SEPTEMBER
ARTICLES
Selected Articles
The Jones football team faces their first year in the 3A division.
Jones kicks off into 3A
By Jessica, Ryan, and Delaynie
Touchdown! Jones High School has finally “scored” and moved into the 3A division. Softball, basketball, track, and baseball are already in the 3A class. Football is joining the big dogs now.
The difference between 2A and 3A schools is the amount of students each school has enrolled. Jones received about 365 students, about 25 more than they had last year.
The 3A schools are the second largest division. Out of the 58 schools in the division, Jones is ranked 10th.
“Many of the new schools that we will be playing are much larger than we are,” said assistant football coach Chris Jayne. He said these larger schools attract more talent than small schools like Jones. Some teams that they have never played before, but will now have the opportunity to play, include Heritage Hall, Marlow, and others.
The new opponents will not affect their game on the field. The football coaching staff is not changing anything at the practices, or any of the things they used to do for 2A.
Coach Jayne said the coaches still have high hopes for the team this year despite the division move.
"We still expect to go to the state championship," he said. "Even though there are a lot of people that doubt the football team this year, it gives the players motivation to prove to them that the team can do it.”
The players have high expectations as well. Senior outside linebacker DeAngelo said he likes having harder teams to compete with because it makes the team work harder.
“I want to win all 15 games this time,” DeAngelo said.
Jumping up a division does not affect the football budget, either.
“The division change really changes the rules more than cost,” Jayne said.
One drawback of moving up to 3A is the traveling. Last year in 2A, the longest trip they had was about 50 minutes. However, with new teams to play, they will have to make much longer treks to their games. The longest trip will be around two hours long.
These longer trips will not only affect the team, but Longhorn fans as well. Kylee said, “We will have to leave earlier, rush to get ready, and they will driving back from the games later than usual."
Senior Molly, whose brother plays football for Jones, said, “One challenge I do have is going to my brothers away games. The gas prices are outrageous. But I would do anything to see him play!”-- Joey and Makayla also contributed to this article.
County Livestock Show to be hosted at JHS
By Cierra
A chance to host is chance to boast, at least that’s the mindset Jones High School Ag teacher, Jerry Chambers, and the rest of the community have as they prepare for the Oklahoma County Livestock Show.
Schools from all around the county will be filing into the Jones High School Ag building for the 2-day festival which includes the showing of prize worthy livestock animals. According to Chambers, the chance to show off our facilities is reason enough to want to host this countywide event. The event is to be to be held September 6th and September 7th at the Don Ramsey Agriculture Building, located on the south side of the high school’s campus.
This special event will give FFA and 4-H participants a chance to show off the hard work they put into the raising of their animals. Homeschooled students to participants from schools as big as Edmond will take part in the event. Not only do events such as this allow students to boast their talents, but it also gives them an opportunity to win prizes such as trophies, ribbons, and even money, some in the form of scholarships.
Four types of animals will be shown at the affair. On September 6th, cattle will take center stage, while on September 7th, swine, sheep, and goats will be on display. Animals will be judged on their natural appearance, meaning they will be critiqued on things such as size and style. Although judges score on popular criteria, according to Chambers, livestock judging can often times be inconsistent.
Organizers are currently working to minimize common organizational challenges, such as providing enough parking for those who will attend. However, this is not the school’s first go around when it comes to hosting such an event. Last spring Jones High School had the opportunity to host the spring county livestock show which Chambers said went very successfully.-- Makaela, Stephanie, and Bria also contributed to this article.
Congressman
Lankford will visit Jones later this month.
U.S. Representative to attend Jones’ community forum meeting
By Brittany
The U.S. Representative from Oklahoma, James Lankford, will be the guest at a community forum meeting in Jones, Oklahoma, on September 25, 2012.
This forum meeting is for the community of Jones to come together and give ideas or thoughts about what changes should take place in the district of Jones.
School principal Dr. Carl Johnson hopes the meeting will be successful and will help Rep. Lankford bring back good information to Washington D.C. Dr. Johnson said, “Jones High School encourages all students to come to this meeting for good educational purposes.”
The superintendent, PTA, and Jones Kiwanis club are organizing the meeting, setting up chairs, and providing snacks.
Rep. Lankford has visited Jones before; he was a guest speaker at the baccalaureate service for Jones’ graduates in 2011.
