Pearce-Oct 15

The visit from Balfour has been rescheduled with some changes to the format. Senior parents - the graduation packets are being mailed to your homes. You should receive them sometime during the week of October 8 - 12. Junior parents - your student will be picking up the ring information packets at school. Balfour will be here on October 16 during all lunches with a display of graduation items for the seniors and class ring displays and information packets for the juniors. Then, their representatives will be back on October 18 and 19 to take orders from both the seniors and juniors. They will again be outside the corral during all lunches. At that time the Balfour reps will take payments in full if you are placing a small order, or, for larger orders, a deposit for an amount specified in the information packets you will receive.

National Honor Society information packets will be distributed in English classes this week to all eligible sophomores, juniors and seniors. The first eligibility requirement in order to receive a packet is an overall cumulative GPA of 90 or above. If you do not receive a packet by the end of the week, and believe you should, see Ms. Lewis in Room A209. There are scheduled information meetings over the next week for eligible students and their parents, so please be sure to note the dates. All deadlines in the packet are to be adhered to strictly, so please read the information carefully, and students--SHARE YOUR PACKET WITH YOUR PARENTS!!

Be part of a success story--Attend a J.J. Pearce Excellence In Education Fund Mane Event Party

Be an academic booster and insure that J.J. Pearce remains academically outstanding

J.J. Pearce High School is one of only a few Recognized High Schools in Dallas / Fort Worth

J.J. Pearce High School was named an Honor Roll school by the Texas Business and Education Coalition in 2007

J.J. Pearce was listed in the top 10% of public high schools in Dallas/ Fort Worth by D Magazine 2007

J.J. Pearce Excellence in Education Fund has raised and distributed over $350,000

Please RSVP to Lisa Dunne or Lisa Albert or call 972-407-1969 to leave a message regarding the event you will attend

Tomi Morris- Margo Murphy- Connie Presley- Cris Sellers- Beverly Thoes- Cathy Wills

The PSAT will be given here at PHS this Wednesday, Oct 17th. Student room assignments are posted in two places: Outside the counselors offices and Upstairs near the ramp next to B hall. Please check to see where to report prior to test day. Testing will begin at 9am SHARP. Please be on time. Bring 2 #2 pencils, and you may bring a calculator. Seniors will follow a late arrival schedule that day with 4th period beginning at 12:20. Freshmen will report to school that morning as usual for a special program.

The PSAT measures skills that are important for success in college --- verbal reasoning, critical reading, math problem-solving and writing skills. The PSAT determines which juniors will be eligible to participate in the National Merit Scholarship competition. Sophomores will be preparing for next year. The PSAT lasts exactly 2 hours and 10 minutes, plus time for instructions.

· Testing room-assignments will be posted near the ramp next to B Hall and outside the counselors’ offices on or before October 11th

· Tardy students cannot be admitted and will be in detention all morning in the cafeteria.

· 4^th period begins at 12:20 pm. Periods 1-7 will be15 minutes long. Dismissal at 4:10 pm.

Your English teacher will give you a PSAT Student Bulletin with a “Practice Test” inside.

Take the Practice Test! You can even score it and see how you did. This is great practice before test day.

Your counselors will distribute your scores during classroom guidance in late December or early January.

James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA received more than 18,600 applications for 3,850 openings in the 2007 freshman class? 3,409 students were offered admission through their Early Action program.

Choir News:

Now that you have purchased your wonderful Homecoming mums, it is time to turn your thoughts to the Winter season flowers because Pearce Choir members are selling Poinsettias and other seasonal greenery starting Monday October 15th for delivery in early December. See your favorite student and get a jump start on the holidays!

Remember to order your tickets for Texas Blue, the fabulous Forte’ show on November 1 & 3. Tickets are only $8 for reserved or $5 for general admission. There will be some serious singing, dancing, some surprises. See any Forte’ member or get more details or check out the details on www.pearcechoir.com.

