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District News

JISD begins new program in fall
JISD has set a series of meetings
for parents who want to enroll their
students in the district's new
East Side Applied Learning Community next fall.

JISD Applied-Learning Community Harnesses
New Strategies In Education
The new program launching this fall will
involve three areas -- brain-based research,
technology-based instruction and project-based instruction.

JISD employees take advantage
of early resignation bonus
As of Friday afternoon, about 30 staff
members have taken advantage of
Jacksonville Independent School District's
offer of a $500 early notice resignation bonus.

JISD Board Talks Budget Cuts
The JISD Board of Trustees has begun
to make plans for a possible
$2.7 million to $4.6 million reduction
in the district's budget next year.

Early-Notice Resignation Program OK'd at JISD
A short-term early notice resignation
program, which includes stipends, was approved by
trustees Tuesday night.

JISD Plans for State Budget Cuts
Budget shortfalls for the state are leading
to possible cuts in some of the
high-dollar items the state supports,
including public education.

JISD Board gets peek at new campuses
The JISD Board of Trustees got a
sneak peek at what the new East Side
and Joe Wright elementaries could look like
at a special session meeting Tuesday night.

Comptroller Report Keeps
Tabs On ISD Spending
The report, released last week, shows that
two East Texas districts -- Canton and
Jacksonville ISDs -- received a five-star
rating, the report's highest.

JISD gets 5-star FAST rating
Jacksonville Independent School District added
another bragging point to its growing list of
good news items Wednesday-the district was one
of only 43 statewide to receive a five-star
FAST rating from the Texas comptroller’s office.

ET Schools React to five-star rating system
Less than 4 percent of school districts
in Texas got 5 stars, which means
the school excelled in academics while keeping
spending low.

2 Jacksonville Elementary Schools'
Construction Could Start In Summer
Construction on two new elementary schools could
start as early as June or July after the passing
of a $49.865 million bond issue.

Rotary donates to Back Pack Project
The Rotary Club of Jacksonville donated $2,000.00
to the HOPE Back Pack Project.

JISD Board gets ready for
district bond projects
Jacksonville Independent School District Board of
Trustee members voted unanimously Thursday night
to use a construction management at risk delivery
method for upcoming construction to be paid for
by bond money approved in the Nov. 2 election.

New plans for JISD after bond passes
Two new elementary schools, a remodeled library,
and a new cafeteria - just a few
projects in the works for Jacksonville ISD.

JISD Readying Schools' Timelines
Wardell said he believes several factors helped this
year's bond pass -- endorsements from local
public entities, such as the city, Jacksonville Chamber
of Commerce and Jacksonville Economic Development
Corp.; a facility group and political action
committee that helped inform the public; and
residents recognizing the academic success the district
has achieved because of hard work.

JISD Bond Passes!
Superintendent Dr. Joe Wardell expressed his
gratitude to voters for allowing the district to
proceed with the first phase of its
Master Facilities Plan that was developed by
a citizens committee and approved by the
JISD Board of Trustees in July.

Jones wins national award
West Side Principal Sandi Jones was selected
as one of only 10 educators nationwide to
receive the Terrel H. Bell Award for
Outstanding School Leadership.

JHS Band Earns 1st Division at UIL
for 8th Straight Year!
Jacksonville Fightin Indian Band earn their 8th
consecutive first division marching award, the 40th
in the history of the school.

Remembering The History of
Jacksonville's Tomato Bowl
For seventy years, the Tomato Bowl has
housed home football games for the Jacksonville
High School Fightin' Indians.

70th Anniversary Celebration draws near
The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce will host
a celebration of 70 Rock Solid years
of the Historic Tomato Bowl Stadium on
Nov. 5th.

2 JISD Campuses Named as National
Blue Ribbon Schools
JISD is celebrating two campuses, Fred Douglass
and West Side Elementary, being named as
U.S. Dept. of Education 2010 Blue Ribbon
Schools. Only 25 campuses selected from the
over 8,200 in Texas.

