Weekly Warrior for Families

Attention current 6th/7th grade families: Your child will be bringing home paperwork to be filled out allowing them to participate in the Free Athletic Physicals that will take place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at ETSU Physicians in Kingsport. Students need to return these no later than 5/19.

• Fill out the necessary paperwork and return it to Sevier (1st period teacher, office, or Mr. Moore) as soon as possible.
• Students will be transported on school buses before or after their Awards Day.

Please take advantage of this opportunity for a Free Physical that will allow students to participate in any sport during the 2025-2026 school year. Many sports, including football, girls soccer, girls basketball, cross country, volleyball, cheerleading, and dance have practices or tryouts over the summer - without a current physical, participation is not allowed. Please remember that student athletes must have a new physical every school year.

* There is a separate date for the free high school sports physicals. See the announcement section for 8th graders for this information.

We are THANKFUL for all the organizations and individuals who step in and support the social, emotional, mental, medical, physical, and spiritual needs of our students. We cannot do it without YOU!!! We are all stakeholders in our student population and you help to make it better!!!

As the school year is winding down, we have been showcasing and recognizing many of the wonderful things that make JSMS what we are...AMAZING! Our Final Shout out is to those who have helped our outside look as good as our inside! We have new dirt on our ball field and a new scoreboard! We have fresh mulch going in around our planting beds. Our window decals are more than a safety feature. They make our school look sharp! The new awnings are so helpful in providing covering out of sun and rain! And finally, we recently planted a tree in honor of Arbor Day that will one day provide needed shade!

We are so proud of the improvements going on around and in JSMS! We hope you are too!

The dates/times are set for the end of year awards programs...

May 21 @ 9:00 6th grade awards program

May 21@ 1:00 7th grade awards program

May 22 @ 9:00 8th grade awards program (this is the 8th grade promotion ceremony)

* All guests need to bring their drivers license/ID to enter the school. Please allow additional time for parking and the check-in process.

See below.

• 5/5 Orchestra Spring Concert: Rehearsal at 4:00, Concert at 6pm

• 5/6 No Orchestra Practice Club

• 5/8 DB Orchestra Concert: 6pm at RNR
• 5/9 6th Grade Orchestra Tour
• Instrument Placement: by appointment: email gsinko@k12k.com

You can find the latest band newsletter here. Band newsletter

See below information about Chorus.

See below distribution information.

See the below flyer about Leadership Ambassadors

Please consider donating to our clothes/hygiene closet. For clothing/shoes, we will happily accept new or gently used items. Thank you SO MUCH to the individuals that have dropped off or sent in items! We very much appreciate your generosity!

The following items are currently needed:

• leggings/sweatpants/joggers (female - all sizes)
• tennis shoes (male/female - all sizes)
• anti-perspirant/deodorant (regular or travel size, spray/sticks/roll on)

• 6th grade teachers are requesting that parents make sure students have supplies in their backpack. They need: pencils, coloring pencils, working earbuds, glue.

• For students attending the VA Beach trip - the gym doors will be open at 5:30am on Wednesday, May 7, students need to arrive no later than 6:00am. Those attending met as a group on 4/25 during activity time and received a sheet of 'VA Beach Important Information'. Any questions email ccarr@k12k.com
• For students planning to attend the local trips/activities during this time, details have been sent home with students. Any questions email mmason@k12k.com

• Are you playing football at DB? Rising 9th gr football practice begins Tues. May 27th 8-10am (a current sports physical is required, get this scheduled/done before this date). Free physicals are being offered on Sat. May 10th (see flyer below for place/time/details).

• Washington DC trip - For students attending the DC trip, stay tuned for more detailed information (packing lists, etc). Any questions email mmoore@k12k.com

• Local Trips/Activities (during the week of the DC trip) - There will be a meeting (for students that have paid and turned in permission forms only) on Wednesday May 7 at 2:20 PM in the auditorium. Any questions email awinkle@k12.com

• High School Planning - Any questions, call the JSMS counseling office 378-2435

• Freshman Summer Orientation - See the flyer below for information (dates/times) and how to sign-up. This is a GREAT way for your future high-schooler to get prepared for DB!
  

