Thank you for another amazing week! We are truly amazed when we see what is taking place in our building each day.

A few things:

• We want to thank you for the excellent execution of the Level 2 Minimal Security Lockdown on Friday. We have a few areas that we will focus on and in an effort to ensure we are as safe as possible. Thanks also to Officer Owen who works hard each day for our students and staff!
• We have received a few questions about Fall Intersession. There will be no intersession during Fall Break.
  
• Frontline is working beautifully at this time! Please continue to add items for approval. We will have the JMS Back to School Building Level items entered over Fall Break.
• PD Strands begin this Wednesday, September 16th! If you have any questions about your strand, please contact Jen Laurendine at X9257.

We will continue to communicate via the Parent Newsletter about Canvas, Attendance, grades in Skyward and also the opportunity to have their children participate in After School or Super Wednesday program.

The following is highlighted in the staff newsletter:

• The Eagle Eye - A Look at the Week Ahead
• Leadership in Action Sponsorship
• TE 21 Benchmark Information
• After School, Lunch Bunch & Super Wednesdays
• PTO Information
• Profession Development - Collaboration in the Classroom & Via Remote Learning
• The Reading Eagle
• Counselors Corner
• Athletics Update

We can't thank you enough for your continued hard work, empathy, and leadership during this time!

Phil Cox, Principal

Jenifer Laurendine, Vice Principal

Nick Corrigan, Dean of Students

Ben Fowler, Instructional Technology Coach

Monday, September 14th

A Day

A – K on campus

L – Z Remote

Benchmark-ELA and Social Studies

Football Practice 3-5pm

Cheer Practice 3-4:30pm

Cross Country 3-4:30pm

Volleyball Practice 3-5pm

Tuesday, September 15th

A Day

L – Z on campus

A – K Remote

Benchmark-ELA and Social Studies

Instructional Coaches Meeting - Eagle Innovation Center - 3pm

School Counseling PLC - 3:30pm

Football Practice - Varsity 3-4:30pm; JV 4:30-5:30pm

Cross Country 3-4:30pm

Volleyball Match vs. Norris MS @ Norris MS

JV – 4:30, Varsity – 5:30 and 6:30pm

Wednesday, September 16th

All students Remote learning

Admin Team Meeting - Eagle Innovation Center - 6:30AM

BOE Visit-8am

System-wide Groups

Faculty Food Truck-Crazy Cubans 11-1pm

Football Practice 3-5pm

Cheer Practice 3-4:30pm

Cross Country Team Photo - 6pm in front of the school

Cross Country City Championship vs. RMS - @ JMS Girls – 6:15, Boys – 6:45

Thursday, September 17th

B Day

A – K on campus

L – Z Remote

Benchmark-Math and Science

USAble Life Representative in Library

Student Focus Meeting - Eagle’s Nest (2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th)

Cross Country 3-4:30pm

Volleyball Practice (uniform collection/awards) 3-4:30pm

Football Game vs. Lenoir City MS 6:30pm - Lenoir City Middle School

Friday, September 18th

B Day

L – Z on campus

A – K Remote

Benchmark-Math and Science

USAble Life Representative in Library

Football Practice 3-5pm

Cross Country 3-4:30pm

For the 2nd year, ASAP of Anderson County (Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention of Anderson County) has sponsored our Staff Leadership in Action Awards! ASAP has graciously donated $800 to our Staff Appreciation Program!

We are so thankful for this community partnership, which provides us the opportunity to recognize our amazing staff members!

ASAP relies on a wide array of partnerships with different community sectors to successfully prevent substance misuse in Anderson County. The coalition typically meets monthly on the fourth Monday at noon at the ASAP of Anderson office. Walk-ins of all backgrounds are welcome. Please visit our Events Calendar for updates or changes to the regular meeting. For more information about ASAP of Anderson County, please visit www.asapofanderson.org/.

We will being TE 21 Benchmark testing tomorrow. Please see below for detailed information regarding scheduling, administering of the test, etc.

• We will follow a 1-hour delay type schedule.
• Students will be taking their Benchmarks in their HOMEROOM 1st Period class.
• Special Ed students will be administered in alternate locations to allow for the extra time they are allowed. Special Ed teachers will notify teachers where this location will be for each grade level and will pick up the bubble sheets for their students. (Ms Mitchell with 5th grade, Ms. Brewster with 6th grade, Ms. Kerley & Ms. Van Fleet with 7th grade (Ms. Painter's room) and Ms. Ferland with 8th grade).
• Schedule for the Assessments

Monday/Tuesday

7:50-8:50 ELA, if ALL students finish early you may break early

8:50-8:55 Break

8:57-9:57 Social Studies

10:00ish an announcement will be made for students to proceed to their 3rd period class and proceed with their normal schedule the rest of the day.

Thursday/Friday

7:50-8:50 Science, if all students finish early you may break early

8:50-8:55 Break

8:57-9:57 Math

10:00ish an announcement will be made for students to proceed to their 2nd period class. After second period, students will proceed to 4th period and proceed with their normal schedule the rest of the day.

