page background

Updates from TJMS #4 - BackToSchool

August 27,2024

Updates from TJMS #4 - BackToSchool August 27,2024

A warm welcome to each of you as we begin this exciting school year! Starting at a new school is a big step, and we are thrilled to have you as part of the community.

Our amazing team of teachers and staff are committed to making this transition as smooth and positive as possible. We’ve been eagerly preparing to ensure that Thomas Jefferson Middle School is a place where every student feels supported, valued, and ready to succeed.

We can’t wait to meet you and begin this journey together. Here’s to a fantastic start and a wonderful year ahead!

Warmly,

Tamara

Walk Your Schedule Day / No School Supplies Please

Tuesday, September 3 from 12:45-1:30

Students ONLY need to bring a copy of their schedules. Lockers will not be available until the first day of school, 1st period. We are planning to spend a great deal of time helping students become familiar with using a combination lock and their locker during the first week of school.

PTSA Spirit Wear Pick Up and Information

Look for the tent right outside the front door. Purchased items will be available to pick up. Also information about joining the PTA and serving on open committees will be available.

Building Entry and Exit Procedures

All visitors to the building must come in Door 1 to request entrance into the main office.

Building Entry

All students may enter the building at 7:15 each day. Those who wish to eat breakfast will go to the cafeteria. Everyone else goes directly to their first period classes. Staff will be available to supervise all students who are in the hallways and in the cafeteria.

Bus Riders

Students who ride the bus to school will enter and exit at Door 9 at the back of the school. Transportation information will be available shortly in the My Ride K-12 app.

Car Riders

Students who are dropped off or picked up at school will enter/exit the building at Door 1 at the front of the school

Walkers

Students who walk to and from school can enter and exit at Door 1

Bike Riders

Students who ride their bikes to and from school can enter and exit at Door 1. We have bike racks at the front of the school.

Building Exit

Students will exit the building through the same doors they enter. Additionally, walkers and bike riders may exit the building through Door #17.


Thomas Jefferson staff will supervise the student entry/exit procedures to ensure the students are safe, the flow of traffic is continuous, and our building remains secure.

Transportation Information

This year the district is trilled to announce the launch of our new student transportation app, My Ride K-12! This user-friendly app will be available soon and will revolutionize the way you track your child's bus route.

Here's what you can expect with My Ride K-12:

  • Live Transportation Information: Access real-time updates on bus routes, schedules, and any potential delays - all in English or Spanish!
  • Bus Tracking: Follow your child's bus in real-time and receive an estimated arrival time (ETA) directly to your stop.
  • Convenience and Peace of Mind: Enjoy a streamlined experience with all your student's transportation information readily available at your fingertips..

Routes will become available soon. In the meantime, you can learn more about My Ride K-12 by visiting the district website:


https://ccsd15net.finalsite.com/our-district/departments/administrative-services/transportation/myridek12

Cell Phone Rules in District 15

As we prepare to welcome students to the new school year, I want to emphasize the importance of creating a focused learning environment for all students. To ensure that our classrooms are conducive to learning, the expectation is that cell phones must be kept powered-off or silenced and out-of-sight during the regular school day. Please review the student-parent handbook for additional details. By following these guidelines, we can create a positive and productive classroom community where students can fully engage in their education.

Breakfast and Lunch Procedures

Breakfast Procedures

If students would like to eat breakfast at school, they come in the building when they get to school and go directly to the cafeteria. We will have supervisors there to make sure students are safely eating their breakfast in the cafeteria.

Lunch Procedures

For the first quarter, all students will sit with their first period classes for lunch. We will have tables reserved for each class. After first quarter, students will be able to choose their seating arrangements in the cafeteria.

2024-2025 Bell Schedule

School Supply List

Our school supply list can be found on the District 15 website. Each middle school student will be provided an assignment notebook, accodian binder and a small draw-string bag during the first week of school.

MAP Assessment

Students in grades 6-8 will participate in MAP Testing in reading and math beginning September 11. We will have the reading MAP test on September 11th and 12 and the math MAP test on September 16th, 17th, and 18th. Reading tests will be conducted in students' reading and writing classes and math tests will be conducted in students’ math class. MAP tests are unique because they adapt to your child’s responses to measure your child’s skill level. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If your child answers incorrectly, the next question is easier.


These results provide a more complete picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn — whether it is on, above, or below their grade level. MAP tests measure students’ achievement and growth. Teachers use results to identify students with similar learning needs, tailor classroom lessons, and set goals for students. MAP results will be shared with families in early October.


Interscholastic Sports Information

Parent information and Registration Links:

Cross Country


Boys Soccer


Girls Basketball


BOYS SOCCER (cut-sport):

Registration Deadline- September 6th

Boys Soccer Tryouts Monday, September 9th - Thursday, September 12th (2:10-3:50)

FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE: Monday, September 16th(2:10-3:50)


GIRLS BASKETBALL (cut-sport):

Registration Deadline- September 6th

Girls Basketball Tryouts Monday, September 9th - Thursday, September 12th (2:10-3:50)

FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE: Monday, September 16th (2:10-3:50)


CROSS COUNTRY (no cut-sport):

Registration Deadline- Monday, September 16th (can join if cut from another fall sport)

1st Practice: Tuesday, September 10th (2:10-3:50)


* Please note that times/dates are subject to change. Students should look for more information on announcements, flyers and email communications.


*Your child MUST have a current physical on file in our office in order to tryout/participate in a sport.


* If a student is cut from a fall sport they can still participate in Cross Country following tryouts.

Upcoming Events

SEPTEMBER

Tuesday, September 3 @ 12:45- 1:30

Walk Your Schedule


Thursday, September 5 @ 7:30

School Begins!


Thursday, September 5 @ 5:00

Community Open House and Ribbon Cutting


Wednesday, September 11 @ 8:00 PM

PTSA Meeting


Thursday, September 12 @ 6:00

Parent Orientation @ TJMS


Tuesday, September 17 - all day

School Picture Day


Thursday, September 26

1/2 Day, Early Dismissal at 10:30

Community Open House and Ribbon Cutting

Principal: Tamara Byrne

byrnet@ccsd15.net

Assistant Principal: Charles Fabrikant

fabrikac@ccsd15.net

Student Services Coordinator: Allison Moe

moea@ccsd15.net

Secretary: Amy Cunningham

cunnina@ccsd15.net

Office Clerical : Cynthia Nicketta

nickettc@ccsd15.net

Nurse: Menka San Pietro

sanpietm@ccsd15.net

Head Custodian: Joe Venegas

venegasj@ccsd15.net

Previous Newsletters

Tamara Byrne
Tamara is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters