GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 1
The Official Newsletter of Gregory-Portland Junior High School: Home of the World’s Greatest Students!
Shhh! Athena Lankford and Justice Morris are celebrating; see why inside!
Also in this issue:
Academic UIL - page 17
Best of GPJHS Winner - page 9
Choir Notes - page 2
Class Favorites - page 15
Heart of Gold Dance - page 13
Read-a-thon Winners - page 12
Reading Buddies - page 3
Tennis Triumphs! - page 10
…and more!
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 2
Choir Notes By Mr Campion
On January 30, we held our annual solo and ensemble contest for the junior high choir students,
and we were met with some fantastic results! Students compete as soloists or as a member of an
ensemble chosen from their respective choir class (Concert Boys, Concert Girls, and Treble
Girls). All soloists and ensembles sing for a judge to receive a rating from “I” to “V” (“I”
meaning “Superior” and “II” being “Excellent”).
All three ensembles had a tremendous performance and all three received a Superior rating!
60 students competed as soloists. Out of those, 56 received Superior ratings and 4 students
received Excellent ratings!
Each judge chooses one outstanding performer from each gender. Our star performers this year
are: Blake Leuschner, Josue Lozano-Cantu, Anthony Martinez, Anyssa Castillo, Anika Cluff,
and Rebecca Tietze.
Rebecca Tietze also received a superior rating on her piano solo, making her the most highly
decorated student this year, receiving a total of four medals for her performances!
These students received Superior ratings on their solo performances:
Taelor Fritz
Madelyn Garza
Caitlyn Byrne
Makayla Rodriguez
Levi Welch
Mark Lara
Ella Sanchez
Hannah Niemann
Mallory Manlove
Brynn German
Ty Adams
Jove Sandoval
Anyssa Castillo
Anthony Martinez
Estrella Ortega
Natalie Knight
Lilliana Mendoza
Ian Longoria
Abigail Molone
Elian Pulido
Yahaira Ruiz-Lucero
Anika Cluff
Illiana Hernandez
Bella Rodriguez
Shelby Drake
Josue Lozano-Cantu
Julia Davis
Syndi Vo
Gabby Solis
Bethany Kocik
Sophia Garza
Emily Berger
Ross DuBose
Mason Rodrigue
Brooklyn Thedin
Kiera Vest
Nicole Watts
Kaydence Fisher
Hayden Hardwick
Ryder Deleon
Nick Hartley
Alanna Moreno
Lizzie Sides
Chance Besinaiz
Jaden McClary
Raigan Martinez
Amber Clements
Jojo Woodward
Rebecca Tietze
Josh Martinez
Caitlynn Casas
Blake Leuschner
Elizabeth Kanapaux
Alanys Rios
Please congratulate these individuals! They did a fantastic job!
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 3
Books & Buddies at GPJHS & TM Clark
On January 26, GPJHS students shared books and their time with students at T.M. Clark
Elementary. Mrs. Forsythe, a teacher at T.M. Clark told fellow event organizers Mrs. Ross and
Ms. Costilla, “My kids loved reading with yours! Thank you so much for organizing this. It was
a great idea and we really enjoyed it! The kids were so excited to go home with their books!”
McKenzie Saathoff, Caitlyn Byrne, Brooke Moreno & friends prove that readers are leaders!
