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JJMS Weekly Update
March 28, 2024
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March 28, 2024
JJMS Administrators
Mr. Jeffrey Swiatowicz, Principal
Ms. Catherine Graybosch Assistant Principal - 6th Grade
Mr. Mike Pompa Assistant Principal - 7th & 8th Grade
- SCHOOL HOURS: 8:10 a.m. - 2:48 p.m.
- MAIN OFFICE HOURS: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- MAIN OFFICE PHONE: 914-763-7500
Hello JJMS Families
Happy SPRING BREAK! Before you head off for a much-deserved break, we have a few important updates and reminders you will want to mark on your calendars. Plus, the 2nd edition of our newsletter From the Middle is linked below. Be sure to take the time to see what the students have been up to!
Important Dates To Keep In Mind
3/29-4/7- SPRING BREAK!
4/10-4/11- ELA NY State Testing
4/12- Course Verification Due (Separate email to come 4/8)
4/12- 8th Grade Social
4/16- KLSD Green Team Sustainability Event
4/26- 8th Grade Boat Trip Permission Slips Due
5/1-5/2- Mathematics NY State Testing
5/14- Science NY State Testing *GRADE 8 ONLY*
ELA NY State Testing
NY State Testing: All Katonah-Lewisboro schools will administer the New York State English Language Arts (ELA), Math and Science tests to students in grades 3 through 8.
Testing Dates:
- English Language Arts: Wednesday, April 10th, and Thursday, April 11th
- Mathematics: Wednesday May 1st and Thursday May 2nd
- Science: Wednesday, May 14th only for Grade 8 (*Students who are in Accelerated/Earth Science do not take this exam). Please note this date was changed since our last communication.
Please Consider:
I have already heard from some families about wanting to refuse to have their children take the state tests this year. Please consider our school's stance on state tests below, and if you still feel strongly about refusing on behalf of your child, please let us know.
As JJMS, we feel it is important for your children to participate in the state tests as they serve as a valuable tool to assess their academic progress and overall understanding of our curriculum. These tests help educators identify areas where students may need additional support and provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the school's teaching methods and curriculum. By participating in these assessments, your children contribute to the overall improvement of the educational system, ensuring that resources and efforts are directed towards enhancing the quality of instruction. Moreover, the results of these tests can be instrumental in tailoring individualized learning plans, addressing specific educational needs, and fostering a supportive academic environment. Your cooperation in encouraging your children to take the state tests is an investment in their educational success and the continuous improvement of John Jay Middle School.
If you have questions or want to discuss this further, please contact me.
REMINDER - UPDATE YOUR DEVICE!
To prepare for this computer-based test, please make sure to have your child update their iPad to the latest operating system. 8th graders with MacBooks should also be updated. Students with iPads should be updated to iOS 17.3. Here is a link to a tutorial of how you can update your iPad. Please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@klschools.org if you need assistance with updating your child's device.
From the Middle Newsletter
To showcase how busy the students and teachers have been during the second trimester, we've published the second edition of the JJMS newsletter, From the Middle.
WE CREATED GRADE LEVEL EDITIONS, AND THE LINKS ARE BELOW!
Please take the time to read it and check in with your child about what you see.
Solar Eclipse Glasses
As you may know, on April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will occur and be visible in northern parts of New York State. Our schools will be in session for their regular hours on Monday, April 8. It is the first day after our Spring Break. During science instruction, teachers will present age-appropriate lessons relevant to the eclipse at all grade levels. Science teachers will hand out NASA-approved eclipse viewing safety glasses and discuss safety tips about not looking directly at the sun without appropriate protection.
Bus Changes and Walking Off Campus
The bus pass needs to be picked up from the main office before students leave the building or the students will not be allowed to make the desired change.
WALKING OFF CAMPUS - At the end of each day, students will be permitted to walk off campus* without a note. Once students leave campus, they are not permitted to return to campus for any reason unless accompanied by a parent/guardian. If you will permit your child to walk off campus, we suggest discussing the following with your child:
- Make a plan with your child. What time will the child be picked up? Who will be picking the child up? Where will the child be picked up?
- Remind your child they will be in a public setting with community members and to follow the expectations of your family and the school.
- Remind your child their behavior reflects the JJMS community.
- Students walking to the Cross River Plaza need to walk up to the track. It is unsafe to walk through the woods.
*If issues do arise for any student walking off our campus, the privilege may be revoked.*
8th Grade Social
The 8th Grade Dance is scheduled for April 12, 2024 from 7 pm - 8:30 pm in the John Jay Middle School Dining Room. The 8th Grade Dance is open to all JJMS 8th Graders and hosted by the JJMS PTO. There is no cost to the students. To participate in the dance, all students must submit a completed permission slip to the main office prior to the social. Click here to access the permission slip on the JJMS PTO website.
John Jay's Sustainability Club
You and your family are invited to participate in the Annual Districtwide Sustainability Celebration on April 16, 2024 at John Jay High School at 6pm.
Several events will be taking place during the April 16th event.
- Plant & Seed Exchange (Invitation Here)
- JJMS Green Team JJ Spirit Wear & Gear Swap (Invitation Here) and information below.
KLSD Spirit Wear and Gear Swap
The JJMS Green Team is hosting a John Jay Spirit Wear and Gear Exchange during the annual KLSD Sustainability Celebration. We are asking community members to donate clean, outgrown or unwanted school spirit wear and sports gear to exchange with others in our community.
Clothing and Gear will be collected ahead of the April 16th event. You can drop donations at the middle school during the weeks of March 25-28 and April 8-12. Students and families will have the chance to “shop the swap” on April 16th! Questions? Email mbrady@klschools.org
I hope everyone enjoys the time off and can participate in some much-needed R&R.
In partnership,
Jeffrey Swiatowicz
Principal, JJMS