Jaguar Junction
April & May 2024
A Note from the Principal - Mr. Haire
Just a reminder: The end of the school year was moved up with the lack of snow days used. The last day for all students will be May 20th. The 8th grade promotion will be May 21st in the morning at 8:00 am. 8th grade students only come for promotion and then leave with their families. In addition, the 8th grade Worlds of Fun trip is May 10th for those students who qualify to attend. Those who do not qualify are required to attend school that day. The 8th grade dance is May 17th from 6:30 - 9:00 pm.
The 5th graders will visit the Middle Schools on April 22nd and 23rd from 9:30-10:45. The parent orientation will be on April 23rd from 5:30-6:30. High School Visits for the 8th graders are also being planned. The 7th grade Kanza trip is planned for May 1st which is an exciting day of science.
Finally, we want to congratulate Mr. Todd Haag who will be serving as the Principal of Jardine for the 2024-2025 school year. Mr. Haag has been at Jardine for about 14 years serving in different capacities and most recently as the assistant principal for the last 11 years.
A note from the assistant principal - Mr. Haag
STATE ASSESSMENT PREPARATIONS
Parents and Students -
With the Kansas Math, Reading, and Science Assessments right around the corner, there are some preparations that students can do to help their minds and bodies be prepared for the rigorous assessments that they are about to take. Outside of their studies, here are a few things students can do to make sure they are best prepared for these assessments:
∙ Get plenty of sleep!! Students need at least 7 to 8 hours of good sleep to have enough energy to focus during a school day.
∙ Eat a good breakfast every day! A good breakfast with all of the appropriate food groups help students maintain the energy level they need to stay focused.
∙ BE AT SCHOOL ON TIME! Coming in late could affect the amount of time students have to work on the assessments. Being late places a level of stress on students that interferes with their thought process.
∙ HAVE CHROMEBOOKS CHARGED AND READY TO GO. This is a DAILY expectation anyway.
Students may NOT use any wireless additions (wireless mouse/earbuds)
By doing some of the above items can help your students be successful.
Counselor Corner - Mr. Falk & Mr. Barber
We are getting closer to the end of the school year. 5th Graders assigned to attend Jardine Middle School next year will be coming to visit in person during the school day on Tuesday April 23rd. Transportation will be provided. A Parent Informational Meeting will be held on the evening of Tuesday April 23rd 5:30-6:30 in the Jardine Middle School commons. Both of these will provide students and parents the opportunity to hear from our administration and support staff. We are looking forward to a great turnout!
On Tuesday April 30th, 8th grade students assigned to attend Topeka West will be visiting the high school. On Wednesday, May 1st, the students assigned to Topeka High and Highland Park will take their visit. Bus transportation will be provided. If a student does not have an approved transfer at that point, they will be visiting the school in their attendance area.
During April and May, Mr. Falk and Mr. Barber will be working on student schedules for next year. Mr. Falk is the counselor for all 6th graders and 8th graders (last name A-M). Mr. Barber is the counselor for all 7th graders and 8th graders (last name N-Z). If you have any questions regarding next school year, please contact your student’s counselor for next year.
Activities - Mr. Snyder
From Good Morning Vietnam- “Goodbye, Jardine! I’m history, I’m outta here, I got the lucky ticket
home, baby.”
I can’t believe the time of my goodbye has arrived. It has been more than 35 years I have enjoyed
working with you all, but like everything in life one path ends and another begins. You can’t imagine how much this family means to me, I am extremely grateful to you all who supported me and offered me the chance to be part of an extra special group of people. I would like to thank the coaches who have stayed with me to ensure that the school was competitive in all aspects of the game. Jardine has 56 championship titles with the chance to obtain 3 more by end of 2023-2024 school year. Jardine has a winning percentage of 80% in Football, Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball and Volleyball. If we had championships in tennis, I know the Girls and Boys would have several titles as well. We have added programs like Cross Country and Soccer and Jardine is starting to dominate them as well. I hear from high school programs our student/athletes are prepared for the next step of collegiate athletics.
I am proud of the work I have accomplished here at Jardine. It has been a journey that has had more highs than lows. I do know that more can be done to make Jardine even better. I will leave that to the new Activities Coordinator Robert Daniels, who I believe will take Jardine to the next level. As such, I have decided to become a professional dirt inspector and I leave you in great hands to finish the journey.
