OCT 2024 Mnthly Nwslttr
GATOR NEWS I Monthly Newsletter I October 2024
A Message from the Principal
Dear JRG Families,
September has flown by, but in these first few weeks, our students have already embraced problem-solving through new challenges and learning experiences, setting a strong foundation for the academic year. We remain focused on students employing critical thinking to solve problems while encouraging self-advocacy and feedback to guide teaching and learning. In addition, teachers have been working with students to help develop a sense of belonging, where students feel welcome, invited to share their ideas while feeling valued and supported. The goal is to help all students understand that they are part of a larger group where everyone feels respected and safe to contribute. The Gator Olympics last week demonstrated how classroom learning translates to real-world teamwork. The students' energy was contagious, creating an atmosphere of fun and mutual support. It truly was inspiring to watch the students compete in each event and build comradery.
Creating a strong sense of community is an essential piece to our foundation at JRG. A component of this is maintaining a safe and healthy school environment for all students. To support this effort, we will be conducting occasional, unannounced searches using trained drug detection dogs. These searches are preventative in nature and help us maintain a drug and alcohol free campus and allow us to address any potential issues early on. This is one step of our proactive approach to ensure JRG remains a safe place where all students can focus on learning and personal growth.
If you have any questions about our safety procedures or policies, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in education. Together, we make JRG a great place to learn and grow.
Yours in education,
Emily Behnke
After 32 years of dedicated service, Dr. Robert Mayfield, Superintendent of Kimberly Area School District, announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
“This community has been more than just a workplace; it has been my home and a special place to raise a family. I am grateful for the unwavering support and countless opportunities provided by this community.” Dr. Mayfield stated. “Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being a part of your children's educational journey. Your trust and support have been invaluable, and it has been an honor to serve both your children and this community as Superintendent.”
In the coming weeks, the Board of Education will begin the process of identifying Dr. Mayfield’s successor. They are dedicated to selecting a leader who will build on the District’s achievements and continue steering it toward a bright and promising future.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Abuse Program (ATODA)
Dear Parents,
We want to extend a tremendous thank you to all the students and families that attended our ROCKS Run/Walk. We are already looking forward to October’s Movie on the Hill at Sunset Park. We know that keeping students drug and alcohol free is best as a team approach, that’s why we ask parents to attend this event as well! We hope to see you there!
As your child continues their journey through middle school, we know you want to provide them with the best possible foundation for success. One critical part of that foundation is ensuring they remain drug and alcohol free.
Middle school is a crucial time when children begin to face new social pressures, and making healthy decisions can impact their long-term well-being. Keeping your child drug and alcohol free not only supports their physical health but also protects their mental and emotional development. Studies show that early use of drugs or alcohol can interfere with brain growth, hinder academic performance, and increase the risk of addiction later in life.
You play a powerful role in guiding your child. Open, honest conversations about the dangers of substance use, setting clear expectations, and staying involved in their lives can make a significant difference. Encouraging healthy activities, strong friendships, and positive coping skills are key to helping them make smart choices.
Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for our children to thrive—free from the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol.
Thank you for your continued partnership in this important effort.
Change in plans for the ROCKS movie
Just a quick heads-up about a change in plans for the ROCKS movie. It will now be held in the JRG auditorium on Thursday, October 17 at 5:30 PM. If your child can no longer make it, please email Mrs. Hermus (jhermus@kimberly.k12.wi.us) so we can update the attendance list. Thanks!
ROCKS Event: Movie on the Hill
Join us for a fun night under the stars at the ROCKS Movie on the Hill event!
Date: Thursday, October 17
Location: Sunset Park Amphitheater
Time: Arrive at 5:30 PM, Movie starts at 6:00 PM
Pick-up: Please pick students up at 7:45 PM
Cost: FREE
Students must have a signed pledge and sign-up form completed before attending the event.
Students are encouraged to bring their own snacks, dress appropriately for the weather, and enjoy a cozy movie night outdoors. Don’t forget to register to let us know you’ll be attending!
We're Here for the Students
Brad Demmin
8th Grade School Counselor
Andrea Diamond
7th Grade School Counselor
Andrea will be out on maternity leave until December, but there will be a long-term
counseling substitute, Heather LaFleur, to support students in the interim.
