Jimtown Intermediate

We have made it through the first nine weeks of school!! I am so thankful that we have completed a full nine weeks where we got to have an opportunity to reconnect with our kiddos. Relationships have been made and good work habits have been formed!! This nine weeks has just reaffirmed for me, that kids can do anything!! There were some concerns about their ability to wear masks and just how they would respond to an educational experience that was so drastically different from what they were used to, and they have handled it as if it has always been the norm. As parents, you should be amazingly proud of them.

Teachers have worked tirelessly this first nine weeks to give your kiddos the best education possible in this new normal, and they too have rocked it. These teachers have had a lot on their plate with juggling students who are joining them in-person and virtually and it has been a challenge to say the least. They have weathered and powered through and have really stepped up as well.

Thanks to all of you for helping us make it through this first nine weeks!! We are better together!

• End of first grading: October 16
• Unity Day: Oct. 21 - wear orange
• No school for students on October 23 (fall break)
• Red Ribbon Week-October 26-30
• Fall Parties and Halloween Costume Day-October 30 (Guidelines for costumes will be sent home)
• Daylight Savings Time Ends-Fall Back-November 1
• Pie Pick Up: Nov. 17 - 3:45-6:00
• Thanksgiving Break: November 25, 26, 27
• Winter Break: Dec. 21 - Jan. 1 (Students return Jan. 4)

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, so on Wednesday, October 21st, we will be celebrating Unity Day. This is a day when we can all stand together against bullying. It will be Wear Orange Day! By wearing orange, we can demonstrate that we are united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Red Ribbon Week is a week long event that helps students think about the negative affects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. National Red Ribbon Week was established in 1988, and has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. To help spread the word and show support here at the junior high, we will be having different themed days. Students will also learn a few facts about teens and drug use, learn some ways to stay away from drugs, and all students will receive a few treats and fun prizes during the week. Plan to dress up to support a great cause!

Monday - Wear Red to “Rally in Red Against Drugs”

Tuesday - Twin Day - “Be a Buddy, Keep Your Friends from Doing Drugs”

Wednesday - Crazy Hair Day - “Wild About Being Drug Free”

Thursday - Backwards Day - “Turn Your Back on Drugs”

Friday - Halloween Costume Day to “Scare Away Drugs - Be Drug Free!”

(Students may wear acceptable costumes. A flyer will be emailed and students will be made aware of what is acceptable.)

• If your student is returning, their first day will be Monday, October 19 to begin the new quarter.
• If your student is not sure where to go on Monday, have them check in with the office.
• If you have not notified the school of your request for your student to return in person, please call 574-294-2158

Alaia is a 16 month old Labrador retriever and she is in training to be the therapy dog at JIS. We will be keeping you posted as her training progresses. We are working with Top Notch Service Dogs and hope to have her full time by January. She comes to work on Wednesdays from 9:30-10:30 for now. She has visited all classrooms and has been instrumental in providing support for several of our students who struggle with anxiety. It is amazing what joy and comfort a dog can bring and we all need a little of that in these times!!

Now it is the time to make certain that your sixth grader is up to date on their immunizations. Nurse Howard is sending out notices and any students not up to date will not be allowed to return to school after Winter Break. Please contact Nurse Howard if you have any questions.

Our weather is turning colder and unlike our older students on campus, JIS students are going out for recess two times a day and dress is extremely important. Students will be expected to be dressed for the weather. If a student wants to wear shorts to school, sweats or jeans need to be worn when they are outside. Layer up to avoid being cold and uncomfortable!