Ava Barter & Khalenit Edrington Blake Farr & Edwin Bauch
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 4
Reading Buddies continued
Diego Aguillon & Keane Ruiz Lindsay Abreus & Ella Sanchez
Kiera Vest & Aiza Omar Jackson Gragg & Isaiah Rodriguez
Brody Deluna & Layton Chesser Marcus Munoz & Andrew Vaiz
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 5
Reading Buddies continued
Ximena Andaverde & McKenzie Saathoff Monica Rodriguez & Brooke Moreno
Sofia Olivares & Caitlyn Byrne Jayden Kent & Ashley Gomez
Abigail Molone & Grant Bonneau Anjara Guerra & Brita Rhodes
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 6
Reading Buddies continued
Eveleen Gonzalez & Angela Lumbreras Elisabeth Miller & Marlee Walker
Garrett Melerine & Santiago Ornela Ainesh Bhakta & Landu Gonzalez
Sophia Jimenez & Alyson Balderas; Liam Johnson & Laura Bennett; Marlee Walker & Ms. Costilla
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 7
Reading Buddies continued
Vincent Nguyen & Dylanne Dodson Dale Loveland & Sophia Young
Gabriella Allocco & Emma Denton Garrett Smith & Skyla Martini
Izaak Alejandro & Misha Stegall Kenzey McClellan-Self, Abby Krisl & Long Deo
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 8
Reading Buddies continued
Jose Vasquez & Robert Rosalez Garrett Melerine & Santiago Ornelas
Jacob Ochoa & Matthew Rush Ariel Castellano & Antonio Castillo
Did you know that you can help the planet and the robotics team at the
same time? Simply bring your printer’s empty inkjet cartridges to C108 and the
robotics team will recycle them for you. Remember that inkjet cartridges will fit in
the palm of your hand. We cannot recycle larger cartridges.
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 9
Meet Mrs. Hayward What do you do at GPJHS? ELAR-7, National Junior
Honor Society Advisor
Education/experience: Journalism degree from Texas
Tech & teacher certification from UT Arlington. Seven
years as a newspaper journalist – reporting, editing &
page design. Seventeen years teaching grades 6, 7,8, &
10th.
Hobbies: Reading, family time, traveling
Favorite Book(s): Hunger Games, To Kill a
Mockingbird, Twilight series, Harry Potter series,
Great Expectations, Fried Green Tomatoes, The
Outsiders, Eleanor & Park, Wonder, The Discovery of
Witches, Bridge to Terabithia, and The da Vinci Code!
Favorite Game(s): Word Cookies, Tetris
Favorite music, artist or genre: Rick Springfield to Harry Connick, Jr. to Ed Sheeran
Something about me that might surprise people: I hate to argue and try really hard not to
complain. I’m all about optimism and positivity!
Best of GPJHS – and the winner is…. Students and staff were asked to write essays about something or someone that makes GPJHS
special. This month’s winner is Courtney Teeter! Here’s what she wrote:
The thing I like most about GPJHS is the teachers who work here. The teachers
are nice and help me when I need it. They encourage me to be my best and do my best.
Not only are the teachers funny but they also care about me. I love to listen to the
stories they tell us, so I can relate to them as an actual person, not just as a teacher.
They will also ask what's wrong when you're sad and help you feel better. I like how
they always tell you, "Good morning" and "Good afternoon" every day!
Mark Your Calendar There are a lot of exciting events coming soon to a GPJHS near you; to see what they are when
they will happen, visit the school’s website, or click the link below!
https://www.g-pisd.org/gregory-portland-junior-high-school/calendar/happening-now-event-calendar
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 10
Wildcat Tennis Triumphs Pictures by Del Lindley
At the February 3 Calallen tournament, Megan Yzaguirre & Alessandra Miller won 3rd Place in 8th-Grade Girls Doubles, and Elian Pulido & Tristan Lindley won 2nd Place in 8th-Grade Boys Doubles.
Elian Pulido, Megan Yzaguirre, Alessandra Miller & Tristan Lindley congratulate each other on Feb 3.
A week later, in Kingsville, on February 10:
David Avalos and Ryan Martinez won 3rd Place in Boys Doubles
Elian Pulido and Laney Bustos won 3rd Place in Mixed Doubles
Alessandra Miller and Adriana Gonzalez won 1st Place in Girls Doubles
Tristan Lindley and Julian Turruviate won 1st Place in Boys Doubles
Julian Turruviate, David Avalos, Ryan Martinez, & Tristan Lindley “love” winning, but you
can’t have your medal and eat it too! See more photos from Kingsville on the next page.
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 11
Tennis Triumphs continued (see who won what on the previous page)
Alessandra Miller and Adriana Gonzalez David Avalos and Ryan Martinez
Elian Pulido and Laney Bustos Tristan Lindley and Julian Turruviate
Way to go, Wildcats!
