Masters ElementaryMasters Elementary

Chris MastersTom Walker

Our ObjectivesOur Objectives

To show why naming the Woodlake parkway school “Masters Elementary” would honor an individual who served the Kirby community.

To explain why JL Masters would provide a fine example to all students.

CriteriaCriteria

We will focus on proving the following criteria:– To honor an outstanding individual who

shall have attained educational prominence in the district.

Who Is JL Masters?Who Is JL Masters?

Decorated WWII veteran.– 13th air force in south pacific.– 42 completed missions.

Local homebuilder for over 50 years. Moved to Kirby in 1959. Served as Kirby street Commisioner. JISD board member 1966 -1973. Devoted husband and father of 3. Passed away on Nov. 30, 2000 at age

79.

Accolades Accolades

Helped begin Vocational training / Shop Class.

Helped start the Kirby Elementary PTA.

Helped Start the Judson Booster Club.

Active in all district fund raising efforts.

Accolades (Cont…)Accolades (Cont…)

Donated time and materials to build first stadium concession stand.

Fought overcrowding and low tax rate by forcing developer to build school along with new subdivision.

Donated land for the Kirby Little League Fields.

Believed in “Rocket Pride”. At least 1 Masters in JISD for over 50 years.

Why Masters Elementary?Why Masters Elementary?

Believed in the well being of all kids.

Loved and respected by all who knew him.

Honoring JISD tradition by honoring one of their own.

Believed in the betterment of man.

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The following are copies of correspondence sent to you, over the last several months, from family members, alumni and citizens who support our initiative.

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Sean,         I am writing you to give you my suggestion for the name of the new Elementary school. I would like to see it named after a former World War two veteran, Judson ISD school board member, converse business owner and advocate for the community youth, James L. Masters. His name is on many Judson school dedication plates, including Hopkins, Kirby Middle School, Park Village, Franz Elementary, and Coronado elementary. He was a board member from the middle 1960’s to the early 1970’s, leading the district in many different and positive ways. He had two son’s graduate from Judson, Mike Masters and Jim Masters, who were star athletes and students, both had their children at Judson and are very popular and well known in the community. James donated the land that Kirby Little league plays on to this day, helping thousands of children thru the years have a place to play. He was in the airborne unit of the Army and was highly decorated for his service. He passed away about four years ago, but he is survived by his wife who lives in Shertz. For all of the things that James Masters did in his life this brief summary can not do him justice. Please call me if you would like more information, I am convinced that this would be a name that the kids of that school would be proud to attend. Thanks,  Tom WalkerFire Alarm Tech, Judson Maintenance559-0211, 666-9522, 831-8123

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Mam/Sir It is my honor to submit Mr. James L Masters name for consideration in naming the new elementary school being built on FM 1516.  His contributions and voluntary service to this community span over decades and remain to this day as the Kirby Little League continues to utilize land he donated to serve area families.Thank You

D Bartel

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To those concerned: I am writing to you to add my name to the growing list of petitioners in support of MASTERS ELEMENTARY to be the name of the new elementary being built for the children of the Judson ISD. Mr. James L. Masters, Sr. was not only a positive influence on his community, WWII veteran, and a former Judson ISD trustee , but he was also a family man. He started a building business over 50 years ago to provide for his family after the war and that business provided many new homes in the Judson ISD area. I feel his involvement with family and community justifies consideration for naming the new elementary "Masters Elementary", and I do thank you in advance for any consideration given this nomination. Sincerely ,Sharon MastersAS400 Admin - San Antonio210 224 4291 .128

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Subject: Masters Elementary

I would like to give my support, to have the Judson Independent School District name the new elementary school James L. Masters

Sincerely, Brenda Formosa

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Dear Board Members,

I live and my children go to school in the Judson School District for the past 14 years and  I would like to put my vote in for James L. Masters, Sr.  as having his name nominated for the  new elementary  in Converse, Texas.

