TJMS Weekly Family Newsletter

Jaguar Families,

I'm sending this from San Diego as I am having my regular visit to see my mom, Peggy, and her best friend, Pat, (basically my second mom). Sometimes I share a few things about myself. For those that don't know, my mom has dementia and is in a Memory Care Unit in San Diego. She doesn't recognize me anymore and is almost non-verbal. But she smiles and remembers songs if I sing to her. Her best friend, Pat, of 65 years lives in San Diego and I stay with Pat when I come to visit. Each trip is obviously difficult. But I'm forever grateful my mom seems to have the best version of this disease and that I'm so fortunate to still be able to spend time with each of them. It helps me separate from my job as Principal, which can sometimes be consuming. It reminds me that each of us is a human being, with our own hopes, dreams, goals, and challenges. I hope that each of you can find the time to separate from what you have to do to find some sacred time to do what you need to do for your own heart and soul.

We have one week of school and then a full week off, November 25-29, for Thanksgiving Break! Don't miss the opportunity to get tickets to our Fall Musical, Into the Woods, Jr. November 22 and 23. We have a SPECIAL MINIMUM DAY, Monday, December 2nd, for Restorative Practice Professional Development for staff. Finally, check out details below for a TJMS Community Listening Session the evening of December 3rd. RSVP required. OH! And I just ordered my TJMS holiday ornament. Don't forget yours if you want one. ⭐

GO JAGS!!! 💜

GO NINERS!❤

Jenny Keyport

TJMS Principal

DATE: December 3, 2024

TIME: 5:30 - 7:00 PM

LOCATION: TJMS Gym

PURPOSE:

To hear from the Toby Johnson parents/guardians regarding positive school experiences, opportunities for growth and collective commitments to strengthen collaboration between home and school. We look forward to hearing from our community to make sure Toby Johnson continues to be the best place for students to thrive.

Include a RSVP link here.

*Limit 100 participants. Additional events will be provided if more are needed.

The Student and Family Empowerment (SAFE) Office provides case management for students and families that are facing challenges such as economic hardships, homelessness, food insecurity, health, dental, vision, mental health concerns and lack of resources. The Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department provides opportunities to partner with all families and the community in ways that support both the academic success and the social/emotional wellness of every student. In addition to accessing the resources above, we also encourage you to reach out to your school administrators, counselors, mental health therapists and/or school social workers.

• 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:

• 11/19, Vision and Hearing Test
• 11/22, Musical Production, 6:30pm
• 11/23, Musical Production, 2:00 & 6:30
• 11/25 - 11/29, NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break
• 12/2, MINIMUM DAY SCHEDULE (Staff PD Restorative Practices)
• 12/3, TJMS Community Listening Session 5:30-7:00 PM TJMS Gym (limit 100 participants)

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.

HOLIDAY ORNAMENT FUNDRAISER

Webstore closes Sunday, November 17, 2024. Do not miss your chance to order!

Purchase a custom TJMS Laser Glass Holiday Ornament by visiting this web store. Toby will get 50% of the profits and you will get a memory to last a lifetime.

https://stores.kustomimprints.com/Toby_Johnson_Middle_School__1299

There are 3 designs to choose from and even an option to personalize them.

Please Note: This online store is only open for a limited time- You must order by Sunday, November 17, 2024

FALL MUSICAL PRODUCTION

Toby Johnson Middle School's Jaguar Theatre proudly presents Into the Woods Jr.

• November 22nd at 6:30 PM $12*
• November 23rd at 2:00 PM $10
• November 23rd at 6:30 PM $12*

*10 w/ ASB sticker with code ASBJAG, Limit 1 per student

must present TJMS ID at the door.

PBIS FOCUS:

Our theme for November is RESPONSIBLE. We challenge your student to limit time on their electronic devices and help at the house or volunteer in their community.

JAG SWAG PULL

This week we will have a Jag Swag Pull on Friday morning during TJTV. Students who are pulled will get to choose a prize. Prizes include a popcorn party, Jaguar pride merch, a VIP event ticket, a Front of the Line Pass, or a snack bag. Staff, if your swag gets pulled you win a prize too. Make sure to complete your class drawings and turn in your Jag Swag to MC9 by the end of the day on Thursday.

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:

• CSD Youth Basketball

• Southgate Recreation Center

• An Old Fashioned Christmas

• Volleyball Sign Ups

• Elk Grove Rugby

• Elk Grove Lacrosse

• Next Level Flag Football

• VHS Sports

• CSD Winter Events

• Young Champions Cheerleading

Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month
Elk Grove Unified recognizes the month of November as Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month. We spoke to a student in the Sikh Honors and Service Society at Franklin High School and learned more about why this month is so important to celebrate.

2025 Young Worker Leadership Academy

Young Worker Leadership Academy (YWLA) is an all-expense-paid opportunity for teens to become youth leaders in advocating for safe workplaces. Participants will design projects for their communities for May Safe Jobs for Youth month.

• Apply by December 1, 2024 at youngworkers.org
• 2025 Young Worker Leadership Academy flyer
• 2025 Young Worker Leadership Academy flyer (Spanish)

January 4, 11, 18, 25, & February 1, 2025: Little Vikings Winter Youth Boys Basketball Camp - Register by December 29, 2024
Exciting opportunities await young athletes! Boys in grades 3 through 8 are invited to join the Valley Vikings for a dynamic program where they can learn fundamentals, concepts, and compete in games while being coached by the Valley Vikings student-athletes and coaching staff. This camp will be held on Saturdays. Parents are encouraged to register their children or help promote the camp to other students. Registration is currently open. For questions or scholarship requests, please contact Coach TJ at tsantari@egusd.net.

• Register for Youth Boys Basketball Camp

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

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

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)

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