Hope Poelma

Mrs. Poelma is a new asset to Biloxi Jr. High this year. She has consistently demonstrated excellence as a teacher here at BJH. Mrs. Poelma possesses the patience, empathy, and dedication necessary to meet the diverse needs of students with exceptionalities. She approaches each child with compassion and respect, fostering a supportive learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and capable of growth.

From the moment students enter Mrs. Poelma’s classroom, they are welcomed into an environment of trust, respect, and encouragement. She takes the time to truly know each student as an individual, recognizing their strengths, interests, and challenges—and uses that understanding to guide both instruction and personal support.

Coach Polk is a teacher and coach who dedicates himself to more than just academics and sports; he helps his students recognize their own ability to practice self-control, build meaningful connections with peers and authority figures, and feel protected both inside and out of the classroom. He creates an environment that shows students that when they feel safe and supported, they can focus more fully on learning and personal growth. As a football coach, he uses the sport to strengthen relationships, teaching discipline, teamwork, and perseverance while holding his athletes accountable both on the field and in the classroom. His ultimate goal is to prepare his students to be receptive to education, equipping them with the skills and mindset they need to succeed in their futures.

Beyond his work with students, Coach Polk is also a valuable support to his colleagues. He willingly steps in when challenges arise, entering classrooms to help correct behaviors, collaborating on strategies to assist students, and removing disruptions with professionalism and care. Whether guiding students toward self-control, holding athletes to high standards, or partnering with other teachers to improve the classroom environment, Coach Polk’s presence strengthens both his students and his coworkers. His commitment to accountability and teamwork extends far beyond football, shaping a school community where every student has the best possible chance to thrive

Starfish Award Winners!  

Big congratulations to Coach Harvey and Coach Welter, BJH Starfish Award recipients this week! As dedicated PE coaches, they inspire and motivate students both on the field ⚽🏈⚾ every day.  

They encourage students to be their best selves and always give 100%. I couldn’t ask for better teammates to work alongside!  

Help us celebrate their well-deserved recognition and thank them for their positive impact on our BJH community! 🎉

#StarfishAward #Teamwork 

Starfish Award – Coach Cothran 

Coach Cothran is the kind of teacher and coach who makes a lasting impact far beyond the BJH gym and baseball field. He leads with compassion, pushes his students to be their best, and shows up every single day ready to give his all. Whether it’s lending his own son’s catcher’s mitt to a player in need or holding his team to high standards with that signature hat-to-the-knee or “that stare” as the players call it, Coach Cothran builds not just athletes—but strong, confident young people. His hard work, heart, and dedication make him a role model and the perfect recipient of the Starfish Award.  I am honored to work alongside him! 

Mrs. Crider is being recognized with the Starfish Teacher award because she consistently demonstrates qualities that make her stand out as an exceptional colleague. She is always helpful, offering support and guidance to those around her in ways that strengthen the entire school community. Her calm and approachable demeanor makes her someone others naturally feel comfortable turning to for advice or encouragement. Above all, her kindness shines through in every interaction, creating a positive and welcoming environment for both staff and students. 

Starfish of the Week - Coach Sini   

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This week, I want to shine a spotlight on someone whose hard work often happens quietly in the background, but whose impact is felt all across our campus.

Coach Sinisa Vukadin is always ready to lend a hand taking on every task with dedication,skills,and a positive attitude,keeping our grounds looking beautiful,and jumping in wherever help is needed. His dedication, kindness, and willingness to go above and beyond never go unnoticed by those of us who work alongside him.

Thank you!!, Coach Sinisa Vukadin, for all you do to make our school a better place. Your hard work, positive spirit, and helpful nature inspire us all. 

We truly appreciate you!

 Mrs. Rivera

I nominate Loren Huynh for Starfish Teacher of the Week for her unwavering dedication to her students. Her impeccable ability to make lasting connections with all her students is due to her classroom management style, which creates a fun and creative classroom environment. Her students know that she is their champion from the beginning to the end of the school year. Not only is she an exemplary teacher, but she also continually challenges herself to be a better version of herself each year. She has conquered the world of ELA and is now tackling a new challenge this year, the world of math. She is an example to all of us of the importance of continuing to learn and grow in the best profession: education. I am incredibly proud of her this year and know that her students will be all the better for having had the opportunity to know her.  

STARFISH TEACHER 

My pick for starfish teacher is Jacqueline Rivera! Mrs. Rivera goes out of her way for every teacher and holds students to a high expectation in every regard. She understands that every student must be given a chance to succeed and she helps us bridge the gap between Spanish speaking students and parents and teachers. She is always ready to jump into a meeting at a moment's notice, cares about all of her colleagues and is willing to stay after school any time you need her. Her translations are concise and accurate while maintaining a friendly and professional tone. The success of our school would not be possible without Mrs. Rivera and her translation skills. She goes above and beyond, showing up at parent conferences, helping all students, and loving them above all else. 

Love always, 

Ms. Huynh