New teachers at JCS - Mrs. Pugh and Mrs. Riley (Click image to enlarge)

There are two new teachers at JCS this year.

First, there is Mrs. Lisa Riley who is teaching 2^nd grade.

She is originally from Breathitt County, where she still lives with her husband and two children.

She attended BHS and then went to Morehead State University where she graduated in 2002.

Her main goal for this school year is to have her class reading at a 3^rd grade level.

When asked what she likes most about JCS she said, “The small environment and the helpful staff.”

She also said that she’s very happy for the opportunity to teach the 2^nd grade.

Second, there is Mrs. Valerie Pugh who is teaching K-1.

She is also originally from Breathitt County and is married with two children.

She attended BHS and then went to Morehead State University and graduated in 1998.

One of her goals for this school year is that all children have a successful year.

Her favorite thing about JCS is the “family atmosphere.”

Everyone at JCS wish the new teachers a successful school year!

New classes added/ teacher changes at JCS – By: Jeff Coots, Rader Davidson, & Jacob Haddix

There are several new classes being taught at JCS this year, as well as many position changes.

Mrs. Davidson will now be teaching middle school biology and environmental science.

Environmental science will help get students more aware of how to interact with the environment and conserve resources.

This biology class is for 8^th graders, but if they do not achieve an A or B, they have to retake it their freshman year.

Mr. Coots will now be teaching AP Calculus.

At the end of this year, his students must take a test; everyone who passes will receive college credit.

Mrs. Jennifer Spencer is now teaching chemistry after school on Wednesdays.

Mrs. Davidson and Mrs. Lovely are teaching a new class, integrated science.

At the end of the semester, the students will switch places, meaning that Mrs. Davidson’s students will go to Mrs. Lovely’s and vice versa.

There are also numerous teacher position changes this year.

Mrs. Campbell, who formerly taught 4^th grade, is now teaching 3^rd grade.

There are two 3^rd grade classes this year, with Mrs. Little teaching the other.

Mrs. Creech (formerly Whisman) is now teaching 4^th through 6^th grade math, instead of 1^st grade.

Mrs. Wolfe-Trent is now teaching 4^th through 6^th grade social studies and science instead of only 5^th grade.

Mrs. Sandra Noble, former 6^th grade teacher is now teaching 4^th through 6^th language arts.

In recent years, 4^th and 5^th grades have been self-contained, meaning students had one teacher all day.

Mrs. Misty Noble, former kindergarten teacher, has taken a special needs position this year.

Students and teachers are very enthusiastic about the changes and are looking forward to another wonderful year at JCS!

Kindergarten/K-1 corner – By: Amanda Barnett

Mrs. Hollan and Dysonn Clair

Mrs. Pugh's K-1 Class

Mrs. Hollan's Kindergarten Class

This week at JCS, Mrs. Hollan’s kindergarten class and Mrs. Pugh’s K-1 class have been working on social skills.

The children are getting to know each others’ names and learning about their own names.

The students are learning the meanings of their names, why their parents gave them their name, and who they are named after.

The students are also learning about the letter “A.”

Mrs. Hollan’s class made apple smiles as an activity.

The smiles are made with apples, peanut butter, and mini marshmallows.

When put together the marshmallows appear to be teeth.

On Friday, Mrs.Hollan’s and Mrs. Pugh’s classes presented “All About Me” boxes.

These boxes contained items that represent the student and what is important to them.

Everyone at JCS would like to wish the kindergarten and K-1 classes a happy and fun school year!

Latest book by visiting author available August 1^{st –} By: Beth Neihof, JCS Library Media Specialist

Inspirational author Jan Watson, of Lexington, Kentucky, visited Jackson City School in October of 2008, sharing with 7^th, 8^th, 10^th and 12^th graders her story of becoming an author after a fulfilling career as a mother/baby nurse at Central Baptist Hospital.

Since that visit, Watson has continued to write about the endearing characters readers first met in the Troublesome Creek Series.

Her latest title, Still House Pond, is scheduled for release August 1.