Thank you,
B. Snyder
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Our spring sports season has started as of March 19th. You must have a physical on file in order to
participate. We will also follow the KSHSAA guidelines for eligibility. The first Soccer match is April 3rd at Hummer Sports Park, Boys tennis will be April 1st and Track April 4th .
I would like to remind all students that want to participate in athletics that KSHSAA has a rule that
you must pass five of your six classes before you can participate. This rule applies to the quarter
before the season begins. For example, the boy’s basketball season will be based on the 2nd quarter grades. The district has an eligibility rule that you must pass all classes in order to play during your season. We run weekly grade checks and if you are failing a class you have until the day of the game to pass that class. This does not mean waiting until 1pm that day of the game to turn in late work. Please be a student first and the rest will take care of its self. KSHSAA also has a rule on physicals, if you want to participate for the 2023-2024 season. You must have a physical on file dated after May 01, 2024.
Social Work - Ms. Sparks
As we wrap up another year at Jardine Middle School staff and students begin to get excited about the summer break and while enjoying the Spring weather. Interestingly enough, Spring is not always the best time for some people with the change we have in our schedules. I found an article addressing this very issue and the Charlie Health Editorial Team has some great information that can be helpful to think about when you are not feeling so great.
Spring Season and Mental Health
By: Charlie Health Editorial Team
May 5, 2021
The changing of the seasons and the start of the warmer months are generally associated with growth, rebirth, and a frenzy of flowers pushing out of the barren, thawing soil. We see shining faces and blue skies across all media platforms, claiming that simple #springcleaning is the key to mental well-being and a sunny disposition. However, the changing of the seasons is not the
end-all cure for seasonal depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. In fact, the spring and early summer months see the highest rates of suicide, and many people experience increased depression and anxiety. Why does this happen, and what are some steps we can take to make it through the changing of the seasons?
Why does spring affect mental health?
One of the major reasons people may feel more depressed and anxious in the springtime is simply because of change. For some people, change feels like an exciting opportunity, while others may feel an intense instability in their lives. Change as school becomes summer vacation, change in the weather, and change in daily routines can all produce overwhelming anxiety.
Springtime is also associated with major life events, like graduations or weddings. These special occasions are often associated with big parties, social events, and family interactions, which may trigger intense feelings of anxiety. Memories of these events may also produce feelings of deep nostalgia or melancholy, potentially triggering depressive thoughts.
Other factors may be physiological. Many people experience spring allergies, where our immune systems are working twice as hard to feel twice as crumby for days on end. Our bodies and our minds might feel helplessly depleted during the height of hay fever. Hormones, specifically melatonin, might also contribute to mood changes in the springtime. This hormone plays a vital role in regulating our sleep cycles, and any change in this system may produce sleep problems or grogginess, which is never beneficial to our mental health.
Do you need more support with your mental health?
Please contact the school if you would like to get assistance with finding an appropriate mental health provider.
What can you do to make it through the spring?
Find a routine. Despite the changes spring might bring, try to find at least one consistent activity for your week to look forward to. This could look like Monday evening walks with your dog, a Friday lunch with friends, or a few dedicated hours to self-care each Sunday.
Focus on sleep. While this is much easier said than done, try to prioritize sleep! Set two alarms, one that tells you to GO TO BED, and one that tells you to WAKE UP. Try to keep it consistent throughout the week.
Ask for help– If you know spring is a difficult time for you, reach out to friends or family for a support system. Seek out a therapist or treatment to help you process your experiences.
Nurse News - Ms. Bailey
Parents, Please if your student has brought home immunization letters, this is something that the school is needing. Some students are still on a catch up schedule for this school year. There are also immunization letters that went home with students in Feb, and they will go home again in May 2024 for students that will be entering the 7th grade for the following immunizations. Tdap booster and meningitis. This is required by state law. If you have any questions please let me know via email at vbailey@tps501.org.
Library News - Ms. Gilliland
Due to State Testing, regular library class has ceased until April 22. During our last class, the 8th raiders finished paying bills in their Game of Life. The 6th and 7th graders researched a March Madness team and filled out information on a basketball to hang up.
BEANSTACK!!!! Congratulations to many students who have completed our first few challenges. The new challenge from March-May 10 is reading a total of 500 minutes.
If your student is having chromebook issues, please tell them to visit the library during AB time to talk to Ms. Gilliland
Each student at Jardine is allowed to check out up to 3 library books at a time. The students are allowed to checkout anytime they have permission from their teachers.
Chromebook chargers: You can purchase one from A office for $25 or follow these links at Walmart.com or Amazon. Please do not continue to charge your chromebook with a phone charger as this will destroy the chromebook battery due to the different watts.
Chromebook check-in will be the week before school gets out. Students will need to turn in their chromebook and their charger. If they do not turn in a charger, one will be added to fees on their account and ready for them next year. 6th and 7th graders will receive the same device next year as they had this year.
BOOK FAIR
The BOOK FAIR is coming!!
Shop online from April 29-May 5
Materials are delivered directly to your residence.
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/jardinemiddleelementary
And in person May 1-4
Open 7:30am-5:00pm daily
in the Middle School Library
PE - Ms. Remer & Mr. Mitchell
DAILY PHYSICAL EDUCATION GOALS, LEARNING TARGETS AND OBJECTIVES
The 4 “P”s
PROMPT ● I will show up to class on time ready to learn.
PLEASANT ● I am pleasant towards staff and students. ● I am positive towards the activity. ● I can follow directions.
PREPARED ● I am wearing the correct clothes & shoes.
PARTICIPATE ● I WILL DO MY BEST!
What to look forward to - 4th Quarter
March 19-22 - Basketball Skills/Line Basketball/4 team Basketball tournament
March 25-29 - 12 Black/Red Team Basketball
April 1-5 - Frizz Tournament/Ultimate Frisbee Tournament/Fitness Kickball
April 8-12 - Fitness Testing
April 15-18 - Z Ball Tournament/Soccer Tournament/Tug of War or Steal the Stuff
April 22-26 - Wiffle Ball/2 Team Pinball
April 29-May 3 - Tennis/Floor Hockey/Weights/Flip Flop Mass Game
May 6-10 - Wall Ball/Eclipse Ball/Weights/Fencing/Kan Jam
May 13-17 - Deck Ring Tournament/Ball Tag/Tug of War Thursday 16 - PE Final Review Friday 17 - PE Final May 20-24 - Monday - 6-8 AB Stations Tuesday - 8th Promotion in a.m. & ½ day PD. Wednesday and Thursday are potential inclement weather usage days.
Contacts
Mr. Mitchell- PE Teacher/Coach
Ms. Remer- PE Teacher
Band News - Ms. Rowe
The Spring Orchestra concert will take place on Monday, May 7th at 6:30 pm in the Commons.
The Spring Band Concert is scheduled for Monday, May 13th at 6:30 pm in the JMS Gym.
Chorus students (6th Grade Chorus and 7th & 8th Grade Choir) will perform Tuesday, May 14th at 6:30 pm.
All concerts are free. Come out and listen to our Jardine musicians!
Computer News - Mr. Esau
Math
6th Grade: Students will be expanding their understanding of area and using the formulas for many quadrilaterals and triangles. Additionally, students will be learning to calculate the volume and surface area of solid figures. Following assessments on April 9 and 10th we will dive deeper into area and volume. Finally, 6th graders will wrap up the year by analyzing data and thinking/reasoning statistically.
In 7th grade math, we are in the middle of our Geometry unit. In this unit, our students will be drawing and constructing geometrical figures. They will also revisit unknown angles, area, volume, and surface area problems, which now include problems involving percentages of areas or volumes. We will be taking the math state assessment on April 9th and 10th. Please have your student work on the KAP ixl’s to help prepare them for the assessment, thanks!
8th Grade State Math Assessment (KAP) will be April 9th and 10th. Final MAP assessment for the year will be either the second or third week in May. These assessments will help finalize student math placements for next year. Please encourage students to get plenty or rest, have a good breakfast, and do their best during these times. If they have any questions about things they have learned or misconceptions they may attend after school tutoring on Tuesdays-Thursdays from 3:00-4:30. Algebra students will also take a district semester test covering topics studied during the second semester.
8th Grade Algebra-
3 units left to finish out the school year.
Unit 8 - Geometry
Volume of 3-D shapes- Pyramids, cones and spheres.
Surface area of 3-D shapes- Pyramids, cones and spheres.
Arc length and area of sectors- Circles
Unit 9- Quadratic Functions
Understanding nonlinear relationships between quantities
Unit 10- Statistics
Analyzing one-variable quantitative data to draw conclusions
Analyzing categorical data to draw conclusions
8th Grade Math-
Students will finish the year investigating Functions, scatter plots, and geometry.
