paw printNovember 7, 2011 Volume 3, Issue 1

ACT Schedule

Report CardSchedule

indexnews - page 1 & 2opinion - page 3feature - page 4sports - page 5photos - page 6ads - pages 7 & 8

weather

November 7, 2011AM cloudy, PM cloudyHi: 80°Low: 61°20% chance of rain

by Merideth Eppler

Get your game on, get your grade up New computer programs big hit

STAAR in, TAKS out

Dates in which you can take your ACT are as follows: Dedember 10, 2011 February 11, 2012 April 14, 2012 June 9, 2012 If the date is to be rescheduled for any reason, you can find these dates on the website: www.actstudents.org. by Samantha Kidd

TAKS Schedule March: Wednesday 7th 10th, 11th ELA April: Tuesday 24th 10th Grade Math Wednesday 25th 11th Grade Math Thursday 26th 10th, 11th Science Friday 27th 10th, 11th Grade Social Studies STAAR schedule:Instead of TAKS, freshmen will be taking the STAAR test March: Monday 26th9th English 1 Writing Tuesday 27th 9th English 1 ReadingMay 7th - 18th: 9th Algebra 1, Biology, World Geography, and Geometry testing

by Samantha Kidd

Jefferson High School

by Carly Wall

The following dates are the days when students will receive progress reports report cards: Progress Reprts: December 6, 2011 January 24, 2012 March 6, 2012 May 1, 2012

Report Cards: November 10, 2011 January 5, 2012 February 16, 2012 April 12, 2012 June 1, 2012

The students last report card for the school year will be sent to you by mail after school has let out for the summer. by Samantha Kidd

Get Your Yearbook This year will fly by just as every other year does. School will be out before we know it, and many students will have not ordered their yearbook because they waited too late. Yearbooks are full of memories that many don’t want to forget. They will be on sale all year for $45. Come by and get yours before it’s too late!

by Samantha Kidd

Coach Michael Downs, technology teacher has always loved video games, and he has found a way to bring them into his classroom. Last year Downs taught Money Matters, Business In Management, and Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance. He used a virtual program called “Smart Stocks” to teach his students about investing and handling their money. This year he is taking virtual money to another level. Downs talked with administrators about implementing two new virtual simulators into his classes. One program simulates life after high school where the student must take care of real-life problems or suffer the real-life consequences. “The students will have to

deal with time management, balancing a check book, paying bills and taxes, and the importance of getting an education,” Coach Downs said. In the simulator, a ‘sim’ can get sick, get fired, and their vehicle can break down just like real life. When asked how the students will be graded, Coach Downs had a simple response. “Each step has printable lessons. They will be graded based on keeping their sim alive. If they get fired or if they were not participating enough, their grade will suffer.Their activity in the game will be monitored from my computer.” The second simulator requires students to own and manage their own sports franchise. This includes trading players, determining advertising and ticket pricing, and hiring staff to work the

stadium. Downs says that the two simulators plus smart stocks will make-up the class. “One simulator can’t stand alone. We need both to get a full understanding of finance.” This school year is a test run for the new programs. The feedback from the students is what will keep it around. “It is better than a teacher standing up telling us the information. It is more like the real world and prepares us for real life. It teaches us things that a teacher can’t,” senior Cadeshia Williams and junior Olivia Smith said. Sophomore class president Colt Tanner has a few things to say about the program as well. “The graphics are a little old, but it is fun. It shows people the financial responsabilities of a college student. It is much better than classwork because you can’t cheat. If

you die, you die.” When asked what he thinks of the new syllabus, Coach Downs had a positive review as well. “I like the reaction I get from students, and I feel like my class is something they can actually use. The graphics are a little out-dated for me, but that is the only downside.” So whose brillliant idea

was this? Coach Downs takes partial credit. He says that he liked the idea of fusing games and teaching. He recognized the success of Smart Stocks last year and wanted to build on it. The teacher enjoys it, the students enjoy it, and learning is about the only thing that is not virtual in this classroom.

