The Cyclone Watch
February 2022
Principal Updates
In spite of challenges created by the pandemic; we have had a successful few weeks since the winter break. Students are doing an excellent job of getting back into routines. We have wrapped up winter sports and spring sports are fast approaching.
I encourage you to keep checking Home Access and monitoring your child’s academic progress. If you have concerns, it is important to address them as soon as possible with your student’s teacher or at Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Conferences will be held on March 1 and 3 from 3:00-6:30 P.M. each evening. Like first semester, we will be scheduling conferences both virtually and in-person. Teachers will be sending out information soon to begin that process. We have had a great year so far, and we look forward to working together to assist your child in finishing the year strong.
Next Tuesday, February 1, we will be hosting a Virtual Open House for incoming 6th grade families. The webinar will give incoming families an opportunity to learn about JMS and begin enrollment in STEAM elective classes.
Webinar Link: https://cpsk12.zoom.us/s/98803026386
A Big Thank You!
Media Center News
Media Center Book Recommendation
This is a book from a few years ago, and it continues keeping readers engrossed when it is recommended here in the JMS media center. This book does have some mature content, so please take this into consideration for a reader who has been cautious in their reading choices. This is the first in an awesome series.
Forget Tomorrow by Pintip Dunn
It’s Callie’s seventeenth birthday and, like everyone else, she’s eagerly awaiting her vision―a memory sent back in time to sculpt each citizen into the person they’re meant to be. A world-class swimmer. A renowned scientist.
Or in Callie’s case, a criminal.
In her vision, she sees herself murdering her gifted younger sister. Before she can process what it means, Callie is arrested and placed in Limbo―a prison for those destined to break the law. With the help of her childhood crush, Logan, a boy she hasn’t spoken to in five years, she escapes the hellish prison.
But on the run from her future, as well as the government, Callie sets in motion a chain of events that she hopes will change her fate. If not, she must figure out how to protect her sister from the biggest threat of all.
Callie herself.
iPad News
Cyclone Book Club
Builder's Club News
AVID News
The AVID Elective class is a college readiness system that provides structure and support to students in the academic middle. We consider many factors when we recommend a student apply to the AVID program. There is no “one size fits all”, but you might consider applying to AVID if one or more of these sound like you:
- Your grades are mostly As, Bs, and Cs
- Your classroom behavior is positive and respectful
- You have good attendance
- You show dedication to your school work
- You have self-motivation to complete your work
- You have the potential to do well in a rigorous course
Applications are now being accepted. They should be submitted by February 4, at the latest.
Application Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7Bn1W8eFodn9wXwPDpxsWCyeQd6y5daUaTC_96B0a6vCI2A/viewform
Here are additional resources from the high schools:
BHS: https://loom.com/share/b4e5585d45af4ba0a46102e1b2a1ea9e
RBHS: https://sites.google.com/cpsk12.org/rock-bridge-avid/home
If you have questions, please seem Mrs. Osborn in 207.
6th and 7th graders, application info for applying to AVID here at JMS will be out soon!
Guidance News
Enrollment for next year has begun so please be looking out for the enrollment forms coming home soon. Counselors have already met with 8th graders in preparation for high school.
Middle School Enrollment will take place the week of February 7th. 7th graders currently will turn in their enrollment forms on February 23rd and 6th graders currently will turn in their enrollment forms on February 24th.
Current 5th grade to 6th grade will have an Open House on February 1st.
Nurse's Notes
Greetings from Nurse Betty and Health Secretary Sheryl
As you can imagine, the days since our holiday break have been full of Covid related work! We have suspended contact tracing at this time because the reality is that every student and staff member in our school is a close contact. Over 10% of our students have tested positive since our return to school January 4. Each positive case creates 25 close contacts, and it is so time consuming to collect their names. The phone in the health room rings often and I do my best to talk to each of you when you call. Please email me at any time with questions, and if I am unable to talk to you immediately when you call, leave a message and I will return your call as soon as I am able. If your child shows any symptoms of illness that could be Covid, please keep them home and have them tested. Stay home until you know their test results. Always let the attendance secretary know if your child will be absent.
Current CPS guidelines are:
If You Test Positive for COVID-19
Everyone, regardless of vaccination status:
· Stay home for 5 days. If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever is resolved for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
· If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are improving and you are fever-free without medication after 5 days, you can return to work or school.
· Students and staff will eat lunch at separate tables at least six feet away from peers and coworkers through day 10. At JMS, the people who return after testing positive will eat lunch in the main hallway spaced apart by 6 feet.
· Continue to wear a well-fitting mask at all times around others through day 10.
If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19:
· Wear a well-fitted mask at all times around others for 10 days.
· Students and staff will eat lunch at separate tables at least six feet away from peers and coworkers through day 10. At JMS, the close contacts are currently eating in the regular cafeteria and replacing their mask as soon as they are done eating.
· Get a PCR or rapid antigen test on day 5. If you develop symptoms get a PCR or rapid antigen test as soon as symptoms develop and stay home.
We will accept either rapid antigen or PCR test results.
If you do use an at home test, a picture of the results, negative and especially positive, must be submitted to the nurse via email for record keeping.
There are 2 sites for community testing. The CPS testing site located at Hickman High School has suspended operations due to lack of supplies from the State of Missouri.
Testing sites, no appointment required at either site:
1. Boone Health 900 West Nifong testing only persons WITH symptoms
11 AM-6 PM 7 days a week. Bring a mask, photo ID, and insurance card (no charge for test)
2. MU Health Care: 404 North Keene Street (former Women’s and Children’s hospital location)
Testing with or without symptoms. Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 am-12:30 PM. Bring a mask, photo ID, and insurance card. No charge for test.
Persons who have contracted Covid and are vaccinated are finding the illness to be much milder. Rarely are vaccinated people sick enough to need a hospital stay. If you become ill with Covid, stay well hydrated. Treat the symptoms with Tylenol, Ibuprofen, cold relievers. If your symptoms become severe or involve difficulty breathing, you must go to the nearest emergency room for care. Boosters are available for persons in the 12–15-year age range who were vaccinated 5 months ago or longer who received the Pfizer vaccine. Visit the CDC website for full details.
Routine vaccines are still important!
All incoming 7th grade students are reminded that they must have the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine and the Meningitis vaccine before they attend summer school in June or begin school in August 2022 for their 8th grade year. This is a state requirement, and you will not be allowed to attend school without written proof of these vaccines. Anytime your student gets a new vaccine, always submit written proof to the nurse’s office.
Wishing you all a safe and happy New Year from the Health Room at Jefferson Middle School. The many expressions of gratitude from students and their families during this trying time has helped carry us through with a grateful, if tired, heart.
With thanks,
Nurse Betty Cramer, RN, BSN ecramer@cpsk12.ort
Sheryl Mitchell smitchell@cpsk12.org
573-214-3213 phone
573-214-3399 fax
Cyclone Track and Field Information
Jefferson Middle School - A STEAM Academy
Email: gcaine@cpsk12.org
Website: https://www.cpsk12.org/jms
Location: 713 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO, USA
Phone: 573-214-3210
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JMSCyclones
Twitter: @jmscyclones