TJJD Hosts 4th Annual Spelling Bee

On July 12, TJJD’s Education Division hosted its 4th Annual Spelling Bee. The winner of the Spelling Bee was student H. P. from MRTC, second place was F. M. from Evins, and third place went to J. T. at Ron Jackson.

Students from across the state competed in on-campus spelling bees and the top three winners from each of TJJD’s six campuses won an opportunity to compete in the District-wide Spelling Bee. The Spelling Bee was conducted out of Central Office via the Polycom system. The pronouncer for the Bee was Lori Thorp, the professional development coordinator. The judges were Kimbla Newsom, Lane Cartwright, and Dr. Marie Welsch. The official scorekeeper was Efrain Resendez.

Congratulations to our Spelling Bee Champion!

Below are some benefits of a spelling bee.

Competitive Spirit
Spelling bees allow individuals to compete in a supportive environment. The brain activity and excitement that goes with a spelling bee is just as stimulating as a physical competition, which means that the whole competition can pump up the adrenaline of the contestants and the audience alike. A friendly rivalry is created and students are encouraged to interact with fellow participants and cultivate friendships.

Greater Knowledge
Learning words can get students interested in tracing the origin of a word and its etymology. This information will greatly enhance the knowledge base of a child, even at a very young age, and motivate them to develop a keen interest in learning new words.

Cognitive Skills
The spelling bee allows students to develop a range of cognitive skills including the ability to handle pressure. The learning process accompanying the spelling bee is likely to enhance students' memory and allow students to develop better learning skills, which can prove to be highly beneficial during higher education.

Confidence
Such competitions can boost a student’s confidence level. A spelling bee helps them gain the confidence they need to speak in public and accept their mistakes, while also getting the applause their hard work deserves.

PHOTO: Reading Specialist Cathy Berryhill presenting the 2017 spelling bee trophy to Carol Jo Mize, Principal at the Mart facility

McFadden Sends Youth Home with Backpack of 'Hope'

By Y. Denise Caldwell Community Resource Coordinator, Northern District Parole Office FLOWER MOUND, Texas - Larry Bossaler, McFadden volunteer McFadden Ranch Volunteer Larry Bossaler enjoys his assignment: Making sure that every youth who leaves the McFadden halfway house knows that people are praying for him and wishing him the best in his future. He is the man who brings them their “Good-Bye” backpack. When he delivers the backpacks, he makes sure to do three things – visit with the youth, show the contents of the backpack (because staff put them in the lockers until the youth leaves), and lastly close the visit with a heartfelt prayer. The youth enjoy and appreciate the backpack, the visit and the prayer. Many are a little anxious and scared to leave but knowing that the McFadden volunteers care enough to send them off in this special way, helps them feel a bit less worried. “I always bring an extra backpack,” Larry said. “In case a youth i

McFadden Ranch High School Graduates Honored

DENTON, Texas -- The Kiwanis Club of Denton recognized nine youth from McFadden Ranch who earned their high school diploma or equivalency by inviting them to their April 17 noon meeting and luncheon where they were awarded $50 each for their trust fund. Spearheaded by JCO IV Gregory Winn, a longstanding member of the Kiwanis Club of Denton, the event was truly memorable for the youth who attended. They heard a motivational and moving presentation by Texas Rep. Pat Fallon, who completed the Greatest Endurance Challenge – the World Marathon Challenge – tackling seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. He took the challenge after being inspired by Jonny Wade, a 7-year-old boy who battled pediatric cancer and had only one wish – ‘that no other kid ever gets cancer.’ Wade’s death led to the creation of Pediatric Cancer Foundation for which Fallon raised over $250,000 so far. Fallon, who represents a portion of Denton County, said the takeaway from his experience is that we

IN MEMORY AND APPRECIATION: Trayce Haynes Alexander

Trayce Haynes Alexander, of Cat Spring, Texas passed away in April. She was a JCO IV at the Giddings State School and began her employment with the Texas Youth Commission on January 5, 2009, as a JCO III. She was promoted to a JCO IV on April 1, 2010. Trayce was a hardworking, loyal and dedicated staff member and friend. Her number one priority was the youth in her dorm and she would drive one hour and forty minutes everyday (even in ill health) to try to make a difference in the lives of the youth she worked with. She was well respected by both staff and youth due to her extraordinary work ethic. The boys could always depend on her to hold them accountable. She is survived by her husband Geoff Alexander and two daughters, Kristyn and Robyn Alexander. Trayce was born on September 3, 1952. She earned a BS from Southwest Texas State University in Law Enforcement.

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