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 12
Meet Mr. Jones What do you do at GPJHS? Technology Coordinator,
Instructional Technology, Yearbook
Education/experience: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Master’s in
Instructional Technology from TAMUK
Hobbies: Fishing, Kayak, Golf, Drum
Favorite Book(s): The Harry Potter series
Favorite Game(s): Halo, Grand Theft Auto V, Fortnite
Favorite music, artist or genre: Rock, Tejano
Something about me that might surprise people: I worked as a
microbiologist before getting into education.
Read-a-thon Winners Several ELA classes at GPJHS raised money for student materials by participating in a read-a-
thon. Teachers held reading sessions in class, and many students also logged reading hours
outside of class. Students also used the persuasive techniques they had been studying in ELA to
persuade family and friends to support their reading efforts (and our school) financially. In
addition to individual prizes, there was a competition to see which ELA class could raise the
most money; the winner(s) earned a class party with pizza or doughnuts!
Highest-earning individual readers were:
BRITA RHODES $110.00
BROOKLYN THEDIN $125.00
ELIANNA HODGES $175.00
TAELOR FRITZ $175.00
EMILY KEYLICH $200.00
and TY ADAMS $225.00
The highest earning ELA class periods:
3rd Place - Mrs. Ross's 6th period $455.00
2nd Place - Mrs. Ross' 4th period $460.00
1st Place - Ms. Young's 1st period $690.00
In total, GPJHS students have raised over $3000.00 through the read-a-thon fundraiser for
classroom supplies and student materials. Thank you, everyone who participated!
Save the memories! Order your
yearbook today! If you’re reading
this online, click this link: https://goo.gl/S6mmwi
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 13
Dancin’ the Night Away Pictures by Mrs. Dornak from the Heart of Gold Dance at GPJHS on February 10.
Students danced in pairs & groups, while some showcased their individual style.
Blake Leuschner, Damien Quesada, Noelani Judd, Cara Nichols, Brita Rhodes, PJ Garcia &
friends enjoying music and making memories.
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 14
Heart of Gold Dance continued
Jayden Lindsay dressed to the nines, & Alania Villa and Skye Martindale rated the party a ten!
Special thanks to Mrs. Ramirez, event coordinator & our wonderful (and camera-shy) parents,
faculty and staff volunteers, who stayed late on Friday and/or arrived early on Saturday to help
make the dance a success; you all truly have hearts of gold!
Got a Story? Got a Camera? Got Art? Is there something you’d like to see in the next Gazette? Join the Gazette staff, and make it so!
https://www.g-pisd.org/uploaded/personal/3133/Documents/Gazette/GPJHS_Gazette_Student_Staff_Application.pdf
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 15
Class Favorites Students nominated and voted for the classmates whom they felt exemplified some of the best
qualities GPJHS student population. The winners were announced at the Heart of Gold Dance
on February 10.
7th-Grade Winners
Most Athletic Girl: Ava Barter
Most Athletic Boy: Brandon Redden
Most Studious Girl: Peyton Felchak
Most Studious Boy: Quinn Smith
Class Clown Girl: Sierra Moreno
Class Clown Boy: Ty Adams
Most School Spirit Girl: Brooke Moreno
Most School Spirit Boy: Ty Adams
Best Musician Girl: Ella Spencer
Best Musician Boy: Koda Honig
Best All-Around Girl: Ava Barter
Best All-Around Boy: Koda Honig
8th-Grade Winners
Most Athletic Girl: Khilyssa White
Most Athletic Boy: Dustin Madson
Most Studious Girl: Athena Langford
Most Studious Boy: Ian Gerick
Class Clown Girl: Alania Villa
Class Clown Boy: Donovan Strain
Most School Spirit Girl: Skye Martindale
Most School Spirit Boy: Mark Lara
Best Musician Girl: Alanys Rios
Best Musician Boy: Aiden Acosta
Best All-Around Girl: Bethany Kocik
Best All-Around Boy: Chase Felt
Most Athletic winners Brandon Redden, Ava Barter & Dustin Madson; Best Musician winners
Koda Honig, Ella Spencer, Alanys Rios & Aiden Acosta
Most School Spirit winners Brooke Moreno, Skye Martindale & Mark Lara
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 16
Class Favorites continued
“Class Clowns?” “Us?” Sierra Moreno, Alania Villa & Donovan Strain
Back to the dance!
