District News

The GJCS Staff Member of the Month Award honors staff members that show exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication, utmost professionalism, excellence in their roles, and their consistent willingness to exceed expectations for the betterment of GJCS.

The March Staff Member of the Month is Mrs. Andrea Messmer, English Learners Teaching Assistant at Jasper Middle School. A fellow GJCS employee commented, "It is our pleasure to nominate Andrea Messmer as Staff Member of the Month. Andrea has been serving the JMS EL students for 24 years. Initially, she spent time in all four corporation buildings, but as the need increased at each building, she became full-time at JMS in 2002. With our building’s population of English Learners growing rapidly, Andrea’s role has grown rapidly as well. She starts each day with a 45-minute walk through the halls of JMS to stay in the best of shape. Then, she sets up three different classrooms that are used to help our EL students get the most help possible. Throughout the day, Andrea hosts sheltered study halls and pushes in to general education classes to assist the EL students. Her flexibility is her biggest asset as the two EL teachers are often pulled for other things, such as translating and testing. She often takes on responsibilities beyond her job description. And she does so happily and with her trademark smile. Andrea’s love and kindness more than compensate for the language barriers that exist. Andrea is well past the age that many people choose to retire. JMS and its EL program are certainly grateful that she continues to give her time and talent to help a vulnerable population. Her positivity, her energy, and her kindness make JMS a much better place."

Thank you, Mrs. Messmer, for all you do to make #JasperGREAT! 

 

 

The GJCS Staff Member of the Month Award honors staff members that show exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication, utmost professionalism, excellence in their roles, and their consistent willingness to exceed expectations for the betterment of GJCS.

The February Staff Member of the Month is Mrs. Lisa Guthrie from Jasper Elementary School. 

A fellow GJCS employee commented, "I am honored to nominate Lisa, as she deserves to be recognized for all of her hard work and dedication to Jasper Elementary School. From covering to where she is needed to her all she does for the Leader In Me Program, we want to recognize her for all she has done and will continue to do."

Thank you, Mrs. Guthrie, for all you do to make Jasper GREAT! 

 

The Greater Jasper Consolidated School Corporation Board of School  Trustees is actively engaged in the search process to hire a permanent district leader. The superintendent  application is open until March 7, 2025. As part of the active search, a survey was distributed to staff  members, parents, and community members to gather valuable feedback.  

The insights from this survey will play a key role in guiding the school board as they evaluate potential  candidates for the superintendent position. Additionally, these results will be instrumental for the new  superintendent in identifying district priorities and developing a strategic plan.  

We extend our gratitude to all who participated in the survey. Your support and involvement are vital as  we strive to fulfill our district mission of engaging students in educational excellence for lifelong success.  

Greater Jasper Consolidated School Corporation 

Qualtrics Survey Report 

Results Summary 

Total Surveys Completed- 1011 

Total Survey Reports- 1476  

Elementary Parents- 359 

Middle School Parents- 214 

High School Parents- 316 

Classified Staff Members- 73 

Certified Staff Members- 176 

Administrators- 19 

Community Members- 319 

What are the top strengths of your district? 

1. Student Achievement- 44% 

2. Teaching Staff- 22% 

3. Sports Programs- 20% 

4. Special Education Programs- 19% 

5. Facilities- 17% 

6. Community Support- 16% 

7. Focus on Students- 15% 

Extracurricular Activities- 15%

What are the top challenges of your district? 

1. Insufficient Support Staff- 33% 

2. Diversity- 30% 

3. Community Not Aware of District Goals- 19% 

4. Insufficient Teaching Staff- 18% 

5. Lack of Alternative Education Programs- 14% 

What are the Top Priorities of the School District 

1. Improving Student Achievement- 55% 

2. Attracting High Quality Teachers- 51% 

3. Improving the Effectiveness of Teaching 30% 

4. Improving School Funding- 26% 

5. Improving School Safety- 25% 

What are the Most Important Personal Characteristics the Next Superintendent Must Possess? 

1. Good Communicator- 41% 

2. Problem Solver- 34% 

3. Approachable- 29% 

4. Trustworthy- 22% 

5. Values Community Culture- 21% 

What are the Most Important Professional Skills the Next Superintendent Must Possess? 

1. Ability to Lead the District in Strategic Planning- 50% 

2. Instructional Leadership (Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment)- 35% 3. Budgetary Skills and Knowledge- 33% 

4. Ability to Motivate Others- 28% 

5. Human Relation Skills- 21%

 

An exciting project is underway at Ireland Elementary School and Jasper Elementary School. Mayor of the City of Jasper, Dean Vonderheide, has proclaimed January 31 at One Book, Two Schools Day. Students kicked off Friday morning with a video from the mayor, explaining this proclamation. 

What is One Book, Two Schools? This exciting project allows students at both Ireland Elementary and Jasper Elementary to participate in an all-school book club. Students at all grade levels at both schools will be listening to and/or reading the same book from January 31st to February 21st. 

Today students received their own copy of Mysteries According to Humphrey. A recommended reading schedule was shared to allow students to discuss the book with their peers in class over the next three weeks. On the school website, there are recordings of the readings from each day, read aloud by teachers. There will also be daily trivia during lunch. Nearly 50 Dubois County businesses and groups will also have trivia questions. Students should look for participation posters on doors and windows of local businesses and let an employee know they are reading Mysteries According to Humphrey and politely ask if they have a question for them. 

With the support of families and the community, GJCS aims to build a community of readers and make the next few weeks