TJMS Weekly Family Newsletter

Jaguar Families,

For once, I will be brief, as there are SO many important words, dates and details below. Remember, there is NO SCHOOL Monday, January 20, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

GO JAGS!!! 💜

Jenny Keyport

TJMS Principal

• TJMS Website
• TJMS 24-25 Bell Schedules
  
• Reporting Student Absences
• My School Bucks
• TJMS Calendar
• TJMS Student Handbook
• TJMS Activities
• EGUSD Synergy, ParentVue and StudentVue help
  
• EGUSD Calendars
  
• 2024-2025 EGUSD Parent and Student Handbook
  

LOOKING AHEAD:

• 1/20, No School, MLK Jr Day
• 1/22, 7:00 PM FrHS MP Room - FrHS AP Honors Info Night for 25-26 9th Grade Students
• 1/23, 6:15 PM Multilingual Family Event Night
• 1/25, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Saturday Detention
• 1/27, Author Visit - Rex Ogle - 3:00-4:00 PM MP Room
• 1/28, 6:00 PM FrHS MP Room - Class of 2029 Course Selection (Last Names A-L)
• 1/30, 6:00 PM FrHS MP Room - Class of 2029 Course Selection (Last Names M-Z)
• 1/31, "Toby's Got Talent" Talent Show **Date Change**

To see all events and activities, go to the TJMS Website and click on “VIEW ALL DATES” to see our up to date activities and events calendar.

FRHS Course Selection for Incoming 9th Graders (Class of 2029)

• Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 (Last names A-L)
• Thursday, January 30th, 2025 (Last names M-Z)

The presentation and course selection will begin promptly at 6:00 PM in the Franklin High School Gym. Please bring a pen or pencil. Incoming students and parents/guardians ONLY. Space is limited.

During the presentation you will receive information on the following:

• Selecting course for next year
• Review graduation requirements
• Review college A-G requirements
• Specialized Program information

Dear Parents and Guardians of 8th Grade Students,

Franklin High’s Incoming 9th Grade Course Selection is coming up and we are looking forward to working with your child over the next four years as we prepare them for success in high school and beyond. The purpose of this email is to provide important information about the course selection process for the 2025-2026 school year at Franklin High School.

All Toby 8th graders will receive a Pre-Course Selection Advocacy Lesson on Wednesday, January 22 to explore their options, create an example schedule, and prepare for course selection. You are also welcome to review all the course selection materials on our website here. If your child does not go to Toby Middle School, then you can click here for all the information and still attend your course selection evening. Please talk to your child about this because we know this is an important family discussion.

The Incoming 9th Grade Course Selection Nights are scheduled alphabetically by last name as follows because we do not have space to accommodate everyone all at once:

Course Selection Night for Student & Families (Last Names Beginning with A - L)

• Date: Tuesday, January 28 (Last Name Starts with A-L)
• Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM - Presentation & Course Selection Form
• Place: Franklin High School Multipurpose Room/Cafeteria

Course Selection Night for Student & Families (Last Names Beginning with M - Z)

• Date: Thursday, January 30 (Last Name Starts with M-Z)
• Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Presentation & Course Selection Form
• Place: Franklin High School Multipurpose Room/Cafeteria

During the presentation, we will review graduation requirements, special programs, and this is when they will pick their classes. The presentation is very important for new students and families.

The presentation will begin promptly at 6:00 pm. We ask that you stay for the entire presentation. You may miss important information by leaving early or arriving late. This will be your only opportunity to work with your child on campus to pick classes for next school year. Due to space constraints, we ask that attendance be limited to the incoming student and parents/guardians.

Franklin Counselors will be there if you need help or want to learn more about a class or program. Counselors will review all course selection forms and ensure that students get the classes they need for graduation and college eligibility. All information and resources regarding course selection can be found on our website under Counseling Course Selection and we look forward to seeing you at your Course Selection Night! Welcome to the Franklin High School family. Go Wildcats!