• Benchmarks will not be pushed out this go around so only the students IN the building take the Benchmark. To help with this, there will be a ticket type set up in which students will need their Mastery Connect ID number (bubble sheet) and the test ID number. Mr. Fowler will be sending this information out Monday morning and you can also find information below in ITC Corner. You can either put the information up on your projector screen or write it on your white board.
• Big three are website to connect to Mastery Connect, bubble sheet and test ID number. There will be a specific ID number for each subject and class period the student could be in. Please be sure to list them all.
• One hour is given for students to complete each subject test. Although this may not be needed for all subjects, it is available. When a student completes their Benchmark please remind them, they will need to submit the Benchmark for the subject that is being worked on. A 5-minute break will be given in between each Assessment for going to the bathroom and to get up and move around a bit to give the mind a short break.
• Again, please remind your students to submit and also please collect the bubble sheet. We will be using it again on Thursday and Friday.

If you need assistance with any of this please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Smith, Ms. Laurendine, Mr. Fowler or Mr. Corrigan using the contact information below. We are providing cell phones as we will be around the building assisting throughout the testing window. We are happy to help and can problems solve quickly with you. We will be here early and also able to come to you if needed.

Mr. Smith: 865-712-7877

Ms. Laurendine: 865-338-2904

Mr. Fowler: 865- 748-3975

Mr. Corrigan: 865-306-3452

We will receive the Benchmark data during Fall Break and will have it ready for you quickly thereafter. We will then schedule our Data Snapshot meetings, using the new PLC Form, which is linked below for your convenience.

Thank you for all you do, and your willingness to do this amidst everything else that is going on.

Hello! This week, we are talking about Benchmark testing. For last year’s benchmark testing, I would just go to each English and Math teacher’s trackers, push out the test, and let them take the test when they came to your class that day. We would let them test over a couple of days and then have them submit their test.

This year, however, is a different beast. With so many students at home, we do not want them to take the exam there. Additionally, because of the staggered schedule and since we are testing all four core subjects, we had to make some adjustments, hence the testing schedule that Mr. Smith sent out last week. But, I we should be good to go, come Monday morning. I will send out an email with all this information again, but it is good to be in both the Staff Newsletter and in your mailbox.

First, if you have any issues, call me. My work cell phone is below, and I will have it on me. Before I realized I was getting a work phone, I gave many of you my personal cell. I will also have that on me. I am currently designing a bandoleer that holds my cellphones, my laptop, assorted pens, face masks, and thermometers. Mr. Smith and I will be running around fixing problems as they come up. My work cell is 865-228-4372 and my personal cell is 865-748-3975.

Second, if you have never looked at MasteryConnect, despite the many times I have sent you my video links (just a few more Subscribes and Likes and I can start making that good YouTube money! :D), do not worry. For Benchmark testing you only need the link for students, their test IDs, and their Student IDs. You, in fact, will never even need to log into Mastery Connect.

Please see the photos below for assistance.

If you haven't had the opportunity to see, please take a moment to come by the Eagle Intervention Center during lunch or after school. We are using this space to allow our Student Focus students to work on missing assignments or work they have not completed during online learning days.

Ms. Huddleston has been diligent in organizing this information and having all of their assignments ready for them each day. She has contacted countless parents to schedule their attendance and we have had a wonderful turnout thus far.

This Wednesday from 1pm - 3:45pm, students will also be in the EIC working on assignments.

We are making every effort for students to have the chance to make up work and/or get assistance with a certain subject. We encourage you just to stop by at any of the times described above and check on your students.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Huddleston or our School Counseling Department.

PTO Annual Fundraiser Has Begun:

• Last week, students took home the JMS PTO Direct Drive Fundraising form. This is the PTO’s only fundraiser of the year so please consider donating. Direct Drive donations are used to help address needs of the school which are not included in the school’s budget such as dissection animals, art clay, supplies for the nurse’s office, new materials for the library and so much more! Donation forms and envelopes can be returned September 17th through September 25th to one of two lock boxes located either in the downstairs lobby or the second floor administration office. They can also be mailed to JMS PTO 200 Fairbanks Rd. Oak Ridge, TN 37830. This year the PTO is also accepting donations via PayPal (jeffersonmspto@gmail.com). Thank you for supporting the JMS PTO!

“Like” the New PTO Facebook Page:

• The PTO now has a Facebook page! To stay informed about PTO meetings and events, be sure to “like” our page. Search for Jefferson Middle School PTO or click here https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson-Middle-School-PTO-107297091103222/,

Next PTO Meeting:

• The next PTO meeting will be Monday, September 21 at 7:50am via Zoom. Meetings are kept short and are conveniently scheduled immediately after drop-off so anyone can attend. If you would like to receive a Zoom invite, please email sandy@issi.net.

