🐾The Panther Paw 🐾

As we move past our half way mark of the grading period, I wanted to remind everyone of the expectations for attending the end of quarter celebration. While it can be hard thinking weeks ahead, it will be here before we know it!

Similar to last quarter the expectations for attending the celebration are:

• Students should be passing all of their classes - meaning students should not have any Fs for their quarter grade
• Students should not have more than 3 unexcused absences this quarter
• Students should not have 3 or more office discipline referrals this quarter

Take advantage of the opportunities we have to help students continue to be successful in their classes or to get back on track:

• Every morning from 7:50 to 8:07 there are math and language arts teachers available in the library to help with any assignments you might need help with. The Panther Den is also open during this time.
• Use your time during SRT to work on any assignments you might have to complete.
• Need help after school? Check into Panther Study!

This week, students will begin the third round of ILEARN checkpoint testing. Students will test in their language arts and math classes. Each checkpoint has 20-25 questions and will show how your child is doing in key skills and concepts from the Indiana Academic Standards.

Students will complete checkpoint tests in their Language Arts and Math classes. Here is our testing schedule:

• Tuesday, February 18, 2025 - Language Arts

• Wednesday, February 19, 2025 - Language Arts
• Thursday, February 20, 2025 - Math
• Friday, February 21, 2025 - Math

Here are a few testing tips for this week:

• Get Plenty of Rest!
• Make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night leading up to the test. A well-rested brain performs much better!
• Eat a Healthy Breakfast
• Fuel your brain with a balanced breakfast on test days. Include protein (eggs, yogurt), whole grains (toast, cereal), and fruits for long-lasting energy.
• Stay Calm and Positive
• Confidence is key! Take deep breaths, relax, and remind yourself that you’ve been preparing all year. A positive mindset can help you perform better.
• Bring Necessary Supplies
• Ensure you have all the materials you’ll need for the test— Chromebook, charger, and pencil/pen.

Our 8th grade students will be going on a college tour! March 5th and 6th, JCMS 8th graders will be on IU Columbus' campus learning about programs, extracurricular activities, athletics and everything IUC has to offer right in Columbus. There is a lime green permission slip that will be sent home with your students today. The cost is $5 to pay for transportation. If there are any difficulties paying this, please let the Guidance Office know.

Reminder: to participate in athletics, student athletes MUST have a sports physical on file at JCMS and must be registered on Final Forms.

Schneck Urgent Care at 1124 Medical Pl. Seymour, IN 47274 is open from 8 am to 8 pm Monday-Friday and 8 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday. This location offers sports physicals for $25 cash/debit/credit (meaning they do not run insurance)

If your athlete attended tonight’s after school workout and did not have a physical on file, they received a form that can be filled out and taken to their physical. Having this filled out ahead of time will make your trip much quicker. If they do not have a form, they can get one from the JCMS athletic office!

For any questions about this process, please contact the JCMS Athletic office during school hours. We look forward to all of our athletes being able to participate!

Many students often want to know ahead of time what is served for lunch each day. Here is the upcoming menu for the month of February. We appreciate all of the time and effort our lunch crew puts into making our lunches each day. Thank you to all of them!

Monday, February 17, 2025:

• Math Club - 3:15 - 4:30 PM

Tuesday, February 18, 2025:

• Swimming @ Southwestern Middle/Sr High School - Hanover - 6:00 - 8:00 PM
• Wrestling @ Columbus Northside Middle School - 6:00 - 8:00 PM

• Wrestling @ Southwestern Middle/Sr High School - Hanover - 5:30 - 7:30 PM