Students enjoy winter dance at HJH

About 100 Haywood Junior High School students enjoyed a dance at their school on December 6. It was an opportunity for them to dress up, enjoy music, dancing, refreshments and fellowship at the “Holiday Escape” event that was decorated like a ski lodge. This was the second of three dances that the school sponsors, organized by HJH Principal Dontye Bradford, to give students a special night out. Students were also offered the opportunity to have souvenir pictures made at the event, such as this one of a group of friends who attended.

HJH Student Newspaper informs and teacher

These Haywood Junior High Students, along with computer teacher Ray Clark, are members of the school’s newspaper staff. The staff publishes three or four newspapers each school year filled with stories about classes, teachers, events, sports and activities. The December issue held a roving reporter’s answers to the question, “What does Christmas mean to you?” Advisors for the school newspaper, along with Mr. Clark, are Michelle Daniels and Rochelle Welch. Mr. Clark is also the webmaster for the school’s website www.haywood.k12.tn.us/hjh/

 

Linda Murphy leaves HJH for central office position

Haywood Junior High lost one of its long-time staff members recently. Linda Murphy, who first served as the school’s secretary then financial secretary for 29 years, has taken the position as purchasing clerk at the Haywood County Board of Education main office. HJH faculty and staff held a going away party for their long time friend on December 16.

“I have loved it at HJH,” Murphy said. “I have worked with six administrators over the years and had good relationships with them all.” Everyone is so nice there and I will miss both the teachers and the kids.” She also said she will even miss making announcements on the intercom and hearing the bell ring.

“A door of opportunity opened,” she said, “and I took it. But I will miss Haywood Junior High.”

Eighth-grade students practice writing skills for the TCAP test


Eighth-grade students in Betty Escue’s class at Haywood Junior High are practicing their writing
skills. Fifth, 8th and 11th grade students take the TCAP Writing Assessment.

Eighth-grade English teachers at Haywood Junior High School are preparing their students for the TCAP Writing Assessment they will take this year. The state-wide test is a performance-based test that consists of writing an essay on an assigned topic within an allotted time frame. Eighth graders write an expository essay, which is an essay to explain, clarify, or provide the reader with information. According to the Tennessee Department of Education, a well-written exposition has a clear, central focus developed through a carefully crafted presentation of examples or definitions that enhance the reader’s understanding.

As an exercise in class one day, Betty Escue gave to her students this prompt: “What is the best gift you’ve ever received?” From this suggestion, students must write an essay with their answer. Several students answered the question and wrote about salvation, a purple bike, basketball goal, family, a cell phone, a dog, and an antique doll, while others were especially thankful for a DVD player, an MP3 player, or ornaments that were a special gift from a grandmother.

Before writing their essays, students have the opportunity to look at sample papers to see what’s right and wrong with them. These eighth graders have also written about their favorite season, current events and Thanksgiving during practice sessions.


HJH Warriors and Lady Warriors complete regular season

The Haywood Junior High Warriors have completed their season in the West Tennessee Athletic Association (WTAC) and will soon begin regional play.

The Lady Warriors are on top this year sporting an undefeated season of 13-0. Coaching the team is Ray Jones with the help with Jennifer Moore. The team has nine eighth graders and six seventh graders on the team. Last year they had a 17-2 season, were the WTAC Southern Conference champs, the WTAC District Tournament champs and played in the Final Four in the West Tennessee play-offs.

The Warriors ended with a season record of 7-6. Coaching this team are Rozelle Caldwell and Drayton Hawkins. “It is a young team,” Coach Hawkins said, adding that they only had two back from last year. There are 15 players on the team.

The Warriors are in the WTAC with Lauderdale County, Brighton, Munford, Fayette County East and West, and Crestview of Covington. The Southern Division tournament for both teams begins January 26 at Munford.