In Still House Pond, readers will become reacquainted with the family of Copper Pelfrey, whose first child, eleven-year-old Lilly Gray Corbett, would rather spend time outdoors observing and protecting the animals than live around her on Troublesome Creek, including a neighbor’s pregnant beagle hound.

Through Lilly’s thoughts and actions readers are aware that she is growing up, needing more time for her own dreams and plans, and less time watching her four-year-old brother Jack and three-year-old twin sisters Molly and Mazy.

Lilly’s mother stays busy providing her midwifery services to the local mountain women, and in spite of  help from family friend Remy and hired girl Manda, Lilly is often called upon to help with chores and watch her siblings.

What excitement when she learns her mother has reluctantly agreed to let her travel alone by train to Lexington to visit her Aunt Alice, her father’s sister, for the whole month of July!

It is Copper’s being away from the family to assist with a birth and Manda’s secrets that lead to the potentially tragic turn of events when Lilly is to meet the coach to Jackson and board the train to Lexington.

Watson weaves the subplots of this novel together resulting in a thrilling conclusion.

Her knowledge of mountain lore, tradition, faith, and medical practices of the day make Still House Pond a great story with a local setting.

JCS teachers/staff complete iLife training – By: Kendra Tolson

Dixie Combs

Lucy Lovely

Over the summer, 19 JCS teachers/staff members participated in a three- day iMac training given by Dataseam, with each participant given the opportunity to earn three new iMac computers for the school.

The three days included training for iPhoto, iWeb, iMovie, and Garage Band.

Each participant will automatically be awarded one computer just for attending and completing the training.

During the training, the participants learned how to produce webpages and actually got to make their own webpages at the end of the training.

These webpages had to contain movies, podcasts, blogs, and other interactive items.

Each participant will be awarded another iMac computer for creating and publishing a webpage with the items listed above.

The webpages they created can now be found on the Jackson City School website.

At the end of the three-day training, the teachers were required to take a test over what they learned.

If the teachers passed the test with at least an 80, they will receive one extra iMac computer.

As a special bonus, the participant who earned the highest score on the exam received a free iPad.

Mrs. Dixie Combs was the proud recipient, earning a 93 on the exam.

The district will receive around 40 iMac computers for completing this training, which are expected to arrive around the end of September.

JCS CIO (Chief Information Officer) Mr. Coots  said, “I am very proud of the teachers’ professionalism during the training. This was the best training we have ever done.”

The 19 teachers/staff members who participated in this training were: A. Davidson, J. Bowling, J. Coots, C. Hudson, A. Campbell, C. Arrowood, M. Henson, D. Little, B. Tincher, P. Creech, S. Wolfe-Trent, D. Watkins, J. Gillum, S. Herald, L. Lovely, D. Combs, A. Hollan, J. Couch, and S. Noble.

This training was covered by a grant and the district.

“This program provides computers to public schools across the state and harnesses untapped computing power from those machines to help researchers in Louisville conduct research more quickly,” said Dataseam CEO Brian Gupton.

New student teacher at JCS – By: Mallie Barnett & Whitney Hutchinson

Jordan Fugate

Jordan Fugate, former student at Jackson City School (class of 2006), is now a student teacher.

Now a senior at Alice Lloyd College, he is majoring in social studies for grades 5-12.

To attain his goal of someday teaching at JCS, he is working as a student teacher for Debbie Watkins, Sarah Wolfe-Trent, and A.J. Collins.

He will remain here until December.

When asked why he chose teaching for his future career, Fugate said, “As a student, I was able to see how a teacher has a positive impact on a child’s life; I also want to be a positive, influential role model.”

Mr. Fugate’s participated in the basketball program while at JHS and is now playing for the Alice Lloyd Eagles.

This year, he will be the assistant coach for elementary and middle school boys basketball at JCS.

In the future, he hopes to coach the high school team.

Everyone at JCS is very happy to have Mr. Fugate as a part of the JCS family and would like to wish him the best of luck!

