November 18, 2019 Superintendent M essage

THOUGHTS FROM DR. BALLDear Judson ISD Team:

I hope that each of you had a wonderful weekend. For many, this weekend was full of football games, making shopping lists for the upcoming Thanksgiving meals, and some of you are way ahead of me and already Christmas shopping. I spent time reflecting on the many great people and students in our district.

This past month I had the marvelous opportunity to enjoy two full days on campuses. My first experience was at Wagner in which I had the opportunity to co-teach with Danice Boyette, the amazing Culinary Arts Teacher. If you do not know this special lady, you are missing out. The entire day she was on her feet and smiled 100% of the time. If she ever got tired, I could not tell. She made the class so much fun, engaging, and interesting. She has this special way with students that pull them into learning while having fun. The class welcomed me and made me feel so special. That quickly drew me into the work that involved a litt le bit of everything.? washing dishes, making macaroni and cheese, and making Kool-Aid, which the students are experts at making. I have not had Kool-Aid since living in my childhood home. There is a particular class period that makes the best Kool-Aid, but that secret will be between Ms. Boyette and myself. It was one of the BEST days that I have had in a long time. The students in her classes are amazing. I sincerely thank them for making me feel like I was the best chef in the world. I will cook for them any time.

Another amazing day was the day I spent at Coronado Village Elementary. The staff and students were amazing. I immediately got to help with discipline issues, conduct an ARD meeting, provide lunch coverage, conduct lunch duty, and after school duty. The staff at Coronado Village Elementary welcomed me with open-arms and allowed me to help. I sincerely thank the staff for all they do.

These two days truly meant a lot to me because I got to see in action what I already know. We have staff that go above and beyond every day. Staff that smiles and provides amazing learning environments even when they?re pulled in many directions or going through long stretches without a break. I know that these are just two campuses but they are an example of all our campuses.

Thank you for all you do!!! God bless you!

For more news and information about Judson ISD visit us on the web at

www.judsonisd.org

One of t he biggest events of t he year in Judson I SD is being planned and organized and we want you to be a part of it . I t 's t he annual Wobble N' Gobble 5K Fun Run and Thanksgiving Feast .

Regist rat ion for t he race is already underway and the numbers look to be bigger this year after a successful inaugural run last year.

And of course, t here's the Gobble part ...The Thanksgiving Communit y Feast . Click on the links above.

For more news and information about Judson ISD visit us on the web at

www.judsonisd.org

Last Chance To Sign Up!!

J E F W obbl e n ' G obbl e

HERE'S THE FLYER

HERE'S THE SIGN UP FORM

For more news and information about Judson ISD visit us on the web at

www.judsonisd.org

It 's not very unusual for a student from Judson Early College Academy to receive scholarships from any given college or university, but that 's typically related to academics. It is unusual, in fact, this is the first-ever, for a JECA student to be awarded an athletic scholarship. JECA senior Aleesha Orange signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the Angelo State University Rams (San Angelo) next year.

When Aleesha made the decision to go to Judson Early College Academy, she elected to not play high school basketball in the usual way because of the academic demands of attending an early college school. But she pursued her basketball talents playing club ball and she still drew the attention of ASU recruiters offering her a full-ride athletic scholarship. What a story! She intends on studying Business Marketing at Angelo State when she enrolls. Congratulations to her!

JECA's First Ever At hl et ic Signing

The Auto Tech program at Judson High School has developed some great relationships that have helped the program to really grow and help students in this high demand industry. Jordan Ford is a big player in this growth. Jordan Ford CFO Mike Trompeter and Service Manager Roy Kaeo, a Judson High School alumnus came to talk with the students in this magnet program about the many opportunities available for them in the industry and at the Jordan dealership.

Many of these students are in the process of completing the ASE Ford certifications and modules and will soon be ready to walk into the workplace with confidence.

