March Newsletter
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A Note From Dr. Kevin Phillips, Superintendent of Schools
Dear Jubilee Parents & Staff,
As we celebrate Women's History Month this March, I want to take a moment and acknowledge all of our Jubilee women making history by pushing through some of the most difficult times in our history. I appreciate your dedication, commitment and excellence! You are inspiring!
STAAR Writing Test for 4th and 7th grade will take place in two weeks. Please ensure your students are working to be their best and working with their teachers to be successful. We want to get the best data possible so that we can measure how our students are doing. While we know this has been a difficult year we do believe our students should be able to show what they are capable of. Greatness is within them!
TEA has launched the Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) program, which allows families to apply for $1,500 which can be used in the SSES marketplace to help mitigate the setbacks of school disruptions experienced by students with complex or significant cognitive disabilities due to COVID-19. The $1,500 will be held in an online account with access to a marketplace which allows families to purchase additive services (speech, academic tutoring, occupational therapy, counseling etc.), materials, and technology to support their eligible student(s). These services do not reduce or eliminate the responsibilities of schools to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to these students. The web-based application for families opened January 11, 2021 and will close June 30, 2021.
Teacher Incentive Allotment application is due April 15. We have 5 committees working to ensure we get the input from our stakeholders. This incentive allotment if approved is going to allow Jubilee to increase teacher pay through a reimbursement allotment provided by the state.
8 Ways to Support Students Who Experience Trauma
Children, adolescents and teens in our classrooms have experienced or are experiencing ongoing trauma. According to studies from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 60% of adults report experiencing abuse or other difficult family circumstances during childhood and 26% of children in the United States will witness or experience a traumatic event before they turn four.
The impacts of trauma can be far-reaching, long-lasting, and impact students' ability to access their education. There are small ways, however, that we can make our classrooms more friendly and supportive to students managing the impacts of trauma.
5. Develop strengths and interests.
6. Be there.
7. Make an “out” plan.
8. Take care of yourself.
1. Communicate with counselors or social workers.
2. Provide structure and consistency.
3. Ease transitions.
4. Provide choice.
Re-enrollment is in full effect and we are at 94% throughout the district. Be sure to continue to tell your friends and family about the great things going on at Jubilee. If you are mentioned as a referral you win a prize!
As we push through these last nine weeks I want to encourage everyone to remember our theme for the year “We are FOCUSED, DETERMINED and PLAYING TO WIN!”
-Dr. Kevin Phillips
Our newest campus!
We are excited to announce our newest campus, Jubilee-San Benito in the Rio Grande Valley coming Fall 2021! This campus will serve grades PreK(4) - 5th. More details coming soon!
Senior Spotlight
Rudy Banuelos
Attending UTSA in the Fall
2020 National Honor Society Inductee as part of Jubilee-Lakeview Univ Prep’s inaugural induction
Basketball team captain during the 2020 undefeated season & regional championship
Ariana Richardson
Graduating with 21 dual credit hours
Majoring in Biomedical Science at Southern Methodist University
Accepted to Southern Methodist University, Houston Baptist University, University of the Incarnate Word, & the University of Houston - Victoria
Awarded $80,000 from SMU
Awarded $80,000 from Houston Baptist University
Awarded $60,000 from the University of the Incarnate Word
Nominated for the and to the University of Houston - Victoria Presidential Scholarship
Alexis Robinson
Graduating with 45 dual credit hours
Majoring in Criminology or English
Accepted to St. Mary's University, St. Edward's University, University of Incarnate Word, & UTRGV
Offered a total of $109,000 in scholarships
National Honor Society Member
All Star Athlete
Basketball Accolades
All Star Selection Freshman & Senior year
All Regional Selection Freshman, Sophomore, & Junior Year
First Team Selection Freshman, Sophomore, & Junior Year
All Academic First Team Freshman, Sophomore, & Junior Year
Second Team All-District Junior year
All State First Team Selection Freshman & Sophomore Year
Volleyball Accolades
2019 | 32-3A Libero of the Year & 2nd Team All-Metro
2020 | 32-3A Co MVP & 2nd Team All-Metro
Jubilee-Lakeview Univ. Prep Inaugural National Honor Society Induction
Jubilee-Lakeview Univ. Prep proudly inducted their first ever National Honor Society members on March 17th. In order to be inducted, these 13 students needed to exhibit the four pillars of NHS, Character, Scholarship, Service, and Leadership both in and out of school. Once inducted, students can attend the LEAD conference which is meant to help the students build leadership skills as well as networking skills. They will also receive additional opportunities such as scholarships and increased probability of college acceptance, and attend service field trips to help the community. We are so proud of these students and their great success!
