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We Are Jasper Digital Magazine

First page of the PDF file: WeareJasper-Volume3
First page of the PDF file: WeAreJasperVolume2
First page of the PDF file: Summer2023Edition
Mrs. Flynn holding her Staff Member of the Month Award
  • Jasper Middle School
Gillian Blessinger

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 October Staff Member of the Month is Mrs. Jan Flynn, teacher at Jasper Middle School. 

A fellow GJCS employee commented, "We are thrilled to nominate Mrs. Jan Flynn as the GJCS Staff Member of the Month for October. This recognition is a testament to her exceptional commitment to education, innovative lesson plans, and her students' outstanding performance in state testing. Mrs. Flynn is always one of the first teachers to school and one of the last to leave. She spends that time creating lesson plans that ensure all of her students can learn and grow towards mastery of the standards. Her students’ iLearn scores are always impressive and well above the state averages. Her commitment to JMS and our students, her consistency in planning and instructing, and her professionalism in the field of education has never wavered. She is an invaluable asset to our school community."

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

Mrs. Flynn holding her Staff Member of the Month Award

 

  • JMS
  • Jasper Middle School
  • Staff Member of the Month
Honor Roll Criteria and JHS Rankings
  • Jasper High School
Gillian Blessinger

Jasper High School has achieved all criteria to be listed on the 2024 AP School Honor Roll as a Silver school! To qualify for the 2024 AP School Honor Roll, schools must meet or exceed the criteria for a given recognition level for three metrics, including College Culture, College Credit and College Optimization.

College Culture is the percentage of students in the graduating class who took an AP exam at any point in high school, regardless of score. To avoid pressure on students to take large numbers of APs, only 1 AP exam per student contributes to this indicator. JHS ranked in the Silver Criteria for College Culture.

College Credit is the percent of students in the graduating class who scored 3+ on an AP exam at any point in high school. To avoid pressure on students to take large numbers of APs, only 1 AP exam score of 3 or higher, per student, contributes to this indicator. JHS ranked in the Silver Criteria for College Credit.

College Optimization is the percent of students in the graduating class who took 5 or more AP exams in high school, where at least 1 exam was taken in 9th or 10th grade. Because research finds that 6 or more APs do not improve college graduation rates beyond the optimal total of 5 such courses in high school, no exams beyond 5 per student contribute to this indicator. The Honor Roll also recognizes schools that encourage students earlier on their AP journeys so as not to overload them with AP courses their junior and senior years. JHS ranked in the Platinum Criteria for College Optimization.

Geoff Mauck, JHS principal, said “Jasper High School is proud of our 2024 Silver Recognition in the AP Honor Roll. Our students and staff work very hard across a broad selection of course offerings to obtain high scores and earn college credits as early as their sophomore year. The staff sets high expectations, and our talented students work to meet those expectations. This recognition is a reflection of their efforts.”

Honor Roll Criteria and JHS Rankings

 

  • AP
  • AP Honor Roll
  • College Board
  • Honor Roll
  • JHS
  • Jasper High School
Beckett Dodd poses with his novel
  • Jasper Elementary School
Gillian Blessinger

A Jasper Elementary School 5th Grader, Beckett Dodd, has recently published his debut novel, "The Fight For Five Million." This impressive work draws readers into a reality TV-style competition, where twenty contestants face challenges to win a grand prize of five million dollars. Packed with unexpected twists, the novel spans 590 pages. 

Writing this book began at the age of nine, inspired by the TV show Survivor. Beckett's passion for reality TV led him to create a unique narrative that mirrors the excitement of such shows. "I love reality TV shows, and I thought, wouldn't it be cool if there was a book like a reality TV show?" Beckett shared. 

Not only is the novel a significant personal achievement, but it may soon earn Beckett a world record. With 93,000 words, "The Fight For Five Million" could set the benchmark for the "Highest Word Count In a Novel by an Author Under the Age of 18," surpassing the previous record of 58,000 words. 

The book's creation was a family collaboration. Beckett's father, Joshua Dodd, an art teacher at Jasper High School, designed the books cover, capturing the essence of a viewer engrossed in a TV show. The retro-style design in Beckett's favorite color, green, adds a personal touch. Beckett also credits his mother for assisting with getting connected with an editor to refine the manuscript. 

In a nod to his peers, Beckett included the names of many friends in his story. Although they are not main characters, their presence adds a personal layer to the narrative. When asked about his favorite character, Beckett mentioned Carlos, who brings humor and camaraderie to the story. About the challenges in the book, Beckett noted that many are inspired by challenges he and his friends compete in at recess or are loosely based on the show Survivor. 

While the novel hints at a sequel, Beckett plans to enjoy a well-deserved break from writing. In his free time, which he has now realized he has a lot more of, he loves to watch reality TV, visit new places, and dive into his passion for Disney Animatronics. 

