Walking the halls
By SHERIDA T. BARNES

The months of January and February are often thought of as months for reflection and goal setting. In the field of education, we usually think of these months as "check and balance" time. We are checking for attainment of knowledge and balancing the methods and strategies for teaching and learning. This time of year is definitely a time for focusing and narrowing the scope for excellence.

While walking the halls, the sights and sounds of checking and balancing are evident. Teachers are beginning to conduct tutorial sessions, students are focusing on specific learning objectives, benchmark and mock tests are being analyzed for strengths and weaknesses, and parents are meeting with teachers. I anticipate, as a result of the "checking and balancing", the majority of our students will reach the mark of successfully completing the semester and school year.

Parents can play an active role in the "check and balance" process by reviewing posted grades via Family Access. Family Access can be found on the web page for Jasper ISD (www. j a s p e r i s d . n e t ) Another indicator of student performance is the progress report that is routinely sent home the third week of each grading cycle. Progress reports will be sent home on Jan. 24. I am encouraging all parents to review your child's progress report. If your child is in need of improvement, schedule a conference with the teachers. If you notice that your child is receiving unsatisfactory conduct reports, please review the campus rules that are located in the Student Handbook with your child. When schools and parents work together, students have a greater potential for overall improvement.

Accelerated Reading points are up and recess is back (through a lunchtime reading program). Hats off to our AR achievers.

Another group of students that deserve a round of applause is the University Interscholastic League winners.

The sixth grade students will compete on Jan. 23 and 25. Good luck sixth graders.

A "Get to Know Your Mentor" session was conducted on Jan. 12. Ten students, who were recommended by classroom teachers, met with mentors for the first time. Students and mentors sat, talked about points of interest, and ate lunch while getting to know each other.

The mentors had positive things to say about the first session, and the students enjoyed the open-ended discussion. The mission of the mentor program is to help youth overcome the risk factors that can lead to educational failure.

The next Mentor Training and Interest Session will be held on Jan. 25. All adults interested in participating in the Rowe Mentor Program should contact Sherry Wilson at 384-4461.

As we press forward through the semester, be on the watch for TAKS Night

20% and GT Parent Sessions. Meetings will be scheduled to keep parents and the community abreast of student progress and expected performance.

These special events also serve as an opportunity for teachers, administrators, and parents to meet and build rapport. The work we do together to academically and socially grow our boys and girls is an ongoing task that can yield dividends for our students who will one day become productive adults.