JAGWire August 22nd, 2024

Jones Middle School Families,

As we wrap up our third week of school, I want you to know your children are AMAZING and we know how honored we are to support their learning each day! To continue your engagement in your child’s education, we encourage you to check ParentVue regularly, read our JAGWire newsletter, and keep an eye on your email. Your involvement makes a significant difference in your child’s learning experience.

Tomorrow during my announcements to students I am mentioning several reminders to help us continue to strengthen our processes. One important conversation to have with your child, that I will mention as well, is about the seriousness of jokes or threats regarding violence. It's essential to understand that words can carry significant weight, and the consequences of careless remarks can be severe. Encourage them to think before they speak and to choose their words wisely.

As we look forward to a well-deserved long weekend with friends and family in celebration of Labor Day, we thank you for being an integral part of our school community!

See you at Curriculum Night on Tuesday, August 27th and make sure you know your child's HR teacher.

Lin Thornton

Principal

Friday, August 23rd, all morning clubs and activities are cancelled. Staff will be in a professional learning meeting from 8:15am - 8:50am.

Dear Parents:

On October 3, 2024, scoliosis screening will take place at your child’s middle school to identify children with suspected abnormal curvature of the spine. The screening is done yearly in the middle school grades as required by State Law, Department of Community Health and State Department of Education guidelines. You may opt out of screening for your student by signing a form that will be sent home 2 weeks prior to the screening.

Ms. Santoro

School Clinic Worker

Study hall is available for students who need a quiet place to read, study, or work independently starting at 7:50am each day. If students are attending a club, tutoring, or another activity, they are dismissed with a pass or picked up by their teacher at 8:15am. Students who are not dismissed at 8:15am, may remain in study hall until 8:50am when the transition to homeroom begins.

Below are the expectations for study hall:

• Study hall is a time for quiet reading, studying, or independent work.
• Study hall is not a time for socializing.
• Students should show respect for the space and allow others to focus.
• Students must be seated and not roaming around the cafeteria.
• Students should follow directions from staff members at all times.
• Students should be engaged in productive activities (e.g., studying or reading).
• Students not following these guidelines may be redirected.

Parents, please note that students are not allowed to have any medications on them while at school, even over the counter medications. If you would like for your student to be able to carry their epi-pen or inhaler on them while at school, you must fill out a health management plan and it must be signed off by a physician and turned back into the clinic. If you would like to keep any medication in the clinic for your student, please make sure it is brought in by a parent and all proper forms are filled out. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Santoro in the clinic at Jen.Santoro@gcpsk12.org.

The Gwinnett Stripers are excited to host their Education field trip Day on September 11th and would love for Jones Middle School to join in on the fun! Gates open at 10:30am and the game starts at 12:00pm. There will be Educational and interactive games for all kids to enjoy between each inning.

Ms. Rischar's class is one of the many that home rooms making awesome inspiring art work to fill our JMS halls!!!

Take a look at Ms. Danso's class working on rhythmic patterns using body percussion movements. Students were able to create their own moves from the things they have learned about rhythm and tempo.

Dear JMS Parents,

As we embark on the 24-25 school year, it’s wonderful to see our students adjusting to the rhythm of Jones Middle School. With many of them now familiar with the hallways and daily routines, we want to offer you some valuable resources to support their continued growth and success.

This month, we’re recommending the insightful book The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond—and How Parents Can Help by Phyllis L. Fagell. In the first chapter, Fagell introduces the concept of building resilience in children. She emphasizes that resilience isn't just about bouncing back from setbacks but also about developing the skills to handle challenges with a proactive and positive mindset. The chapter outlines practical strategies for parents to help their children build this essential trait, including encouraging problem-solving, fostering a growth mindset, and providing consistent support while allowing for independence.

Reflective Questions:

1. How can you incorporate opportunities for your child to face manageable challenges at home to build their resilience?
2. What are some ways you can balance offering support with encouraging independence in your child's daily routines?

We encourage you to read the book and reflect on these questions to enhance your child’s middle school experience. Together, we can help our students thrive academically and personally.

This Back to School Parent Session is specifically for parents who speak languages other than English. If you are a parent who speak Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese or Chinese Mandarin please join us for this informational engagement session.

6th graders will receive their Chromebooks the first week of school.

