Weekly Warrior for Families

KCS will be closed on Friday, April 18th - Spring Holiday.

We wish everyone a wonderful long weekend spending time with family & friends, and hopefully enjoying this beautiful spring weather! 🌞

Tuesday, April 22 – Math Part 1

Wednesday, April 23 – Math Parts 2 and 3
Thursday, April 24 – Science Parts 1 and 2
Friday, April 25 – Social Studies Parts 1 and 2

• Students must arrive with their fully charged Chromebook. (Do NOT leave this at home, if this occurs we will have to call home for a guardian to bring it here). This applies to the students/grade levels that take their Chromebook home.
• Every student needs to bring their charger - each student was given one with their Chromebook.
• Parents, please avoid scheduling appointments during testing days.
• Get a good night sleep.
• Eat breakfast or arrive no later than 7:30 to get breakfast from the cafeteria.
• Be on time!

Being on time for school is important everyday, but vitally important on testing days. We begin testing promptly and the students that are late will not be allowed to go to their testing location due to interrupting testing (this is a state testing policy). Therefore, late students will be placed in a supervised area and will test in the afternoon during make-up testing. Our goal for them is to test in their typical environment, with their classmates/teacher that they typically spend their school days with (most comfortable testing session). Arriving late does not allow this to happen. Please make every effort to get your child dropped off no later than 7:45am. If they plan to eat breakfast at school, they need to arrive no later than 7:30am (food helps fuel the brain).

Thank you for your assistance in ensuring your child has a pleasant testing experience! #WarriorProud

Attention current 6th/7th grade families: Your child will be bringing home paperwork to be filled out allowing them to participate in the Free Athletic Physicals that will take place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at ETSU Physicians in Kingsport.

• Fill out the necessary paperwork and return it to Sevier (1st period teacher, office, or Mr. Moore) as soon as possible.
• Students will be transported on school buses before or after their Awards Day.

Please take advantage of this opportunity for a Free Physical that will allow students to participate in any sport during the 2025-2026 school year. Many sports, including football, girls soccer, girls basketball, cross country, volleyball, cheerleading, and dance have practices or tryouts over the summer - without a current physical, participation is not allowed. Please remember that student athletes must have a new physical every school year.

* There is a separate date for the free high school sports physicals. See the announcement section for 8th graders for this information.

John Sevier is proud of all the inside improvements that have taken place over the last couple of years! We have added hallway signage with teachers names to facilitate finding classrooms easier. New cafeteria tables allow students to engage with their peers more easily. Our Gym floors and walls have been completely redone with a new design on the floor. In the gym, we also have a huge jumbotron video board! We can showcase athletics and community sponsors during events or even a year in pictures during activities. We also have installed digital boards in our hallways where the week's announcements scroll throughout the day. These things are just a few of the improvements that have taken place inside our building. John Sevier has been here for a long time... and will be here for a long time to come!

The dates/times are set for the end of year awards programs...

May 21 @ 9:00 6th grade awards program

May 21@ 1:00 7th grade awards program

May 22 @ 9:00 8th grade awards program (this is the 8th grade promotion ceremony, some people refer to it as 8th grade graduation)

The Spring Chorus Concert is Thursday, April 24 at 6:00 in the auditorium. All chorus students need to report to the chorus room after school for combined rehearsal.

• 4/21 Instrument Placement: 4-7pm at JSMS (also by appointment: email gsinko@k12k.com)
• 4/24 New Parent Meeting: 6pm JSMS Orchestra Room
• 5/5 JSMS Orchestra Concert: 6pm at JSMS
• 5/8 DB Orchestra Concert: 6pm at RNR

Have you been seeking on-going counseling/therapy for your child? Is transportation or scheduling a concern? Sevier has 2 EXCITING opportunities to support the mental health of students (and this can occur while they're at school).

