Public Notice Regarding Destruction of Special Education Records - May 16, 2012
Submitted by Sabrina Causey

(June 7, 2012) -- Notice is hereby given that in accordance with 34CFR 300.573, Joaquin Independent School District intends to destroy the records of all students who exited from any special education program prior to and during the 2004-2005 school year.

Any student, or former student, who has reached 18 years of age, may review and/or receive these records by contacting the Special Education Department at (936)269-3258 X 304 and scheduling an appointment by June 30, 2012. Destruction of these records will begin July 30, 2012.

According to federal law, parents and guardians lose their right to review or obtain these records when their child (the student) reaches 18 years of age or starts attending a postsecondary institution, whichever occurs first. However, a parent of a child with a disability who is 18 years of age or older may retain parental rights provided that the child has been determined to be legally incompetent or legally incapacitated.

Upon review, a copy of any information contained in the record will be provided to the parent/guardian or eligible student.
Once an appointment is scheduled, the record will be held for review for ten days after the appointment date. If an appointment is not kept or if the appointment is rescheduled, the file will be held for 10 days from the last scheduled appointment.

If no student, parent or guardian responds to this public notice, the school district will assume consent to destroy the entire record specific to the student.

In accordance with federal and state laws, special education records are maintained for five years after the student exits the special education program. A permanent record of the student’s name, address, phone number, grades, attendance record and year completed is maintained in perpetuity.

The purpose of destruction is to protect the student from improper and unauthorized disclosure of the confidential information contained within the file. Please note that certain records may be needed by the student, parent or guardian for social security benefits or other purposes.

If you do not understand this notice or if you are in need of interpretation, contact

Anita Huddleston
Special Education Director
11109 US Hwy 84 East
Joaquin, Texas 75954
Phone 936-269-3258 Extension 304

Joaquin ISD ESL/PAC Community Project - May 15, 2012
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Thursday evening, May 10, 2012, several families met at the Joaquin Elementary School for an evening of fun, food and learning. Mrs. Maggie Bowden and Mrs. Monica Reyes, Joaquin ESL teachers, greeted the ESL students and their families. Mrs. Maggie had the students register for upcoming summer classes. The first family project had the parent go up and choose a book that their child would read to them either in English or Spanish. Next, parent and child had to illustrate their particular story and color it. Then, a parent and their child stood up and the child told the story in English and the parent shared the same story in Spanish. Everyone enjoyed this activity. Supper was next on the agenda and there was a variety of delicious foods served. There was everything from gorditas to fried chicken and desserts from flan to strawberry cake. Door prizes throughout the evening were also given away. It was an exceptional meeting. Before closing, Mrs. Maggie and Ms Monica gave away books donated by both individuals and a Migrant Worker grant. The importance of students and parents reading together throughout the summer was stressed by the teachers. A special thank you is given to all who made this event possible and to those who participated. We look forward to next year when we will all meet again.

Joaquin Elementary Thanks for Teacher Appreciations - May 11, 2012
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

All of the faculty and staff at Joaquin Elementary wish to express their thanks for a great Teacher Appreciation Week. They have been treated to Muffin Monday, Amazing Grazing Gumbo and Rice Tuesday, Waffle Wednesday, Delicious Dessert Thursday and PTO Subway Friday! Wow! What a week it has been. Thanks to everyone who made all of this possible!

“This Letter is From Who?”….President Obama ! - March 22, 2012
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Without a doubt, JES second graders send their "Flat Friends" on some amazing adventures.

The second grade students studied the "Flat Stanley" book, written by Jeff Brown, and learned that Flat Stanley was able to be mailed anywhere to explore. The class decided to join in on the fun. Each second grader decorated and named a "Flat Friend" to be mailed off on a unique adventure. Many were mailed to towns in Texas such as Bastrop, Dallas, Houston, and College Station. Many of the "Flat Friends" were sent to other states such as Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and even Alaska. A few were even sent to other countries such as Brazil, Mexico, England, and Sri Lanka. As a guest, Flat Stanley visits the area and takes pictures or collects postcards to share with the classroom. The class locates the area on the map, learns about the area, and hones their reading skills by reading the letters to the entire class. Many of the "Flat Friends" have already been returned, including a special packet sent by President Barack Obama.

Hunner Cummings was the lucky girl to get an actual letter from the White House. Hunner said, "It was so exciting ". Hunner shared her information and pictures with the class. President Barack Obama wrote of the importance of education and encouraged Hunner to always do her best.

"It is fun and we learn about other places," stated Kace Sherrod. Each day the students come to class asking if their "Flat Stanley" has been returned. All of the second grade students stop daily to visit the bulletin board displaying his adventures so far.

"The most exciting part," stated reading teacher, Debbie Moore, "is they have found a new literary character to love. Many students are now reading the Flat Stanley's worldwide adventure series and have a personal connection with it."

