Eagle Eye JMS Parent Newsletter #38

We are really ALMOST finished with 2023-2024. So much to be thankful for, so much excitement, and so many new steps on the horizon for students as we welcomed rising 5th graders this week and are preparing our 8th graders with resumes to attend the "Get Hired" event at Roane State. We are still full steam ahead with project-based learning and game like activities to maximize our time in classrooms.

Skyward Grades: Please be sure to log into Skyward and take a look at your student's grade. With four remaining weeks and student laptop roll up on May 23 and 24th, any movement in grades needs to start happening now!

Behavior and Academic Expectations:

As we enter our final TWO weeks of school, occasionally the warming temperatures and the allure of a near summer vacation, can combine with a "TCAPS are done; I'm done!" attitude which can lead students to discipline trouble. Just like the dress code, our expectations at JMS don't change with the change of the season. You can see the JMS Student Handbook, the ORS Code of Conduct, and our Student Success Assembly presentation below in the email. We had another Student Success assembly right after Spring Break, but we would love for you to have a similar conversation with your student.

Let's finish this term strong! Thank you so much for all you do to support your children, our JMS Eagles!

Phil Cox, Principal, pcox@ortn.edu

Ben Fowler, Vice Principal, bjfowler@ortn.edu

Jacob Quilliams, Dean of Students jrquilliams@ortn.edu

Elizabeth Leavitt, Instructional Technology Coach, ealeavitt@ortn.edu

Monday 13, B Day

• RadioActive Brix Practice 2:45-4:30
• Environmental Club Meeting 2:45-5:00
• Chess Club Practice Library 3:00-4:00
• Track & Field Practice 3:00-4:00
• Football Spring Practice Full Pads 3:00-5:00
• Girls Basketball Try-outs 3:00-4:30
• Boys Basketball Try-outs 4:30-6:00
• Orchestra Concert ORHS auditorium 6:30
• 5th/6th Grade Chorus Concert JPAC 7:00
  

Tuesday 14, A Day

• 5th Grade Orchestra to West Town Mall 8:30-1:00
• RadioActive Brix Practice 2:45-4:30
• JMS/RMS Combined Chorus rehearsal JPAC 2:50-4:30
• Football Spring Practice Full Pads 3:00-5:00
• Girls Basketball Try-outs 3:00-4:30
• Boys Basketball Try-outs 4:30-6:0
  

Wednesday 15, A Day

• ORHS Girls Basketball Interest Meeting 7:10AM Rm 218
• ORHS Cross Country Interest Meeting 7:15AM Rm 233
• Track & Field Practice 1:00-2:00
• Football Spring Practice Full Pads 1:00-3:00
• Girls Basketball Spring Practice 1:00-3:00
• Boys Basketball Spring Practice 3:30-5:00 Cheer Practice 3:00
  

Thursday, 16 B Day

• Student Council Meeting 7th period
• Track & Field Practice 3:00-4:00
• Football Spring Practice Full Pads 3:00-5:00
• Girls Basketball Spring Practice 3:00-4:30
• Boys Basketball Spring Practice 4:30-6:00
• 7th/8th Grade Chorus Concert JPAC 7:00
  

Friday 17, A Day

• 8th Grade to Roane State CC for “Get Hired” event 12-2
• Football Spring Practice Full Pads 3:00-5:00
• ORHS Commencement
  

Saturday 18

• TMSAA State Meet, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN
  

Parents, please encourage your child to report ANY damage to their laptop as soon as possible. At times, students may wish to avoid going to IT or wait until the damage is worse. We want to ensure that when we take up laptops this year, we have the least amount of devices damaged, ideally none! We will work hard to repair and return, assigning loaners in the meantime. We just ask that students come right away when they are aware of any damage. THANK YOU for helping with this!

Ms. Leavitt visited Mr. Smith's classroom to see the board game projects in development. Every student articulated clearly the criteria, connection to real world, and mastery of SS content! Student ownership oozed from every table. Higher order questioning introduces the assignment on Mr. Smith's 7th Social Studies Canvas page, along with success criteria and a reminder for students to "have fun" 🙂.

Students are researching, content-gathering, discussing, creating, designing, playing, testing/revising protoypes, and presenting!

Each of the students Ms. Leavitt spoke with was able to articulate their selected topic, the selected product (podcast, poster board, power point, diorama, artistic drawing, etc). They expressed that they also enjoyed the virtual field trips the day prior!