JISD Celebrates Success at Convocation
JISD students celebrate success at the 2010-2011
JISD school year convocation. (Video)

JISD celebrates accountability ratings
The Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) official release
of state accountability ratings on Friday brought
a sense of jubilation to Jacksonville ISD officials.

Jacksonville Education Foundation Now
Accepting Online Donations
Honor an educator who has made a difference
in your life by making them an Influential Indian!

Fightin' Indians Playoff Bound!
The Jacksonville Indians clinched a playoff spot
by outlasting Nacogdoches 84-81 in 12 overtime
periods.

JISD proposes school bond
JISD is asking the voters to decide
whether the district can pursue a
$49.865 million school bond in the
Nov. 2 election.

JISD rated superior for finances
JISD has been rated with superior achievement
in the Financial Integrity Rating System of
Texas rating for the eighth consecutive time.

Legends of Track Reunite
Team mates reunite for Tomato Bowl anniversary

JISD explains bond election
Jacksonville Independent School District
Superintendent Dr. Joe Wardell presented JISD’s
present situation in relation to an upcoming
bond election to the Jacksonville Rotary Club.

Technology a boon to classrooms
Technology Director Hedda Alexander gave a report
on how much work has been done on the technology side
of learning and administration in the last few months
to the school’s board of trustees Monday evening.

Council supports JISD bond
The Jacksonville City Council came out in
favor of the 2010 Jacksonville Independent School
District bond issue up for voter approval
in November.

JISD Trustees Call Bond Election
The JISD Board of Trustees met Tuesday
afternoon in a specially called meeting to
call a bond election.

Blue Ribbon Committee talks bond election
A potential Jacksonville Independent School District bond
election was the point of focus for
Jacksonville’s Blue Ribbon Committee.

JISD Master Facilities Plan Approved
The JISD Board of Trustees approved the
plan put forth by the Facilities Committee
to address facilities needs in the district.

JISD meets AYP levels
Jacksonville Independent School District received
some good national-level news Wednesday;
the district met all of its Adequate Yearly Progress
requirements benchmarks for the year.

Sweet 'new' ride
Jacksonville Independent School District’s pair of old
white activity buses have a new and colorful flair for
the new school year.

JISD Demographic Study
The JISD Board of Trustees heard the
results of the demographic study performed
by Dallas firm School District Strategies
at the Feb. 15 board meeting. Download a copy
of the study here.

JHS Class of '79 Makes a Difference!
The JHS Class of 1979 is challenging
other graduating classes and groups to support
the Jacksonville Education Foundation.

Two JISD campuses nominated for
Blue Ribbon honors
Jacksonville's West Side Elementary and Fred
Douglass Elementary 2 of 26 nominated in the
state of Texas

Sax Man
JHS 2010 Graduate Jose Barrientos recently
received the UIL State Solo and Ensemble contest
Outstanding Performer award.

Martinez named Compass Center principal
Native Texan Faustina Martinez begins work as
Jacksonville Independent School District’s
Compass Center July 19.

JMS Science Club Galveston Trip Photos!
Visit the JMS Science Club website for
photos of the students who recently traveled
to Galveston to learn about opportunities in
the field of science.

Team JISD takes Spirit Stick
at Literacy Council Bee
The Annual Jacksonville Literacy Council Spelling
Bee featured two teams from JISD and
a crowd of JISD supporters who made the
most noise. We have posted a photo album and
a link to coverage in the
Jacksonville Daily Progress.

JHS Students Qualify for UIL
Academic Regional Meet
Four members of the JHS academic UIL
team qualify to advance to the regional
academic meet to be held at the
University of North Texas on April 24.

JHS Band Makes Sweepstakes
The Jacksonville High School band has made
University Interscholastic League Sweepstakes
for the third year in a row.

J-briefs, April 14, 2010
The Jacksonville High School student-produced
news program takes a look at the Geocaching
projects at the high school, TAKS
testing, the U.S. Census, and some
interesting facts about Spring. Watch it now!

