J. W. Leary Junior High School
December 11, 2021
Hello everyone,
We are all excited for the holiday season! Classes have awesome projects underway.
Student council, advisories, our office helpers and our shelf raiders all have been focused on decorating the school and integrating spirit building activities.
The count down is on for the band/orchestra concert is Tuesday!
The parent drop-off loop is getting better!! Thank you!! A right hand turn only sign has been posted on the stop sign. Please abide by this sign. I also must emphasize that drop-off/pick-up in front of the school is not OK. The cars and sudden stops are creating problems for the bus drivers as they are entering/exiting the bus loop.
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Tuesday December 14, 7:00 PM Band/Orchestra Concert; 2 seats per child. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Friday December 17 end of 15 weeks
Thursday December 23 to Sunday January 2 is Holiday Break
Thank you everyone for supporting our children!!
All JH Events
DATES TO REMEMBER 2021-2022--this links the calendar that is regularly updated
Update on the School
This year has had its high points and also has presented challenges.
At JW Leary Junior High, we have high standards of conduct that are expected of all students. Currently, everyone works to create safe, inclusive learning environments for our kids. Support includes strengthened positive behavior (through WEB and College/Career for Every Student) and character education initiatives (such as the Positivity Project and Common Sense Media). As was shared in last week's update, school administration has been in advisory periods, now classrooms and lunch periods working with children about behavior expectations. We also have Liberty Partnership and NC-Step working with children.
I know there has been concern expressed over safety at the building given fights that have occurred. While we cannot comment on specific student discipline, we can say that students found to be involved in incidents face strong disciplinary action.
Children will also undergo a re-entry process prior to re-joining the JW Leary community.
Additionally lunch groups, informational conversations, and support are being providing by administration, counselors, and our social workers. On Monday, the Flex Room next to the library will contain activities to help children with remembering a former student and recognizing the significant grief/loss that is experienced during the holiday season.
I also want to note that social media and phone use has been a common theme among the difficulties we are having in the building recently. Please talk with your children about use of the platforms and what they are posting.
After speaking with children and many adults, the Code of Conduct for cell phones will be more uniformly enforced; this links to the video that was shared on Wednesday. It will be expected that all children will be placing their cell phones in their lockers and not have them on their person during the school day. Students who violate this requirement will be subject to discipline under the Code of Conduct. It is critical to note that these changes align with what is done at the elementary school and high school levels.
We are all focused on children coming into school and focusing on what they are here to do, learn. Given various events locally and nationally I encourage you to reach out to us at school (Mr. Norris, Mrs. Zaza, Mr. Alexander and I) if there is something you are aware of that is a concern.
Many parents have reached out with questions and ideas--thank you!!
I continue to encourage you to reach out to us at school if there is something you are aware of that is a concern. All concerns expressed to the school are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action is taken. We cannot do something if we do not know about it. It is a service to the entire community when items are shared.
I appreciate the Massena Police Department's help and support as well as the help/support of Mr. Brady and other school district officials as we navigate this unique time.
We are all in this together and we all have the same goal. Thank you for your support!
School Number Days
Monday is Day 5
Tuesday is Day 6
Wednesday is Day 1
Thursday is Day 2
Friday is Day 3
Positivity Project Trait of the Week is Self-Control
If you have questions or cannot access the survey, call your school and we will assist you.
Raider Academy for Grades 1-8
The Massena Central School District is excited to begin an afterschool program named Raider Academy for Grades 1-8. Please click the link to read more about the program and to enroll your child(ren). https://forms.gle/8MokfaQAeZuRWMd36
If you have any questions please email dchapman@mcs.k12.ny.us or call (315) 764-3700 x3024.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help your student or your family. We have so many great things happening at school.
If you have ideas, questions, or concerns please email azullo@mcs.k12.ny.us or call the school 315-764-3720.
Mrs. Zullo
J. William Leary Junior High School
Email: azullo@mcs.k12.ny.us
Website: https://jwjh.mcs.k12.ny.us/
Location: 1 School Street, Massena, NY, USA
Phone: 315-764-3720
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/812944242085434