• We have a Camelot therapist on site at Sevier (TNCare/United only).
• We also have access to Ballad therapists through telehealth (private insurance/TNCare/United).

If you are interested in seeking counseling for your student, you can send them to the counseling office and we will contact you to get needed information...or reach out to school counselors for more information.

JSMS counseling office: 423.378-2435

Kelli Ferguson - kferguson@k12k.com

Christian Collins - ccollins@k12k.com

Great news! The YMCA is back at Sevier this year offering an after school program. Come have fun, meet friends, and receive homework assistance. No application fee and program is grant funded.

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 2:45-6pm
• Program has started at Sevier for this year, come join the FUN!

• Students will report to the cafeteria after school, and parents will pick up from there.
• Snack/meal is provided daily directly after school.

• Students or guardians can pickup an application from the Sevier office, or click on the link below to view/print. The completed application can be returned to the Sevier office.
• The application and more information can be found here. Any part of the application that refers to cost/fees can be disregarded since this is grant funded this year.

ETLS STEM Field Day will connect over 500 7th grade students in the Kingsport area with interactive demonstrations and competitions spanning the whole range of STEM topics from chemistry to robotics. To ensure a successful experience, we are looking for 150+ volunteers over the two-day event.

The dates of the event are May 5th and May 6th (JSMS will be attending on May 6th). We understand that it is a large commitment and do not expect that many people will be able to volunteer both days. The volunteer sign-up form allows optionality to pick the day that works best for them! We ask that volunteers arrive by 7:30am on their selected date to the Eastman Bays Mountain Recreation Area (406 Bays Mountain Park, Kingsport, TN 37660) and they will be dismissed by 3:30pm. Lunch will be provided. We will be sure to provide details to our volunteers after they sign up.

If possible, please share this sign-up link with those that you feel would be interested in supporting this event!

• Non-Eastman Employees: https://forms.office.com/r/PdAieex25x
• Eastman Employees: (11) Volunteer for AIChE ETLS STEM Field Day • Event | MyImpacthttps://eastman.wespire.com/participation_events/137228

Please consider donating to our clothes/hygiene closet. For clothing/shoes, we will happily accept new or gently used items. Thank you SO MUCH to the individuals that have dropped off or sent in items! We very much appreciate your generosity!

The following items are currently needed:

• leggings/sweatpants/joggers (female - all sizes)
• tennis shoes (male/female - all sizes)

6th grade teachers are requesting that parents make sure students have supplies in their backpack. They need: pencils, coloring pencils, working earbuds, glue.

• If your child is going on the Virginia Beach trip and has medicine that needs to be administered on the trip, the Provider Med Order Form and prescription medicine were due to our school nurse. Any questions please contact Brandy Collins, bcollins@k12k.com
• For students planning to attend the local trips/activities during this time, details have been sent home with students. Any questions email mmason@k12k.com

• Playing football at DB as a freshman?

  rising 9th gr football practice begins Tues. May 27th 8-10am

  
  

• Washington DC trip in May - Any questions email mmoore@k12k.com

~ Medical Forms were due no later than 4/1/25
~ Medication must be brought to the nurse no later than 4/21/25

• Local Trips/Activities (during the week of the D.C. trip). Details have been sent home with students. Any questions email awinkle@k12.com

• High School Planning - Any questions, call the JSMS counseling office 378-2435

• If you have questions about D-B EXCEL, please contact Nick Roebke, nroebke@k12k.com

• Freshman Summer Orientation - See the flyer below for information (dates/times) and how to sign-up. This is a GREAT way for your future high-schooler to get prepared for DB!
  

DB upcoming tryout information below.

The FREE Athletic Physical for Dobyns-Bennett High School Athletes (rising 9-12 grades) is set for Saturday May 10th at 7:45am @ Ballad Outpatient Therapy Center (Sullivan Center) on Stone Drive (Old King Giant Plaza). Make sure you arrive at 7:45am. This will be the only free physical that will be held this school year for Dobyns-Bennett athletes. Each athlete/player can pick up a 2025-2026 High School Medical Authorization Packet with Physical Form at: 1) the athletic/activities office at D-B 2) the athletic training room (located in the Field House) or 3) print out the 2025-2026 High School Medical Authorization Packet with Physical Form.

