JJMS Weekly Update
March 28, 2024
April 12, 2024
JJMS Administrators
Mr. Jeffrey Swiatowicz, Principal
Ms. Catherine Graybosch Assistant Principal - 6th Grade
Mr. Mike Pompa Assistant Principal - 7th & 8th Grade
- SCHOOL HOURS: 8:10 a.m. - 2:48 p.m.
- MAIN OFFICE HOURS: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- MAIN OFFICE PHONE: 914-763-7500
Important Dates To Keep In Mind
4/12- 8th Grade Social TONIGHT!
4/15- Mindful Homebase Activity
4/16- KLSD Green Team Sustainability Event
4/19- Yoga with Mrs. Burns at Recess
4/25- 8th Graders vs. Teachers Basketball Game
4/26- 8th Grade Boat Trip Permission Slips Due
5/1-5/2- Mathematics NY State Testing
- May 13: Orchestra Concert
5/14- Science NY State Testing *GRADE 8 ONLY*
(Accelerated/Earth Science students do NOT take this exam.)
- May 15: Band Concert
- May 22: An Evening of Fun at JJMS!
- Cultural Celebration Event 5-6:30pm
- Art Night 6-7pm
- Chorus Concert 7-9pm
TONIGHT! 8th Grade Social
The 8th Grade Dance is tonight, April 12th, from 7 pm - 8:30 pm in the John Jay Middle School Dining Room. The 8th Grade Dance is open to all JJMS 8th Graders and hosted by the JJMS PTO. There is no cost to the students. If your child didn't hand in a permission slip yet, please go to the JJMS PTO website for a copy and present it at the door. There will be copies of the permission slip at the door if needed.
Please note: Students may not leave early. Parents/Guardians are required to pick-up their child at the JJMS circle at 8:30 pm or arrange for their child to be picked-up by another parent/guardian or caregiver.
Mindful Homebase Activity
Monday, April 15th is a Mindful Homebase Day. During homebase, students will be encouraged to participate in our mindful homebase activity which is eating breakfast and listening to music mindfully. In order to participate, students will need to bring a small breakfast item, their device, and headphones/earbuds. We hope you will encourage your child to participate and start their Monday mindfully!
John Jay's Sustainability Club
You and your family are invited to participate in the Annual Districtwide Sustainability Celebration on April 16, 2024 at John Jay High School at 6pm.
Several events will be taking place during the April 16th event.
- Plant & Seed Exchange (Invitation Here)
- JJMS Green Team JJ Spirit Wear & Gear Swap (Invitation Here) and information below.
KLSD Spirit Wear and Gear Swap
The JJMS Green Team is hosting a John Jay Spirit Wear and Gear Exchange during the annual KLSD Sustainability Celebration. We are asking community members to donate clean, outgrown or unwanted school spirit wear and sports gear to exchange with others in our community.
Clothing and Gear will be collected ahead of the April 16th event. You can drop donations at the middle school during the weeks of March 25-28 and April 8-12. Students and families will have the chance to “shop the swap” on April 16th! Questions? Email mbrady@klschools.org
JJMS BEAM - Cultural Celebration Event!
On May 22, 2024, at 5pm, you are invited to join us for an unforgettable evening dedicated to embracing diversity, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating the tapestry of cultures within our community. We are inviting parents, faculty/staff, and students to come together and share the richness of their identities and cultures. Whether through delicious dishes, engaging activities, or engaging narratives.
The Cultural Celebration will take place in the JJMS dining room beginning at 5 p.m. and will coincide with the JJMS Art Show, which begins at 6 p.m., and the JJMS Chorus Concert beginning at 7 p.m. This evening is sure to be an unforgettable experience for celebrating diversity and unity in our community.
But we can’t do this without your participation!
Here’s how you can be a part of a memorable night: Showcase your culture at a station in the JJMS dining room. Guests will be able to speak with you and learn about your cultural heritage. Still trying to decide what to bring? Others who have signed up will be sharing traditional clothing, delicious samples of food and spices, or telling stories! What you choose to bring to share with our students and community is up to you! Please complete THIS FORM if you are interested in joining us.
Please reach out to Catherine Graybosch (cgraybosch@kslchools.org) if you have any questions on the information above.
Yoga with Mrs. Burns!
No prior yoga experience needed!
Bus Changes and Walking Off Campus
BUS CHANGES: Bus passes are only required for students who would like to ride a bus other than their own or be let off at a different stop. If you would like to give your child permission to ride a different bus or be let off at a different stop, the Bus Change form needs to be filled out by 1 pm each day there is a change in plans for your child in riding a different bus or getting off at a different stop on the way home. Any form filled out after 1pm may not be honored.
The bus pass needs to be picked up from the main office before students leave the building or the students will not be allowed to make the desired change.
WALKING OFF CAMPUS - At the end of each day, students will be permitted to walk off campus* without a note. Once students leave campus, they are not permitted to return to campus for any reason unless accompanied by a parent/guardian. If you will permit your child to walk off campus, we suggest discussing the following with your child:
- Make a plan with your child. What time will the child be picked up? Who will be picking the child up? Where will the child be picked up?
- Remind your child they will be in a public setting with community members and to follow the expectations of your family and the school.
- Remind your child their behavior reflects the JJMS community.
- Students walking to the Cross River Plaza need to walk up to the track. It is unsafe to walk through the woods.
*If issues do arise for any student walking off our campus, the privilege may be revoked.*
Enjoy the weekend!
In partnership,
Jeffrey Swiatowicz
Principal, JJMS