TJMS Weekly Family Newsletter

Jaguar Families,

We're heading into a calmer week after a ton of activity and fun last week for Homecoming. I'd like to give a HUGE shout out to Activities Director, Jody Hill, and ALL of her fantastic Leadership Students for planning and executing a super fun week! Also, we celebrated National Custodial Day this past week, giving thanks to our lead custodian, Rudy, and our 3 night custodians, Rosendo, Jake, and Henry. We also recognized our phenomenal Food and Nutrition Staff for being awarded with the Food Safety Award of Excellence for three years of inspections with no violations. The ladies work SO hard to make food for 1340 students per day for both breakfast and lunch, largely from scratch! They are amazing!

October is filled with a focus on mental health education and depression awareness. We are proud to host two special events: one for students and one for families. This Wednesday, October 9, we will provide assemblies for both 7th and 8th grade with advocacy lessons to process the presentation in smaller classes. We are also VERY excited to invite parents and guardians to attend a workshop the same evening at 6:00 pm. ALL details are below. We sincerely hope you will join us Wednesday evening. Please RSVP below so we can prepare.

"ONE DEGREE OF SEPARATION" ASSEMBLY - Depression Awareness Month

Comedian Brad Bonar, along with other local Sacramento comedians, will come together to talk to students and families about depression.

"Depression has one degree of separation: if you don't suffer, then someone you know does. We aim to bring dialogue, awareness, and acceptance for those suffering from depression through laughter and vulnerability. We laugh at the dark stuff because laughter releases the pain. We talk about depression because no one should feel shame. With an army of comedians, we hope to kill the stigma of depression and share stories of hope, happiness, and triumph." (https://www.1degreeofseparation.life/)

Students will attend the assembly on Wednesday 10/9 with their Advocacy class. We will be on a Rally/Assembly schedule for the day.

Families are invited to attend their own assembly Wednesday 10/9 at 6PM in the TJMS GYM. Families, RSVP here if you plan to attend.

SPELLING BEE

The Spelling Bee will be Thursday, October 10. Participating students need to report to the MP Room directly after dismissal at 12:35 PM. Parents and friends are also welcome to attend. Please direct questions to Mrs. Bayles.

TWO MINIMUM DAYS THIS WEEK

We have TWO minimum days this week for end of term 1 Final Exams. Dismissal time is at 12:35 PM both Thursday, October 10, and Friday, October 11. Students will be able to take a "Grab and Go" lunch before leaving campus. SPECIAL BELL SCHEDULES

TWO REVERSE MINIMUM DAYS NEXT WEEK

• Monday, October 14 is the first day of Term/Quarter 2. It is a REVERSE MINIMUM DAY so staff can receive Professional Development and be ready for new classes. SPECIAL BELL SCHEDULES
• Wednesday, October 16 is a REVERSE MINIMUM DAY so 8th grade students can take the PSAT practice exam for FREE! SPECIAL BELL SCHEDULES
• 8th Grade Students will arrive by 7:50 AM to start the PSAT exam right at 8:00 AM. Lunch will be provided at 10:58 AM. And 1st period begins at 11:35 AM.
• 7th Grade Students do not need to be on campus until 1st period begins at 11:35 AM. If they want to have lunch on campus, they can arrive NO EARLIER than 10:58 AM when the gates will open and lunch will be provided.

COLLECTING LANYARDS, TAGS, ETC.

We've noticed a trend of students collecting and displaying items such as school lanyards and backpack "tags". The "tags" that come on fancy backpacks are popular. We've experienced students wanting the tags, possibly taking them off other student backpacks, and conflict around that. The same thing happens with school lanyards. We gave each student ONE lanyard and expect each student to have one lanyard. Having a competition for collecting items to display can encourage theft, which is obviously not desirable. Please be observant to items your student might be "collecting" and encourage them to keep valuable items out of site, not displayed.

