The Jaguar Journal
Back to School Edition August 2020
Principal's Message
This year we are opening up the school year in a very different way! It will be a year of many firsts but we hope to alleviate a lot of the unknowns as best as we can. We will learn to navigate virtual learning together and we welcome any and all ways to improve. In this newsletter please find information and resources on how to navigate the first days of schools and beyond!
I would like to introduce the administration team here at Jepson: Mr. Greg White, Assistant Principal, is new to us this year and has hit the ground running! Mrs. Jackie Carmona, Dean of Learning Support, is continuing on with the Jaguars and hopes to support your learning through this new school year!
We hope to keep you informed via or newsletters, texts, and emails. Please make sure we have your most up-to-date contact information. I wish you all a very successful school year!
In Education,
Ana Farina
Principal, Jepson Middle School
The First Day of School
It is extremely important that students have the materials/supplies from the school because it contains information on how to log unto the platforms that will be used during virtual learning.
Prior to the First Day of School Checklist
- Laptop is charged and ready
- Designated area for student to work each day
- School materials picked up from school
- Headphones/ear buds if possible, but not required
- Mouse for laptop if possible, but not required
- Student has logged into Clever, Google Classroom, and School Loop prior to the first day of school.
Digital Platforms
Although other web browsers will work, VUSD highly recommends students use Chrome to access all web based applications. Jepson Middle School will mainly use these digital platforms for Distance Learning:
- Clever brings all applications into one secure portal and provides a single sign-on for everyone in the district. See a video on how to login to Clever in this newsletter.
- Google Classroom- teachers will utilize the Google Classroom suite and related tools to organize and store content, provide and collect assignments, store/post/link videos, etc. To access Google Classroom, students will login through Clever.
- Zoom- will be the platform we use for virtual classes and meetings. To access Zoom, students will login through Clever.
- School Loop- use of School Loop will focus on grading progress reports and email correspondence. Students should check email daily. Parents should create a School Loop account so they can view their student's progress in class. There is a School Loop button on our school website. There is also a phone app available for students and parents who want to access School Loop on their phones. For students and parents who are new to School Loop, see the directions for creating an account in this newsletter.
What Do I Do on the First Day of School?
- Have your student log into Google Classroom
- Locate the Zoom Link in Google Classroom under Classwork
- If you cannot locate the Zoom link, please have your student log into School Loop to check their Loop Mail for a message from their teacher.
- Once the zoom link has been clicked, students will find themselves in a virtual classroom with their classmates and teacher.
If you still cannot find the zoom link to attend class, please call the main office at (707) 453-6280.
First Week of School
The first week of school will be a focus on building relationships while teaching our students the procedures, routines and expectations for our online format. Teachers will be focusing on building a virtual school community and content will soon follow.
Check out our Jepson Virtual Tour and meet the staff!
How to Access the Clever Portal & Google Classroom
How to Access School Loop
Immunizations
- Bring a copy to the front office between 9am-3pm
- Email it to AnitaK@vacavilleusd.org
- Fax it to (707) 447-3093
Chromebook Information
Vacaville Unified School District has sold all of the used Chromebooks that were available for family purchase. However, families that were issued a Chromebook between March and the last day of school still have the option to purchase that Chromebook for $40. See Michelle Neitz in our office if you wish to purchase the Chromebook that was issued between March and the last day of school.
Jepson students who need a Chromebook for Virtual Learning will be issued devices from our Jepson office starting on Tuesday, August 11-Saturday, August 15 during our student supply pick up times.
There is no shortage of Chromebooks for issuance to our students, however these Chromebooks are not for sale and must be returned at the end of the school year.
Chromebooks issued from schools will be treated exactly like a textbook. There is no charge to families when the undamaged device is returned to the school site.
Student Supply Pick Up Times
Thursday, August 12 5pm-7pm - Cruisin' Thru Jepson (in vehicles)
Friday, August 13 9am-11am - Walk Up
Saturday, August 14 9am-12pm - Cruisin Thru Jepson (in vehicles)
Office Hours
School Lunch Program
Breakfast $2.00 Lunch $3.25
Who Do I Contact?
Chromebook Check Out: contact Greg White at GWhite@Vacavilleusd.org or by calling the school at (707) 453-6280
Textbook Check Out Information: contact Hayley Mendenhall at HMendenhall@vacavilleusd.org
Enrollment/Immunizations: contact Anita Kelly at (707)453-6282
Attendance: contact Gail Fay at (707)453-6284
Social Emotional Needs: 7th Grade Counselor: Angi Roe at ARoe@vacavilleusd.org, or 8th grade Counselor: Cindy Ayala at CAyala@vacavilleusd.org
Technology Support:Hayley Mendenhall at HMendenhall@vacavilleusd.org (707) 453-6280 extension 1152
Other Questions: Ana Farina (Principal) at AnaF@Vacavilleusd.org, Greg White (Assistant Principal) at GWhite@Vacavilleusd.org, or Jackie Carmona (Dean of Learning Support) at JacklynB@vacavilleusd.org