Senior Day Memories

by:Dustie Swanson

Coach Michael Downs has changed the normal computer classes into fun-filled learning.

The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) will be replaced by the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) beginning in the 2011-2012 school year. The STAAR end-of-course exams will test in the four core subjects for high school students. Students in the graduating class of 2015, who are currently in the ninth grade, will be the first students who must meet the end-of-course testing requirements as well as pass their classes in order to earn a diploma.

“I’m not sure which test is better,” school counselor, Lynn O’Neal said. “We are continuously trying to improve the testing accountability. I think STAAR will provide a better insight over the course of the year.” Local school districts will be increasingly more influenced by the new curriculum as the year progresses. STAAR is said to be different in that it will be significantly more challenging than previous tests and will gauge a student’s knowledge and comprehension. “The teachers will be able to measure on a

vertical alignment in which students will be linked with performance expectations from grade to grade. The system was built to see how students are progressing,” TEA spokeswoman DeEtta Culbertson said. The STAAR tests will be preparing students for the college environment by presenting them with questions designed on a college level of intellectual capability. “While I understand the importance of academic testing and accountability, I think too much emphasis is placed on students not promoting or graduating

based on how he/she scores on a test,” English teacher, Tami Whitington said. The old TAKS tests are slowly being phased out. The 2011-2012 sophomore and junior classes will continue to take the TAKS until they graduate. The 2011-2012 freshman class will start taking the STAAR test. From the time that STAAR was announced to phase out the TAKS, certain classes were given field STAAR tests. The level of material presented some challenges among students. The grades 3-8 STAAR tests in reading and mathematics by law must be

linked from grade to grade in performance expectations for the English III and Algebra II end-of -course assessments. According to the TEA, the new accountability system is still being developed. State ratings will be suspended in 2012, and the new rating system will debut in 2013. “We’ve looked very hard at the kind of testing that will take place. We understand the tests will be much more rigorous than the current TAKS, and it will measure what they’ve learned through the course, so the pressure is on,” O’Neal said.

Last Friday was the last home game for the class of 2012. The senior pep-rally was kicked off to the sweet sound of Ghostbusters, monsters, and the memories of the times past. The graduating class celebrated with their parents and remembered the good times. The afternoon started with an outstanding pep rally featuring a performance by the senior cheerleaders, majorettes, and strutters.

The parents busted out at the end dressed in their kid’s favorite characters and performed a routine to the classic Ghostbusters theme song. When laughter filled the air, the senior class all stood up together. The class pulled out silly string and blew horns as they went to find their parents. The pep rally came to a conclusion as parents and students gathered taking pictures, hugging, and enjoying one of their last pep rallies. “The parents did absolutely amazing,” senior

Dakota Simpson said. “My mom and Dustie’s parents dressed up as ZZ Top. It was by far one of the most entertaining pep rallies that I have been too.” Later that night the senior class club members were asked to meet at the field at 6:30. The football players, strutters, cheerleaders, majorettes, and senior band members had the privilege of being recognized. The football players gave their jersey to their mothers to wear before they went out on the field. As they exited the

tunnel, the crowd cheered as each of their goals and ambitions were announced over the loud speaker. The boys gathered at the end zone and took their final walk across the field. “I stood proud out there with the rest of my seniors,” Turahn Mitchell said. “The guys were my brothers by now, and we are excited about the adventure that awaits us.” Next to take the field were the senior strutters, cheerleaders, and band members. Each had a rose

they presented to their mothers as they exited the tunnel. They smiled as some walked and others skipped to the end zone. They held hands and took their final walk across home field. Seniors knelt down in center field and prayed for each other. “I couldn’t believe we were finally at our last home game,” senior Destiny Johnson said. “I was so excited walking across the field with my group of friends. It was truly a night I will always remember.”