Forte sings the National Anthem at Homecoming Pep Rally

$1.00 Candy Bars & Coffee are being sold now for the Pearce Orchestra!

Candy Bars are being sold now by the Orchestra students to raise money the Spring Trip Competition in San Antonio. In addition, Coffee & Hot Chocolate are available every morning outside the Orchestra room from 8:00am - 8:55am. We appreciate all your support!

Theater News:

Little shop of Horrors Opens October 25

Tickets will be on sale in the Black Box Ticket Office on Tues.Oct. 23 during lunches from 11:15 - 1:15, Wed. Oct 24 from 4:00 - 6:00 and Thurs. Oct 25 11:15 - 1:15. The box office will open 1 1/2 hours before showtime. Showtimes are Thurs. Oct 25 at 7:30 pm, Sat. Oct. 27 at 7:30 pm and Sun. Oct. 28 at 2;00 pm. Reserved seats are $12 and $10 and General Admission tickets are $7.

Cast members for Little Shop of Horrors are: Anna Dirx, Avery Hurst, Clark Jones, Elizabeth Judd, Kathy Kasrai, Gibson Marx, Steven Miller, Tyler Miller, Jaid Nelson, Sarah Noland, Jonathan Paul, Reagan Rowland, Daniel Shnider, Zach Sutton, Karen Wilkerson,Brendan Williams, and Karen Zabarsky, Assistant Director is Kathryn Soloweij and Publicity is Meredith Hanna and Stephanie Pritchett.

scotland yard sale

Do you have something to sell? Purchase a space in J.J. Pearce's south parking lot near Coit for The Scotland Yard Sale,

October 27th from 8am to 3pm. Contact Fran Williams.

$25 bring your own table, $30 table provided by Pearce, Carry your own stuff away when done.

J.J. Pearce theater will cover the cost of advertising and getting the signs out.

Do  you have anything you'd like to donate to the sale? Furniture, art, sporting goods, electronic equipment, clothing, etc?

Contact Fran or Stephanie Rose to arrange a time to deliver them to the school. We will store and price them for sale!

Help us get the word out whether a buyer or seller. The Scotland Yard sale will help send 34 students, directors,

and chaperones to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

More updates will follow as we move along on the road to Scotland!

Pearce High School to Induct Former Athletes into Hall of Honor

J. J. Pearce High School will recognize three former athletes as the 2007 inaugural inductees into the Pearce Athletic Hall of Honor. Jeff Agoos, Rich Coady and Scott Turner will all be on hand during halftime at Pearce’s October 26 football game at Eagle-Mustang Stadium.

“We all know that Pearce produces outstanding student-athletes, and we wanted to find a way to honor those who have had distinguished athletic careers,” said David Colley, Pearce Athletic Booster Club officer. “The Hall of Honor will be a permanent display at the school to set the standard for all Pearce athletic programs – past, present and future.”

Jeff Agoos, a graduate in 1983, is the most decorated player in Major League Soccer (MLS) history and was a nine time MLS all-star. He led Pearce to the 1983 state championship and was a two-time “Parade Magazine” all-star. Following his career at Pearce, Jeff was a four-year starter at the University of Virginia. Jeff played for the Dallas Sidekicks and the San Jose Earthquakes, where he won his fourth and fifth MLS championships. In between, he played for the USA soccer team and was member of the 1998 and 2002 US World Cup squads. Jeff was named the All-time Best XI before retiring in 2005.

The second inductee, Richard Coady IV, was in the Pearce class of 1994 where his stellar football included first team all-district and all-Metroplex , captain of the team and also a varsity letter in basketball. After walking onto Texas A&M, he played in the Alamo Bowl, Cotton Bowl and Sugar Bowl and was a member of two Big 12 Championship teams. Rich was selected to the All-Big 12 First Team and was also named an academic athlete. As a third round draft pick in the National Football League (NFL), Rich played for the St. Louis Rams and Tennessee Titans. He was on the winning side of Super Bowl XXXIV and also played two years later in Super Bowl XXXVI.

