Cyclone Watch
Jefferson Middle School: A STEAM Academy - July/August 2022
Mission and Vision
Vision: Explore, Innovate, Achieve
Greetings from the Principal
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Jefferson Middle School: A STEAM Academy. We are excited to begin a new school year with your family.
Over the next six-seven months, we will continue to have some challenges related to construction on our new gym facility. I want to assure you, we will do all we can to ensure student safety and maximize student learning. We greatly appreciate everyone's patience and flexibility as this work continues. Please take note of procedural changes in our parking, pick-up, and drop off procedures.
I would like to encourage all parents and students to join our Parent Teacher Student Association. The PTSA directly supports various student activities and assists with meeting school needs throughout the year. Without the support of the PTSA, there are many activities and opportunities we would be unable to offer our students. If every family were to donate at least $25.00 per student, we could meet all of our needs for the school year and prevent fundraising through selling. If you would like to donate to our PTSA or become a member, you can do so at the links provided in the PTSA section below.
At JMS, students are not assigned lockers. Students are allowed to carry backpacks. After students have been in their classes for two weeks, if they feel they need a locker, they may sign up for a locker with their first hour teacher to have one assigned. We encourage parents to check your child's backpack periodically and reinforce that only school appropriate items be brought to school.
Health experts strongly recommend the use of masks for protection against spreading COVID-19. CPS supports this recommendation. Students are encouraged to wear masks, but they are not required. As these requirements are ever changing, please monitor the school and district web pages for additional information.
We will have a small change to the daily bell schedule start time for this year. Classes will now start at 7:25a.m. This change, allows student lunch periods to be changed to 30 minutes in length. The change is in all CPS middle schools. Please make sure to have your student to school prior to 7:25a.m., so they may be in class to start the school day on time.
Again, I want to welcome you to another school year, as we pursue student academic excellence together. Please feel free to contact me any time at gcaine@cpsk12.org or make an appointment by calling 573-214-3210, should there be anything I can assist you or your child with this school year. You may also follow me at @Caine_JMS on twitter as well.
Dr. Greg Caine, Sr.
Principal
Online Enrollment
Enrollment for JMS, is completed through an online process. You may use the link below, to complete enrollment process. Should you have questions regarding enrollment, please contact our guidance counselors. Their information is provided below.
https://launchpad.classlink.com/cpsfamilies
Barbara Moore (bmoore@cpsk12.org) for students with the last name starting with A-K.
Mike Hogan (mhogan@cpsk12.org) for students with the last name starting with L-Z.
JMS Building Open House Night
Once the online enrollment process has been completed, students may access their schedules for the year on August 16, via Home Access.
If you have challenges completing the process or need IT support, please contact our IT department at 573-214-3900. If you have had a change in residence, an updated Proof of Residence will be required to complete enrollment.
On August 18, from 5:00-7:00p.m., we will be providing an open house time for students wishing to explore the building and locate their classes. You will have access to PTSA information, athletics, activity tickets, clubs, and provide assistance with enrollment if needed. The PTSA will be providing ice cream. Students will be able to get a hard copy of their schedule if needed. Pictures will be taken for student identification cards once school starts.
Families continue to have online access through the CPS website for accessing nutrition services. Parents may place money in their child's account for purchasing breakfast and lunch. Families needing to submit paperwork for free and reduced lunch services, will complete that process as part of the online enrollment. Forms have also been included in this newsletter for your convenience. As lunches will not be free for all students this coming year as before, please make sure to submit your Free and Reduced Lunch applications either in-person or online.
Important Dates for August and September
August –
- 18 - Open House and Ice Cream Social 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m.
- 22 – Jump Start Day for 6th grade 7:25a.m.-12:05p.m.
- 23 – First day of school 7:25a.m.-2:35 p.m.
- 30 - Back to School Night, 6:00-8:00p.m.
