Walking the halls
By MERVIN CLEVELAND

Happy New Year from the staff and student body of Jasper Junior High School. I would like to once again invite you to come with me as we walk the halls of the Junior High campus. The students returned from the Christmas holidays ready to begin highly intense work designed to prepare them for the upcoming TAKS tests.

On Feb. 20, our seventh graders with be administered the TAKS test in writing. I encourage all parents of a seventh grader to have your son/daughter write for you, to show you the skills that have been taught to him/her in the English class. I believe the old saying that "practice makes perfect." This is an activity that the parent can do to help the school prepare your student to be successful.

Keep in mind, also, that JISD Parent Mini- Conference will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 5-8 p.m. at Jasper High School. The information that will be given out will be valuable to you in maintaining the partnership between the home and the school.

On Jan. 16, the junior high will begin its tutorial program. This program will be held after school from 3:20- 4:20 p.m. The main purpose is to give the students the extra help they will need to be successful not only on the TAKS tests but in completing daily class work as well.

Parents will be notified by their student's teacher of the days that it will be important for the student to attend these sessions. Each department will host a tutorial session. Please encourage your student to take advantage of these opportunities for extra help. Our students can only be successful when the school and the home work together.

On Jan. 23 and 25, our school will be participating in UI competition in Bridge City, Texas. We wish the participants, along with their sponsors, the best of luck. I know they will do well in representing Jasper ISD and this campus.

I ask that you keep in contact with the school on the progress of your student. Call, e-mail, come by, or visit your student's class by way of "family access" on the JISD web site (www.jasperisd.net)

Remember our campus is always open to you for visitation. Until we walk the hall again, keep encouraging your student to do his/her best. Tell them that success only comes before work in the dictionary.