The JagWire
Jackson Middle School Newsletter - April 26, 2024
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I would like to thank you all for your thoughtful feedback regarding the Co-Location information that went out earlier this week. I would like to acknowledge again that this has been a very difficult year. And for many of our students, there have been stressful situations occurring for multiple years of their schooling. One thing I've noticed when talking with students is the resiliency that they are showing through adversity, and how exercising these skills will be a strength for them as they grow into adulthood. And working through adversity is what you have modeled as the adults in their lives and I truly appreciate your assistance.
Since many questions have been sent to me and to people at the district level, the PTA and I believe it would be beneficial to have a community meeting for Jackson. The virtual meeting will be on Tuesday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m. We will have central office staff in attendance and they will help us understand how the decisions were made and answer previously-submitted questions.
The link to the form to submit questions can be found here.
The Zoom link for the meeting can be found here.
If you have questions that you would like to send directly to the school district, you can utilize the “Let’s Talk” app which is linked here.
I would like to thank all of you for helping to welcome the Markham community next school year and that process starts now. We are already thinking of great ways to connect with the students such as Reading Buddies and having teacher assistants in the classrooms.
That is it for this week. Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
John Ferraro
PTA News
🎊 Spring Awesome Fun Night 🎊
Friday, May 3 from 6-8:30pm
Thank you volunteers for filling all our slots! It’s going to be a fantastic night!
Please click this link for tickets:
https://awesome-fun-night-spring-2024.cheddarup.com/We only have about 100 tickets left, and ticket sales will close Wednesday, May 1st (or if we sell out before then). Don’t hesitate - get your student’s ticket now!
Attn: 8th Grade Parents and Guardians
Wells Trip
Our 8th graders will visit Ida B. Wells High School on Thursday, May 9th. If you are interested in chaperoning please email jmitacek@pps.net or cdeming@pps.net. The trip is from 9am to 1pm. Even if a student is planning to attend another school, the whole grade is going that day.
Jackson MS Promotion ceremony
9:30 am - JMS Gymnasium
Friday, June 14th
Last Day Fun
Next week, permission slips will be going home for the 8th grade trip to Bullwinkle’s Amusement Park following the 8th grade promotion. We currently have enough chaperones for this trip but more are always welcome. We will also be going over the behavior expectations for students for the rest of the year.
Fieldtrip Cancelled
We had originally planned to take the entire 8th grade to the University of Portland on May 14th. Unfortunately due to changes in the FAFSA this year, the admissions office that shows students around had to cancel this opportunity. We are researching if we can do some other college or career field trip for the 8th grade before the end of the year.
Thank you!
SUN School News
Still time to sign up!
April 22nd-June 6th
Below is the link to sign up for our 7 week-long classes that will be offered this upcoming SUN Spring session at Jackson Middle School! All students meet in the cafeteria for SUN, and classes are held after school from 3:45-5:15:
Paper registration for classes are available in the office.
Students will not be turned away due to inability to pay for class fees. Scholarships and payment plans are available
You CAN sign up for full classes- to be added to the waitlist and mailing list!
Basketball: Mondays ($100)
Students of all skill levels can join this co-ed basketball after school class where we will practice our skills and play some games of course!
Games and Chill: Mondays ($75)
The world famous lunch club is back as an after school program! Bring your own games or play some of the many games we have available in the SUN room!
AKA Science-Planet Power Tuesdays ($50)
Help save the world with science! Test water for pollution, learn the secrets of soil, watch a seed grow, and become a backyard wildlife expert. We'll turn trash into treasure, build solutions for drought, clean up an oil spill, and harness the sun's energy. Learn about the web of life while innovating real solutions to the problems our planet is facing!
Homework Club: Tuesdays ($25)
A chill space for students to catch up on their homework! We will now have tutors for homework club that can help students with their specific needs!
BIPOC Club Wednesdays ($50)
Hosted by AYCO (African Youth and Community organization), this club is a safe space for BIPOC students to learn about and celebrate each other’s cultures while making new friends. This group will include guest speakers, art projects, cooking, and much much more!
Dungeons and Dragons Thursdays ($100)
In Dungeons and Dragons, players form an adventurer party who explore fantasy worlds together as they embark on epic quests and level up in experience.
Learn how to play this awesome game with us! Beginners welcome!
Students will not be turned away due to inability to pay for class fees. Scholarships and payment plans are available
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns!
Liam O’Neill, Jackson SUN Manager e:loneill@impactnw.org
Jackson SUN phone: 503-679-1545
For support with food, clothing, and rental assistance please contact Liam O’Neill
Oregon State Testing Next Week
Here is our school-wide schedule:
- Week of April 29th: Reading
- Week of May 13: 8th-grade science only
- Week of May 20th: Math
*Please make sure your student has a charged Chromebook each day.
*Please also emphasize a good night's rest and breakfast each morning. Our cafeteria serves breakfast before the first bell at 9:05.
HERE is more information about the process for opting out.
OSU Summer Reading Program
Classes offered in Portland, Beaverton, Oregon City
- Phonics
- Fluency
- Comprehension
- Love of Reading
- Study Skills
- Reading Speed Programs for Entering 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders
- In these single-grade programs, your student will learn to read twice as fast and make substantial gains in comprehension in fiction, nonfiction, and textbooks. Students expand vocabulary and learn the best way to take notes. As a result, your child will complete homework more quickly and easily, get better grades, and build confidence as a reader.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER Call 1-800-715-2808
ask about the family discount
ATTN: 8th Grade Families - New Info!
Counseling Services
⚽ Summer Sports Clinic ⚽
New Dates!
IBWells Soccer Interest Form for for 6th/7th/8th grade girls https://forms.gle/JZkurBYoiD8iik1LA
Message from the office
No "Heelies" Please
Parents/Guardians: Wheeled shoes, also known as "Heelies" should not be worn to school. They cause a safety hazard in our hallways. If students are using their Heelies, we will confiscate the wheels and ask that you pick them up. Thanks for your understanding.
The office is busy X2 middle schools! Please, please try to keep late drop-offs, and especially early pick-ups, to a minimum! We understand that appointments made during school hours are unavoidable sometimes, so please be patient and allow for extra time.
Also, if you arrive after 3:30, we ask that you wait outside for the bell. Thanks for your understanding!