September –
- 5 – No school, Labor Day holiday
- 21 – No School, District Professional Development
Back to School Night
Administrative, Guidance & Support Personnel
Athletic Director – Jodi Rowe
Interim Assistant Principal – Dr. Kurtis Jensen
Guidance Counselor A-K – Barb Moore
Guidance Counselor L-Z – Mike Hogan
Outreach Counselor – Ann Baker
Home School Communicator – Roderick Williams
School Nurse – Jennifer Grider
ECA Secretary – Ashli Hagan
Attendance Secretary – Lori Bresnahan-Burns
Guidance Secretary – Amy Gerskin
Principal’s Secretary – Danielle Smith
Principal – Dr. Greg Caine, Sr.
First Week of School
Monday, August 22, will be Jump Start Day for our 6th Grade. Jump Start Day, last from 7:25a.m.-12:05p.m. It is an opportunity for students new to JMS, to become familiar with our building and their teachers. We will hold team building activities, develop familiarity with teachers, explore the building, review student schedules, and learn about JMS. Buses will be in operation for Jump Start Day. Bus routes are typically published in local papers one week prior to the start of school and can also be found online on the CPS homepage (www.cpsk12.org).
Our first regular school day, will be Tuesday, August 23 lasting from 7:25a.m.- 2:35p.m. All students will be expected to attend on August 23.
Dress and Grooming
Per the CPS student handbook, extremes in dress and/or grooming, which may be health or safety hazards or detract from a desirable educational setting, are inappropriate for school. School staff is responsible for ensuring student attire does not interfere with learning. Students are encouraged to take pride in their personal appearance. Attire which interferes or disrupts safety or the educational environment may be subject to disciplinary action.
Dress & Grooming Standards - Required & Allowed:
- Students must wear a shirt with pants, shorts, or skirt (or the equivalent) and shoes.
- Shirts and dresses must have fabric in the front (covering the entire midsection), back, and on the sides (under the arms).
- Fabric must cover all private parts and must not be see through.
- Clothing must cover undergarments. (Waistbands, straps, etc.)
- Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities where unique hazards exist.
- Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as athletic wear or safety gear. Students must comply with these safety standards.
- Headwear may be worn but the face and ears must be visible to staff. For the duration that face masks are required due to COVID-19, students will be required to remove headwear if it further obscures the face.
Non-Allowable Dress & Grooming:
- Blankets, pajamas and slippers clearly intended as sleepwear, and swimsuits may not be worn at school (unless for specific spirit days).
- Sunglasses may not be worn inside the building (unless for medical reasons).
- Clothing may not promote alcohol, drugs, tobacco, sex, violence, organized gangs or illegal activities.
- Clothing may not contain hate speech, profanity nor images or language that degrade or target groups based on race, ethnicity, cultural observance, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or any other protected group.
Students not in compliance with school guidelines for dress and grooming will be given the opportunity to correct the violation. Failure of the student to correct the dress code violation in a reasonable and respectful manner will result in a conduct referral for insubordination. More information regarding student dress and grooming will be provided in the JMS Student Handbook.
Electronic Device Policy
All electronic devices have the potential to enhance and support student learning if used appropriately. Unfortunately, electronic devices can also compromise safety and the educational environment. Our number one priority is to maintain a safe and high-quality learning environment for our students. The guidelines below about school issued devices and personal devices are meant to ensure student safety and learning. It is imperative that students’ parents and guardians collaborate with us to create safe boundaries while teaching students how to effectively use technology for their world.
School Issued Devices
Jefferson Middle School is a 1:1 school, meaning each student has a school issued iPad that is to be used for educational purposes both at school and home. Students are expected to have their iPads charged and at school every day, as they will use these iPads for classwork, assessments, and our electronic school pass system. Additionally, students sometimes will use school-issued desktop or laptop computers for specialized classes or projects. Each classroom teacher will set up classroom rules and protocols regarding iPad and computer use. Inappropriate use of school issued devices in class, school common areas, the bus, or home will result in interventions and/or disciplinary action.
Personal Devices
In general, personal electronic devices must be out of sight and silenced (in pocket or backpack) during all class time unless special permission has been granted by a staff member. Students may use their personal electronic devices during their breaks or down time, including before school, passing time, lunch, and after school. Even during these times, students are expected to use their personal devices safely and responsibly. Personal portable speakers should be left at home; they may not be used at any point in school. Failure to use personal electronic devices appropriately will result in interventions and disciplinary action.
