Return to Learn
Weekly Newsletter 2/12/2021
Message to Parents from Dr. Jeanette Ball
Dear Judson ISD Families,
Judson ISD is very lucky to have the Judson Education Foundation which we kindly refer to as JEF. I think of JEF as one of the best-kept secrets of the district because not everyone knows about all the great things the Foundation does to support the district. Throughout the year JEF hosts various events that raise funds to give back directly to students, teachers, and campuses here at Judson ISD by providing scholarships and grants. The annual JEF Gala continues to be one of the largest fundraising events. JEF will continue the tradition of hosting the gala virtually this year. The Foundation is an integral part of our district and the support and resources from the Foundation are needed more than ever.
JEF invites you all to join them on March 4th at 6:30 pm for their virtual Gala – Illuminate the Path to Success. You can visit the site to see the schedule of events and get a sneak peek at all the silent auction items: https://judsonisd.home.qtego.net. Though the event will be different, the evening’s festivities will include student performances, teacher and student testimonials, a virtual silent auction, and watching our hosts discuss and share the amazing happenings of the district. We hope you can join us virtually on March 4th at 6:30 pm; we could use your support. There is no fee to view the event or to participate in the silent auction but there are still opportunities available for sponsorships and donations.
It will be a great night and we hope that you will consider joining us. By supporting JEF you are positively impacting students’ lives in the areas of student experience, teaching excellence, and community engagement.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to make a donation please contact Lexie Greathouse at agreathouse@judsonisd.or or 210-945-5414.
Judson ISD Weather Update
Below is a letter from Dr. Ball to our JISD Families that might help answer a few of your questions.
JEF Virtual Gala
Illuminate the Path to Success Judson Education Foundation 2021 Virtual Gala: This virtual event will help educate the public about our impact on the Judson ISD community and beyond. Our efforts help transform the lives of JISD students through our investments in them and their educators through the various programs that are funded through the generosity of our donors. We hope you can join us while we work to continue our mission: Work collaboratively to build student leadership and character that will reflect the unique diversity of our community to support teachers and students for career and college readiness.
Special Guests: Students - Teachers -Administration and Superintendent, Dr. Jeanette Ball!
Event Information
Date: March 4th, 2021
Time: 6:30 PM
Join us as we continue the tradition and host the annual JEF Gala virtually.
Attention Judson HS & Wagner HS Seniors!
- The AlamoPROMISE program is only open to graduating seniors at participating high schools. Students must submit the Save Your Seat form by February 15, 2021. Students who do not submit the Save Your Seat form by February 15, 2021, will not be eligible for AlamoPROMISE.
- The Save Your Seat form is non-binding. Submitting the Save Your Seat form shows that you are interested in having your tuition and required fees covered as an AlamoPROMISE Scholar at the Alamo Colleges District.
- Only one form is needed to 'save your seat' at any of the five colleges of the Alamo Colleges District: San Antonio College, St. Philip's College, Palo Alto College, Northwest Vista College, and Northeast Lakeview College.
ATTENTION 5th Grade Students! JSTEM Applications and Timeline
JSTEM Academy offers:
- Advanced Pre-AP curriculum- 5 core classes are at the advanced level
- A project-based learning environment that requires peer collaboration
- Hands-on STEM learning experiences
- One to one technology device for every student
For more information regarding sessions, please contact our JSTEM office at 210-945-1159.
The application deadline is February 26, 2021, and a public lottery will be held virtually on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. A link will be emailed to all the parents.
Escondido Teacher Projects Fully Funded by Donors Choose
Cooking! An Invaluable Life Skill
Kinder Virtual Scholars
Ms. Hernandez teaches kindergarten to both in-person and virtual learners. She is committed to providing experiences for all of her scholars so that they can begin their education as scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and readers! Ms. Hernandez understands that virtual learning can be tough for kindergarteners. Most households may not have the necessary resources to support learning at home. Her project focused on providing phonics kits to each child so that they can participate in hands-on experiences. By providing manipulatives and hands-on resources, her stay at home scholars will have the ability to stay fully engaged while sitting in front of a computer.
Spanish Immersion at Judson ISD
- Feb 17th, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- March 16th, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- March 27th, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Please fill out our form to register to receive a Zoom link and join one of the meetings!
February Superintendent Shining Star
For the month of February, Dr. Ball was honored to award JECA senior Dayanara Gutierrez the Superintendent Shining Star Award. Dayanara carries a full load when it comes to schoolwork. She is a member of the National Honor Society, president of the JECA Media Club, youth group leader, as well as being employed in the evening and weekends. Dayanara is currently completing all her high school and college courses virtually, “I can’t believe you came all the way here, just to award me!” she said. She was surprised to hear a knock at the door and see Dr. Ball along with JECA principal Dr. Juarez and her teacher Mr. Martinez standing on her doorstep with balloons and her award.
Dayanara struggled in her primary years due to language barriers but has never let that stop her. She is a self-starter and goal-oriented leader. She is extremely motivated and has a very dedicated family who has pushed her to be the student she is today. Dayanara will be a first-generation college student and has committed to start school at Sam Houston State University in the fall where she will major in Criminal Justice. Congratulations to Dayanara Gutierrez, from JECA, for receiving the February Superintendent Shining Star Award!
NEW FAMILY Registration is Now Open!
