Lion's Pride
September 25, 2019
First Day of School Superhero Gear
Lions Football 2019-2020
Playground Pals
Message from the Superintendent
The 2019-2020 school year is off to a great start! Students and teachers have adjusted to their schedules and routines, and student interim progress reports have been issued. It's hard to believe that we are already in the sixth week of school.
Jessieville School District has Superheroes as our theme this year. We are constantly looking for ways that our students and staff are exhibiting Superhero characteristics. Many of the articles in this and upcoming issues will feature articles about these students and staff.
Jessieville Schools will continue to emphasize reading and writing for all students and the importance of students attending school every day.
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to the building principals. They are ready to assist you.
Melissa G. Speers, Ed.S.
Jessieville School District
Superintendent
New Agricultural Program
The Jessieville agricultural education program, directed by Billy Eddy, began in the 2017-2018 school year in a classroom in the science hall. The program relocated during the following year to the former maintenance building and began to work on the facility. In the summer of 2019, the district received a grant from the state to fund the purchasing of tools for the agriculture program.
Students in the introductory courses of the agri program learn about animal science, plant science, and the processes that take food from the farm to the kitchen table. More advanced courses focus on natural resources and agricultural mechanics, delving into the environment, wildlife, GPS/GIS technology, government regulations, forestry, aquaculture, current events, woodworking, welding, electricity, plumbing, concrete, and small engines. Classes are offered to students in grades 8-12.
Along with these courses, Jessieville School District has a Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter, whose members have been active in FFA Career Development Events and state and national FFA conventions. We are excited to be able to offer these programs!
(Pictured below, left to right: Tony Muniz, Shelbie Lamb, Mr. Billy Eddy, and Drew Speers)
Going Above and Beyond
Congratulations to Mrs. Lyndon Albright, our elementary teacher of the month, Adrian Pineda, elementary student of the month, and Mr. Terry Crumpler, classified employee of the month!
Freshman Juliah Rodgers was awarded high school student of the month, and sixth grader Bryan Hunt was recognized for middle school. Each of these Jessieville Lions were celebrated at this month's board meeting on September 9th.
In addition to recognizing exemplary students and staff members, our district will continue to emphasize the importance of attendance throughout 2019-2020. Congrats to kindergarten teacher Mrs. Shaw for the month of August! She has $100 to spend in her classroom as a result of her students having the highest number of days for perfect attendance.
Homecoming
Homecoming will take place on Friday, September 27 - following a week of superhero-themed spirit days and celebrations. Friday's theme will be Blue and White, in preparation for Jessieville's battle with the Perryville Mustangs on Phillips Field.
On Friday afternoon at 1:45, the homecoming court and escorts will parade down Mane Street and into the Sports Arena to be presented to the student body by emcees Elliegh Lowery and Jacob Semmler. Later that evening at 6:20, the court will be presented on the field, followed by the crowning of the King and Queen.
The Freshman class is represented by Liz Cosby, Terry Anderson, Abby Trosclair and Carson Freeman. Sophomore representatives are Harli Bassett, Luke Goessman, Annabel Robertson, Hao(Joe) Ouyang, Alyssa Stultz and Lawson Wideman. Representing the Junior class are Uxia Hermida Balseiro, Ramon Gonzalez Ariza, Taylor Miller, Hayden Castleberry, Hanna Hawks, Joshua McEarl, Raygan Hilton and Derek Oseguera.
The Senior class representatives and King and Queen candidates are Taryn Anderson, Joey Benson, Megan Archuleta, Nico Carroll, Emily Crumpton, Devin Fleenor, Addison Dawson, B.J. Holloway, Kaitlyn Jamison, Spencer Keding, Jill Robertson, and Aaron Murders.
Basketball Preview
Coach Jared White reports that the 2019-2020 Lion basketball team will have some new additions this season, such Ramon Gonzalez, a 6'5" foreign exchange student from Spain. "Ramon has a good motor and can finish with either hand around the basket," Coach White states. "He's an active defender and we've enjoyed having him around." Also new to the district is 6'2" sophomore post Josh Witt, who recently moved to Jessieville and has joined multiple athletic teams.
There are several returning players White mentions as having great potential this year: “Senior Spencer Keding has a chance to make an impact with his 6'6" frame and good rebounding around the basket. Lion freshman Noah Futch will move up and play senior high varsity to add depth to the guard position. Coming off of a runner-up finish in junior high in 2018-2019, sophomores Carson Hair, Matt Huff, Joe Ouyang, Noah Zetts, and Landon Bradshaw will be linking up with the juniors and seniors. There are several sophomores who have a chance to contribute right away on this year's team and that's what I expect them to do," White says.
“Senior guard B.J. Holloway and junior guards Landen Daley, Charlie Davis, and Jarrett Davis all received significant playing time and will continue to be an asset to the team,” Coach White continues. "We lost some really good seniors who brought a lot of leadership and success to our program, but at the same time, we have some guys who got their feet wet last year and I think are primed to have a big year this year. Jarrett has put in a lot of work and I feel like he's ready to have a breakout year."
Senior guard Aaron Ford has an injury that will keep him sidelined until Christmas at the earliest, while Senior forward Nico Carroll has made tremendous strides this pre-season.
"This year's group will be a little bit different than last year's group. I feel like we have almost 10 guys that we could throw in there and be ready, and maybe even more by the time the conference season rolls around. This will be a fun group to watch," White states.
Lion basketball fans are excited to cheer on the team this season!
Tutoring Services
Upcoming Events
September 26 - Special Board Meeting to approve 2019-2020 budget, 7:30 am
September 26 - Tennis v Bismarck, 3:30
September 26 - 7th grade & Junior football @ Perryville, 5:30 pm
September 27 - JSD Staff and family Tailgate Event, 4:30 - 5:30 pm
September 27 - Homecoming Ceremony - 6:00 pm
September 27 - Football v Perryville, 7:00 pm
September 28 - Volleyball Jr. Lady Lion Invitational
October 1 - Volleyball v Cutter, 4:30 pm
October 3 - Volleyball v Ashdown, 4:30 pm
October 3 - Junior football v Baptist Prep, 7:00 pm
October 4 - Football @ Baptist Prep, 7:00 pm
October 5 - Volleyball @ TriLakes Invitational
The 2019-2020 Back-to-School Superhero Rally
The Lion's Pride Newsletter is brought to you by Ashley Layfield,
Jessieville School District Public Relations Coordinator.
Office: 501-984-4226
Email: ashley.layfield@jsdlions.net