

JAGWire October 12th 2023
Jones Middle School Newsletter

Happy Fall Y'all!
Dear Families,
We hope this message finds you well. As partners in your child's education, we wanted to take a moment to kindly remind everyone about the behavior expectations we have for our students to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.
At our school, we believe that creating a positive and respectful atmosphere is crucial for the growth and well-being of our students. To maintain this environment, we ask for your support in reinforcing the following behavior expectations with your child:
BE Responsible: Be active in class and prepared with all materials. Complete assignments on time.
BE Respectful: Be kind and courteous toward your teachers and fellow students. Listen and show empathy.
BE Reflective: Consider how your words and actions help build our classroom community.
Here's to a season of growth, learning, and new experiences. Happy Fall to you!
Announcements & Reminders
PSAT Information
Greetings 8th Grade Parents/Guardians,
Is your student ready for college? We are excited to announce that Wednesday, October 25, all GCPS students in 8th grade will take the PSAT 8/9 at no cost.
The PSAT 8/9 is a test that helps determine what students need to work on most so that they are ready for college when they graduate from high school.
The PSAT 8/9 is part of the College Board family of assessments that includes the SAT college-admission assessment and the PSAT/NMSQT, a preview of the SAT. The PSAT 8/9 tests the same skills and knowledge as the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT, but in a way that makes sense for 8th graders.
The test focuses on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education— what students have been learning in school and what they’ll need to succeed in college.
The PSAT 8/9 isn’t about how well students memorize facts and definitions, so there is no need for flashcards or all-night cramming. It’s about the everyday…
The Reading section asks students questions like ones they might experience in a lively, thoughtful, evidence-based discussion. It’s about how students take in, think about, and use information.
In the Writing and Language section, the test-taker will be an editor, improving passages written especially for the test. Students will use the same skills they use to proofread their own schoolwork.
The Mathematics section covers a range of math practices, with an emphasis on problem solving, modeling, using tools strategically, and using algebraic structure… the type of math that students will rely on most in all sorts of real-world situations.
The PSAT 8/9 establishes a baseline measurement of college and career readiness as students enter high school. It also gives students a chance to preview the SAT and the PSAT/NMSQT.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. James, PSAT Testing Coordinator, at stacy.james@gcpsk12.org.
Thanks for your support!
The district has a new Spanish Podcast for families
En Familia con GCPS is a new Spanish-language podcast for our district's Hispanic families and students dedicated to demystifying our education system. Join hosts Lynnette Aponte, Director of the International Newcomer Center, and Marisol Devarez, Spanish Language Communications Specialist, as they bring you monthly episodes featuring Spanish-speaking district staff who share valuable resources, simplify processes, and offer essential support. Share with your families today!
En Familia con GCPS, es un podcast dedicado a ayudar a las familias y estudiantes hispanos de las escuelas públicas del condado de Gwinnett a navegar el sistema educativo. Durante este tiempo, estarán acompañados por Marisol Devarez, enlace comunitario y mediático del distrito y Lynnette Aponte, directora del centro internacional para recién llegados de GCPS.
Puede escuchar este podcast en Spotify.
October 17 is Bus Driver and Monitor Appreciation Day
Wednesday, October 17, is the annual Bus Driver and Monitor Appreciation Day, recognized statewide as an opportunity to show transportation professionals how much they are appreciated and the importance of the role they play in the lives and well-being of our students. This is an excellent day to show your drivers and monitors how much they mean to your local school.
Students will be dismissed at 1:20pm on Wednesday October 18th & Thursday October 19th.
Shout Out a Jag Educator
Parent Notification of Scoliosis Screening Event 10/23/23
Yearbooks and 8th Grade Student Ads are on sale now.
Use the link below to purchase. We do not sell any books at school. The deadline to purchase a yearbook and create custom pages is April 12th. JMS is not purchasing any extra yearbooks, so make sure you purchase yours by the deadline. You will be able to purchase a yearbook after the April 12th deadline, but the yearbook will be delivered to your house after school is out for the summer. To check if you already purchased a yearbook, search your email/spam folder for “Treering Order Confirmation”.
https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1016588713904328
Please contact Heather.Coffey@gcpsk12.org with any questions.
Please do not drop off any cupcakes or balloons for students. We want to keep our classrooms clean and minimize interruptions to students learning. Thank you for your cooperation!
Gwinnett Parent Portal
The Parent Portal is our primary communication tool. Here you can find information about grades, teacher correspondence, assessment data, transportation, attendance, etc in real time. Please be sure you know your username and password before the year starts. Our recommendation is to check the Parent Portal once a week.
If you currently do not have a Parent Portal account, use this link to request one.
There are times when your student may have a health concern and does not feel well. Please review this guide for reasons to help your student feel better at home.
Free and Reduced Lunch Applications - Required Every Year
Be sure to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch application. Families need to apply every year. The online application for the 23-24 school year will be available Tuesday, July 18, at www.gwinnett.schoollunchapp.com
One application per household - Be sure to list everyone that lives under the same roof. Eligibility is determined by the household size to income ratio. Once approved, eligibility is good for the entire school year. There is no reason to submit more than one application unless there is a change in household size or income.
The application doesn't just cover free or reduced lunch for your student but also may also qualify them to receive free SAT, ACT, and AP testing. As well as potential discounts on college application fees and certain utility bills.
