JMS Weekly Update
Week of 5.17.2020
Dear JMS Families,
We are halfway through May and have a little over 3 weeks left of S@H for the year. We are so proud of the children and their determination to continue to engage in their learning.
We would like to thank you for all of the work that you are doing every day to support S@H, this is not an easy task. Your effort and your support does not go unrecognized.
We know that everyone is giving their best. Even on those days that it seems like nothing is going right, when we are tired, and when we are worn down - remember, we have made it through 100% of our bad days. We will make it through this too.
We are thinking about all of you!
As always, do not hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher(s) or myself and Mr. Zeiders with questions.
Take Good Care,
Dr. Sarah Shaw, Principal
Mr. Jeff Zeiders, Assistant Principal
New News
Free Breakfast and Lunch for ALL Children
Check out the new lunch menu from our Food Service Department! Remember, lunches also include a breakfast meal and are free to all children in the community. Free breakfast and lunches are available for pick up from 11:00-1:00 outside of entrance C20 on Horsman Drive at the HS.
Allegheny County is now in the Yellow Phase. Although schools remain closed, we have received guidance that we are now permitted to allow students to collect any remaining belongings from their lockers.
This week, we will be working to implement a process that allows students to retrieve their belongings in a manner that prevents or mitigates the spread of COVID-19 and that follows social distancing measures, universal masking, and other applicable guidelines provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every effort will be taken to minimize opportunities for personal interaction.
At this time, this plan will not include the distribution of other materials to students or the return of materials from any students. A plan for this type of distribution will occur at a later date.
Please complete the Locker Clean-out Form so that we have an idea of how many people will need to enter the building. More information will be coming this week.
A Message from the Superintendent
Read Friday's Message from Dr. Steinhauer.
JMS Musical Ticket Donation/Refund
As you know, when the Governor announced his order to close schools for the year, we had to officially cancel our musical.
The musical crew had worked tirelessly, for months, to prepare for this show and although they were not able to have their final performance, they still had a pretty awesome experience. The musical provides the children with the opportunity to find a place, to belong, to create, to do something they love, to explore something new and to build confidence. THIS is why we love and value the musical.
It cannot go without saying, that this experience would not be possible without your support. We know that many of you purchased tickets to this event. The revenue from our ticket sales goes towards the purchase of costumes, props, special effects, etc. for the children.
We have had several families inquire about making a donation or requesting a refund. We are happy to offer both options to you.
- If you would like to donate your ticket purchase back to the musical you do not need to do anything else.
- If you would like to request a refund for your ticket purchase, please complete our Refund Form by Friday, May 22, 2020.
We are grateful for your generosity and for your support of this experience.
JMS Activities
Students who would like to order a free copy of Our Piece of Mind, Jefferson's award-winning literary magazine, should complete the form linked above by Thursday, May 21. The literary magazine features original writing and illustrations by our talented sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. Reserve your copy today! We'll be in touch in regard to how and when the magazines will be distributed to students.
Please join us for a week-long Celebration of Cultures, sponsored by the Elementary World Language Department. This celebration will begin on May 18th. Use #LeboLovesAll on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or upload your pictures here.
Fall Sports
Although we are still unsure what the fall will bring, if your child is interested in participating in a fall sport please see the information below from the Mt. Lebanon Athletic Department.
Resources For Families
The MTLSD School Counselors in partnership with The Allegheny Children's Initiative Inc., have compiled a list of social services resources that may be helpful to you and your family. Please take a look and reach out to these organizations. They are here to help with any of the following:
- Food
- Rent/Mortgage
- Utilities
- Pets
- Abuse
- Mental Health
- General Assistance
Families wanting to borrow technology equipment from the District during this time may request a Chromebook for their family using the following form:
Once you receive your unique family code (e.g. ABCD) from your submission of the Initial Request Form, you may request additional Chromebooks and/or a portable WiFi access point from the District using the following form:
- Supplemental Equipment Request Form
- (You will need your family code to complete this form)
If you have any questions and/or concerns about your District issued equipment please email FIDSupport@mtlsd.net
Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late. With Safe2Say Something, it’s easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies.
Here’s how it works:
- Submit a report through the Safe2SaySomething system
- Crisis center reviews, assesses and processes all submissions
- Crisis center sends all submissions to school administration and/or law enforcement for intervention
- If needed, crisis center may contact tipster anonymously through the app
Other Information
Navigating Dashboard During S@H
Looking for more information about how your child is doing during S@H? Check Dashboard!
Dashboard looks a little different now that we are using a P/F system. The teachers have been working hard to provide specific feedback as often as possible. The link above will take you to a document that will help you navigate Dashboard so you can view your child's educational progress (complete/incomplete assignments and feedback from teachers) during S@H.
Students will be considered "present" at school each day unless an Absence Excuse is submitted by the parent by 8:30 am on the day(s) in which the student will not be able to participate in the instruction. Make-up of student work as a result of an excused absence will be consistent with District policy.
Daily Updates and Mindful Moment
Please join Dr. Steinhauer at 9AM everyday for a Mindful Moment - a daily livestream with up to the minute news and information followed by a Mindful Moment.
PTA Information
We do not have any PTA Updates at this time.
Jefferson Middle School
The Jefferson Middle School learning community has an exceptional reputation for its dedicated teachers, staff and parents working together to provide learning experiences for our children that include high expectations, a challenging curriculum and a shared commitment to provide the best education possible for each and every student.
Email: sshaw@mtlsd.net
Website: https://jms.mtlsd.org/
Location: 21 Moffett Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Phone: (412) 344-2120
Facebook: facebook.com/jmslebo
Twitter: @JMSMTLSD