Earthquake, Tsunami, Volcano …Oh My! - February 3, 2012
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Mrs. Ashley Dean, fifth grade science teacher at Joaquin Elementary School had all of her fifth grade students involved in their latest learning experience. Each student had to play a very important part in the Science theater production, “Earth Quakes, Tsunamis and Volcanoes”. Students demonstrated the deep underground forces that cause natural disasters and the changes they make to the surface of our earth. Not only were there speaking roles, but amazing sound effects, actual foam representations with rock and gas explosions were included as well. Cardboard houses and buildings shook. Trees gently swayed and then suddenly gale force winds ravaged the land. A student ran through the auditorium with a huge tsunami wave prop as another student holding the tsunami wave on stage overtook the unknowing fisherman. All elementary grades and a few JJHS classes attended as well as parents. The audience was very well behaved and attentive and they watched carefully. Without a doubt, this was a learning experience that neither the fifth grade students who participated in the play nor the other students who watched will soon forget. Great job Mrs. Dean and all the fifth grade students at JES!!!!

Let the Race Begin! - November 21, 2011
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Mrs. Mary Hovey’s Joaquin Elementary School third grade science students were asked to create cars made from recycled products from around their home. These projects were to be created by the student with the advice and a little help from their parents. As a result, there was every kind of car from a rat mobile and balloon car to ones made from two by fours and everything in between. To actually see them was amazing. There were wheels made from coke bottle tops, mason jar lids and even old 45 RPM records. To be sure, this project brought back memories for the adults who helped the students. Every student proudly displayed their projects. Later, all students and teachers were encouraged to vote for their favorites. And the winners are:

Creativity: 1st: Bryer Holloway, 2nd: Ethan Wood, 3rd: Christian Mathis
Best Use of Recycled Materials: 1st: Sarah Ewing, 2nd: Kali Randall, 3rd: Camryn Runnels
Distance: 1st: Ebbie McCann, 2nd: Lariat Brittain, 3rd: Chandler Pritchett
Ramp Race 1st: Tucker Williams, 2nd: Chandler Pritchett, 3rd: Jairo Blanco
People’s Choice: 1st: Ebbie McCann, 2nd: Aidan Arwine, 3rd: Peyton Alford

Congratulation to all students for a project very well done!

Joaquin ISD Retirees - November 16, 2011
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

November 2011 finds two of our faithful and dedicated employees retiring from Joaquin ISD. A surprise luncheon was held in their honor at the Elementary School. Tony Martinez and Betty Turner will be retiring after several years of working for Joaquin ISD. Both are both wished the very best for their future. Congrats to Mr. Tony and Ms. Betty, we will miss you !

Joaquin ISD Chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America New Officers - November 11, 2011
Submitted by Danielle Smith

The Joaquin ISD chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America recently installed officers for the 2011-2012 school year. They are as follows:
President - Savanna Cunningham
Vice President - Courtney Holt
Corresponding Secretary - Nely Martinez
Recording Secretary - Emily Byrd
Treasurer - Victoria Furlough
Reporter - April Hataway
Parliamentarian - Tiffany Mayfield
Co-Historian - Haley Risinger
Co-Historian - Shelby LeBouef
Co-Historian - Brigitte Raymond
Co-Historian - McKenzie Eason