ESL program discussed at JISD board meeting

An English as a Second Language program official spoke to the Jacksboro Independent School District board during its October meeting.

Misti Thompson developed the program at Jacksboro Elementary and has seen it spread over all three campuses. Onehundred sixty four students are considered limited english proficient at the campuses, 96 at JES, 36 at JMS and 32 at JHS, according to Thompson.

Things have gotten better at all three campuses, Thompson said building relationships with parents won the ESL program and getting them involved at the child’s campus is important. The district, like many across the state, is having a difficult time finding bilingual teams. Teachers provide ESL support when needed, Thompson said, and are advocates for their English learners.

Thompson says there are needs to continue for the program’s success to ramp up. Continuity between campus is something that needs to continue. Engagement in the community and keeping them knowledgable about what policies and programs are available. Keeping a bi-lingual job open at all times.

One of the major positives in recent months is building relationships with parents on the ESL program. Having parent-teacher conferences, which has taken years to even consider and get done, has helped bring parents more willing to come to the table.

In other news during the Oct. 12 meeting, the number of students who are still doing remote learning has gone down from the first to the second six weeks in significant fashion. At JES, the numbers have fallen from 12 to six, Principal Sara Mathis has seen her remote numbers drop from 19 to five at the middle school. At JHS the numbers have fallen from nine to six.

Superintendent Dwain Milam said the remote nurse program at FCHS continues to pay dividends with the JISD with about three students a day being seen by a nurse practitioner. Students then receive a note for their absence if needed and the school is given guidance n how long the student should be out of the school.

“It’s hard guessing whether or not 99.3 is the norm,” Milam said. “I appreciate going into the clinic.”