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Back to School Newsletter
August 4, 2023
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Welcome Back!
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students:
I hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits. As we gear up for the new academic year, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome back to Jackson Middle School. We are committed to creating a caring, innovative, and inclusive school community that leads the way in developing confident, critical thinkers through integrated, inquiry-based learning experiences.
I trust that the summer break provided our students with ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration, but now, it's time to embark on another exciting journey of learning and discovery. As always, our dedicated faculty and staff have been hard at work to create an enriching and stimulating environment that will encourage your children to reach new heights academically and personally.
At Jackson Middle School, we take immense pride in our Specialty School status and our integrated curricular themes centered around mathematics and science. Through innovative teaching methods, hands-on experiments, and real-world applications, we strive to inspire our students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and future leaders. We are committed to nurturing their natural curiosity and helping them build a solid foundation for future success.
Throughout the academic year, your child will be exposed to a diverse range of educational experiences, including exciting extracurricular activities, guest speakers, and educational outings. Our aim is to provide a holistic education that goes beyond the classroom, preparing them to face challenges with resilience and confidence.
Communication and collaboration are key elements of our school's values. I encourage each and every one of you, parents and guardians, to actively engage in your child's educational journey. Our doors are always open, and we value your insights and feedback to continuously improve our educational programs.
To stay updated with school news and events, please keep an eye on our website and Smore newsletters. Additionally, you will be able to keep track of your student’s academic progress through Synergy & Google Classroom. Our teachers are eager and open to communication with our families to support your student’s growth.
As we begin the new school year, I want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities. We continue to adhere to all necessary health protocols and measures to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone.
Once again, I extend my warmest welcome to you all. Together, let us make this academic year at Jackson Middle School truly exceptional and transformative for our young scholars. I look forward to witnessing the growth and achievements of each student.
If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or our dedicated staff.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Joel Young, Principal
Jackson Middle School
6th Grade WEB Day
Wednesday, August 23, from 8:10 am - 12:15 pm
This fun-filled event is designed exclusively for sixth graders. Students participate in a variety of large and small group activities and meet with eighth grade mentors who have been specially trained for this event. Watch for more information coming home soon. Bus service is provided for August 23. Eighth grade WEB leaders will have training on Monday, August 21, and Tuesday, August 22, in the morning.
Passport Day
Thursday, August 24, from 9 am - 5 pm
This is the first opportunity to pick up student class schedules. Students/families can enter door #3 to pick up their “passport.” Students MUST have their school picture taken in order to pick up their class schedule. Lifetouch will be here taking student pictures. Photo packages will be available for families that would like to purchase them. Please use code EVTTWVFKZ.
Students will also be able to walk the building, use their locker, put away school supplies, purchase JMS clothing, or put money into their lunch account. Teachers and Counselors WILL NOT be available.
Open House
Wednesday, August 30 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Student schedules can be picked up in Jaguar Gym #3 (upper gym).
This event is very informal and provides an opportunity for students to find their classrooms, meet their teachers, purchase JMS spiritwear, try their lockers, and familiarize themselves with the building. Parking is available in both the east and west parking lot as well as Champlin Park High School. No school pictures will be taken at Open House.
You can also deposit money in your child’s cafeteria account, visit the Community Ed office, and become a JMS Volunteer.
If you need an interpreter or any other assistance for the Open House, please call 506-5308 prior to August 21 so arrangements can be made.
If you are unable to attend either Passport Day or Open House – schedules will be available online starting Thursday, August 31, and in the Counseling Office on Thursday, August 31, from 8 am – 2 pm.
All students will receive a new copy of their schedule the first day of school during Advisory. A list of student Advisory classes will be posted inside the entrances of the school on September 5.
1st Day of School - Tuesday, September 5
On this important and exciting day, all of our staff members and our WEB leaders greet students as they exit the bus and enter the school, offering assistance as needed throughout the day. We make timely announcements during the day and provide extra passing time as needed. Before the first lunch is served, all of our sixth-grade students are given a tour of the cafeteria. Throughout the day (and every day during the first week), teachers help students learn how to open their lockers. During sixth period, we make certain students know what bus they will ride home and teach them where to find that bus at the end of the day. In addition, we dismiss sixth graders a little bit earlier for several days to reduce their stress and anxiety. Finally, our bus drivers always wait for a signal from us before leaving our school – a signal we only send when the sidewalk is clear!