GJCS proudly applauds Beckett Dodd's extraordinary talent and supports his promising future as a young author. We wish him continued success on his literary journey! 

Beckett Dodd poses with his novel

Beckett and his novel, "The Fight For Five Million". 

 

  • Author
  • JES
  • Jasper Elementary School
Ireland Elementary School Honored For Meeting State Literacy Goal
Gillian Blessinger

Ireland Elementary School was one of the 283 schools honored for achieving Indiana’s literacy goal of at least 95% of third graders reading proficiency. Ireland Elementary School had an IREAD Pass Percentage of 99%.

“Our statewide goal of achieving 95% reading proficiency among Indiana students is ever closer because of the work these schools have done and continue to do every day,” said Governor Holcomb in a press release sent out by the Indiana Department of Education. “Reading is foundational to all other educational and quality of life goals we set as a state, and I want to commend the educators at each of the schools honored today for their commitment to a brighter future for our students and the state of Indiana.”

“When it comes to supporting every child to reach their full potential, one of the most important things we can do is teach them to read,” noted Dr. Katie Jenner in the IDOE’s Press Release. “The ability to read has an impact on students’ academic achievement, as well as their lifelong opportunities. While we must certainly continue to keep our foot on the gas pedal to ensure all students are reading by the end of third grade, today is about celebrating the impactful work of schools, educators, parents and families and communities across Indiana working together for students. Congratulations to all of the schools that hit our shared 95% goal, and let’s keep this positive momentum going for Indiana students!”

The IDOE continues to support schools and educators, as well as parents and families, in preparing students with foundational reading skills by making historical investments in literacy, totaling over $170 million.

Ireland Elementary School Principal, Shannon Bauer, said, “I am proud of the intentional efforts made by our staff to ensure that every student is reading at grade level. The drive to learn more about the Science of Reading by learning from our literacy coach and implementing new strategies was a pivotal positive change in our teaching. Our teachers have created an engaging learning environment where students want to learn, and also have learned how to have literacy data drive their instruction. Literacy is at the forefront, and all the stakeholders should be proud and feel part of this recognition”.

Ireland Elementary School Literacy Achievement Recognition

 

Ireland Elementary School Literacy Achievement Certificate

 

Whole Kids Garden Grant Plaque in a planter
  • Jasper Elementary School
Gillian Blessinger

Out of over 1,200 entries from across the United States and Canada, Jasper Elementary School has been awarded a $3,000 Whole Kids Garden Grant for 2024 by the Whole Kids Foundation. Founded in 2011 by Whole Foods Market, the foundation is committed to enhancing children's health and wellness through improved nutrition. The Edible Education program offers vital resources to foster educational gardens in schools. 

This grant empowers Jasper Elementary to transform its outdoor space into an engaging, hands-on learning environment. It will connect students with nature, ignite their curiosity, and enhance the classroom curriculum. 

Upon receiving the grant, Jasper Elementary was delighted to find a plaque and a wealth of resources, including ready-made lessons plans, in the delivery package. These materials will guide teachers in integrating the garden into their lesson plans. One teacher is already using the garden to teach area and perimeter to her students. 

Beyond academics, the garden also supports social-emotional development. Featuring an infinity walking path, the garden serves as a calming refuge. Students who are feeling overwhelmed now have the opportunity to visit the garden with school social workers, where activities like weeding provide a constructive outlet. This natural setting helps students open up more readily about their experiences. Staff also benefit from time spent in the garden, providing a refreshing break and promoting well-being. 

In collaboration with the Purdue Extension Office, Jasper Elementary will sustain and enrich the garden. The Extension Office will assist with educational programming, allowing initiatives like SuperFood Heroes to incorporate produce from the garden into their lessons. 

Looking ahead, the school aims to establish a Garden Club, which would involve students in maintaining the garden and harvesting produce. They also envision a farmstand, inspiring students to share their bounty with the community. Or, partnering with Community Chew to donate fresh produce to families in need. 

Jasper Elementary School is excited to embark on this journey of growth and learning, thanks to the Whole Kids Garden Grant. The school community is eager to see the garden flourish as a hub of education, wellness, and community engagement. With the support of the Whole Kids Foundation, LAN Construction, donations from the community, the Purdue Extension Office, and the enthusiastic participation of students and staff, Jasper Elementary is cultivating a brighter, healthier future for its students and the community. 

Mrs. Nordhoff's class learns about planting strawberries

Mrs. Nordhoff speaks to her students about planting and harvesting strawberries. 

Mrs. Grothouse and Mrs. Nordhoff with the Whole Kids Garden Grant Plaque

Mrs. Grothouse and Mrs. Nordhoff with the Whole Kids Garden Grant Plaque. 

 

  • Garden
  • JES
  • Jasper Elementary School
  • Whole Kids Foundation
  • Whole Kids Garden Grant