The 2025-2026 High School Medical Authorization Packet with Physical Form is located on the KCS Athletic website https://athletics.k12k.com/, click on the Athletic Forms tab then scroll down to the 2025-2026 High School Medical Authorization Packet with Physical Form pdf file . The following must be filled out and signed by the parent/guardian before the athlete/player can receive the physical: athlete/player Medical Authorization page, KCS Acknowledgement Form, and Physical Medical History portion of the physical form.

Do you have a family member/friend/neighbor that will be coming to Sevier next school year as a 6th grader? See flyers below.

Be sure to checkout the athletic and club information below. These will continue to have updates. We would love for every student to be connected in some way to some type of extra-curricular.

Come out and support our student athletes that are participating in spring sports...Baseball, Softball, Boys Soccer, Golf, Track & Field. Schedules for these sports are located at the bottom of this newsletter.

If any middle schooler is interested in joining the swim team email nlove@k12k.com

• This will occur from 3:15-4:15pm at the Field House at DB on Tuesdays/Thursdays (please bring or wear tennis shoes).
• There will be bus transportation from Sevier to DB for anyone interested (student needs to come to the JSMS office to get bus information).
• Parents are responsible to pick-up at 4:15pm from the DB field house.
• Any questions contact: Coach Fleming zfleming@k12k.com or Coach Luethke dluethke@k12k.com

~ this opportunity is highly recommended for all student athletes (non-athletes are welcome as well)

~ students attending MUST have a current sports physical on file (dated after April 15th, 2024). If you need to check about the status of a sports physical, you can email ewilliams@k12k.com or call Sevier 378-2450 and ask for Erika Williams.

Do not be left out and unable to tryout by not having a sports physical on file. All students trying out for any sport must have a physical on file. No exceptions.

• If students are involved in a current sport, that coach will decide how those practice times are communicated. Some utilize a team app, or communicate through players, etc.
• All practice/game info is subject to change, players are responsible for communicating updated information as they receive it from their coach.
• Season game schedules for current sports are at the bottom of this newsletter (subject to change).

At this time, we have information from the following (see below). Continue to look in this area for updates about each sport.

Cross Country

Volleyball

Looking for something fun to do after school? Love games? Join the Sevier Middle School Gaming Club. Whether you’re into board games, card games, video games, puzzles, Dungeons and Dragons, or just want to hang out and try something new, the Sevier Middle School Gaming Club has something for everyone!

Come play, laugh, and make new friends in a fun, laid-back environment. All skill levels welcome—whether you’re a gaming pro or just curious, we want YOU in the club! Don’t miss out! Game on!

• Prayer Warriors and Wyldlife will meet @ 7:15am in the library on alternate Wednesdays (see Prayer Warrior dates on the below flyer).
• Students must have a permission form turned in prior to the meeting. Forms can be picked up at Ms. Abrams room 234 or at the front office.
• See below for this semester meeting dates.

If you have any of the following items, STEM would love to take them off your hands. You can drop off items at the office or send in with your child.

Homework Help will be offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:00-7:35am. Please have your students fill out the google form if they plan on attending (at least the first time).

Homework Help Q3

Friendly reminder: All visitors going beyond the lobby doors—including to counseling or the front office—must have a visitor badge printed through the Raptor system. While this may take additional time, safety is our top priority, and it must take precedence over convenience. This policy applies to all visitors, including familiar faces.