The congressman also visited the EOC Votech in Choctaw last year for a similar community forum meeting. He talked about tax increases, balance budgets, the senator, and the national debt situation.
--Kaleb, Madeleine, and Salar also contributed to this article.
Track
coach Justin Raper is one of seven new teachers at Jones HS.
New
FacesBy Kylee and Leila
Jones High School broke a 10 year record with an increase of 25 new students. In addition, seven teachers and two aides have been added to the staff over the summer.
Counselor Curtis Moses, said, “In August we had around 360 students enrolled.” Despite the number of students, Moses said, “This is the best beginning of a school year I’ve ever had.”
Alec, a sophomore from Choctaw, said, “It was different coming from a 6A school down to a 3A. Jones is smaller than Choctaw, but sometimes it’s easier when you know people before you come somewhere new.”
Alec said he likes Jones, particularly “the freedom” and the fact that students have the option of an off-campus lunch.
The new school year brings new teachers to the Jones campus as well. Justin Raper is a first-year teacher and is beginning his career teaching zoology and botany at Jones.
Like four of the seven new teachers, Raper also coaches. He coaches boys and a girl cross country, and is the head girls track coach.
Coaching at a 3A school is “more laid back,” said Raper.
--Zakari and Malorie also contributed to this article.
Despite
budget challenges, the Jones school district has sought to care for
students' needsby purchasing
items such as school busses and computers.
Budget cuts affect Jones
By Hannah
State budget cuts and price increases have impacted most people, and schools are also affected. Last year, the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s budget was 2.8 million. This year the legislature proposed a “flat budget”, which is when the budget does not increase nor decrease from the prior year. All schools, in Oklahoma alone, have had budget cuts of three percent every year for the past three years.
Due to the budget cuts, Jones schools have had to cut down on spending, such as using fewer busses during school activities. Jones superintendent Mike Steele said, “The district has sought to be conservative with the school budget while providing students with as much as possible, such as new computers and one or two new school busses a year.”
High school art teacher Jenifer Fisher said, “I do not notice the budget cuts in my day-to-day classroom instruction. We have grown so much in the past few years despite the budget cuts; I don’t think many people would notice.”
Steele said he believes the Jones school district will survive the economic crisis. “We have managed well through this financial weather storm at Jones and we are all looking for brighter days to come,” he said.
Schools are financed primarily by the government. When taxes are collected, a certain amount is allotted to the education system. Schools have faced the fewest cuts, but because prices have increased, it costs more money to maintain schools.
--Chiristian, Angela, Katelynnand Haleyalso contributed to this article.
Increase of school population: good or bad?
By Jessica
Does stress rise as there is an increase in the population of a school, or do students and school administrators learn how to handle their emotions and adapt to changes?
Breaking school records, Jones High School of Oklahoma County, has made a rise from 2A to 3A, because more students are now in the Jones district. Some may assume stress may increase in the office this 2012 school year as some classes may be cut and there’s more work to do. But Jones School counselor Curtis Moses said,” This year has not been stressful. It actually has been my best year at Jones so far.”
Rumors of class cuts have been on the rise because of the increase in the student body. But Moses explains, “We lost Physics and College Prep this year, and gained Botany. Not because of the increase of students, but for the loss of teachers with certain degrees in those areas. “
Even though Jones has more students, class sizes have not been overly affected. Ryan, a sophomore at Jones High School, states, “My classes have not increased. They are about the same as last year or smaller, only holding around 15 students at the max.”
New faces mean greater diversity. Ryan responds, “I have made an increase in my social life by making around four new friends.”
The football team has also increased in size as a result of the rise in attendance. Since Jones will be playing larger teams, it is inferred that the intensity of practice has been increased and the larger teams tend to be more intimidating. Ryan, who plays football, said, “I feel like I need to give more effort this year. There is more stress at the practices, and we need to work harder if we are going against schools we have never competed against before.”
--Morgan, Kaylynn, and Denise also contributed to this article.
Jones moves to 3A
Jones
kicks off into 3ABy Jessica
Touchdown! Jones High School has finally “scored” and moved into the 3A division. Softball, basketball, track, and baseball are already in the 3A class. Football is joining the big dogs now.
The difference between 2A and 3A schools is the amount of students each school has enrolled. Jones received about 365 students, only about 25 more than they had last year.
