Connally Independent School District

Connally Junior High School Update

Week of 9/16/2024 - 9/20/2024

Principal's Update:

Hello CJH Family,

We are happy to see the start of another great week here at CJH. This week will be very busy for our students but a productive one for sure. Our students will be involved in athletic events as well as MAP testing on Tuesday and Wedneday for math and reading(respectively). MAP Growth testing is an instrument to measure a student's academic progress and growth in reading, language usage, math and science. Also, we would like to stress the importance of attendance.

  • How MAP Growth works:

    The test is computer-based and adjusts to each student's performance. Students are asked the same number of questions, but the difficulty of each question is based on how they answer the previous questions. If a student answers correctly, the next question is more difficult. If they answer incorrectly, the next question is easier. 

  • How MAP helps:

    The test helps educators understand a student's strengths and weaknesses, so they can tailor instruction to meet their needs. It also helps track a student's academic growth over time. 

  • How MAP is scored:

    After each test, students receive a RIT score that reflects their academic knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

  • How often is MAP given:

    The test is usually taken up to three times a year, at the start of the school year, halfway through, and near the end. 

  • How to prepare for MAP:

    To prepare for the test, parents can engage in number activities and games to help their child improve their mathematical understanding. It's also important to familiarize them with technology so they feel comfortable using a computer.

We are so excited to announce the appearance of our 7th/8th grade band students participating at the junior high school football game this past Thursday night against Grandview. The band is expected to have a special treat for us at our last home game. Please come out to support our volleyball, cross country, football teams weekly and the band at every home football game.

At Connally Junior High, we understand that regular attendance plays a crucial role in your student's academic success. When students attend school consistently, they have the opportunity to fully engage with lessons, participate in class discussions, and build the skills they need to succeed. Every day missed is a missed opportunity to learn new concepts, connect with peers, and stay on track with the curriculum. Research shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve higher grades and have a stronger foundation for future learning. We encourage parents to prioritize attendance and help ensure their children are present and prepared for school each day. Together, we can support your student's academic growth and overall success.

Lastly, this is a reminder that we will be holding Intervention Friday on September 20th. This day is dedicated to providing additional support for students who may need extra help catching up on lessons or strengthening their understanding of key concepts. You should have received a letter in the mail with details, and your child has also been informed about this at school. Please ensure your child is present and prepared to take full advantage of this valuable opportunity to improve their academic progress. Thank you for your continued support!

6th grade English/Reading Spotlight:

 Donna Chambers, a 6th grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher, is a shining example of excellence in the classroom. Known for her impeccable classroom management skills and deep knowledge of her subject matter, Donna's passion for teaching is evident in her interactions with students.

     One innovative teaching strategy Donna employs is the use of cue cards. These cards provide students with visual prompts that signal thinking time and answer time. This technique helps to create a structured and equitable classroom where all students have an opportunity to participate and share their ideas.

Chambers 1

Announcements:

Come Join Us For Lunch

We are thrilled to extend an invitation for guardians and siblings to join their student for lunch at Connally Junior High! Sharing a meal with your child is a wonderful opportunity to engage with their school experience and create lasting memories.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit for everyone, please note the following guidelines:

  • Call Ahead: Please inform the school of your visit by calling us at 254-296-7700 by 9:30 AM on the day you plan to join your child for lunch.

  • Visit Schedule: To accommodate everyone comfortably, we ask that you follow the schedule below based on the first letter of your child’s last name:

    • A-F: Mondays

    • G-M: Tuesdays

    • N-S: Wednesdays

    • T-Z: Thursdays

We look forward to welcoming you to our school and hope you enjoy this time with your child.

Parent Supervision At School Events

Connally Junior High requires that all parents or guardians escort and chaperone their children to all Connally ISD activities, including athletic games at both the junior high and high school levels. Junior high school students (grades 6-8) must not be dropped off at any event without an accompanying adult present 100% of the time during the event or for the entire duration that their child is present.

Upcoming Events:

JH Football vs. Alvarado (away) Thursday, September 19th at 4:30; 5:15; 6:00; & 7:30PM

JH Volleyball vs Lorena (home) Monday, September 16th at 5:00PM & 6:00PM; A Teams Main JH Gym B Teams Connally Primary Gym

JH Cross Country at Axtell Invitational Wednesday, September 18th at 4:00PM

Intervention Friday, September 20th 8:00AM-12:00PM