Note: We know parents and guardians often need to contact their students during the school day. Please be aware that students may only check their messages during their breaks (passing times and lunch). Urgent or necessary messages should always be sent through the main office. Additionally, students are responsible for their personal electronic devices. The school is not responsible for recovering or replacing personal devices that are lost, stolen or broken.
More details regarding the Electronic Device Policy will be provided in the JMS Student Handbook.
Clubs and Activities
We want students to be involved in activities at JMS. Most activities are open to all students. Announcements will appear in the daily student bulletin informing students how to join the various clubs or try out for selective activities. A list of activities and a brief description is included in this mailing. We provide an activity bus Monday-Thursday so students may participate in tutoring and other extracurricular activities. The bus picks at approximately 4:15p.m.
2022-2023 Grade Report Schedule
First Semester
Oct. 6 seven week IPR
Nov. 17 thirteen week IPR
Jan. 6 Semester report cards distributed.
Second Semester
Feb. 23 seven week IPR
April 20 thirteen week IPR
TBD end of semester
TBD Report card distribution
Cyclone Athletics
The Athletic/Activities Department would like to extend an early welcome to JMS incoming 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. It is our hope that every student gets involved in an ECA activity or athletic team while at Jefferson Middle School.
This year sixth grade students will have the opportunity to participate in after-school intramurals which will occur in three sessions throughout the school year. More detailed information concerning intramurals will be handed out during their Physical Education classes. DUE TO THE CONSTRUCTION, WE ARE HOPING TO BEGIN THIS IN FEBRUARY BUT NOTHING WILL BE SCHEDULED BEFORE THEN.
Seventh grade students may try out for Cross Country, Football, and Volleyball in the fall, Basketball in the fall/winter and Track and Field in the spring.
Fall sports for eighth grade students include Cheerleading, Cross country, Football and Volleyball. These fall sports will begin on August 15 and end in mid- October. In addition, eighth grade students may try out for Basketball October 17 and participate in Track and field in the spring. Start dates for these sports will be communicated via the JMS website, the Cyclone Watch and homeroom announcements.
All student athletes must have a current physical and proof of insurance to participate in Columbia Public Schools athletics. Please make sure to complete all parts of the physical form and submit a copy to the main office. Physicals are good for 2 years so for example, 8th graders who participated in a sport as a 7th grader will not need a new physical.
Again, it is our goal to get all students involved in ECA activities and athletics at Jefferson Middle School. Research indicates a high correlation between student involvement in extracurricular activities and achievement levels, plus students tend to really enjoy coming to school the more they are involved. The Athletic/Activities Department of Jefferson Middle School looks forward to working with you and your student this upcoming year.
If your child would like to participate in a Fall Sport (7th & 8th only) please be sure to contact the appropriate coach so they can add you to their email list as this will be the most direct way for them to communicate with you and your athlete. Fall Start Date: Monday, August 15
7th - 8th Grade Cross Country begin at JMS
TBD –
7th & 8th Grade Football begins at JMS, Head Coach Thaddeus Hamilton and Mike Cleppe mCleppe@cpsk12.org
7th & 8th Grade Volleyball tryouts begin at JMS, Head Coach Jodi Rowe jrowe@cpsk12.org
7th & 8th Grade Cheer tryouts begin at JMS, Head Coach Jordyn Walters jowalters@cpsk12.org
Wednesday, September 1
Fall Sports Parent Meeting - for parents of 7th & 8th grade students who are participating in Cheerleading, Cross Country, Football, or Volleyball. At least one parent or guardian needs to attend this informational meeting.
Coach Rowe: jrowe@cpsk12.org
Check the JMS website for further information.
Jodi Rowe
JMS Athletic/Activities Director
CYCLONE NATION!!
PTSA
JMS PTSA needs you to join PTSA! The JMS PTSA provides several programs for our JMS students each year. Your involvement and membership fees will got back into our school to shape and support programs for the JMS students and staff.
You can also participate in our successful JMS No Work Fundraiser. Your No Work Donation = No Buying From Fundraisers! Your donation of any amount helps to support classroom supplies, resources for teachers, student activities, scholarships and other programs throughout the school year. 100% of all donations go directly back into JMS and impact our students and staff.