Functions are similar to linear equations, but now we are including non linear equations and the application of building their own functions from real life scenarios. Next will be creating scatter plots from real life situations and interpreting the data to determine the correlation and/or causation between the two variables.
Geometry will come in two parts. Three dimensional figures and circles. Three dimensional geometry will highlight volume and surface area of cones, pyramids and spheres. With circles, students will be investigating arc lengths and areas of sectors to solve real world problems.
Language Arts
State Assessments
It’s that time of year again! State Assessments are right around the corner. Our wonderful reading teachers have been working hard to prepare our students to do their absolute best on the test! The tests for reading are scheduled for April 2nd (Tuesday) and April 3rd (Wednesday).
If your student is absent, make-up times will be scheduled but ALL tests must be completed and finished by April 30th. Please do your best to make sure your student is on time for school because coming in late is a huge disruption for those already testing and will not set a great start for your student either.
Some other great tips for test success:
1. Get plenty of rest. Brains work best when they are at full rest.
2. Eat a good breakfast. Brains need fuel to function well at school.
3. Take your time. Don’t rush, if you aren’t sure – SKIP IT – and come back to it later.
4. Relax! And just do the best you can!
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Why do we want you to read this summer? Because reading is awesome, that’s why! Need another reason? Read on.
You’ve heard it all before- kids who read over the summer have an easier time keeping up with their class when they go back to school in the fall. Reading helps you build vocabulary. Reading makes you smarter. But,did you know that reading can also help your kids stop whining about being bored, build empathy for others, and want to make the world a better place?
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ESOL Elective: Our final PBL unit will focus on travel because tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry that provides countless opportunities for employment and/or personal growth. The guiding questions for our unit include:
How does travel change a person’s perspective of the world?
What are some ways to have a career in tourism?
What skills are needed to plan a trip?
What can one learn from immersing themselves in other cultures?
Students can explore any of these ideas while focusing on skills such as research, budgeting, time-management, writing, and citing sources. To demonstrate competency through their chosen project, students must choose texts that are relevant to the driving question and use these texts to write about their chosen topic.
History Happenings
Hello... sixth grade Ancient World History is in the midst of the civilization of Ancient China. We are looking at the Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties. We will be finishing off the year with a unit on the Romans and the Meso-American civilizations of the Mayan and Aztec.
As 7th grade Kansas History enters our final quarter, the learning about our state continues. We will examine The Wild West, cowboys, and cowtowns. Students will learn about the Temperance, Populist, and other movements that affected laws and changed society in Kansas. We will also learn about Nicodemus, a town settled by African Americans, their lives on the prairie as free people, their hardships and successes. Did you know Nicodemus is part of the National Parks system and has been granted historic status? Every year the town holds a huge celebration, and all are welcome to attend. Several direct descendants of the first settlers call Nicodemus home still today.
8th Grade: Wow! The end is so near. The 8th Graders have mixed feelings about going to high school, but we have to remind them that there are still several weeks left of their 8th-grade year.
In U.S. History Class, we have just finished learning about the Reconstruction Era. Students had the chance to analyze primary sources, watch videos, and have in-depth conversations with their peers over the outcome of this period. We are now moving on to the expansion of the U.S. and the impact it had on the Native Americans. We will end the year discussing immigration and the Industrial Revolution.
Science
Sixth graders are learning about the structures inside of a cell so that we can identify and describe their functions. We are also learning how cells are organized into body systems so that we can explain specialized bodily functions. Additionally, we are studying how organisms are affected by environmental and genetic factors, enabling us to explain the varying success of different organisms. This includes the dissection of a cow eye. If parents wish to donate gloves for their students, we would greatly appreciate your generosity.
7th grade: Our fourth quarter is off to a great start in Geologic Processes and Earth History. Our main focus will be on Weathering, Rock Cycle and Plate Tectonics. We will conclude our school year with Ecology (Food chairs, Food webs) and the Environment (Ecosystems - Biomes).
Design - Ms. Latham
In addition to having a busy studio with painters, we also have a handful of current and former Jardine student artists who are celebrating their Native American heritage in the art studio as they are creating artwork that will be featured in the DoPiKa project. 8th graders, McKenzie Miller, Syndey Baxter, and Reyna Fuentes, and 7th grader Darion Charay, have been working with Mr.Taylor and myself to create artwork that ties the rich historical development of Topeka and one of its unknown founders, Isaiah Walker. Their work will be on display on a downtown billboard off of 1-70 for 8 weeks over the summer when the DopiKa project completes its campaign.