Jag WIRE Spet 22
Jones Middle School Newsletter
September 2022
Teacher of the Year - Top 3 Finalist
Congratulations to Ahra Cho, Nicole Hummell, and Ye Na Parrett! They are the 2022-2023 Jones Middle School Teacher of the Year Finalists. Each of these amazing teachers was nominated by their peers and then chosen by a selection committee. Their dedication to ensuring the best for each and every one of their students is undeniable.
2022-2023 Local School Improvement Plan
We want to hear from our students, teachers, parents, and community members as we finalize our school's goals for the 2022-2023 school year. For the next 5 years, our GCPS Strategic Priorities will guide our work. The strategic priorities: empathy, equity, effectiveness, and excellence are summarized in the Blueprint for the Future.
Please read this 1-page document to learn more about the Blueprint for the Future and provide us with your feedback using this document. Thank you for your input.
Car Rider Line Expectations
In the mornings:
- If your child is attending study hall, tutoring, intramurals, or any other club/activity, they may be dropped off between 8-8:15am. After 8:15am, students must remain in their vehicle until the 8:50am bell.
- Pull all the way forward before letting your child out of our vehicle
- Only turn right out of the driveway
- Do not let your child out of the car in the parking lot
- After 9:20am, please park and check your child in tardy
In the afternoons:
- Please communicate with your child at 4pm where you are in the car rider line
- Pull all the way forward before stopping to let your child in your vehicle
- If you’re checking out your child, the cutoff time is 3:30pm
- Only turn right out of the driveway
Thank you for your support and cooperation to maintain order and make drop off and pick up as smooth as possible as we continue to works towards smoother processes.
Curriculum Night
Thank you to all our families who were able to attend Curriculum Night! Please use the link below to access the Curriculum Night Presentation.
Free & Reduced Price Meals Program
The Free and Reduced Price Application for SY22-23 is currently available. A new application must be submitted each school year since the previous year's application will not work. The online application is available in English and Spanish. It's a very quick and easy process.
Gwinnett County Public Schools offers healthy meals every school day. Breakfast costs $1.50; lunch costs $2.25 for elementary and $2.50 at middle and high schools. Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced-price meals. The reduced price is $.30 for breakfast and $.40 for lunch. The GCPS web site contains an application for free or reduced-price meal benefits and a set of detailed instructions: https://www.gcpsk12.org/Page/29759
Chromebook Care Tips
Please watch the video below for tips on taking care of student Chromebooks.
Picture Day
“Away for the Day” - Electronic Devices
National PTA Reflections
PTA Reflections welcomes students of all grades and all abilities to explore their inner artist. This year's Reflection program theme is: SHOW YOUR VOICE. Express your ideas through dance, a short film, a poem or story, an original song, a photo or visual work of art. Students may enter in one or in all six disciplines. PTA Reflections Entry Form packets are available in the Media Center. The submission deadline is Monday, Oct. 3rd! Please turn in all submissions to the media center.
Meet the Jaguars
Dr. Blodgett: Originally from Panama City, Florida, Dr. Blodgett is a 6th grade language arts teacher who has been teaching for 21 years. In her free time she loves to read and travel.
Ms. Messer: 6th grade language arts and social studies teacher Ms. Messer has been teaching for nine years. She is the coach of the JMS basketball team and enjoys being outdoors and volunteering at various dog rescues.
Ms. Adkins: Ms. Adkins is a 6th grade math teacher who came to Jones from Patrick Elementary. Ms. Adkins loves spending time with her family and preparing for her 2nd baby boy.
Mr. Addison: Originally from Texas, Mr. Addison is a 6th grade math and science teacher. His hobbies include soccer, bird watching, volunteering and attending Atlanta United games.
This team of 6th grade teachers inspire and motivate their students daily!
AI at JMS
Family AI Challenge - Animate A Name
In the Animate a Name challenge learners use block code to bring the letters of a name or word to life through animation, sound, and music. This challenge explores the coding principles of events, sequencing, and loops.
Click HERE to begin the challenge. On the right side of the screen click on the link “Starter Project.” This will open a new tab with the Scratch Project. You will need to keep both tabs open throughout the challenge.
