Irons Junior High Parent Newsletter

Hey, Hawk Family!

Welcome to the September edition of the Irons Junior High Parent Newsletter! We have officially kicked off the 2026-2027 school year, and what an exciting start it has been! Our Hawks are settling into their routines, building relationships, and already showing us what it means to pursue excellence each day.

At Hawk Studios, our theme “Lights, Camera, Excellence.” continues to come to life as we encourage every student to take center stage, discover their strengths, and play an important role in our school community. As we move beyond the opening scenes of the school year, our focus remains on creating a campus where relationships come first, excellence is the expectation, and every Hawk has the opportunity to shine.

Inside this month’s newsletter, you’ll find important updates, upcoming events, campus reminders, and key dates to help your family stay connected throughout September. We encourage you to review the information and continue partnering with us to ensure our students have a successful school year.

Thank you to our incredible Hawk families for helping us start the year on such a positive note. We are excited about what is ahead and look forward to a September filled with learning, growth, school spirit, and opportunities to celebrate our students.

The cameras are rolling, our STARS are shining, and the show is just getting started. Lights, Camera, Excellence.

Dr. Olivia Thorne
Principal, Irons Junior High

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: Irons Junior High, Conroe ISD

Instagram: @ironsjhcisd

As we gear up for an incredible school year, we’re excited to introduce the dedicated administration and counseling team at Irons Junior High! Our team is committed to supporting every student, fostering a positive school culture, and partnering with families to ensure a successful year.

We are looking forward to building strong relationships, creating lasting memories, and helping all students soar to success. It’s going to be a great year at Irons. Go Hawks!

Principal: Dr. Olivia Thorne

Associate Principal: Mr. Joshua McDonald

Campus Secretary: Mrs. Ashley Witkowski

Assistant Principal (Gr-N): Dr. James Bishop

Assistant Principal (O-Z): Ms. Megan Heatherly

Assistant Principal (A-Go): Mr. Jesus Oyervides

Assistant Principal Secretary: Ms. Anahi Flores

School Counselor (A-Go): Mrs. Jan Larkins

School Counselor (Gr -N): Mrs. Sophia Meza

School Counselor (O-Z): Mr. John Hardy

Counselor Secretary: Mrs. Lily Deguzman

September 3rd - Theatre Parent Meeting (6:30PM)

September 4th - College Colors Day

September 7th - Labor Day (No School)

September 11th - Patriot Day/Texas First Responders

September 13th - Grandparents Day

September 15th - Hispanic Heritage Month Begins

September 15th - National IT Professionals Day

September 16th - Texas Standard Day/Pep Rally (Wear RED, WHITE, AND BLUE)

September 16th - Open House (6PM-7:50PM)

September 18th - Fall Pictures

**Sports schedules are further down in the newsletter**

The Academy for Careers in Engineering and Science (ACES) at Oak Ridge High School will be hosting two informational sessions for families with current 8th graders interested in applying to ACES for the Class of 2031. Both sessions will be held at the Oak Ridge High School 9th Grade Campus Cafeteria on September 28th and September 30th.

The sessions are identical, so it is only necessary to attend one of the dates.

6:30 p.m. – Informational Presentation

We encourage you to explore our website prior to attending to review the program, but we hope you will join us in person if possible. Both students and parents should attend.

Students zoned to the Oak Ridge, Grand Oaks, College Park, or The Woodlands feeder zones are eligible to apply to ACES.

ACES students will be visiting students during lunches prior to these informational meetings.

At Irons Junior High, we believe our teachers and staff deserve to be celebrated all year long! Our Staff Treasure Box is filled with fun surprises, treats, and small tokens of appreciation to recognize the incredible work they do each day.

Want to partner with us? Check out our Amazon Wishlist and help us stock the treasure box! Every item donated helps us remind our staff just how valued they are.

Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1O73B0RVPU2OO?ref_=wl_share

Thank you for helping us make this school year a true box office success! 🎬

Be on the Lookout! In the next few weeks, we will notify parents when MAP Growth Family Reports are available in Home Access Center (HAC). These reports will provide a summary of your student’s academic performance and growth based on their most recent MAP Growth assessment.

PSAT Testing - October 23

This year, Irons’ 8th grade Algebra & Geometry students will take the PSAT on Friday, October 23. This assessment helps prepare students for the SAT and provides valuable feedback on academic skills. More details about testing times, locations, and what to bring will be shared soon.