D-B EXCEL

We are excited to announce open enrollment at D-B EXCEL for the 2025-2026 school year!

If you’re seeking a smaller high school environment that offers personalized learning opportunities tailored to your child’s unique needs, we invite you to explore D-B EXCEL.

D-B EXCEL provides a focused learning community of approximately 250 students, housed in a modern and innovative campus at the historic Kingsport Press Building in downtown Kingsport. Our curriculum emphasizes blended and project-based learning, with a focus on engineering and design principles that equip students with versatile problem-solving skills applicable to both academics and everyday life. As a part of Dobyns-Bennett, D-B EXCEL students also enjoy access to a wide range of courses at the main campus, as well as dual enrollment options to further enrich their educational journey.

To learn more about our school community, we encourage you to watch our introductory video [click here]. If you envision your child thriving at D-B EXCEL, we welcome you to take the next step by completing our interest form at bit.ly/DBEinterest. A member of our team will reach out to arrange a personalized tour of our campus. Please note that space is limited for rising 9th and 10th graders, with a waiting list in place for rising 11th and 12th graders—early application is recommended to secure your child’s spot.

For additional information or to schedule a tour directly, feel free to contact us at 423-378-2185. We look forward to connecting with you and sharing how D-B EXCEL can inspire and support your child’s future.

dbexcel.k12k.com
Any questions, please call 423-378-2185 or email nroebke@k12k.com

DB upcoming tryout information below:

Volleyball

The FREE Athletic Physical for Dobyns-Bennett High School Athletes (rising 9-12 grades) is set for Saturday May 10th at 7:45am @ Ballad Outpatient Therapy Center (Sullivan Center) on Stone Drive (Old King Giant Plaza). Make sure you arrive at 7:45am. This will be the only free physical that will be held this school year for Dobyns-Bennett athletes. Each athlete/player can pick up a 2025-2026 High School Medical Authorization Packet with Physical Form at: 1) the athletic/activities office at D-B 2) the athletic training room (located in the Field House) or 3) print out the 2025-2026 High School Medical Authorization Packet with Physical Form.

The 2025-2026 High School Medical Authorization Packet with Physical Form is located on the KCS Athletic website https://athletics.k12k.com/, click on the Athletic Forms tab then scroll down to the 2025-2026 High School Medical Authorization Packet with Physical Form pdf file. The following must be filled out and signed by the parent/guardian before the athlete/player can receive the physical: athlete/player Medical Authorization page, KCS Acknowledgement Form, and Physical Medical History portion of the physical form.

Do you have a family member/friend/neighbor that will be coming to Sevier next school year as a 6th grader? See flyers below.

Tryout Information for current 5th graders

• Girls basketball tryouts for current 5th graders (upcoming 6th graders) is Friday, May 23 from 10 am - 12 pm
• Volleyball tryouts for current 5th graders (upcoming 6th graders) is Friday May 23 from 1 pm - 3 pm
• Football - first practice/workout is Tues. 5/27, 11am-12pm @ DB Field House. These will run May 27th - June 19th at the same time/place each Monday - Thursday (no Fridays). Special Practice for rising 6th graders only: Tues. June 10th and Thurs. June 12th @ John Sevier, 6-7:30pm. It is highly recommended that you attend everyday that it is possible for you to attend. *More information will be shared directly with rising 6th graders.

Be sure to checkout the athletic and club information below to get a glance at all of the opportunities offered while at JSMS. (Pay close attention: these continuously have updates). We would love for every student to be connected in some way to some type of extra-curricular.

Do not be left out and unable to tryout by not having a sports physical on file. All students trying out for any sport must have a physical on file...no exceptions. Plan ahead...schedule your appointment or attend the free event (offered once a year)...turn paperwork in to the school. Get this done asap so it will be done BEFORE the tryout begins.

At this time, we have information from the following (see below). Continue to look in this area for updates about each sport.

Football

• Students wanting to play football next year need to be participating in the workouts on Tuesday and Thursday at DB Field House after school from 3:15 - 4:15pm. I have received some concerns as of late that say they don't want their son lifting just yet because they are too young. Please let know they are not lifting heavy weights, and are focusing on core strength, flexibility, plyometrics, and increasing their explosion.