Divisions 6A, 5A, and 4A each contain 32 schools. The 3A schools are the second largest division 58 schools. Out of the 58 schools in the division, Jones is ranked 10th.
Jones will also be playing more teams this year. Among them are Heritage Hall, and Marlow. The new opponents will be playing do not affect their game on the field. The football coaching staff is not changing anything at the practices, or any of the things they used to do for 3A.
The players have high expectations for the team this year. “I want to win all 15 games this time,” said DeAngelo, senior outside linebacker.
Jumping up a division does not affect the budget, either. Assistant football coach, Chris Jayne said, “The division change really changes the rules more than cost.”
The students that do not play football have their own opinions about with the change.
“It really doesn’t affect me.” said Molly, “It’s just a longer drive to my brother’s games.”
Time to kick off the football year 3A style
By Delaynie
The Jones football team has stepped onto a bigger field this year. This school year Jones High school moved to 3A in football. Since we moved to 3A we will be going up against bigger and better schools. The difference between 3A and 2A is that the student population in Jones high school has increased which makes the division go up.
Assistant football coach Chris Jayne said “the coaching staff still has high hopes for the team this year despite the division move. We still expect to go to the state championship, even though there are a lot of people that doubt the football team this year, it gives the players motivation to prove to them that the team can do it!”
Senior football player, DeAngelo, who is the outside line backer said, “I like having harder teams it makes my team work harder and we have better competition.”
Senior Molly, whose brother plays football for Jones, said “one challenge I do have is going to my brothers away games. The gas prices are outrageous but I would do anything to see him play!”
Kylee stated that, “The coaching staff, the student body, and the families behind these amazing athletes all have faith that the football boys will work hard, and do the best that they can to get what they need to get themselves to the state championship.”
New changes with division change
By Ryan
This year the Jones High school football program moved up to a 3A division, beginning the season ranked at the number 10 team. Every other sport has already been in the 3a division.
To assistant coach, Chris Jayne, it feels good to be part of the new 3A Jones football team. He says that this year there will tougher opponents to play. They will also be playing more well-rounded teams than those they played last year.
“Many of the new schools that we will be playing are much larger than we are,” says Coach Chris Jayne. These larger schools attract more talent than small schools like Jones. Some teams that they have never played before, but will now have the opportunity to play include Heritage Hall, Marlow, and others.
One drawback of moving up to 3A is the traveling. Last year in 2A, the longest trip they had was about 50 minutes. However, with new teams to play, they will have to make much longer treks to their games. For instance, their longest trip will be around two hours long.
These longer trips will not only affect the team, but Longhorn fans as well. Kylee said, “We will have to leave earlier, rush to get ready, and they will driving back from the games later than usual.
The coaches’ expectations for the team are the same as they were last year, regardless of the change. They still aim to win the title of State Champions. They feel that if the change actually motivated them. They want to prove to critics that they belong in 3A.
Livestock show comes to Jones
County
Livestock Show to be hosted by JHS
By Cierra
A chance to host is chance to boast, at least that’s the mindset Jones High School Ag teacher, Jerry Chambers, and the rest of the community have as they prepare for the Oklahoma County Livestock Show. Schools from all around the county will be filing into the Jones High School Ag building for the 2-day festival which includes the showing of prize worthy livestock animals. According to Chambers, the chance to show off our facilities is reason enough to want to host this countywide event. The event is to be to be held September 6th and September 7th at the Don Ramsey Agriculture Building, located on the south side of the high school’s campus.
This special event will give FFA and 4-H participants a chance to show off the hard work they put into the raising of their animals. Homeschooled students to participants from schools as big as Edmond will take part in the event. Not only do events such as this allow students to boast their talents, but it also gives them an opportunity to win prizes such as trophies, ribbons, and even money, some in the form of scholarships.
Four types of animals will be shown at the affair. On September 6th cattle will take center stage, while on September 7th swine, along with sheep and goats will be on display. Animals will be judged on their natural appearance, meaning they will be critiqued on things such as size and style. Although judges score on popular criteria, according to Chambers, livestock judging can often times be inconsistent.
Organizers are currently working to minimize common organizational challenges, such as providing enough parking for those who will attend. However, this is not the school’s first go around when it comes to hosting such an event. Last spring Jones High School had the opportunity to host the spring county livestock show which Chambers said went very successfully.