School Pictures
Thursday, August 24 – Passport Day - 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Students will get their picture taken for their student ID and the school yearbook. Photo packages will be available for families that would like to purchase them. Use code EVTTWVFKZ.
Tuesday, September 12- Make up Picture Day
Students who were not able to attend Passport Day will have their pictures taken for student ID’s and the school yearbook. Photo packages are available for families that would like to purchase them.
Tuesday, October 17 – Picture Retake Day
Those who would like to retake their school picture can do so. Students who were not able to attend Passport Day or Make up Picture Day will also have their picture taken for student ID’s.
JMS website
Be sure to check out our website. It is full of information you may be looking for.
JMS eNews
Sent to all family e-mail addresses. JMS eNews delivers Jackson Middle School news to your email inbox. Periodic emails will keep you informed of the latest events affecting our school, our children, and our community. Did you miss one of our e-newsletters? View our e-newsletter archive at ahschools.us/jmsenews.
A-HConnect
A-H Connect is Anoka-Hennepin’s online portal for parents and guardians to access information about their student, including grades, test history, meal account balances and much more. As a JMS parent, this is a valuable tool. You will receive a password from the district, or if you don’t remember your password and need to get a new one, contact A-HConnect at 763-506-HELP or 506help@ahschools.us
Anoka-Hennepin Help Desk Hours:
- School days: 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
- Non-school days: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday
Backpack Online
Sign up to receive Backpack Online, Anoka-Hennepin Schools’ weekly e-newsletter, and stay up to date on school district issues and events.
School Supply List - 2023-2024
Supplies all students will need
- Pencils and pens (please plan to restock each trimester)
- 24 Pack Colored Pencils
- Earbuds/Headphones
- Highlighters
- Erasers
Here is the complete list, including course specific supplies.
23-24 School Calendar
Aug 23 WEB day for 6th grade students only 8:30 am – 12 pm
Aug. 24 Passport Day for Schedule Pick-up and Student Pictures
Aug. 30 Open House
Sept. 5 First Day of School
Sept. 12 Picture Day for students who did not attend Passport Day
Oct. 10 Parent/Teacher Conference
Oct. 12 Parent/Teacher Conference
Oct. 17 Parent/Teacher Conference
Oct. 17 Picture retake day
Oct. 18 Staff Development, No School
Oct. 19-20 Teacher’s Convention, No School
Nov. 22 Conference Conversion Day, No School
Nov. 23-24 Thanksgiving Break, No School
Nov. 30 End of Trimester 1
School Hours & Daily Class Schedule
The school day is 8:30 am - 3:10 pm
Students who arrive early must have a predetermined destination, i.e. working in a classroom with a teacher. Students will NEED PERMISSION from their teacher to enter the school prior to 8:00 am. Door 1 opens at 7:45 am for students who have made previous arrangements to work with a teacher. Breakfast is served starting at 8 am, students should enter door 4 if they are dropped off early for breakfast. All other doors are open at 8:10 am when all students are allowed in the school. Students are not allowed to ride the high school bus route in order to arrive early at JMS.
Conferences
Conferences are scheduled using My Conference Time. Scheduled conferences for the fall will be on the following dates:
- Tuesday, October 10, from 3:45 - 7:35 pm
- Thursday, October 12, from 3:45 - 7:30 pm
- Tuesday, October 17, from 3:45 - 7:30 pm
Fall Conference scheduling will be available starting September 18. Parents/guardians can visit this website for some "how to" videos on signing up for scheduled parent/teacher conferences.
Chromebook Bags for Incoming 7th Graders
Incoming 7th graders who attended Jackson Middle School as 6th graders are reminded to bring their Chromebook bags from last year to school on the first day of school. Chromebook bags will be kept in student lockers until Chromebooks are distributed the first week of school. There is a very limited amount of replacement bags to purchase for students that have lost their Chromebook bag. New to JMS 7th graders will receive a new Chromebook bag. Chromebook bags are required for all students to transport their school issued Chromebook between classes and to and from home.
