Judson Learning Academy

10/05/2026

🍂 Week 9 | October 5–9, 2026 🍂

Happy October, JLA Family! 🎃🍁 We are wrapping up our first nine weeks, and there is so much happening at JLA 🎓🐧🎓

📣 THIS WEEK'S IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

💻 Monday, October, 5 - Seniors are preparing for their ACT exam this week

🔒 Tuesday, October 6 – Campus Lockdown Drill

❤️ Thursday, October 8 – WEAR RED for Dyslexia Awareness Day!

📚 Thursday, October 8 – End of the First Nine Weeks!

🎓 Thursday, October 8 - Must earn 2 Course Credits

🚫 Friday, October 9 & Monday, October 12 – NO SCHOOL!

🏫 Tuesday, October 13 – Welcome back! 2nd 9-Weeks begins and earning course credits do too 🎓🐧🎓

💻 Wednesday, October 14 - Seniors are going to take the ACT and need their Chromebooks and Chargers.

🏫 Thursday, October 15 - NLC Field Trip

JLA families and students can checkout our school events calendar for updates. 🧡💙🧡

10/05/2026

🐧📣🐧 September to Remember
We want to recognize our Social Studies Teacher, Mr. Reeve for being selected as the Emperor Penguin for September.

"The Emperor Penguin Award recognizes a staff member who exemplifies leadership, resilience, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to supporting both students and colleagues. Like the emperor penguin, this individual leads by example, steps up when needed, and helps strengthen the entire JLA community. "-Principal Gonzales 🐧🎓

Congratulations Mr. Reeve!

10/03/2026

🐧🎓 It’s Never Over in October! 🍂
We are proud to announce that we have our first October JLA Graduate. She persisted and followed her target goal daily in Edgenuity. Way to go Bethany! 🐧🧡💙🎓
At Judson Learning Academy, every day is a chance to move closer to graduation! Keep showing up, earning course credits, and believing in your future. Your goals are worth the effort! 💙🧡
Let’s make October a month of progress. Let’s go, Penguins! 🐧

09/30/2026

📢 JLA Safety Update

The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. As part of our ongoing commitment to school safety, Judson Learning Academy will conduct a Lockdown Drill on October 6.

This drill gives students and staff the opportunity to practice emergency procedures in a safe and controlled environment. The exact time of the drill will not be announced beforehand.

We encourage families to talk with their students about the importance of listening to staff directions and participating appropriately during safety drills. These practices help ensure that everyone is prepared should a real emergency ever occur.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our school community safe.

💙

09/30/2026

Dear JLA Families,
The safety and security of our students and staff remain our highest priority. As part of our emergency preparedness efforts, Judson Learning Academy will conduct a Lockdown Drill on October 6.

Safety drills provide students and staff with the opportunity to practice procedures that help keep everyone safe during an emergency. The exact time of the drill will not be announced in advance.

We encourage families to speak with their children about the importance of following staff directions and taking all safety drills seriously. Our goal is to ensure that students feel prepared, informed, and confident in the procedures designed to protect them.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to maintain a safe learning environment for all students.

Sincerely,
Dr. De La Peña
Assistant Principal
Judson Learning Academy

09/28/2026

⭐️🐧JLA Students will be recognized for the 9-weeks on Thursday, October 8th during advisory time.

09/27/2026

JLA Seniors this is for you whether you know your plans beyond high school or are undecided about going to college, now is the time to have your FASFA application ready and submitted. Why? The sooner you receive your award letter the better. You could start higher education in the spring. 🐧🎓🐧 Judson ISD Simon Youth Foundation

🚨 **ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS & PARENTS!** 🚨

Mark your calendars: the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) officially opens nationwide on **October 1st**! 🎓💰

If you are graduating this school year and planning to attend college, university, or trade school, filling out the FAFSA is the single most important step you can take to pay for your education.