Finally, we're all excited about a relief from this heat starting Tuesday. 😊

GO JAGS!!! 💜

Jenny Keyport

TJMS Principal

• TJMS Website
• TJMS 24-25 Bell Schedules
  
• Reporting Student Absences
• My School Bucks
• TJMS Calendar
• TJMS Student Handbook
• TJMS Activities
• EGUSD Synergy, ParentVue and StudentVue help
  
• EGUSD Calendars
  
• 2024-2025 EGUSD Parent and Student Handbook
  

LOOKING AHEAD:

• 10/9, "One Degree of Separation" in the Gym 6:00 PM
• 10/10, Band Concert, MP Room, 7pm
• 10/10, Term 1 Finals, Minimum Day Schedule
  
• 10/10, Spelling Bee
• 10/11, Term 1 Finals, Minimum Day Schedule
  
• 10/14, Day 1 Term 2 - REVERSE Minimum Day - Staff PD
  
• 10/16, 8th Grade PSAT (8th grade students attend full day)
  
• 10/16, 7th Grade Reverse Minimum Day
  

To see all events and activities, go to the TJMS Website and click on “VIEW ALL DATES” to see our up to date activities and events calendar.

Term 2 is quickly approaching. If your student did not have PE in term 1, they will have PE in term 2. You can order their PE wear online at www.myschoolbucks.com or at the student store window. Attached below is the order form. The student store will not be opened Oct. 10, 11, 14 & 15th due to minimum days and reverse minimum days so plan accordingly. We will be open Monday – Wednesday this week. If you purchase online, please send a bag with your student and have them pickup their orders at the student store window during lunch.

Hello parents and guardians,

We understand that students managing their periods while at school can be stressful, uncomfortable and embarrassing.

We want to make it easier, and we want your student to spend less time in the health office and more time in class.

You can prevent some of this pain and worry by helping your student:

• Keep sanitary pads or tampons in a purse or backpack.

• Supply the school pain relieving medication if needed and authorized by your student’s doctor.

• Please take our district’s authorization form to your doctor to complete. Then bring an unopened bottle of the indicated pain-relieving medication to school. Students may not carry it with them, but we will happily keep it in the health office for them when they need it.

• MEDICATION ASSISTANCE AUTHORIZATION Form

Thank you,

Kristen Paige, RN

Toby Johnson Middle School Nurse

ONE DEGREE OF SEPARATION ASSEMBLY

Comedian Brad Bonar, along with other local Sacramento comedians, will come together to talk to students and families about depression.

"Depression has one degree of separation: if you don't suffer, then someone you know does. We aim to bring dialogue, awareness, and acceptance for those suffering from depression through laughter and vulnerability. We laugh at the dark stuff because laughter releases the pain. We talk about depression because no one should feel shame. With an army of comedians, we hope to kill the stigma of depression and share stories of hope, happiness, and triumph." (https://www.1degreeofseparation.life/)

Students will attend the assembly on Wednesday 10/9 with their Advocacy class. We will be on a Rally/Assembly schedule for the day.

Families are invited to attend their own assembly Wednesday 10/9 at 6PM in the TJMS GYM. Families, RSVP here if you plan to attend.

KIDS CAN

TJMS students will be partnering up with other students across the district this fall to help fill our local food banks and ensure that all local families are fed by participating in the KidsCan Food Drive! Starting on Monday 10/14 until Friday 11/3 KIDS CAN help by bringing canned and non-perishable food items to their first-period class. Stay tuned for more information on our food drive.

PBIS FOCUS:

Our theme for October is Respect. Advocacy will have short lessons on how to show respect to adults and peers on campus and how to show respect for our school by taking care of our campus.

JAG SWAG PULL

We will not have a Jag Swag pull this week due to the final schedule. Please save your Jag Swag for the first drawing of TERM 2.

Athletic Clearance applications are now accepted for the 2024-2025 Academic Year. Parents/Students must use the Home Campus website to complete the application. A new online Athletic Clearance is needed every academic year.

Wrestling Club

• October 1 - 17, Tuesday and Thursday 7:00 - 8:30 PM @ MP Room

• Official wrestling season begins Tuesday, October 29, 6:15 - 8:15 PM

• Parent Meeting, Monday, October 28 @ 6:00 PM, TJMS Dance Room

• FULL Athletics Clearance is required to participate starting October 29

Head Coach Todd Wong, p_a_phi@yahoo.com

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Open Gym:

• CANCELED this week, will resume October 14

Tryouts:

• Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, October 21, 22, 24

• 4:00-6:00 PM

• Full Athletic Clearance is MANDATORY

Head Coach Jeff Gonzalvo, jgonzalvo@hotmail.com

BOYS BASKETBALL

Open Gym:

