.

Dear Bowie Junior High Parents and Guardians,

As we move through the first few months of school, I want to share how proud I am of our students and staff. We have had a great start to the year, and I appreciate the support and partnership we continue to receive from our BJH families.

A few highlights from the beginning of the year:

• A Great Start: Our students have settled in well, and we are seeing a positive attitude across campus. We are continuing to hold high expectations while making sure students know they are supported and cared for.

• Sixth Grade Transition: Our sixth graders have made a tremendous transition to junior high. We are seeing growth academically, socially, and emotionally as they become part of the #ourhouse family.

• New Staff & Staff Culture: Our new teachers and staff members have joined a strong team. Our paraprofessionals continue to play an important role in supporting students and teachers every day.

• Parent Partnership: Our Meet the Teacher event and parent meetings have received great feedback. Please keep reaching out with questions or concerns. We want to work with you and your child.

• Attendance Matters: Missing even one day each week can mean missing approximately 25% of the instructional week. Our goal is for BJH to reach an average attendance rate of 97% this year. This goal matters because attendance truly matters for our students' academic growth.

• Academic UIL: Our academic UIL coaches met with interested students last week. Practices have begun, and teams will be determined soon. Students can enter a variety of events for the competition. Please encourage your child to take advantage of this opportunity. We are excited to get to work defending our UIL championship on December 4th.

• Campus Events: We have enjoyed our Fall Book Fair, Homecoming activities, and other opportunities to bring our school community together. Thank you for helping make these events successful.

Most importantly, thank you for trusting us with your children. We know that educating students is a partnership between home and school, and we are grateful to have you on this journey with us.

We are off to a great start, and I am excited about what this year will bring. Thank you for being part of #ourhouse!

Jeneanne Fleming
Principal, Bowie Junior High

This graphic represents an emphasis at BJH this year. Mrs. Fleming has challenged the staff to use these four specific words as a response or callback when addressing students. It is our hope that learning what these words mean and their importance in a teenager's growth and development can help a student become a better person. We feel that when a child understands resiliency, or knowing how to continue when things get difficult, the child will meet obstacles with better outcomes. Knowing what it means to live with integrity and knowing that doing the right thing even when no one is watching is a character trait to take pride in as a child or an adult. Learning the importance of service, or taking opportunities to help others here at school, will translate into a more inviting and safe environment for our students. Finally, excellence. The desire to always improve is a trait we encourage in every aspect of students' lives. The students are encouraged to focus on one of these character education words as we take time for our daily moment of silence. If our students leave Bowie Junior High with at least these four "tools" in their belt, we hope they can be the positive change we hope to see in our world.

At BJH, students are rewarded for positive behaviors with Rabbit Rewards/PBIS points through a digital platform. Students can check their balances using their Class Link login, and at the end of each nine weeks, they get to "spend" their points at the Rabbit Rewards Store during lunches. This is a historically a student favorite day in the cafeteria!

Students can also use their points to participate in or watch competitive activities, many of which end with students trying their luck against staff members in a championship game. These are some of our staff’s favorite days, too, because the gym is filled with smiles as we celebrate the positive choices and behaviors we have seen throughout the nine weeks.

Now, this is where our families can help! We would LOVE any and all donations for our Rabbit Rewards Store. Consider adding a variety bag of chips or a box of full-size candy bars to your grocery order and sending them to BJH. While our students love the tangible rewards, keeping the store stocked can be costly, and any donation your family can provide is greatly appreciated.

Some of our students’ most requested items include Takis, soft drinks, snack cakes, and full-size candy bars—both chocolate and sour varieties.

Our first Rabbit Rewards Store is scheduled for next week. Donations can be sent to the BJH office. Thank you in advance for helping us celebrate and reward our students!

The PSAT 8/9 is being offered to any interested 8th graders on Friday, October 16th, at BJH. The PSAT 8/9 is the foundation for the SAT Suite, establishing a readiness baseline and providing early insight into students’ core reading, writing, and math skills. It is recommended that any student who is entertaining furthering their education post high school take the test. It is a good introduction to these types of exams. The October 16th test will begin promptly at 8:30. Students may report to the front office between 8:00-8:25. The deadline to register is Wednesday, October14th. This test is provided at no cost to the student's family.

Use this link to sign up: https://forms.gle/4zJrYhL5ufPhQGBF8