Walking the halls
By MERVIN CLEVELAND JJHS Principal

I extend season's greetings to you from the staff of Jasper Junior High School. It is amazing how quickly this first semester is passing. In just a few days, we will be out for the holiday season. This signals that the end of the first semester is quickly approaching. Because of the late starting of school this year, the first semester will end Jan.18.

Our athletic program has done well this semester. We are proud of our students for the effort they have put forth in the various extracurricular activities. Academically, we are constantly making changes to improve the success of our students on this year's TAKS tests. Teachers are reviewing the data from benchmark tests to evaluate the needs of the students. From this data, classes will be redesigned to better serve our students.

One simple thing that you can do for us over the holiday is to encourage your son/daughter to read and then quiz them a little on what they have read. A small exercise like this is not only important, but it is practice for the upcoming administration of the TAKS reading test.

The first test to be administered will be on March 4. The seventh grader students will be given the writing portion of the TAKS test; the eighth grader students will be given the reading portion of the TAKS test. It is important to keep in mind that this is the year that the state has mandated that an eighth grader must pass the TAKS tests in order to be promoted to the ninth grade.

We are not asking that you turn your student's holiday into a continuation of school or classroom routine, but at some time over the holiday season, please encourage him/her to keep in mind what has been successfully learned this semester.

Until I "Walk the Halls" with you again, I wish for you and yours a happy holiday.