2010 Prom Court Back, L to R: Hagan Smith, Ryan Lovins, Justin Stacy, Brad Trent, George McIntosh, Afonso Mendoza Front, L to R: Whitney Hutchinson, Alaina Bailey, Ashleigh Miller, Haley Patrick, Olivia Stacy, Maggie Davis (Click image to enlarge)

King & Queen: Brad Trent & Ashleigh Miller (Click image to enlarge)

Runners-Up: Justin Stacy & Maggie Davis (Click image to enlarge)

Despite a severe storm outside, not much was going to stop Jackson City from crowning their Royalty for the 2010 Prom.  Brad Trent & Ashleigh Miller were crowned King and Queen for this years event. Justin Stacy & Maggie Davis were runnerups for this years Prom.

THE TRAGEDY

On the morning of February 28, 1958, a school bus carrying 48 elementary and high school  students on U.S. Highway 23 in Floyd County, Kentucky plunged into the swollen waters of the Big Sandy River.  Twenty-six children and their driver perished that morning, making it the worst school bus accident in U.S. history.  The tragedy not only shook the small, eastern Kentucky community but also the entire nation.  The cause of the wreck remains a mystery even to this day.  Additional information about the tragedy can be found at www.thekapt.com and www.floydcountytimes.com.

THE FILM

Remix Films revisits the tragedy with their documentary film The Very Worst Thing, which was shot throughout 2009 throughout Kentucky.  Several individuals who were personally affected by the tragedy are interviewed, including:

* Martha Burchett (Marsh), who was one of the 22 students who survived

the accident, who escaped the sinking bus and was rescued.

* Winston Dillon, another of the of the 22 students who survived the accident, who                                was instrumental in opening the bus’ rear emergency door.

* John Crum, a student who was supposed to board the bus that morning

but at the last minute decided to stay home.  He watched as the bus                                           plummeted down the embankment and into the river.

The Very Worst Thing also includes several original photographs taken during the recovery effort, many of which have been unseen by the general public.  Also included in the film is a rare broadcast recorded by legendary radio personality Ernest Sparkman (of WSGS) on the banks of the Big Sandy River during the rescue operation on February 28, 1958.

The Very Worst Thing also features a haunting original instrumental score by musician John Hoerr of Cincinnati, as well as the 1958 Stanley Brothers song “No School Bus in Heaven”, which was recorded to help the families and community grieve after the tragedy.  Also featured in the film is the original song “The Strength to Go On”, written and recorded by filmmaker Michael Crisp specifically for this documentary.

The film is set to appear at film festivals throughout the country, and additional screening dates will be announced in the coming weeks.  For additional information about the film, visit www.theveryworstthing.com.

The film is not yet rated and has a run time of 1 hour and 24 minutes.

ABOUT REMIX FILMS

Remix Films is an independent film company that consists of filmmakers Michael Crisp (of Georgetown, KY), Andrew Moore (of Cincinnati, OH), and Scott McBrayer (of Columbus, OH).

CONTACT INFORMATION

Remix Films

Michael Crisp

101 Boston Square

Georgetown, KY 40324

(859) 509-0494

theveryworstthing@gmail.com

Jackson City sudents gather in front of the Washington Monument. A Jackson student on the trip provided these photos for East KY Media (Click image to enlarge)

What was supposed to be a School trip to see the Nations Capital, ended up being part of one of the biggest snow storms in our nations history. Roughly 44 Jackson City School students and their chaparones were trapped in Washington this weekend, after what is being called a ‘snowpocalypse’. Washington D.C. was hit with a record 32 inches. President Barack Obama called it “Snowmageddon.”

Picture of the White House. Photo submitted by JCS student during School trip. (Click image to enlarge)

Jackson City students gather downtown in Washington D.C. during major snow storm. (Click image to enlarge)

No matter what it was called, it kept thousands from getting home, as Buses, Trains and Airports all shut down for this major winter storm.
Parents that East KY Media talked to, said they weren’t worried because the school was taking care of the kids food and shelter and they would be home when everything was moving again.

Jackson City students became stranded when Amtrak cancelled their scheduled runs due to the snow storm. The students and their chaparones should be back in Kentucky sometime Monday, right about the time the next scheduled snow is to hit our part of the region again. Jackson was spared during the huge Washington storm as the predicted 2-4 inches never materialized.

