News and events - February 28, 2025

All JMS students will take the MCA Reading and Math tests to see how much they have learned this year. Our 8th grade students will also take the MCA Science test to show their progress in that subject. During testing, students will stay in their first hour classes throughout the morning to finish the test. Students will test until 11:22am. Please avoid scheduling appointments on these mornings so students can successfully complete the test. Thank you for your help!

MCA Test Dates:

April 23 - MCA Reading

April 30 - MCA Math

May 6 - MCA Science (8th grade ONLY)

Team - The Crispy Chicken Nuggets, comprised of Judith Templeton, Maci Glenn, and Amelya Camp; Team - Lost in Music, made up of Yasmine Ouattara, Aarohee Anand, and Esther Joseph; and Team - You Probably Won't Know Anyway, But..., Leo Unverzagt, Timothy Tran, and Peryn Hess made it farther in the questions than any other middle school so far, ending at Round 26 and Question 220!

These teams represented Jackson at the Anoka-Hennepin District Battle on Tuesday, February 25.

Congratulations to team, "You Probably Won't Know Anyway, But..." for finishing in SECOND PLACE. The team ended at Round 17 with Question 192.

Honorable mention goes to the team, "Lost In Music" who ended in the Top 9 of 18 teams and made it to Round 11, and Question 164.

The "Crispy Chicken Nuggets," were in the top 14 teams, but ended in Round 8 at Question 123.

Great job, Jackson Readers! We can't wait to see you back reading great books for next year's Battle of the Books!

Over the next couple of weeks, our JMS school counselors will be meeting one-on-one with every 8th grader for brief "Minute Meetings." These quick check-ins help us assess students' readiness for the transition to high school and ensure they have the support they need for a successful start.

During these meetings, students will reflect on key topics related to high school readiness by answering the following seven questions:

• Do I understand what a credit is and how many I need to graduate?
• Do I have strong organization and study skills?
• Do I know how my Grade Point Average (GPA) affects my future options?
• Have I thought about which electives I want to take and how they connect to my career goals?
• Do I have at least one long-term career goal?
• Do I know how to get involved in high school activities and events?
• What questions do I have about high school?

These are great conversation starters to discuss at home as well! We encourage you to check in with your student about their thoughts on these topics. Our team will continue to support students throughout the transition, ensuring they feel confident and prepared for this exciting next step.

If you have any questions or would like additional resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our counseling team.

Congratulations to Sydney Hagel (grade 8) who was the sole recipient of the prestigious MEGT Star of the North Award and scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year. This award is given to only one student in the entire state of Minnesota each year. Sydney was nominated for her notable academic accomplishments, leadership in performing arts and her ability to inspire collaboration, creativity, and personal growth, making her a remarkable role model to fellow students and everyone having the privilege of working with her. Again, congratulations Sydney, a true "Star of the North."

Join us at the JMS Observatory to look at stars, the moon, constellations, and anything else we can find in space. Public viewings will be held , along with special event nights, as long as the sky is clear, when something of interest is happening in the sky above us. Weather is always an issue so if it is cloudy, raining, or snowing, the public viewing will be cancelled. Dress for the weather as the temperature of the dome is the same as that of the outdoors.

Please check the Observatory page on the JMS website at 6:00 p.m. on viewing dates to make sure viewing has not been cancelled.

Tuesday, March 4, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Wednesday, March 5, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Thursday, March 6, 6:30 - 8:30 - PM

Directions to the Observatory

Thursday, March 6 - Last day of Tri 2

Friday, March 7 - No School - Staff Planning

March 10 -14 - No School - Spring Break

Monday, March 17 - No School - Staff Development

2024-2025 Middle School Calendar

Yearbooks for the 2024-2025 school year are now on sale.

Books were in high demand last year and sold out quickly, so make sure you reserve yours now!

You can order your yearbook online here.