APRIL 29 2020

PJH Parents and Students,

I am saddened about the decision from Governor Abbott to close the school campus for the remainder of this school year.  I know that is the safest and best decision for everyone, but my heart is heavy thinking all of the students I miss seeing each day.  I know this situation has changed the way we conduct school for the remainder of this year and has made us cancel many spring activities like track meets, NJHS induction, dinner theater, several incentive days, and even the 8^th grade dance to name a few.  In the grand scheme of things, this situation is temporary and will be another memory to add in your life’s story.

I want to challenge students to make the most of their quarantine time.  Do some activities and create some things you don’t usually do.  Things you can look back on after high school and talk to friends and family about.  One day, you will have a conversation with your kids, and it will start with “you don’t know how good you have it.  When I was in junior high, I had to do nine weeks of school all through learning packets”.  I’m sure you will exaggerate how thick the packets were also because we tend to do that as adults when we are telling stories of our childhood to our kids. 

Our next set of learning packets will go out on Monday, May 4.  They will be for weeks 7 & 8, and they will be due on May 18. Stay strong, and continue to get your work completed and returned.  The district will continue to provide meal pickups at the back of the high school parking lot from 9:00am-11:00am on Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays as well as delivering them on the buses those same days. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of our staff members or my contact information is list below.  I enjoy coming into my office and seeing the message light flashing with just a hope of a message from one of the students.  I miss you and hope to see you soon! 

Sincerely,

Joseph Mason 

PJH Principal- 903-731-8008 Ext 2757

jmason@palestineschools.org

“We don’t grow when things are easy, we grow when we face challenges.”

                                                                                                                                                                Joyce Meyer