Briana Cundiff (Click image to enlarge)

 This week’s JHS Senior Spotlight is focused on Briana Cundiff.

   Briana is the 17-year-old daughter of Earl and Deborah Cundiff.

   She has attended JCS for nine years.

   While at JCS, Briana has participated in Girl Scouts and HOSA.

   She has also received a “CATS” Award.

   In her spare time, Briana enjoys hanging out with friends, spending time with family, and texting.

   After graduation, she plans to attend Morehead State University  and become a nurse practitioner.

   Everyone at JCS would like to wish Briana the best of luck!

JCS attends KYA / By: Meredith Yount

Peyton O'Neill (Click image to enlarge)

   At 7:30 on the morning of Thursday, December 3^rd, thirteen members of the JCS Y-Club traveled to Louisville to attend the Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA).

   At KYA, the delegates presented and debated bills in Louisville and at the Capitol in Frankfort, voted for government officials, and met students from all over eastern Kentucky.   

   JCS took two groups of bill authors, premiere (freshmen and sophomores attending KYA for the first time) and legislative (all other delegates).

   The premiere bill authors were Hagan Smith and Randall Turner and the legislative bill authors were Alfonso Mendoza, Josh Hollan, Peyton O’Neill, and Steven Noble.

   Both bills were passed through the House of Representatives and the Senate.    

   The legislative bill was passed by KYA’s governor.

   Peyton O’Neill was also named an Outstanding Legislative Speaker.

   The JCS Y-Club had a great time at KYA and everyone at JCS is proud of their accomplishments!

JCS students visit the Lexington Children’s Theatre / By: Amanda Barnett 

   On December 4^th, JCS second and third graders from Mrs. Little’s and Mrs. Arrowood’s class visited the Lexington Children’s Theatre.

   They went to watch “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

   The students enjoyed getting to eat at McDonald’s before returning to school.

  “The play was fantastic and the children were well behaved,” said Mrs. Little.

   “The play was fun. I liked the singing,” stated Alden Bowling.

JCS students set up Interfaith Christmas Store / By: Cara Gabbard

   On Wednesday, December 9^th, members of the JCS Y-Club and National Honor Society traveled to the Breathitt County Armory to help prepare the gymnasium for the upcoming Interfaith Christmas Store.

  This store allows Breathitt County families with low incomes to “purchase” Christmas gifts for their children.

   They are given a certain amount of points when they register at the door based on their income and the number of children in their household.

   The JCS students who helped were responsible for setting up the tables for the display of the shopping items, as well as carting and sorting the said items.

   Items included toys, stuffed animals, books, school supplies, filled stockings, goody bags, and various clothing items.

   One student, senior Cara Gabbard, who attended the set-up had this to say, “I think the Interfaith Christmas Store is a wonderful way to give back to the community and I am grateful that I had the chance to help.”

Dear Santa,

I would like a robot dinosaur and a Batman cave. I will leave you and your reindeer cookies and water.        Dysonn C. 

Dear Santa,

Please bring me two bunny hops. Bring Mamaw a bunny hop too. Bring Papaw a bunny hop. I’ll leave you bread with milk. I eat cheese. I love you Santa.            Harley C. 

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a dancing robot, transformers, a new bicycle and a scooter. I would like a robot dinosaur. If you pet it on the head, he will squirt out at you. I will cook you a pumpkin pie and pumpkin cookies. Lashonda got me an ice cream because I’ve been so good.            Jonathan S. 

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a Barbie bicycle and an easy bake oven. My sisters and brother will help me with it. Katie knows how to bake, so does Randy. I will leave you cookies, maybe Christmas cookies, and milk. I’ve been very good this year.

           Adeline T. 

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a big dinosaur with a remote control and a triceratops. Bring Harley something. She wants a baby doll and a Barbie. I’m going to leave you cookies and milk.

                 Dawson C.

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a big robot dinosaur that says, “Roar!” I also want a dragon and some guys. I want a shirt with a big long neck. Bring Danielle some Barbie cook stuff. I will leave you some chocolate cookies and chocolate milk.       Ronin T.