Valentine's Day at Joaquin Elementary - February 14, 2012
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Valentines Day at Joaquin Elementary February 14, 2012 was another exciting day at school for the first and third graders of Joaquin Elementary School. Casey Gamble, first grade writing teacher, had her students create their own gingerbread boys or girls stories. After practicing their writing techniques and proofing their papers they rewrote and displayed their stories. As a follow-up project, each student was allowed to imagine and create a gingerbread house of their own design. Each student was creative and unique with their house. To be sure, it was educational and fun!

Third grade students learned to draw self-portraits and drew one for their new pen pals in North Dakota. They chose to mount another self- portrait for their family to take home on Valentine’s Day.

Third, fourth and fifth grade students studied art history and each student was given a particular artist to research. Then they made guitars to rock the art history. The learning continues at Joaquin Elementary School!

JES Welcomes in the Chinese New Year 2012 - January 24, 2012
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Learning about other countries and people in our world is not only educational but so much fun. Joaquin Elementary students were just waiting for this day to arrive so that they could get out the Chinese dragons, kites, poster, and wind toys they made and have a big parade through the halls all three schools. They were welcomed by the Jr. High and High School students and teachers who cheered them on as they trailed their long parade through the halls of the new JHS facilities. January 23,2012 begins the new year which is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese lunar calendar. Gung hee fatt choi! Happy New Year!

JISD School Board Appreciation Week - January 24, 2012
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

Joaquin School Board members, President, Jay Cockrell, Vice President, Charles Leflett, Secretary, Ronnie Belrose and Trustees, Josh Cooper, Frank Cooper, Jeff Hamilton and Charles Baker were delighted to have students attend the January 23rd, 2012 meeting.

Mindy Bragg, BETA sponsor, thanked and introduced the JISD students. Each student had a part in the program presenting examples of how important the role of a school board member is to the school. Rexanne Weeks, JES Student Council sponsor, also had student representatives that thanked the JISD School Board members. Each club presented the members with gifts of appreciation. The students presenting the program were Trevor Baker, Samantha Murphy, Maddison Andres, Sarah Schmutz, Ally Garrett, Tanner Williams, Regan Hovey, Justin Hooper, Molly Mason and Michaella Byrd. In addition, the FCCLA student organization baked and provided pies.

Under the direction of Superintendent, Phil Worsham, the School Board mission is that all JISD students be provided the opportunity to develop and ability to think logically, independently, creatively and to communicate effectively in a safe environment. The goals of Joaquin Independent School District are to 1. Maintain a highly qualified staff and staff development plans 2. Develop a curriculum to secure student competency in all academic areas 3.Continually improve school facilities 4. Maintain a safe, disciplined and drug free environment 5. Encourage community and parental involvement 6. Conduct business using sound financial management.

Thank you JISD School Board for all that you do!

Jason Smith, JES Student, Receives Badlands Art Award - January 5, 2012
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

First, imagine having to leave Texas with your family headed to North Dakota as an eight year old child. Better than that by far, imagine being able to return again to the great state of Texas and finding yourself at Joaquin Elementary. That is exactly what JES student, Jason Smith encountered. But, not long after his return a large envelope arrived at JES from one of his former teachers, Miss Rebecca Miller at Dickinson Public School in Dickinson, ND. She had written to let us give Jason his much deserved art award which JES was ever so proud to present to him. This has opened other doors of correspondence for the third grade classes to exchange artwork and ideas with other students from rather far away states. Our congratulations to Jason Smith!We are all very proud of you!!!

Building Bridges From Joaquin to Opelousas Through Education - January 5, 2012
Submitted by Debbie Leggett

It was first a thought, a simple idea, and then it all came together for good. Joaquin Elementary and Opelousas Catholic School teamed up to learn about and from each other. Mrs. Jolene Gremillion, teacher at OCS, as well as their entire school welcomed JES representatives with a warm welcome. JES teacher, Mrs. Casey Gamble, had her writing students pen letters to OCS students. JES students were happy and excited to share themselves with new found friends and likewise to hear from them. All the students were anxious to exchange information about themselves, their families, culture and art. Bridges, thus, were formed. The carriers of the letters were Lauren Garrett, fourth grade student at JES and Mrs. Debbie Leggett, JES art teacher, who choose to volunteer of their time to bring Mrs. Jolene’s class a fun filled day of all art.

The day began with each student painting a 16 x 20 canvas board followed by more art and crafts. At the end of the day the students had lots of art to carry home and a fun time was had by all. Mrs. Jolene’s class was notably well behaved and very appreciative of such a fun day. JES students had previously looked into the culture, music and art of south Louisiana before the holidays and noted how different the culture, food and music is from East Texas. As of this date, JES art students are looking at famed Louisiana artist, Georges Rodrique, and his “Blue Dog”art. Without a doubt, learning about and from other cultures is very exciting and fun.With open hearts and minds much can be learned. We invite our new found friends from Opelousas to visit us anytime. Joaquin Elementary is looking forward to building even more bridges through education. Oh, a keep a watch for some very creative “Blue Dog”art coming soon.