Sincerely,

Franklin HS Counseling Department

Hello, Wildcat Family -

All interested parents/guardians are invited to attend the Franklin High School Honors/Advanced Placement meeting to obtain information about our most academically rigorous classes offered during the 2025-2026 school year.

The meeting will be held Wednesday, January 22nd at 7:00 PM in the Franklin multipurpose room.

The less than one-hour meeting will cover some of the following topics:

• Benefits of the Honors and Advanced Placement Program
• Accelerated and rigorous curriculum
• In-depth critical thinking/problem solving
• Advanced research skills
• Weighted grades
• Enhanced preparation for college
• Enhances a student’s application to college
• Chance to earn college credit
• What are Honors/Advanced Placement Courses?

The Honors/Advanced Placement courses at Franklin High School offer students the opportunity to pursue college-level studies while still in secondary school.

Students may receive advanced placement, college credit, or both when they attend college by passing the AP tests.

In addition, students are better prepared for the rigor of college having completed Honors/AP courses.

We look forward to seeing you on January 22nd!

If you cannot make the meeting, you can watch last year’s virtual meeting here: AP Honors Virtual Meeting.mp4

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Matt Felkins - AP Coordinator, Franklin High School

mfelkins@egusd.net

Save the date! All TJMS students and staff are invited to join us for a virtual author visit and live Q&A with Rex Ogle on Monday, 1/27 from 3-4pm in the MP room! All attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a raffle and can purchase snacks at the event. RSVP is not required, but if you're interested in attending and want to ask the author a question, please complete the 5 Star Survey.

Improv is the art of acting without a script. TJMS is forming an Improv team to prepare for Improvapalooza, a student Improv competition that will take place at EPMS on January 31at 6 pm. Please read the attached info letter, complete with Improv practice dates, and join the fun!

GATE nominations are open Tuesday, January 21st through Friday, January 31st. At the middle school level, students may be nominated for their gifts in Creativity, Leadership, and Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA). Nominated students will be invited to an informational meeting during their lunch on Monday, February 3rd. Parents and guardians of nominated students will be invited to a zoom informational meeting at 5:00PM on February 3rd.

Nominated students will be offered the opportunity to complete a portfolio which includes and describes three examples of their gift. Portfolios will be due on February 28th by 4:00PM. Optional portfolio workshops will be offered to students from 3:00PM to 4:00PM on Fridays (2/7, 2/14, 2/21, and 2/28).

Students may be nominated by staff and families. To nominate a student. or with questions, please email Elsa Lyon at elyon@egusd.net.

When nominating a student, please include the student’s name, grade, team, ID number, your name and the category of nomination (Creativity, Leadership, or VAPA). Students must apply under only one category.

Students who are already GATE identified do not need to reapply.

TOBY'S GOT TALENT

Leadership will be hosting their annual talent show this year on Friday, January 31st at 6:00 PM. Tickets: can be purchased at the student store window during lunch from Monday 1/27 to Friday 1/31. Tickets will be $3 in advance or $5 at the door.

BOOK & BIN DRIVE

Schools in Southern California have been devastated by the recent fires. Their most requested items as they begin to rebuild are books and storage for books (bins or baskets) for all grade levels. Leadership will be collecting new and gently used books and book baskets to be donated to schools in Southern California in need. If you are interested in donating please bring books and book baskets to MC6 by Tuesday, January 28th.

WINTER RALLY

Our Winter Rally is Wednesday, February 5th! Students and staff can look forward to an exciting, jam-packed event to get everyone hyped for the upcoming 7th-grade Basketball season and to showcase our Talent Show winners. We will be following the Rally Bell schedule that day. This rally will feature the TJMS Band, our 8th Grade Basketball team, Franklin High School’s Flag Team, select performances from the Toby Johnson Talent Show, and some fun games led by Leadership. Remember to show your Toby spirit by dressing in purple or wearing any Toby gear!

