October 28, 2019 Superintendent M essage

THOUGHTS FROM DR. BALLDear Judson ISD Team:

I hope that everyone had a great weekend. I know that the weekend goes by so fast when we are all so busy but I hope that everyone is taking time to take care of themselves. I have recently been thinking of the color that I will be painting my bedroom over the Thanksgiving Holidays. So, about now you?re probably thinking, ?why would I care about this?? Well it is because of the research that I have done on how your physical environment effects your mood. Just as I want my bedroom environment to feel calm, relaxing, and soothing, we all want certain emotions for our environments.

So, I started thinking about campus environment and how that can make us feel. Could it play a larger role than we think on student success? Student achievement is often viewed from only the perspective of the strength of the curriculum and the quality of the teachers. However, study after study demonstrates that school environment has a huge impact on engagement, grades, teacher tenure, and even community satisfaction. In addition, there?s an effect on student behavior. Studies show a relationship between the physical learning environment and how students act. The Broken Window Theory states that physical disorder, such as broken windows, run-down buildings, sterile, and bland environments leads to bad behavior and disorderly conduct. School environments that are not welcoming, encouraging, and stimulating could be a cause of poor student behavior in the classroom. It sounds superficial, but research shows that schools that create a stimulating environment have the power to improve the teaching and learning environment. Higher grades have even been associated with how the school looks.

So you can imagine what I did next after reading that research. I went to look at some of our schools. Let me tell you, I was so impressed with what I saw at many of our campuses. These pictures feature Masters Elementary School! WOW!!!! It looks amazing down the hallways! Thank you teachers for doing such a great job and thank you to the many that create beautiful places for our students.

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

www.judsonisd.org

Riding a bicycle is such an important and developmental skill that helps kids with balance, coordination and gets them outside for fresh air and exercise. The Judson ISD Bike Rodeo supports that and encourages students to keep riding no matter what their skill level is. So at Rutledge Stadium each fall, the best riders from around the district converge on the stadium parking lot to showcase their skills and cheer each other on in the process. There were plenty of parents and family members on hand as well to give them some last-second pointers and just provide support as they maneuver through each course. A big thank you goes out to all the volunteers who helped the kids out and made it a fun event. JISD Athletic Director Ryanne Dupree did a great job once again in

orchestrating the event.

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

www.judsonisd.org

Saddl e Up!I t ' s T h e JI SD B i k e Ro d e o !

CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS INCLUDING STUDENTS

WHO PLACED

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

October is Nat ional Pr incipal's Month and the Judson Educat ion Foundat ion's t iming is perfect for t his recognit ion. JEF doesn' t just give scholarships to students and grants to innovat ive teachers. While those awards are great , pr incipals also have some innovat ive ideas and init iat ives that just need a lit t le ext ra funding apart from their campus budget . So that 's where the JEF Pr incipal Grants come in. Applicat ions were solicit ed and received and at a recent Pr incipals' meet ing, t he big checks were announced and delivered. $21,600 worth of grant money was awarded and will be put t o work on var ious projects and resources. Congratulat ions to all t hese pr incipals for being selected and those who were not , please keep an eye out for next year 's applicat ions because you could be the next campus leader holding a huge check. CLI CK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND WI NNERS

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

www.judsonisd.org

Judson ISD & the Judson Education Foundation (JEF) is seeking a design for our 2020 fiesta medal. The Judson Education Foundation raises money to fund student scholarships, teacher & principal grants.

This is a great way for students to show their talent in art and design. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd will be awarded and presented before the JISD Board of Trustees. The contest is open to all JISD high school students to use their creativity and artful eye in submitting their entry.

For rules and guidelines along with a submission link CLICK HERE.

2019 w inning JISD Fiest a Medal. Design by Judson HS st udent Gabr iel

Pr ice.

