Aug 2024 Mnthly Nwslttr
August 2024
GATOR NEWS I Monthly Newsletter I August 2024
A Message from the Principal
Dear JRG Families,
It is hard to believe that the beginning of the new school year is upon us. In just a couple of weeks our classrooms and hallways will be filled with the sound of students again, something that we have truly missed over the quiet summer months. We hope you have enjoyed the time away and everyone is re-energized for this next year of learning! It will be exciting to meet all of our seventh grade students and new students to JRG, while seeing the familiar faces of our students returning for their eighth grade year.
Our first opportunity to come together as a whole school community is on Wednesday, August 28th from 5:30-6:00 pm for our ROCKS kick off event tied to our Open House/Ice Cream Social. ROCKS stands for “Recognizing Our Committed KidS” aimed to help educate our students and offer affordable, healthy and fun-filled activities throughout the year to help them remain alcohol, tobacco and drug free. It will be important to have all JRG parents and students attend this important part of our evening’s events, to learn how we can partner together to help keep JRG a safe school environment, free from drugs and alcohol. As part of the evening’s activities, students and families will have an opportunity to sign and make their pledge to be part of ROCKS. Students who sign up will also receive their free t-shirt!
Below is an outline of our entire back-to-school evening at JRG. We hope you are able to attend this important night! Families may park in the stadium lot and enter through the gym entrance.
- 4:30-5:30 Supply Drop Off - Visit lockers and walk your schedule
- 5:30-6:00 ROCKS Kick off - Keep JRG safe from drugs, alcohol and tobacco free
- 6:00-7:00 Meet the Teachers/Supply Drop Off - Visit lockers, meet your teachers and walk your schedule
- 6:00-7:00 Ice Cream Social in the JRG Commons - Enjoy a scoop of ice cream, freezer pop, or popcorn in the commons
We are looking forward to seeing you all in a couple of weeks!
Emily Behnke
Principal, JRGAlcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Abuse (ATODA) Program
Parents and families, help us keep JRG drug and alcohol free!
Alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse, most commonly referred to as ATODA, is something you will be reading about monthly in our family newsletters, as our goal is to increase your awareness and support for our students. Talking to your child about drugs and alcohol is crucial during their middle school years. These conversations provide them with the knowledge and confidence to make safe choices as they grow older. By discussing the risks and consequences openly and honestly, you can help them understand how to resist peer pressure and prioritize their well-being. Your guidance plays a vital role in shaping their attitudes towards substance use and empowering them to make responsible decisions that can save their lives.
You can use these guidelines to carry on this conversation with your child to help them stay safe and Kimberly Schools drug and alcohol-free.
ROCKS Kick-Off Family Event
Date: Wednesday, August 28
Time: 4:30pm - 7:00pm
Location: JRG
Parking: JRG South Parking Lot (stadium lot)
Enter through the doors to the Commons (Door 20S) or the Gym (Door 17S)
Agenda:
4:30-5:30 PM: Supply Drop Off
Bring your supplies and put them in your locker!
5:30-6:00 PM: ROCKS Kick-Off in the Large Gym
Families and students come together to learn how we can keep JRG drug and alcohol free.
6:00-7:00 PM: Open House
Sign up for ROCKS, find your classes, put supplies in your lockers, and meet your teachers.
Student who pledge for ROCKS will be entered to win prizes!
Don't forget to stop by the commons for ice cream, freezer pop or popcorn!
Run for ROCKS Family Event
Wednesday, September 18th from 3:15 pm - 5:00 pm
Join ROCKS as we start your commitment to an alcohol, tobacco and drug-free lifestyle. JRG students and families are invited to participate in a 2-mile run/walk from JRG to Sunset Park. We will have a picnic celebration in the shelter at Sunset Park with burgers/hot dogs and water.
1st Day of School
For safety purposes, this is just a friendly reminder that any parents, guardians and other visitors always need to enter through the front doors in the main office to check in. The office staff are there to help guide you with any questions or needs you may have.
