JANUARY 19 ISSUE
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 22
*Showtime Performing at JP
*Winterfest

January 23
*Encore Performing at JP

February 1
*Priority Re-enrollment Deadline
JA ENROLLMENT
It's time to complete re-enrollment contracts. Save $100 per child by re-enrolling by February 1, the priority re-enrollment date. Please refer to your email sent on January 7 for re-enrollment instructions.
CHEER AND ACCENTS
If your daughter is interested in trying out for a cheer squad or the Accents dance team, please attend a parent and candidate meeting in the Assembly Hall.

Sunday, January 24
Junior high cheer: 4:00 p.m.

Monday, January 25
Varsity cheer: 5:30 p.m.
Accents: 6:00 p.m.

Varsity cheer clinic is March 2-3 with tryouts on March 4.

Accents clinic is March 7-8 with tryouts on March 9.

Junior high cheer clinic is March 21-22 with tryouts on March 24.  
THE CLARION-LEDGER TOP PERFORMERS

Deja Bradford was named a top performer for five rebounds, four assists, and three steals in the three-game winning streak over MRA, Pillow Academy, and Presbyterian Christian.


Walker Benner was named a top performer for scoring three goals in the 8-0 win over Hartfield Academy.


Ben McDowell was named a top performer for scoring a career high 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting in a 71-22 win over Pillow Academy.
Gov. Phil Bryant and Kelvin Gardner
JA STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN GOVERNOR PHIL BRYANT'S INAUGURATION

At least four JA students took part in the inauguration festivities of Gov. Phil Bryant this month, serving in volunteer roles for the day, for the evening, or during the week leading up to the event.

Kelvin Gardner, a JA eight grader, served as a greeter at the inauguration. He was among five students selected for this role by Kathy Henry, an educator who has held committee and board appointments from three Mississippi governors and currently serves on the Mississippi Parole Board. While serving as a greeter, Kelvin had the chance to meet the governor. He also helped with organizing, packing gifts, checking tickets, and assisting in the VIP room, which hosted small groups of guests such as college presidents. Henry says when recommending students for these volunteer roles, she looks for students with potential and encourages all teens to be involved in their communities, try different things, and meet new people.


Ralph Moore, Steve Guyton, and Hays Rogers

Hays Rogers, a JA senior, spent inauguration week shadowing staff and working on multiple inauguration activities. As a result of his earlier participation in Boys State, Hays was asked by Steve Guyton to work the week of inauguration. Guyton, a staff member of Sen. Roger Wicker and U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper, encourages students to get involved by volunteering their time. Often these volunteer experiences help young people meet professionals who will be important connections later, Guyton says.

Guyton said Hays was instrumental in preparation and implementation of a number of events of the week, including working at the prayer breakfast and the parade, preparing packets, helping with decorations, and many other activities. Hays had a chance to be present at the official swearing in of Gov. Bryant; received a tour of the Governor's Mansion; met the governor, his staff, and legislators; and attended the Governor's Ball. Currently, Hays serves as JA's student body vice president, and he plans to study government at the University of Mississippi next year. Hays previously worked on the Stacey Pickering campaign for state auditor.


Olivia Rule and Hays Rogers

Junior Olivia Rule and senior Glennis McWilliams volunteered on Monday preparing for the Governor's Ball with duties in event set up and decorations. They both attended the ball.

While working at the inauguration Hays reconnected with a fellow Boys State alumnus, Ralph Moore, a candidate for the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy. 
OPPORTUNITY TO STUDY VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, AND BASS ON CAMPUS



JA will offer orchestral strings lessons starting in February on Tuesdays after school for students in fourth through twelfth grade. Orchestral instruments include the violin, viola, cello, and bass. Please email Stacy Bates at sbates@jacksonacademy.org with any questions.

FOND MEMORIES: THE ANNUAL LITTLE HOUSE PROGRAM


Little House Program

A long standing tradition for our third graders is the program based on the book Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Click the video to the left to view one of the square dances from this year's presentation.

JA SHOWCHOIRS BEGIN COMPETITION SEASON JANUARY 22



Come support the JA showchoirs as they enter the competition season. Each year the choirs travel to compete with other schools. Dates are included below, with approximate times of performances if known at this time.

SHOWTIME
Friday, January 22, 9:15 p.m. - JP
Friday, January 29 - South Jones
Friday, February 5, 9:25 p.m. - JA
Friday, February 19, 9:20 p.m. - West Jones
Friday, February 26 - Petal
ENCORE
Saturday, January 23, 4:15 p.m. - JP
Saturday, January 30 - South Jones
Saturday, February 6, 5:55 p.m. - JA
Saturday, February 13 - Purvis
Saturday, February 20, 4:25 p.m. - West Jones
Saturday, March 5 - Oak Grove

JA TEEN TRENDSETTERS ATTEND READING EVENT WITH BARBARA BUSH FOUNDATION CEO


The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy Hosts Mentors and Mentees During National Mentoring Month

The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy hosted an event on Thursday, January 14 to celebrate the Teen Trendsetters programs that were recently launched in Jackson. These programs are instrumental in helping struggling elementary school children improve their reading skills.

Attending from JA were our 15 mentors, Board of Trustees Chair Ashley Willson, and staff members Audrey Wilkirson, Paula Pratt, Amy Bush, and Michelle Mills.

January is National Mentoring Month, which is a perfect opportunity to highlight the importance and success of these critical mentoring programs. The Teen Trendsetters programs consist of volunteer teen mentors who help young mentees who are six months or more behind their peers in reading. For the 2015-16 school year, the foundation established 11 Teen Trendsetters programs in Jackson, where elementary schools partnered with local middle and high schools. JA and Murrah High School are partnered with Spann Elementary.
 
"We're so happy to be working in partnership with these schools to help struggling young readers in Jackson gain literacy skills that are absolutely critical for their success," said Liza McFadden, CEO and President of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. "With 74 percent of fourth grade students in Mississippi reading below grade level, we know that these programs can have life-changing impact on these children and their community."
 
Teens spend one-on-one time each week bonding with their young mentees while teaching them to read better and enjoy books. The Barbara Bush Foundation is the nation's leading advocate for family literacy. To learn more about the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy's commitment to promote family literacy in homes across America, please visit www.helpthemread.org or join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter (@BarbaraBushFdn)


For further reading, view the latest news coverage on the Barbara Bush Foundation and the JA Teen Trendsetters program below:
THIRD THURSDAY THIS WEEK



Experience Dyslexia
A Learning Difference Simulation

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to have dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, or a central auditory delay? The Experience Dyslexia simulation puts you in the shoes of a person with these learning differences. The exercise is designed to increase awareness of the difficulties and frustrations students encounter daily. Participants will gain insight into working more effectively with children that can lead to greater empathy and understanding.

Presenter: Jackson Academy ARC Team
Focus: Any age
Registration deadline: Today
When: Noon
Where: Upper School Library

To register for the upcoming Third Thursday, contact Beth Murray-Wilson at bmurray@jacksonacademy.org.


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