![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-62d709f660fd9b591a4d20b8-afbc36638b8a.jpg)
News and events - Sept. 22, 2023
![News and events - Sept. 22, 2023](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/071d/thumb-d7961af365d4ff651b947469cd0b662b.jpeg)
After School Study Center
Starting the first week of October there is after school study help available to all students for Math and Science.
Science help is available on Tuesdays in room D308, from 3:15 - 4:30 with Ms. Borck.
Math help is available on Wednesdays in room R945 from 3:15 - 4:30 with Ms. Harris.
AVID Program looking for Paraprofessionals
Are you, or a family member, looking for a part-time job? Jackson’s AVID program is in need of adults that would like to work 2 or 3 days a week with small groups of 7th and 8th grade students. The paraeducator job is every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:30 to 3:30. Paraeducators receive training and work with AVID teachers and other school staff. The goal is to provide support to students as they use questioning to help each other through classwork in all academic areas. These small groups are student directed and promote connections and teamwork through questioning. Understanding of teaching various subjects is not required.
Please check the Anoka-Hennepin postings for the specifics (AVID Paraeducators - Supplemental Programs). There is also a position that is shared with Coon Rapids Middle if interested in more hours and experiences. The position requires a high school diploma and you will be trained through the district.
This is a thriving program that continues for students at Champlin Park and we would love to have you as part of the support team for our diverse group of 7th and 8th grade AVID students. Please contact Dawn Kugler-Park (dawn.kuglerpark@ahschools.us) with questions or the district office to apply for the position.
Fall Conference Information
Fall conferences are Tuesday, October 10, from 3:45 – 7:35 pm; Thursday, October 12, and Tuesday, October 17, from 3:45 – 7:30 pm.
We use the MyConferenceTime application to schedule all conferences. The window to start scheduling Trimester 1 conferences is now open.
Families will have the opportunity to select “in person” or virtual conferences. Please indicate your preference using the MyConferenceTime program. Staff will be conducting Parent/Teacher conferences from their classrooms. With this in mind, please try and schedule your conferences by grade level and/or building locations. Scheduling conference appointments every other time slot will also create some travel time for your conference evenings.
We recommend that you schedule your conference times before coming to conferences. If not you can stop at the main office on conference night and we will help you schedule them. Please note that some teachers’ schedules fill up and may not be available if you wait to schedule your conference times the night of conferences. If you have any problems with the sign up, please call 763-506-5331 for help.
Celebrate Multicultural Night at Jackson Middle School
We are excited to announce the return of our Multicultural Night at Jackson Middle School for the second year!
Date: October 6, 2023
Time: 5 - 8 PM
Cost: Free
This event is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our school. It's a time to embrace our identities, learn from one another, and create lasting memories.
Who's Invited?
All students, parents, and their families are warmly invited to attend JMS's Multicultural Night.
What to Expect?
Enjoy diverse culinary delights from our food trucks (optional purchase).
Engage in a wide range of activities.
Be entertained by captivating performances.
Explore cultural representations and resources that celebrate our diverse backgrounds.
Student Fashion Show Participation
If your child is interested in participating in our fashion show, please have them reach out to their advisory teacher, Mr. Perkins, or Mrs. Farid for more details.
Important Reminders:
Parents must stay with their students throughout the event to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Students are not allowed to attend the event without parental attendance.
We look forward to seeing you there as we come together to celebrate our vibrant and diverse school community. Let's make this year's Multicultural Night a night to remember!
Washington, D.C. Trip
Join us for the Washington, D.C., Parent Information Night on Tuesday, October 3, if you or your child are interested in touring our nation's capital.
The meeting is at 7 pm in the JMS Library with your host, Mr. Morgan. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit our nation's capital and see all the sites in a safe, organized, fun way. The fee covers airfare, bus, tour guide, entry fees, food, hotel, security, and wonderful chaperones. Besides seeing the sites of Washington D.C., students will also take a day trip to Gettysburg, PA, and Mount Vernon. This year's trip is scheduled for May 2-5, 2024. Feel free to email Mr. Morgan with questions, or go ahead and register for this once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity to visit our Nations capital with awesome tour guides and chaperones.
The Trip number to register is: Trip ID # 211073
October is the Month of Manufacturing in Minnesota
Minnesota Manufacturing Facts
Manufacturers in Minnesota account for 13.63% of the total output in the state, employing 11.08% of the workforce. Total output from manufacturing was $53.13 billion in 2021. In addition, there were an average of 320,000 manufacturing employees in Minnesota in December 2021, with an average compensation of $88,784.20 in 2021.
The Minnesota Statewide Tour of Manufacturing allows students, families, and the general public to take a peek inside the world of Manufacturing. Take a look at who is offering tours near you.
Jackson Middle School is Hiring
Jackson currently has openings for paraprofessionals and other positions. Apply today to be part of the Jackson Middle School team!
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:
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.
View the Device Protection Plan flyer to learn more.
Looking to become more involved? Join a district committee
Anoka-Hennepin values parent involvement in education and is committed to offering resources to meet the changing needs of parents and families. The district invites parents/guardians and community members to participate on committees as a meaningful way to get involved with the district.
The district is coordinating an annual committee application process for committees in need of new members as a strategy to increase awareness of opportunities and participation from community members and parents.
There are currently nine committees districtwide and four are in need of more members. The Early Childhood Family Education Parent Advisory Council (PAC), Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC), Student Services Advisory Council (SSAC) and the Parent Advisory Committee for Racial and Ethnic Equity are all seeking new members.
Early Childhood Family Education Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
The Anoka-Hennepin Early Childhood Family Education Parent Advisory Council (PAC) provides input and support to the ECFE and the Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool programs.
Attending Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meetings is a great way to learn more about school district programs and make personal connections with other families. Meetings are typically held on the second Monday of each month during the school year from 6:30-8 p.m.
Visit the Community Education website at ahschools.us/ecfepac to learn more about the ECFE Parent Advisory Council or complete an interest form.
Special Education Advisory Council
The Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) provides tools and resources to help guardians of children receiving special education services and collaborates with the district in order to promote continuous growth of special education services to best meet the needs of students.
The SEAC is seeking up to nine new members for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants must be the parent/guardian of a current Anoka-Hennepin student on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan.
Parents/guardians are also welcome to attend meetings as guests. If you are interested in becoming a member of this committee or attend the meetings as a visitor, please contact Mary Esch at 763-506-1362. Complete an application for SEAC membership.
Student Services Advisory Council
The Student Services Advisory Committee (SSAC) is a group of students, parents, teachers, school administrators and specialists charged with advising the district regarding how best to provide equitable educational opportunities for all students. SSAC works to address and close persistent gaps in student achievement, including academic performance and graduation rates.
The SSAC meets three times per year to review the Achievement and Integration plan and the district's Equity Achievement Plan in alignment with the district's strategic priorities.
Please fill out an interest form if you would like to be a member of the SSAC.
Parent Advisory Committee for Racial and Ethnic Equity
The parent-led Parent Advisory Committee for Racial and Ethnic Equity (PACREE) helps create racial and ethnic equity in the district by creating successful students with a sense of belonging. This committee empowers parents from racially and ethnically underserved communities advocate for their students.
This committee includes parents and guardians and district staff and meets monthly during the school year. The kick-off meeting for the 2023-24 school year is set for Tuesday, Sept. 12.
For more information about this committee or to become a member, please contact Darron Sherrill, Assistant Director of Student Services - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
For more information on district committees, please visit ahschools.us/committees.
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.
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.