Art Contest Winners Honored by Chamber
Winners of the JHS Art Contest sponsored
by the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce were
recently recognized. The winning artwork will be
featured on the city and county map.

More District News >>

Wardell receives positive evaluation
JISD Board of Trustees president James Houser
said a rare moment occurred prior to
the meeting when people who read about
Wardell’s evaluation called in to offer their
own positive opinions on the superintendent’s work.

Jacksonville ISD Seeks Community Input
On 10-Year Master Plan
Jacksonville ISD is forming a community group
to help write a 10-year master plan
for district facility needs.

JISD support services receive a net
positive TASBO review
Texas Associate of School Business Officials
representatives graded JISD’s maintenance,
grounds, custodial and warehouse departments this
year on their services and competency levels.

Nichols, JHS notified of honors before break
Jacksonville Independent School District officials received
notice that Nichols Intermediate School and Jacksonville
High School had both received prestigious honors.

Five Jacksonville schools top region, state
for highly qualified teachers
Jacksonville Independent School District ranks
above both the state and the region
for highly qualified teachers.

Five JISD Campuses Receive Gold
Performance Acknowledgements from TEA
Jacksonville Middle School; West Side, East Side
and Joe Wright elementary schools; and Nichols
Intermediate School were honored by the TEA.

JISD Receives Highest State Financial Rating
JISD receives a rating of Superior Achievement
for the seventh year in a row under Texas’
Schools FIRST financial accountability rating system.

A New Tribe Brings Back Old Tradition
The 50-year-old tradition of the totem pole
is being revived as a testement to the
Jacksonville High School Fightin’ Indian spirit!

JHS Band Earns Top Honors at UIL Contest
The Jacksonville High School Band won First
Division ratings at UIL Marching Contest held
at Stephen F. Austin’s Homer Bryce Stadium
in Nacogdoches.

JISD Gears up for Red Ribbon Week
Jacksonville ISD students get ready to have
some fun learning about the benefits
of a drug-free life.

Jacksonville Education Foundation a Reality!
With the stated mission of supporting
"improvement of academic performance
of Jacksonville Independent School District
and continuing education," the
Jacksonville Education Foundation begins
its first fund raising drive.

Convocation Promotes Student Success
JISD's 2009-2010 School Year Convocation
promoted JISD success stories of the past, present
and future. Dr. Cordell Adams was the
speaker and the Jacksonville Education Foundation
instituted the "Influential Indian" Award. Also in this
section you'll find the video "JISD Makes a Difference"
that was shown at convocation.

Three JISD Campuses Achieve Exemplary Status!
JISD is excited about the Texas Education Agency’s
release of state accountability ratings with three
campuses receiving the highest rating of "Exemplary".

Community Welcomes New Teachers to JISD
Central Baptist Church and Austin Bank helped welcome
JISD's new teachers and staff at the annual New Employee
Breakfast on August 13, 2009.

Final TAKS Results Show Strong Growth for JISD Students
Final State Accountability Ratings for 2008-09 show
marked academic growth for JISD students.
With three "exemplary" and two "recognized"
campuses, JISD parents, students, staff and officials
are celebrating the success.

Students Show Steady Improvement
Preliminary TAKS results bring happy news
for JISD students, staff and administrators
with three campuses "Exemplary" and one "Recognized".

JISD Hosts Dual Language Institute Training
Five Texas school districts recently participated in training
to effectively develop and implement the
Gómez & Gómez 50/50 Dual Language Model.

West Side Elementary Named Title I Distinguished Performance School
Jacksonville ISD's West Side Elementary has been named a 2008-2009 Title I, Part A Distinguished Performance School by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

JISD Superintendent Stuart Bird Retires
After 38 years of service, and six-and-one-half years
at the helm of JISD, superintendent Stuart Bird is retiring.

The community is invited to a public reception at the
Jacksonville Middle School Library on May 13, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
to wish him farewell.

