This month has been tremendous as far as our mission of Academic and Social Growth.   There is a lot to celebrate and a lot of important events that are coming up. 

State Testing

Our students have done an incredible job with State Testing.  We are so proud of their hard work!  This week, we are finishing up Math testing with all of our students and will complete makeups next week. Thank you to all of our families for making this important in your home!

Students Getting Involved

This year, we have had our highest ever percentage of students involved in some sort of program outside of school.  We are very close to achieving our goal of 100%.  Currently, we have 24 students who have not been involved in something this year.  If your child is one of the 24 students, you will receive a message of encouragement from our team in hopes to get them involved with something between today and the end of the school year.  This could be volunteering, a club, attending a youth group, joining Scouts, etc.

End of the Year Information

There are a ton of events coming up in May for the end of the school year!  Please take a few moments to review the events listed below:

May 2nd – Incoming 6th Grade Parent Q & A Night @ Harrison Elementary School

This night is devoted to welcoming and providing an opportunity for our incoming parents to ask questions directly to the admin and guidance teams at Harrison Junior School.

May 2nd – Band Concert – 7:00 P.M.

May 2nd – PTO Meeting- 7:00 P.M. – The Wildcat Room

May 7th – Chorus Concert – 7:00 P.M.

May 8th – The Mental Game

May 9th – Mic’d

May 13 - 7^th grade Vision Screening

May 14th- Incoming 6th grade visit

May 15th – Wildcat Give Back Day

May 15th & 16th - Student Leadership Trip to Camp Kern

May 17th- 8th grade Dance

May 20 – Laptop Collection

May 21 – Play Day

May 21 - Graduation

May 22nd- Last Day of School

The Mental Game

Harrison Junior School is partnering with The Mental Game to continue our focus on Mental Health and Mental Wellness for our students.  Members of our Hope Squad and other selected students will be partnering with this group to help develop skills to support and communicate the needed Mental Health supports.  If you believe your student may be interested in this program or would like more information, please email christian.tracy@southwestschools.org.

8th Grade Dance

Our annual 8th grade dance “A Night in Paris” will take place from 7:00pm – 9:00pm on May 17th.  This event is for our current 8th grade students only.  Families are welcome to join us for photos from 7:00 – 7:30 and then will be asked to leave for our students to dance the night away.

Tickets must be purchased in advance; they will be on sale starting Monday.  Tickets are $15 each.  Students on social probation may not attend the dance. 

Getting Involved

Students in 8th grade who are interested in being involved in Student Council at Harrison High School should see Mrs. Johnson for an application.  The application will include all the details regarding the program and activities that take place at the High School.

Wildcats Give Back

The “Day of Service” has been renamed and is now “Wildcats Give Back.”  This year, we are looking to alter our programs to have our kids not only spend time giving back, but also to learn and have a better understanding of “why” it is important to give back.  Be on the lookout for information from our Wildcats Give Back Committee that will speak to the specific events that will take place on May 15th.

Awards Assembly

This year, after hearing from our parents, we will be opening up our awards program to our parents if they would like to attend.  Starting next week, our front office team will be sending home notifications if your child is receiving an award.  If your child is receiving an award you are invited to join us on May 21st during their scheduled assembly.  The invitation will include the specific program time for your child.

A Message from our Food Service Department

Southwest Schools prides itself on offering the lowest school lunch prices in the area, while still covering all operational costs associated with our food service program.  With that in mind, we do not anticipate raising prices for the 2024-25 school year.  As a reminder, if you feel like your family may be eligible for free or reduced lunch prices based on your household income, then you should apply online via the “Food Service” tab of the district website (www.southwestschools.org).  Applications for the 2024-25 school year will be open in early- to mid-July.  Acceptance into the free or reduced lunch program could also provide other benefits that may include academic fee waivers, holiday church help, or summer EBT program benefits.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Sue Toelke or Adam Lohbeck at (513) 367-4139.

STEAM Field Trip To Kings Island

Just a reminder for our students who plan to attend the STEAM field trip to Kings Island.  Grade checks will take place on May 8th and students must be earning a “C” or better in the class.  Students who do not qualify to attend, but paid for a ticket, will still receive a ticket and may use it at any point during the Summer Season.

Christian Tracy
Principal
Harrison Junior School
Southwest Local School District