JES Student Council and Beta Club Visits Shriners Hospital and Providence House - May 9, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

It is so great to see students caring for others and trying to help with needs that others may have. That is the case with the JES Student Council and Beta Club members. Their goals set at the beginning of the year have been met and gone beyond. They have responded positively to unforeseen events that have occurred locally and nationwide.

Recently, they gathered donations and toys to help those in need. The sponsors, Mrs. Renee Alexander, Mrs. Christi Penning and Mrs. Mimi Creasy, arranged for the group to tour and give their toy donations to the children at Shriners Hospital.

After visiting at the hospital the students went to Providence House and dropped off household goods and food for those in need. Later, they ate lunch at Five Guys/Freebirds in Shreveport. A memorable time was had by all. The members wish to thank everyone who donated. We are proud of our JES students for making a difference count.

Joaquin High School Thanks Texas State Bank for Honoring Seniors Who Make a Difference - April 29, 2013

Each year for the past fifteen years Texas State Bank has sponsored a banquet for Seniors Who Make a Difference at the close of the school year. Texas State Bank asks each JHS teacher to nominate students who they believe possess qualities such as leadership, honesty, good character, caring for others and are successful academically. There were many successful seniors but eight Joaquin High School seniors were chosen by the faculty as JHS Seniors Who Make a Difference. These students were privileged to have their families treated to dinner as well. The students were also asked to nominate an individual from Joaquin ISD whom they believed to have impacted their lives in a positive way. This is a great honor for both individuals. As a parent to see your child mature as a young adult and to be nominated for this honor is awesome.

Mark Ivey, President of Texas State Bank, began this project several years ago in Joaquin. Mary Cummings continues to put this project in action. Representatives from the bank and the community were also present to congratulate these students, parents and teachers.

Mark Ivey welcomed all to the banquet held at the John Windham Convention Center on April 23rd, 2013. After having a most delicious dinner of salad, steak, green beans, roll and cheesecake the students were called up one by one , along with their special individual that impacted their lives, to speak about each other and the positive impact each has had on the others life. The speeches were moving and heartfelt.

The students and the individuals chosen were Steven Evans/ Lynn Silvey, Zach McDaniel/ Lisa Barton, Bailee McSwain/Ronnie Wolfe, Jordan Powdrill/ Coach Rodney Prnka, Whitney Vaughn/ Carrie Obregon, Will Vaughn/ Coach Wade Lawson, Allen Woodfin/ Lynn Silvey and Olivia Worsham/ Wanda Scruggs.

What a great pleasure it is to live in a community that students have so much support from the entire community. We have parents who play a vital role in a student’s education, faculty who care, civic leaders, local businesses and banks that sponsor numerous school activities from kindergarten throughout a student’s high school years. All of these together contribute in different ways to help students grow and become successful citizens.

JISD is proud of all of our students and faculty and wish to extend a special thank you to Texas State Bank for sponsoring this banquet.

Front row: Jordan Powdrill, Olivia Worsham, Zach McDaniel, Allen Woodfin, Steven Evans, Bailee McSwain, Whitney Vaughn, Will VaughnBack Row: Mary Cummings, Rodney Prnka, Wanda Scruggs, Lisa Barton, Lynn Silvey, Ronnie Wolfe, Carrie Obregon, Wade Lawson, Mark Ivey

Joaquin Elementary Second Grade Celebrates Earth Day - Aprill 22, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Earth Day is an annual day on which events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Earth Day is observed on April 22 each year. Mrs. Heidi Pritchett and her science class students learned about Earth Day and discussed ways that all students could help to protect our environment. Too, the students chose to plant a tree in recognition of the importance of Earth Day. This tree was planted on the campus of JES in hopes that it will thrive and be a memory they will not soon forget and can come back to one day. Way to go students!

Administrative Professionals Week at JES - April 19, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

The teachers and staff at Joaquin Elementary are fortunate to have Mrs. Shonda Prnka and Ms. Lindsey Blackwell as Administrative Professionals. As administrative professionals there is much work to do in a school office. Mrs. Prnka has worked at JES five years and Ms. Blackwell one year. At the Spring Luncheon held on Friday, April 19th they were presented gift certificates and thanked for jobs well done.