2 _____ newsNovember 7, 2011

notenews briefs, events, & activities

take Nov/Dec/Jan

cale

ndar

Congratulations Homecoming Court

Class Officers 2011-2012

Freshmen: vice-president, Jarod Johnson president, Denisha Williams; ; sec/treasurer, Ty Lafayette

Sophomores: president, Colt Tanner; vice-president, Rameha Green; sec/treasurer, Tyler Roberson

Juniors: president, Kenocha Epperson; vice-president, Deion Williams; sec/treasurer, Miranda Gregory

Seniors: president, Cadeshia Williams; vice-president, Trevor Johnson; sec/treasurer, Dustie Swanson

Communities in Schools

2 0 1 1

2012

Homecoming Queen Homecoming Queen Robin Capps was escorted by Ben Bode.

Senior Homecoming Queen nominees:Left to Right: Carly Wall, Destiny Johnson, Destinee Wil-liams, Robin Capps, and Raven Miller.

Homecoming Court 2011-2012Left to Right: freshmen dutchess, Tyra Luster, sophomore dutchess, Micah Ames, and junior dutchess, Kaytea Britt.

Wildfires What started as a nice holiday weekend turned into a tragic week for the com-munity due to a chain of WILDFIRES! On Sunday, September 4th, the Bear Creek Fire started in Cass County and was contained on Sunday, September 18th in Marion County. During this period of time, the wildfire burned just about 50,000 acres and destroyed nearly 66 homes in these two counties combined making it one of the largest fires in East Texas. Due to the drought condi-tions we have been in, this wildfire was hard to contain. A firefighter from Cockrel

One of the many brave firefighters helping put out “The Bear Creek” fire.

Nov.4 2nd 6 weeks ends 11 Veterans Day

21-25 Thanksgiving Holiday

Dec.2 Progress Reports 8 Gold Card Lunch

14-15 Semester Exams 16 3rd 6 weeks ends

19-30 Christmas Holidays

Jan.2 Christmas Holiday 3 4th 6 weeks starts

16 MLK Day Holiday 20 Progress Reports

Communities in Schools (CIS) is an organization that helps young students with their grades, behavior, and attendance. CIS is a way to improve their participation in class and to feel more confident about themselves. CIS is administered by the Texas Education Agency and funded by the Texas Legislature since 1989. CIS is the largest dropout prevention program in the state. Mrs. Kim Gonzalez teaches the CIS. She has a degree in social work and is a part of the abstinence program. Gonzalez has been married for 11 years to her high

school sweetheart. She has recently given birth to a son named Ian who is now six months old. Even though she has a lot on her plate, she still manages her work very well. CIS just recently started a new homework club that helps students after school on Mondays through Thursdays until 5 o’clock. In putting together this program, they are trying to better the students in their social life and school. CIS is a great program for students in high school, so they will be on the right track to have a better future.

by Robin CappsHill Fire Department out of Dallas, Texas, said, “Fighting these kinds of fires has been really hard. The wind being so high has only made it more difficult for us.” This wildfire effected many people in our community and even some in our school. A survivor from the wildfire, Terry Moore, the Child Nu-trition Director of Jefferson ISD said, “No one can plan for this type of disaster, and your blindsided when it’s through with you.” Even though it’s the end to the wildfires, be mindful of the people that lost their homes because this is just their beginning.

by Rameha Green

“Running Through the School Year”

CIS director Mrs. Kim Gonzales

3opinion _____November 7, 2011

Elimination of Exemptions

Being exempt from semester exams has been a major motivation for students to keep up their grades and attendance. This year students will have to find a new incentive because there will be no exemptions for the 2011-12 school year. In the past if a student had an 85 grade point average and less than three absences in a class, they would not have to take a semester exam for that class. Most students viewed this as an incentive to keep their grades and attendance

up. The reasoning for removing exemptions has been summed up in a few words by Principal Craig Evers. “The elimination of exemptions is an attempt to get the students more college ready.” Being prepared for college is a major concern for JHS administrators. When asked about the benefits of a mandatory examination, Mr. Evers had another explanation. “In college, there will be comprehensive finals, and we thought our students should get a feel of what a comprehensive test is like.” Junior Miranda Gregory

feels that taking tests is not what college is about. “If this is supposed to prepare us for college, college students can have exemptions, too. When people work jobs, they get a raise when they do their job well. This is like our own raise,” Gregory said. Most of the students think that exemptions were good rewards for students who keep their grades and attendance up. Evers assures everyone that this is not meant to be a form of punishment but an attempt to help the students grow. Administrators are hoping that knowing there will be an exam at the end of the semester the students will

