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Texas Educators Excellence Award Grant Horace Mann Junior School

Many positive changes have taken place in the 14 years since the move to the new Horace Mann. However, citizens of Baytown can be assured that one thing has not changed - - the high quality of education that has become the tradition of Horace Mann.

Horace Mann Junior School is committed to providing a safe educational environment that will meet the needs of all students. Every student will have the opportunity to meet challenges, achieve success, and prepare to become a responsible and productive citizen. Furthermore, we strive for the following:

• To increase student self-esteem
• To maintain a positive, supportive school environment
• To use varied strategies as motivation to learn
• To increase skills in all academic areas
• To increase parental awareness and involvement

"The Spirit of Mann Can" is our school slogan, demonstrating that Horace Mann Gators set high goals and continually strive to reach those expectations.

Students at Horace Mann attend six classes daily during an eight-period day, with math and English/language arts classes blocked two periods. In addition to the required core courses of math, language arts, science, social studies, and P.E., students may select elective courses such as band, choir, orchestra, theatre arts, art, general music, teen leadership, technology education, health (eighth grade only) and journalism (eighth grade only).

Other special offerings at Horace Mann include the following:

• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• East Harris County Cooperative program for hearing impaired students
• Dyslexia program with a content mastery lab
• Resource Life Skills
• Positive Approaches to Student Success (PASS)
• Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)
• Read 180, Achieve 3000, and Reading Improvement Lab classes for reading improvement and content area support
• NOVA 5000 pilot program (sixth grade only)
• Pre-Advanced Placement classes for accelerated instruction for students in all grade levels

Athletics are offered to seventh and eighth grade students. Boys' athletics include football, basketball, track, and tennis. Girls' athletics include volleyball, basketball, track, and tennis. Fine arts classes include band, orchestra, choir, theatre arts, and art. These classes are open to all grade levels.

Horace Mann is the only Title I campus among the Goose Creek CISD's secondary schools. The campus has consistently scored as an "Academically Acceptable" campus under the Texas Education Agency's rating system. Horace Mann has an enrollment of approximately 970 students. The ethnic breakdown is 66% Hispanic, 20% African American, 12% Anglo, and 1% Other.

The school colors are green and white, and the school mascot is the Gators.

Horace Mann implements a standardized dress code for its students. The dress code is designed to allow students to focus on education without the outside influences associated with various styles of clothing. This dress code, approved by the Board of Trustees, was implemented successfully during the 1997-98 school year. As an incentive for students to succeed at a high academic level, students can earn a Gator Reward Card for making one of the three Honor Rolls during each six-week grading period. Gator Reward Card holders are allowed to dress according to the GCCISD junior school dress code instead of the standardized Horace Mann dress code on Wednesday through Friday each week of the following six weeks. Gator Reward Card holders are also given the privilege of getting their lunch first on those days, and they become eligible to have their names drawn to receive special prizes.

We would like to extend a warm welcome from the Horace Mann Junior School family to all new parents and students. We are excited about having you as part of our winning team.

A student's junior high years are very important in his/her academic and social development. We believe students should enjoy their entire learning experience at Horace Mann. Students should become involved in many activities and participate in those activities with zest.

We are extremely proud of our students for their many successes in all areas of school life - - from academic competitions to athletic events to performing arts. Horace Mann has won the Goose Creek CISD UIL Literacy Competition for the last two years. Horace Mann students have won awards in the local and state history fair competition. Horace Mann students regularly excel in local and state writing contests as well. Our students have won numerous athletic championships and received both group and individual recognition for their achievements in other UIL sponsored events involving band, choir, and orchestra. One Horace Mann student was named one of the 25 finalists in the Region IV Holiday Card Contest this year.

The dedicated teachers and staff of Horace Mann look forwad to helping each student find an avenue for success during his /her years at Horace Mann. We want to enhance student strengths and transform weaknesses into strengths. This can be achieved with a combined effort from students, parents, and staff.

We encourage all parents, especially those new to Baytown, to visit our school and discover the wide array of opportunities awaiting you at our school.

Jim Twardowski
Principal