Spring has Sprung at JES - April 9, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

The winter chill has been broken and warmth has begun to fill the days. Trees of all kinds have blossomed out with beautiful pinks and whites. Wisteria vines are venturing to unknown territory with clusters of lavender and purple splashes of color abound. Tulips have popped out of the ground as if standing at attention saluting God with various cups of colors.

If one chooses to venture out one will hear nature as well as see it. Red robins, blue birds and squirrels hustling about as if taking care of some much needed spring cleaning. Then, there are the children playing and running about the school grounds enjoying the beginning of spring time. The children no longer run from the bus after school to get inside. Instead, one may see them unload from the school bus and put their books or backpack down to go play a few minutes before going inside. It is the kind of season to see high flying colorful kites.

Spring has definitely arrived at Joaquin Elementary School. Children are sporting team tee shirts and lots of bright colored clothing. Spring flowers are on bulletin boards. Students review before the state tests hoping to soon plan for field trips, field day and other special events. No matter what direction one may look one is sure to see the beauty and renewed freshness of spring.

Worsham State Powerlifting Champion in 132 lbs Class - March 22, 2013
Submitted by Brian Gandy

Congratulations to Olivia Worsham. Olivia is the State Powerlifting Champion in the 132 pounds class. Olivia competed in the Texas High School Women's Powerlifting State Meet last weekend in Corpus. Olivia did a personal best of 310 in squat, bench pressed 140 and deadlifted 320 for a total of 770. We are all very proud of Olivia and her accomplishment.

Smokey the Bear Visits Joaquin Elementary School - March 6, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Joaquin Elementary School students were happy to learn that Smokey the Bear was in town for a visit. Jan Amon, Ronnie Jones and Zack Looney presented a safety program to grades Pre K -5. These representatives from the Texas A & M Forest Service pointed out the hazards and preventions of wildfires. They also presented flyers and books to the library telling the true story of the history of Smokey the Bear. A special thank you to Texas A & M Forest Service for promoting fire safety because we all should know “only we can prevent wildfires”.

JES Ram Luncheon - March 6, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Mrs. Swanzy’s JES fourth graders have now read books and passed tests totaling 3,146.1 points. For this six weeks, the first place winner is Nicole Betancour with 75.2 points, second place is Lucia Ruiz with 45.6 points and third place is held by Sarah Ewing with 44.3 points.

Fourteen students will enjoy a special RAM LUNCHEON on Thursday, March 21, 2013. Those students include Dylan Bates, Ryleigh Cheatwood, Lariat Brittain, Nicole Betancour, Sarah Ewing, Judith Betancour, Dillon Clark, Susana Jimenez, Chandler Pritchett, Madison Taylor, Kayla Fletcher, Luisa Ruiz, Lucia Ruiz, and Christian Mathis.

Twenty six other students earned eight or more points and proudly had their names read over the PA system. Congratulations to all the students. Keep reading and encourage others to read!

Joaquin Elementary Box Top Winners - March 5, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Mrs. Renee Alexander, JES BETA Club sponsor, announced the winners and thanks everyone who helped to collect the 6,217 box tops. The winners all received prizes. All JES students benefit from this contest. The students and parents did a great job collecting box tops. The individual winners include Sarah Ewing, Jykeeria Patton, Melanie Parrish, Chevy Bounds, Jesse Parker, Madalynn Wilkinson, Kannon Rogers, Stormy Runnels and Malik Stotts.

Joaquin FFA Show Team Results – San Antonio Junior Heifer Show - February 22, 2013

The Joaquin FFA Show Team was represented well this year at the San Antonio Junior Heifer Show. To start the show off, Ethan Wood exhibited the Grand Champion Simmental female at the Simmnetal/Simbrah Superbowl winning $1700, along with bragging rights and a buckle. In the Junior Show Ethan was Reserve Junior Heifer Calf Champion, and also exhibited a 4th in class with his march Simmental Heifer. Josie Green was 1st in her class of Santa Gertrudis females winning a buckle for class champion. Lauren Neal placed 4th out of 16 in her class of Limousin heifers, Trey Harvey placed 6th and 12th in his class of Angus heifers, and Cralon Hughes placed 12th in class with his Polled Hereford female.

Congratulations to all members of the Show Team and we look forward to representing Joaquin FFA at the Shelby County Livestock Show. Please come out to see all of Shelby County’s livestock show exhibitors on March 2nd with the show beginning at 10:00 am at the Shelby County Expo in Center, TX. A Buyers Dinner will be served at 6:00pm that evening with the Premium Sale to follow at 7:00pm. If you have not been contacted and would like to make a donation to the Shelby County Show, please contact the Shelby County Extension Office at 936-598-7744 or the Joaquin FFA at 936-269-3127 ext.425 to help out all of our Shelby County Livestock Exhibitors.