• Tuesday and Thursday 6:30 - 8:30 PM @ TJMS Gym

• Tuesday, October 15 only, 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Tryouts:

• Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, October 21, 22, 24

• 6:30-8:30 PM

• Full Athletic Clearance is MANDATORY

Head Coach CT Tactacan, coachct3@gmail.com

CROSS COUNTRY

Practice:

• Monday - Thursday

• 3:00 - 4:00 PM @ TJMS Dance Room

• Elk Grove Blvd overpass practice, TBD. A REMIND app message will be sent

• EGUSD District Champs @ Elk Grove Park, Wednesday, October 16, 4 PM

Awards Night:

• Tuesday, October 22 @ 6:30 PM, MP Room

Coach Sarah Smoldon, ssmoldon@egusd.net

Coach Aimee Bradley, abradley@egusd.net

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Practice:

• Monday and Friday, 3:00 - 5:45 PM @ TJMS Gym

• Wednesday, 3:00 - 5:00 PM @ TJMS Gym

Match:

• Tuesday, October 8 vs Rutter @ Rutter 4:15/5:15 PM

• Thursday, October 10 vs Smedberg @ Johnson 4:15/5:15 PM

Awards Night:

• Thursday, October 24 @ 6 PM, MP Room

Coach Krystle Cerda, kacerda@egusd.net

Coach Alberta Snowden, asnowden@egusd.net

Coach Jacque Garland, jgarland@egusd.net

LOOKING AHEAD

• 8th Grade Basketball Tryouts - October 21, 22, 24 (no Wednesday)

• 7th Grade Basketball Tryouts - January 7-9

• Boys Volleyball Tryouts - March 24-26

• Co-Ed Track - March 24

* For more information related to athletics, contact TJMS Athletic Director, Ms. Jones at thjones@egusd.net.

A trip is officially planned to Japan (June 3 – 12) AND Ireland, Scotland and England (Dublin and the United Kingdom, June 19 – 28)! These trips are not sponsored by the school district or our school, but they are available to all current students, former students, and their families and friends.

I want to remind you that spots are limited and highlight what is included in the cost of our programs:

1. Round-trip Airfare & Lodging
2. Breakfast and Dinner daily
3. Full-time services of a professional Tour Director and licensed local guides
4. All activities & entrances as per itinerary
5. 24-hour Emergency Service­

Both companies are currently offering discounts until Friday, October 25:

1. EF (Japan) is offering $400 off: https://www.eftours.com/tour-website/2796569HC
2. Explorica (Dublin & UK) is offering $200 off with code Travel7D AND a chance to win an additional $500 off, once 10 travelers sign up: www.explorica.com/Fiddyment-1864

Please sign up on the above websites with a small $95 (EF) and/or $50/$99 (Explorica) deposit to lock in the price(s)!

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Amanda Fiddyment

afiddyme@egusd.net

2024-25 EGUSD School Year Calendar
The EGUSD 2024-2025 School Year Calendar – English | Spanish .

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Elk Grove Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Approved Fliers:

• BSA Troop Event
  

• Golden Harvest Parade

• Valley Winter Basketball Camp
  

• Elk Grove Lacrosse

• Next Level Flag Football

• VHS Sports
  

• 2024 Dreams in Motion Color Run

• SacBreathe Flyers

• CSD Winter Events

• Young Champions Cheerleading
  

• CSD Giant Pumpkin Festival
• CSD Fall Formal Dance

• Rotary Youth Exchange

• CSD Teen Fall Classes

• Ole Soccer Academy

• Sacramento Performing Art Conservatory
  
• CSD Healthy Kids Extravaganza

• Golden Harvest Parade

Now until May 2025: Parent Education at Elk Grove Adult and Community Education
Join our eight-week free course designed for all parents, offering practical strategies and insights to enhance parenting skills. Court-approved, it covers communication, discipline, child development, and family dynamics. Experience a supportive environment to exchange experiences and gain essential tools.
Parent Education Registration Information