Jubilee-Lakeview Univ. Prep 2021 NHS Inductees:
Cherish Scott (11th)
Brandon Olivares (11th)
Heaven Martinez (11th)
Rosa Rendon (10th)
Andre Fernandez (10th)
Alfred Reyes (10th)
Rudy Banuelos (12th)
Amberly Mendiola (12th)
Isaias Ramos (11th)
Erik Batres (11th)
Serenity Sanchez (11th)
Antionette Hernandez (11th)
Women’s History Month
As part of Women’s History Month, we invited young female leaders to sit with a couple female leaders on their campuses! These students did a great job and we thank Mrs. Septimo and Mrs. Robinson for being great role models for our students and communities!
5th grade student, Perla Arleth Baez Caballero from Jubilee-Livingway sat down with Principal Cecilia Septimo. Watch the interview here!
Jubilee-Brownsville Senior, Alexis Robinson sat down with her Mom, RGV Associate Superintendent Flor Robinson. Watch the interview here!
Dr. Seuss Week
During the week of March 1, students and teachers across the district celebrated Dr. Seuss week. Teachers went above and beyond preparing activities, such as Green Eggs and Ham breakfast and decorating the campus while students dressed in their best costumes!
Jubilee-Kingsville Student Garden
Fourth graders at Jubilee-Kingsville have begun their garden project with the Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! (LGEG) curriculum in partnership with the Texas AgriLife Extension and the Better Living for Texans program. We are so excited to see our students participate in this wonderful program and look forward to watching the garden thrive!
Jubilee Bike Rodeo with SAPD SAFFE
Students at Jubilee-Highland Hills participated in a Bike Rodeo last week with the help of local SAPD SAFFE Officers. Not only did parents and students have a great time, but they also learned the importance of bike safety.
Students at Jubilee-San Antonio participated on Friday, March 26.
Each student completed a series of obstacles and were scored on their skills. Bonus points were given to students for additional safety measures such as lights, horns, and helmets. Winners of this year’s rodeo will be invited to the San Antonio city-wide Bike Rodeo in 2021.
Parent Workshop: Student Emotions While Transitioning Back to School
Have you noticed your child/ren has lack of motivation, anger/frustration, crying or isolates themselves? Every child has their own way of handling stress, especially given the last year.
Clarissa Zamora, Community Liasion at Laurel Ridge Behavioral Treatment Center, will discuss signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as provide tips and tools to prepare your child with good coping mechanisms as they return back to school. Parents will take away helpful tools that you can use to help yourself and your child/ren breakthrough this pandemic wall.
This workshop will be available in English and Spanish on April 1 from 5:30-6:30 pm via Zoom.
A link will be emailed to families to access!
CTE Summer Internship Program
In an effort to provide CTE juniors the opportunity for real world, and hands-on experiences in work-based learning, we are partnering with various district office departments for PAID summer internship opportunities. Select CTE students will be able to work from June 1st-25th in areas such as Marketing; Food Service; College, Career, and Military Readiness; Technology; Human Resources; and Federal Programs. Eligible students must be current juniors enrolled in CTE at either Jubilee-Lakeview Univ. Prep, Jubilee-San Antonio, or Jubilee-Brownsville. Students may click here to apply.
College, Career, & Military Readiness Nights
We have been excited to host College, Career, & Military Readiness (CCMR) Nights at several of our campuses to showcase the numerous opportunities available to our students! These programs provide students will real world experiences and help them build connections with our community partners. Still to come, Jubilee-Wells Branch on March 30 at 6:00pm! This event will be hosted virtually and open to all families and the community.
