West Jackson principals give students, parents advice on new school year

Editor’s Note: The Braselton News asked the principals of schools in West Jackson to answer several questions about the upcoming 2010-2011 school year and provide some background information about themselves. These are their responses.


WJMS principal MaLissa Hill

West Jackson Middle School principal MaLissa Hill has 27 years of experience in middle grades.

Hill started her career in a middle school in South Georgia, before moving to Northeast Georgia — where she taught for seven years in Elbert County, followed by 13 years in Hart County.

She is now entering her sixth year with the Jackson County School System as an administrator.

Hill earned a bachelor’s degree in middle grades education from Georgia Southern College. She also earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Georgia, and an education specialist degree in educational leadership from Clemson University.

•What changes will students see at the school this school year?
Physically, the building looks the same; however, there have been some improvements on the gym floor and tile has been placed in some classrooms.
The biggest change for WJMS is that standards-based reporting will now include 6th and 7th grade.

•What advice do you have for students to make the school year better for them?
Students can have a successful year by being an active participant in their learning. This includes being proactive about their assignments and studies, asking questions, and putting forth their best effort both inside and out of the classroom.

•What advice do you have for parents?
We would like for parents to also be an active participant in their child’s learning. Middle school students still need for parents to be involved in the school and in their learning.
Parents can talk with their child about what is going on at school and in their classes and they can communicate with teachers by phone, email or conferencing.
Parents can also keep up with their child’s academic progress through Infinite Campus — our school district’s information system.
WJMS also has many opportunities for parents to volunteer. Any parent interested in becoming a volunteer or being an active participant in our PTO should contact Janet Davis, our parent involvement coordinator.

•What can parents do to help teachers this school year?
Good communication is one of the most important ways parents and teachers can assist each other in helping students to be successful.
However, supply donations, volunteering, and supporting our PTO is vital in supplementing classrooms with instructional needs.