Jefferson Times
Home of the Wildcats
September 27, 2024
Dear Amazing Jefferson Families,
I’m thrilled to reflect on another successful Carnival—dunk tank and all! Thank you to everyone who attended; your presence is what truly makes this event so special. A special shout-out goes to the dedicated parents who volunteered their time; your support was essential to our success! I am already looking forward to next year's Carnival (yes, even the dunk tank :)
It was a pleasure seeing so many of you during Parent-Teacher Conferences this week. I hope you had meaningful conversations with your child’s teachers. We wholeheartedly believe that “it takes a village” at Jefferson, and we appreciate your commitment to fostering these connections. Please continue to engage in those important conversations with your child’s teachers so we can work together as a team to best support your child.
As we continue to set high expectations and maintain rigor here at Jefferson, I encourage you to support your child in taking initiative. For our 6th through 8th graders, please motivate them to reach out to their teachers via email with any questions. They’ve been learning how to write professional emails, and this is a great opportunity for them to practice their skills with minimal guidance.
Please take the time to read our emailed newsletter each week, especially the "weekly events schedule" and the "important upcoming events." It is also available on our school website. Furthermore, follow us on Instagram @jeffersonwildcats. Also, get involved with our fabulous MJPFA by visiting them at https://mjpfa.ptboard.com/ and follow them on Instagram @mjpfa6. For any questions, contact our office at (209) 835-3053.
Take care,
Jason Strickland
Principal
"Every Student. Every Day. Whatever it Takes"
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Monday, September 30
Minimum Day
6th Grade Leaves for Science Camp!
1:30 - 8th Grade “G” and “Y” Volleyball Practice
3:00 - 5th Grade Volleyball Practice
Tuesday, October 1
12:35 - Lunchtime Support with Pereira
3:30 - 8th Grade “G” vs 8th Grade “Y” Volleyball
4:30 - 7th Grade Volleyball Practice
Wednesday, October 2
3:00 - ASB Meeting @ Library
3:00 - 8th Grade “G” Volleyball Practice
3:30 - Monticello vs Jefferson Cross Country
4:00 - 5th Grade Volleyball Practice
Thursday, October 3
12:35 - Lunchtime Support with Pereira
3:30 - Parent Advisory Committee @ DO
3:45 - Traina @ Jefferson 5th Grade Volleyball
4:45 - Traina @ Jefferson 7th Grade Volleyball
4:45 - Jefferson 8th Grade “G” @ Hawkins
Friday, October 4
6th Grade Returns from Science Camp
Enjoy Fall Break!! See you in 10 days!!
September 30th thru October 4th - 6th Grade Science Camp
October 3rd - Parent Advisory Committee @ District Office
October 7th - 11th - Fall Break (NO SCHOOL)
October 15th - Spelling Bee @ Jefferson
JSD Board Meeting @ District Office
October 17th - Great Shakeout (Earthquake Drill)
October 18th - Decades Dance (1st Dance of the Year; Must have ASB Card to attend)
October 23rd - Jefferson School District Spelling Bee
October 24th - Fall GATE Test
October 25th - Coffee and Conversation with the Principal
November 1st - Staff Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS)
Jefferson Spelling Bee - 10/15
The Jefferson School Spelling Bee is under way and classrooms are wrapping up their individual competitions. Our school Spelling Bee (top spellers from each Core class) will be on
Tuesday, Oct. 15 with our 5th and 6th grade competition at 8:30
and our 7th and 8th grade competition at 10:00am.
The top two 5th/6th grade students and the top two 7th/8th grade students
will go on to compete at the Jefferson School District Spelling Bee on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
Details about each event will be sent to the families of the winning spellers.
Jefferson School Spelling Bee: Tuesday, October 15th
Jefferson School District Spelling Bee: Wednesday, October 23rd
For more information, please visit our school website:
Makeup Picture Day - 10/16
Makeup Picture Day is coming up on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
Students can reserve a spot for makeup picture day by completing this google form
by Monday, October 14, 2024 (from their chromebook): https://forms.gle/yAZswUJbGFDHUmSC7
1st Dance of the Year - 10/18
Our 1st dance of the year is Friday, October 18th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. This dance is only open to 6th through 8th grade students who have already purchased an ASB membership. The deadline to purchase has passed and we are no longer accepting payments.
If your child is interested in attending the dance and has already purchased their ASB membership, please make sure they sign up in the front office. On the day of the dance:
- Dress Code Applies
- No cell phones
- No late entry (Doors will close promptly at 6:15pm, no exceptions)
- Please pick up promptly at 8:00pm
If you have any questions, please contact the front office.
Fall GATE Testing - 10/24
The Fall GATE testing date is approaching (October 24th). The deadline to apply is October 15th.
Here is the link to the application for the Fall GATE Testing. For more information, please visit the Jefferson School District GATE website.
Boys Basketball and Co-Ed Soccer Sign Ups - Due 10/4
We started sign ups this week for Boys Basketball and Co-Ed Soccer. The season will
begin in late October. If your child is interested, they need to sign up in the front office and
bring home a Sports Contract. Please complete the Sports Contract and have your child
return it to the front office.