Livestock show in the small town Jones
By Stephanie
Schools from all over the Oklahoma County in FFA or 4H will come to the Don Ramsey Agriculture Building in Jones for the Oklahoma County District livestock show. The students involved will be between the ages of 9 to 18. The students will be from public schools, private school, and home schools.
One problem of hosting this event is the parking. Because so many people come, the parking area is very limited. There is also the preparation of making sure the building is presentable for the public. They also have to hire judges for the contests. This includes the judge inside the ringer for
a closer look.
The livestock show on September 6th and the 7th is not the first one hosted in Jones, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State Fair voted for this event to be in Jones not only because of the great turn out, but because of the budget for this year. Mr. Jerry Chambers shared, “This a great time to show off our new facility especially since our school is so small it’s nice to show what we have.”
The contestants must work hard to prepare for the showing of their animals. The students have to abide by many rules and make sure they don’t break any of them. Some of the rules are; no hair dyes and not to give animals steroids to help them look stronger.
The contestants with the highest scores receive awards. The monetary prizes are ribbons, trophies, and scholarships. The scholarships include various amounts of money that can be used at any college.
This year’s livestock show has a lot to live up to, because the contest and animals were in the hundreds last year. There is no telling how many people and animals will attend this year.
Oklahoma Livestock Show comes to Jones
By Makaela
The Oklahoma County Livestock show will be held in the Don Ramsey agriculture building at the Jones High School.
Mr. Chambers, the FFA teacher at the high school, says, “This is a way of showing off the facilities.”
The animal exhibits will include lambs, goats, swine, and cattle.
The main rules are no dyeing of the fur or anything else on the animal and no using steroids.
You also have a chance to win prizes such as scholarships, trophies, ribbons and money.
Mr. Chambers states that “no two judges are alike.” Some common things the judges will be looking for are how well the animals react and their overall appearance.
If you are a FFA member of the ages 9-18 you can join.
By Cierra
A chance to host is chance to boast, at least that’s the mindset Jones High School Ag teacher, Jerry Chambers, and the rest of the community have as they prepare for the Oklahoma County Livestock Show. Schools from all around the county will be filing into the Jones High School Ag building for the 2-day festival which includes the showing of prize worthy livestock animals. According to Chambers, the chance to show off our facilities is reason enough to want to host this countywide event. The event is to be to be held September 6th and September 7th at the Don Ramsey Agriculture Building, located on the south side of the high school’s campus.
This special event will give FFA and 4-H participants a chance to show off the hard work they put into the raising of their animals. Homeschooled students to participants from schools as big as Edmond will take part in the event. Not only do events such as this allow students to boast their talents, but it also gives them an opportunity to win prizes such as trophies, ribbons, and even money, some in the form of scholarships.
Four types of animals will be shown at the affair. On September 6th cattle will take center stage, while on September 7th swine, along with sheep and goats will be on display. Animals will be judged on their natural appearance, meaning they will be critiqued on things such as size and style. Although judges score on popular criteria, according to Chambers, livestock judging can often times be inconsistent.
Organizers are currently working to minimize common organizational challenges, such as providing enough parking for those who will attend. However, this is not the school’s first go around when it comes to hosting such an event. Last spring Jones High School had the opportunity to host the spring county livestock show which Chambers said went very successfully.
Livestock show in the small town Jones
By Stephanie
Schools from all over the Oklahoma County in FFA or 4H will come to the Don Ramsey Agriculture Building in Jones for the Oklahoma County District livestock show. The students involved will be between the ages of 9 to 18. The students will be from public schools, private school, and home schools.
One problem of hosting this event is the parking. Because so many people come, the parking area is very limited. There is also the preparation of making sure the building is presentable for the public. They also have to hire judges for the contests. This includes the judge inside the ringer for
a closer look.
The livestock show on September 6th and the 7th is not the first one hosted in Jones, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State Fair voted for this event to be in Jones not only because of the great turn out, but because of the budget for this year. Mr. Jerry Chambers shared, “This a great time to show off our new facility especially since our school is so small it’s nice to show what we have.”
The contestants must work hard to prepare for the showing of their animals. The students have to abide by many rules and make sure they don’t break any of them. Some of the rules are; no hair dyes and not to give animals steroids to help them look stronger.
