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News and events - Aug. 18, 2023
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Welcome Back
By now you should have received our Welcome-Back eNewsletter. A postcard from Mr. Young, Principal, Jackson Middle School, A Specialty School for Math and Science has just been mailed out and you should receive that soon.
Here are important dates you need to be aware of:
August 23 – WEB Day for 6th grade students, 8:30 am – 12:15 pm
August 24 – Passport Day – 9 am – 5 pm
August 30 – Open House – 6:00 – 8:00 pm
September 5 – First day of school
WEB Day - 6th Grade Students
6th grade students are encouraged to join us for WEB day on Wednesday, August 23, 8:30 – 12:15. The purpose of this day is to make the transition from elementary school to middle school a positive one. Eighth graders will be serving as leaders and mentors to the sixth graders. Large and small group activities, as well as a school tour, will be provided for all students in attendance. We hope to see you there!
Bus information was mailed to homes on Thursday, August 17. You should receive that soon.
Passport Day Information
Please join us on August 24, from 9 am - 5 pm, for our JMS Passport Day. Passport Day is the first opportunity for students to pick up their class schedule and locker assignment. We encourage students to walk through their class schedule and try out their assigned lockers/combinations.
- Students are required to have their photo taken for student ID’s and Yearbook. Students should wear clothing that is appropriate for a normal school day.
- Jaguar apparel will be available for purchase at Door #1 (cash/check only).
- Teachers and School Counselors are not available on Passport Day
Passport Day is also a great time for families to do the following: visit the JMS Health Office, visit the Jackson Middle School Observatory starting at 10 am, gather Community Education information, sign up for Volunteer Opportunities.
For students who are unable to come to Passport Day, schedules and locker assignments will be available online starting Friday, August 25. Schedules are also available for pick-up at Open House, Wednesday, August 30, 6 - 8 pm. . School photos will not be taken at Open House.
Picture Day - August 24
JMS Picture Day is Thursday, August 24. 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. You can order your pictures online using Picture Day ID EVTTWVFKZ. Order forms will also be available on-site during Passport Day.
Make-up picture day is Tuesday, September 12, for students not able to attend Passport Day.
Picture retake day will be Tuesday, October 17, for students who miss both Passport Day and make-up picture day, or for students who would like to retake their school picture.
Complete back-to-school verification, now
Families are required to update emergency contact information and review school policies each year
Make a plan to complete your student’s back-to-school verification, now. Families may complete the verification online by logging into A-HConnect.
It’s important that each family completes the verification process before the first day of school. Verification ensures that each student’s school has confirmed emergency contact information and releases for the safety of each student.
Families may complete the verification on their own time, whenever it’s convenient. Even if families’ contact information has not changed, it’s important to log in to access a variety of other student information in the coming weeks, including class schedules and teacher assignments, attendance, school handbooks, progress reports and grades for middle and high school students. High school students will not be able to enroll in fall activities until the back to school verification process is complete.
By logging in to complete student verification for the upcoming school year, families may also apply to receive additional educational benefits, discounts and reduced fees after completing the verification process.
Login to A-HConnect to complete your student’s back to school forms for the upcoming school year.
Parents/guardians can access back to school forms by clicking the lock icon and “Login” at the top right corner of any district or school website.
Then, select, "My Student Information."
Next, choose “Online registration.”
Select “Back-to-school annual verification.”
If you need help finding your login/password, call 763-506-HELP or email 506help@ahschools.us for assistance.
Families of students in middle and high school
Back to school verification also includes the option to enroll in an optional device protection plan for district-issued Chromebooks, which are assigned to students in grades 6-12 to ensure access to technology systems that support classroom learning. Visit ahschools.us/techprotect to learn more about Chromebook protection and insurance options.
Modified middle school cell phone guidelines promote learning
Anoka-Hennepin Schools is committed to providing students and staff with a safe, secure, and positive learning and working environment. In an effort to improve student focus on learning and reduce distractions during the school year, a modification of the current cell phone guidelines has been made.
The new middle school guidelines, which will be in place for 2023-24, state: At all six middle schools in the district, 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, ect.), or when their use is otherwise prohibited by school personnel.
Parents/guardians are advised to call the school office if they need to contact their child during the school day. School administration and staff greatly appreciate your support.
The impact of cell phones on student’s developing brains and their educational success is well researched. Consider reviewing resources available as your family prepares for the upcoming school year:
Jackson Middle School Observatory
Join us at the JMS Observatory to look at stars, the moon, constellations, and anything else we can find in space. Public viewings will be held , along with special event nights, as long as the sky is clear, when something of interest is happening in the sky above us. Weather is always an issue so if it is cloudy or raining, the public viewing will be cancelled. Dress for the weather as the temperature of the dome is the same as that of the outdoors.
Please check the Observatory page on the JMS website at 6:00 p.m. on viewing dates to make sure viewing has not been cancelled.
Directions to the Observatory
Tuesday, August 22, 8:30-10:30 pm
Thursday, August 24, 8:30-10:30 pm
Monday, August 28, 8:30-10:30 pm
Tuesday, September 19, 7:30-9:30 pm
Monday, September 25, 7:30-9:30 pm
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
Tech Protect: Device Protection Plan available for families with students assigned district Chromebooks
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.
Child Nutrition Update
The state’s Free School Meals program to begin in 2023, families will still need to apply to qualify for more educational benefits
Starting Sept. 5, 2023, every student may receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost during the school year. The state’s Free School Meals program will cover the cost of one breakfast meal and one lunch meal for every student daily, however the cost of a la carte items, such as milk, other drinks, or extra meal items will not be covered. Students will need to have funds in their meal accounts to purchase any additional food items.
If your family needs access to any other educational benefits available to your student, please visit ahschools.us/freereduced to complete an application.
The enrollment window for the 2023 Applications for Educational Benefits begins Aug. 1, 2023.
Anoka-Hennepin asks that all families complete an online application to provide additional school funding to support all students in the district. By filling out this application, your school can earn funding and you can save money.
Educational benefits include:
Athletics fees: Eligible students may qualify for fees to be waived or reduced.
SAT, ACT, AP Fees: Students may be eligible for discounted fees for academic tests and some lab fees.
Other high school activities: Students may qualify for discounts on speech, debate, theater, band and others.
Additional benefits and cost savings: Chromebook device protection, Comcast Internet Essentials discount, Amazon Prime membership discounts, discounted bus fares with Metro Transit, Xcel Energy account assistance, discounts at museums and theaters.
Volunteer news
Volunteer Services is coordinated by Anoka-Hennepin Parent Involvement, a Community Education program. Anoka-Hennepin Schools are grateful that each year, over 10,000 dedicated volunteers contribute thousands of hours of their time, energy and talents to support our schools, students and staff.
We are still in need of volunteers to help with Passport Day on August 24. Please Sign up for a shift here.
Volunteers are also needed for our Open House to sell spirit wear and hand out students schedules. If you are interested in helping, please sign up here.
If you have any questions, please email Beth Berk.
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.