Helping a middle schooler develop organization skills is key to their success. That is why organization is one of the key focus areas of AVID:

1. Designate a Study Space: Create a quiet, organized area for homework, free from distractions.

2. Use a Planner: JCMS provides a planner to every student. Encourage your child to track assignments and deadlines with a planner (or digital calendar) teaching them to prioritize tasks.

3. Establish Routines: Help them set daily and weekly routines for homework and organizing school materials to reduce stress and boost productivity.

4. Encourage Clean-Ups: Schedule weekly times for your child to tidy their backpack and binders, keeping only what’s necessary.

5. Model Organization: Share your organizational strategies, showing how you manage tasks effectively.

By implementing these strategies, you can support your child in developing essential organization skills for middle school and beyond.

Students have received two progress reports this school year. Now is a good time to compare the two progress reports to look for consistent improvement.

If you notice low grades, they are most often due to missing assignments. Show your child that you know that the “real” data is readily available in PowerSchool by having hi/her log into the student portal. When in the portal, click on the class grade and a window will open that shows each individual assignment – including any that are missing.

NOTE: October 29 is the end of the grading period; students receive report cards on November 5th.

• Set Clear Boundaries: Establish specific times for phone use, such as during homework or family meals. Encourage device-free zones, like bedrooms at night, to promote healthy habits.
• Encourage Reflection: Help your child reflect on their phone use by asking questions like, "How do you feel after spending time on your phone?" This can foster awareness of how it affects their mood and productivity.
• Model Mindfulness: Demonstrate mindful phone usage by being present during conversations and limiting your own screen time. Your example can inspire them to adopt similar habits.

Question:

• How do I schedule a conference with my child's teachers?

Answer:

• There are multiple methods to conference with your child's teachers:
• in person
• on the telephone
• virtual via MS Teams or Zoom
• To schedule a conference, you can:
• email or text (via Remind) to make a request
• call the JCMS office to leave a message for your child's teachers

ISS is used as an intervention to preclude suspending a student from school. It allows the student to receive a consequence while also allowing the student to still be in school. It is provided as a courtesy to the family; ISS is not a “right” consequently.

Students will receive written documentation printed from the Educator’s Handbook portal for discipline referrals that result in ISS – and will be advised to give the Educator’s Handbook document to parents. Although written documentation is provided to students, parents will be notified by administration if their child is assigned to ISS for a period that exceeds two school days.

Students are expected to complete class assignments, social skills, and character education lessons while assigned to ISS. Students are not considered absent in ISS.

For the full policy, go to page 26 in the Parent & Student Handbook https://bit.ly/3XH6xnq

All students were given handbooks on the first day of school. Please take a little time to review the book with your child. Here are a few focus areas:

• School Calendar: page 6
• Bullying/Harassment: page 17
• Athletics: page 14
• Cell Phones: page 19
• Clubs & Student Groups: page 21
• Deliveries: page 22
• Dress Code: page 23
• Fighting/Videotaping a Fight: page 24
• ISS (In School Suspension): page 26
• Report Card & Interim Report Dates: page 30
• Tardy Policy: page 31
• Tobacco Policy (includes vapes): page 31

Full Handbook https://bit.ly/3XH6xnq