Dear Santa,

Please bring me some candy. My mom says I can have toys. I will leave you some cookies.

                 Danny K.

Dear Santa,

Please bring candy and a car. I will leave you cake.     Corban I.

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a ride on tractor and a scooter. Bring Mommy some bread. My mom says I’ll get a boat. I will leave you bread and soup beans. I’ve been good this year.           Ethan R.

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a real 4-wheeler to ride on the road, a blue bike and a trike. I will leave you chocolate cookies and milk.

                             Haleigh T.

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a car and a pop. Bring my brother a board so he can write and a crayon. Bring my sister a Christmas movie. I will leave you chocolate cake.

                       Brooklyn R.

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a big truck and a trailer. It was real big. Daddy tail light guards. Mommy wants some make-up. Get something for my Gran, a pair of pants, that’s what she wants. I’ll leave you chocolate cookies and milk.

                                 Trey C.

Dear Santa,

I would like a blue bus, a yellow bus, cake, bananas, and cookies. Bring me a red truck. I will leave you some bananas.                                                    

                           Joshua K.

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a pop, cookies, and some Barbies. Mommy wants a big doll like the one Papaw Ed got me. Daddy wants a gun. I will leave you chocolate cookies.              Cember C.

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a purple musketeer. I have a pink one at home. Bring Christmas stuff for mommy’s house. I will leave you cookies.       Alexandrea F.

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a dolly, ballerina slippers, a heart, and a breakable doll, I bet you know what it is. I will leave you some chocolate cookies and milk. You have long hair. I’ve been good this year.       Abbigail M.

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a big airplane, a real car, men, toy tigers, and a toy car with a tiger. I will leave you some turkey. I’ve been good this year.           Dylan M.

Santa Letters from Mrs. Minix’s JCS Preschool Class

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a monster truck, dinosaur and a reindeer. Bring my brother Justice a dinosaur and Lee a girl. I will bring you some food from McDonald’s to eat.         Layne

Dear Santa,

Please bring me some Barbies, a Snow White doll, a Belle doll, and some new clothes cause mommy took all my clothes to Wal-Mart. I need lots of new clothes.                        Kilee

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a race car, a truck and a black car. Bring Caleb a black car. I really love race cars, my daddy races cars. I have been a good boy and Caleb is too, most of the time. I will leave you some food to eat by the Christmas tree.       Cameron

Dear Santa,

I want a puppy dog and some fish to keep in my room, some Barbie dolls with clothes, and that’s all. I am a good girl all the time. I’ll make you some chocolate chip cookies and some pop.                    Abby

Dear Santa,

Please bring me some cars, tricks, some clothes and a new coat. I am a good boy. I will share my cookies with you, I love cookies.               Curtis

Dear Santa,

Please bring me some big cars and trucks and some books. My mommy will bake you a big purple cake cause purple is my favorite color.             Dustin

Dear Santa,

I would like a big dirt bike that is green and a four wheeler too, a pretend one and a real one too. I want a P.S.P. and a Mario game, and some race cars. Bring some Alligator Slappers, that’s for my bubby because he don’t get nothing. I will make some Christmas cookies and chocolate milk for you.

                           Dalton Joe

Dear Santa,

I would like a motorcycle bike, some race cars, a big dump truck, some movies, a crane, a big race car, a pair of boots, a Lightening McQueen race track, and a little, bitty man that has a motorcycle. I’ve been good for very long. I will leave cookies, Doritos, and milk for you to eat by the Christmas tree.