• Spring Practice will begin May 12th from 3:00 - 4:30 Players must have a sports physical for this year to participate (dated after April 15, 2025).

• Free Physical for Middle School Athletes - May 21st

• Summer Workouts will begin May 27th @ DB Field House from 11:00-12:00pm (every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). It will run until Dead Period begins (June 23rd).
• To receive a copy of the digital Football Calendar for the 2025 Summer Schedule and the 2025 season, email coach Spivey at ispivey@k12k.com
• Hard copies are in the office for any student/parent that wants a copy. But keep in mind, these will not automatically update when changes are made to the calendar (therefore having a digital copy is recommended).

Cross Country

Volleyball

Current 6th and 7th grade volleyball tryouts - 5/5 and 5/6, 3-5pm - Please pre-register online

Girls Basketball

Girls Basketball Tryouts for current 6th and 7th graders is May 12-13 from 3:00 - 4:30 in the Sevier gym. You must have a physical on file to participate in tryouts.

Swim Team

If any middle schooler is interested in joining the swim team email nlove@k12k.com

• This will occur from 3:15-4:15pm at the Field House at DB on Tuesdays/Thursdays (please bring or wear tennis shoes).
• There will be bus transportation from Sevier to DB for anyone interested (student needs to come to the JSMS office to get bus information).
• Parents are responsible to pick-up at 4:15pm from the DB field house.
• Any questions contact: Coach Fleming zfleming@k12k.com or Coach Luethke dluethke@k12k.com
• SUMMER strength & conditioning for middle schoolers is Monday-Thursday 11-12 at D-B in the field house. The first day will be May 27th. ALL athletes are strongly encouraged to attend.

* this opportunity is highly recommended for all student athletes (non-athletes are welcome as well)

* students attending MUST have a current sports physical on file. If you need to check about the status of a sports physical, you can email ewilliams@k12k.com or call Sevier 378-2450 and ask for Erika Williams.

• If students are involved in a current sport, that coach will decide how those practice times are communicated. Some utilize a team app, or communicate through players, etc.
• All practice/game info is subject to change, players are responsible for communicating updated information as they receive it from their coach.
• Season game schedules for current sports are at the bottom of this newsletter (subject to change).

We will meet May 2nd, May 7th, and May 9th and then we're done for the year!

• Prayer Warriors and Wyldlife will meet @ 7:15am in the library on alternate Wednesdays (see Prayer Warrior dates on the below flyer).
• Students must have a permission form turned in prior to the meeting. Forms can be picked up at Ms. Abrams room 234 or at the front office.
• See below for this semester meeting dates.

Friendly reminder: All visitors going beyond the lobby doors—including to counseling or the front office—must have a visitor badge printed through the Raptor system. While this may take additional time, safety is our top priority, and it must take precedence over convenience. This policy applies to all visitors, including familiar faces.

• If you have attendance questions, please email Erika Williams at ewilliams@k12k.com or call 423-378-2450 and ask for her.
• If your child has a doctor's excuse, please email to ewilliams@k12k.com or fax to 423-378-2430. If you have a hard copy of the excuse, please send your child to school with the hard copy (to turn into the office) or you can take a picture of it and email the picture to ewilliams@k12k.com. Student will be marked unexcused until the doctors note has been received.
• If your child is going to be absent (without a doctors excuse), you are not required to contact the school (but if you are choosing to use a parent day and your child has those remaining, you can call to request that their absence is recorded as a 'parent day').
• If you are wanting to use a 'parent day' (max of 3 per semester), the guardian will need to notify the school requesting this (we are not allowed to code the absence this way without the guardian requesting it). You can make this request one of the following ways: call the office, or email ewilliams@k12k.com, or send a note to the office requesting a parent day for the absence on _____ (add the date). Student will be marked as 'unexcused' until this communication has been received.

• We suggest the student/guardian communicate directly to the teachers via email/Canvas regarding any missed assignments.

• Please keep your contact information updated. This can be done through your Aspen Parent Portal or by contacting LeAnn Franklin 378-2435 in the counseling office. It's vitally important that we have current contact phone numbers and a correct address for each student. If your email changes be sure to let us know that as well since that is how many different types of information is sent to you via email.