Please refer to the following website for any questions regarding free and reduced meals information or the application process. Changes have been made since last year. You must re-enroll every year in order to receive this assistance.

Free / Reduced Lunch Link

Free & Reduced Letter to Household 2026-2027

Free & Reduced Information-English

Free & Reduced Information-Spanish

In order to continue safety efforts, all students in Conroe ISD grades 7 -12, will be required to wear their school issued transportation Smart Tag student ID everyday. The ID’s must be worn on a lanyard or clipped on the front of their shirt and be visible. All 7th grade and 8th grade students will be given a new ID with the Irons logo the first week of school.

The CISD School Board policy supports HB 1481 stating electronic devices will be prohibited for the entire instructional day. Electronics should be off and away before the beginning of first period. This policy includes the hallways, the classrooms, and during lunch. Students may be on their phones after 4:05pm.

Please keep our Irons Junior High dress code in mind when purchasing school clothes. Choosing dress code-approved items now will help your student start the year confidently and avoid having to change clothes during the school day. We've included a quick visual guide below to make shopping easy. Thank you for helping us maintain a positive learning environment where the focus stays on learning!

It’s National Suicide Prevention Month, a time in which individuals, organizations and communities around the country join their voices to broadcast the message that everyone can play a role in suicide prevention. Every September, SAMSHA and NAMI recognizes Suicide Prevention Month as a time to bring awareness, hope and be the difference in helping to save lives. Let's break the stigma surrounding mental health. Remember, it's okay not to be okay sometimes.

This month:Start the conversation. Be the Difference.

Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives. Learn about behaviors that may be a sign that someone is thinking about suicide. For more information, visit https://go.nih.gov/cw9p2vx #shareNIMH

Nathan Harmon will be coming to Irons JHS to give a Message of Hope for Suicide Prevention during our 6th period PE classes and our General Employability classes. You can read more about Nathan Harmon’s website: https://www.yourlifespeaks.org/who-is-nathan

Come out, bring the energy, and show your Hawk pride as we cheer our Lady Hawks on to victory!

Student Reminder: All Irons JH students attending volleyball games must present their Irons Junior High student ID for entry.

Join us this season as we cheer on our Irons Hawks Football Team!

Student Reminder: All Irons JH students attending football games must present their Irons Junior High student ID for entry. Come out, show your Hawk pride, and help us cheer our Hawks on to victory!

Check out out the CISD Stadium Rules Below:

Come out and support our Irons Hawks Cross Country Team as they hit the course this season!

• ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE THEIR ID BADGE (they will receive them on the first day of school).
• If your student has their badge, sleeve, and lanyard from last year, please have them bring it to school on the first day.
• Students riding the bus will be dropped off in the back of the school. These students will then report to the cafeteria until they are dismissed to class at 8:35 AM.
• Students riding their bike may LOCK their bike at the bike racks.
• Car Riders - Please have patience and be nice to your neighbors. The red light at 242 and Needham Road can cause back ups.
• There will be several staff members to help you navigate through our car rider line.

• Irons JH begins dismissal at 4:05 PM.
• Car riders will be dismissed through the front doors at 4:05 PM.
• Car riders - follow the same procedure as arrival. Drive SLOWLY and look for your child. Pull all the way forward and allow your child to enter from the passenger side.
• Please do not cut or pass others in order to move to the front of the line.
• Bikers and walkers - will be dismissed around 4:10 PM.
• Bus riders - Will be called around 4:15 PM where they will dismiss through the back doors.
• At 4:20 PM - any remaining bus riders will be released to wait in the cafeteria.

During the first week of school, we will begin the dismissal process 5-10 minutes early. Please plan accordingly.

Conroe ISD requires students to dismount and walk their e-bikes and electric scooters while on all school campuses and district property

In accordance with Texas Education Code §26.0025, the Texas Education Agency Parental Rights Handbook and the Parental Rights Option Form are available for review. Please visit our District Policies, Handbooks, and Forms Page to access these documents.

Email: contactirons@conroeisd.net
Website: https://irons.conroeisd.net/
Location: 16780 Needham Road, Conroe, TX, USA
Phone: 936-709-8500

Facebook: Irons Junior High, Conroe ISD

Instagram: @ironsjhcisd