Dear 7th and 8th Grade Families,

I hope this email finds you enjoying a rejuvenating summer break and making cherished memories with your loved ones. I am excited to extend a warm welcome back to all our returning 7th and 8th-grade students and their families for the upcoming school year!

We anticipate an incredible year filled with growth, exploration, and academic excellence. Our dedicated faculty and staff have been working diligently over the summer to prepare a dynamic experience that will engage and challenge our students. We believe in nurturing each student's unique talents, fostering a positive learning environment, and empowering them to reach their full potential.  Our Mission remains the same, Academic and Social Growth for ALL students; everyday!

To ensure a smooth transition and a successful school year, we have several important updates and initiatives to share with you:

1. Open House: We understand the importance of starting the school year on the right foot. We will be hosting an Open House exclusively for 7th and 8th grade students & families. This event will provide an opportunity for students to meet their teachers, explore the campus, and reacquaint with the school environment. More details about the orientation day will be shared closer to the start of the school year.  This event will take place on Wednesday, August 9^th at 6:00 P.M.

2. Schedules and Course Changes: This Spring presented some unique challenges with our Master Schedule.  It is imperative that we get it right.  While our goal was to distribute them at the end of the previous school year, we did not feel that they were 100% accurate.  This summer our front office team and new guidance counselor have been reviewing the schedules.  All schedules will be distributed on August 1^st.  Families will have until the end of business on August 7^th to request any class changes.

3. Student Support Services: We are excited to welcome Emily Spurlock as a new Guidance Counselor as well as Rodney Epperson and Julie Fels as Mental Wellness Specialists.  These folks will be working with our students and their families on academic and mental health services for our students.  We are continuing our partnership with Best Point as well to provide as many supports as possible for our students.

4. Parent-Teacher Communication: We believe that open communication between home and school is essential for student success. Our teachers will continue to utilize various channels, including email, parent-teacher conferences, and progressbook, etc… to keep you informed about your child's progress. Please ensure your contact information is up to date to receive important announcements and notifications.  Final Forms are available for update.

5. School Events and Activities: We are planning an exciting lineup of extracurricular activities, clubs, and events to engage our students throughout the year. These opportunities will foster teamwork, creativity, and personal development. Stay tuned for our event calendar and encourage your child to get involved in our vibrant school community.  Please check out our calendar on the website at: https://www.southwestschools.org/calendars/harrison-junior-school-3/  If your child is planning on getting involved in Football, Cross Country or Volleyball please check our social media for updates on Open Gyms/Open Fields, as well as tryout information.  Questions regards athletics can be directed to Brandon.McBee@southwestschools.org.

We value the partnership between our school and families, and we are committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for every student. Please feel free to reach out to me or our administrative team with any questions or concerns you may have. Together, let's make this academic year an outstanding one!

We look forward to welcoming your child back to Harrison Junior School in the fall and embarking on an incredible journey of learning, growth, and achievement. Enjoy the remaining days of summer, and we'll see you soon!  If you have any questions regarding items at Harrison Junior School over the summer, you can email me directly at christian.tracy@southwestschools.org. 

Warm regards,
Christian Tracy
School Principal
Harrison Junior School