Please contact her at hlafleur@kimberly.k12.wi.us.
Career Planning
Career Planning helps students better understand the world of work and begin to think about where their strengths and interests align to future education and career options. Click the image to learn more.
Career Focus for October
Is your career in Arts, A/V, Tech, & Communications?
We have an exciting opportunity for families to get involved with Career Planning. Click the image to learn more.
Sources of Strength
School based program, promoted by JRG peer leaders, that help spread positive mental health messaging using 8 different resilience factors. Click the image to learn more.
Fundraiser Begins October 2, 2024!
Get Ready for the Holidays and Support Our Fundraiser!
Check off your holiday shopping list while helping us raise the funds we need! Explore a wide range of gift wrap, accessories, and more, including: Candles, Personalized Gifts, Charleston Bags, Kitchen Essentials, Gourmet Foods, And so much more!
Every purchase brings us closer to our goal.
Get a head start on your holiday shopping and support our cause! Shop for all your favorite
items with home delivery and FREE shipping available.
To participate:
STEP 1
REGISTER at registercw.com to access our handy invitation tools in the Participant Portal.
STEP 2
SHARE the news using our text, email, and social sharing tools.
STEP 3
SHOP online and help us reach our GOAL today! With over 2,500 gift ideas there is something for everyone, including you!
Prefer to shop without creating a participant portal?
Click the link to shop directly under the JRG participant portal.
Picture Retake Day is Monday, October 7
Network Photography Printable Order Form
Student pictures were sent home during the week of September 16, 2024. If your student did not receive their photos and you believe you placed an order, please contact Network Photography at:
Main: (262) 677-8662
Email: info@networkphoto.net
Veteran's Day Ceremony Monday, November 11
Join us at JRG on Monday, November 11, 2024, for a Veterans Day Ceremony, starting at 10:00 a.m. in the large gym. Prior to the ceremony, veterans and their families are invited to a reception in the small gym, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until the ceremony begins. We warmly welcome community members to attend this meaningful event to honor our veterans. Please check in at the main office upon arrival. The ceremony will feature performances by our band and choir, as well as presentations from the top finalists of the Patriot's Pen Essay Contest.
In addition, part of this program includes a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. followed by a 21-Gun Salute where a few members of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 60 will go outside the gym doors and will fire their guns 3 times with blanks, to recognize those who died while serving their country. The 3 shots symbolize duty, honor and sacrifice. This will then be followed by Tapps, played by our band before announcing our essay winners.
If you have any questions about this event please call the main office.
We look forward to your presence!
Mark your calendar: Parent-Teacher Conferences
Connect in person at our JR Gerritts Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 13
& 14 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. These conversations allow us to work together with families to understand how we can best support each student’s individual needs. At JRG, we focus on engaging our students, listening to their voices, and learning how we can help them reach the next level of success. Click here for more detailed information.
Celebrate National Cookbook Month with the JRG LMC
All students who participate by completing all of the following, will be entered in a drawing for cooking/baking themed prizes:
First, check out a cookbook from the JRG LMC
Second, cook or bake something following a recipe from the cookbook
Third, snap photos of each of the following:
Snap photo
the RECIPE
Snap photo
COOKBOOK COVER
Snap photo
SELFIE WITH YOUR CREATION
Last day to submit photos for drawing entry is Friday November 1, 2024.
Email these pictures to Ms. Beverlin, mbeverlin@kimberly.k12.wi.us.
Prizes will be drawn on November 4, 2024
Pictures will be posted in the LMC so our JRG Community can see “What’s Cooking!”
See Ms. Beverlin or Ms.Pohl in the LMC if you have any questions
Calendars
JRG Athletics
Athletic Director: Mary Hammen
Phone: (920) 788-7905 ext. 4106
JRG Clubs & Activities
Discover exciting clubs and activities at JR Gerritts Middle School to connect with
fellow students and explore new interests!
Additional Information
School Lunch
Check out the latest school lunch menu here! For any questions about school lunch, please click here.
School Transportation
Bus service for the Kimberly Area School District is contracted out to Lamers Bus Services.
