Ponder Junior High

March 2023

Current Enrollment - 374

6th Grade - 117

7th Grade - 123

8th Grade - 134

Ponder Junior High Dance

Our STUCO put on the best dance yet this year!! Student's and teacher's enjoyed a walk on the Hollywood Red Carpet and danced the night away. Big shout out to Mrs. Laughlin for putting together a great social event for our students. Also, a big thank you to all of the teachers that volunteered to chaperone. A great time was had by all.

GT Field Trip

Mrs. Josselet and her GT class took a trip to the Sharkarosa Zoo. The zoo is located in Pilot Point and typically has a self-guided format. However, when PJH GT students attended they had a tour guide throughout the park. The students and staff had a great time. We truly appreciate Mrs. Josselet for providing our students unique learning opportunities.

Ponder FFA Local Livestock Show

Ponder FFA put on its Local Livestock Show March 19th. Our PJH students and their families work very hard on their projects and this is a great opportunity to practice before the County Show. I want to recognize Mr. Lankford & Mr. McKowen for the hard work they put in with our students. I greatly appreciated the opportunity to participate in the Teacher Showmanship. It was a great turnout and we are PonderProud of our PJH FFA competitors.
Denton County Youth Fair

Denton County Youth Fair

The PJH students are gearing up for the Denton County Youth Fair. Activities will kick off on Monday March 27th. Our students have worked extremely hard preparing their projects for this moment. Help me wish them all luck!!


Monday, March 27th - Breeding Swine/Breeding Poultry

Tuesday, March 28th - Goats/Rabbits

Wednesday, March 29th - Sheep/Lambs

Thursday, March 30th - Broilers/Market Swine/Ag Mech

Friday, March 31st - Heifers/Steers


Click here for the full schedule for Youth Fair events

Denton County Youth Fair

PJH Athletics

Track season is in full swing. PJH athletes have experienced success at the Boyd, Pilot Point, Valley View and Sanger meets. On Monday, March 27th, Ponder will host their own track meet; come out and support our "tracksters" as they prepare for the district meet (April 3rd in Whitesboro).

PJH UIL Band & Choir Concerts

On March 23rd, PJH Choir students will compete in their UIL Choir concert in Decatur. Our Band students will also perform their UIL concert on Tuesday, March 28th. Please help me wish them all luck. The students and coaches work very hard to prepare for these events.
STAAR Tutoring Groups

STAAR Tutoring Groups

The PJH staff worked diligently on Monday, March 20th analyzing data to help develop our STAAR tutoring groups. Our Interim testing data has yielded positive results and we are looking forward to providing extra support for those students who need it. Our tutoring groups will kick off next week. Our PJH teachers have the most amazing hearts and I am thankful to be a part of the team!!
STAAR Tutoring Groups
PSAT 8/9

PSAT 8/9

On Tuesday, March 21st, all 8th grade students had the opportunity to take the PSAT 8/9 test. The PSAT 8/9 is an assessment given to 8th and 9th graders that is closely aligned to the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and the PSAT 10. It consists of questions in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and in Math.
PSAT 8/9
State Assessment Dates

State Assessment Dates

This year the state assessments will look very different. PJH staff has worked diligently all year to ensure students are prepared for the challenge of the "NEW" questions types and test format. We have implemented a C.E.R. writing strategy in every classroom. If you see a PJH teacher, ask them how they are utilizing C.E.R.


The following testing dates have been set:


April 18th: 6th-8th grade RLA STAAR

April 27th: 6th-8th grade Social Studies STAAR

May 2nd: 8th grade Math STAAR

May 2nd: Algebra I EOC

May 4th: 8th grade Science STAAR

State Assessment Dates

TMSCA STATE Meet in San Antonio

PJH will be well represented at the STATE TMSCA meet in San Antonio. We have 28 students who have punched their Golden Ticket to compete on April 1, 2023. The students have a full weekend ahead them as they look to bring home the top prize. Mrs. Vanover, Mrs. Munguia and Mrs. Laughlin have done an outstanding job this year of working with and challenging this group of outstanding students.
Connie Ford - Principal

Connie Ford - Principal

Connie Ford - Principal

501 Shaffner Street, Ponder, TX, USA cford@ponderisd.net 940-479-8220 ponderisd.net/pjh