Dear CJHS Community,
Spring has sprung! What a beautiful weekend we have had and a beautiful week ahead!
Art
Mrs. Churchill's art students have been very busy the past week! Her Art I students held an art show hosted by Lee Ann Dean & Gordon's downtown. Thank you to all of our community who came out to support our students! Their artwork was amazing! Art is very personal and our students were nervous to put their work out there while they were present. I heard this quote, "Life begins outside of your comfort zone." What a blessing this art show was at a timely time in their lives!
In addition, 4 art students participated in an art competition on Saturday in Amarillo. Two of the students earned top honors in their division! (see their pics below!)
- Selah Smith - Platinum Award
- Audrey Tracy - Platinum Award
- Claire Davis
- Katy Pierce
STAAR
This week we will have our first STAAR test of the season. I know that STAAR is not a popular subject (to be honest - it's not an educator's favorite subject either). However, since it's a state requirement - and we can't ignore it - I want to talk about what has been going on concerning STAAR at CJHS and what you can expect!
- I've had the incredible blessing to be in each classroom multiple times this year on our campus. You may wonder, what does a classroom with a STAAR test required look like day to day?
- Well...the STAAR test assesses our state required curriculum - which are the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). (You can view the TEKS here!). All subject levels must meet all of the TEKS for their subject/grade level!
- Since this is a test that assess what we are already required to teach - that means - students have been taught all of these things (and would have been taught them even if there was no STAAR test). So what have I seen?
- Poetry written by our 8th graders of various moods (IYKYK - spoken as an 8th grade mom myself)
- 7th graders taking all they have learned about the formulas of pyramids and spheres and PREDICTING the formula of cones (which they will learn in 8th grade)
- 7th graders teaching the difference between similes and analogies.
- 8th graders in a lab discovering how beaks have adapted due to the food sources available
- 6th graders reading "Summer of the Monkeys" and crying & laughing while discussing each character's description
- 7th graders predicting how the natural occurrences within the earth's crust will change the earth's surface 250 years from now.
- 8th graders researching civil war key figures in order to prepare for a Socratic Seminar where they can answer on behalf of the key figures.
- 6th grade students breaking down triangles in order to truly understand how the sides and angles relate and correspond.
- I could go on and on and on...
- Are we learning STAAR strategies? Why not?! If we are required to give a test and strategies can help ease their test anxiety - we will teach those strategies here and there! (And let's be honest...if YOU were to take a test...wouldn't YOU look up strategies to do better?? I know I do!!)
- One new strategy that has been FASCINATING is using AI to grade essays.
- AI grading was implemented last year for STAAR.
- Our teachers have been working with the students to look at their previous STAAR short and long constructed responses and their rubric grade to determine how they can improve their writing. (BTW...educators have always done this and it's a common practice outside of STAAR testing - especially in high school and college...but now our JH kids are REALLY focusing on it! In other words...this is a skill your child can and will use outside of STAAR and public school education!)
- Students have run up to me in the halls saying things like, "I scored a 16/16 on my essay!" or "I scored a 13/16 on my essay, but now I know how to improve it!"
Mrs. Pierce's Final thoughts on STAAR:
- If for one second you think I look at your child and think their STAAR score - you've misjudged my mind's memory or ability to store data - AND...you've also misunderstood my love for your child. You may be thinking, my child? YES...all of them. I love them all and don't hesitate to tell them that daily. They are NOT defined by a number. Your child is beautifully made - and I waste no time judging them on their test score. My staff and I are so thrilled to see them each and every day...to hear the stories of their adventures and wins, and we worry with them over their losses and struggles.
- If you have big worries with STAAR, please know that you are highly encouraged to reach out to your State Legislators . You can find their names and contact info at the link provided!
- ALAS...your child is ready for these tests. They may be anxious...and that's ok. I get very anxious on the days of tests I'm required to take for my certifications! Rest assured, they've been taught by the VERY BEST teachers. Have no doubt. They can do hard things and they are prepared! And no matter what, we love them and that will never change!
END OF YEAR EVENTS!
- This year we will have our Academic AND Sports awards ceremony at 6:30pm on May 15. Your student will receive an invitation if they will be recognized! Students will be recognized for both Academic and Sports Achievements!
- See the image below for more end of year events!
- There will MOST LIKELY be a change for the Reward Trip to Pioneer Park. I will share that info as soon as I have it!
Monday 4/14
- Normal Day!
- School Board Meeting 7:30pm CHS Media Center
Tuesday 4/15
- CJHS Reading STAAR Test!
Wednesday 4/16
- Normal Day!
Thursday 4/17
- Normal Day!
Friday 4/18
- NO SCHOOL!!!
- Happy Easter!!
- (No School Monday 4/21)
As always, I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas for the forward movement of our school! Please contact me with questions and/or Comments, recommendations, raves, or constructive criticism! You may always email me at jpierce@childressisd.net or call the school at (940) 937-3641. I've added an additional option in the button below for more specific feedback!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Janet Pierce
CJHS Principal