Jefferson High School#1 Bulldog Drive

Jefferson, Texas 75657

Phone: 903.665.2461

Fax: 903.665.2146

www.jeffersonisd.org

Contributing Writers:

Morgan WallaceDustie Swanson

Carly WallRobin CappsMicah Ames

Christen BrewerMeridith EpplerRebecca Galvan

Miranda GregoryAly Grubaugh

Samantha Kidd

Adviser Shirley Phillips

AdministrationAnthony Evers, Principal

Terry Johnson, Assistant Principal Dr. Sharon Ross, Superintendent

Paw PrintNovember 1, 2010Volume III, Issue 1

pay more attention and study harder in classes. English teacher, Mrs. Whitington is completely on board with the new plan. Mrs. Whit believes that a high school education should prepare the students for college in every way. “Exemptions are detrimental to college readiness. The way of thinking that you can always get out of tests needs to be gone before our students reach the college level,” Whit said. Not all of the teachers agree with the elimination of exemptions. History teacher, Coach Eppler is one who disagrees with the change. “I am disappointed they do

not exist. They were a good reward for students, and if their grade was high enough, it reflects that they did their job during the year and do not need a test to prove it.” Some students make a point that people will be absent more frequently with a lack of incentive. Junior Kaitlyn Whatley who is ranked number one in her class is one who feels this way. “People are going to miss so much more school because there will be no consequences if they don’t come. “ Kaitlyn said. Some of the teachers just do not feel that they need to grade all of their students final exams when they have

made ‘A’s’ on all of their work this semester. “I like to be able to make my students exempt, so they know I recognize their hard work, and I don’t have to grade a thousand papers,” Spanish teacher Mrs. Morgan said. Another argument is that all grades except seniors have to take mandatory TAKS test which some think are as comprehensive as these finals will be. “If you can pass the TAKS, you can pass a semester exam. Why should we take both?” sophomore, Samantha Kidd said. Whether you agree with the new rule or not, you better start studying!

Speak

OUT Students at JHS speak out about the elimination of exemptions and how it has affected them.

“Seriously, they expect us to come to school every-day when we don’t get a

reward?”

Trista Johnson - 10

“If you work hard enough, you should be able to get out of the tests. It

shouldn’t matter to the people that don’t work hard, but the people that

do deserve a reward.”Connor Townslee - 10

“It’s unfair to those who really try. They prove

themselves all year and are expected to prove

themselves yet again with an exam.”

Payton Pierce- - 10

“I think it’s stupid. If they’re trying to prepare us for college, they should treat us like college kids and give us more free-

dom.”

Josh Eppler -11

“I don’t think it was neccesary to take away

exemptions.”

Colt Tanner - 10

Put the “Pep” Back in “Pep Rally”

by Morgan Wallace

Helpful Reminders in the Hallways

By: Merideth Eppler reporter

Yes or No for Channel One Founded in 1989, Channel One News is a 12 minute broadcast targeted to reach teenagers in schools all across the United States. It features segments including trivia, weekly news, sports, and polls. Channel One provides the satellite equipment and televisions at no cost to the subscribed school. Our school is a subscriber; however, how many students actually watch Channel One? “When I lived in Bonham, we watched it after the announcements in second period. I’ve never seen it here though.,” said sophomore Merideth Eppler. Mrs. Rhodes, English teacher said, “We watch Channel One in my first period class. The students really enjoy it.” Sophomore Rameha Green said, “I enjoyed watching

Channel One News in Mrs. Morrison’s class my freshman year because it informed me of world events.” Sophomores Nick Fratangelo and Cameron Grubbs, said “never even heard of it.” “I knew that at one time we had Channel One, but I haven’t heard anything recently,” said Mr. Johnson assistant principal. Then there are teachers such as Ms. Phillips journalism and English teacher that do not have a television in their room. These teachers do not have the option of watching Channel One News with their class. Channel One is an extremely educational broadcast, and its availability could be beneficial to students. Should teachers be encouraged to watch this news channel with their students daily?

