TJJD News & Announcements

BROWNWOOD, Texas -- The Metamorphosis Group, which works with youth who’re struggling with self-worth and related issues, is off to a successful start at the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex. After winding up the first session with nine girls in December, volunteer group leaders Carl and Lorinda Bodiford are launching two new groups with 18 students this week. The group that finished in December followed a Christian curriculum that stresses everyone has a purpose in life and that the rough times the girls are going through are temporary. The six weeks course, based on the life cycle of a butterfly, uses scripture to emphasize that each person is created by God for a specific purpose. The last and most powerful lesson centered on forgiveness and the freedom that forgiveness brings. The class culminated with the release of balloons on which each student had the opportunity to write the names of people in their lives who needed forgiveness as well as act...

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...

GIDDINGS, Texas – On March 31, 2017, Giddings State School welcomed friends, family, and volunteers to a graduation ceremony where 31 students received their GEDs and three students were awarded their high school diplomas. The Texas Juvenile Justice Department’s Lone Star High School Southeast is a fully accredited high school where students work to earn their GED or diplomas. After graduation, they have the opportunity to earn certification in various vocations or earn college credits. Giddings State School offers certifications in fields like automotive technologies, welding, and general construction and works with outside instructors to provide OSHA and CPS certifications. During their stay at TJJD, youth can earn college credits through Navarro College and apply for scholarships to help with their transition after they return home. For more information or to inquire about how you can help, please call Anita Schwartz, Community Relations Coordinator for Giddings State School a...