Irons Junior High Parent Newsletter
October 2026
Hey, Hawk Family!
Hello, October! Not only are we looking forward to cooler weather, but we are also excited about all that is to come this month at Irons Junior High. It’s hard to believe we are already entering October- the school year is moving quickly, and our Hawks continue to make us proud!
October will be a busy and exciting month filled with opportunities for our students to learn, grow, connect, and show their Hawk pride. As we continue through the fall semester, we remain focused on providing a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where every student can be successful.
Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support of Irons Junior High. We appreciate our families and the important role you play in our school community. We’re looking forward to a great October and all the wonderful moments ahead for our Hawks!
Dr. Olivia Thorne
Principal, Irons Junior High
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: Irons Junior High, Conroe ISD
Instagram: @ironsjhcisd
Mr. Oyervides & Mrs. Larkins
Last Names: A-Go
Dr. Bishop & Mrs. Meza
Last Names: Gr-N
Ms. Heatherly & Mr. Hardy
Last Names: O-Z
The Academy for Careers in Engineering and Science (ACES)
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.
IJHS Counseling Newsletter
CAST SPOTLIGHT:
Behind the Scenes with the Crew!
Every great production has an amazing crew working behind the scenes—and Hawk Studios is no exception!
Our IJHS counseling team has been busy throughout September supporting students, partnering with teachers and staff, and making sure every Hawk knows who we are, where to find us, and how we can help.
From classroom visits and character development to mental-health awareness and individual student check-ins, our counselors have been working behind the scenes to help our students learn, connect, grow, and thrive.
🎬 Let's roll the September highlights with the Recap!🎞️
What Happened Behind the Scenes?
⭐ CHARACTER SPOTLIGHT: Our Texas Standard Character Traits for the first nine weeks are:
🎬 RESPECT
🎬 RESPONSIBILITY
Throughout September, students participated in weekly in-class discussions focused on what these character traits look and sound like in their everyday lives.
IJHS Students and all around the district had an opportunity to spotlight and celebrate the importance of character through Texas Standard Day on September 16, 2026.
💛 SEPTEMBER WAS ABOUT CONNECTION
Suicide Prevention Month
September gave us an important opportunity to remind students that asking for help is a strength—not a weakness.
Throughout the month, students heard weekly suicide-prevention announcements, and suicide-prevention posters were displayed throughout the school.
🎤 SPECIAL GUEST: Nathan Harmon
On September 9, students in PE and General Employability classes during 6th period heard from Nathan Harmon, who spoke with students about resiliency and getting help from trusted individuals. He is an international youth motivational speaker, evangelist, and the founder of the organization Your Life Speaks.
👋 R U OK?
On September 23, our counselors visited Health classes to talk with students about “R U OK?”
The message was simple: R U OK?
Three little words can open the door to an important conversation.
Students were encouraged to use these words to check in with friends and connect people who may be struggling with a trusted person who can help.
💡 PARENT TIP
Ask your student: “R U OK?”
And then give them time to talk.
Sometimes the most important conversation starts with three simple words.
🌎 HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15, and IJHS has been recognizing the month through:
📢 Daily announcements
📚 Resources shared with Spanish teachers
🖥️ A presentation shared with students that includes one-pager spotlights featuring Hispanic figures who have made an impact on history
🎥 MINUTE MEETINGS
One of our biggest September productions was our Minute Meetings!
Our counselors visited every history class at IJHS and connected with every student through brief, intentional one-on-one check-ins.
The goal?
🎬 Identify students who may need additional academic support
🎬 Identify students who may need social-emotional support
🎬 Identify students who may need behavioral support
🎬 Make sure every student knows who their counselor is
🎬 Make sure students know how to contact their counselor
🎬 Make sure students know where the counseling offices are located
☕ COFFEE WITH COUNSELORS
The counseling crew isn't just supporting students—we're supporting the adults who serve them, too!
Coffee with Counselors is offered on the last Friday of each month for teachers and staff to:
☕ Connect
☕ Learn
☕ Grow professionally
☕ Refuel
Our September gathering featured Ashley Wright, district mental health specialist, LSSSCA (Lone Star State School Counselor Association) president, author, and nationally known presentation speaker.
She presented:
“Beyond the Behavior: Understanding What Students May Be Communicating.”
🎬 OCTOBER: COMING SOON!
🍿 Grab Your Popcorn…There's More to Come!
🛑 NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and we'll be bringing awareness to the importance of creating a school community where students feel safe, connected, and supported.
UNITY DAY-Wear Orange Day!!! October 21, 2026
Look for more information as we celebrate Unity Day!
🦸 RED RIBBON WEEK
October 23–31, 2026
Our Hawks will be joining schools across the country in recognizing Red Ribbon Week.
🎬 THIS YEAR'S THEME: “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.”
Stay tuned for more information and activities coming your way!
🎓 Hawk University
COMING SOON…
🎞️ Some exciting topics are currently loading…
Our counseling department is working behind the scenes to bring families opportunities to learn, connect, and grow together.
Stay tuned!
More information about the Parent Education Series is coming soon.
🎥 FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
As you can see, the cast has been working hard behind the scenes!
Our counseling team is committed to serving our students, faculty, staff, and the community at large. September was filled with opportunities to connect, encourage, educate, and support—and we're excited about what's coming next.
Thank you for being an important part of the Hawk Studios production!
🦅 Together, we're making excellence the main feature.
Lights. Camera. Excellence!
— The IJHS Counseling Crew 🎬
Irons Jr. High
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