• If you have attendance questions, please email Erika Williams at ewilliams@k12k.com or call 423-378-2450 and ask for her.
• If your child has a doctor's excuse, please email to ewilliams@k12k.com or fax to 423-378-2430. If you have a hard copy of the excuse, please send your child to school with the hard copy (to turn into the office) or you can take a picture of it and email the picture to ewilliams@k12k.com. Student will be marked unexcused until the doctors note has been received.
• If your child is going to be absent (without a doctors excuse), you are not required to contact the school (but if you are choosing to use a parent day and your child has those remaining, you can call to request that their absence is recorded as a 'parent day').
• If you are wanting to use a 'parent day' (max of 3 per semester), the guardian will need to notify the school requesting this (we are not allowed to code the absence this way without the guardian requesting it). You can make this request one of the following ways: call the office, or email ewilliams@k12k.com, or send a note to the office requesting a parent day for the absence on _____ (add the date). Student will be marked as 'unexcused' until this communication has been received.

• We suggest the student/guardian communicate directly to the teachers via email/Canvas regarding any missed assignments.

• Please keep your contact information updated. This can be done through your Aspen Parent Portal or by contacting LeAnn Franklin 378-2435 in the counseling office. It's vitally important that we have current contact phone numbers and a correct address for each student. If your email changes be sure to let us know that as well since that is how many different types of information is sent to you via email.

• You MUST present an ID when visiting Sevier or checking out your student.

• Please try to have after school arrangements communicated with your child prior to them arriving to school.

• Students attending sporting events need to remain with their guardian. Students that are dropped off without an adult with them will not be allowed to enter the sporting event.

• Outside establishment food deliveries for students are not allowed and will be sent back with the delivery driver.
• Blankets are not to be brought to school.

• Outside drinks are not allowed to enter with students (Pal's, Starbucks, etc).

• Hats, beanies/toboggans, hoods, head coverings of any kind are not to be worn during school.
• If your child misplaces an item please have them check the lost and found. We have these located outside of the cafeteria, as well as in the office. We currently have jackets/hoodies, backpacks, lunchboxes, shoes, water bottles, headphones. We do not have the space to hold on to these items for a length of time. Once a month we will be clearing these locations and donating the unclaimed items.
  
• Have your child write their name inside of jackets/hoodies, backpacks, lunchboxes. This is a great way to ensure these items return to them if misplaced.

We are blessed to have several water bottle filling stations located throughout the school. It is encouraged for students to bring a water bottle with them to stay hydrated. Also, this helps students from missing class time if they have water with them rather than making trips to the water fountain.

Yearbook orders can still be placed.

Check out our Virtual MakerSpace.

It has a lot of great activities and fun websites that are approved by middle school students! If you are looking for something online to do, this is a good place to start. You can also access our MakerSpace Page from the school website under the students tab.

STEM Talk Update! Check out the updated newsletter here! ¡Consulta el boletín actualizado aquí!

Q4 Pictures

Fotos

Below are ways you can help/volunteer/get involved:

• reach out to our Family & Community Liaison, Robin Kerkhoff, rkerkhoff@k12k.com or call her at 423.378.2406
• we have a variety of volunteer opportunities such as: helping go through clothes donations and organizing them in the clothes closet, assist a student with homework before or after school, mentoring students, and much more! You can choose what interests you most and the amount of time that you would like to volunteer (ex: once a month or once a week).

Families can login into your foodcity.com account, click on account, and then select John Sevier Middle School. This will link your ValuCard to our school! This is a great way to be a part of a wonderful funding source at

KCS Pre-K Screenings and Kindergarten Registration

• Kindergarten Registration For more information on Kindergarten Registration, Zoning, or Tuition for the 2025-26 school year, please contact Kingsport City Schools Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100 or visit k12k.com - Student Registration.

• Pre-K Screenings (not registration) For more information on Pre-K Screenings or to schedule a screening for the 2025-26 school year, please contact the Palmer Early Learning Center at (423) 378.2160 or visit k12k.com - Pre-K Screenings.