Varsity captain for both football and track, Scott Turner is the third honoree. He graduated from JJP in 1989, and was a member of the first Pearce football team in school’s history to go to the playoffs. At the University of Illinois, Scott was the recipient of 12 varsity letters, including four each in football, indoor track and outdoor track. He was Indoor Track Freshman of the Year, two-time Big Ten 400 Meter Indoor Champion and an All American 400 meter runner. In the 1993 World University Games, he was a Gold Medalist in the 4 x 400 meter relay. Scott played nine seasons in the NFL including three for the Washington Redskins, four in San Diego and two for the Denver Broncos.

Athletic booster club news

Rival T-shirts on sale this week

New shipment of Rival T-shirts have arrived just in time for the Highland Park game!!! They will be on sale this Wednesday and Thursday during lunch and at the Pep Rally on Friday, if we aren't sold out! They are $10 and checks should be made out to PABC.

spirit wear store open

The Spirit Wear store will be open for business every Friday during lunch. It is located in the Mustang Stall directly across from the Freshman/Sophomore Cafeteria. We will also be selling at all of the Home Football games! For questions or information, please contact Lisa Albert or Tricia Gold

The Pearce Athletic Booster Club is trying to locate the following individuals who were previously recognized for the Hall of Honor. Your help in getting contact information for them is appreciated. They will be invited back to the football game for the Hall of Honor ceremony on Oct. 26.

Stephanie Fine Volleyball
Susan Banta Gymnastics (graduated in 1986)

If you have any information or know some one that might please email Marty or David Colley or call 972-841-4916.

boys basketball to host clinic

The Pearce Boys Basketball Team will host their annual fall clinic on November 3 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. The clinic is for grades 1-6 and the cost to attend is $35. Contact Kathy Shoope for registration and information.

Varsity football expecting sell out

Tickets to this week's Varsity Football game against Highland Park will be on sale beginning Wednesday. You can purchase your tickets during lunch on Wed., Thurs. and Fri. We are playing at Highlander Stadium and do expect a sell out, so buy your tickets early so you won't be left out!!

Girls Golf plays final tournament this week

The Lady Mustang JV Golf team plays it’s final fall season tournament Monday Oct. 15 at Meadowbrook Golf Course in Arlington. Scheduled to play in the one day tournament are Senior Carolyn Wagnon, Sophomores Shannon Sweeney, Caitlan Davis, Lauren Heymann, Freshmen Emma Hernon, Jordan Owens, and Noa Waks.

The Varsity Linksters head to The Shores of Rockwall to compete in the Rockwall Girls Invitational at The Shores Country Club. Scheduled to play in the tournament are Seniors Heather Elkin, Chelsea MacHendrie, Meredith Trubitt, Jennifer Souders, Sophomores Haley Junek, and Mackenzie Staples,

Visit the girls golf web page at http://www.richardson.k12.tx.us/schools/phs/athlet/ggolf/index.htm

Volleyball Plays highland park this week

Pearce Volleyball had another good week with wins over Terrell and Greenville. The highlight of the Friday match against Greenville was the pre-game reception for Mr. and Mrs. Howard and Patricia McChesney. Both are long time supporters of volleyball having coached, played and as active members of USA Volleyball.

Support the Lady Mustangs as they raise funds to support breast cancer research. At the Friday, October 19^th match against Highland Park, the Lady Mustangs and Scots will “Dig for the Cure”. Go to www.pearcevolleyball.com for more information on how to make a pledge.

Freshmen B Team members prepare for a match

Mustang Wrestling:
Mustang Wrestling is working hard in preparation for the 2007-2008 season. If you are interested in joining Mustang Wrestling or being one of the team managers, please email Coach Hazlewood or Karen Brown, Team Rep.
Mustang Wrestling practices during 7^th period with late practices starting mid to late October, but you can join after football season.

The Mustang Wrestling parent meeting is usually held towards the end of October/beginning of November. Please email Karen Brown, if you would like to be added to the Mustang Wrestling email distribution list. We’re looking forward to a great 2007-2008 season!!