Mark your calendars, Jaguars! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Jones from Friday, October 18th through Friday, October 25th. Students will visit the Book Fair with their Language Arts teachers. More information will be available closer to the start of the Book Fair. See you there! https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/jonesmiddle

AI is rapidly changing industries and how we interact. To be prepared for the college and career opportunities of today and the future, students must be AI-Ready. AI-Readiness ensures that students can thrive, and learn to be ethical and responsible users, developers, and decision-makers of AI.

We know that AI is rapidly impacting the workforce, society, and even education. GCPS students and staff must be future-ready by understanding this technology, and using it responsibly and ethically. The GCPS Guidance for Human Centered AI Use is meant to communicate the principles we honor when making decisions around AI use and provide practical guidance and expectations as a system. As AI evolves, the guidance around its use will as well. This guidance was crafted collaboratively with a variety of partners and stakeholders, including students, teachers, school and district leaders, and trusted partners like Digital Promise and EdSAFE AI Alliance.

Please visit the GCPS Guidance for Human Centered AI Use to learn more about the use of AI tools in GCPS.

The Superintendent's Student Advisory Council is a crucial avenue for middle and high school students to directly influence districtwide decisions, processes, and culture. It's an opportunity to share feedback, school experiences, and innovative ideas to address challenges with Superintendent Dr. Calvin J. Watts on a variety of issues affecting students, schools, and communities.

The application for the 2024-25 SSAC will be available in the Student Portal from August 7–28, 2024. Two students from each middle and high school will be selected based on their completed applications. Alternate members from each school will also be identified. We will notify students selected to serve on the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council via student email on or before September 11. Learn more about SSAC on our website!

Car Rider drop off & pick up will follow the BLUE pattern. Car Rider drop off begins at 8:50 AM

Traffic is a challenge given our physical design, traffic on Ridge Rd, and the number of cars dropping off students in the mornings and pick up in the afternoons so allow yourself enough time to navigate our procedures. Thank you in advance for familiarizing yourself with the plan to ensure an efficient and safe drop off for all students.

In the mornings:

• If your child is attending study hall, tutoring, intramurals, or any other club/activity, they may be dropped off between 7:50am-8:15am. Drop off is on the side of the building at the cafeteria doors. There is no student entry through the front doors until 8:50am.
• Any student that arrives between 8:15 - 8:50am must remain in their vehicle until the 8:50am bell.
• Pull up to the drop off sign before letting your child out of the car in the mornings.
• Be sure your child is prepared to quickly exit the car when you come to a complete stop.
  
• Only turn right out of the parking lot to keep traffic moving.
  
• Only let your child out of the car in our designated locations for drop off (not the parking lot).
  
• After 9:20am, please park and check your child in tardy.

In the afternoons:

• Students will be dismissed at 4pm and will exit through the front doors and will be supervised by adults.
• Communicate with your child at 4pm where you are in the car rider line.

• Pull all the way forward before stopping to let your child in your vehicle.
• Only turn right out of the driveway.
• Students may be picked up at Zion Hill Baptist Church or Ivy Creek Elementary School. We have adults who escort/supervise students until they are off campus safely.

Thank you for your support and cooperation to maintain order and make drop off and pick up as smooth as possible for everyone.

If you arrive after 3:30pm, we'd be happy to get your student a message to meet you in the car rider line when dismissed at 4pm.

Beginning the first day of school, we are introducing a new, more efficient system. When you come to pick up your child, simply have your driver's license ready for a quick check under our document camera. Use our user-friendly iPad to enter your child's name for checkout. Then, relax and enjoy our newly revamped parent waiting area in the vestibule while your child completed the process in the front before meeting you in the vestibule.

These changes are all about making things smoother and safer for everyone involved. As always, thank you for your support and cooperation!

Be sure to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch application. Families need to apply every year. The online application for the 24-25 school year will be available Tuesday, July 16th.

One application per household - Be sure to list everyone that lives under the same roof. Eligibility is determined by the household size to income ratio. Once approved, eligibility is good for the entire school year. There is no reason to submit more than one application unless there is a change in household size or income.

The application doesn't just cover free or reduced lunch for your student but also may also qualify them to receive free SAT, ACT, and AP testing. As well as potential discounts on college application fees and certain utility bills.

