Student Body: All 9th - 12th Grade Students

1600 S. Loop 256

Phone: 903-731-8005
Fax: 903-731-9326

June 20, 2008


Faculty:

Many of you have noticed there have been several new additions to the Palestine High School family. I am very proud to be one of them. I wanted to send you a quick note and invite you to come in and meet with me. I have reserved two days in July (July 7th & 8th) dedicated to us getting to know each other. I will be calling soon to setup a time.

Additionally, many of you may be wondering who am I and what is my educational philosophy. While I will save the latter for our face-to-face meeting, I have a short biography that might answer some of your questions.

I am originally from Pineville, Louisiana. I attribute my strong work ethic to my upbringing and the example set by my grandfather. Along side my grandfather I did everything from cutting grass to farming. Many summers were spent learning the value of hard work. I graduated after my junior year from Peabody Magnet High School in Alexandria, Louisiana. After high school I attended Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana on a full academic scholarship. After the first semester, I transferred to McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana on a full debate scholarship. I majored in Speech Communication and graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree from McNeese. After college I began my teaching career. I have taught courses in Reading, English, Speech, and Math. I have coached football, basketball, baseball, softball, and track.

While things on a professional level are in constant motion for me, I also have a full plate in my personal life. I am active in my church and enjoy watching sports. I am married to the best person I have ever met, Juanita, who is also an educator. I have an 11 year old son, Shon Micah, a 1 ½ year old son, Julian, and expecting an addition to our family in September.

I keep a full schedule and believe anything is possible. I believe in the highest of expectations and building principals are no exception. I as principal try to demonstrate: active listening skills, proactive planning, proactive action, good communication, and visibility.

Lastly, we are NOT what the TEA ratings suggest. We ARE so much better and we will represent all of our stakeholders well in 2008-09. Get Ready! Go Wildcats!

Sincerely,


Shon Joseph

June 20, 2008


Dear Parents and Students:

I am very excited about the initiatives we are launching for the 2008-2009 school year. It is my hope that each one of you are excited as well. A new school year brings new hope and an array of possibilities. Many of you have noticed there have been several new additions to the Palestine High School family. I am very proud to be one of them. My name is Shon Joseph and as your principal, I am committed to starting the 2008-2009 school year with the highest of expectations. My diverse work history provides me with a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw on. Together we will unlock the possibilities and write a new future for Palestine High School.

Our academic focus will be placed on the success of each student. I am a firm believer that each student can learn. Our staff is being trained to deliver the highest quality education possible. Every child in Palestine High School deserves nothing less. Students will be taught a curriculum that is unified. We will follow the: what is written is taught and what is taught is tested. New programs such as the Principal’s Classroom will be setup to help each and every student that is in need of further instruction. Our new superintendent, Dr. Thomas Wallis, is committed to raising the achievement level of all students. Please continue to check the web site and message board for important dates leading to the start of the 2008-09 school year.

Lastly, we are NOT what the TEA ratings suggest. We ARE so much better and we will represent all of Palestine well in 2008-09. Get Ready! Go Wildcats!

Sincerely,


Shon Joseph