Two students who had selected the Colosseum as their project, expressed that they were now inspired to "visit that one day". One student walked Ms. Leavitt through each use for the Colosseum, in detail connecting it to both history and real-world! Another student, Quandavis W., stated, "I am doing the Acropolis. I don't know what exactly it is yet, but it is already interesting...and I wished I wouldn't have missed this class yesterday!" Another student was eager to share that he was learning more deeply about the Giza Pyramid and was already astonished at the total weight of over 5 million tons. He was able to pull up his source immediately, and with Math skills, was able to take the number of large bricks and total tons, giving me an estimate of how much each brick weighed! Another student close by who also selected the Pyramid wanted to share her thoughts; "Ms. Leavitt, did you know they used the pyramid to honor in burial?"

Good Afternoon TN ArcGIS Online Mapping Contest Participating Schools,

First, thank you so much for supporting GIS and geography education here in Tennessee. We firmly believe that students who are equipped with the skills to answer the “where” questions will be better prepared to think critically and solve problems. I’m often asked to be a guest speaker for various departments here at UTK and discuss how to be a data storyteller. The skills your middle and high school students are developing put them leaps and bounds beyond most of their peers. Finally, I am so encouraged to see the challenging topics your students are pursuing since they relate to the pressing problems facing our state, our country, and our world. With topics ranging from quality of life issues, to the economy, to infectious diseases, and more, your students are learning about vital issues. On to the results.

• In total we had 11 maps in the high school division and 15 maps in the middle school division. (JMS submitted five of those maps)
• Middle School Results
• First place this year goes to Elijah Wolz for their map Unemployment and Health with TN.
• In no particular order, the remaining top 5 are:
• Car Crashes in Tennessee (by Dawson Watson) from Jefferson Middle School
• TN's Carbon Contribution (by Brooke Taylor) from Jefferson Middle School
• Tennessee's Musical Heritage Homeschool Entry (This is the younger brother of the young lady that has won the high school competition three years in a row)
• COVID-19 in the Volunteer State from Central Magnet School (JMS is to Middle School GIS, Central Magnet is to High School GIS-this is the first year their middle school GIS club has had a top 5 finisher

It is that time again! How it flies by; we want to make sure our 8th graders feel celebrated and appreciated. Please click on the link below to see how you can help us with the party! We appreciate all of our volunteers, always.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B044FADA72BAAFB6-49390842-jms8th

Are you a parent of a rising 9th grader in the ORHS Class of 2028?

Ms. Thompson, the Class of 2028 Principal, and Ms. Foster, the class counselor, invite you to join their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/691461533067186/

They will of course send many updates through school email, the Class Canvas page, Instagram and other social medias, but the Facebook group is a great place for parents to ask questions, stay informed and soon (too soon!) make plans for graduation. Be sure to join them.

Also, May means it is time for SPORTS tryouts. If you have a student interested in ORHS sports, take a look at coach contact information AND tryout times.

Hello JMS Parents!

The end of the year is fast approaching, and our current 8th graders will soon be freshmen!!! When did that happen?!

We are seeking as many donations as possible of $10 gift cards to distribute as prizes to our 8th grade graduating class this year.

Chic fil A, McDonalds, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Dutch Bros--Are all favorites! We always have an end of year party for our 8th grade students that will be moving onto ORHS. We will give them away as prizes. You do not need to be an 8th grade parent to participate in donating!! Remember you’ll have an 8th grader very soon!! We hope we can rely on your generous donations; we would greatly appreciate it. The 8th grade party will take place on Tuesday, May 28th, 2024.

*PLEASE DONATE NO LATER THAN MAY 17th, 2024*

You can drop your donations off to JMS in care of Susanne Wren PTO President.

We are also requesting volunteers and donations of prepackaged desserts.

With appreciation,

PTO

Susanne Wren, Kayla Colwell, Eric Schmitt, Amanda Steele

As administrators, we strive to create pathways for your participation, ensuring that we listen and gain better insights into your concerns and needs. Here are some key points we’d like to share:

1. Collaboration Matters: True parent engagement is a collaborative experience. We want to discuss issues and brainstorm solutions together. Your voice is essential, and we value the perspectives that come from different members of our educational village.

