HJS Update-October 21, 2024

Great start to the 2^nd Quarter!  Looking forward to a full week with our students!

Weekly Calendar

Monday, October 21:

• NO JS Events Scheduled

Tuesday, October 22:

• NO JS Events Scheduled

 Wednesday, October 23:

• National Junior Honor Society Meeting
• Current members ONLY, 7:00AM in Mrs. Carroll’s Room (RM 252)

Thursday, October 24:

• Picture Retake Day!

Friday, October 25:

• NO JS Events Scheduled

Academic Growth

This week, our teachers are in the process of setting individualized goals for students based on their assessments. Here are some highlights:

• GBA Party
• Huge shoutout to Mrs. Johnson and our amazing PTO for putting together an awesome Fall Festival GBA Party!
• 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 (abby.kenner@southwestschools.org) or Mr. Tracy (christian.tracy@southwestschools.org).

Social Growth

At HJS, we believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals. This week, our social growth initiatives included:

• Fall Athletics
• Congratulations to ALL our fall student athletes!
• Cross Country = SWOC Champs!
• 8^th Grade Football = undefeated, SWOC Champs!
• 7^th Grade Volleyball = undefeated, SWOC Champs!
• 8^th Grade Volleyball = undefeated, SWOC Champs!
• Cheer
• Our cheerleaders have done a wonderful job throughout the season cheering on our Wildcats! We look forward to their continued support!
• Winter Athletics
• More information about basketball, wrestling, and swim will be coming soon!
• Harrison Community Basketball
• Looking for a fun way to stay active and make new friends? Join the local community basketball program! It’s perfect for kids of all skill levels who want to learn the game and have a blast with teammates!
• Visit www.harrisonbasketball.org for more information.
• In addition, we have several community organizations starting up soon, including opportunities for 6th Grade students. These include:
• Harrison Youth Wrestling
• Scouting (Open to Boys and Girls)
• Harrison Youth Track
• Harrison Youth Lacrosse
• Several Youth Baseball Organizations
• Please reach out if you have any questions.

Safety

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

• 👮‍♂️ Strengthening Safety Partnerships! 👮‍♀️ We’re proud of our expanded collaboration with Harrison Police that allowed us to grow from just two shared district-wide School Resource Officers (SROs) to having an officer at every building over the past few years.  These officers truly enhance the safety and security of our students and staff. Together, we’re fostering a safer school environment! #CommunitySafety #SLSD #SchoolSafetyMonth
• 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: Supporting Your Child with Homework 

This week's tip focuses on the importance of creating a positive homework environment for your child. Encourage regular study habits by setting a consistent time and a quiet space free from distractions. Make sure to check in with them about their assignments and offer support when needed, but also encourage independence and problem-solving skills. A little encouragement can go a long way in building their confidence and responsibility!

Here are some tips to help you:

1. Create a Homework Space: Designate a clutter-free area with good lighting where your child can concentrate.
2. Set a Schedule: Encourage your child to complete homework at the same time each day to build a routine.
3. Encourage Breaks: Short breaks can help refresh their minds. Consider using a timer to keep sessions manageable.
4. Be Involved: Ask about their assignments and show interest in what they’re learning. This reinforces the value of education.
5. Promote Independence: While it’s great to help, encourage your child to tackle challenges on their own before seeking assistance.

By fostering a supportive homework environment, you can help your child develop important skills that will benefit them throughout their academic journey.

Other ways to be involved are by creating a routine and expectation for your child each night.  This includes them completing their homework, reading, and making education a priority in your home.  Additionally, teens need 8-10 hours of sleep every night which is essential for academic success, physical and emotional health. Tips for better sleep include setting a sleep schedule, creating a relaxing sleep environment, and keeping electronics out of the bed. If your student is struggling to fall asleep consider a relaxing activity like reading or listening to music. 

Upcoming Events:

• Parents of 6-10th graders: Thinking college and career? Attend an upcoming coffee chat to learn more about the "super electives" your kids can take later in high school via the Great Oaks Career Campuses in programs, including engineering tech & robotics, nursing, surgical technology, dentistry, culinary arts, information technology, exercise science & sports medicine, auto service technology, aviation, manufacturing engineering technology, veterinary assisting, digital arts and design, and more. TWO in-person sessions and ONE virtual chat - RSVP and more details here: Oct. 21 at 6:30 pm, webinar registration: https://bit.ly/3Bvrl8C; Oct. 28 at 7:00pm, Anderson Library registration: https://bit.ly/3UmHlRd; and Oct. 30 at 6:30 pm, Madeira Library registration: https://bit.ly/4evRL8R.
• PTO Butter Braid Sale
• PTO is having our annual Butter Braid sale. Paper forms came home this week and need to be returned by Thursday, October 31st. Please include students 7th bell teacher (and students name!) on paper order forms. Online stores can also easily be set up at https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/RegisterSeller/639fdc3c-e83e-4124-8985-1787f5a92fd2 Additional flavors and coffee are available online!
• Pick up is November 21st from 2:30-4pm. Please see papers sent home with students for incentives and additional information. 
• Please email PTO with questions HarrisonJrSrPTO@gmail.com

At Harrison Junior School, we believe in fostering a supportive environment where students feel empowered to keep trying. Let's work together to help our Wildcats see the value in persistence and hard work! Our team is here to support you in this process.  If you need help creating this routine, please reply to this email or call our office at 513-367-4831.

We appreciate your continuous support and collaboration.

Thank you for your attention to this weekly update. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 513-367-4831.