The JagWire
Jackson Middle School Newsletter - September 20, 2024
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It was so great to see so many parents at Back to School Night last night. It is always nice to get to see your child’s classroom and meet the teachers so you can have a better understanding of your child’s day. And I know that many of you were able to meet your step goal for the day!
Today’s JagWire is all about reminders. First, I'd like to thank all of the parents who drop off and pick up their children for following the directions provided in a previous JagWire. The big points to remember are:
Pick up and drop off happens in the upper parking lot
The north end of the parking lot is the entrance and the south end of the lot is the exit
Please do not idle your vehicles
Please do not park near the crosswalk area in that parking lot
A couple of other reminders that have not been mentioned before-- please remember the handicapped parking spaces are for people with handicapped parking placards and should only be used if the parents are coming into the building. They should not be used if you are only dropping off your child.
And the final car issue is to remind everyone that the area along the curb on 35th avenue in front of the school is a no parking zone. That is also a crosswalk area and many children have almost been hit because drivers cannot see students because of the cars that are parked in that area. This should not even be used for a quick drop off point for students. That should be done in the upper parking lot. Thank you!
Athletic Events
Recently, I was contacted by the Ida B. Wells principal regarding Friday night home football games. It seems that a lot of middle school students are dropped off and left to roam at will around the stadium without parental supervision. The following statement has been provided by the Wells administration.
"Non high school students should not be dropped off to attend sporting events on their own. However, it does not need to be their parent, rather they should enter with an adult or responsible person (could be older sibling, family friends, coach, etc)."
Thank you for helping to create a safer place for our students.
Finally, next Wednesday, September 25th is our first scheduled early release day for students. Students will be released at 1:45 and teachers will spend the remainder of the day in professional development. The schedule for the day is as follows:
That's it for this week! Have a good weekend.
Sincerely,
John Ferraro
Bullying Concerns
At the start of the school year, we understand that bullying is a major concern for both students and families. Rest assured, we are proactively addressing this issue through several initiatives. These include:
- daily advisory lessons,
- school counselor-led sessions
- collaboration with our student leadership team to foster a more inclusive environment.
If students or families need to report an incident, they can do so in the office using a student incident report or anonymously through SafeOregon.
Nicole Ayala
Assistant Principal
Final Days to Order!
PTA Clothing Center
Twice a year, Jackson has a volunteer day at the PTA Clothing Center. This is an excellent resource for all PPS families and it relies on volunteer hours to connect to those in need.
Please sign up here: https://volunteersignup.org/J8EH4.
More information about the PTA Clothing Center HERE!
Lunch Volunteers
Volunteer Hall Monitors - Lunch Duty
Middle Schoolers LOVE seeing their parents at lunch time or at recess! Sometimes you even get a walkie-talkie! Your presence helps Jackson create a safe, supportive and enjoyable space for all students. It's a wonderful way to connect with the school community.
----->>>> SIGN UP HERE <<<<-----
SUN School News
Register Now!
Below is the link to online registration for fall SUN classes!
We also just launched a SUN website where you can learn all about things happening in SUN! Here is the link!
https://sites.google.com/impactnw.org/jacksonsun?usp=sharing
SCHOOL PLAY! "A QUIRK OF FATE" (A Mystery Play!)
Auditions are October 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the drama room at 4 o'clock. Students must sign up (the sign up sheet will be in between the choir and band rooms)
In order to audition, students must perform a one-minute monologue or a two-minute duet!
Rehearsals will be on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 pm starting on October 7th.
Performance dates are Feb 5th, 6th, and 7th, 12th 13th and 14th.
IBW Modernization Project
Ida B. Wells Cluster Families
Significant progress has been made on the design for a new Ida B. Wells High School and the design team is seeking your input. Please join us for the next IBW Public Design Workshop this Sunday, September 22nd, from 12:30pm to 3:00pm in the IBW Cafeteria. Come and see how the design is evolving and connect with the Design Team through conversation and interactive activities. A lite lunch will be provided. Download the Ida B. Wells project flyer Visit the website regularly for more information We hope to see you on Sunday.
To learn more project details please check out the IBW Modernization project update flyer. Español | Tiếng Việt | Русский | Soomaali | 中文
The Ida B. Wells modernization website, www.pps.net/IdaBWellsBond, has the latest project developments, a list of upcoming engagement opportunities, and previous meeting minutes and presentations to view.
Sunday Parkways - Sept. 22
6th Grade Parents - Mark Your Calendars
Tuesday, Sept. 24th 7:00 PM @JMS - Library
The Rat Race is Back!
October 24th
The JMS RAT Race (Run for Arts and Technology) will be held on Thursday, October 24th. This is a PTA fundraising event and all students are encouraged to collect donations from friends, family and neighbors for the purpose of funding Arts and Technology at Jackson. More details soon!
Middle School Book Club with a Competitive Twist!
Volunteer Coaches Needed
Hello! We have had two successful years of OBOB at Jackson. I would love to continue the streak. I am a parent of a student who completed 3 years at Jackson. I’m looking for other parents to help out. I have developed tools to help organize (sign ups), advertise, and run practice battles. I’m looking for parents willing to help show up, maybe help run mock battles or help spread the word with the students and faculty at Jackson. -David F., OBOB@jacksonpta.org
For more information on OBOB, check out the website at https://www.oregonbattleofthebooks.org/.
BOYS BASKETBALL - IBW Middle School Team
The IBW MS boys basketball program will be hosting free skills and conditioning sessions during the fall to get ready for the winter season. Sessions are optional and are not required to tryout in the winter season.
Please click HERE for all the information.
All sports for Jackson students are through PIL Youth Athletics (Wells cluster). Their website has changed. For more information about teams and registration, please go to:
Go Wells Youth Athletics (and GO JAGS!)
Counseling Team Schedule
6th Grade--Chandler Deming (Mon-Fri)
7th Grade--Nikki Georgilas (Mon-Wed, Fri); Meredith Gilchrist (Thur.)
8th Grade--Meredith Gilchrist (Mon, Tu, every other Wed)
Pam CampBell (Thur, Fri, every other Wed)
Counseling team Welcome Letter
Our amazing counseling team has their own website!
Please click here: JMS Counseling Team for all the information!