Save the Date: Girls Empowerment Summit- Be Inspired, Share your Strength
The City of San Antonio is hosting its Girls Empowerment Summit. This is a two day event for girls age 13-18 that will tap into skill building opportunities and focus on positive body image, self-care, social media awareness, and non-traditional career roles for women. The event, which will be held on March 11 and March 12, is completely virtual and free of charge!
Deadline to register is February 26th. All girls who register will receive a bag that will be delivered to our campuses starting March 1st.
See the flyers below for more information.
The Converse Lion’s Club Donates Dictionaries to all Judson ISD 3rd Grade Students
Judson ISD is so grateful for this service partnership as the Converse Lion’s Club held a fundraising raffle beginning in October to raise funds to purchase 1,700 dictionaries. These dictionaries are now in the hands of all our Judson ISD 3rd grade students. This project has been a priority for the Converse Lion’s Club for more than 15 years and they have been able to serve all Judson ISD elementary schools for the past 6 years. District Governor, Dave Splitek, and Converse Lion’s Club Officers, Kathy & Harold Bellamy were very excited to support the District through this annual project and to hand out dictionaries to each smiling student. Mr. Splitek said, “The best way to be happy is to help someone else.” They understand that both in-person and virtual students need to have the resources to learn more effectively and prepare them academically. Judson ISD is appreciative of this generous donation and for the example of service and giving back to the community.
Parent Online Academy
Our Parent Online Academy is designed to provide short and informative online sessions to support parents. Visit the Parent Online Academy webpage for more resources such as Chromebook Help, Parent Self-Serve Information, and an Introduction to CANVAS.
Below are upcoming February virtual events with Zoom links.
- February 24- Visual Supports for the Home JOIN HERE at 6:30 pm. Passcode: 805284.
- View February's Event Schedule.
Below are a few helpful links:
- Online Parent Academy: Schedule of Events
- Introduction to CANVAS for parents
- Guía de Canvas en Español para padres
Coronado Village Elementary Wax Museum Projects
McNay Art Exhibit
The Spotlight exhibit will be on display through mid-May!
Judson High School
Christopher Tapia with his artwork
Veterans Memorial High School
TEA offers $1,500 Grants for Students with Cognitive Disabilities
Judson ISD Community Education Online Learning Opportunities Now Available!
Black History Month
Black History Month recognizes and celebrates the contributions of African Americans to our society. Judson ISD campuses showcase those contributions in a number of ways. As recent as June 2020, our JISD school board adopted a resolution on social justice where all three comprehensive high schools now offer an African American Studies course. A committee adopted a textbook, which aligns to the TEKS, to support the teachers who teach this course. The textbook chosen by the committee was The African American Odyssey, from Pearson publishers. Students and teachers are excited about this learning opportunity and we look forward to continuing to provide it for our JISD students.
Judson ISD honors and respects the culture Black history offers. We continue to celebrate the entire month in many different ways. Below are a few photos of how our students and staff are celebrating Black History Month at Masters Elementry.
CTE Month
Career and technical education (CTE) directly prepares students for high-wage, high-demand careers. CTE covers many different fields, including health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing, hospitality and management and much more. CTE encompasses different types of education, from classroom learning to certification programs to work-based learning opportunities outside the classroom.
Career and Technical Education Month®, or CTE Month®, is a public awareness campaign that takes place each February to celebrate the value of CTE and the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs across the country.
Our students at Judson ISD are offered a variety of courses through a comprehensive study of one of the 16 career concentrations identified and approved by the Texas Education Agency.
The Automotive Program of Study offers students hands-on opportunities in the areas of Automotive Technology and Collision Repair and Refinishing at Judson HS. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in the repair, maintenance, and diagnosis of vehicle systems. Students can participate in SkillsUSA and Job Shadowing Day to learn leadership skills and job opportunities in the San Antonio area.
For more information, please visit their website.
Judson ISD High School Graduation Dates
- Veterans Memorial HS: Thursday, May 27th @7:30 PM
- JECA: Friday, May 28th @9 AM
- Wagner HS: Friday, May 28th @7:30 PM
- JLA: Saturday, May 29th @9 AM
- Judson HS: Saturday, May 29th @7:30 PM
HEB Excellence in Education Awards Presents the Texas Loves Teachers Tours!
In 2021, HEB will go the extra mile to visits schools and districts in their communities with the Texas Loves Teachers Tour, kicking off a year-long celebration of the program’s 20th anniversary. The Texas Loves Teachers Tour will caravan across Texas in March and April, visiting 50 schools, school districts, and early childhood education centers within 50 days and giving away $20,000 in HEB gift cards each week. At each stop, the tour will host an appreciation event for school staff to compete with HEB gift card giveaways, cash prizes, and more.
YOU can help determine exactly where HEB should stop! Simply complete the information from the link cast your vote – you can vote for each school, district, or early childhood center once per day. The organizations with the most votes in each category will win a spot on the tour.
Voting is open and ends February 28, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. CT
Vote here: https://texaslovesteachers.com/
Tell Us Your Story!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Judson ISD's Multimedia Coordinator, Briana Estrada, at 210-945-5411 or bestrada@judsonisd.org. Thank you in advance for your participation.
Judson ISD
Email: returntolearn@judsonisd.org
Website: www.judsonisd.org
Location: 8012 Shin Oak Drive, Live Oak, TX 78233, USA
Phone: (210)-945-5100