Ethan Wood Champion Simmental	Lauren Neal
Josie Green	Cralon Hughes

Joaquin Elementary School Tinikling - February 21, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Tinikling is taught throughout the United States. In grades K-12 they use this type of folk dance as an aerobic exercise for physical education classes to help extend physical movements such as hand coordination, foot speed and also rhythm. Tinikling is a pre- Spanish dance from the Philippines that involves two people beating, tapping and sliding poles on the ground and against each other in coordination with one or more dancers who step over and in between the poles in a dance. This is great exercise for the students as they prepare for the upcoming fitness gram.

Joaquin Elementary Physical Education Classes Really Hopping! - February 13, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

For the last couple of weeks things have really been “hopping” in the JES gym classes. This six week period involves jump rope skills, gymnastics, dance, tininkling and other individual and team cardiovascular workouts. After completing the jump rope unit the students in the upper grades chose jump teams and performed as a group to music while the other students observed. Next, they will be working on a dance unit followed by gymnastics, tininkling and lummi stick. Below are a few of the jump rope teams and students showing off their skills. Too, most students have chosen to help out by collecting money for the American Heart Association and a chance to win some cool prizes. Some chose to do Hoops for Hearts and others chose Jump Rope for Hearts. The money collected this week will need to be returned to the school PE teachers on Tuesday, February 19th. As always, thank you parents and friends for your continued support! Also, pictured below are several students following dance instructions. Many are looking forward to the Valentine Dance this Saturday.

Happy Bear Comes to Joaquin Elementary - February 13, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

All the younger students are so excited when Happy Bear and Mrs. Denise Merriman come to visit. The Children’s Advocacy Center is directly involved in helping to make sure all the children in Shelby County are safe and are growing up in a safe environment. Happy Bear talked to the kindergarten and first grade students about the importance of their personal space and personal safety as well as defining bullying and the hurt it causes. Joaquin Elementary appreciates the time, care and concern that the Children’s Advocacy Center spends with the youth of our county. We thank you!

Joaquin ES After School Painting - February 12, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Several students stayed after school last week to work on some individual painting projects. Students from grades one thru fifth participated. These are just a few of the completed paintings. Great job JES students!

Joaquin Elementary G/T Runs the Country Mardi Gras - February 12, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Joaquin Elementary students in grades two thru fifth learned about the customs and traditions of Louisiana Mardi Gras. Language art teachers read a book about this subject. In art, the G/T students created their own screened masks, hats and clothes. All the students learned the difference between a New Orleans / Shreveport style of Mardi Gras Parades and the traditional Mardi Gras run in the country. The G/T students dressed and entered the classrooms to collect the ingredients for the gumbo that they would later pass out to the second and third grade students to sample. They even caught a real chicken for the gumbo. All of the second and third graders were excited to get a Mardi Gras necklace. The G/T students were treated to a gumbo lunch, a taste of boudin, King cake and homemade cracklin’s. Finally, the language art teachers have the students writing about their Mardi Gras experience. To be sure, it is learning that will not soon be forgotten !

Joaquin Elementary School Thanks Our Louisiana Neighbors - February 11, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Joaquin Elementary School is fortunate to have Louisiana for a neighbor. Last week we were able to have an appointment with Berry Plastics in Homer, Louisiana and meet Ms. Tina. She explained how the company operates and how they are able to recycle their used or unwanted items to schools and churches. JES will definitely be able to use the rolls of donated paper, cellophane, etc. Please feel free to contact the company if you are a school, public or private, or a church to set up an appointment.

JES G/T and second and third grade classes are looking at traditions and culture of the Louisiana Country Mardis Gras. The Louisiana Department of Tourism kindly donated Louisiana tour magazines, Louisiana maps, and Mardi Gras beads. For all who contributed, we say a big, Texas “Thank You!”