For those students unable to attend our ROCKS Kick Off/Open House may gradually bring all school supplies throughout the first days of school. On the first day it is most important that students have at least one folder, one notebook, a writing utensil and if applicable, a cold lunch. Student lunches may be stored in lockers until lunch time. For those students eating hot lunch, money may be uploaded using the parent portal of Infinite Campus. Students riding the bus will be dropped off in the stadium lot and enter the building through the commons. Students walking, biking or getting dropped off may enter through the front doors of the building. Any students arriving before 7:17 a.m. will go to the commons to wait until the bell rings at 7:17 a.m. At that time, students are then released to go to their lockers and TLC.
Annual Update
The Annual Update process which is done through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, will replace the forms you have filled out at your school in the past and is therefore required for all families. This process will guide you through updating and reviewing information for the upcoming school year and must be completed by the Primary Parent/Guardian.
School Fees
Pay school fees today! School Fees are due by September 30th.
You have several options to pay school fees: Preferred Method: Pay online on your Infinite Campus parent portal page. The usual $1.75 credit card fee will be waived between August 1-September 31 for those paying fees online. Mail a check to the school office (545 S. John St, Kimberly, WI 54136).
Checks can be made payable to KASD.
If these options do not work for you at this time, please contact the main office at 920-788-7905.
"Optional" fees in Infinite Campus
How do I pay for a student agenda?
Student agendas are considered an optional fee. Here is a link to guide you through adding an "optional" fee to your student’s account. https://kb.infinitecampus.com/help/optional-payments
Student Schedules & Supply List
Picture Day
JRG picture day for the 2024-25 school year will be held on August 1st from 7:30 am to 11:30 am and August 19th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Please note that if you cannot make this date, school photos for any grade can be taken at any district school as noted in the flyer. One exception is Kimberly High School students must go to KHS. JRG School will also have a picture retake day in October.
Parking available in the South Parking Lot at JRG (stadium lot)
Enter through the doors to the Commons (Door 20S)
4K-8th grade picture day scheduling
9th-12th grade picture day scheduling
Network Photography Online Pre-Pay Order
Network Photography Printable Order Form
*KHS students must go to KHS so they can have their IDs printed
Breakfast $1.55
Lunch $2.90
Premium Meals $3.55
A la carte option: the a la carte option consist of individual sales of various sandwiches, pizza, fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, juice, milk and healthy snacks and beverages. Premium meals are available and include any entree from the Sono (Nacho/Taco) station, Deli Station, and occasionally the Create Station. Premium Meal options are indicated with signs at the point of service.
*For a full list of a la carte options with pricing or to restrict your child from purchasing a la carte options, use the following link.
http://chartwellsk12.compass-usa.com/KimberlyAreaSchoolDistrict/whats-cooking
How do I add money to my child's lunch account?
Free & Reduced
If you are approved for Free and Reduced lunch and would like to have fees waived,
you must also fill out the Sharing of Information form.
2024-2025 Free & Reduced Meal Application
Free & Reduced Meals Program Information
Free & Reduced Meals -Sharing Information with Other Programs
Chromebook Care
Empower your students to excel through proper care of their Chromebooks!
Remember, this valuable equipment belongs to the Kimberly Area School District and is entrusted to students solely for educational enrichment throughout the academic year.
Career Planning
We have an exciting opportunity for you to get involved with our
Career Planning initiative at JR Gerritts!
Career Planning helps students better understand the world of work and begin to think about where their strengths and interests align to future education and career options. Middle school students typically know about a limited number of jobs (usually just what members of their family do, and a few others). You may think that what you do would not interest middle school students, but it does! What you have to share may have a lifelong impact on one of our students.
We are seeking parent volunteers to talk about their work to help our students gain a greater awareness of local occupations.
