JMS Weekly Update
Week of 4.5.2020
Dear JMS Families,
We have been thinking about you and the kiddos. We miss seeing their faces and hearing their stories! We hope that you and your family are doing well.
This week we will begin School at Home (S@H). More information about S@H can be found below. S@H will begin on Monday, April 6th and continue until we return to JMS.
In just a few weeks, we have gone from learning at school to learning online. This is new to all of us. Our goal is to continue to provide great learning experiences for the children. Our teachers are working hard to meet the needs of all of their students and their families. We greatly appreciate your support during this S@H experience.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher(s) or myself and Mr. Zeiders with questions.
We hope that you and your family continue to stay healthy.
Take Good Care,
Dr. Sarah Shaw, Principal
Mr. Jeff Zeiders, Assistant Principal
New News
We will be implementing School at Home (S@H) instruction beginning April 6th. This is intended to continue the asynchronous nature of delivering instruction while adding a component that facilitates the “continuity of education” expected by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
The asynchronous model will allow students to work on their assignments/activities at various times throughout the day. Assignments/activities will be posted between 7:45-8:30. However, the students can access and submit their assignments/activities at a time that works best for your family's schedule.
Teachers will be available from 8:30AM-11:00AM and from 1:00PM-3:00PM to connect with students.
Students will be considered "present" at school each day unless an Absence Excuse is submitted by the parent by 8:30 am on the day(s) in which the student will not be able to participate in the instruction.
Make-up of student work as a result of an excused absence will be consistent with District policy.
Families wanting to borrow technology equipment from the District during this time may request a Chromebook for their family using the following form:
Once you receive your unique family code (e.g. ABCD) from your submission of the Initial Request Form, you may request additional Chromebooks and/or a portable WiFi access point from the District using the following form:
- Supplemental Equipment Request Form
- (You will need your family code to complete this form)
If you have any questions and/or concerns about your District issued equipment please email FIDSupport@mtlsd.net
JMS Activities
Virtual Book Club with Mrs. Anstandig
Mrs. Anstandig is hosting FOUR virtual book clubs during our school closure. This is a completely voluntary activity for any student who might like to participate. The Virtual Book Club will take place over several weeks, and will include virtual discussions and perhaps a virtual meeting.
If your child would like to would like to participate, please click on the link above to learn more about the book choices and, for interested students, to select a book. Students will have until Thursday, April 9, to make a selection and sign up for a group.
#WeAreInThisTogether
You've no doubt seen the Governor's recommendation to wear masks in public. The MLPD wants to comply while saving their limited supply of N95 masks for necessities.
This week the JMS FCS Enrichment students will be sewing masks during S@H. Mrs. Sullivan and our talented creators will be donating what they can! If you have materials and know how to sew you can help!
There's a collection bin in the vestibule in the rear of the Public Safety Center, 555 Washington Road. The MLPD can also can pick up; just email: mlpdmgt@mtlebanon.org. Thanks for your consideration!
Other Information
Free Breakfast and Lunch for ALL Children
Free Grab and Go breakfast and lunches are available for pick up from 11:00-1:00 outside of entrance C20 on Horsman Drive at the HS.
Quarter 3 Report Cards/ Q3 & Q4 Grading
The end of the 3rd marking period will be Tuesday, April 7. Report Cards will be available on April 16th. To reduce academic anxiety and concerns as we transition to at home learning, the District has opted to move to a Pass/Fail grading scale.
- Pass (P) = a student earning a 60% or better in the final calculation of quarter grades.
- Fail (F) = a student earning a 59% or lower in the final calculation of quarter grades.
- These grades will be exempt from the QPA calculation.
Spring Break
Spring Break was scheduled for April 8, 9, 10 & 13. These days will continue to be at home instructional days. Families who observe religious holidays should plan accordingly to ensure instruction is received and assignments are completed.
Grounds, Fields, & Playgrounds - CLOSED
Until further notice, all Mt. Lebanon School District grounds, fields, and playgrounds are closed for any use. This aligns with the municipal closure of fields and the Governor's declaration. Closures will be enforced by the Mt. Lebanon Police Department.
If you or someone you love is overwhelmed, anxious or can't stay mentally well, please know that there are helping professionals to talk with. In Allegheny County, there is free, confidential help 24/7 through Resolve Crisis Services.
Daily Updates and Mindful Moment
Please join Dr. Steinhauer at 9AM everyday for a Mindful Moment - a daily livestream with up to the minute news and information followed by a Mindful Moment.
PTA Information
There are no PTA Updates this week.
Jefferson Middle School
The Jefferson Middle School learning community has an exceptional reputation for its dedicated teachers, staff and parents working together to provide learning experiences for our children that include high expectations, a challenging curriculum and a shared commitment to provide the best education possible for each and every student.
Email: sshaw@mtlsd.net
Website: https://jms.mtlsd.org/
Location: 21 Moffett Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Phone: (412) 344-2120
Facebook: facebook.com/jmslebo
Twitter: @JMSMTLSD