Meet Mrs. Gordon What do you do at GPJHS? P.A.C.E.S. (Positive Academic
Classroom Experiences with Socialization)
Education/experience: Bachelor’s of Science from Texas A&M
College Station
Hobbies: Spending Time with my kids, fishing, cooking, watching my
son play baseball
Favorite Book(s): Anything by Dr. Seuss
Favorite Game(s): Parcheesi, solitaire
Favorite music, artist or genre: Classic country music, plus Simon & Garfunkel
Something about me that might surprise people: Next year, I will have 3 children in college.
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 17
Academic UIL
“Excelsior!” Diego Aguillion, TJ Elliot, Matthew Goodlad & their teammates aim for success!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Congratulations to ALL of the students who competed in the Academic UIL tournament on
Saturday, February 10th! GPJHS students won A LOT of awards, including:
In 7th-grade Mathematics,
Elisabeth Miller won 3rd place
Quinn Smith won 1st place
The 7th-grade Math team was awarded 1st
place medals for overall performance!
In 7th-grade Calculator,
Elisabeth Miller won 5th place
Quinn Smith won 4th place
In 7th-grade Oral Reading,
Jackson Gragg won 2nd place
In 7th-grade Art,
Victoria Smith won 6th place
Emma Denton won 3rd place
Diego Aguillon won 2nd place
The 7th-grade Art team was awarded 1st
place medals for overall performance!
In 7th-grade Spelling,
Brooke Moreno won 7th place
In 7th-grade Listening,
Aylin Arroyo won 8th place
Brooke Moreno won 4th place
In 7th-grade Number Sense,
Elisabeth Miller won 4th place
Quinn Smith won 3rd place
In 7th-grade Chess,
TJ Elliot won 6th place
Diego Aguillon won 2nd place
With the help of Matthew Goodlad, the
Knights of the Round Table (the 7th-grade
Chess team) won 2nd place medals for
overall performance!
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 18
Academic UIL continued
In 7th-grade Dictionary Skills,
Aylin Arryo won 8th place
Jeremy Guiterrez won 3rd place
Brooke Moreno won 2nd place
The 7th-grade Dictionary Skills team won
1st place for overall performance!
In 7th-grade Editorial Writing,
Ellie Hodges won 7th place
In Project-Based Art,
Victoria Smith won 6th place
Emma Denton won 3rd place
Diego Aguillon won 2nd place
In 8th-grade Mathematics,
Jacob Gansle won 8th place
Ian Gerick won 6th place
Coyt Winckler won 4th place
The 8th-grade Math team won 2nd place for
overall performance!
In 8th-grade Calculator,
Jacob Gansle won 6th place
Coyt Winckler won 5th place
Ian Gerick won 4th place
The 8th-grade Calculator team won 2nd
place for overall performance!
In 8th-grade Oral Reading,
Ellie Hodges (a seventh grader competing
against 8th graders) won 5th place
In 8th-grade Art,
Justice Morris won 4th place
Athena Lankford won 1st place
The 8th-grade Art team won 2nd place
medals for overall performance!
In 8th-grade Spelling,
Alex Janssen won 5th place
Athena Lankford won 1st place
In 8th-grade Science,
Blake Leuschner won 1st place
With the help of Justice Morris, the 8th-
grade Science team won 2nd place medals
for overall performance!
In 8th-grade Impromptu Speaking,
Justice Morris won 3rd place
In 8th-grade Number Sense,
Ian Gerick won 7th place
Jacob Gansle won 5th place
Coyt Winckler won 4th place
The 8th-grade Number Sense team won 2nd
place for overall performance!