MAKE SOMEONE'S DAY--Order A YARD Stampede before October 29!!!

The Mustang Stampede—Pearce’s new Country and Western Performance Dance Team—will secretly deliver a herd of 10 red mustangs to trample your friends and neighbors’ yards in the Pearce attendance area for 48 hours.

For as little as $20 you can spread Pearce Pride and show our community who has the best school spirit in the district! Consider a YARD STAMPEDE for birthdays, anniversaries, thank you messages, and other occasions.

Due to popular demand, orders will be filled through October 29. Other times available by request. Visit our website at www.ourgroupsonline.com/phsmustangstampede or pick up a form in Ms. Vanderslice's room, B104, to order your YARD STAMPEDE today!

pearce exchange club to hold first meeting of the year

1. The first Pearce Exchange Club meeting is Monday night October 15th. The meeting is from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM at Canyon Creek Country Club. Steve Blow the Dallas Morning News columnist will be the guest speaker. We will be honoring students form Pearce as well as a Richardson police officer. Dinner will be $20 per person with a cash bar.

2. The Pearce Exchange Club club golf tournament to raise scholarship monies has been postponed until October 23rd. There will be a shotgun start at 8:00 AM that day. It will also be held at Canyon Creek Country Club. Lunch will be served afterward. Contact Mark Robertson for details.

club news

There are many opportunities to get involved at Pearce High School. Here are just a few that are meeting this week:

The Anti-Social Club

TOPS, also known as The Anti-Social Club, meets on Tuesdays 7th period and after school in A214. Opinions and open minds are always welcome.

Environmental Club

The Environmental Club will be meeting this Wednesday at 4:15 in room A222.

Japanese Club

There will be a Japanese Club meeting on Thursday, Oct 18 in room C206 at 4:15. We will take the Club Picture at that time.

Key Club

Are you looking to get involved with the school? Are you interested in getting service hours with your friends while helping out the community? KEY CLUB will be having it's first meeting in room A138 (in the freshman wing) today, October 15! Please encourage your friends to join and let's get involved together.

Math Club

It's time to sign up for math club! Dues are $10 and include a T-shirt. You may pay your dues in Mr. Cappetta's room B206 before or after school through Friday October 19th.

Model UN and Junior World Affairs Council

The Model UN and Junior World Affairs Council meeting will be after school today in room 136. If you cannot make this meeting, there will be information available on Tuesday morning before school in room 136.

Ping Pong Club

Several students at Pearce are interested in starting a Ping Pong Club. We are seeking donations of new or used ping pong tables. If you have a table to donate, please contact Kim Heider, or Marilyn Moore. We will arrange for the table to be picked up and brought to Pearce. Thank you!

Political Debate Club

Do you like to argue and also eat really good food? The Political Debate Club will be holding a meeting today, Oct. 15, 4:20 in Mr. Belin's Room, B211. It will be fun and you should come.

Spanish Club

The Pearce High School Spanish Club will meet Saturday, October 20^th at 10:30 a.m. on Senior Way to caravan to Casa Mexicana, located at 2710 Live Oak St., near downtown. Students will hear a presentation in English on the cultural significance of Día de los muertos, or Day of the Dead, which is celebrated in Mexico from October 31-November 2. Students will also enjoy one of the largest exhibitions of authentic Latin American folk art in Texas.