2. Flexible Communication: We understand that family time commitments have evolved. Many of you have busy schedules, and we respect that. To keep you informed, we regularly communicate using various tools such as emails, phone calls, smartphones, and social media.

3. Authentic Experiences: When families do have opportunities to engage, we make that time count. Authentic experiences with meaningful opportunities for dialogue and relationship building are crucial. Whether it’s attending school events, participating in student programs, or contributing to our community, your involvement matters.

4. Listening First: We promise to listen. Your concerns, hopes, and expectations are essential to us. Our teachers invest time in communicating with you about your child’s successes, challenges, and accomplishments. We’re here to respond thoughtfully and address any questions you may have.

Remember, the village—comprising educators, parents, and caregivers—is responsible for nurturing our children’s growth. Let’s continue working together to ensure student success and create lasting memories for our families.

Sources:

1. Administrators share advice for engaging families1
2. Guidance for School Administrators to Communicate with Students2
3. Family engagement and student success: What the research says3

Parents, this is a friendly reminder that students CANNOT bring medications to school. Parents must bring the medication to the clinic. This policy is both for student safety and making sure the documentation is complete. Parents, please bring any medication for your students to the clinic to Nurse Callison.

2024-2025 Sports Physical Forms are now available for student-athletes to pick up in the in the main office, at the security entrance or during PE in the gym. All requirements, links to forms, and announcements by sport are also posted on our school website at: https://www.ortn.edu/jefferson/athletics/

Athletic Update for Newsletter:

Five Jefferson track & field athletes finished in the top 4 of their event at the Sectional Track Meet last Saturday to advance to the State Track Meet @ Austin Peay University on Saturday, May 18th. Harry Shanafield qualified in the discus, Amaijah Bishop qualified in the 400 meter dash, Zya Watson and Allie Rodabaugh qualified in the high jump and Jakob Holman qualified in the 110 meter hurdles and also in the high jump. Congratulations to these student-athletes and Go Eagles!

2024-2025 JMS Athletics Try-Out Information:

JMS Athletics try-outs for the 2024-2025 school year are coming soon! Prior to trying out, all athletes must have a sports physical on file. 2024-2025 sports physical forms are available for students to pick up in the main office, at the security entrance or from any JMS athletics coach. Forms are also available on the JMS athletics website linked here: https://www.ortn.edu/jefferson/school-info/athletics/

Girls Basketball:

Try-Outs: May 13th and 14th—3-4:30pm both days

Boys Basketball:

Try-Outs: May 13th and 14th—4:30pm-6pm both days

Volleyball:

Try-Outs: May 29th (1:30-3pm) and May 30th (9-10:30am)

Please be sure to open the spreadsheet below or details regarding all sports tryouts for the upcoming athletic school year!

Dear JMS Parents,

We open every sporting event at JMS with the same comments about Good Sportsmanship. We believe that student athletes develop life-long personal and interpersonal skill sets by participation in and support of our extracurricular events. We rarely have any issues on this front. For example, the City Basketball Championship this past weekend between RMS and JMS was a rousing demonstration of GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP --fantastic fans, dedicated players, and supportive family and friends. Though we compete and play hard, we (the parents, the staff, the supporters) engaged in the good sportsmanship we want to see in our students. We thank you for that! Even though the Eagles did not come out victorious and the day itself was rainy and chilly, it was a great experience for kids and the many parents and staff members it takes to run this event. The comradery at these events builds into our great ORHS fan base.

However, due to changes in TSSAA rules, JMS Admin wanted to remind all spectators of the policies regarding expectations of spectators at any school athletic event. Whether here at Jefferson or away at another school, we hold our students and our supporters to the same high standards. Some of these policies are state level requirements. Due to recent events at other sporting venues in Tennessee, TSSAA updated their bylaws in July 2023. Article II section 9 of the TSSAA bylaws now states that:

For fans ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct during a contests, the school will be fined a minimum of $250.00. In addition, other non-monetary disciplinary action may occur, including but not limited to probation and/or restricted probation for the entire athletic program.

As such, any JMS parent or supporter that is ejected from a game will be required to pay whatever fine is assessed before they can attend future extracurricular events.

Game officials (referees, school administrators, athletic directors, and SROs) have the power to remove a supporter from a venue for unsportsmanlike conduct. Per the TSSAA website, "The most common unsportsmanlike scenarios involve coaches and fans displaying disrespectful behavior towards officials, players, and other coaches. This includes yelling and arguing with officials, making inappropriate comments, refusing to leave the court or gymnasium when asked, and even physically confronting or threatening officials." Ultimately, the definition of unsportsmanlike conduct will be at the general discretion of the game officials, and game officials control access to the playing field.