Student Agendas
Student agendas are available for pickup in the Main Office for $3.00. Payment can be made online or in cash at the Main Office.
Medical Appointments
If your student has a medical appointment, please bring a doctor's note to ensure the absence does not count against them.
Student Cell Phone Use
To ensure a focused and productive learning environment, please review our cell phone policy.
Work Permits
Need a Work Permit?
Click here to access the work permit application form.
Attendance
Stay up-to-date with attendance matters! Discover important information and resources in our dedicated attendance section.
Health Room
Stay informed about your health room procedures and find answers to common questions!
School Handbook
Our student handbook outlines our school's policies, resources, and expectations to ensure a supportive academic environment.
Starfish
Mission: Project Starfish narrows the achievement gap by providing students in need with resources they otherwise would not be able to obtain on their own.
unFundraiser
Support our school without selling anything! Learn about our unique 'Unfundraiser' initiative where you can contribute directly to school programs.
Community Events
Kimberly Area LaCrosse Association has Try Lacrosse events coming up in October and November. Check the Community Events page to explore other events happening in our community.
Parking & Traffic Flow Guidelines
Help us keep JRG safe and efficient! Click here for important reminders on parking and drop-off procedures.
Chromebook Care & Protection
Please remember, this valuable equipment is property of the Kimberly Area School District and is provided to students for educational purposes throughout the school year.
Moving In or Out of the Kimberly School District
Whether you're new to the Kimberly Area School District or planning a move, we want to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible for you and your child.
Can't find the email for the JRG monthly newsletter?
Visit the Kimberly website and navigate to JR Gerritts Middle School under News and Announcements. There you will find all newsletters, special edition newsletters, the Calendar of Events, ROCKS events, and Athletics information.
Want to Volunteer?
Thank you for considering the Kimberly Area School District as a place to donate your time
and talent. It is important that the environment in which our children learn, and in
which our employees and volunteers work, is a safe one. For this reason the District
routinely conducts criminal background screenings on its new employees and volunteers.
Gator Apparel Store
Show your pride with our collection of spirit gear.
REMINDER: Please help JRG become fragrance-free!
JRG is attempting to limit fragrances in our school. One of our teachers was recently diagnosed with Mast Cell Disease, similar to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. This is a rare disorder but one that has significant consequences to the person with the diagnosis. Mast cells are necessary for life and play a major role in our body’s immune system. When mast cells function normally, they keep a person healthy. With Mast Cell Disease, the body has too many mast cells and they are very reactive, which in turn causes an autoimmune reaction (essentially, the body is attacked by its own immune system). The disease is often misdiagnosed, and comes with a long list of possible triggers and symptoms.
In the case of our teacher, we need your help with a specific trigger that causes significant and at times debilitating symptoms - fragrances such as cologne, after shave lotion, perfume, perfumed lotion, fragranced hair products, and/or similar products. By reducing exposure to these triggers, symptoms will also be reduced. We are asking our families for any and all help they can provide in reducing fragrances coming into JRG. Your assistance in minimizing or eliminating fragrances can help not only this teacher, but also other students who have sensitivities and allergies related to fragrances by improving indoor air quality.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact our principal Emily Behnke.
Contact Information
JRG Main Office: 788-7905
JRG Fax Number: 788-7914
Lamers Bus Lines: 832-8800
Email: jrg@kimberly.k12.wi.us
School Hours
School starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 2:58 p.m.
Bell Schedule
7:00 A.M. The front doors are unlocked, and students can enter.
7:17 A.M. Dismissal from the commons
7:27 A.M. Report to TLC
7:30 A.M. Start of TLC
2:58 P.M. Announcements
Lunch Times
7TH 11:26 a.m. to 12:06 p.m.
8TH 12:09 to 12:49 p.m.
If you are unable to access specific content within this newsletter, please call us at (920) 788-7905.
This newsletter may contain links to third party sites, which are not within our control. The District is not responsible for the content or accessibility of third party sites.
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J.R. Gerritts Middle School
Pupil Nondiscrimination Statement: The Kimberly Area School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including gender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability ("Protected Classes") in any of its student programs and activities.