Yours truly,

Terri Savely 5949 Summer Fest San Antonio, Texas 78244

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Please accept this recommendation that the new elementary school be named for Mr. James L. Masters. As you know Mr. Masters worked all his life in the Judson-Kirby area. His many generous deeds for families and children have been noted and are etched in the minds of all the many people who were the recipients of that generosity. To honor him in this way honors his family and all those he worked so hard to help. Your kind consideration of this request is appreciated. Susie Kroll

LettersLetters Dear Board Members: My name is Michele Scotti (formerly Masters.) I am a 1993 graduate of Judson High School and I was recently informed that our school district has been looking at various names for a new elementary school. To my surprise, I was told that my grandfather’s name, James L. Masters, has been submitted to the board for consideration. It is because of this that I am writing you today to show my utmost appreciation and support. My grandfather was such a wonderful man, father, grandfather and friend to many. He was very active in his community and would do anything to help even a stranger. As you know, he was a decorated WW II veteran, local business owner and a Judson ISD trustee in the 60's-70's. He played a major role in helping establish an Athletic program at Judson... and we all know how that turned out :) He was known for donating his time to the school and his community - building Judson’s first concession stand and donating the land that Kirby Little League uses to this day for their baseball program. This, in itself, has given joy to so many children and their families over the years! I have personally visited these fields and have seen the smiling faces and healthy family atmosphere that it provides to so many. Although I know you have already heard about many of these wonderful things he did for his community from others, I wanted to also tell you some of my own personal memories of James L. Masters and why I truly think you should name the new elementary school “Masters Elementary.” 

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James L. Masters was quite a unique man, in that, he truly and deeply loved children and enjoyed seeing them grow and laugh. Regardless of how much work he had to do in a day, if we visited him, he would stop whatever he was doing to take us for rides on the tractor or diligently work with us for hours to build our ‘fort’ in the brush behind the house.

 He was also an avid outdoors man and loved to teach children about nature. He spent many weekends helping children learn to hunt while stressing the importance of appreciating nature and the animals we hunted. To this day, I love the outdoors (hunting, fishing, camping, etc) and find so much joy in teaching my own boys the many lessons my grandfather taught me.

 All in all, my grandfather was truly a wonderful man. He was an honest individual who dealt with people on a handshake and wholeheartedly cherished his family and community. I am truly touched at his nomination. I have personally always known what a beautiful person he was and it deeply touches me that we have had the opportunity to share him with all of you as well. I just pray that you will help us honor his achievements and dedication to the community forever by choosing to name our new school “Masters Elementary.”

 Thank you very much for your time and consideration. It is appreciated more than you will ever know!

 Sincerely,

 Michelle Scotti

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Hello, I'd like to vote for the name of "Masters Elementary" for the new elementary school. Thank you very much for your consideration. Melissa Arredondo

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Dear School Board members, I just wanted to let you know that Mr. Masters was a great leader in the community and is very deserving of having a school named after him. Thank you for your time. Yvonne GriffinJudson School District Resident

LettersLettersDr. Mackey...My name is Chris Masters and I am 1991 graduate of Judson High. Last fall, we started a campaign to have the new elementary school named after my late grandfather and former JISD board member, JL Masters Sr. We have sent numerous letters, emails, and a petition to the district office. Last fall, we made our case in front of the board. On numerous occasions, we were told to look for a new application process online. However, we have yet to see anything new that pertains to this issue and have yet to receive any new communication from the board.  As a new superintendent to this district, I understand you have several issues that demand your immediate attention. I can think of no other way to honor the traditions and great history this district was built on then to name the new elementary school after one of its own. I am respectfully asking for your support in this matter. Sincerely...Chris Masters

LettersLettersTo the Members of the Judson I.S.D. School Board…

I wish to offer some comments to you for your consideration concerning an effort being made to consider my late father Mr. J.L. (Jim) Masters, or "Pap-Paw" to some, in the naming of a new elementary school you are working on. This effort was initiated by a J.I.S.D. employee of yours Mr. Tom Walker and his family, and my son Mr. Chris Masters. Tom Walker lived down the street from us growing up but was at my house more than his, playing with my son Chris. Tom was included in our activities as a family, and as far as we are concerned is a family member. Tom knew my dad very well, and speaks from the heart when he talks about him. Tom is a credit to your school, or anything he participates in because of the quality of a man he has become, not because he speaks of my dad, even though his feelings are genuine. By now different people have told you different stories about my dad. Some of what I would add for your consideration is this:  My dad moved to Kirby in August in 1959. At that time there was a 4-room white schoolhouse in Kirby where grades 1 thru 8 were there. If memory serves me, I think the first graduating class in 1959 was only 12 or so people. I knew a few of them. My dad worked hard at what he did for a living, but also worked hard in the community. Along with being the Kirby street commissioner, he was asked to participate in the Judson school board and he accepted. He severed faithfully until all of his children graduated in 1973, the last being me. One of the greatest moments in my life was to have my father hand me my diploma at graduation. Since then my kids, and my brother’s kids, have all gone thru Judson, and some of my grandkids are scheduled to graduate there. I guess you can say we believe in "Rocket Pride" 