AI Student Spotlight - 8th Grade Language Arts
Students in 8th Grade read "The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury: a story about the Hadley family who live in a smart house that solves every inconvenience of running a household. However, it also causes them to become dependent on its technology and lose their connection with each other. In response to this story, students were asked to imagine the smart technology they would want in a room of their own home, but also consider the advantages and disadvantages of such features. They worked together to solve the problems caused by their creations and ultimately decide if the technology should be available to the public in spite of their solutions.
Check out the image for an example of a guest bedroom design.
PTSA
PBIS for Parents
PBIS welcomes all students and families to Jones Middle School 2022-2023 school year!
Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is an approach schools use to promote school safety and good behavior. With PBIS, schools teach kids about behavior expectations and strategies. The focus of PBIS is prevention, not punishment. The broad purpose of PBIS is to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of schools and other agencies. PBIS improves social, emotional, and academic outcomes for all students.
Counselors' Corner
The Counseling Department welcomes all new and returning students and families to Jones Middle School!
Ms. White, Ms. Manning & Mr. Shope visited all 6-8th grade students to introduce themselves and let them know how we support them throughout the year. We extend that same support to you!
On behalf of our JMS Counseling Team.... "We're So Glad You're Here" to support our exceptional students!
News You Can Use:
- Book of the Month for Parents & Caregivers: Emotionally Intelligent Parenting
- Article of the Month: Social and Emotional Learning: Strategies for Parents
Shena Manning
6th grade Counselor
Nathan Shope
7th Grade Counselor
Ashley White
8th Grade Counselor
Jones Media Center
Media Center Volunteers
The JMS Media Center is looking for a few more parent volunteers to help with checking out books, shelving, creating book displays, etc. on Mondays 1:45 - 4:00 and Fridays 2:00 - 4:00. Please contact Media Clerk Theresa Buckley at theresa.buckley@gcpsk12.org or 678-745-2056 if you are interested.
JMS Clubs and Organizations
Seckinger Cluster Chorus at the Atlanta Braves Game
The Seckinger High School Chorus and Jones MS 8th graders will be singing the National Anthem at the Atlanta Braves game on September 18th! Get your tickets here: https://seckingerhschorus.ludus.com/splash.php
JMS Cheerleading
Jones Drone Team
The Jones Drone Team will be starting soon! If you are interested in joining the team, please complete the application below.
Cost: $20
Practices: Thursdays 8:15 am
Applications are due September 2nd.
The first meeting will be Thursday, September 15th at 8:15am.
JMS Step Squad
Seckinger Athletics
Gwinnett Parent Portal
The Parent Portal is our primary communication tool. Here you can find information about grades, teacher correspondence, assessment data, transportation, attendance, etc in real time. Please be sure you know your username and password before the year starts. Our recommendation is to check the Parent Portal once a week.
If you currently do not have a Parent Portal account, use this link to request one.
Interested in getting involved at JMS?
We will have several volunteer opportunities for parents throughout our school year. If you would be interested in volunteering, fill out the form with your information. We will e-mail you with volunteer opportunities throughout the year as they become available.
We will have opportunities for parents and community members to share their expertise in AI fields throughout our school year. If you would be interested in presenting, sharing resources, or collaborating fill out the form with your information. We will e-mail you with opportunities throughout the year as they become available.
Upcoming Dates:
- Monday, August 29 - Friday, September 2nd: Cheerleading Tryouts
- Tuesday, August 30: Step Team Information Meeting
- Tuesday, September 6: Chick Fil A at Hamilton Mill Spirit Night
Tuesday September 15: Fall Picture Day
Friday, September 16: Digital Learning Day
Friday, September 16: The Oaks Miniature Golf Spirit Night
- Monday, October 3: Reflections Entries due
- Thursday, October 13: Buford Corn Maze Spirit Night 5:00-7:00
- Thursday, October 27: Skate Country 6:00-8:00pm
- 10/24 to 10/28: BooGrams will be sold before school for $1!
Communication
Address: 3575 Ridge Road, Buford, GA 30519
Phone: 770-904-5450
Fax: 770-904-5452