All Sports Contracts are DUE no later than FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4th by 3:00pm.
Yearbooks Now On Sale
YEARBOOK PURCHASE DEADLINE- Monday March 28,2025
If you would like to purchase a yearbook , please use the link below.
Yearbooks are $30 until December 31, 2024. After December 31st yearbooks will be $35 until the deadline of March 28, 2025.
Order Here: https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/
8th Grade Yearbook Ad
It's time to purchase your baby ad for your 8th grade student. The Deadline to purchase an Ad is March 14th, 2025.
Purchase Here: https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/
MJPFA Information
Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures
Morning Drop-Off at Jefferson Campus
Drop-off is in the front parking lot (Linne Rd) OR back parking lot (Chrisman Rd). Students should not arrive before 7:30 a.m. Students must remain in the cafeteria if arriving between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Classes will open at 8:10 a.m., and students will report to their first-period class (Accelerated Math starts at 8:00 a.m.)
Front Parking Lot (Located off of Linne Road)
Afternoon pick-up for 7th and 8th Grade ONLY
● The drive-thru line is designed for a single lane for cars to drive through.
● Please pull all the way up to the drop-off line at the end of the sidewalk.
● DO NOT stop at the first crosswalk to unload your children.
● Do not open your trunk or get out of your car if you are in the car line. Park in the parking lot if you need to open the trunk or get out of the car.
Be patient with each other. This system takes time to learn, especially for new students. Let's help each other out!
Back Parking Lot (Located off of Chrisman Road)
Afternoon pick-up for 5th and 6th Grade ONLY
● The drive-thru line will be for Jefferson School busses and parents during the drop-off.
● This parking lot is designed for a single lane of cars to drive through.
● Please pull all the way up to the drop-off line at the end of the sidewalk.
● All bus students will exit the school grounds and go onto the buses first. Then, the rest of the students will be released.
● Please park in the lot if you arrive before the school buses leave. Once they leave, you can drive through the parking lot.
Attendance Reminders
TO REPORT OR CLEAR AN ABSENCE, PLEASE EMAIL: JeffersonAttendance@jsdtracy.com
Chronic absenteeism is a serious problem on our campus. Many students are absent or tardy
on a regular basis and this has a huge impact on their learning! We want you to join us in making school attendance a high priority for your family. Remember, school is your child’s
first and most important job. Please support them by getting them here on time
and scheduling appointments and vacations outside the school day.
* Students are REQUIRED to be checked in at the office by a parent
when arriving to school tardy, returning from an appointment,
and/or departing early from school *
Anti-Bullying / Harassment
Bullying and harassment are not tolerated on the Jefferson campus. We have a strict policy in our district, and personally, I take it very seriously. The biggest thing you and your child can do to help stop it is REPORT, REPORT, REPORT. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING... SAY SOMETHING!
Please ensure that an adult on campus is aware so that we can take the necessary steps to address the issue. I am a big proponent of supporting all children and I never criminalize or adultify them, however, I will hold them accountable while making the experience/resolution a teachable moment.
California Distinguished School Recognition
I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you all: Jefferson School has been recognized as a 2024 California Distinguished School!
This prestigious honor is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaborative spirit of our students, teachers, staff, and families. It reflects our commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching practices, and creating a supportive environment where every student can thrive.
Being named a California Distinguished School is not just an accolade; it is a celebration of our shared values and commitment to providing the best possible education for our students. It is a recognition of the efforts of our entire school community in fostering a culture of learning, growth, and achievement.
As we celebrate this accomplishment, let us take a moment to acknowledge and thank everyone who has contributed to making Jefferson School the outstanding institution it is today. Whether you are a student, parent, teacher, staff member, or community partner, your dedication and support have played a vital role in this achievement.
This recognition serves as both a validation of our past successes as this is the 5th time Jefferson School has been recognized as a California Distinguished School (1989, 2009, 2013, 2019, and 2024). It also serves as an inspiration for all of our future endeavors. Let us continue to work together to uphold the high standards of excellence that have earned us this honor and to ensure that every student who walks through our doors has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Once again, congratulations to our entire school community on this remarkable achievement! Together, we have shown what is possible when we unite behind a common purpose and commit ourselves to excellence in education.
If you would like to learn more about the selection process for California Distinguished School, check out their website HERE.
Dress Code Policy
Jefferson School Information
Office Information
Office Hours:
7:30am - 4:00pm
Office Phone:
209-835-3053
Office Fax:
209-835-4419
REPORT STUDENT ABSENCES: jeffersonattendance@jsdtracy.com
Order JEFFERSON SPIRIT WEAR HERE
Principal
Jason Strickland
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Sena
Absences and General Policy
Ms. Harper
Website: https://www.jeffersonschooldistrict.com/Domain/46
Location: 7500 West Linne Road, Tracy, CA, USA
Phone: (209) 835-3053