Jonesboro Public Schools

📣 The Academies at JHS mentioned on the front page of the Jonesboro Sun this morning!

𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞. 📖 History of Juneteenth: On “Freedom’s Eve,” or the eve of January 1, 1863, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. Only through the Thirteenth Amendment did emancipation end slavery throughout the United States.
But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people in Texas. [Information transcribed from Smithsonian's National Museum of African History & Culture.]

❣️ Friendly reminder that FREE breakfast and lunches are available for students! Please share to get the word out!

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📸 ✍️ Our JPS administrators recently spent three days together in TESS (Teacher Excellence and Support System) recalibration training. The training focused on strengthening support for our teachers and making sure evaluations are consistent across the district. Through collaboration, discussion, and a closer look at the TESS rubric, administrators strengthened their skills in providing meaningful feedback that helps teachers grow and continue delivering high-quality instruction.

👑 Join us in wishing the very best of luck to JPS student Adalai Weeks as she competes this week at the Miss Arkansas’ Teen competition! Representing as Miss Metro’s Teen, Adalai is an outstanding ambassador for our school community, and we couldn't be more proud of all she has accomplished. ✨

Adalai, your Hurricane family is cheering you on and celebrating you every step of the way. We know you'll represent with grace, confidence, and excellence!

Good luck, Adalai! Open The Roof! 🖤💛