The contestants with the highest scores receive awards. The monetary prizes are ribbons, trophies, and scholarships. The scholarships include various amounts of money that can be used at any college.
This year’s livestock show has a lot to live up to, because the contest and animals were in the hundreds last year. There is no telling how many people and animals will attend this year.
Oklahoma Livestock Show comes to Jones
By Makaela
The Oklahoma County Livestock show will be held in the Don Ramsey agriculture building at the Jones High School.
Mr. Chambers, the FFA teacher at the high school, says, “This is a way of showing off the facilities.”
The animal exhibits will include lambs, goats, swine, and cattle.
The main rules are no dyeing of the fur or anything else on the animal and no using steroids.
You also have a chance to win prizes such as scholarships, trophies, ribbons and money.
Mr. Chambers states that “no two judges are alike.” Some common things the judges will be looking for are how well the animals react and their overall appearance.
If you are a FFA member of the ages 9-18 you can join.
Congressman to visit Jones
U.S.
Rep to attend Jones community forum
By Brittany
The U.S. Representative from Oklahoma, James Lankford, will be the guest at a community forum meeting in Jones, Oklahoma, on September 25, 2012.
This forum meeting is for the community of Jones to come together and give ideas or thoughts about what changes should take place in the district of Jones.
School principal Dr. Carl Johnson hopes the meeting will be successful and will help Rep. Lankford bring back good information to Washington D.C. Dr. Johnson said, “Jones High School encourages all students to come to this meeting for good educational purposes.”
The superintendant, PTA, and Jones Kiwanis club are organizing the meeting, setting up chairs, and providing snacks.
Rep. Lankford has visited Jones before; he was a guest speaker at the baccalaureate service for Jones’ graduates in 2011.
The congressman also visited the EOC Votech in Choctaw last year for a similar community forum meeting. He talked about tax increases, balance budgets, the senator, and the national debt situation.
U.S. representative James Lankford to come to Jones
By Kaleb
United States representative James Lankford will attend a community forum meeting at Jones high school on September 25th.
Jones High School principle, Dr. Carl Johnson, said there is no set agenda for the forum. Instead, Rep. Lankford will allow community members to drive the meeting by sharing their local concerns so he can take their issues back to Washington.
This will not be Lankford’s first time to visit Jones. Dr. Johnson tells us, “Lankford has experience in Jones because he spoke at our baccalaureate ceremony two years ago.”
Dr. Johnson is encouraging students to attend the forum. It could be a great learning opportunity. He also stated that it would not be long before students are voting and this could be a valuable experience.
OK Rep. Lankford coming to JHS for community forum meeting
By Madeleine
U.S. Representative for Oklahoma, James Lankford, will come to Jones High School for a community forum meeting this September 25th. Jones residents will have the chance to make their voices heard in Washington. Lankford is meeting with the people to find out what needs to be done.
Should students be interested in this? Should they be encouraged to attend this meeting? Principal Dr. Carl Johnson said, "It won't be long before you all have to start making decisions and vote. It's an educational experience, especially for students going to college. As for encouraging students to attend? Absolutely. I would even like to make it part of the class schedule."
The congressman has had experience in Jones before. He attended Jone's baccalaureate as a guest speaker for graduating students in 2011.
Rep. Lankford also held a community forum meeting at the Eastern Oklahoma Country Vo-tech in 2011. There were about 60 people in attendance. Rep. Lankford went over basic budget facts and figures.
New year, new faces
By Brittany
The U.S. Representative from Oklahoma, James Lankford, will be the guest at a community forum meeting in Jones, Oklahoma, on September 25, 2012.
This forum meeting is for the community of Jones to come together and give ideas or thoughts about what changes should take place in the district of Jones.
School principal Dr. Carl Johnson hopes the meeting will be successful and will help Rep. Lankford bring back good information to Washington D.C. Dr. Johnson said, “Jones High School encourages all students to come to this meeting for good educational purposes.”
The superintendant, PTA, and Jones Kiwanis club are organizing the meeting, setting up chairs, and providing snacks.
Rep. Lankford has visited Jones before; he was a guest speaker at the baccalaureate service for Jones’ graduates in 2011.