Device Protection Plan
Enrollment for the 2023-24 school year is now open.
Technology plays an important role in preparing students for life, and Chromebooks are utilized as a daily learning tool in Anoka-Hennepin middle and high school classrooms. Anoka-Hennepin students in grades 6-12 are assigned a Chromebook from the school district to ensure access to technology systems that support classroom learning.
The Technology Protection Plan is optional; it is not required, however, by electing not to participate in the Protection Plan, families may be required to reimburse the school district for the replacement or repair of damaged Chromebooks assigned to their student/s. Damaged or broken screens may cost between $100 to $190 depending on parts needed; or the replacement cost for the entire device could be up to $410.
Families can opt-in to the Device Protection Plan by logging into A-HConnect, and selecting "My Student Information," and "Fees." Parents must select or decline coverage under the Device Protection Plan.
The plan cost is $20 per student or $60 per family per school year.
If the student qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals in the 2023-24 school year, the cost of the Protection Plan will be reduced to $0.
Repairs with the Protection Plan are subject to a $15 deductible.
Emergency Information
All back-to-school forms are completed online. In order to participate in this verification process, parents/guardians need to engage with the My Student Information program. You can validate your parent account today by logging into A-HConnect and selecting the “My Student Information” icon from a desktop computer or tablet. My Student Information holds a variety of student information, including attendance and grades once the middle and high school levels are reached. If you’re unfamiliar with your credentials for this system, please call 763-506-HELP for assistance.
Lockers
Each student is assigned a locker for books and school supplies. The locker number and combination will be on the student schedule. Students are not allowed to share (or trade) their lockers with others. Parents, please encourage your child to keep the combination to his/her locker confidential. As a school, we are not responsible for lost or stolen property. All backpacks need to be in lockers during the school day.
Electronics Policy
Jackson Middle School is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged electronic devices.
Electronic devices are not permitted for student use at any time during the school day. The school day is classified as the time frame between 8:30 -3:10 p.m. At all Anoka-Hennepin Middle Schools, electronic devices must be concealed and shall not be powered on or used in any way during regular operations of the school day, during other school-sponsored and supervised group activities during the school day (e.g., during student assemblies, field trips, events, or other ceremonies, etc.), or when their use is otherwise prohibited by school personnel.
A student may contact a parent/guardian using a school phone with permission from the teacher or administration at a time that does not interfere with instruction. Parents/guardians who need to communicate with their student about an urgent matter (e.g., unplanned doctor/dentist appointment or change in pick-up plans) should contact the main office and a message will be delivered to the student in a timely manner.
Taking pictures or videotaping other students or school staff is prohibited without the permission of a teacher or administrator per district guidelines. Cell phones, cameras, and any electronic device that has a camera are not permitted to be used in the locker rooms or restrooms. Portable electronic devices/earbuds used without the appropriate approval may result in disciplinary action. Student removal of a memory chip or battery from a phone in the process of being confiscated may be considered grounds for disciplinary action by school administration.
Students who record other students fighting or engaged in behaviors that violate district policy or school behavior expectations are subject to disciplinary action, including suspension from school.
Students who, upon their third violation of the electronics policy may have their phone confiscated by administration and returned only to a parent/guardian following a conversation/conference with administration. Further violations may include the student no longer being allowed to bring the device to school, or turning it into the assistant principals’ office from 8:30 am - 3:10 pm.
Attendance Policy
Attendance/Absence Line/Truancy
763-506-5206 (24-Hour Automated Voice Mail)
Absent?? Each morning your student is absent due to illness, a medical appointment or sudden family emergencies, a parent/guardian should call the school, (763-506-5206) before 8:15 a.m. and leave the information on the absence line. Students can expect that an attendance secretary will be verifying absences and will require a parent/guardian phone call or note. It is very important that we know when your student will be missing school. The absence line is a voice mail and is available 24 hours a day so you can leave a message at any time.
Leaving Early?? If you need to pick your child up early for an appointment, please send a note with your child in the morning so they can get a pass. Your child will be waiting for you in the attendance office when you arrive to sign them out. If you find out about an appointment the same day, please call the attendance office at 763-506-5207. A pass can be sent to the student so they can be waiting for you when you arrive.
