WJHS Bookmark Contest!!

It’s that time of year! Time for the annual WJHS bookmark contest!
Come by the library to get your template. Be as creative as you want, but it must include original art, be in color, and include books or reading somehow. Bookmarks due Friday, February 6th. 

The fine print: 
We'll pick 5 semi-finalists in each grade, having a round of voting, then choose one winner for seventh, one winner for eighth. Both winners will get their bookmarks printed to be used as the WJHS bookmark. AND...both winners will be entered into a drawing to win a Kindle Fire. Your odds are pretty good, winners! 

Come get your template in the library today! Good luck! 

The Importance of Building Positive Relationships with Students

This video (embedded below) of a TED Talk by Rita Pierson was shared with me recently.

I have watched it a couple of times before but I always find it well worth the eight minutes.

My favorite quote from Rita in this speech is, "Teaching and learning should bring joy!"

As you watch the video, reflect on The Wildcat Way and how one of our CORE values is "Relationships."

Teaching is THE most important job in the world and building relationships is Job #1 for teachers.

WJHS staff, thanks for all that you do!

Tim Sparacino, Principal

Cheer and Dance Tryouts 2015

Cheer and Dance tryouts will be held at Washington April 13-17th. 

A mandatory meeting for parents will be February 11th at 5:30 pm in the Little Theater.  There will be a cheer & dance clinic for those seeking extra help. You will need an up-to-date physical to attend and to tryout.  Please contact Mrs. McDowell or Mrs. Campbell for more information.

Constant Change, Trying Times, and Focusing on What Really Matters

Our Executive Director of Secondary Curriculum shared this article with me this morning.

The article talked about the potential stress that is placed on teachers by constant change in education.

The author outlines some guiding beliefs for teachers:
1. Change is constant, let's focus on how we manage it.
2. Don't wait for training, be a learner, go out and seek it.
3. Focus on the important things (many of these do not change).

As the leader of a building, the thing that resonates with me is that I must take the lead in all three of the areas listed above.

To do that, I try to focus on and communicate to my staff..."growth" more than "change"...what's best for students (engagement, challenge, choice, voice) more than Common Core (or any initiative), and The Wildcat Way.

Although it is a trying time for educators, it's also a great time to be in education.

I love it!

Tim Sparacino, Principal
Washington Jr. High School

Science Fair Judges Needed

We are looking for judges for the 2015 WJHS Science Fair.  Judging will be held on Saturday, February 14 in the WJHS Library from 8-2.  If you have a background in science, math, technology, or engineering and are interesting in helping, please contact Carrie Beach (cbeach@bentonvillek12.org).