                                    Brady

Dear Santa,

I want some more toys like Thomas the Tank Engine toys. I’ve been a good boy for about a year long. I will leave you some cookies and chocolate milk to eat when you come to my house.                   Thomas

Dear Santa,

I want lots of toys, books, and a Rudolph movie. When you come I’ll leave you some cereal and juice.                  LeAnn

Dear Santa,

Please bring me some Barbies, movies, baby dolls, and a carriage and castle for my Barbie. I’ll make you some chicken noodle soup and some milk. Parker lives beside me and she has a trampoline and a Barbie camp. I want that too. I want that big mermaid too. I am a good girl.                    Cloe

Dear Santa,

Please bring me some video games, a big truck, some cars, a motorcycle, and more stuff. I’ll leave some strawberry milk for you to drink when you come to my house.                     Daltion

Dear Santa,

Last year you brought me a big dinosaur and I loved that. This year I want a baby doll with clothes and diapers, some stuff for my baby pig, and lots of new clothes. My mommy will help me make some cookies for you to eat.                      Katelyn

Dear Santa,

Please bring me and my sister some games, some clothes, and some other things. I am a good girl. I saw you at the mall. I will leave some cookies and milk for you by my tree.              Belle

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a doll baby, some stickers, and some candy. I am a good girl. I will give you some milk and cookies.

                                     Alyssa

JCS student Haylee Harwell was the proud winner of a $25 Walmart gift card for pre-selling the most tickets to the holiday bazaar chili dinner. Congratulations Haylee!

JCS holds annual holiday bazaar with new tradition / By: Cara Gabbard   

Cara Gabbard & Roscoe Riley (Click image to enlarge)

Sandy Gabbard Anji Davidson A.J. Collins

Teresa Robinson & Mary Strong (Click image to enlarge)

 On Wednesday, December 2^nd, Jackson City School held its annual holiday bazaar.   

   Here, booths were set up by guests both local and those that traveled.

   Each booth held artfully crafted displays for Christmas sale.

   Perfect gifts, from handmade jewelry to wood carvings to stained glass windows, lined the halls of Jackson City School.

   A chili supper and a silent auction, which included many coveted prices like tickets to the anticipated UK vs. North Carolina basketball game on Saturday, was also held in the cafeteria.

   As a special treat, and hopefully a new tradition, a talent show was held a few hours after the opening of the bazaar.

   From 7-8:15 p.m., students and faculty of JCS displayed their individual and group talents for all to see.

   The attendance was phenomenal, every seat taken by the beginning of the show!  

   Elementary classes, as well as select individuals, performed songs and poems, but the most anticipated moment was a reenactment of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video.

   The musical skit was performed by students and faculty who put a lot of time and effort into the production…and it really showed!

   At the end of the talent show, there was a drawing for $100 cash, which Mary Strong won.

    Overall, the holiday bazaar was a huge success!

   The talent show and chili supper were used as a fundraiser for the Jackson Independent School Foundation and raised an estimated $5,000!

   Superintendent Tim Spencer would like to thank everyone who helped make the bazaar a success.

   JCS hopes to see everyone out next year as well!

These were written by students in Mrs. Sandra Noble’s 6th grade class.

My Favorite Thanksgiving / By: Ryan Grigsby  

   My favorite Thanksgiving was two years ago. This was held  at my grandparents house in fall of 2007. Every year all my family comes to eat a feast there. Two years ago was my favorite because something comical happened. My grandma made pumpkin pie which everyone loved.

   My two little cousins Olivia and Ty love any type of pie. As soon as my grandmother opened the oven door, I could hear little footsteps charging like Indians to the kitchen. Rodney, my older cousin, had to help me hold them back. As soon as the pie cooled they both jumped onto the table and stuck their faces in the pie.

   You could hear them munching all through the house. Everyone was laughing. They were only two years old. I will never forget that year’s thanksgiving. I wonder what will happen this year at my grandparent’s house.

Our Thanksgiving / By: Travis Arrowood  

   It feels like a decade ago since it was Thanksgiving with friends, family, and food. It was at my Grandpa’s house with all of my family members.

   One of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving is the food. We have cake, beans, rolls, pumpkin pie, and the big juicy “big” turkey.

   Another reason is the time our family gets together. Us kids play while the adults sit, talk, and watch TV.

   Another reason is the history of it. The pilgrims came to America searching for a new land. They were starving until the Native American’s came and brought food for a big feast.

   That is why I like Thanksgiving because of family, food, and history.

Thanksgiving Dinner / By: Gabby Spicer 

    Thanksgiving Day is a special day for me. I remember what I am thankful and grateful for. It is a time my grandparents come in and celebrate. My favorite Thanksgiving dinner would have to be the one coming up.

