HJS Update-January 27, 2025

Dear HJS Families,

Looking forward to a five day week with our students!  As a school, we are shifting our focus to improvement on State Testing for each of our students so that they demonstrate growth!  

Weekly Calendar

Monday, January 27:

• Girls Basketball Games
• 7^th Grade: 5:00PM @ HJS
• 8^th Grade: 6:00PM @ HJS
• Boys Basketball Games
• 7^th Grade: 5:30PM @ Edgewood Middle School
• 8^th Grade: 6:30PM @ Edgewood Middle School

Tuesday, January 28:

• Wrestling
• 4:30PM @ East Central Middle School
• Girls Basketball Games
• 7^th Grade: 5:30PM @ HJS
• 8^th Grade: 6:30PM @ HJS
• Boys Basketball Games
• 7^th Grade: 5:30PM @ Monroe Jr. High
• 8^th Grade: 6:30PM @ Monroe Jr. High

Wednesday, January 29:

• Girls Basketball Games
• 7^th Grade: 4:30PM @ HJS
• 8^th Grade: 5:30PM @ HJS
• Boys Basketball Games
• 7^th Grade: 4:30PM @ Talawanda Middle School
• 8^th Grade: 5:30PM @ Talawanda Middle School

Thursday, January 30:

• Girls Basketball Games
• 7^th Grade: 4:30PM @ Taylor Middle School
• 8^th Grade: 5:30PM @ Taylor Middle School
• Boys Basketball Games
• 7^th Grade: 4:30PM @ HJS
• 8^th Grade: 5:30PM @ HJS

Friday, January 31:

• Wrestling SWOC Tournament
• 4:30PM @ Talawanda Middle School

Academic Growth

This week, our students have been actively applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios, whether through hands-on projects, problem-solving in class, or engaging with their community, demonstrating how classroom learning translates into meaningful, practical experiences. Be sure to check out the amazing accomplishments via www.facebook.com/@harrisonjuniorschool. Here are some highlights:

• Congratulations to Seth Hall, our 2024-2025 Spelling Bee Champion!
• Outsiders Day was a major success! Great job to all our students who dressed in their “Greaser” or “Soc” get up and huge thank you to Mr. Rettig and TEAM Atlas for sponsoring this fun-filled day!
• Mrs. Carroll’s “Medical Detectives” class designed experimental scenarios where students tested how various activities would affect vital signs!
• Students in Mrs. Adams’ social studies class have been busy simulating the Constitutional Convention as well as creating their own “Breaking News” broadcasts!
• Mr. Bowser’s students have been studying mechanical and electromagnetic waves gearing up for their next unit on electrical currents!
• Students taking “Apps & Creators” with Mrs. Carroll are creating their own games by using Block Base Coding in Arcade Maker!
• Extended Learning Program (ELP)
• ELP is an after-school program that allows students to tutor in small groups with some of our core teachers or support staff.
• Our goal is to help any students that are struggling to get on track. If you would like to request the opportunity for your child to be involved in ELP, please contact Ms. Kenner at abby.kenner@southwestschools.org
• Conferences
• Our next conference date is scheduled for Wednesday, February 12^th! We are excited for parents to have the opportunity to connect with teachers and staff! Please refer to the email sent on Thursday, January 23 containing the sign-up link.

Social Growth

At HJS, we believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals. Our winter student athletes continue to work hard both in the classroom and on their respective playing field. We look forward to their continued success and cheering our Wildcats to victory! Looking ahead, second semester provides students the opportunity to get involved whether it’s on stage, in the spelling bee, on the track, or by joining a local sports team!