Measure N Community Information Nights
You are invited to learn more about Measure N, a $542M bond that will provide critical funding for facility improvements at elementary, middle and high schools. The bond will appear on the November 2024 ballot. The community information nights will be held on Tuesday, October 22 at Elizabeth Pinkerton Middle School (EPMS) and Wednesday, October 23 at Edward Harris Jr. Middle School (EHMS). Both info nights will take place from 6 - 7 p.m. and be held in the schools’ multipurpose rooms.
Community Information Nights Flyer | Register for October 22 at EPMS | Register for October 23 at EHMS

FREE Mental Health App
Explore your mental health journey with us. Soluna offers confidential support for California residents aged 13 to 25, completely free of charge. Engage in one-on-one chats with a professional coach, utilize interactive tools to manage stress, or dive into a variety of quizzes, videos, forums, and more. The choice is yours! No cost. No pressure.
Learn about Soluna

Mandarins Music Academy
Attention 4th, 5th & 6th grade parents! The Mandarins Music Academy is a FREE beginning band program that is fun and educational at the same time. Your child will learn to read and perform music, while learning other valuable life skills at the same time! Band classes will be held twice a week before or after school and will take place on-site at your elementary school. Apply at mandarins.org/mma24.

• This program is brought to you by EGUSD and the Sacramento Mandarins. For more info, please visit mandarins.org or email DirectorMMA@mandarins.org.

Varsity Tutors for Schools
Elk Grove Unified is pleased to announce an exciting partnership with Varsity Tutors for Schools, a leading platform for live online tutoring at no cost to EGUSD students and families. When students need help with homework or are struggling to solve a problem, they can immediately chat with a tutor, 24/7, to get the help they need. Students can take practice tests and follow personal lesson plans for guided self-study. They can also sign up for expert-led live classes, and learn subjects like geometry, middle school math, elementary school reading and more, alongside their peers. The Varsity Tutors for School platform is now visible in the EGUSD student portal.

• Varsity Tutors Announcement

Spanish Family Wellness Series 2024
El Santuario de Mariposas (Spanish-Speaking Affinity Group) is thrilled to reintroduce the Spanish Family Wellness Series, featuring new topics tailored for our Spanish-speaking families and community in EGUSD. Our upcoming workshops, which will cover a variety of subjects including mental health, ParentVue, parenting, paint night, and more. Register by selecting the links in the Spanish Family Wellness Series flyer. If you have any questions, please call Alma Avalos at (916) 831-5552. Thank you for supporting our community’s growth and well-being!

Student Score Reports for 2024 State Assessments
Student score reports are now available from the Spring 2024 administration of these state assessments:

• California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)
• English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)

If your child(ren) participated in one or both of these state assessments, you may download their official score report via ParentVUE under “State Tests.” Please visit Accessing State Score Reports on ParentVUE for instructions and information. If you do not yet have a ParentVUE account, we encourage you to contact your child’s school office in order to activate your account.

Now Until December 19, 2024: Free Food Distribution
EGUSD will continue to host bi-monthly food distribution events through the summer and fall of 2024. Please note in July and August there will be one event. These events are held at Calvine High School (8333 Vintage Park Dr.) from 3:45 to 5:15 pm.
Free Food Distribution Flyer (translated flyers included)

July to October Student Immunization Clinics
Clinics will be held at both the Newcomer Welcome Center (8661 Power Inn Rd, Elk Grove) and Trigg Education Center (9510 Elk Grove Florin Rd, Elk Grove). All immunizations required for school entry will be provided for students in Preschool through 12th grade wanting to enter into Elk Grove Unified School District. Clinic is by appointment only.
Student Immunization Clinic Location/Schedule (translated flyers included)

Sacramento County Immunization Assistance Program
Free for those who do not have commercial insurance. Serving children ages 0-18. Clinic is by appointment only. Call (916) 875-7468 to schedule an appointment.
Immunization Assistance Program Flyer (translated flyers included)

The Dangers of Smoking & Vaping Resources
As we start a new school year, talking to your children about the dangers of smoking and vaping can be daunting. EGUSD’s Youth Development’s Tobacco Use Prevention Education program has some tips and resources for having those talks.
View The Dangers of Smoking & Vaping Resources

FREE Mental Health App
Explore your mental health journey with us. Soluna offers confidential support for California residents aged 13 to 25, completely free of charge. Engage in one-on-one chats with a professional coach, utilize interactive tools to manage stress, or dive into a variety of quizzes, videos, forums, and more. The choice is yours! No cost. No pressure.
Learn More About Soluna