   I would love to celebrate my Thanksgiving with my grandpa. He has just gone through a cancer issue. We will celebrate it at his house. I do hope that we can have my favorite foods like: ham, corn, pumpkin pie, and many other pies. Also, green beans and mashed potatoes and whatever else my grandma fixes.

   This holiday will be the most important to me because of remembering how thankful and grateful we are that my grandpa is still alive.

JCS Kindergarten Class (Click image to enlarge)

   This week, Mrs. Noble’s and Mrs. Hollan’s kindergarten classes prepared for the annual holiday bazaar talent show.

   All week they learned songs to sing and practiced them.

   At the talent show, they sung “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” 

   They also recited, “The Night Before Christmas.”

   The introduction was done by BreAnna Tincher, Malachi Morris, and Hylton Sizemore.

   The conclusion was done by Kayla Barnett and Brooke Prater.

   Mrs. Noble and Mrs. Hollan are very proud of their students! They all did a great job!

JCS attends All-District Band auditions / By: Meredith Yount

   On Tuesday, December 1^st, several students from Jackson City School traveled to Pikeville High School for the 2010 District 9 All-District Band auditions.

Meredith Yount & Ricky Barnett (Click image to enlarge)

   Each student auditioning played a prepared piece, two scales, and a sight-reading piece, which is music that they have not seen before, for a judge.

   It was a closed audition, so the judge sat behind a curtain and each student was given a number.

   Two of Jackson City’s students that auditioned made it into the All-District Band that they will attend in January.    

   Rickey Barnett made first chair bass clarinet and Meredith Yount made first chair flute.      

    Everyone at JCS would like to congratulate Rickey Barnett and Meredith Yount!

JHS Senior Spotlight

   This week’s JHS School Senior Spotlight is focused on Sarah Elizabeth Clevenger.

   Sarah is the 17-year-old daughter of Renee Back and Bruce Clevenger.

Sarah Clevenger (Click image to enlarge)

   She has attended JCS for nine years.

   While at JCS, Sarah has participated in the National Honor Society, soccer team, and yearbook staff.

  Sarah has received numerous honors and awards.  These include A/B Honor Roll, going to state in academics, 1^st place in the Breathitt Conservation Essay Contest, and awards in multiple classes.

   Sarah was also voted “Best Car” in the 2009 Senior Favorites.

   In her spare time, Sarah enjoys drawing, playing soccer, watching movies, cars, MySpace, traveling, and Hello Kitty.

   After graduation, she plans to attend Western Kentucky University and become a journalist or a film director.

   Everyone at JCS would like to wish Sarah the best of luck!

   Jackson City School has seven finalists for the Gear Up Scholarship.

   These students are: Alexandra Herald, Justin Stacy, Kathy Henson, Hope Hensley, Jacob Haddix, Ryan Lovins, and Amanda Barnett.

   The scholarship is awarded to 500 students in Kentucky.   

   Students applying must have a 2.5 GPA and competitive scores on the Explore and Plan tests.

   The scholarship is redeemable at any accredited Kentucky two or four year college (public or private).

   It is a one time scholarship awarded at $1,000.

   Good luck Jackson City applicants!  

Update on Washington D.C. trip / By: Amanda Barnett & Kendra Tolson

   JCS teacher Mr. A.J. Collins is taking several high school students on a trip to Washington D.C. once again this year.

   The trip is scheduled for January 31^st through February 5^th. The cost is $400 per person.

   Each student going on the trip was picked by Mr. Collins himself.

   The decision was based on three criterion. First was G.P.A. The second criterion was behavior. The student chosen has to be a well-behaved student who would represent our school well when in D.C.

   The final point was a government knowledge test. There were several different questions on the test, some examples of questions were: different positions in government, the 27 amendments, political terms, and several different locations in Washington D.C.

   Mr. Collins said, “I am very excited about being able to go on this trip for a second year in a row!” 