• Running Club
• We are thrilled to announce our very own Running Club! Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking to get started, this club is the perfect opportunity to boost your physical fitness, learn proper running techniques, and prepare for track and cross-country events!
• Open to 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th graders!
• Running club will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-4:15PM, beginning on February 4!
• Interested? Please message Mr. Napier on Teams or email him at robert.napier@southwestschools.org
• Percussion Club
• Would you like to be a percussionist? The Music Department is staring a Percussion Club! Come out and learn how to play drums, mallet instruments, and all things that go boom!
• ALL grades are welcome!
• Percussion Club will meet every Thursday at 5:00PM in the High School band room!
• See Mr. Egan with any questions or email him at brian.egan@southwestschools.org
• Wildcat Dunk!
• It’s the FIRST ANNUAL WILDCAT DUNK! The event will be held on February 8, 2025, at 11:00AM in the Harrison Fire Department Parking Lot (200 Harrison Ave, Harrison, OH 45030). Participants will DUNK into a pool of icy cold water to raise awareness and funds for our Junior and Senior High Special Olympics and Community Fund! Registration is free, but incentives can be earned based on your fund-raising efforts! To register, please click here: https://www.locallevelevents.com/events/details/36941. You may sign in as a guest if you do not wish to create an account. For those wanting to support the cause but have NO DESIRE to jump in a cold pool in February, you can sign up as TOO WILD FOR THE WATER and still raise funds! If you would simply like to donate, or share this link with others, you can use the link below and put "McBee/Tracy" as the athlete. We are going to use this to keep a weekly count of our building total raised.
• Students will have the opportunity to nominate teachers and staff members by placing donations in their corresponding buckets. Once a staff member’s bucket reaches $100, that staff member will officially be nominated to jump at the dunk! Student voting will begin Monday, February 3 and run through Friday, February 7!
• HJS will be partnering with Companions on a Journey (COJ) in 2025! 
• COJ offers a School-based K-12 Grief Support program that helps transform schools into grief-informed spaces where students can process complicated feelings of grief and loss, connect with a caring community, and build a toolbox of critical wellness and resiliency skills. COJ collaborates with over 70 public, private, and parochial schools to provide monthly grief support, while also responding to school crisis situations. COJ work alongside administrators and counselors to build a grief-sensitive culture where bereaved students and staff feel loved, accepted, and supported. 
• Students can join at any point in the school year, so if you know a student that could benefit from this kind of support or have any questions, please fill out this form Https://form.jotform.com/241706828041151 or email Mrs. Spurlock at emily.spurlock@southwestschools.org.

Safety

The safety of our students is our top priority. Here are some updates and reminders:

• School Messenger Notifications
• As winter approaches and the chances for winter weather increase, please make sure your contact information is current in Final Forms.  If you are already getting emails, texts and phone calls from us via the School Messenger Mass Notification system, you should be all set to receive weather-related information.  You can also check the District website (southwestschools.org) and the official District social media accounts for the most up-to-date, accurate information. 
• Medication Reminder:
• For the safety and well-being of all students, medications must be brought to school by a parent or guardian in their original, labeled container. This ensures that the medication is properly identified and administered according to the prescribed instructions. Please refrain from sending medications with your child or in unmarked containers, as this helps us maintain a secure and effective environment for managing student health.

Please remind your child about the importance of following these safety guidelines both at school and at home.

Parent Tip of the Week: Maintaining a Positive Mindset This Winter

As the winter months continue to bring short days and cold weather, it’s common for both children and adults to experience feelings of isolation or sadness. Keeping busy and maintaining a routine is key to lifting spirits and preventing winter blues. Encourage your middle schooler to stay engaged with activities they enjoy—whether it’s reading, crafting, or staying active indoors. Staying connected with friends, trying new hobbies, and focusing on small goals can make a big difference in maintaining a positive mindset. Remember, staying busy doesn’t just fill time—it helps keep the winter fog at bay and fosters resilience. Let’s stay active, stay connected, and keep moving forward!

Upcoming Events:

• CURRENT 8^th Grade Registration Meeting
• STUDENT registration Meeting
• 8:30AM on Thursday, January 30^th @ HJS.
• PARENT Registration Meeting
• 7:30PM on Thursday, January 30^th @ Activity Center. Students are encouraged to join their parents!
• Students will then meet with their assigned HS counselor on either February 4^th and 5^th in the HJS library. Families can sign up to join their students for this meeting to meet with the HS counselor and schedule classes.
• Book Fair
• PTO will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair February 10-12^th! This event will benefit HJS classroom libraries!
• Students will have the opportunity to visit the book fair with their ELA class throughout the week or stop by during lunch! Parents will also get the chance to check out the book fair during the evening of conferences!

We appreciate your continuous support and collaboration.