*What is the purpose of the FAFSA?*
The FAFSA calculates your financial aid eligibility and serves as your official key to unlocking funding for school:

* 🎁 Grants: Free financial assistance that you do not have to pay back (such as the federal Pell Grant).
* 🏛️ Institutional Scholarships: Most colleges require a completed FAFSA on file before considering you for their own merit- or need-based scholarships.
* 💼 Work-Study Jobs: On-campus part-time employment options designed to help cover living expenses.
* 💳 **Federal Loans:** Access to federal student loans, which offer fixed, lower interest rates and stronger consumer protections than private loans.

Why submit it right away on October 1st?

* ⚡ First-Come, First-Served Funding: Many state aid programs and individual college grants operate on limited budgets and hand out money until funds run out.
* 🎯 Beat Priority Deadlines: Filling it out early ensures you easily meet early state and university priority deadlines.

How to get ready before October 1st:

1. Create an account: Head to StudentAid.gov to set up an account (FSA ID) for the student and any required parent contributors.
2. Gather documents: Have your identification details and tax documents ready so you can complete the form quickly once it goes live.

Remember, the FAFSA is **100% FREE** to file—never pay anyone to complete it for you!

Tag a senior or parent who needs to GET READY! 👇

09/25/2026

Save the date and head out to Kirby Fest

🇺🇸 KIRBY FEST 2026
PARTY WITH A PURPOSE 🇺🇸

📅 Saturday, October 3
📍 Friendship Park
5745 Binz-Engleman Rd, Kirby, TX 78219

🏃🏽‍♀️ 5K RUCK • RUN • WALK • BIKE
⏰ Registration: 8:00–8:45 AM
🚴🏽‍♂️ 5K: 9:00–11:00 AM
⭐ ALL AGES WELCOME • ALL SKILL LEVELS WELCOME!

Our 5K will be fully supported with:
💧 2 Rest Stops
🚔 Law Enforcement Support throughout the route

🎊 KIRBY FEST: 11 AM–6 PM
🎟️ $5 Park Entry | Children under 10 FREE!

🎶 LIVE MUSIC beginning at NOON:
🎸 Radio Echo — Rock Cover Band
🎤 Liz Garcia — Tejano
🤠 Sabrina Estevez — Country
🎵 DevSoul — R&B & Soul

🎧 DJ Hermie playing throughout the day from 9 AM–6 PM!

🍔 Food Vendors
🛍️ Craft Vendors
🤝 Nonprofit Organizations
📑 Bexar County Records on the Run Mobile Unit
🏰 Kids Zone with Moon Bounce & Activities

📣 VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!
Interested in becoming a vendor? Contact Mike Barker at [email protected] for more information.

🚘 210LevelUpRidaz
CAR SHOW
Showcase your car, truck or motorcycle!
💲 Entry Fee: $20

Want to participate in the car, truck or motorcycle showcase? Contact Mike Barker at [email protected] to sign up!

🇺🇸 Most importantly, Kirby Fest is raising funds for Intrepid Care, a nonprofit serving our veteran community.

❤️ SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! ❤️
We would like to publicly thank Northeast Partnership and Certified Collision Center Kirby Location for their generous sponsorship and support of Kirby Fest!

Come out, bring the family, have a great time, and support our veteran community. 🇺🇸

🎉 PARTY WITH A PURPOSE • PARTY FOR A CAUSE! 🎉

09/25/2026

👀⬇️⬇️⬇️👀 JLA Penguins read up, stay on the know, especially because you just met with Dr. Rodriguez from NLC 🐧🎓🐧 Let’s Graduate! 🐧🎓🐧

FAFSA forms are now open for students looking for federal financial aid. Here's what's changed and how to apply: http://www.kens5.com/article/news/nation-world/fafsa-form-2027-28-new-updates/507-fce01c81-028a-44ae-aabb-a757a668b7aa?tag1=kensshare

09/25/2026

It was a great day for career exploration at Judson Learning Academy. Why? We had Mr. Young provide ASVAB testing along side JLA Counselor Ms. Gonzalez. We had 17 JLA students participate. And let me tell you, the career opportunities can be endless for our Champions. This is only the beginning of a bright future. Thank you Mr. Young for your leadership and service! Judson ISD Simon Youth Foundation