This has been a standard JSMS operating procedure, but now applies system-wide (including elementary schools). We wanted to share with our families to keep you in the loop.

For several weeks, school and district administrators have been reviewing a recommendation from the KCS district safety task force regarding the presence of visitors in KCS cafeterias at breakfast and lunch. In response to several incidents in KCS cafeterias and due to school safety protocols and health concerns, the task force is recommending that visitors no longer be allowed inside school cafeterias during meal times. We recognize that for some of you, you have enjoyed the opportunity to eat with your child at school. However, given the desire to maintain the safest possible school environment and after reviewing the situation, the decision has been made to accept the task force's recommendation to no longer allow visitors in KCS cafeterias during breakfast and lunch. Please be aware that this new procedure will begin starting with the 4th 9-weeks on Monday, March 17, 2025.

See flyer for more information.

We are now accepting nominations for the KCS Hall of Fame (2025 Class), deadline May 1st.

The Hall of Fame serves as the keystone employee award celebrating the district’s history of excellence. Any former retired KCS teacher OR retired non-teacher meeting the eligibility criteria may be considered. For additional information or to nominate your favorite KCS retiree, click here: http://bit.ly/KCSHallofFame

Students’ cell phones and other electronic devices are to be turned off and not visible upon a student’s arrival to school (upon entering the building) until the end of the student’s school day. Students must store their cell phones and other electronic devices in their backpacks (exceptions may be granted for medical or other extraordinary circumstances as determined by the building principal or designee). Cell phones may be confiscated if this rule is violated. When confiscated from students, parents will be asked to retrieve the cell phone from the school administration.

• 1st offense - The item will be confiscated and kept at the school for a minimum of five (5) consecutive school days. To retrieve the confiscated item, a parent or guardian must contact the appropriate administrator.

• 2nd offense - When a student has a second offense during the current semester, the item will be confiscated for a minimum of ten (10) school days. A parent or guardian must retrieve the confiscated item from the front office.

• 3rd offense - When a student has a third offense during the current semester, the item may be confiscated for the remainder of the school year. A parent or guardian may retrieve the confiscated item at the end of the school day on the last day of the school year.

Please click here for detailed parent information.

See below for Code of Conduct.

Glen Alpine United Methodist Church operates a Diaper Pantry on the 2nd Saturday of each month. They offer diapers, wipes, baby wash, baby lotion, and diaper cream every month. At times they have pull-ups, baby formula, baby food, bottles, and other miscellaneous items.

• If your child is in need of gently used clothing/shoes or hygiene products, please tell them to visit Mrs. Kerkhoff in the office. She can assist in gathering items for them.
• KCS has a Family Resource Center (FRC) that will assist families with a variety of needs...Mrs. Kerkhoff can help connect you to their services.

Food bags are offered every other week. You can call the office 378-2450 or contact Robin Kerkhoff (rkerkhoff@k12k.com) to get on the distribution list. Each bag has a variety of non-perishable items such as: oatmeal, peanut butter, pasta, pasta sauce, fruit cups, mac n chz, rice, soup (not all of these are included each time).

If you are interested in additional information on any of the below items, please reach out to Robin Kerkhoff, 378-2406 or rkerkhoff@k12k.com

• KATS is the public transit system in our area. Reach out to us if you need help getting information about routes, times, or ticket/booklet purchase.

• Our community has an outreach that offers FREE haircuts through Halo Haircuts at a local church (First Broad Street Methodist, located at Church Circle in the lower level). These are typically offered every other Monday. They begin at 9am and finish after their last haircut. If you would like for your child to go get his/her haircut please email, call, or send a note to Mrs. Kerkhoff and she will plan to take them in the school van. Parents/guardians, this is for you too. If you're in need of a haircut, go check out this wonderful resource that is available for our community (if transportation is an issue, we can assist you as well. Let us know). Haircut dates: April 7, April 28, May 5, May 19

Sign up for this opportunity using this link.

