Data Chats-April Edition

"I have been married to my husband Jim for 30 years. We have 4 children. Nik is 28 and a graduate of Quitman, Amy Jo is in heaven, Jake is 19, a graduate of Quitman, and is attending East Texas Baptist University, and Abby is 14, currently in 8th grade at QJH."

Judy attended college at Texas A&M University in Kingsville from 91-'93, followed by LeTourneau University in Longview in 2008. She graduated from LeTourneau in 2011. Judy currently teaches 7th grade science. She has been a teacher for 12 years, and has also taught 5th grade math as well as 6th and 8th grade science. She has worked for QISD for 9 years, and has also taught at Pine Tree ISD and Yantis ISD.

"I have been married to my current husband Josh for three and a half years making me Ms. Scarberry. Many students still know me as Ms. Barnett and I have 4 kids with that surname. Twins Lyndsey and Nick are 22 and Lyndsey just gave me my first grandbaby Ivy Rae Ann Mattox. She married a fellow Quitman alumni Brenden Mattox in 2021. Kaitlynn is 20 and set to graduate from UT Austin in May with a degree in finance. Benjamin my youngest is currently in his senior year here at Quitman."

Stephanie graduated from Texas A&M Commerce with a degree in Earth Science and a minor in Interdisciplinary Studies. She currently teaches 6th grade science and 6-8 G/T. She has been a teacher for 10 years; 8 years in Quitman, and 2 years in Winnsboro. Stephanie has also taught 6th grade reading, science, JH G/T as well as JH and HS theatre. She has even taught a section of art!

"I have a twin sister and twin brothers that are a year apart from us. I also have 4 nieces and 3 nephews."

Archie teaches 8th Grade Science at Quitman Junior High. He has been a teacher for 13 years, and graduated from East Texas Baptist University (ETBU). Archie has also taught Biology and Anatomy & Physiology, and has worked previously at Winona HS, Henderson HS, and Longview HS. He has worked at QISD for 3 years.

"I love developing relationships with my students. I also love it when we have those "ah ha" moments in class when they finally get it. It is so fun to watch my students discover things about the world they live in and just about themselves in general."--Mrs. Judy Johnson

"It is all about the kids. Watching them discover the world around them in Science and the imagination and creativity in Theatre is where my passion lies. Building lasting relationships with both students and coworkers has been the most rewarding. Finding what drives kids to want to succeed is really where it is at."--Mrs. Stephanie Scarberry

"The relationships I build with the kids. Watching them mature and grow into the successful young people they are. I also love coaching and seeing these kids excel in a whole different way!"--Coach Archie Thompson

"I use data to analyze student mastery of concepts. It helps me determine when I need to reteach. I keep a chart on the wall for each class as well as the entire grade level to show STAAR standard percentages. Using this since the beginning of the year has also helped me determine which class periods need more scaffolding of lessons based on performance levels. With a graphic, I can quickly see where the greatest needs are."--Mrs. Judy Johnson

"Taking a page from my colleagues book we really work as a team to see the overall weaknesses within the science department and analize how to address the TEKs year to year. I also have the burden of being the only tested year so we utilize teamwork to get these kids ready to be successful on the STAAR."--Coach Archie Thompson

"As a science team we focus not only on our data by implementing beginning, middle, and end assessments that reflect content growth within the grade level TEKS (as shown below) but we assess gaps and weak spots throughout the entire science dept. Our science team works as a cohesive unit to interpret data for our specific level TEKS as well as how our TEKS will benefit the students science classes in the future. By breaking down the individual TEKS on each assessment, we are able to focus more on areas that students may be struggling with. When we see there is a struggle, we brainstorm on ways to help the students achieve their educational goals. Scientists deal with data all the time the kids just don't know it. As a team we like to help the kids start to analyze their own data to give them ownership in their academic success."--Mrs. Stephanie Scarberry

"We work together to help each student achieve the very best they can as scientists. I start every year talking about one of the most famous scientists of all time Albert Einstein. For all his genius he was not considered a great student and had many challenges in the traditional classroom. This is an inspiration to all students who may struggle in traditional classroom to achieve success in science because mistakes are sometimes the greatest catalysts to breakthrough. Letting students know you believe in their success no matter what enables them to strive for greatness."--Stephanie Scarberry

"Each one of us is very passionate about both science and kids. We are different in so many ways but our passion for kids as well as science creates a cohesive team that the students are excited to learn from. If students are excited to learn the success is evident in the data! We have respect for each other as educators and our focus is always on our students. We all want the best for our students and it shows in our ability to work well with each other. We share our successes and failures. We build each other up and that is why we are a great unit!"--Stephanie Scarberry

"Team work makes the dream work and utilizing all personnel that have a science background like our honorary curriculum specialist Karen Watts who has an amazing background in both science and Physics. She also helps with getting these kid High School ready!"--Coach Thompson

If you would like to nominate someone for the next spotlight, please send an email to coatsm@quitmanisd.net.

Please include in the email why they should be in the spotlight!

Amazing things are happening at QISD!