Judson Educa tion Founda tion

FIESTA M edal Cont est

Kar li Sit t on and Barbara Sm ejkal were just t wo of

t he pr incipals receiving

t housands of dollars in grant m oney

G r ant s For Pr inc ipa ls

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

If your student feels like tuit ion is a barrier to cont inuing their educat ion in college, then this is a program for you. Alamo Colleges has launched this f irst phase of Alamo Promise to 25 area schools in Bexar County that provides funding to cover the cost of tuit ion for the f irst two years of at tending any of the f ive Alamo College campuses. Wagner and Judson students were challenged by Dr. Ball to be the f irst campus to reach 100% signing up. There will be a big prize for reaching the mark.

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

Judson

W agner

A Reason To Celebr ate!

SAVE YOUR SEAT NOW

SEE JISD's ALAMO PROMISE VIDEO

470 Seniors

384 Seniors299 Signups

310 Signups

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

www.judsonisd.org

JISD Band Ex t r av aganza!

It was an absolutely perfect evening for an outdoor concert at Rutledge Stadium. The 9th year for the JISD Band Extravaganza was a wonderful spectacle of marching and musical precision from the high school students. At the same time, the middle school musicians showed their great talent and potential that will be flowing to the next level very soon.

Each comprehensive high school took to the field and executed their show productions and the five middle schools performed in concert form on the stadium track for everyone to hear.

A big thank you to Fine Arts Director Keith Witt for organizing the event and of course all the campus band directors who work with these students each day helping them develop as musicians and grow in their appreciation of musical performance.

MORE PHOTOS

National School Bus Safety Week

This is National School Bus Safety Week and we love our bus drivers. They drive our precious cargo to their schools and back home every day as safely as possible. But that takes the coordination of so many people. There were several activities this week that showed the district appreciation for these important members of the JISD family. That included a hamburger cookout for a midweek lunch this week and a pancake and waffle breakfast that started their day off with a big sugar rush! The week was capped off by words of thanks from Transportation Director Kenneth Johnson and Deputy Superintendent of Operations Rob Fields. As you can see Mr. Ballard is quite the cook too.

The bottom line is these individuals who are behind the wheel are not just drivers, but people who care about kids and take

great care in what they do because it matters.

BONUS PHOTOS

They Drive Our Future

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

Is there someone you

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

www.judsonisd.org

Get Your STEM ON!STEM Day 2019 was hosted at Judson Middle School and there were all sorts of hands-on activities for all ages to experience. The event each year is a partnership between Judson ISD and Congressman Henry Cuellar's office to stoke the fires of STEM interest and participation. Students in and outside of the Judson ISD footprint were invited to see what is new in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math that can connect them to their interests, passions, and even a future profession. There is a whole world of

STEM that will not only have a place for each student, but the connection of students to STEM will fuel the technology and science advancements for the future.

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

www.judsonisd.org

Dig For A CureDig For A Cure is a special event each year t hat

m at ches up t wo of t he high school volleyball

t eam s for a fundraiser m at ch. Wit h t he t hem e

of "Thrashing Cancer ," t he com pet it ion was held

at Wagner High School as t he T-Birds t ook on t he

Pat r iot s in a great m at ch. The crowd was

t reat ed t o a very com pet it ive cont est w it h t he

Pat r iot s com ing out on t op t h is t im e around.

The real w inners t hough are t hose who w il l be

helped by funds raised by t he event . Those who

have been lost t o breast cancer were

rem em bered and t hose who have survived were celebrat ed. The Texas Wings Organizat ion

received a check for $1,000 dollars w it h possibly m ore com ing in f rom t he event t o help

suppor t t hose who are f ight ing t he bat t le.

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

Sign Up For The

J E F W obbl e n ' G obbl e

Cal endar

November 11t hDistr ict Holiday Veteran's Day

Distr ict Showcase 5:30-7:30 pm @ Copper f ield ES

Oct ober 29t h

HERE'S THE FLYER

HERE'S THE SIGN UP FORM

Oct ober 29t hCollege Fair 6-7:30 pm

@Veterans Memor ial HS

November 21stJISD Regular Board Meeting

ERC Boardroom 6 p.m.