Mayor Proclaims Texas
Public School Week

Mayor Robert Haberle signed a proclamation setting the week of March 10-14 as Texas Public School Week in Jacksonville. The mayor met with members of the Jacksonville High School Student Council to sign the proclamation. “These young people are the future leaders of our community and our nation. I am privileged to be able to be here and spend some time with them to discuss the challenges and concerns they have as we go forward into a brighter future.”

The state-wide theme for the week is Lift-Off to Learning with Texas Public Schools. Students and educators throughout the state are opening their doors and inviting their communities to take a first-hand look into their educational programs during this week-long celebration of public school. "The community is always welcome in our schools, but this week is most exciting because our children have planned many special activities to demonstrate the learning taking place every day," said Judy Terry, JISD Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Curriculum. As part of the week-long emphasis, schools will be inviting parents and community members to visit classrooms and participate in a variety of events.

Activities for the week in the Jacksonville School District include: JISD will host an Internet Safety Seminar for parents and members of the community. The seminar will be held on Tuesday, March 11 at 6:30pm in the JHS Auditorium. Jacksonville Middle School will sponsor a Flag Ceremony on Wednesday, March 12 at 7:30am in the flag pole area in the courtyard of the school. On Thursday, March 13 JMS will host Guest Speaker, Karen Land, an Iditarod Racer who will visit with students from 12:30-2:00pm in the JMS Library. The East Side ES will sponsor a Flag Ceremony on Thursday, March 13 at 8:30am in the flag pole area. Fred Douglass ES will sponsor Kite Days which will take place all day on Thursday and Friday, March 13 and 14 in the field next to school. In addition, parents are invited to Lunch on Friday, March 14 in the Fred Douglass Cafeteria. Joe Wright ES is inviting parents to lunch on Friday, March 14 in the Joe Wright Cafeteria. The West Side ES will host a special PTO Meeting on Tuesday, March 11 at 6:00pm in the West Side Cafeteria.

"Texas Public Schools Week is a celebration where everyone can participate," Mrs. Terry said. "This observance gives us a chance to shine a light on our students and their outstanding achievements. We invite everyone into our schools so they can see how we are preparing students to meet the challenges of the future."

Texas Public Schools Week was established in 1950 by the Masonic Lodges of Texas to recognize contributions made by the state's free system of education. Each year, the event has grown and it continues to be a meaningful way to showcase the many educational opportunities given to more than four million students attending Texas Public Schools.