Updated 01/24/05
Jackson Creek Middle School
Jaguar Team History
When Jackson Creek Middle School opened at the beginning of the 1998 - 1999 school year, there were three academic teams serving the students: the Green Team, the Blue Team, and the Silver Team. Because of a growing student body, a fourth team was needed for the school's second year and the Jaguar Team was born. During its first year, the Jaguar Team was a part time team containing only eighth graders. The original Jaguar Team teachers included Mr. Combs (social studies), Mr. Rose (science), and Mrs. Scott (language arts). It was in this first year that the Annual Jaguar Team Fall Feed began. In addition, the innaugural Jaguars also constructed a time capsule that can be found near the flagpole in front of the school and will be opened in the year 2050.
The Jaguar Team expanded in the fall of 2000 to become a full time seventh and eighth grade team. Along with this change came changes in staff as well. Mr. Combs continued teaching eighth grade social studies, and Mr. Binford took over seventh grade social studies. Mr. Inman became the team science teacher, and Ms. Zock taught language arts. The team continued the Fall Feed, making it a Jaguar Team tradition. The seventh graders also enjoyed a field day extravaganza at the end of the year and the Jaguar Team PhD Award was developed.
2001 - 2002 was an exceptionally great year. JCMS was awarded the prestigious Four Star School Award and the Jaguar Team graduated its first two-year class. Although the team was sad to see Mr. Combs move to Bloomington High School South full-time, everyone was pleased Mr. Binford stepped in to teach both 7th and 8th grade social studies. The team participated in new interdisciplinary units, activities and traditions, including the Grade 8 Physics Day, the Grade 7 Ancient Greece Immersion Unit, the Grade 8 petitioning of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, and the Hunting and Gathering Simulation. The Annual Fall Feed was again a success, as was the end-of-the-year Jag Team Field Day. Also new in 2002 was the establishment of the photo gallery in the team hallway.
In 2002 - 2003, the Jaguar Team welcomed an amazing seventh grade class, one that we are honored to once again teach as eighth graders during 2003 - 2004. The graduating class of 2003 worked hard to complete outstanding autobiography projects and left an impression on all who worked with them. At the start of the 03 - 04 school year, the Jaguar Team welcomed a new member, its first inclusion teacher, Mrs. Snow, whose talents and sense of humor are a natural fit with the team.
The 2003 - 2004 school year was yet another banner year for the team. Students were once again engaged in several interdisciplinary projects, including the first ever Jag Team venture into papyrus making. The year was capped with field day activities at Olcott Park and Karst Farm Park. Sadly, the Jaguar Team said goodbye to science teacher Mr. Inman at the end of the year when he moved to the other side of the building to teach physical education, beginning at the start of the 2004 - 2005 school year. Although she has big shoes to fill, Mrs. Knox will be a wonderful new addition to the team, bringing with her new ideas and great new projects in 2004 - 2005.
Since its conception, the Jaguar Team has been a unique and integral part of Jackson Creek Middle School. The Jaguar Team Teachers know that 2004 - 2005 will be another great year. Mr. Binford, Mrs. Knox, Mrs. Snow, and Ms. Zock are looking forward to working with the students to continue the team traditions of the past and to develop new ideas for the future.
Updated 01/24/05