I am pleased to share that our "Away for the Day" policy regarding cell phones has been successfully implemented at Jones Middle School. Since its inception, we have observed a positive impact on student behavior and focus in the learning environment. By adhering to the guidelines of storing cell phones in their bookbags throughout the school day, students have been able to engage more actively with their educational tasks and peers. This practice has not only minimized distractions but also fostered a safer and more conducive atmosphere for academic growth and personal development.

As we continue to prioritize the well-being and academic success of our students, we are grateful for your ongoing support in embracing the "Away for the Day" approach. Together, we are creating a community where students can thrive and excel in their learning journey.

Therefore, Jones will continue instituting a practice of “Away for the Day” as it relates to cell phones and all other electronic devices. Upon arrival, students are expected to turn their phones off (or on silent) and store it in their bookbag. Cell phones will remain in their bookbag for the duration of the day. They can no longer be used as a calculator, to listen to music during individual work time, for use to access their student ID, etc. Students are expected to have WIRED earbuds daily to accompany their district-issued Chromebook for any necessary instructional purpose. Bluetooth or wireless headphones/earbuds are no longer allowed. In summary, there is no need for students to have any personal electronic devices while at school.

However, if they do have a device, it should remain away for the day. If a personal device of any kind is lost or stolen, the school is not responsible for restitution, nor are we obligated to investigate. If a student needs to contact home for any reason, they may do so from any office within the school.

If a student fails to adhere to the “Away for the Day” policy, he/she will receive a consequence.

We ask for your support as we move forward with this “Away for the Day” approach. We are hopeful that this, along with other supports, will help provide a safer environment for students and will allow us to continue to pursue excellence in academic knowledge, skills, and behavior for each student.

Date: Saturday, August 24th

Time: 9am - 12pm

Location: Jones Band room

Who Should Attend: All 6th Grade Band Students are expected to attend.

Overview:

Join Mr. Sample and Mr. Renfroe for our Band Jump Start Clinic. All 6th grade band students will receive focused small group instruction to kickstart their musical journey. Besides Mr. Sample and Mr. Renfroe, several professional musicians will work with our students with their chosen instrument. This clinic is designed to provide students with essential skills and knowledge to excel in our band program.

Clinicians will provide instruction on:

• Assembly and Hand position
• Embouchure/Tone Production
• Fundamental Playing Technique
• Ensemble Playing
• Practice Tips

We are excited to announce the launch of the Jones Jagspiration Community Gospel Chorus at Jones Middle School! This new after-school program is open to all students and staff who love to sing and want to be part of a positive, uplifting musical experience.

Led by our very own Music Technology teacher, Ms. Sabrina Mills, who brings over 20 years of choral directing experience, the chorus will focus on singing both gospel and inspirational music that is sure to inspire and uplift. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to express themselves through music, make new friends, and even have the chance to perform solos!

Rehearsals will be held every Wednesday from 4:15-5:30 PM in Mr. Bryan's Chorus Room, with our first rehearsal kicking off on Wednesday, August 21st. We encourage all students interested in joining this exciting new group to sign up by filling out the Google Form using their school Gmail account by Friday, August 30. Participating students must have a ride to pick them up by 5:30PM sharp.

Don’t miss out on being a part of something truly special! We can’t wait to see you there and make some incredible music together.

Watch here for chorus information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6rIFxJSrrU

Join here: https://forms.gle/oG2sPyYxSB3a5nMo7

For more information or if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Sabrina Mills, mailto:sabrina.mills@gcpsk12.org

• Only Seckinger HS students and opposing HS students will be permitted in games without a parent. High School IDs will be checked.
• Students must leave school on game day and can return thirty minutes before the start.
• All games are available for purchase online. Visit the GoFan website here: https://gofan.co/
• All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by an adult at all sporting events.
• Please click here to access the head coach's directory and email the coach for more information.

This school year, our district is transitioning to ParentSquare to communicate with families. We encourage all families to download the app and create an account. With its user-friendly interface, ParentSquare offers seamless two-way communication through text, newsletters, posts, emergency alerts, and direct messaging. One of our favorite features is the integrated translation feature, enabling automatic translations for multilingual families. Stay effortlessly connected with your child's teachers, schools, and the district. To get started, and learn about all the cool features, check out our website!

If you received our notification about ParentSquare and you have questions about confirming your account access, please send an email to PSQHelp@gcpsk12.org.

We offer multiple ways to connect with our staff and administrators to address your questions regarding your child's needs and interests.