Understanding Chronic Absenteeism and Its Impact on Your Child’s Education

At Sevier, we are committed to providing a high-quality education for all students, and a key part of academic success is regular school attendance. We want to take a moment to share important information about chronic absenteeism and how it affects your child’s learning.

What is Chronic Absenteeism? Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10% or more of the school year for any reason—including excused and unexcused absences, as well as suspensions. In a typical 180-day school year, this means missing 18 or more days can significantly impact your child’s education.

Why Does Attendance Matter? Research shows that students who are chronically absent are more likely to struggle academically, fall behind in their coursework, and have lower overall achievement. Missing just two days a month may not seem like much, but it adds up and can lead to gaps in learning that are difficult to recover from.

KCS/Sevier Statistics

In 2023, all school systems in Northeast Tennessee had an 18.4% chronically absent rate. Currently, at Sevier, we have 814 students, and 278 of them have been labeled as chronically absent. That translates to over 34% of all students at Sevier are chronically absent. In comparison, Robinson, which has roughly 100 more students, has 177 students labeled as chronically absent. This significant difference highlights the importance of addressing attendance issues at our school. During the month of January, Sevier’s attendance rate was 90.05%. For the year, Sevier’s attendance rate is 90.17%, while the overall system’s attendance rate is 91.98%. These statistics place Sevier last in attendance in the Kingsport City Schools System.

How You Can Help:

• Encourage your child to attend school every day unless they are running a fever or vomiting.

• Schedule appointments and family trips outside of school hours whenever possible.

• Communicate with the school if your child is facing challenges that affect attendance.

• Monitor your child’s attendance and reach out to us if you need support.

• You have 3 parent notes that can be used each semester.

We are here to work together to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us, Misty Petrovic or Stephen Baker via phone 378-2450 or email mpetrovic@k12k.com and sbaker@k12k.com.

As we receive additional information on summer opportunities, we will post below.

Monday, April 21st

• Jazz Band 7:15-8:00
• Track Practice at DB 4:30-6
• Baseball Game vs. T.A. Dugger at T. A. Dugger (V/JV)
• Boys Soccer Game vs. Pioneers at DB (V/JV)
• Softball Game vs. Central at Central Middle (Varsity then JV)
• Orchestra Instrument Placement 4-7pm

Tuesday, April 22nd

• TCAP - Math 1

• Track Liberty Bell Invitational Meet

• Softball Game vs. East at East Middle (Varsity then JV)

Wednesday, April 23rd

• Prayer Warriors in the library at 7:15.
• TCAP - Math 2-3

• Orchestra Practice Club After School 3-4

• Track Practice at Sevier 3-4:30

Thursday, April 24th

• TCAP - Science 1-2
• Spring Chorus Concert - 6:00 in the auditorium. All chorus students need to report to the chorus room after school for combined rehearsal.
• Track Practice at DB 4:30-6
• Orchestra New Parent Meeting

Friday, April 25th

• TCAP - Social Studies 1-2
• Kingsport Arbor Day Celebration at JSMS. Members of the 8th grade leadership and MAP students will be participating in the event from 12:15-12:45.
• Track Area Track Meet at Sullivan East MS
• Boy's and Girl's Golf District Tournament at Warriors Path Golf Course

Save the Date:

• May 5 JSMS Orchestra Concert: 6pm at JSMS

• May 7th-9th VA Beach Trip / local trips (7th grade)

• May 10 8th gr (rising 9th) Free Sports Physicals

• May 12th-16th DC Trip / local trips (8th grade)

• May 14 Rising 6th (current 5th graders) visit during the school day

• May 15 Walk of a Warrior 6pm - family event for rising 6th (current 5th graders)

• May 21 Free Sports Physicals for 6th/7th graders that returned their paperwork

• May 21 @ 9:00 6th grade awards program

  May 21@ 1:00 7th grade awards program

  May 22 @ 9:00 8th grade awards program