The congressman also visited the EOC Votech in Choctaw last year for a similar community forum meeting. He talked about tax increases, balance budgets, the senator, and the national debt situation.
U.S. representative James Lankford to come to Jones
By Kaleb
United States representative James Lankford will attend a community forum meeting at Jones high school on September 25th.
Jones High School principle, Dr. Carl Johnson, said there is no set agenda for the forum. Instead, Rep. Lankford will allow community members to drive the meeting by sharing their local concerns so he can take their issues back to Washington.
This will not be Lankford’s first time to visit Jones. Dr. Johnson tells us, “Lankford has experience in Jones because he spoke at our baccalaureate ceremony two years ago.”
Dr. Johnson is encouraging students to attend the forum. It could be a great learning opportunity. He also stated that it would not be long before students are voting and this could be a valuable experience.
OK Rep. Lankford coming to JHS for community forum meeting
By Madeleine
U.S. Representative for Oklahoma, James Lankford, will come to Jones High School for a community forum meeting this September 25th. Jones residents will have the chance to make their voices heard in Washington. Lankford is meeting with the people to find out what needs to be done.
Should students be interested in this? Should they be encouraged to attend this meeting? Principal Dr. Carl Johnson said, "It won't be long before you all have to start making decisions and vote. It's an educational experience, especially for students going to college. As for encouraging students to attend? Absolutely. I would even like to make it part of the class schedule."
The congressman has had experience in Jones before. He attended Jone's baccalaureate as a guest speaker for graduating students in 2011.
Rep. Lankford also held a community forum meeting at the Eastern Oklahoma Country Vo-tech in 2011. There were about 60 people in attendance. Rep. Lankford went over basic budget facts and figures.
New year, new faces
New
year, new faces
By Kylee
Jones High School broke a 10 year record with an increase in students. Jones High School counselor, Curtis Moses, said, “In August we had around 360 students enrolled, but we can’t really have an accurate number until after Labor Day.”
Despite the number of students “this is the best beginning of a school year I’ve ever had,” said Moses.
Alec, a sophomore at Jones, said he likes Jones. He particularly likes, “the freedom and the fact that we have an off campus lunch.”
The new school year brings new teachers to the Jones campus. Justin Raper is a first-year teacher and is beginning his career teaching zoology and botany at Jones. He also coaches boys and a girl cross country, and is the head girls track coach. Coaching at a 3A school is “more laid back,” said Raper.
By Kylee
Jones High School broke a 10 year record with an increase in students. Jones High School counselor, Curtis Moses, said, “In August we had around 360 students enrolled, but we can’t really have an accurate number until after Labor Day.”
Despite the number of students “this is the best beginning of a school year I’ve ever had,” said Moses.
Alec, a sophomore at Jones, said he likes Jones. He particularly likes, “the freedom and the fact that we have an off campus lunch.”
The new school year brings new teachers to the Jones campus. Justin Raper is a first-year teacher and is beginning his career teaching zoology and botany at Jones. He also coaches boys and a girl cross country, and is the head girls track coach. Coaching at a 3A school is “more laid back,” said Raper.
New faces
By Leila
This year at Jones, seven teachers and two aides have been added to the staff over the summer. In addition there were over 25 new students, equaling the biggest student population Jones has seen in 10 years at an enrollment of 360 students.
But they’re not just numbers; these are new faces ready to learn.
Four of the seven new teachers are coaches. Mr. Raper, known to the students as Coach Raper, is new to Jones, as well as the classroom. As a first year teacher, he has multiple roles to juggle: teaching botany, and coaching girl’s track. “The girls’ have a good chance of winning state this year. The boys need more people, but they’re pretty good too.”
From the other viewpoint of Jones, this one is from a new student from Choctaw. Alec, a sophomore from Choctaw, said that “It was different coming from a 6a school, down to a 3a, but despite that the teams here at Jones still look pretty good. Jones is smaller than Choctaw, but sometimes it’s easier when you know people before you come somewhere new.”
Two years ago, Jones was burnt down in a large fire. This year you wouldn’t be able to tell the differences, except Jones keeps going growing.
New faces
By Malorie
Lane, a freshman at Jones High School, is a new student here. He was at a school called Justus Awah. Since he been here he has many friends and he said “I like the teachers and classes”. Lane described his school being smaller than Jones High School. He thinks the school is nice looking. Lane likes the school so far.