PBIS FOCUS

We will continue to teach and reinforce our 4 core values in all locations on campus. We will also be discussing showing kindness at school and in the community. Teachers will reward students who are meeting our core values by handing out Jag Swag. Families can continue the conversation at home by talking about ways to show kindness in the classroom, at home, and in the community.

JAG SWAG PULL

This week we will have a Jag Swag Pull on Friday morning during TJTV. Students who are pulled will get to choose a prize. Prizes include a popcorn party, Jaguar pride merch, a VIP event ticket, a Front of the Line Pass, or a snack bag. Staff, if your swag gets pulled you win a prize too. Make sure to complete your class drawings and turn in your Jag Swag to MC9 by the end of the day on Thursday.

Come with me to Japan!

I am excited to share that there is an amazing travel opportunity available for you and your student. I am heading to Japan this summer with EF tours and taking a group from the Toby Johnson community with me!

We still have limited spots available and you are welcome to join us. For more information and to sign up for our tour use this link: https://www.eftours.com/tour-website/2796569HC or call in to our

Traveler Support Line at 1-800-665-5364.

If you have any questions or want to learn more, please reach out directly to me at afiddyme@egusd.net

Thank you all,

Amanda Fiddyment

2024-25 EGUSD School Year Calendar
The EGUSD 2024-2025 School Year Calendar – English | Spanish .

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Elk Grove Upcoming Events and Key Dates

• 2025-26 School Year EGUSD Preschool/TK/Kindergarten Enrollment Opens January 13, 2025 (Announcement)

Approved Fliers:

• AI Community Event

• DCSS EGUSD Flyer

• Cheerleading Winter 2024

• Rotary Youth Exchange

• Seth Smith Memorial Crab Feed
• Parkway Little League
• Vikings Basketball

• Ole Soccer Academy

• VHS Winter Camp

• CSD Youth Basketball

• Southgate Recreation Center

• An Old Fashioned Christmas

• Volleyball Sign Ups

January 27 & March 11, 2025: Community Outreach
The Elk Grove Unified School District’s Curriculum and Professional Learning Department invites families of students in grades 5, 7, and 9 to attend a preview of the Comprehensive Sexual Health Education curriculum. These informative sessions will be held via Zoom from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. To join, please visit our Comprehensive Sexual Health Education website and scroll to the bottom of the homepage for webinar links and details.

January Culture Classes
Come and join us as we strengthen our cultural connection through education, All are welcome, and food is always provided. Please contact Joshua Hoaglen for more information at jmhoagle@egusd.net or (916) 831-2041 ext. 68250.
January Culture Class Schedule

February 5 - 26, 2025: Financial Literacy Boot Camp
Strive for Strength (S4S) prepares teens and young adults to overcome modern challenges like anxiety, depression, and economic pressures. Led by Program Director Ted Fong, S4S offers boot camps in five key areas: Financial Literacy, Mental Health, Career Development, Healthy Relationships, and Independent Living. The Financial Literacy Boot Camp will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Winn Center, Cosumnes River College (8401 Center Pkwy, Sacramento). Parents are welcome. For more information, contact Ted Fong, Program Director, at sasfprograms@gmail.com.

• Learn more and register for boot camp

2025 Block Party Student Performers Needed
🌟Attention All Student Performers!🌟 The Educational Equity and FACE Department of EGUSD invite you to showcase your talent at our annual Block Party on May 8, 2025, at the Elk Grove Shopping Center. We’re seeking talented individuals to perform and share their skills! Please reach out to Aisha Madu at amadu@egusd.net with any questions. We can’t wait to see you shine!
Performance Registration | Block Party Student Performers Flyer

Care Solace Support and Well-Being Resources
As you step into 2025, take a moment to reflect on the moments of joy and growth from the past year. If you or your loved ones are seeking support for mental health or substance use, Care Solace is here to help. They offer free, confidential assistance in connecting you with the right care to meet your unique needs. If prioritizing mental well-being is one of your goals this year, Care Solace can guide you every step of the way. Call 888-515-0595 or visit caresolace.com/egusdfamilies to find a care provider that’s right for you. Let’s make 2025 a year of connection, growth, and self-compassion!

