TJ Today
Thomas Jefferson Middle School 2020 - 21
March
March 12 - End of 3rd grading period
March 22 - 26 - Spring Break
April 9 -- full day of school
April 12 -- snow make up day, school is in session
VCS Kindergarten Round-up Information is now posted on the VCS website.
Regional Champions!
Thomas Jefferson’s Science Olympiad team has been busy studying and winning competitions. The team won the first virtual Regional Invitational which was held on February 12th and followed that with a win to the second virtual Invitational which was held on February 20th. The team placed first in 14 of their 22 events. An outstanding performance by all team members. The State virtual tournament will be hosted by Purdue University on March 20th. We are preparing to defend our State Title.
6th grade That's a Wrap on Feudal Day
Feudal Day 2021 was quite the success this year! Mrs Highlan and Miss Alberson would like to thank everyone who helped make the day one to remember. The students looked amazing in their period clothing! I feel we also need to give a shout out to the OUTSTANDING 6th grade teachers for their hard work and dedication—not only on Feudal Day, but every day! J
Did someone say Pi?...
On the day after Pi Day—March 15— (since actual Pi Day is on a Sunday), we will be conducting our annual Pi Day contest in which students recite as many digits of pi as they can. In order to qualify for the contest they must recite at least 40 digits by Monday, March 8. The winner will receive an awesome trophy for their hard work!
Pencils, Pencils, Pencils!
We are noticing a bit of a shortage on the writing utensil front these days in the 6th grade… Any and all pencil donations (or any other school supplies) would be greatly appreciated.
Parents, if you could please:
● Check grades and assignments on Skyward/Canvas weekly. The end of the 3rd grading period is coming up!
● If you see a missing assignment, communicate with your child and let them know it needs to be completed/turned in.
● Contact your child’s teacher with any questions/concerns if your child is struggling academically—We all want your children to be successful!
7TH Grade
8th Grade Planning Ahead
It is hard to believe, but our 8th graders will only be with us for a few more months. This past month, students have been preparing to go to the high school by learning about credits, GPAs, and diploma types. Students have even already selected the classes they will be taking next year. As this month continues, students will also learn more about classes and opportunities offered at the Career Center. Classes at the Career Center are only open to Juniors and/or Seniors. Even though that is a few years away, the enrollment in the Career Center programs is highly competitive and the grades that your child earns during freshman/sophomore years will determine if they are accepted into these programs. Students will also be hearing more about traditional college, Ivy Tech, and other post-secondary options as we finish the year.
NWEA Save the Dates
TJMS will be conducting spring NWEA testing on Tuesday, March 30th and Thursday, April 1st. Mr. Metanias, TJMS Guidance Counselor, will be contacting remote learning families by email prior to testing with additional instructions for accessing and logging into the test.
ILEARN Save the Dates
Builders Club
The Builders Club discussed where we are donating to for our spring fundraiser. Should we donate to one place, or split the money and give to more than one place? We also thought about how we are going to raise money. What do you think about paying to pie teachers in the face, a teacher talent show, or jar wars? These were some of the ideas we had to raise money.
We would love for you to come on our next hike, which will be Saturday, March 5th, so come join us! We finished our garden markers for the Banta senior center. If you are interested in joining, see Mrs. Janowiak in the 6th grade hall, Mrs. Perry in the 8th grade hall, or come join us at our next meeting, Tuesday, March 16th! Our meetings are from 3-3:45.
MCALISTER FUND RAISER IS MARCH 15 AND MARCH 16!!
MCALISTER FUND RAISER IS MARCH 15 AND MARCH 16!!
Guidance News
Attention 7th and 8th parents, please consider enrolling your child into the Twenty-first Century Scholars scholarship. This scholarship must be started in 7th or 8th grade! The deadline for signing up for this scholarship is approaching. Indiana eighth graders must get signed up by June 2021.
This is an opportunity for your child to have all or part of his or her college tuition paid for by the state! The 21st Century Scholars program began years ago as a way of helping students afford a college education. The scholarship eligibility is based on family income. Once a student is enrolled in the program, he or she will pledge to meet good citizen guidelines throughout the rest of their school years which will include some check in points each year in high school.
In order for a student to be enrolled, parents must fill out an application online before the deadline. Please click on this link for more information about eligibility and for the link to the application:
https://learnmoreindiana.org/scholars/students/middle-school/
Para leer este informacion en espanol, haz click aqui https://scholars.in.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/21CS-Enrollment-Flyer-2019-Spanish-Flyer-1.pdf
Please reach out to your child’s school counselor for any help or additional information you might need. We are happy to help and excited for the chance at your student attending and Indiana college or university with free or reduced tuition!
News from the Media Center
Need Help with Math and Science Homework?
Who are you going to call? AskRose! AskRose is kind of like Ghostbusters … except they help discover answers to math and science homework questions instead of ectoplasm (that iconic green substance). A *FREE* service offered to *ALL* students by our Porter County Public Library System, AskRose is more than a source for answers; AskRose is also a source for teaching kids how to learn.
The AskRose website explains: “From ‘Huh?’ to ‘Aha!’ - rather than simply giving students answers, AskRose tutors help students truly comprehend the questions, arrive at the answers themselves, and prepare to tackle similar questions on their own.”
Students have the option to chat, call, or email - even on Sundays. Their availability is listed on the web site, along with other student resources - such as math review tools. Visit AskRose today to learn more and to connect your child with a *FREE* tutor.
Personalized Book Choice Assistance!
If your son or daughter has expressed frustration with his or her free reading book, encourage your child to email Ms. Hurley, our Media Specialist, who not only selects the books for our school library - but also reads many of the books that get added to our shelves. In past years, these conversations happened when students visited the library. COVID protocols have changed the way students “library.” This email option might help get a “just right” book into your child’s hands. Contact Ms. Hurley directly at jhurley@valpo.k12.in.us to start the conversation!
The yearbook staff invites students and parents to submit photos for the yearbook. If you've got great photos of school and community events , we'd like to see them. SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS HERE!
REMINDER OF OUR OFFICE PROCEDURES
No student drop off in front of the building from 8:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. Buses are dropping off in this time period.