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My dad helped start the Kirby Elementary P.T.A. and its fundraisers. I remember he would take old lumber (he was a home builder) to the school and build the booths for the school carnival. That was their big fundraiser at the time. Being in the wood business he was asked to make paddles for some of the teacher's like Mr. Joe Hopkins and others. He made the best paddles I found out, unfortunately. (I know now days you can't do that, but this was a different time) My father with others helped form the Judson Booster Club for the athletic program. He built the first concession stand at the current football stadium because they did not have one. He and my mom and other dads and moms worked their tails off for their kids, as well as other people's kid’s well being, and the betterment of the school. He worked on fundraising committees and raffles, even donating the prizes for the school sports program to get new equipment. He also traveled to football games to help with the filming of the games with Mr. Jim Venuto, so the coaches would have game films. People back then donated this to the school.    

Realizing not everyone would go to college, he was involved with bringing the shop class and vocational training to the school because he worked with his hands for a living also. He said at least these kids would have a better chance at a better living and a better life. I could go on, but you can see he was very special to a lot of us. My father contributed an enormous amount of time to your school district because his kids were there and he believed in making a contribution to better our lives, as well as others. And he accomplished that. My father was loved by most that knew him, respected by everyone that knew him and was generous to the

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limits of his means. My father was the most honest man you would ever meet. My father was concerned for you if you crossed his path, and would help you any way he could. He served in his community because he believed it was the right thing to do.

 He and others helped build Judson High School out of plowed farm fields, using government surplus sound equipment for sound systems, at the football games. He bought and sold the supplies at the concession stands for the school, as well as serving on the school board. He donated his time and talent for the kids.

Tom has visited with me about this opportunity. We are honored that his name is being considered. I am biased in my feelings, but I do know what my dad did helped build Judson I.S.D. into what it is today. He did not do what he did in his life trying to have this honor bestowed on him; he did what he did for the kids, and the betterment of the community for all. I know he is worthy, and deserving of such an honor, but it will be up to you to decide if it will come to pass. No matter which way you go on this, his hard work, his contributions, and his efforts to the Judson I.S.D. will live on, because it was done for the right reasons: "The Kids". From his family we would like to thank you for allowing his name to be considered.

 

I Thank You for Your Time…. Mike Masters        

Judson High School Class of 1973

LettersLettersTo Whom It May Concern... I hope each of you had a safe and joyous holiday season. I had the opportunity to speak in front of you at a board meeting last fall, concerning naming the new elementary school after my late grandfather JL Masters Sr. Over the last few months, you have received numerous emails, letters and a petition supporting this initiative. The Masters family has had a long history in the JISD and has had at least one member attending a JISD school for over 50 years. We were raised to be honest, hard working people who were proud to be Judson Rockets. Those foundations began with my grandfather.   My grandfather was someone who preached education, as well as athletics. When I was in the 2nd grade, I remember I was having a very difficult time with my multiplication tables, a common experience for a 2nd grader to experience. My grandfather was working around the house when I got there. As I explained my problem, he stopped what he was doing, proceeded to get out a chalk board, and he spent the afternoon educating me on multiplication and why it was important. Kids need that kind of support and reinforcement to succeed.  This district was built on a rich history of success and the belief that anyone can succeed if you work hard and persevere. I believe it is important for the kids of today to look towards tradition for guidance. In my mind, you must build for the future by honoring the traditions of the past. I respectfully ask that the name Masters Elementary be given strong consideration. I would be more than happy to speak in front of the board again or provide you with any additional information you may need. I thank you for the opportunity. Please feel free to contact me if you need anything further. Sincerely...Chris Masters

PetitionsPetitions

The following are signed petitions from family members, alumni and citizens who support our initiative.

Thank You For Your Thank You For Your Time!Time!