• You MUST present an ID when visiting Sevier or checking out your student.

• Please try to have after school arrangements communicated with your child prior to them arriving to school.

• Students attending sporting events need to remain with their guardian. Students that are dropped off without an adult with them will not be allowed to enter the sporting event.

• Blankets are not to be brought to school.

• Outside drinks are not allowed to enter with students (Pal's, Starbucks, etc).

• Hats, beanies/toboggans, hoods, head coverings of any kind are not to be worn during school.
• If your child misplaces an item please have them check the lost and found. We have these located outside of the cafeteria, as well as in the office. We currently have jackets/hoodies, backpacks, lunchboxes, shoes, water bottles, headphones. We do not have the space to hold on to these items for a length of time. Once a month we will be clearing these locations and donating the unclaimed items.
  
• Have your child write their name inside of jackets/hoodies, backpacks, lunchboxes. This is a great way to ensure these items return to them if misplaced.

We are blessed to have several water bottle filling stations located throughout the school. It is encouraged for students to bring a water bottle with them to stay hydrated. Also, this helps students from missing class time if they have water with them rather than making trips to the water fountain.

Check out our Virtual MakerSpace.

It has a lot of great activities and fun websites that are approved by middle school students! If you are looking for something online to do, this is a good place to start. You can also access our MakerSpace Page from the school website under the students tab.

STEM Talk Update! Check out the updated newsletter here! ¡Consulta el boletín actualizado aquí!

Q4 Pictures

Fotos

Below are ways you can help/volunteer/get involved:

• reach out to our Family & Community Liaison, Robin Kerkhoff, rkerkhoff@k12k.com or call her at 423.378.2406
• we have a variety of volunteer opportunities such as: helping go through clothes donations and organizing them in the clothes closet, assist a student with homework before or after school, mentoring students, and much more! You can choose what interests you most and the amount of time that you would like to volunteer (ex: once a month or once a week).

Families can login into your foodcity.com account, click on account, and then select John Sevier Middle School. This will link your ValuCard to our school! This is a great way to be a part of a wonderful funding source at

KCS Pre-K Screenings and Kindergarten Registration

• Kindergarten Registration For more information on Kindergarten Registration, Zoning, or Tuition for the 2025-26 school year, please contact Kingsport City Schools Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100 or visit k12k.com - Student Registration.

• Pre-K Screenings (not registration) For more information on Pre-K Screenings or to schedule a screening for the 2025-26 school year, please contact the Palmer Early Learning Center at (423) 378.2160 or visit k12k.com - Pre-K Screenings.

This has been a standard JSMS operating procedure, but now applies system-wide (including elementary schools). We wanted to share with our families to keep you in the loop.

For several weeks, school and district administrators have been reviewing a recommendation from the KCS district safety task force regarding the presence of visitors in KCS cafeterias at breakfast and lunch. In response to several incidents in KCS cafeterias and due to school safety protocols and health concerns, the task force is recommending that visitors no longer be allowed inside school cafeterias during meal times. We recognize that for some of you, you have enjoyed the opportunity to eat with your child at school. However, given the desire to maintain the safest possible school environment and after reviewing the situation, the decision has been made to accept the task force's recommendation to no longer allow visitors in KCS cafeterias during breakfast and lunch. Please be aware that this new procedure will begin starting with the 4th 9-weeks on Monday, March 17, 2025.

Students’ cell phones and other electronic devices are to be turned off and not visible upon a student’s arrival to school (upon entering the building) until the end of the student’s school day. Students must store their cell phones and other electronic devices in their backpacks (exceptions may be granted for medical or other extraordinary circumstances as determined by the building principal or designee). Cell phones may be confiscated if this rule is violated. When confiscated from students, parents will be asked to retrieve the cell phone from the school administration.

• 1st offense - The item will be confiscated and kept at the school for a minimum of five (5) consecutive school days. To retrieve the confiscated item, a parent or guardian must contact the appropriate administrator.

• 2nd offense - When a student has a second offense during the current semester, the item will be confiscated for a minimum of ten (10) school days. A parent or guardian must retrieve the confiscated item from the front office.