On January 24 and May 9, parents or other guest speakers will briefly present their occupation virtually to various classrooms. Within the 15 minute presentation, we would like speakers to:
Discuss your job description & responsibilities – what you do on a typical day or in a week
Talk about what makes your job interesting, challenging and fulfilling, and what skills and interests are important in your job.
Present props/visuals related to your job (optional)
Answer student questions
Our Career Planning program uses the concept of career clusters, which bundles jobs into 16 different categories. This year, we will be focusing on eight of those career clusters.
If you are interested in helping, please return this form to the JR Gerritts front office along with the career cluster and job that you wish to share. Please contact Brad Demmin at bdemmin@kimberly.k12.wi.us or (920) 423-4103 with questions or for more information. We’ll get in touch with you closer to the date of the presentation to confirm and finalize details.
REMINDER: Please help JRG become fragrance-free!
JRG is attempting to limit fragrances in our school. One of our teachers was recently diagnosed with Mast Cell Disease, similar to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. This is a rare disorder but one that has significant consequences to the person with the diagnosis. Mast cells are necessary for life and play a major role in our body’s immune system. When mast cells function normally, they keep a person healthy. With Mast Cell Disease, the body has too many mast cells and they are very reactive, which in turn causes an autoimmune reaction (essentially, the body is attacked by its own immune system). The disease is often misdiagnosed, and comes with a long list of possible triggers and symptoms.
In the case of our teacher, we need your help with a specific trigger that causes significant and at times debilitating symptoms - fragrances such as cologne, after shave lotion, perfume, perfumed lotion, fragranced hair products, and/or similar products. By reducing exposure to these triggers, symptoms will also be reduced. We are asking our families for any and all help they can provide in reducing fragrances coming into JRG. Your assistance in minimizing or eliminating fragrances can help not only this teacher, but also other students who have sensitivities and allergies related to fragrances by improving indoor air quality (please see the American Lung Association for more information on indoor air quality).
If you have questions, please feel free to contact our principal Emily Behnke.
JRG Athletics
Athletic Director: Mary Hammen
Phone: (920) 788-7905 ext. 4106
JRG Clubs & Activities
Discover exciting clubs and activities at JR Gerritts Middle School to connect with
fellow students and explore new interests!
Calendars
Additional Information
Attendance
Stay up-to-date with attendance matters! Discover important information and resources in our dedicated attendance section.
Health Room
Stay informed about your health room procedures and find answers to common questions!
School Handbook
Our student handbook outlines our school's policies, resources, and expectations to ensure a supportive academic environment.
Starfish
Mission: Project Starfish narrows the achievement gap by providing students in need with resources they otherwise would not be able to obtain on their own.
unFundraiser
Support our school without selling anything! Learn about our unique 'Unfundraiser' initiative where you can contribute directly to school programs.
Community Events
Explore our comprehensive list of community events. Ready to share an event?
Can't find the email for the JRG monthly newsletter?
Visit the Kimberly website and navigate to JR Gerritts Middle School under News and Announcements. There you will find all newsletters, special edition newsletters, the Calendar of Events, ROCKS events, and Athletics information.
Want to Volunteer?
Gator Apparel Store
Show your pride with our collection of spirit gear.
Contact Information
JRG Main Office: 788-7905
JRG Fax Number: 788-7914
Lamers Bus Lines: 832-8800
Email: jrg@kimberly.k12.wi.us
School Hours
School starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 2:58 p.m.
Bell Schedule
7:00 A.M. The front doors are unlocked, and students can enter.
7:17 A.M. Dismissal from the commons
7:27 A.M. Report to TLC
7:30 A.M. Start of TLC
2:58 P.M. Announcements
Lunch Times
7TH 11:26 a.m. to 12:06 p.m.
8TH 12:09 to 12:49 p.m.
If you are unable to access specific content within this newsletter, please call us at (920) 788-7905.
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J.R. Gerritts Middle School
Pupil Nondiscrimination Statement: The Kimberly Area School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including gender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability ("Protected Classes") in any of its student programs and activities.