The Jefferson Journal
August 4th, 2022
Family Updates: March 31, 2023
Dear Jefferson Middle School Families:
We know that Thursday was challenging for many students and families, as hearing about threats, even when not credible, is disturbing, given our national climate. We are thankful for students and parents who reported concerns, and want to encourage all families to continue to have conversations with students about sharing any safety concern immediately with an adult.
To respond to student needs, we opened a support space in Room 307 starting mid-morning Thursday for students who needed any additional support from counseling staff. Counselors will continue to be available today for any students who need additional support.
In any situation involving reported threats, once law enforcement has confirmed immediate safety, we continue to follow VPS protocols to investigate, use threat assessment protocols designed in coordination with law enforcement, and address the situation using VPS policies around discipline, intervention, and support.
Student safety, both physical and emotional, is of the utmost importance. We will continue to partner with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the VPS district office, and appreciate your assistance in keeping us apprised of any concerns that come to your attention.
We will be rescheduling the Spring Social, and will update students and families on the new date once this is confirmed. I hope that you are able to spend some time with family over the next week; we look forward to welcoming students back on April 10.
Sincerely,
Kristyn Westphal, Principal
Key Upcoming Dates & Events
April is Arab American Heritage Month
April 1-9: Spring Break
April 13-14: Student Conferences: early release April 13; no school for students April 14.
Conferences April 13 are 4-8 PM, drop-in, arena style in gymnasium. Conferences April 14 are virtual, 8 AM - 12 PM, and can be scheduled through Skyward beginning next week. You will receive a message inviting you to schedule a conference and providing instructions.
April 11, 12, 18, 19, 20: Smarter Balanced Assessment (Math, Language Arts)
June 15: 8th Grade Awards, 8:00 - 10:00 AM - to avoid families having to reschedule their summer plans, we are keeping the awards day on the original date, despite the snow days added.
From PTSA
Staff Appreciation Baked Potato Dinner
The PTSA would like your help with providing our TJMS staff with a baked potato dinner during spring conferences on Thursday, April 13th. You can view the sign up here. All items should be dropped off in the front office by 3:00pm, Thurs. Apr. 13. Thank you for your help with supporting our staff!
Parking Spaces for People with Disabilities
We need your help to ensure that our families and students who have mobility challenges are able to access their close-access parking spots. We have had some challenges with the pick-up/drop-off line blocking these parking spaces (in the center parking row) so that students and their families are not able to get in/out. Please be careful to be respectful of folks who use these spaces by lining up to drop students next to the sidewalk curb, and not inside the parking rows. Thank you for your help.
From TJMS Leadership Class
Earth Day is coming soon!! Yay!!! Our leadership class is working on a project to celebrate Earth Day, officially April 22nd. The plan is for all students to plant a flower in a small milk carton, to take home to replant. We are asking for donations of small flowers. The project will begin on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. The project will take place during science classes. We would love to accept donations.
Mental Health & Wellness Resources
There is one week remaining until Spring Break, and we know that times around breaks can be challenging for some students and families around mental health. Please check out resources below from our Mental Health & Wellness Coordinator Aiko Chappell. English/Spanish help line resources are linked here.
Farmer’s Market & SNAP
See important linked information about opportunities to use SNAP benefits.
Librarian’s Corner
Hi Explorers! Your TJMS Library is going through some exciting changes! Mrs. Tucker, Mrs. Laughlin, Mrs. Hinthorn, our amazing library T.A.s, and myself (Jedi Guybrarian Warner) worked hard to complete the GENRE-FICATION of the library! That strange word means a reorganization of the library into genre sections, kind of like a bookstore does, with different areas for each genre: adventure, mystery, realistic, sci-fi, sports, fantasy, and more! This greatly helps students and teachers find the books they are looking for, and we are just putting the finishing touches on this reorganization style now. Stop by and see your new "genrefied" TJMS Library!
Asian & Pacific Islander Club
We're excited to announce that TJMS will soon have an Asian and Pacific Islander Club. Advisor Ms. Kahele came this Tuesday to talk with students during lunches about this new opportunity. The first club meeting will be April 11 during lunches.
Mental Health & Wellness Resources
We know that times around school breaks can be challenging for some students and families around mental health. Please check out resources below from our Mental Health & Wellness Coordinator Aiko Chappell. English/Spanish help line resources are linked here.
Nominate an Outstanding Educator or Outstanding Volunteer by Friday, April 14th
Each year the PTSA recognizes educators and volunteers that have gone above and beyond for our students and school community. If you know of individuals deserving of the Outstanding Educator Award or the Golden Acorn (Outstanding Volunteer) Award, please complete and submit this Google Form by Friday, April 14, 2023. Email ptsa.tjms@gmail.com with any questions.
Homework Club
is available every Monday from 2:55-3:55. This is a space for your student to work on assignments, study for tests and get organized independently. Due to the nature of Homework Club, one on one help is not guaranteed. Please have your student come prepared with a productive activity in mind to complete during Homework Club time. Transportation home will not be provided. You will need to sign a permission slip to inform whether your student will be picked up, or walking home at 3:55. If you are interested in your student participating in Homework Help, please have them pick up a permission slip from Ms. Hannah in Room 402, and return it. If you have any questions, please refer them to Hannah Manchel, student advocate- hannah.manchel@vansd.org.
Food Resources
Important School Systems to Know
Setting up the Canvas Parent App: check out this info sheet for help. This info is also available in Spanish and Russian here.
Skyward: Your access is automatically set up when you enroll your student. If you are having trouble accessing, our office can help; you will just need to show a copy of your ID. You can access Skyward here. You can view lunch account balances, attendance by period, info on missing assignments and grades, and lots more.
Notifications from VPS: read here for info about how/when VPS will contact you.
VPS Mobile App: sign-up info is here. Stay informed on . . . News, bus routes, calendar events, activities and what’s for lunch, Skyward: grades, attendance, employee access, directory of staff, social media, and more!
PTSA
The TJ PTSA needs you! We are a group of parents, teachers and students who serve the Thomas Jefferson Middle School community through grants, fundraising, programs and events. We help organize and implement many school functions, socials, and celebrations all while helping to build the school community. We would love your help in making TJMS the best it can be! Join us! Click here to learn more or become a member: https://tjmsptsa.weebly.com/
Family Resource Coordinator
Kelsey Potter is our FRC; you can reach her at 360-721-8464 (call/text). She is available to help with all kinds of needs - backpacks and back to school supplies, food, clothing, hygiene items, housing referrals, utility assistance, and more! You can learn more here. She is at Jefferson on Thursdays from 12:30 - 4:30.
Attendance
Attendance counts! We want to see your student every day, and we are here to help with anything that might get in the way.