JES Celebrates 100 School Days - February 6, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

What? Has it really been 100 days of school already? To be sure, the students have not only grown wiser but apparently older! This “Hundred Days of School Celebration” at Joaquin Elementary has been a custom passed down several generations now. Every year it is different and always fun for all the students. Kindergarten and first graders, along with their teachers, love to dress up how they think they will look at the age of 100.This entire day will be spent in hundreds. They will write one hundred spelling words, play Bingo with numbers up to 100, do 100 jumping jacks, jump rope 100 times, make necklaces with one hundred beads, etc. Without a doubt, they will have a day they will always remember as a day that was “fun times one hundred”!

Mrs. Barr - Kindergarten Class	Mrs. Neal Kindergarten Class	Mrs. Chumley Kindergarten Class
Mrs. May First Grade Class	Mrs. Gamble First Grade Class	Mrs. Shahan First Grade Class

The King Comes to Joaquin Elementary School - February 5, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

David Graves, Logansport, LA resident, also has a new title this year. It is his honor to be the King of the Crewe of Aquarius. King David paid a visit to JES today to greet an excited first grade. He passed out beads to the students. To be sure, he will see many familiar faces at the Logansport Mardi Gras Parade this upcoming weekend. Don’t forget to join our neighbors on February 9th and help them celebrate!

Joaquin Elementary Celebrates Black History Month - February 4, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

To celebrate Black History month at Joaquin Elementary the students discussed many of the Black Americans who have helped to make our country great. Political figures, sports figures, authors, and artists were touched upon to name a few. Second and third grade art classes looked at the women and the quilts of Gee’s Bend, Alabama which they are now famous for. The Quilts of Gee’s Bend quilt collection has even been displayed in the Houston Museum of Fine Art. Works by Langston Hughes helped students visualize the times he wrote about. Faith Ringgold, author and artist, along with Natchitoches native, Clementine Hunter, are always favorites among elementary students. Third and fourth grade art classes looked at works by Alma Thomas and then were inspired to create their own with oil pastels instead of paint. Enjoy the student created artworks.

Fourth Grade JES top AR Point Readers - January 31, 2013

School just seems to be flying by at Joaquin Elementary School. It is already mid semester and the ending of the third six weeks. Several fourth grade students have achieved Accelerated Reader points that meet or exceed set expectations.

Nicole Betancour won first place. Sarah Ewing came in a close second and Jairo Blanco took third place. All grades participate in this program and are encouraged to continually raise their reading and comprehension levels.

Fourth grade teacher, Betsy Swanzy, again, held another luncheon in their honor to recognize those students’ achievements. They really enjoyed lunch and visiting with each other. Mrs. Sheryl Graves, JES Principal, attended and also praised and encouraged the students. Great job students!

Joaquin Show Team Competes at Fort Worth Junior Heifer Show - January 30, 2013
Submitted by Shane Vance

The Joaquin FFA Show Team was represented well this year at the Fort Worth Junior Heifer Show. After a very successful fall show season, with five different members of the Show Team winning a showmanship contest, the cattle were very well presented in Fort Worth Texas.

Josie Green highlighted the show winning Reserve Grand Champion Santa Gertrudis female receiving a Buckle, several rosettes, and over $300 in prize money. We would also like to thank Chaylon Mackey of Timpson as the breeder of Josie's heifer, Foxy.

Ethan Wood was Reserve Division 3 Champion in the Simmental heifer show receiving a Rosette and prize money.

Trey Harvey placed 3rd in a tough Angus class. Trey also received the Bronze Award from the National Angus Association for his Junior involvement, and will serve as a Junior Director for the Texas Angus Association this year.

Lauren Neal placed 3rd in her fall Limousin heifer class, Justin Hooper placed 3rd in his fall Charolais heifer class, Cralon Hughes placed 5th in his Polled Hereford class, Miranda Prnka placed 7th in her spring Limousin class, Abi Hooper placed 8th in her summer Simmental Class, and Tanner Williams was 8th in his fall Brahman class.

Congratulations to all members of the Show Team and we look forward to representing Joaquin in the upcoming San Antonio Junior Heifer Show. Also, Trey Harvey and Ethan Wood will be traveling back to Fort Worth next week to compete in the Junior Steer Show. Stay tuned for more pictures.

Joaquin Elementary School Student Council - January 28, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

For Board Appreciation month the JES Student Council selected a book for each board member. These books will have the Board Members name placed in them and will be added to the school Library. The Student Council paid for the books out of the money they have raised from the Student Council Store.