Jag Time
Your supply donations will allow for each homeroom to create a beautiful, creative mural! Please use the link to find the Amazon Wish List: https://a.co/emMqeoX
The donation period ends on 10/18. Thank you for your support!
Classroom Activities
Media Center
Game On! Book Fair October 20-27
Students will shop with their Language Arts teacher and can visit the fair with a pass 8:30 - 4:00.
Preview books in the Book Fair
- Digital Flyer
- Book Trailer Videos
Shop the Online Book Fair October 18 - 31 and have awesome books delivered to your home!
Payment Types - Scholastic eWallet, Cash, Checks made out to Scholastic, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Create an eWallet account and add funds for cashless shopping.
- Video Directions to set up an eWallet
LA Teacher Shopping Schedule:
Friday, Oct 20 - Blodgett, Dabica, Stevens, Gladney, Messer, Stansell
Monday, Oct 23 - Hummell, Perry, Kittredge
Tuesday, Oct 24 - Bell, Joyner, Haviland, Kelly
Wednesday, Oct 25 - Lewis, Hogan, Cash
Thursday, Oct 26 - Stansell, Elder, Sung, Harden, Saye, Lee
Friday, Oct 27 - Stutzman, Landry, Holycross, Armstrong
PBIS
Check out our list below
PBIS INFLUENCERS meet EVERY WEDNESDAY 8:30AM - 9:15AM in the cafe'
INFLUENCE WITH POSITIVITY!
JMS Clubs & Activities
Check out this link to find a list of all our clubs & organizations!
Congratulations to the 23'-24'
JAGS Step/Dance TEAM!!!!!!!
Come and experience our performance at all home basketball games during half-time.
#GOJAGS
The CIRCLE, Boys Mentoring
Welcomes former NFL Player Mr. Joe Montgomery as October mentor speaker!
We Belong Club
Students may sign up to audition for the Multicultural Night Talent Show or Fashion Show or BOTH!
Deadline: November 1st
Click HERE to sign up for the Talent Show
Click HERE to sign up for the Fashion Show.
If your family would like to host a booth to share your culture through snacks, music, activities, or fun facts, click HERE to sign up for a booth.
Deadline: December 1st
Seckinger Activities
Athletic Events
- Only Seckinger HS students and opposing HS students will be permitted in games without a parent. High School IDs will be checked.
- Students must leave school on game day and can return thirty minutes before the start.
- All games are available for purchase online. Visit the GoFan website here: https://gofan.co/
- All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by an adult at all sporting events.
- Please click here to access the head coach's directory and email the coach for more information.
PTSA
Putt Nation
Join us for a fun evening of mini-golf, delicious snacks, and quality family time. We can't wait to see you and a few friends on Friday the 13th from 5pm-9pm at Putt Nation near the Mall of GA! be sure to mention Jones when you purchase your tickets
Fall into Giving 10/16-10/20
PTSA is having a Giving Fundraiser online. They hope to get funding for incentives for students and staff that support our academic and social emotional school goals. They hope to surpass last years goal of $1,000. To make a donation visit: JMSPTSA.Cheddarup.com or send in a check attention to: JMS PTSA.
Johnny's Pizza Spirit Night 10/23
Enjoy dinner at Johnny's in Buford while supporting Jones Middle! From 5pm-8:30pm you can dine in or take out a delicious pizza but be sure to mention Jones Middle!
An annual favorite is back! Boo Grams will be for sale during lunch and cash only starting Monday 10/23. The grams will be delivered to the person's homeroom the following day. Each gram is $1 so lets get to "Booing"
We heavily rely on our parents to help make this happen. If you can spare an hour or two please sign up here. https://tinyurl.com/JMSBooGrams
GCPS
Gwinnett County October Activity Calendar
Gwinnett County Library Resources
Hamilton Mill Library October Events Calendar
Have you downloaded Parent Square yet?
This school year, our district is transitioning to ParentSquare to communicate with families. We encourage all families to download the app and create an account. With its user-friendly interface, ParentSquare offers seamless two-way communication through text, newsletters, posts, emergency alerts, and direct messaging. One of our favorite features is the integrated translation feature, enabling automatic translations for multilingual families. Stay effortlessly connected with your child's teachers, schools, and the district. To get started, and learn about all the cool features, check out our website!
If you received our notification about ParentSquare and you have questions about confirming your account access, please send an email to PSQHelp@gcpsk12.org.
Communication
Connect with us!
We offer multiple ways to connect with our staff and administrators to address your questions regarding your child's needs and interests.
Quick Access Links
24/7 Access Give You
- Student cafeteria balances and purchase history
- Prepayments for breakfast/lunch, with auto-pay capability
- Low balance e-mail reminders
- AP exam registration and payment
- Online open house and orientation
- Summer school registration and payment
- Other fees and activities such as yearbooks, uniforms, field trips and more!
24/7 Access Gives you
- Grades & assignments
- Communication with teachers
- A direct line to the classroom, with 24/7 real-time information
- Anytime, anywhere access
- In-portal translation in multiple languages
Not Registered?
Download this form. Bring it to the front office with an ID or email your information to lori.pirkle@gcpsk12.org
24/7 Access Gives You
- Student academic support
- Counselor website
- Bus passes
- Absent excuse notes
- Testing information
- Parent Newsletter
- School events & activity calendar