Board Hears Report on Improved TAKS
Report on March 23 board meeting from
Daily Progress includes board's farewell
gesture for retiring superintendent Stuart Bird
and some great news on 3rd, 5th, and
8th grade TAKS reading scores.

Nichols Students Mull College Choices
6th graders had an opportunity to meet
college representatives as they start considering
the not-so-distant future.

Finley to Serve on TASBO Board
Jacksonville ISD Assistant Superintendent of
Finance and Operations, Lindy Finley, was recently
elected to the Texas Association of School Business
Officials (TASBO) Board of Directors during the
organization's annual conference.

Article Features Dr. Leslie Brinkman George
Jacksonville ISD Director of Special Education and
Student Services is featured in Texas School Business
article as president-elect of the Texas Council of
Administrators of Special Educators.

Web posting permission granted by:
Texas School Business, LLC. April, 2008.

New Partnership Formed
Jacksonville ISD and the Crisis Center of
Anderson and Cherokee County announce
the formation of a new partnership for
the 2008-2009 school year.

JMS O'Dell Relays
Jacksonville Middle School hosted track teams
from across the area in the annual
O'Dell Relays on March 22.
JNDN-TV Ch. 20 was there to
capture the action.

Hero's Welcome
East Side Elementary students welcomed home
Lt. Holly Childs from active duty
service in Afghanistan with a special
musical program honoring veterans and men
and women serving in the military.

Touring the Past
JISD and the Cherokee County Historical
Commission hosted a tour of the Historic
Tomato Bowl Stadium for some Jacksonville
Christian School students.

JISD Financial Services department
receives Texas Comptroller finance award
JISD Fincance Department centralizes financial
transparency information on the website and
receives the Gold Award from the Texas
Comptroller Leadership Circle.

JISD Demographic Study
The JISD Board of Trustees heard the
results of the demographic study performed
by Dallas firm School District Strategies
at the Feb. 15 board meeting. Download a copy
of the study here.

Class of 2014 Glimpses the Future
Incoming Freshman to JHS get a taste
of the programs and opportunities available
to them next year at the Freshman
Fair held annually at Jacksonville Middle School.

Showing Them What It's Like
The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Adopt-A-School
Committee recently hosted the 6th Annual Groundhog
Day Job Shadowing Program for JHS students.
The program gives high school students to
spend some time in the work place
learning from local business people and professionals.

Students Open Their Hearts for Haiti
Students across the entire district
contribute to the Heart for Haiti campaign
to help relieve the suffering of
earthquake victims.

JHS Student interviewed for TV news
report on Technical Education
A JHS Student who has been accepted
to Texas State Technical College in Nacogdoches
is featured on a Lufkin T.V. news
report on the future of technical education
in Texas.

Story text

National Signing Day 2010
Six Indians Sign with Texas Schools
during a special ceremony at
the JISD Central Office on Feb. 3.

East Side teacher wins P. E. award
for tennis work
Physical education teacher Chuck Roper received
the U.S. Tennis Association What-a-burger P. E.
Specialist of the Year honor.

Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce
Banquet Honors JISD Campuses

The Chamber recognized JISD campuses for their
academic achievements.

JISD junior makes All-State
Spencer Jay, an oboe-playing junior at
Jacksonville High School, was selected to the
Texas All-State Band. He is one of the 125
students who will play in the 4A All-State Band
out of about 2,500 who originally competed
for a spot.

Wardell receives positive evaluation
JISD Board of Trustees president James Houser
said a rare moment occurred prior to
the meeting when people who read about
Wardell’s evaluation called in to offer their
own positive opinions on the superintendent’s work.

JISD support services receive a net
positive TASBO review
Texas Associate of School Business Officials
representatives graded JISD’s maintenance,
grounds, custodial and warehouse departments this
year on their services and competency levels.

Nichols, JHS notified of honors before break
Jacksonville Independent School District officials received
notice that Nichols Intermediate School and Jacksonville
High School had both received prestigious honors.