March 1, 2025: EGUSD 2025 Black Family Conference: The Power of Us

Join us for the 2025 Black Family Conference, hosted by the Elk Grove Unified School District, Families of Black Students United (FBSU), the Department of Family and Community Engagement, and the CSUS Doctorate in Education Program, at Monterey Trail High School. The event, themed "The Power of Us: Strengthening the Black Family, Student, and Community," is a free, engaging opportunity for Pre-K to 12th-grade students, families, and community members. It will feature workshops on wealth building, empowering youth, family relationships, health and wellness, inclusion in education, community resilience, and more. Everyone is welcome to join us for a day of learning, connection, and celebration. We look forward to seeing you there!
Save the Date Flyer

Now until May 2025: Parent Education at Elk Grove Adult and Community Education

Join our eight-week free course designed for all parents, offering practical strategies and insights to enhance parenting skills. Court-approved, it covers communication, discipline, child development, and family dynamics. Experience a supportive environment to exchange experiences and gain essential tools.
Parent Education Registration Information

Varsity Tutors for Schools
Elk Grove Unified is pleased to announce an exciting partnership with Varsity Tutors for Schools, a leading platform for live online tutoring at no cost to EGUSD students and families. When students need help with homework or are struggling to solve a problem, they can immediately chat with a tutor, 24/7, to get the help they need. Students can take practice tests and follow personal lesson plans for guided self-study. They can also sign up for expert-led live classes, and learn subjects like geometry, middle school math, elementary school reading and more, alongside their peers. The Varsity Tutors for School platform is now visible in the EGUSD student portal.

• Varsity Tutors Announcement

Cafe Con Leche (Spanish Parent/Caregiver Group)
This is a six-week program for Spanish-speaking parents and caregivers, covering topics such as setting boundaries, discipline, connection, communication, coping skills, and self-care. Sessions will be held at Kennedy Elementary from January 21 to February 25 on Tuesdays from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. and at Jackman Middle School from January 24 to February 28 on Fridays from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Cafe Con Leche at Kennedy ES Flyer | Cafe Con Leche at Jackman MS Flyer

Empowered Parents (English Parent/Caregiver Workshop & Support Series)
This is a six-week program for English-speaking parents and caregivers, focusing on topics such as setting boundaries, discipline, connection, communication, coping skills, self-care, anxiety, and depression. Sessions will be held at Batey Elementary on January 15 and 29, February 5 and 19, and March 5 and 12, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Empowered Parents Flyer

Sacramento County Immunization Assistance Program
Free for those who do not have commercial insurance. Serving children ages 0-18. Clinic is by appointment only. Call (916) 875-7468 to schedule an appointment.
Immunization Assistance Program Flyer (translated flyers included)

The Dangers of Smoking & Vaping Resources
As we start a new school year, talking to your children about the dangers of smoking and vaping can be daunting. EGUSD’s Youth Development’s Tobacco Use Prevention Education program has some tips and resources for having those talks.
View The Dangers of Smoking & Vaping Resources

FREE Mental Health App
Explore your mental health journey with us. Soluna offers confidential support for California residents aged 13 to 25, completely free of charge. Engage in one-on-one chats with a professional coach, utilize interactive tools to manage stress, or dive into a variety of quizzes, videos, forums, and more. The choice is yours! No cost. No pressure.
Learn More About Soluna

Kaiser Permanente Offers FREE Narcan Nasal Spray
Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center is offering free Narcan nasal spray to members and non-members.
Narcan Nasal Spray Flyer