Also, if you are interested or know of a business that would be, we are offering business sponsorships for the 2022/2023 school year. Details can be found in the link below or you can reach out to the JMS PTSA Board at jmsptsacyclones@gmail.com.
Click on the link now to join the JMS PTSA and/or participate in the JMS No Work fundraiser
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCA5eWu0ibM5s8S9UqD-18ru3aWDpRu-WTLGsGsHwWxDwSYg/viewform
Keeping Informed at JMS
eSchools Home Access: The student information system used by the district provides parents with a valuable tool to keep informed. Home Access provides parents the ability to access student grades and attendance, on-line. In order to assure confidentiality, parents need to obtain a secure password that will allow confidential access to your child’s information. If you need assistance in setting up Home Access please contact our Media Specialist, Mrs. Kiley, at jkiley @cpsk12.org. It is our goal to have the most accurate information possible on eSchools to better communicate with parents and to access emergency information.
Additional information is available to parents through Schoology. Schoology is a web-based information system used by all teachers for communicating information about assignments, upcoming assessments, notes, and other classroom information. Teachers will share information the first week of school with students regarding access. Schoology access is critical to your child’s success due to our current challenges related to COVID-19. If we need to go to an online format at any time during the school year, we will use Schoology for all courses.
Activities and daily events: We try to keep parents and students informed of school activities. Each day the bulletin is read to students, highlighting upcoming events and deadlines. We email an activity calendar as part of the Cyclone Watch to parents during the third week of each month excluding August and December. This information will also be posted on our building website. Parents can access daily student bulletins on our website the night before these announcements are read to students.
Bus Information
o IMPORTANT – Bus Assignment Information is cleared out annually
o Bus assignments will only be made for students requesting transportation during online enrollment
o August 1st: Deadline for Students to “Opt-In” for transportation in order to receive school bus information to ride the first days of school.
o Students “Opting In” after August 1st will be reviewed on a case by case basis but may have to wait until after August 30th to receive transportation
§ Any changes after August 1st must be handled through the school, but will not be reviewed prior to the start of the school year
To minimize issues and maximize student safety for the first days of school, Transportation must stabilize the routes. This is needed to allow drivers to become familiar with routes and provide the transportation office time to communicate last minute details.
§ August 2nd through August 29th – Route Stabilization & Familiarization
During this time Transportation will not be scheduling new students, processing changes and/or adjusting routes, as these days are devoted to working with students already enrolled, balancing out routes and firming up schedules to minimize student safety risk.
o Bus Stop Assignment Communication
Schools: Bus Stop information will be posted on student eSchool Portal – Transportation Page
Tableau Alpha Roster Link: https://dwarehouse.cpsk12.org/#/signin?externalRedirect=%2Fviews%2FBusRoutes%2FBusRoutes%3F%3Aiid%3D2%26&site=
Families: Can view through CPS Family Portal using the Home Access Center “HAC” app
o Tuesday, August 30th – STA is anticipated to resume scheduling those students that missed the August 1st cut-off.
Depending on the number of students that missed the cut-off the process may take a few days
Email communication will be sent to the schools to keep them updated
Parents should be advised to check the Home Access Center App for their student
From the Nurse
Hello JMS Families! My name is Jenny Grider and I will be the new school nurse for the 2022-2023 school year. I’m looking forward to working with our Health Secretary, Sheryl Mitchell and all of the JMS family. We are here to help answer any questions you may have.
CPS is currently reviewing COVID policies and updates will be out before the school year starts.
If your child is ill, PLEASE keep them home. Always notify the attendance secretary of any absence.
I look forward to meeting you at the back to school open house. You can fill out necessary paperwork, bring medications to the nurse for your student, and ask any questions.
Incoming 8th grade students need to bring written proof of a Tdap and a Meningitis vaccines.
Please log on to your student’s portal and complete the health summary during online registration. This allows the health room to update your student’s information for any new health concerns.
Middle School students can carry a dose of over the counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Ibuprofen, cough drops, cold or allergy medication. It must be labeled from the manufacturer.
Jenny Grider, RN Sheryl Mitchell, Health Secretary
Jefferson Middle School Nurse
713 Rogers Street
Columbia, Mo. 65203
573-214-3213-phone
573-214-3399 FAX