Interested students will also enjoy lunch afterward at a restaurant to be named later. The presentation is free of charge. For more information, contact Spanish Club sponsor, Sra. Sarah Thompson or Casa Mexicana, (214) 747-7227 www.casamexicanafolkart.com

28^th Annual J.J. Pearce Pacesetter Bazaar coming in November

You are invited to the 28^th Annual Pearce Pacesetter Holiday Bazaar on November 10^th and 11th! The bazaar is a great tradition for many to begin their holiday shopping. Over 120 vendors will showcase jewelry, quilts, home accessories, Christmas gifts, yard decorations and much, much more. Purchase your Fall goodies at the Bake Sale where each Pacesetter family has lovingly prepared homemade goods for you. Plan to have lunch or snacks at our Café featuring delicious food donated by local eateries that generously support our community and school! The Pacesetters work hard to represent J.J. Pearce with loyalty and pride so please support this fun and exciting event! All are welcome and admission is FREE! Hours are Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. & Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Questions: Contact Susan Shelton 972-699-3752.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to win some great prizes being donated by local businesses for this year's Sweepstakes Drawings! A sampling of the prizes donated--Cooking Classes to Central Market, Ladies Handbags, Target Gift Cards, Certificates to local Spas, Restaurants, Florists, the list goes on and on! Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 and can be purchased from any Pacesetter.
If you are a local business that would like to donate an item for the Sweepstakes Drawing, please contact Christine Reavis 972/644-8946.

J.J. Pearce Students Honor Family Members during Homecoming Week.

Pearce seniors Daniel Shnider and Taylor Van Donk used dress-up day at Pearce High School during Homecoming week festivities to honor family members who served in the military. Daniel wore his grandfather’s Navy uniform which was a perfect fit. His grandfather, Bill Wells, served in the Navy in the 1950’s. Daniel was excited about the opportunity to remember Mr. Well’s service for his country in this way. “It made my mother proud of me that I wanted to do this for him” said Daniel. Taylor Van Donk wore her father’s Navy uniform. Lt. Commander Jason Van Donk just recently retired from active duty. Taylor said, “His heart and soul has been with the Navy ever since “93…by wearing his uniform, I wanted to honor him, as well as everyone else in the military, for their hard work and dedication to this country. Both students are involved in numerous activities at Pearce including National Honor Society and Wranglers.

Daniel Shnider Taylor Van Donk

senior news

The October edition of the Senior Specifics newsletter is now available. Click on the Senior Page at the top of this newsletter to read it.

Back-to-school time means back to pain time for some kids who carry too much weight in their backpacks. When that happens, they tend to hunch over and the mid- and lower-back muscles can become overworked. The weight can cause pain in the neck, back or shoulders and even tingling in the arms and hands.

The following is offered as a Parent Ed program through the RISD. PLEASE remember that even is you are a parent of a kindergartner, this is information that is important to ALL parents no matter the age. You never know, when or how your child will come into contact with drugs or other young kids using drugs. Arm yourself with knowledge............. NOW!!!

When: October 25, 2007 Time: 7 p.m. Where: Administration Building Auditorium
400 S. Greenville Ave Richardson, TX 75098 This program is open to the public.
Description of the program: Participants will learn about Cheese Heroin and other drugs. Signs and Symptoms as well as where students hide drugs will also be discussed. This is an adult only presentation.
The program is co-sponsored by the RISD Student Assistance Programs and the RISD Council of PTAs

The Texas PTA, along with the Pearce Environmental Club and the Pearce PTA, are sponsoring a Recycled Art Contest. All entries must be three-dimensional, no larger than 9”x9”x17”, and made from items that are found and recycled material. Winners from Pearce will go on to the Texas state level competition. This program offers students the opportunity to create works of art for fun, recognition and to bring awareness to environmental education.

Entry forms are available in the Pearce library, Ms. Schoenrock’s room A222 and Mr. Longo’s room A205.

Deadline for ALL entries is Friday, October 26, 2007. All entries MUST follow the guidelines and rules as outlined in the entry form. An entry form must be submitted with each entry.

The Pearce PTA, along with the National PTA, believes all children deserve a quality arts education and encourage students to pursue artistic expression through participation in its annual arts Reflections Program. The program offers students the opportunity to create works of art for fun, recognition and an opportunity for a culturally rich education.

Visual Arts (which includes art forms such as drawing, painting, print making, and collage).

Entry forms will be available in the Pearce library and from several teachers involved in the appropriate categories listed above.