Jackson Middle School follows the guidelines recommended by Hennepin County for handling attendance and truancy at the middle school level: After 8 days of absences from school, a letter may be sent to parents/guardians informing them of their child’s missed days from school. After 12 days of absences from school, a letter may be sent to parents/guardians informing them of their child’s missed days from school and informing them that a doctor’s note will be required for any future absences from school and the absence will be marked truant without a doctor’s note. Parents/guardians will be notified after 3 days of truancy and truancy may be filed with Hennepin County after 6 days of truancy.
Visitors & Visitor Parking
Visitors Are Welcome - To ensure the safety of our students, all visitors to the building are required to scan their driver’s license at door #1 and wear a visitor badge. Parents who wish to visit the school are welcome any time. Please call to make arrangements. Student visitors, however, are not permitted during school hours.
Visitor Parking - For the safety of all students, we ask for parent cooperation with the following Parking Lot/Visitor guidelines:
Please do not enter the front drive area between 7:45 – 8:45 am and 2:30 – 5:00 pm as these are bus loading/unloading times.
Please use the East Parking lot at these times for student pickup and drop off.
Student Drop-off/Pick-up
Parents must use our east JMS lot for student drop-off and pick-up before school, after school and after activities in order to keep the bus lanes open. The parking lot is very crowded so, for the safety of our students and staff that are walking, it is important that all cars follow the marked lanes around the large loop to the drop off area. The entire drop off area can be used for students to exit cars. We encourage parents to use district provided transportation whenever possible.
Door 1 opens at 7:45 a.m. for students who have made previous arrangements to work with a teacher. Students will NEED A PASS from their teacher in order to enter the school prior to 8:00 AM. Our cafeteria begins serving breakfast at 8:00 am. Students should enter door #4 for breakfast. All other doors are open at 8:10 am when all students are allowed in the school.
Child Nutrition Meal Information
Effective September 5, 2023, each student will have the opportunity to receive one free reimbursable breakfast and one free reimbursable lunch each school day. Free meals are now available due to the passage of the Minnesota Free School Meals Bill passed in March 2023.
To receive a meal, students will use their ID numbers, school issued ID card, or the SchoolCafe app (secondary schools) to access their meal account. Note: free meals are complete meals only. Students who do not want the complete meal, or only want specific items will be
charged A la Carte pricing for these items. Examples of A la Carte purchases would be:
• The entrée portion of the day.
• Milk purchased separately from a meal.
• Snack items, beverages such as bottled water, sports drinks, etc.
Students will be offered a variety of options for breakfast and lunch, menus can be found here.
Child Nutrition staff will assist your student to make sure they have the right amount of food to make their choices a meal. Please remember that every student must take a fruit or vegetable serving to make their meal complete.
While students must take a minimum serving of a fruit or vegetable, at Anoka-Hennepin Schools we offer our students as much as they care to eat of fruits or vegetables. Students may take multiple servings of fruits or vegetables with their meal as long as it is a reasonable amount that can be eaten during the meal period.
To purchase any A la Carte item (milk, juice, water, additional entrees, etc.), students must have money in their meal account. Charging is not allowed. Online meal account payments can be made in SchoolPay by logging in to your parent AHConnect account. Click on
MyStudentInformation, then Fee, then Food Service, then Add Funds. There is no fee to make online payments. Payments can take up to two hours to show up in your students account. Balances are only uploaded to SchoolPay nightly.
For assistance with AHConnect usernames and passwords contact the Anoka-Hennepin Help Desk at 763-506-4357.
Immunization Information
Minnesota state law requires all students to be immunized before entrance to seventh grade. Your student could need one or more vaccinations or a legal exemption to meet these requirements. Be aware that seventh grade students need to have a Tdap (3 doses, the last after age 7), Polio (3 doses), MMR (2 doses), Hepatitis B (3 doses), Varicella (chicken pox) (2 doses or verification of having had the disease), Meningitis (meningococcal) (1 dose after 10th birthday). Please check with your school health service department or private medical provider if you are unsure which immunizations your child is lacking.