In 8th-grade Dictionary Skills,
Athena Lankford won 8th place
Alex Janssen won 2nd place
With the help of Ivy Zheny, the 8th-grade
Dictionary Skills team won 3rd place medals
for overall performance!
In 8th-grade Social Studies,
Justice Morris won 8th place
Joshua Ferdon won 5th place
In 8th-grade Project-Based Art,
Justice Morris won 5th place
In 8th-grade Maps, Charts & Graphs,
Joshua Ferdon won 5th place
Blake Leuschner won 3rd place
With the help of Victoria Garcia (a seventh
grader competing against 8th graders), the
8th-grade Maps, Charts &
Graphs team won 3rd place medals for
overall performance!
UIL coaches Ms. Young, Dr. Turner, Mrs. Leisher, Mrs. McMahan, Mrs. Anfosso, Mrs.
Vanderford, Mr. Wooten and Mr. Thomas are really proud of everyone who participated; you’re
ALL winners!
Pictures of some of these dedicated students (who went to school at 6:00am for academic
activities on a Saturday!) are on the following pages.
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 19
Academic UIL continued
Victoria Garcia (a seventh-grade student competing in an 8th-grade event), Blake Leuschner &
Joshua Ferdon worked together to earn bronze medals for Maps, Graphs, and Charts!
Knights of the Round Table Diego Aguillion, TJ Elliot & Matthew Goodlad won silver for Chess!
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 20
Academic UIL continued
Mr. Wooten, Elisabeth Miller, Coyt Winckler, Quinn Smith, Jacob Gansle & Ian Gerick won
more math-related awards than we could count (unless you read the lists on pages 18 & 19)!
Talented AND knowledgeable! Emma Denton, Diego Aguillon & Victoria Smith worked
together and earned gold medals (awarded shortly after this photo was taken) for Art!
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 21
Academic UIL continued
“Look it up!” Jeremy Guiterrez, Brooke Moreno & Aylyn Arryo worked together to earn gold
medals for Dictionary Skills!
Justice Morris, Alex Janssen, Blake Leuschner, Quinn Smith, Elisabeth Miller (pictured above)
& other GPJHS students began to feel the weight of all the ribbons and medals they were
winning throughout the day! Great work, Wildcats!
Gazette Q & A Question: Why am I (or my friends) not listed and/or pictured in a Gazette article? Answer: On a form they completed during student registration, some parents have requested that
their children not be pictured nor listed in school publications; this applies to the
school yearbook, as well as the GPJHS Gazette. G-PISD respects the rights of parents to protect
their children's privacy. Parents may contact the school's front office for more information.
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 22
STAAR Trek – Bodly Go, Wildcats! STAAR (State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness) administrations
will begin in April. Don’t be scared; be prepared! Students and parents may
prepare for the future by learning from the past. Visit this website for actual
STAAR materials from previous school years:
http://tea.texas.gov/student.assessment/STAAR_Released_Test_Questions
Scheduled STAAR testing dates for GPJHS:
Tuesday, April 10 – 7th-grade Writing STAAR & 8th-grade Math STAAR
Wednesday, April 11 – 8th-grade Reading STAAR (7th-grade has a planned mock Math)
Thursday, April 12 & Friday, April 13 - testing for students who were absent Tue & Wed
Monday, May 14 – 7th-grade Math & 8th-grade Math retest
Tuesday, May 15 – 7th-grade Reading & 8th-grade Reading retest
Wednesday, May 16 – 8th-grade Science
Thursday, May 17 – 8th-grade Social Studies
Friday, May 18 - testing for students who were absent earlier that week
In addition to the online resources listed above, many teachers offer free tutorials for students
before and after school. If you are struggling with a particular subject, please seek help NOW;
don’t wait until the week before testing!
Meet Mrs. Rosado What do you do at GPJHS? P.A.C.E.S. (Positive
Academic Classroom Experiences with Socialization)
Education/experience: B.A. as an elementary teacher from
the University of Puerto Rico with 18 years of experience
teaching English as a second language in Puerto Rico
Hobbies: Shopping, travel, and seeing my kids play their
sports
Favorite Book(s): none
Favorite Game(s): table games
Favorite music, artist or genre: ballad and pop music,
Ricardo Arjona & Ednita Nazario
Something about me that might surprise people: I was
born, lived and developed my whole life in Puerto Rico!