By Micah Ames

High School pep rallies, we’ve all seen them. The cheerleaders cheer, the band plays, the majorettes twirl, and the strutters dance. For those performing, it’s a blast. For the football players, it’s entertainment. However, too many students see pep rallies as just a “get out of class free card.” Pep rallies need to be more energetic and get everyone involved. Pep rallies should be something that the entire student body gets excited about. “Some of the stuff that happens during pep rallies is unnecessary,” senior Christen Brewer said. “It is interesting to see what they do each week, but I wish they would involve the crowd more. We need more student involvement!” In the past, we have had students lead the pep rallies. Now it seems that the teachers have taken

over. Some students suggest that more people would get excited if there was a new, perky voice booming over the speaker. Another suggestion is that the cheerleaders should choose students and teachers from the stands instead of just picking the football players. Most would not mind either way. “The football boys definitely need to become more involved in the pep rallies,” sophomore Merideth Eppler said. “The pep rallies are for the football boys to get them pumped up.” If you want a better pep rally, the first step is to tell somebody. Nobody knows what you want unless you make it known. If we all work together and put some effort into it, we can transform our pep rallies into an event that everyone wants to be at.

by Miranda Gregory

In just a few weeks, the students at are going to start seeing announcements in a new way. Our Business (BIM2) class is now going to be in charge of setting up announce-ments to play throughout the day on large TV screens in the hallways. “I am looking forward to their usefulness,” said princi-pal Craig Evers. Since the arrival of the new televisions there have been a mix of emotions from the students. “They have been in our school almost all year long, but nothing has happened yet. I think they would be good if there was actually something

on them,” sophomore Saman-tha Kidd said. Now that the new soft-ware is in the TV monitors will be up and running very soon getting our announc-ments to us in a much more efficient, timely, and interest-ing way.

Mr.Peteet, director of Special Pro-grams is holding the software for TV monitors in the hallway.

___________featuresNovember 7, 20114by Dustie Swanson

Kathy L. PatrickOwner/Hair Designer

kathy@beautyandthebook.com608 North Polk StreetJefferson, Texas 75657

903.665.7520

ing National Honor Society. Deion wants to attend UT on a football scholarship and to major in criminology. “My main focus in life is to be successful and keep God

first,” Deion said. Deion enjoys outdoor activities. He volunteers in the community and is giving and quick to lend a helping hand. “Deion is caring,” Mrs. Duncan said, “He would come check on me when I wasn’t feeling well.” Deion has the support of his family, and he feels he wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for them and God. Deion is a strong Christian on the field and in the classroom. “I feel as if I’m a special person chosen by God to be able to do the things I do. I give Him all the recognition in the end,” Deion said.

Not Your Typical Student

By; Samantha Kidd

Junior, Deion Williams, is an extraordinary student involved in many extracur-ricular activities. Deion is known through-out the community for his ability to succeed on the football field. There is much more to Deion than just be-ing a football player. “Deion is an excellent athlete and student. He has great leadership skills on the field and in the classroom,” Mrs. Duncan said. Deion is also involved in Student Council, track, advanced placement classes, FCA, and church. He is a class officer, in the top 10%, and plans on join-

English Second Language

“College Prep” For A Reason

B & J Collision Repairs Repairs, Inc. 10906 U.S. HWY 59 N. Jefferson, Tx 75657 903-938-2341

