Jaguar Journal

Dear Jepson Families,

Congratulations to everyone who participated in this year’s Color Battle. Students enjoyed fun games culminating with the multi-colored battle royale. Thank you to our talented Leadership Teachers Christina Morace, Cynthia Coble, Ryan Williams, our enthusiastic Leadership kids, our generous PTC, led by President Heather Santopadre, and our fantastic parent volunteers for a great event that raised thousands of dollars for our school.

Last month, we celebrated a special event at Jepson—the grand opening of our new Jaguar Zen Den! This is a special place in our counseling office where students who are experiencing anxiety, stress, or big emotions can go to regroup and visit with a counselor. Congratulations to our creative, dedicated, and compassionate Girl Scouts mentored by teacher Cynthia Coble and our fantastic counseling team of Angi Roe, Cindy Ayala, Chabeli Lopez, and Anita Kelly for creating a space that will help us serve the social-emotional needs of our students for many years to come.

Last week, 7th grade counselor Cindy Ayala visited classes to share important information about Jepson with our students. Topics included the roles of counselors, how to schedule a visit at the counseling office, the importance of grades, sports eligibility, how to report bullying, crisis resources on campus, how to get involved in campus life, and more. We want all of our students to enjoy their school experiences and be connected to Jepson in positive ways.

We are truly fortunate to have your child with us every day. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Go Jags!

Tom McHale, Principal

Joe Cooney, Assistant Principal

Jackie Carmona, Dean of Learning Support

Si necesita esta boletine informativo traducido en Español, por favor, haga cliq en la palabra a la derecha que dice "Translate" y escoja "Spanish".

• 10/2 - 10/6: Anti-bullying Week
• 10/4: Dine and Donate @ Murillo's on Merchant
• 10/9: No School, Indigenous People’s Day
  
• 10/10: Fall Sports Rally during both lunches
• 10/12: 8th Grade Outsider's Day
• 10/13: Picture RETAKE Day & End of Quarter 1
• 10/20: Quarter 1 Report Cards mailed home
• 10/23 - 10/27: Red Ribbon Week
• 10/27: Costume Bash Dance, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
• 11/10: No School, Veteran's Day
• 11/20 - 11/24: No School, Thanksgiving Break

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and at Jepson, we are advocating for an anti-bullying campus starting with a spirit week to raise awareness.

On Monday, 10/2, students were educated on Bullying Prevention during Study Hall. They learned what is considered bullying, the various types of bullying, the importance of empathy and not being a bystander, but an upstander instead. Students are encouraged to report bullying to a teacher, counselor, or other trusted adult. They are also able to anonymously report bullying through the "Bully Box" outside of the Counseling Office OR through the Be The Solution number, (844)707-0049.

Our fall sports are in full swing! Check out our website for the Fall Sports (Flag Football, Volleyball, and Cross Country) schedules.

This week, on October 4th, our first small group led by our counselor, Ms. Chabeli Lopez will begin. The first small group of the year will focus on Academic Success. Students who signed up will receive a pass during study hall to participate. This will be a 4-week long program.

Last month, we celebrated a very special event at Jepson—the grand opening of our new Jaguar Zen Den! Congratulations to our creative, dedicated, and compassionate Girl Scouts, mentored by Cynthia Coble, and our fantastic counseling team of Angi Roe, Cindy Ayala, Chabeli Lopez, and Anita Kelly for envisioning a space that will help us serve the social-emotional needs of our students for many years to come.

The Jaguar Zen Den is a safe space for students who are experiencing negative emotions.

We have tools in here like coloring, fidget toys, puzzles, sensory items, books, and informational brochures that you can use to self-help in regulating your emotions.

You can access this space by:

• Coming into the counseling office before school, at lunch, or after school (sign in on the chromebook) or talking with Mrs. Anita
• Complete the Google form in the counseling Google Classroom
• Tell your teacher you need a break

Kind regards,

Counseling Department

Last week our AVID students enjoyed a visit to CSU East Bay to tour the campus and learn about educational opportunities and campus life there. We appreciate Tracy Begley, Cynthia Coble, and Angi Roe for making this college and career opportunity possible for our kids.

Attendance is governed by the Rule of 90. This rule requires students to be in class 90% of the time. The first ineligibility list will be run on 10/13. Students and families will be notified by 10/19 and may be considered ineligible to participate in extra-curricular activities by 10/23. If there are circumstances about your attendance that you believe should create an exception to the Rule of 90 in your case, please pick up an appeal form from the front office and turn it in with an administrator.

Students may attend Saturday School to improve their attendance rate. We will have two Saturday School dates in October: 10/7 AND 10/21. Students may sign up in the front office to attend.

See our Rule of 90 Cheat Sheet for the exact dates and number of absences allowed for eligibility.

Join us for our next PTC meeting on October 2nd at 6 PM in the teacher's lounge (located to the right of the Front Office).

Our Jepson Spirit Wear ordering deadline is October 13th. Order forms are available in the front office.

Thank you for your support!