Lane plays freshman football for Jones High School. He been playing football since second grade. Lane would like to play college ball. He likes his teammates, they have good sportsmanship.
Lane is having a good school year so far being here at Jones High School. He can be a good player; help the football team win the championship this year.
Jones in the new year
By Zak
At Jones Oklahoma a new student Lane came to this school from Justus Awah. Lane says, “The school is good so far.”
Lane plays football for the Jones longhorns. He has been playing football since he was in second grade. When Lane Jonston gets older he would like to play college football.
Lane says “Jones high school is bigger than my other school.” He also says he likes the teachers and his classes.
Even though Lane is a new student here at Jones high school he has made plenty of friends and hopes to have a good year at Jones.
Budget challenges hit home
Budget
cuts affect us all
By Hannah
State budget cuts and price increases have impacted most people, and schools are also affected. Last year, the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s budget was 2.8 million. This year the legislature proposed a “flat budget”, which is when the budget does not increase nor decrease from the prior year. All schools, in Oklahoma alone, have had budget cuts of three percent every year for the past three years.
Due to the budget cuts, Jones schools have had to cut down on spending, such as using fewer busses during school activities.
Jones superintendent, Mike Steele said, “The district has sought to be conservative with the school budget while providing students with as much as possible, such as new computers and one or two new school busses a year.”
High school art teacher Jenifer Fisher said, “I do not notice the budget cuts in my day-to-day classroom instruction. We have grown so much in the past few years despite the budget cuts; I don’t think many people would notice.”
Steele said he believes the Jones school district will survive the economic crisis. “We have managed well through this financial weather storm at Jones and we are all looking for brighter days to come,” he said.
Schools are financed primarily by the government. When taxes are collected, a certain amount is allotted to the education system. Schools have faced the fewest cuts, but because prices have increased, it costs more money to maintain schools.
By Hannah
State budget cuts and price increases have impacted most people, and schools are also affected. Last year, the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s budget was 2.8 million. This year the legislature proposed a “flat budget”, which is when the budget does not increase nor decrease from the prior year. All schools, in Oklahoma alone, have had budget cuts of three percent every year for the past three years.
Due to the budget cuts, Jones schools have had to cut down on spending, such as using fewer busses during school activities.
Jones superintendent, Mike Steele said, “The district has sought to be conservative with the school budget while providing students with as much as possible, such as new computers and one or two new school busses a year.”
High school art teacher Jenifer Fisher said, “I do not notice the budget cuts in my day-to-day classroom instruction. We have grown so much in the past few years despite the budget cuts; I don’t think many people would notice.”
Steele said he believes the Jones school district will survive the economic crisis. “We have managed well through this financial weather storm at Jones and we are all looking for brighter days to come,” he said.
Schools are financed primarily by the government. When taxes are collected, a certain amount is allotted to the education system. Schools have faced the fewest cuts, but because prices have increased, it costs more money to maintain schools.
School budget of Jones
By Angela
The economic crisis has handed the Oklahoma district with a “flat budget” again this year, with no increases in spending. Four years ago, Oklahoma wasn’t selling much oil, leading to not as much money for the schools of Oklahoma. For three years in a row, there was a three percent budget cut from the schools. Ten percent budget cut over three years. On the fourth year there, Oklahoma decided that there would be a “flat budget”, which means that the school receives the same amount of money as the school received the year before. But the thing is other necessities in Oklahoma increased, including gas and food prices. So in the end Jones is still going backwards.
The flat budget has led to trimming the costs that affect students and extracurricular activities. For example, before that flat budget in Jones they used to, for football games, use different buses for the cheerleaders, band, and of course the football players themselves. A bus was provided for the cheerleaders, another for the band, and two to three buses for the football players. Now
though the students cram together on fewer buses to save money on gas. A parent comments on the matter, “The boys used to ride the spirit bus, but now my daughter can’t ride the bus to the games because they don’t provide it anymore.”
But Jones High School isn’t so worried. Jones superintendent Mike Steele thinks, “Its good news, three years ago we thought the budget got cut. Now we think small increases.” Mr. Steele thinks
that in the future the budget will increase slightly. Even with the flat budgets, Jones has added three more positions and three more people to the staff of Jones.
Mr. Steele comments, “I think we have weathered the storm well at Jones, financially and are waiting for brighter days to come.”
