Waller Junior High held its annual National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony on February 23rd. The Faculty Council and Principals were honored to induct 106 students to the Celeste Eplen Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society.

By Marianne Kosik

Congratulations to Turlington Elementary student, Cody Morgan, who spelled the championship word “gregarious” to win the Region V Spelling Bee Contest on February 18th in Bellville, TX.

The Waller High School Class of 2010 presented the annual “Mr. Valentine Pageant” on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 entitled “From Boys to Men.” This year the pageant presented nineteen senior men and their senior lady escorts. After four months of rigorous rehearsals, the contestants and escorts presented an outstanding show. Amber Fritzsching senior, was the Mistress of Ceremonies. Senior Austin Cooke, escorted by fellow senior Haley Jones, was crowned Mr. Valentine.

The Waller Junior High Lady Bulldogs 7th and 8th grade track team met at McCullough Junior High on Thursday, March 4th. The teams did their very best, setting personal records in many of the events. Mirna Delgado received 4th in the 3200m with a time of 13 minutes and 16 seconds. Delgado also received 4th place in the 1600m with a time of 6 minutes and 12 seconds. In the 800m, Jessica Englishbee came in 5th place with a time of 2 minutes and 55 seconds. Dai’ Jah Jones ran a swift 100m in 13.03 seconds and also ran the 200m in 27.66 seconds, both races Jones finished in 1st place. In the 400m, Dai’ Jah Carter came in 4th with a time of 1 minute and 8 seconds. In field events that took place, Waller Lady Bulldog Presley Wilson came in 5th place for her throw of 22’8.5’’ in the shot put. Jessica Englishbee was in 5th place for the triple jump with a jump of 27’3/4’’. In the long jump Dai’ Jah Jones came in 4th place with a jump of 13’10’’.

BY Marianne Kosik

Wayne C. Schultz Junior High held their first annual National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) celebration on Thursday, February 26th. 59 students were honored at the ceremony led by the NJHS officers: President Abigail Costea, Vice President Angelica Grayson, Treasurer Sabrina Nathanson, and Secretary Hannah Tompkins. 6th, 7th and 8th grade students had to meet stringent criteria to earn this prestigious honor. The students must have earned a cumulative GPA of 90 or above in their core classes - math, science, social studies and language arts. In addition to the cumulative GPA, each student also had to meet the requirements in the areas of citizenship, leadership, character, and service.

On February 27th, Waller Junior High held its 5th Annual Bulldog Bike Ride on a perfect weather day for the event. The recommended BP MS 150 bike ride had approximately 400 riders biking along their choice of the 25, 32, or 50 mile routes. Staff maintained the rest stops along the routes and a pancake breakfast was waiting for the riders at the starting point.

By Marianne Kosik

Waller ISD boys and girls in Kindergarten through 6th grade ran as fast as they could around the newly resurfaced track at the 2nd Annual Bulldog Races. The Waller Track Teams hosted the fun-filled event on February 13th at Bulldog Stadium. Over 450 students participated in division races that consisted of one lap around the track. The event attracted almost double the amount of racers from last year.

Fields Store Elementary students and Waller ISD elementary schools celebrated “Go Texan Day” on Friday, February 26th. Pictured (L-R) are 2nd-grade students - cowgirl Emily Rhoads, cowboy William Orender, and cowboy Trey Carstensen, all lining up for the chow line after working up an appetite learning in the classroom.

Toro, The Houston Texans mascot, visited H.T. Jones Elementary to talk to the elementary students about healthy food choices and the importance of exercise. The event took place in the school gymnasium where a video presentation was displayed on a white projector screen produced by the Houston Texans. An overview of the Houston Texans was introduced and trivia questions were called out.

WISD to Hold District Site-Based Decision Making Committee Meeting March 24th.

Waller ISD will hold a District Site-Based Decision Making Committee (DSBDMC) meeting Wednesday, March 24th at 4 p.m. in the Administration Building’s Board Room located at 2214 Waller St. The Title I process will be discussed at the meeting. All meetings are open to the public; parents and community members are encouraged to attend. Please contact Marianne Kosik at 936.931.0309 or mkosik@wallerisd.net for more information.

Waller Junior High is hosting their annual TAKS night entitled this year, “TAKS – THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS”. Students and parents alike are invited to attend this exciting evening on March 23rd, from 6-8 p.m.

H.T. Jones Elementary students held A Tribute to Michael Jackson in observance of Black History Month. The event was postponed to March 1 due to icy conditions on the original planned date in February. Music Director, David Harris dressed in black clothing, black hat, and shiny glove, opened up the show by impersonating Jackson and his dance moves to rev up the crowd.

Waller Junior High competed at the zone level in the UIL Junior High One-Act Play event on Friday, February 19th. The cast and crew performed their drama, "Guy de Maupassant's The Necklace," by Jay Reid Gould. Jacob Fatuch was recognized with an All-Star Crew award while Haley Rodriguez, Kendra Bolin, and Roy Marshall were each recognized with an Honorable Mention for their respective roles. Other cast and crew members included Logan Swearingen, Taylor Smallwood, Stoney Hill, and Joseph Fatuch. The students were under the direction of Deanna Krenek.

With a short four days of preparation, the Schultz Junior High 7th and 8th Grade Boys Track Teams began their season on Monday, February 22nd. Both levels have a lot to look forward to throughout the remainder of the year, as many of the young men brought home strong finishes in their individual events.

3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at H.T. Jones Elementary School participated in the annual H.T. Jones Spelling Bee on January 15th. Abbigayle Leslie, daughter of Larchin and Tremaine Leslie, was the winner for the second year in a row. She will participate in the Regional Spelling Bee, Thursday, February 18th in Bellville, Texas.

By Marianne Kosik

WALLER ISD – During the regular meeting of the Waller ISD Board of Trustees held February 8, the Board meeting recognitions opened up with recognizing two Waller High School students who qualified to compete in the Texas High School Rodeo Finals. Waller High School Principal Kelly Baehren and Teacher and Rodeo Club Sponsor Lynn Hinds introduced students Shelby McCauley and Dillon Kersh. Both students have a long history of participating in rodeos in Texas.