Deadline for ALL entries is Monday, October 29, 2007. All entries MUST follow the guidelines and rules as outlined in the entry form. An entry form must be submitted with any entries in order for them to be judged. Winners will be announced in the first weeks of November. Good luck and be creative!

RECORD YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS NOW! Simply go to the PTA website at www.jjpearcepta.org and click on 'Volunteer Hours' OR email your name, the dates and hours you worked and the activity to one of the email addresses below. Volunteer Hours include attending meetings, baking, and helping with fundraisers such as the Mum Store or any Booster Club or school event—anything that you or your student does for Pearce that does not result in a grade. Always include 15 minutes driving time to and from school—and keep track of the time you spend running errands on behalf of a school event. You may record your hours in a combined total and enter a general description of your activities. Remember, the NUMBER of hours is much more important than a detailed description of the volunteer activity! If you have already signed in at the Mum Store or at another event, those hours have already been submitted and should not be duplicated.

The PHS PTA helps improve the education of our students by providing support to PHS students, faculty and staff. Join PTA to help students on this important journey to adulthood. PTA welcomes parents, teachers, school friends, grandparents, neighbors and students as members.

If you haven’t already joined, it is not too late. Pick up a form at the front kiosk or contact Kimberly Kimmell and join now!

We’ll be collecting books for the RISD Council of PTA’s Used Book Fair to be held Feb. 7-10 at Valley View Mall next semester. Please hold on to any book that you want to donate, children’s, teens and adults! - we’ll start collecting in January. Any questions please contact Lisa Coyle or Donna Leibow.

Pearce's own Officer Orton has a new column in the weekly Enews. You may submit your questions regarding teenagers and the law each week by sending an email to PearceNews. Officer Orton will answer questions ranging from curfews to truancy to drugs and alcohol.

A friend of mine's 15 year old son was taken to the Dallas Police Station recently when he and some other guys were out at a park. It was 11:30 pm and the policeman said he was violating curfew laws. My friend thought that since her son had her permission to be out, that it was okay. Can you clarify what those laws are?

Yes, Richardson and Dallas have curfew laws which cover all individuals under the age of 17. Laws are enforced! Don't allow your child to talk you into believing they are not. Violation may result in up to a $500 fine. The curfew is Sunday through Thursday - under 17 must be home by 11:00 pm. On Friday and Saturday the curfew for under 17 is Midnight. Exceptions may include school activities, church events or employment.

1. Renting a booth – for a $30 donation to Parkhill PTA you get a double wide parking space to sell crafts, garage sale items, etc. This is your opportunity to gather your friends or neighbors and do a joint booth – or – your scout troop or club to hold a fundraiser.

2. Shop – come on the 20^th and shop the different booths and listen to the choir, band and orchestra perform.

3. Purchase the beautiful pots of mums for your fall decorations. PTA is selling 5 different colors of mums for $15 (which includes tax) on Friday from 2:30-5 and Saturday from 9-1 during the Parking Lot Sale.

The Plano East Lacrosse team is having their annual garage sale on Saturday, October 20 from 8am – 1pm in the Bowman Middle School parking lot. Lacrosse is not a UIL sport yet (which means the players pay for everything) so we count on this fundraiser to help fund uniforms, referees, fields, etc. Please come and support your eastside lacrosse team and meet some PELA players (grades 9 – 12)! (If you’d like to donate items to the garage sale, contact Kristi Pearl or 972.578.7847. Former Pearce students, Trevor Cobbs, Trent Jackson, Pete Stacey,and Zach Glass are past members of this Lacrosse team.

Huffhines Art Trails
Huffhines Art Trails will be held Oct. 27-28 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. in Huffhines Park. The event features 180 exhibiting artists and craftsmen. Traditional crafts, contemporary crafts and fine art will be on display. www.huffhinesartrails.com.

Brentfield Elementary is having their 1st ever golf tournament, Tuesday, November 6th at Canyon Creek Country Club. Click here for tournament information and registration.