JCPS Announces New Partnership with Texas Roadhouse

Program recognizes and rewards teachers and students at priority schools

A new partnership between Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and Texas Roadhouse will recognize and reward students and teachers at the district’s 18 priority schools.

“These schools often face the most challenging teaching and learning environments because they have been categorized as ‘low-performing,’” Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens said. “However, we know that there are amazing things happening in all of our schools. I want to thank Texas Roadhouse for helping us show teachers and students who are putting in the hard work to improve their schools and build positive environments how much we appreciate them.”

Attendance for staff and students is sometimes a challenge at priority schools. This new program rewards students, teachers and ultimately an entire school for being present and prepared for learning.

Each month, a student and teacher from each of the 18 schools with perfect attendance will be randomly selected to win dinner for two at a Texas Roadhouse restaurant. The 36 teachers and students will also be recognized each month on the district’s social media as the Texas Roadhouse Student and Teacher of the Month.

At the end of the school year, the school with the highest staff attendance rate for the 2016-17 academic year will be named the Texas Roadhouse School of the Year and receive a schoolwide party catered by the Texas Roadhouse food truck. The program launches this month and lasts through the school year.

“Texas Roadhouse is proud to partner with JCPS to reward hardworking students and teachers,” said Texas Roadhouse founder and CEO Kent Taylor. “Perfect attendance deserves recognition and what could be better than celebrating with a steak dinner?”

Schools participating in the program include two elementary schools, eight middle schools and eight high schools:

  • Byck Elementary
  • Roosevelt-Perry Elementary
  • Moore Traditional Middle School
  • Knight Middle School
  • Olmsted N. Middle School
  • Thomas Jefferson Middle School
  • Stuart Middle School
  • Western Middle School
  • Westport Middle School
  • Valley Prep Academy
  • The Academy @ Shawnee
  • Southern High School
  • Doss High School
  • Fairdale High School
  • Iroquois High School
  • Seneca High School
  • Valley High School
  • Western High School

“I Am JCPS” Campaign

The district also unveiled an “I Am JCPS” poster featuring Mr. Taylor. Taylor is a 1973 graduate of Ballard High School, the father of three JCPS graduates and grandfather of two future JCPS students.

“It’s an honor to be part of this campaign to promote JCPS,” Taylor said. “I learned many valuable lessons at Ballard High, such as persistence and hard work, which I still rely upon today. Also, I am glad Andy Armadillo could join me in supporting this campaign.”

The “I Am JCPS” poster campaign features prominent graduates who have been successful in their careers. The posters are hung in the graduate’s alma mater, the JCPS central office and are featured on the district’s social media.

“JCPS is proud of our graduates and what they’ve accomplished,” Dr. Hargens said. “We enjoy sharing information about our graduates with the community and our students because it inspires them and shows how education can change the trajectory of a life and provide a sound foundation on which to build a successful career.”

Know an alum who should be featured on an “I am JCPS” poster? Email us here.

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