Back Row L-R Stetson Prinz, Lizzy Brice, Kennedy Stanley, Brooklinn Penning, Samuel Brazzell, Trystan Herbison, Joe Pena
Front Row L-R Nathaniel Williams, Caren Adams, Ian Shahan, Lariat Brittain, and Chandler Pritchett

Not Pictured: Logan Harper, Lauren Garrett, Abi Hooper, and Tucker Williams

JES Students Jumping for George - January 28, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

When the students at Joaquin Elementary School hear it is “Jumping for George” time they become very excited. Students with perfect attendance have their names put in a pot and the names are drawn. Next, each student lines up beside a long row of taped dollar bills of all values. Then each student jumps as far as they can and they get to keep all the dollar bills they have jumped past. This is a great incentive for perfect attendance. One can easily see how much this reward is enjoyed! Congratulations to all winners!

Joaquin Elementary Student Council Store Already Successful - Janaury 23, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

When the JES Student Council was elected earlier in the year a number of goals were planned. They decided that a school store was needed and could be successful to add improvements to JES. The school store is open before school and sells such things as pens, pencils, rulers, erasers, pencil sharpeners, etc. The members work their scheduled days and help out anywhere they are needed. The JES Student Council is very proud to report that they have made enough money in the store to purchase kick balls, footballs, soccer balls, jump ropes and Frisbees for all the students to play with during recess class time. Back row (Left to right) includes Lauren Garrett, Nathaniel Williams, Kennedy Stanley, Brooklinn Penning, Abi Hooper, Caren Adams, and Ian Shahan. Front row includes Lizzy Brice, Tucker Williams, Tristen Herbison, Chandler Pritchett, Samuel Brazzel, Logan Harper, Larait Brittain, Stetson Prinz and Joseph Pena. The JES Student Council would like to thank all the students and parents for supporting the store and they look forward to sharing the new equipment with all the students.

JES Student Raleigh Taylor Wins Contest - January 23, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Joaquin Elementary School is proud to announce the lucky winner of the School Mall Contest. Students who brought back ten names and addresses the next day were entered in the contest for the robot. In turn, parents and friends can order magazines and a percentage will go to JES.  JES Principal, Mrs. Sheryl Graves, proudly presents Raleigh Taylor with her new electronic robot. Congratulations!!!

JES ESL Teacher, Maggie Bowden, Retires - January 19, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

After many years in the teaching profession, Mrs. Maggie Bowden, Joaquin Elementary School ESL teacher, has chosen to retire from education. Her last day at school started with a breakfast for all teachers that included fruits, baked goods and a waffle breakfast. JES Principal, Sheryl Graves, and Assistant Principal, Bert Coan, served the breakfast. Mrs. Graves presented her a retirement gift from her fellow teachers and administration along with the best of wishes for her future. One can easily see from the pictures below that she already has settled into the “retirement” mode. Best of everything Ms. Maggie!!!!!

Joaquin Elementary Art Students Still on the El Camino Trail - Janaury 19, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Joaquin Elementary art students are still on the El Camino Real Trail. They have ventured on the trail and learned of the nature of the trail such as the animals and trees, etc. and how the animals and weather helped form the original trails. Too, the students learned about, drew and painted Texas state symbols. That project was followed by a look at the Adai Caddo Indians as well as some European visitors like the French and Spanish. We looked at how the missions were established and even saw a few hand built missions by JHS seventh graders. While looking at Mexico and some Mexican crafts the students made projects such as molas, clay crosses, Ojo de Dios, and worry dolls. Students will return to look at more Mexican artists shortly before Cinco de Mayo. While looking at the Spanish venturing into the area, the students loved learning about Pablo Picasso, Spanish cubist, and how he did such abstract art. Most students tried their hand at abstract faces whether it was with clay, paint, or even computer generated art. The French in the area allowed the students to look at Henri Matisse, French fauvist, and how his paintings were done in bright colors for that time period. They also learned how his failing eyesight brought him to experiment with paper cutouts. Then, the students tried their hands at paper cutouts. Please enjoy looking at some of their art while learning about the history of the trail. Our next venture down the trail will include African pioneers, artists, slavery, famous African Americans and on into Louisiana Mardi Gras and the rich cuisine, music and art of Louisiana. We look forward to the trail reaching into even more local areas in Texas. It is our hope to end the trail in the spring with our annual Mexican Fiesta and Texas Pioneer Day. Keep your eyes on Joaquin Elementary art students as they continue traveling the very interesting and historical El Camino Real Trail.