Five Jacksonville schools top region, state
for highly qualified teachers
Jacksonville Independent School District ranks
above both the state and the region
for highly qualified teachers.

Five JISD Campuses Receive Gold
Performance Acknowledgements from TEA
Jacksonville Middle School; West Side, East Side
and Joe Wright elementary schools; and Nichols
Intermediate School were honored by the TEA.

JISD Receives Highest State Financial Rating
JISD receives a rating of Superior Achievement
for the seventh year in a row under Texas’
Schools FIRST financial accountability rating system.

A New Tribe Brings Back Old Tradition
The 50-year-old tradition of the totem pole
is being revived as a testement to the
Jacksonville High School Fightin’ Indian spirit!

JHS Band Earns Top Honors at UIL Contest
The Jacksonville High School Band won First
Division ratings at UIL Marching Contest held
at Stephen F. Austin’s Homer Bryce Stadium
in Nacogdoches.

JISD Gears up for Red Ribbon Week
Jacksonville ISD students get ready to have
some fun learning about the benefits
of a drug-free life.

Jacksonville Education Foundation a Reality!
With the stated mission of supporting
"improvement of academic performance
of Jacksonville Independent School District
and continuing education," the
Jacksonville Education Foundation begins
its first fund raising drive.

Convocation Promotes Student Success
JISD's 2009-2010 School Year Convocation
promoted JISD success stories of the past, present
and future. Dr. Cordell Adams was the
speaker and the Jacksonville Education Foundation
instituted the "Influential Indian" Award. Also in this
section you'll find the video "JISD Makes a Difference"
that was shown at convocation.

Three JISD Campuses Achieve Exemplary Status!
JISD is excited about the Texas Education Agency’s
release of state accountability ratings with three
campuses receiving the highest rating of "Exemplary".

Community Welcomes New Teachers to JISD
Central Baptist Church and Austin Bank helped welcome
JISD's new teachers and staff at the annual New Employee
Breakfast on August 13, 2009.

Final TAKS Results Show Strong Growth for JISD Students
Final State Accountability Ratings for 2008-09 show
marked academic growth for JISD students.
With three "exemplary" and two "recognized"
campuses, JISD parents, students, staff and officials
are celebrating the success.

Students Show Steady Improvement
Preliminary TAKS results bring happy news
for JISD students, staff and administrators
with three campuses "Exemplary" and one "Recognized".

JISD Hosts Dual Language Institute Training
Five Texas school districts recently participated in training
to effectively develop and implement the
Gómez & Gómez 50/50 Dual Language Model.

West Side Elementary Named Title I Distinguished Performance School
Jacksonville ISD's West Side Elementary has been named a 2008-2009 Title I, Part A Distinguished Performance School by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

JISD Superintendent Stuart Bird Retires
After 38 years of service, and six-and-one-half years
at the helm of JISD, superintendent Stuart Bird is retiring.

The community is invited to a public reception at the
Jacksonville Middle School Library on May 13, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
to wish him farewell.

Board Hears Report on Improved TAKS
Report on March 23 board meeting from
Daily Progress includes board's farewell
gesture for retiring superintendent Stuart Bird
and some great news on 3rd, 5th, and
8th grade TAKS reading scores.

Finley to Serve on TASBO Board
Jacksonville ISD Assistant Superintendent of
Finance and Operations, Lindy Finley, was recently
elected to the Texas Association of School Business
Officials (TASBO) Board of Directors during the
organization's annual conference.

Article Features Dr. Leslie Brinkman George
Jacksonville ISD Director of Special Education and
Student Services is featured in Texas School Business
article as president-elect of the Texas Council of
Administrators of Special Educators.

Web posting permission granted by:
Texas School Business, LLC. April, 2008.

New Partnership Formed
Jacksonville ISD and the Crisis Center of
Anderson and Cherokee County announce
the formation of a new partnership for
the 2008-2009 school year.