Fax: 903-938-9872

Email: BWJ@Hughes.net

UNO, DOS, TRES! These are the three words you hear down the third grade hall every Tuesday and Thursday. The high school senior Spanish four students travel over to the elementary every week to teach the third graders Spanish. Mrs. Alejandra Morgan started this activity a few years back. Each senior has the opportunity to pass the CLEP test and receive college hours for passing. So she found the best way to learn a language is to teach it yourself. Each week she gathers the seniors and instructs them on what to teach. The seniors are teaching such subjects as numbers, colors, animals, months, shapes, and even greetings The seniors have found some of the best teaching strategies for interacting with the students. Several classes have created games and

competitions. Others choose to play memory games. “Seeing the children’s faces light up as we enter the room,” senior Amanda McGahen said. “It’s a bit challenging to keep them on task, but we still enjoy the experience. It even refreshes us on our Spanish skills.” The students started this activity close to eight years ago. The program starts at the beginning of August to the end of December. The classes will then present how much Spanish they have learned in a competition. “I truly believe that each campus should start learning different languages,” Mrs. Morgan said. “The children are more active and pick up new words quicker at

that age. Each student and teacher benefits from this experience.” Mrs. Morgan also explained that a student last year expressed how much this experience impacted his life. “It was rewarding to see the excitement in their eyes each time we showed up,” 2011 senior Chris McCormick said. “I remembered how much I enjoyed learning when I was younger, but somehow I lost that excitement along the way. I feel if we work on keeping the fun in learning; it will benefit everyone.” This learning experience is truly rewarding, and each junior should think about taking Spanish Four next year. Adios!

Third Graders Learn Spanish New Teachers

In order to help students excel, junior and seniors are provided with an awesome opportunity. Working with Panola College in Carthage Texas, students are offered the choice to take online college classes at absolutely no cost to them. As long as the student passes the semester with a “C” average, the books and cost of the class are covered by the district. “I like the fact that we don’t have to worry about the financial part of taking a college class,” senior Alma Jo Shipman said. Students who wish to take an online college class experience a rigorous curriculum and get their first

Coach Simmons is the new government and economics teacher. He hopes to make JISD his last teaching/coach-ing job because the students have been great. The teachers have made him and his fam-ily feel completely at home.

Mrs. Recer is the sopho-more English and theatre arts teacher. She just arrived a week ago, but she already has a connection with her stu-dents. She compared JHS to previous schools which were Foster Middle School and Pine Tree. Recer said JHS is much smaller but has a “fam-ily” feel.

Mrs. Wallace is the new Life/Nutrition, Child Devel-opment, and Home Econom-ics teacher. Wallace thinks very highly of the students and teachers at JHS.

Mrs. Joslin is the new choir teacher this year. Throughout the entire eight period day, Mrs. Joslin is on campus for one period. Since the choir team is small, there isn’t a need to split the kids into different classes. She really enjoys teaching her choir students.

Mrs. Robinson is the new Spanish teacher who took over for Mrs. Morrison who retired last year after many years at JHS. Robinson feels very strongly about her students.

“My students are the best,” Ms. Joslin said.

“My students are very bright; they have great poten-tial,” Ms. Robinson said.

“The teachers here at JHS are great,” Mrs. Wallace said.

“I have always been impressed with Jefferson’s pride,” Mrs. Recer said.

“I came with Coach Ben-nett to help get Jefferson foot-ball back where it belongs on top,” Coach Simmons said.