In the event of an emergency, the JMS administration will work with you to ensure that you have access to your student. Your student safety is paramount to us. It may take us a moment, but we will work with you.

The goal of JMS administration is to uphold the high standards which make JMS a school of excellence. To achieve this goal we ask that all or our fans adhere to the JMS code of conduct and follow the guidelines below:

• Good sportsmanship should always be emphasized by student athletes and spectators.

• Booing has no place at school-sponsored activities.

• Students and parents in attendance at athletic events should remain seated in the stands during the contest and stay off the basketball court, football field, track, and other playing areas.

• JMS campus is smoke free. This includes e-cigarettes, and other types of devices, including all VAPING.

Again, we rarely have these issues, but with changing state policies, we like to keep our parents informed. Thank you so much for being such great supporters of Jefferson sports and other extra curricular activities. If you have any questions, please let us know.

- Mr. Cox, Mr. Fowler, and Dr. Quilliams.

Congratulations to our students of the week! We are always so proud; teachers and staff nominate students carefully and with specific reasons and actions displayed by each student!

5th grade

Emma Beard

Pari Nana

Leilani Graham

6th Grade

Ming Ivie

Dominick Johlin

7th Grade

Lincoln Eckert

Hayley Winkler

8th Grade

Wyatt Pendley

Jakob Holman

Oliver Tinker

The links below contain resources for setting up and accessing Skyward and Canvas, an updated calendar, along with a welcome message from our ITC coach and a link to district and school websites.

• Elizabeth Leavitt, ITC: Welcome Message

• School Calendar

• ORS District Website

• Jefferson Middle School Website

• Canvas Parent Account Setup.docx
  
• Skyward Family Access Account SETUP .docx
  

Please reach out to Elizabeth Leavitt at ealeavit@ortn.edu

When accessing Clever from the home network, it should initially pop up with this image:

Click on “Log in with Active Directory.” The next page should look like this:

This is where the student should log in using the format shown in the text boxes of this image, where “xxxxxxx” is the students username that they use to log into their laptop. Once the login has been completed, Clever should load into the page the student normally sees when their laptop is connected to our school network

You have received many communications this summer from the district about registering for the Bus through Skyward. If you have, but are not sure what bus your student is riding, here is how you check it.

FIRST! Log into Tyler's Versatrans E-Link https://transportation.ortn.edu/elinkrp/Login.aspx

Username: (use student’s name) firstname.lastname This is case sensitive–example: john.smith
Password: (use student birth date) in this format 03122007 for March 12, 2007

Click on Students, then View My Students. If you see a bus route there, you should be good. If you DO NOT see a bus route, you will need to update bus service! You will not have bus service on the first day of school.

To get bus service, log into Skyward and click on Forms. There is a bus request form. Transportation is working to move quickly to add new students to the bus, but it will take a few days before your student can be added to bus service.

First Student Transportation is working hard to get routes assigned to all students who requested bus service.

Once you are registered for transportation, you will be able to track your child's bus using the app information detailed below. Please see information on how to register for MyStop below.

MyStop - Parent/Student Login (You may click on the MyStop Picture to the left!)

• Username: (use student’s name - case sensitive) firstname.lastname
• Password: (use student birth date) in this format 03122007 for March 12, 2007

MyStop Phone App Available In Your App Store

Go to: Versatrans My Stop™ provides mobile access to bus information. This app displays the location of the user’s assigned school bus, as well as the estimated time of arrival to their stop. Students can plan for late or on-time arrival, and prevent missed pick-ups or being left outside in inclement weather.

Can’t Access the MyStop App?

If you are having difficulty accessing the MyStop App please take the following steps:

1. Please confirm the following:
2. You have downloaded the App from Tyler Technologies.
3. You are using the legal student name as listed in Skyward.
4. You have selected all lower case letters.First Student Transportation is working hard to get routes assigned to all students who requested bus service.

   
   

The local news has reported a small rise in COVID cases over the last couple of weeks. Below is a screenshot of the Isolation Guidance from the TN Department of Health (last updated 11 October 2022). The full document is linked below: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavirus/Isolation-QuarantineRelease.pdf