reminder to strive for excellence
By DR. DEAN MILLER Jasper High School Principal

I don't know about you, but I have always enjoyed looking forward to the new year. A new semester begins and gives everyone a fresh start. I do not make resolutions, but the new year reminds me to work harder in order to accomplish the goals that I have set for the school year.

Graduation will be here sooner than we would like for it to arrive. There are many things to do and just a short time to do them. Students have a fresh start this year and need to stay focused on making the grade.

We have a parent conference day (PCD) scheduled for Feb. 26, and we would love to see all of our parents on that day. This is a time for all parents to schedule a conference with teachers to discuss their child's progress in each class.

In the fall, the PCD was a huge success throughout district, and we are looking forward to having more parents at the spring conference day. We will send a personal invitation the week before as a reminder.

If your child is bored and needs something to do, we have many opportunities for after school involvement.

This spring we have basketball, softball, baseball, track, power lifting, golf, rodeo team, U.I.L. academics, debate, FFA, skills USA, FCCLA, HOSA, oneact play, DECA, Leo club, Key club, Anchor club, FCA, band, student council, tennis, and soccer.

Out of all of these activities, there is something that should interest those students looking for something worthwhile to occupy their time.

I did not get involved in extracurricular activities until the spring of my senior year in high school, but I had so much fun that I regretted not becoming involved sooner. Speaking from personal experience, if you let the opportunity to participate go by, it may not be available in the future.

I want to thank all of our teachers, parents, and students who are participating in committees to improve Jasper High School as a place where all students have the opportunity to be successful in the classroom. These individuals are truly committed to the success of our students, which will lead to success after graduation when they enter the real world of work.

I think our vision statement, which was formed by a committee of teachers, parents, students, and community members, best sums up what we want Jasper High School to be:

"All Jasper High School students, as members of an active community of learners in pursuit of excellence, will be challenged to reach their highest goals and dreams. All members of this learning community, students, parents, teachers, administrators and our society, will strive for consistent standards and accountability in a safe, challenging environment, achieving Bulldog pride - Go Dawgs!!"

I hope this new year will be the best year yet for the Jasper community and the

students at Jasper High 70139304.BJPS 1/5/07 8:

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