Download copies of the GPJHS Gazette in full color from the “Community” tab at:
https://www.g-pisd.org/gregory-portland-junior-high-school
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 23
Meet Mrs. Solis What do you do at GPJHS? I teach 7th grade math and 7th
grade Intensive math.
Education/experience: I graduated from Texas A&M
University- Corpus Christi with a Bachelors in Science:
Interdisciplinary Studies Mathematics 4-8 (aka Math
Education). I have officially completed 1 full year of teaching
at the best school in the world (GPJHS)!
Hobbies: I love grading papers and creating assignments and
all… but in my free time I enjoy reading, creating shirts,
stickers, and invitations just a little more.
Favorite Book(s): I have way too many to list here.
Favorite Game(s): Uno, Jenga, Connect Four, & games that require problem solving.
Favorite music, artist or genre: I love all kinds of music… as long as it is not overplayed on
the radio.
Something about me that might surprise people: Before I decided to become a teacher I was
actually going to school to become an Engineer, but somehow I decided I enjoyed working with
middle schoolers more and changed my major (it took me a 2 whole extra years to graduate).
Trash or Cash? Cash, please! www.btfe.com Support our school!
Meet Mrs. Sullivan
What do you do at GPJHS? I have fun every day teaching
7th grade science!
Education/experience: I have a Bachelor’s of Science in
Kinesiology from the University of North Texas. This is my
13th year to teach and I just love making science gross, weird
and cool every day!
Hobbies: cooking, reading, going to the beach, playing with
our rescue dog Biscuit, and attempting to stay up-to-date with
scientific discoveries.
Favorite Book(s): The Unwind series by Neal Shusterman,
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, Captured by Grace by
David Jeremiah
Favorite Game(s): entertaining my son, who is three years old
Favorite music, artist or genre: For King & Country, Shane & Shane, Steven Curtis Chapman,
Dave Matthews Band, and Jack Johnson
Something about me that might surprise people: I have won many awards for singing, I can
snowboard, and I used to coach basketball, volleyball, cross-country and track.
GPJHS Gazette March 2018 pg. 24
Grade Check with Skyward Get the jump on progress reports and report cards! Check your grades online; here’s how:
1. Use the link at www.g-pisd.org , or (if you’re reading a digital copy of the Gazette) click this
link: https://skyward.iscorp.com/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wsedugregporttx/fwemnu01.w
2. Your Student Skyward Login (Login ID) is: The 1st five letters of your last name (if your last
name is less than five letters, you will need to type spaces - enough to equal five characters) and
1st three letters of your first name, followed by 000 (three zeroes). Some students may have a
001, 002, etc.
Here are some login examples:
gonzajau000 (Juan Gonzalez’s Login ID)
gonzajau001 (newer student, Juanita Gonzalez's Login ID)
cox cou000 (Courtney Cox’s Login ID)
3. Your password should be your student ID (lunch) number
4. Once you’ve logged in, click the “Gradebook” link in the left column.
5. If you want to know more about a posted grade, click it (the blue number), and you will see a
list of the assignments/tests/quizzes that account for the grading period in that class.
Call for Content Did you know that the word “gazette” can be used as a noun or a
verb? This means you can get information from a gazette (like
this one), or you can gazette information for others to see.
If you’d like to Gazette your opinions, stories, art, comics,
pictures of school events, and/or suggestions, then please come
by room C112 to pick up an application, or download and print an
application at the link below:
https://www.g-pisd.org/uploaded/personal/3133/Documents/Gazette/GPJHS_Gazette_Student_Staff_Application.pdf
We would love for future issues to include your good work; if you want people to get it, then you
should Gazette it!
See you next month!
- Mr. Thomas
GPJHS External Communications Coordinator & GPJHS Gazette Editor
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