We thank Jordan Ford, Mr. Trompeter and Mr. Kaeo and Mr. Marc Cross for their support of our students and the Auto Tech program that is directed by Mr. Serio Salinas.

Judson-Jor dan For d Par tner ship

Is there someone you see or work with that you look up to

as a example of working well with others and going the extra mile for students, parents and staff? That 's what we call a great candidate for JISD Employee of the Month. We

want to know about it. The deadline is coming up for June nominations so go ahead, submit yours. Click below.

For more news and information about Judson ISD visit us on the web at

www.judsonisd.org

We Want Your Feedback Judson ISD embarked on developing a five year strategic plan. This process was done in a very comprehensive and collaborative manner. Several committees were developed to allow stakeholders to give input in a way that will help Judson ISD move from good to great. To see the full Strategic Plan draft just CLICK HERE.

We are coming to the end of the process and will be taking the plan for board approval at the February Board Meeting. We would like to provide one more opportunity for individuals to give input, ask questions and share ideas. You can give your input by CLICKING HERE. All comments, suggestions and questions must be received by December 13, 2019 in an effort to make sure that it is all completed.

STRATEGIC PLAN DRAFT YOUR INPUT HERE

Wagner has always had a great basketball tradition among the boys and girls, and that tradition continues. Colleges continue to recruit T-birds because they perform well on the court, but also in the classroom. The latest example is Wagner senior Ceyenne Mass who signed a letter of intent to attend UTSA next year and play Roadrunner Basketball.

She was joined by family, friends, and coaches to bask in the glow of the signing and seeing where her future is going to take her. We congratulate her and wish her the best through the season this year and on to the next level at UTSA!

Wagner Basketball Star Going To UTSA

JISD St rat egic Planning Draf t For Public Review

The journey that Judson High School student Bryce Wisdom is walking is sobering yet inspiring. His battle with cancer will take him through numerous treatments that, in themselves, will take him through physical and mental ups and downs. Through it all he has shown incredible courage while his family and friends support him and do what they can to encourage him.

That support has spread like wildfire throughout Judson ISD and beyond. In fact, it has caught the attention of such syndicated national shows like the Kelly Clarkson show seen here in San Antonio on FOX 29. Take a look at the interview she conducted with Dr. Ball and Judson High School Principal Jesse Hernandez.

For more news and information about Judson ISD visit us on the web at

www.judsonisd.org

JISD Support of Bryce Goes

Little Culinary Students Our Culinary Arts program at Wagner is a great example of students working together, but recently we saw them working with some younger students...alot younger. They're from the Wagner Day Care Program. You can tell they love to get cooking!

Nat ional !

CLICK HERE

Is there someone you see or work with that you look up to

as a example of working well with others and going the extra mile for students, parents and staff? That 's what we call a great candidate for JISD Employee of the Month. We

want to know about it. The deadline is coming up for June nominations so go ahead, submit yours. Click below.

For more news and information about Judson ISD visit us on the web at

www.judsonisd.org

Author Reveals Her Writing Secrets To Students

Author Crystal Allen made a visit to Rolling Meadows 4th and 5th graders recently to teach them the secrets of writing like a real author. Her visit included a challenge for them to participate in what is called the Strikewriters Contest based on a competition in one of her books. More than 100 students participated and 15 winners were selected. Ms. Allen returned later after the contest to participate in the awards and provided a personally addressed packet for each student writer containing a Strikewriters membership card and tons of great feedback and encouragement for each student. What a great event. A big thank you to Ms. Allen for her time and efforts and all the 4th and 5th grade teachers who made this happen.

Patr iot ROTC Presents Colors At Converse

There are so many events and ceremonies that include the Presentation of the Colors and our high schools are always so good in helping out with this. Recently, the Veterans Memorial ROTC presented the colors at a Converse City Council meeting. They really did add an extra air of dignity to the meeting before the presence of Mayor Suarez, the Converse City Council, and the citizens attending.