As we mentioned in our Grade Level Team meetings last week, you have done a phenomenal job of the Portrait of a Graduate framework. One of those areas of focus is Collaboration. Collaboration among our students during this Pandemic can look much different than it has in the past. Given our staggered schedule, online learning and social distancing, collaboration is more important than ever.

The benefits student collaboration include developing higher-order thinking, communication, and leadership skills, increased student-teacher cooperation/relationships, increased student self-esteem, deeper understanding of diverse points of view and ultimately preparing students for social/career opportunities.

Please see below for some ideas for remote and in class collaboration in this Covid landscape.

Collaboration on Remote Learning Days

• Zoom - this allows all students to be engaged and have a voice on days they are at home. Be sure to set safety protocols for using cameras, microphones and engaging through the chat room safely.
• Discussion Boards - can be used in real-time or asynchronous instruction. As you know, Canvas allows students to post any time, with deadlines for discussions to close.
• Interactive Digital Whiteboards - this allows students to share their thoughts, creativity and learning with their peers.

Collaboration in the Classroom

• Cross Curricular Collaboration - have students Zoom with students who are in another class in the building. For example, Mr. Jaeger's class zooming with a Social Studies Class for a STEM Engineering and Ancient History project.
• Eagle Innovation Center - use larger, more open spaces to encourage students to share their learning while remaining socially distanced.
• Facilitate Group Discussion - model and facilitate group discussion. Be sure to listen to all of the thoughts and ideas from each of your students/groups.

Please see the two video resources below about collaboration!

New in the Library:

We are excited that we have a new set of the whole Harry Potter series ready for check out! We also have added 20 other new titles this week.

Donations:

The JMS library does accept age appropriate book donations. We take the donated books and use what we can. Then, we redistribute the rest depending on the books, so many end up in JMS classrooms.

Open Library:

We are committed at JMS to make sure all students get time in the library. The JMS library is ALWAYS open for student checkouts. That means that students can request time from teachers to come to the library. Most teachers also schedule checkout times for students on a regular schedule to make sure the have something to read. Students in grades 7th and 8th can come before school. All grade level students can stop by on their way to their classes in the morning starting at 7:30. The virtual library is always open for eBooks, audiobooks, and hold requests. Email Mrs. Haverkamp with any questions at ewhaverkamp@ortn.edu.

Good Evening! We hope that you had a great weekend and that you are ready for the 2-week countdown to FALL BREAK!

With Benchmark Assessments beginning, it is important your child eat healthy and get a lot of rest.

This week we will educate we will provide you how important it is to provide your child more potassium and less salt to help with mental health concerns. According to Jennifer Berry she states there are various foods that provide the most potassium.

These foods are listed below:

1. Dried apricots are a good source of iron, antioxidants, and potassium.
2. Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium. Baked potatoes with the skin still on are the best option, as much of a potato's potassium is in the skin.
3. Leafy greens are some of the most nutritious foods available. One study found that eating a serving per day of leafy green vegetables may help slow age-related cognitive decline.
4. Lentils contain potassium, fiber, and protein.
5. Prunes are dried plums. Juice companies usually make prune juice by adding water back into the prunes, cooking them, and then filtering out the solids.

Important Dates from the Counseling Office

Fall Break: September 28th – October 9th

Fall Parent Conferences with Teachers: October 21st

8th Graders ONLY-ACT Aspire Testing Window: October 19th -23rd

Election Day: No School November 3rd

Thanksgiving Break: November 25th-27th

Winter Break: Early Dismissal December 18th

Winter Break: December 21st- January 4th

Go Eagles & Lady Eagles! We have one home athletic event this week on Wednesday! If you are free and can help the athletics teams by volunteering this week, please sign-up outside of Felicia’s office.

Volleyball:

The Lady Eagles will travel to Norris on Tuesday night for their last match of the season. JV will play at 4:30pm and Varsity will follow at 5:30pm and 6:30pm.

Cross Country:

The Jefferson Cross Country team will host the City Championship on Wednesday evening. Girls will run at 6:15pm and boys will follow at 6:45pm. Please come out and see this exceptional team of runners at their last home meet this season!

Football:

The Fighting Eagles Football Team will travel to Lenoir City Thursday night for their final away game of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30pm.

Cheer:

The JMS Cheer Squad is working hard to cheer the football team on Thursday night at Lenoir City!

Girls Basketball:

There will be a player/parent interest meeting for any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade girl interested in trying out for JMS Girls Basketball on September 22nd at 5pm at the picnic tables in front of JMS. Please wear a mask and bring your own chairs to social distance.

Boys Basketball:

There will be a player/parent interest meeting for any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade boy interested in trying out for JMS Boys Basketball on September 22nd at 6pm at the picnic tables in front of JMS. Please wear a mask and bring your own chairs to social distance.

Please come out and support all Jefferson student-athletes and coaches this week! All spectators will be required to wear a mask, have their temperature taken upon arrival, and maintain social distance at all events.