by Christen Brewer

English Second Language (ESL) is a class taught for students who have moved from a different country to help them speak proper English. Shirley Phillips is the teacher for (ESL) and has been teaching this class for five years. Mrs. Phillips has two students in her class this year, Luis Renteria from Mexico and Sok Chamroeun from Cambodia. Luis Renteria was born in Mexico and moved to the United States at the age of eight. When he moved to the United States, his first location was San Antonio. He attended school there for eight years before he moved to Jefferson. When asked about the differences in Mexico and Jefferson, he merely explained that there was a lot of free time. They had recess, and the main sport was soccer. Luis explained that his favorite sport in Mexico was baseball. He loved to play with his friends for fun. Luis’s interest in Jefferson is to play video games on the computer and do some sort of mechanic work. This year Luis is 18 and a junior. After graduation, his future plans

are to become a music teacher or a DJ. Sok Chamroeun is from Cambodia. He lived there for 14 years.Sok just moved to Jefferson last year in October. When he was asked the difference from Cambodia and Jefferson, he explained that the rules weren’t that different. They went to school from 7 o’clock to 11 o’clock and then came back at 1 o’clock to 5 o’clock. They leave for lunch instead of eating at the school. In Cambodia schools, there are not many athletic classes. Education is priority, but that didn’t stop Chamroeun. He loved to play soccer, basketball, and some volleyball. His interests are making videos, film, art, and photography. Chamroeun is now 15 years old and a sophomore. He plans on attending college to begin a major in film and photography. Luis and Sok are intelligent students that come from different backgrounds. ESL has improved their speaking. They have learned English quite well and will continue getting better.

Junior Luis Renteria and Sophomore Sok Chamroeum

taste of college while still in high school. Having a little knowledge of how college deadlines work helps students to excel farther once they actually enter college. While some students may not have internet access at home, all students who are enrolled at Panola are given a 50-minute college prep class during their school day. They have an opportunity to complete all assignments and take their tests which are proctored by one of our school’s five certified proctors. “I think that Jefferson ISD is providing a great opportunity for students looking towards a higher education,” junior Kathryne LeBell said.

by Morgan Wallace

5sports November 7, 2011

Bringing Bennett Back

by Rameha Greenreporter

by Miranda Gregory

by Christen Brewer

The 2011 varsity football team has started district off on a good foot. Although their first preseason game did not indicate a very good season, the Dawgs have came up and are now 2-1 in district. “We have a new coach and a new team, but we are getting better and better with every practice,” Coach Eppler said. There are a lot of changes

this year for the team. They have a new coach and lost some good players from last year, but with all the hard work the guys are putting in, they will go far. “Since our state coach is back, hopefully we can win another championship,” sophomore Rameha Green said. One more win will put us into the playoffs. So let’s hope our guys can pull through and get us there for the 8th year in a row.

2011 Varsity Football

Happy Holidays !!!! Compliments of Jefferson Faculty and Staff

Varsity Football

26-Aug Pittsburg AWAY 7:30

2-Sep Mt Vernon AWAY 7;30

9-Sep Paul Pewitt HOME 7;30

16-Sep West Rusk HOME 7:30

23-Sep Texarkana AWAY 7:30

7-Oct Sabine HOME 7:30

14-Oct White Oak HOME 7:30

21-Oct Harmony AWAY 7:30

28-Oct Tatum HOME 7:30

4-Nov New Diana AWAY 7:30

Junior Varsity Football

25-Aug Pittsburg HOME 5:00

1-Sep Mt Vernon HOME 5:00

8-Sep Paul Pewitt AWAY 6:00

15-Sep West Rusk AWAY 5:00

22-Sep Pleasant Grove HOME 6:00

6-Oct Sabine AWAY 5:00

13-Oct White Oak AWAY 5:00

20-Oct Harmony HOME 5:00

27-Oct Tatum AWAY 5:00

3-Nov New Diana HOME 5:00

champs like we are des-tined to be, Bennett has the football boys practicing at least three hours after school a couple of days a week plus their athletic period every day. He says the boys he coaches now are more disciplined and quicker to react and respond to whatever he says more than the boys he coached in the past. He may be all about foot-ball when you speak to him,

and he always has the Friday night games on his mind, but not even football is more important than his student’s academics. Basically if you don’t have passing grades in all your classes, you are in-eligible to play football. That is why Bennett pushes the football players more because he needs all them to play. Coach Bennett feels like he never left in the first place. It still feels the same even

though the facilities have bettered and that everything about JHS has progressed not only athletically but also academically. He has coached football for over thirty years. Nineteen of them he spent here at, JHS. Aside from coaching here, he has coached at four other schools which include: Marshall, Queen City, SMU, and Linden-Kildare. Bennett said that if he hadn’t chosen coaching as his career choice, he would have been a lawyer. He said that coaching runs in his family. Luckily, he followed in his families footsteps because if he had become a lawyer we wouldn’t have been so blessed to have his intellect and determination to put Jefferson football back on top where we belong.