JES Holds ESL PAC Meeting - January 18. 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

JES was honored by the families attending our PAC Meeting, Thursday evening, Jan. 17th,2013. The evening started by Mrs.Maggie Bowden announcing the agenda for the meeting. Mrs. Bowden, along with the President of our local group, Mrs. Soccoro Calixto, announced the retiring of Mrs. Bowden as ESL teacher and also Mrs. Monica Reyes, ESL aide, moving to her student teaching assignment in Pre K. Mrs. Selisha Cockrell, will now be teaching ESL and Mrs. Linda Martinez, who retired last year, will be returning to assist Mrs. Cockrell.

Many brought food to the meeting and a buffet style dinner was the menu for the night. There was everything from delicious home made tamales to fried chicken and rolls. As the families ate, the meeting began with a game to win prizes. There was also discussion on several topics such as looking into offering Adult ESL classes for our community. Too, activities were discussed about having our annual Fiesta on Cinco de Mayo. Mrs. Soccorro Calixto was elected to remain President and Mr. Javier Blanco was voted Vice President. Mrs. Cockrell appreciates the interest and close relationship of the ESL families and looks forward to working with them.

The meeting ended with the families telling Mrs. Bowden thank you for all her care and work with their children. The families were happy to see Mrs. Monica advance in her profession. Mrs. Selisha Cockrell, familiar to the students, was welcomed by all the ESL families. Too, they were happy to see the familiar face of Mrs. Linda Martinez as she was welcomed back to JES. Mrs. Cockrell is very excited about her new position at JES and looks forward to helping their children advance in their education. The next meeting is set for May 16th, 2013.

Joaquin ISD School Board Members Honored - Janaury 18, 2013
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Joaquin School Board members Jay Dee Cockrell, Jeff Hamilton, Luke Garrett, John Paul Lawson, Charlie Leflett, Frank Cooper and Ronnie Belrose were honored for their service and commitment to JISD at the JISD School Board meeting held this week. JHS Cheerleaders thanked the members and presented each board member with a gift card. JHS FCCLA gave each board member a bag full of goodies. JHS JCC was represented and presented a huge basket of baked goods for the members to enjoy. JJH Beta was represented as well. JH Beta students, Kaitlyn Jackson, Ally Garrett and Mazzy McCann, sang a song that they are planning to present at the upcoming Beta Convention and also presented each member with a gift card. Joaquin Elementary was represented by the JES Student Council. They were happy to report the success of the new JES School Store and thanked the members as well. The JES SC students told each board member which book was chosen to be donated to the library on their behalf. All board members were thankful for each gift and the evening was enjoyed by all. Students and faculty at JISD extend their appreciation to all school board members for their time and concern.

Joaquin Elementary Jumping for George Winners - December 11, 2012
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Every six weeks at Joaquin Elementary School Mrs. Sheryl Graves, JES Principal, has a Jumping for George event. This means that every student with no absences that prior six weeks gets their name in a pot. Then, if lucky, their names are drawn and each one gets to jump as far as they can from a starting point with various amounts of dollar bills taped to the carpet. Whatever they land on they get to keep from their starting point to their ending point. Be assured, the amounts vary but every one wins quite a bit of money. This event really motivates students to have perfect attendance. Congratulations to the lucky winners. Pre K: Daniel Altimarino K: Kaylee Davis 1st: Shelby Freeman 2nd: Marshall Fry 3rd: Fabiola Ariza 4th: Jairo Blanco and alaina Jackson 5th: Jamie Scruggs and Bailey Bernard.

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas at Joaquin Elementary School - December 5, 2012
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. One can easily see by these pictures that the Christmas season has arrived at Joaquin Elementary School and filled the air with the spirit of Christmas. December 4th and 6th, JES will host the annual UIL events again this year and welcome other schools to our home. We appreciate everyone helping in this event.

Joaquin FFA Members participate in Area IX FFA Association Leadership Contest - November 26, 2012
Submitted by Shane Vance

Joaquin FFA members traveled to Nacogdoches to compete in the Area IX FFA Leadership Contest held at Stephen F. Austin State University. Senior Creed Speaker Olivia Worsham bannered placing third, and the Junior Farm Skills team bannered placing fourth with members Treavor May, Tanner Williams, Colby Hamilton, and Dustin Ramsey. Congratulations to both teams on all the hard work they put in this fall.

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