• 3rd offense - When a student has a third offense during the current semester, the item may be confiscated for the remainder of the school year. A parent or guardian may retrieve the confiscated item at the end of the school day on the last day of the school year.

Glen Alpine United Methodist Church operates a Diaper Pantry on the 2nd Saturday of each month. They offer diapers, wipes, baby wash, baby lotion, and diaper cream every month. At times they have pull-ups, baby formula, baby food, bottles, and other miscellaneous items.

• If your child is in need of gently used clothing/shoes or hygiene products, please tell them to visit Mrs. Kerkhoff in the office. She can assist in gathering items for them.
• KCS has a Family Resource Center (FRC) that will assist families with a variety of needs...Mrs. Kerkhoff can help connect you to their services.

Food bags are offered every other week. You can call the office 378-2450 or contact Robin Kerkhoff (rkerkhoff@k12k.com) to get on the distribution list. Each bag has a variety of non-perishable items such as: oatmeal, peanut butter, pasta, pasta sauce, fruit cups, mac n chz, rice, soup (not all of these are included each time).

If you are interested in additional information on any of the below items, please reach out to Robin Kerkhoff, 378-2406 or rkerkhoff@k12k.com

• KATS is the public transit system in our area. Reach out to us if you need help getting information about routes, times, or ticket/booklet purchase.

• Our community has an outreach that offers FREE haircuts through Halo Haircuts at a local church (First Broad Street Methodist, located at Church Circle in the lower level). These are typically offered every other Monday. They begin at 9am and finish after their last haircut. If you would like for your child to go get his/her haircut please email, call, or send a note to Mrs. Kerkhoff and she will plan to take them in the school van. Parents/guardians, this is for you too. If you're in need of a haircut, go check out this wonderful resource that is available for our community (if transportation is an issue, we can assist you as well. Let us know). Remaining haircut dates: May 5, May 19

Summer will be here before we know it... Check out these awesome student opportunities!

Sign up for D-B youth athletic camps

Check out middle & high school reading lists

Learn about our free summer meals program

Get details on the D-B Air Force JROTC orientation camp

Explore D-B summer learning programs

Mark your calendar for middle & high school band camps

There’s something for everyone so don’t miss out - register now! Click here: https://bit.ly/KCSsummercamps

Monday, May 5th

• Jazz Band 7:15-8:00
• 7th Grade STEM Day Field Trip
• Current 6th and 7th grade volleyball tryouts 3-5pm - Please pre-register online.
• Orchestra Spring Concert: Rehearsal at 4:00, Concert at 6pm

Tuesday, May 6th

• Current 6th and 7th grade volleyball tryouts 3-5pm - Please pre-register online.

Wednesday, May 7th

• Final Prayer Warriors meeting of this school year in the library.
• 7th Grade Virginia Beach Trip
• 7th Grade Local Trip (Pinnacle - Movies)
• There will be an 8th Local Trips meeting (for students that have paid and turned in permission forms only) at 2:20 PM in the auditorium.
  
• No Orchestra Practice Club
  

Thursday, May 8th

• 7th Grade Virginia Beach Trip

• 7th Grade Local Trip (Bowling)

Friday, May 9th

• 7th Grade Virginia Beach Trip

• 7th Grade Local Trip (Warriors Path)

• 6th grade Orchestra Tour and Quantum Leap Trip

Save the Date:

• May 10 8th gr (rising 9th) Free Sports Physicals

• May 12-13 Girls Basketball Tryouts (current 6th/7th graders)

• May 12-16 DC Trip / local trips (8th grade)

• May 12-16 Football Spring Practice (current 6th/7th graders), 3 - 4:30pm at Sevier

• May 14 Rising 6th (current 5th graders) visit during the school day

• May 15 Walk of a Warrior 6pm - family event for rising 6th (current 5th graders)

• May 19 Yearbook Distribution day

• May 21 Free Sports Physicals for 6th/7th graders that returned their paperwork

• May 21 @ 9:00 6th grade awards program

  May 21@ 1:00 7th grade awards program

  May 22 @ 9:00 8th grade awards program