Budget Cuts
By Haley
Jones Schools are facing budget cuts for the third straight year. Four years ago the economy went bust, so there was not as much money for our schools or households. All the schools in Oklahoma are
under the flat budget, which means that the budget stays the same as the year before, so taxes affect how much money there is for Oklahoma schools and other divisions.
The legislature helped the schools with budget cuts, so they didn’t lose as much money as other divisions.
The families who attend Jones Schools have also been affected. This has led many to cut excess personal spending. The ad volerm taxes increased after the flat budget was made for the school
district. “There is less money for the library, support staff, music, band, athletics, and field trips,” commented Lisa Downey. “I wish the budget would have more money so my family would have
opportunities.”
The budget has not only affected the school but also families that have to send more than one kid to school. Jones provides for the needs of 1100 students and 130 employees daily, it is important to make ends meet with a reasonable budget.
Superintendent Steele is “optimistic that the worst may be over.” He said that the district is “looking for brighter days to come."
School budget cuts
By Katelynn
What is a flat budget? It means the school gets the same amount of money as the year before. Schools get money from the government. But three years of budget cuts of an average of three percent a year has meant 10 percent over four years.
We used to take different busses for the cheerleaders, band, and football players. But now everyone is combined. The football players take their own bus and cheerleaders and the band people share one.
Mr. Steele said, "We have weathered the storm well at Jones and we are waiting for brighter days ahead."
Student numbers grow
Increase of school population: good or bad?
By Jessica
Does stress rise asthere is an increase in the population of a school, or do students and school administratorslearn how to handle their emotions and adapt to changes?
Breaking school records, Jones High School of OklahomaCounty, has made a rise from 2A to 3A, bringing more students into the Jones district. Some may assume stress may increase in the office this 2012 schoolyear as some classes may be cut and there’s more work to do. But Jones School counselor Curtis Moses said,” This year has not been stressful. It actuallyhas been my best year at Jones so far.”
Rumors of class cuts have been on the rise because of the increasein the student body. But Moses explains, “We lost physics and college prep this year, and gained botany. Not because of the increase of students, but for th eloss of teachers with certain degrees in those areas."
Even though Jones has more students, class sizes have not been overly affected. Ryan, a sophomore at Jones High School, states, “My classes have not increased. They are about the same as last year or smaller, only holding around 15 students at the max.”
New faces mean greater diversity. Ryan responds, “I have made an increase in my social life by making around four new friends .”
The football team has also increased in size as a result of the rise in attendance. Since we will be playing larger teams, it is inferred that the intensity of practice has been increased and the larger teams tend to be more intimidating. Ryan said, “I feel like I need to give more effort this year. There is more stress at the practices, and we need to work harder if we are going against schools we have never competed against before.”
Population increase: good or bad?
By Kaylynn
Jones high school had had a tremendous amount of growth from last year to this year, even with all our seniors leaving. There are over 40 new faces including teachers, students, and, of course freshman.
“It’s one of my easiest years so far,” says Curtis Moses, Jones high school’s counselor, “even though I had to pack as many students into each class as I could.” Art, journalism, English classes, and other electives are almost packed to where there’s a shortage of desks.
Erin Gerry, freshman writing and English teacher, says, “I have almost 25 students in every class.”
Teachers are teaching as many different classes as they can, but had to postpone college curriculum classes until next year or until there is a teacher to lead it.
Keone, a new student, says that the increase in our school’s population has not affected him at all. “The school I came from was a lot bigger! But, I enjoy being around all the new people,” he says.
Both Keone and Mr. Moses agreed that the number of people here is not bad.
“It just gives you a chance to make more friends,” says Keone.
New students attract growing pains
By Morgan
This year the high school has over forty students and seven new teachers.
High school counselor Curtis Moses said, "Some classes were dropped, but not because of the increased number of students. The schedules have been the same for four years and the only classes that we lost were college prep and physics because the teachers were not qualified. We added botany, but we will have physics next year."
One of the new freshman English teachers, Erin Gerry said that because of the growth of students her classes are full but she is not "running out of desks." She also is trying new ways to keep the students involved in the curriculum by changing it up day to day. “An interesting quote about Mrs. Gerry is her motto J.A.M.O.D.I., which means “just a matter of doing it.”
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