Who would have thought twenty-six years ago when we won state, the coach who helped make it happen, would be back home at, Jef-ferson High School. Coach Jerry Bennett the man behind the magic has come back once again to grace us with his extraordinary coaching skills and willpower to have our football team become the best team not only in the district but in the state. That’s not the only reason he came back, He returned because he always had a fun time working here in the past. He lives here already. It is convenient, He heard the stu-dents are great and a pleasure to teach and work with. Bennett comes to school with a positive attitude and encouragement to help the Bulldogs dominate every Friday night. In order for them to do that and become

The 2011 Lady Volleyball teams had an extremely great season and did exceptionally well. The freshmen ladies ended their season 4-2 los-ing only against the Tatum Eagles. “I thought Tatum was an exceptionally good team. They gave us pride, made us work harder, and made us strive to do our best. When we play them next year, they better be ready because we are going to eat them,” freshmen Kahlia Ervin, said. The freshmen ladies also won first place in their district tournament while the Junior Varsity came in third. The JV ladies finished district 3-4. “I think the JV did great. Of course, there are some things we have to work on,

but that goes for any team.” sophomore Helena Franklin, said. The JV ladies were coached by Natalie Thomas, and this was her first year coaching volleyball alone and did very well. Coach Thomas said, “I played volleyball in high school, and we were 19-3, so the sport isn’t new for me. I know I messed up sometimes with the line-up, but when you’re a coach, you can coach anything. You just have to

work at it and get the experi-ence.” Varsity ended their district 6-4, but their season isn’t over yet. They have made it to play-offs for the first time in 14 years. Senior, Cadeshia Williams, said, “I am very proud of the girls this year; we achieved something that hasn’t been done in years, and I am glad that I ended my senior year so well. Most of all we all put God first, and he helped us through it all.” The ladies progressed posi-

tively throughout the season. Their hard work and dedica-tion paid off. “I am very proud of my ladies. They accomplished all the things that I knew they could because the more you sweat in practice the less you bleed in battle, and boy did they sweat,” Coach Stephanie Robinson said. The varsity ladies played the New Diana Eagles on Tuesday night for their first play-off game. They didn’t have a win but played well.

Lady Dogs Volleyball Season

Freshmen Volleyball team after their 1st place victory in the Tatum tournament

2011 Junior Varsity Volleyball Team

“Playoff bound” 2011 Varsity Volleyball Team

photo op 6 November 7, 2011

Bulldog Prideby Morgan Wallace

Ads7 November 7, 2011

Bulldog Supportby Carly Wall

Go Bulldogs! From John, Kathy, Kim, Rena, Frieda, Ann, Linda, Jennifer, & Carletta

Congratulations Seniors!-Kitt’s Kornbread Sandwich

Nash Trucking & Construction supports Jefferson ISDfrom Michael and Texie Nash

photo op 8 November 7, 2011

Bulldog Prideby Carly Wall

Unique gifts from around the world. Some items include: Himalayan salt rock lamps, bath soaps, souffles from Indonesia, essential oils from India, goats milk soap lotion, Divas & Daisies brand of lotion and soap, handmade crosses, jazz candles, Jefferson Bulldog jewelry, jewelry for all ages, picture frames and shirts, purses and bill folds, miche purses, baby clothes.

Congrats Paige Maxwell on bringing home 2 bronze medals from junior Olympics in San Anto-nio 2 times. Good Luck Next Year! Love, Granny & Grandpaw.

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