School Breakfast Week
Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate Jubilee Academies’ School Breakfast Week, March 22nd - 26th. The theme is Blast Off with a Healthy School Breakfast. The fun and nutritious menu for K-12 includes: Planetary Parfaits, Take-Off Taco Tuesday, Mars Landing Kolaches, Breakfast for Lunch Supernova Sandwiches and Blast Off Breakfast Bars and for Pre-K: Planetary Cereal Parfaits, Take-Off Taco Tuesday, Flying Sausage Biscuits, Mini Moon Pancakes, Blasting Oats & Berries. By eating nutrient rich foods and a healthy breakfast, students can improve their performance in the classroom and in life. Here is a delicious and easy recipe from the Child Nutrition Department the entire family can enjoy. From the Jubilee Academies Kitchens—
Apple Pie Overnight Oats
All you need is a jar, cup or bowl with a lid to mix the ingredients, refrigerate overnight and enjoy the next morning. (Makes 1 serving)
Ingredients:
1/3 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup milk or milk alternate
1/3 cup vanilla or plain yogurt
¼ cup grated apple or applesauce
1 tsp maple syrup or honey
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp chia seeds (optional)
1 Tbsp walnuts
Directions:
In a jar or bowl, stir together all ingredients. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with fresh sliced apples if desired.
Healthy Ambassadors for a Ready Texas program
The Texas Department of Agriculture is seeking student leaders passionate about healthy eating and Texas agriculture to become Health Ambassadors for the 2021-2022 school year. We ask that parents discuss this opportunity with your students and reach out to Maria Alamo, Jubilee’s Assistant Director Child Nutrition, if you have any questions!
To learn more or to apply, visit the application website.
The deadline for students to apply is Friday, April 9th.
Friends of Friends Initiative
Parents, our school needs your help! Seats are still available for the 2021-2022 school year! Jubilee is kicking off a ‘Friends of Friends’ initiative! Here’s how it works:
1. Spread the word to your friends and extended family
2. Refer them to your campus
3. Get them to sign up
For every person you get to sign up, you win a prize! All they have to do is mention they heard about the school through YOU! Your support is greatly appreciated! Ready, Set, GO!
Get to know our Director of Recruitment & Retention!
Mr. Michael Wagner has been a principal at every level: elementary, middle and high school. He was a former special education teacher and coach prior to transitioning into an administrator role.
Presently he is responsible for the new recruitment at each of our Jubilee campuses and assists with the retention of our currently enrolled students.
”I believe that students deserve to be prepared for their future. I am excited about helping build our brand in San Benito; our newest addition to Jubilee Academies which will be our 13th campus in Texas. Additionally, watching the vision of Mr. Koger [CEO] and Dr. Phillips [Superintendent] come to fruition is extraordinarily satisfying.”
If you have questions about the enrollment process or would like to discuss our retention efforts, please reach out to Mr. Wagner by email or phone: 210.819.9387
Family Testimonial
We had an opportunity to meet with Ms. Brenda McKinnon, Parent Liaison at Jubilee Leadership Academy. Her daughter, Madeline Summer, is in the 2nd grade. Here is what she had to say about Jubilee given her unique position as staff member and parent!
Why did you choose Jubilee?
”I chose Jubilee for my daughter to branch out and experience what a charter school can provide.”
Why do you love Jubilee, as a parent?
”I love the immediate attention students get in our campus. Teachers and staff are always ready to provide the best in-class and school enrichment opportunities in a friendly environment. Leadership skills are such a high-priority as it makes the child grow independently and prepares them for future life making decisions.”
As a staff member, why do you love Jubilee?
”I love being able to feel like I am working with family. The way they take care of us is exceptional, and experiencing how much Jubilee has to offer as an employer. There is so much opportunity to learn and grow with this District.”
How has Jubilee helped your child grow?
”The capacity my child can take on independently, has proved me what a strong foundation this academy has to offer.”
Does your family have a great story to share?
want to highlight a positive experience or Staff Member?
In accordance with Federal civil rights l aw and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, i ts Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating i n or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity i n any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, l arge print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or l ocal) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available i n languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form , (AD-3027) found online at: H ow to File a Complaint , and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide i n the letter all of the information requested i n the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or l etter to USDA by:
1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
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Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
2. fax: (202) 690-7442; or
3. email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