JCS girls basketball teams travel to UK game / By: Cara Gabbard 

JCS students attend U.K. Ladycats basketball game (Click image to enlarge)

Ashlee Combs sits courtside at the U.K. Ladycats game (Click image to enlarge)

   On Sunday, November 22^nd, coaches John Couch, Britni Tincher, Kenneth Patrick, and Jeff Gross took the JCS elementary and middle school girls basketball teams to watch the UK women’s team play against the University of Tennessee (Chattanooga).

   The close game ended with a victory for UK, with a score of 65-55.

   The JCS teams were able to have their pictures taken with the UK Wildcat mascot and two JCS players, Ashlee Combs and Aubry Coomer, were asked to be ball girls by the UK coaching staff, which allowed them to sit on the court during the game!

   Seventh grader Cecily Howard had this to say of the trip, “The game was exciting and close and it was cool to watch a college game.”

   Another seventh grade participant, Cassidy Griffith, also enjoyed herself.

   “The game was fun and it was really funny when the Wildcat mascot came over and sat in one of our parent’s laps!”

   The JCS teas ended the fun day with a trip to the Fayette Mall.

   The coaches would like to thank all of the parent chaperones who went on the trip and a big thank-you and congratulations to the girls for such a great season!

21^st CCLC students create placemats for nursing home  

21st CCLC makes place mats (Click image to enlarge)

   JCS 21^st CCLC Afterschool students created Thanksgiving placemats for residents of Nim Henson Nursing Home.  

   The hand-made placemats featured Thanksgiving artwork by students, and were laminated to be wipe-off and spill-proof. 

   Teresa Robinson, Site Coordinator of the 21^st CCLC Afterschool Program, delivered the placemats to the nursing home in time for the patients to use for Thanksgiving dinner. 

   The JCS 21^st CCLC is proud of the students for making the placemats and brightening a patient’s Thanksgiving Day.

Martha Yount visits 21st CCLC (Click image to enlarge)

Kids having fun during Martha Yount's visit to 21st CCLC (Click image to enlarge)

   The Jackson City School 21^st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) Afterschool program was visited by Martha Yount, the Family and Consumer Science Agent at the Breathitt County Extension Office.

   During her visit, the students participated in four Thanksgiving-themed stations.

   For one station, Martha Yount read the story, Three Sisters, where the sisters were corn, beans, and squash.

   They learned about the tradition of the Thanksgiving feast and the foods represented.      

   At another station, the students made Indian pudding out of molasses and cornmeal and learned why the pilgrims used cornmeal instead of flour.

   At a third station they sampled pumpkin seeds and passed around cinnamon sticks and nutmeg while discussing the valuable spices.

   Students at the station made a cornucopia on spice cupcakes out of Bugles and Runtz candy.   

   At the fourth station they made Thanksgiving paper chains and wrote what they were thankful for on slips of paper to glue together.

   The 21^st CCLC Afterschool Program would like to thank Martha Yount and the Breathitt County Extension Office for working with the students and doing an outstanding job!

Kindergarten Corner By: Brooke Gross

ABC's of Thanksgiving (Click image to enlarge)

Hylton Sizemore (Click image to enlarge)

Johnny Sierra (Click image to enlarge)

   On Tuesday, November 24^th at 2:00, Mrs. Noble’s and Mrs. Hollan’s classes performed a play titled, “The ABC’s of Thanksgiving” in the school cafeteria.

    It told the story of the first Thanksgiving.

   They invited their friends and families to come watch and have refreshments afterwards.

   All the students did a great job and had fun performing their play!

JHS Senior Spotlight

Abby Caudill (Click image to enlarge)

   This week’s JHS Senior Spotlight is focused on Mary Abigail Caudill (Abby).

   Abby is the 17-year-old daughter of Karen Caudill.

   She has attended JCS for three years.

   While at JCS, Abby has participated in Y-Club, the academic team, student advisory council, and is currently the senior class president.

   Abby was voted “Most likely to Get Famous” and “Best All-Around” in the 2009 Senior Favorites.

   In her spare time, Abby enjoys traveling, being with friends, shopping, and volunteering with Hospice.

   After graduation, she plans to attend college and major in psychology/pre-law.

   Everyone at JCS would like to wish Abby the best of luck!