Clubs/Activities

Thelma Jones Unity Program

This school-wide program was adapted from the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. It helps to build unity throughout the school.

The program consist of ten houses that serve as a small family within the larger school family. Upon enrollment, the students spin the wheel to determine their house for their entire time at Thelma Jones. Every student and staff is a member of a house.

Each house is represented by a unique color and name. The names mean unity in different languages. Staff members work with their houses to deliver lessons that teach self-esteem, tolerance, teamwork, and unity.

Texas Honor Roll Campus

Thelma Jones Elementary (TJE) has been named a Texas Honor Roll school twice over the years. This distinction was presented by the Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Institute for Productivity in Education (IPE). Because of our high campus performance, we were featured on websites across the state allowing educators & policy makers the ability to view and replicate our success.

The Texas Honor Roll recognized public elementary, middle, and high schools that demonstrated consistently high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in achievement over time, and a reduction in achievement gaps. Out of the 729 higher performing schools recognized across the state, Thelma Jones was selected for academic achievement and for closing achievement gaps.

National research identified a common set of success factors in higher performing schools which TJE exhibits. Those successes include clear specific learning objectives, evidence-based instructional practices, investing in human capital, and maintaining data & assessment systems that monitor school & student performance.

Advanced Academic Programming

It is the goal of Thelma Jones to provide advanced academic opportunities to all students who demonstrates the aptitude for extended independent or project based learning environments.

Professionals trained in gifted education will provide planned, consistent equitable programs, so that each student is given the opportunity to reach his or her maximum potential. The use of think tanks and small groups are gifted strategies for higher level learners. Activities such as Lego Robotics, Destination Imagination, Math Pentathlon, and Maker Space are just a few of the enrichment activities used for our gifted learners.

Coding

All students grades K-4^th do coding activities in their computer class with Ms. Patterson. Every student has an account through code.org and also participates in the National Hour of Code each year. Experimentation coding helps to build mastery in critical thinking, problem solving, logical thinking, sequencing skills, cause and effect, and counting.

Tech Apps Teacher: Charlotte Patterson

UIL Participation

The University Interscholastic League or UIL was organized to provide students extracurricular education enrichment and develop teamwork skills. At the elementary level students can participate in contests such as Storytelling, Writing, Number Sense, Music Memory, Art Smart, and more. Each year in February, students from elementary schools around the district gather to compete in these skills contests. Teams are comprised of up to 6 participants competing to earn points for their team. At the conclusion of the event, contestants are awarded ribbons or medals for tip performers in each contest with a trophy awarded to the school who claims the most points.

Shark University & Clubs

Shark University is a group of special interest clubs that gives teachers the opportunity to share their passion, interest, and love of learning with their students. Some of those clubs include: authentic science experiments, puzzles, exercise, volleyball, step dancing, cooking, art, sign language, and more. The teachers sharing and the topics presented evolve & change every year!

Each house participates in a club during a 6-weeks period and rotates to the other clubs throughout the year. Because of this unique experience, students are given an opportunity to share in more enrichment activities. Sponsor: Diana Hosier

Battle of the Books

Boys and Girls Almighty

The boys almighty club is just for boys in 3^rd or 4^th grades while the girls almighty club is for girls in 3^rd or 4^th grades. These clubs teaches students:

to identify positive characteristics of self
self-esteem building
how to set goals
to make positive friendship choices
social skills and manners
an appreciation of differences in others in and out of the school setting

These young boys and girls are chosen for participation by the school counselor.
Sponsors: TBD (Girls) & Katie Krambeer (Boys)

Jones Joggers

Get fit while having fun! Jones Joggers is a running club for 4th grade boys and girls. They meet once a week (weather permitting) to jog around the school. Students' laps are counted to encourage a love for running and physical activity. Coach Hanner runs with the students to make sure they are practicing safe behavior while running.
Sponsor: Amber Hanner

Makerspace

A makerspace "is a place where young people have an opportunity to explore their own interests; learn to use tool and materials, both physical and virtual; and develop creative projects". ~Laura Flemming, Worlds of Making

Through makerspace activities focus on 4 C’s of 21st Century Skills (Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication), students are given opportunities to explore, create, design, imagine, invent, problem-solve, etc. These activities range from high-tech to low-tech and cover categories like coding, robotics, circuitry, etc.
Sponsor: Holly Riggs

Math Pentathlon

The Mathematics Pentathlon is a time-tested program of interactive problem-solving games, supportive curricular & instructional activities, and assessment tools for students in grades K-7. This motivational program strengthens basic math concepts and skills, aligns with National and State Mathematics Standards, and stimulates creative thinking while developing problem-solving skills.
Sponsor: TBD

Robotics

Destination Imagination

The Destination Imagination Challenge Program is a fun, hands-on system of learning that fosters students’ creativity, curiosity, and courage through academic challenges. Our challenges blend STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education with the arts and social entrepreneurship. Students who participate learn invaluable 21st century skills as well as patience, flexibility, persistence, ethics, respect for others & their ideas, and the collaborative problem solving process.

Student Council

This club gives students an opportunity to develop leadership skills by organizing then carrying out school activities & service projects. Student Council also plans events that contribute to the school spirit and community welfare.

It is the voice of the student body. These students are in the third or fourth grade and are chosen for participation by the school counselor. Sponsor: TBD