It was the "Battle of the Brains". Our four Judson ISD high schools competed in the second annual Battle of the Brains where we crowned a district champion in the Academic Decathlon. This year the team from JECA walked away the winner.

Each student competed in seven events showcasing their knowledge in the areas of mathematics, music, economics, art, science, social studies, and literature. The competition ended with a game show style team event called Super Quiz where nine students from each team compete in groups of three, relay style, to see which team can answer the most questions correctly. Students competed in either the Varsity, Scholastic, or Honors Division and awards were given to the top three in each division for each event. Judson, Wagner, Veterans Memorial, and JECA all did an outstanding job at this year 's competition.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RESULTS

For more news and information about Judson ISD visit us on the web at

www.judsonisd.org

The Judson High School Mariachi group has been keeping their bags and their instruments packed all the time lately with numerous performances. They recently received an invitation to perform in Austin at the William B. Travis Building for the State Board of Education.

They received the official letter from the Texas Education Agency in October and have been performing at various other events leading up to the Austin appearance to stay sharp.

Congratulations to the group and their instructor Mr. Robert Sabo.

The Judson High School Mar iachis at t he Travis Building in Aust in

Bat t l e o f Th e Br ains

Judson MariachisGroup performs for State Board of Education

JECA Team Tak es Fi rst Place

Judson

Vet erans Mem or ial

Wagner

Is there someone you see or work with that you look up to

as a example of working well with others and going the extra mile for students, parents and staff? That 's what we call a great candidate for JISD Employee of the Month. We

want to know about it. The deadline is coming up for June nominations so go ahead, submit yours. Click below.

For more news and information about Judson ISD visit us on the web at

www.judsonisd.org

Take a look at how the Alamo Promise "Save Your Seat" campaign is going. While both schools have been neck and neck in gett ing to the 100 percent mark of senior signups, Wagner has reached the goal f irst . Dr. Ball will announce what the prize is very soon, but what an incredible program this is.

I t 's a huge reason t o be a par t o f Judson ISD now more t han ever !

A Reason To Celebr ate!

The sign-up f inish l ine

SEE JISD's ALAMO PROMISE VIDEO

Judson I SD is very for tunate to be able to offer students different opt ions for graduat ing from high school. Judson Learning Academy (JLA), in partnership with Judson I SD is funded by the Simon Youth Foundat ion (SYF). SYF helps fund high schools across the count ry. Our very own JLA was the very f irst f lagship high school. This year marks the 20th year anniversary of Simon Youth Foundat ion, so the nat ional convent ion was held r ight in San Ant ion and it highlighted our very own JLA.

The f ive-day event featured our own Ms. Shuler from JLA as a convent ion presenter and f ive JLA students, Jose Barrera Rios, Robert Dippie, Julian Ort iz, Jazmin Padilla, and Niah Reece who gave presentat ions to the SYF Board of Directors. I t was an except ional achievement when SYF announced that out of all t he SYF schools, JLA had maintained the longest 100% graduat ion rate. Ms. Oliver, t he or iginal proponent and founder of t his new approach to educat ion, at tended all t he events and was honored not only as the founder of JLA, but also revered as someone who developed a totally dif ferent and unique concept of educat ion with no boundar ies that has since t ransformed thousands of lives. What a profound example has been set by one of our own in Bever ly Oliver, and what a challenge to each of us? How can I make a difference?

For more news and information about Judson ISD visit us on the web at

www.judsonisd.org

Judson Learning AcademyCal endar

November 21st

Thanksgiving Break Student/Staff Holiday

November 24- 29

JISD Regular Board Meeting ERC Boardroom 6 p.m.

December 2ndCur r iculum Board Advisor y Meeting 6-7:15pm at JECA

Commons

Jingle Bell Jamboree 9 am-3 pm at Judson

High School

December 7t h

December 20t hStudent Ear ly Release

Ms. Schuler presenting at conference

Celebrat ing Learning For All St udent s