The school health service must receive either written verification of the month, day, and year that your student received these immunizations, medical documentation of having had chicken pox, a letter from your private medical provider exempting them from the shots, or a notarized form, signed by the parent, objecting to the vaccinations. These can be mailed to the health service or faxed from your clinic (763-506-5323).
Your physician may give these immunizations. If you have no medical insurance that covers immunizations, another option is to utilize the immunization clinics of Anoka County (763-323-6100) or Hennepin County (612-348-2884). A parent or legal guardian must accompany students under the age of 18 to immunization clinics.
Frequently asked Questions in Health Service
Do you allow students to call home if they are ill?
Students may call home from the Health Service phone or may use their cell phone in the Health Office with permission of the Health Service staff.
What are the procedures for taking medicine at school?
All medication must arrive in the original packaging, which displays dosage, frequency, and age requirements (do not send medicine in baggies or just in the bubble wrap). Prescription medication needs to have a pharmacy label with the student’s name and directions for giving. Prescription medication needs both a signed physician’s order and parental permission. Over the counter medications need parental permission.
Can students carry their own inhaler?
With an order from the doctor and signed permission from a parent and the school nurse, students are allowed to carry their own inhaler. It is recommended that a back-up inhaler be kept in the health office. All inhalers must have a pharmacy label on the inhaler.
What if a student has a doctor or dentist appointment?
If a student has an appointment, please send a note and have your student bring it to the Attendance Office before the start of the school day. If the student is walking to the appointment or is being transported by someone other than a parent, that information should be included on the request. Please do not call at the last minute and request that we have your student ready to leave for his/her appointment.
Who can pick up the student if he/she is ill?
Only individuals identified as emergency contacts are allowed to pick up a student. If this is not possible, special arrangements need to be made with health service staff. If you must have someone pick up your child who is not listed on the emergency information form, contact the Health Service Dept. directly.
How do we contact health service?
The direct number for the health office is 763-506-5204. The fax number is 763-506-5323. All immunizations and doctor orders can be faxed from your clinic/hospital to health service
Fundraisers at JMS
There are several ways that you can help raise money for Jackson Middle School, A Specialty School for Math and Science! Below are the ways that you can help. More information will be coming soon.
- This year we are partnering with a NEW fundraiser called Apex Leadership Company. Look for more information in the Fall 2023!
- Box Tops for Education: All you need is your phone! Download the Box Tops app, shop as you normally would, then use the app to scan your store receipt with in 14 days of purchase. The app will identify Box Top products on your receipt and automatically credit school earnings online.
- Coca-Cola Give: Please consider saving and entering the codes inside the bottle tops or 12/24 packs to earn money for JMS! Simply sign up at Coca-Cola Give, choose Jackson Middle School in Champlin, MN as your designated school and enter the code on the package. Codes can also be turned in at our main office.
Welcome to the 2023-2024 JMS Volunteer Program
We love and need our volunteers here at Jackson. Each year volunteers must fill out a new volunteer application form for each school. July 1 is the day you can start filling out your forms for the 2023-2024 school year.
We have Passport Day and Open House in August and need a lot of volunteers, please consider volunteering.
Passport Day: Thursday, August 24, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Volunteers are needed to help hand out student schedules, help with school pictures and sell JMS spirit wear. Shifts are 2.5 - 3 hours throughout the day and we would love your support. Please consider signing up for a shift or two!
Open House: Tuesday, August 30, 6:00-8:00 pm.
Volunteers are needed to help hand out student schedules and help sell JMS spirit wear.
If you’re not currently part of the JMS Volunteer Program, be sure to inquire today.
To sign up to volunteer for either Passport Day or Open House (or both!) You will need to fill out a Volunteer Application and a Criminal Record History Release Form.
Thank you!
Register now for fall classes and activities!
Anoka-Hennepin Community Education hosts a wide variety of classes, clubs, recreational activities, and events to enhance your child's academic and social experiences after school, in the evening or on the weekend. Community Education also coordinates all middle school athletic programs for students in grades 6-8. Fall opportunities include cross country, soccer, boys flag football, girls tennis, and girls volleyball. Browse classes/activities and register online.
This e-newsletter is published by Jackson Middle School, supported by the Anoka-Hennepin communication and public relations department. Questions, comment or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.