JMS Parent Newsletter
January 18 - January 22, 2021
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Week 3: Required Zoom Attendance Begins Tuesday!
In observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, there is no school on Monday, January 18, 2021.
Our staff is excited to begin our Required Zoom on Remote Learning days for students this Tuesday, January 19th! We want to be sure parents understand that this practice will be mandatory beginning Tuesday, January 19th! If your student does not log into Zoom for each class in a timely fashion (per the Master Schedule below), they will be counted absent and this will lead to potential truancy just as it would if they would be absent or not show up to class for in building learning days.
Please see schedule details below:
- Monday/Thursday: A-K in building learning at JMS/L-Z at home Zooming into every class - please follow times for each period on Master Student Schedule below.
- Tuesday/Friday: A-K at home Zooming into every class/L-Z in building learning at JMS - please follow times for each period on Master Student Schedule below.
- Wednesdays: Students will continue to follow the Wednesday Remote Schedule attached below, per their teacher direction.
The decision to require students to Zoom from home on remote learning days was made to:
- better serve our students academically, emotionally, mentally and socially,
- allow teachers to engage with students every day,
- provide students direct instruction every day,
- allow students to engage with staff and students for contact while at home,
- allow students to ask questions about the content being delivered,
- Provide more consistency with attendance,
- allow our School Counselors to visit various Zooms each day to check in with all students, every day,
- provide students focus/routine and daily structure to allow for seamless transitions from home to in building learning.
We have kept the important information in this week's Parent Newsletter below outlining expectations for students when they are at home attending their regular schedule via Zoom.
If you have questions about this practice, please reach out to our admin team if we can assist in providing support in any way.
We truly appreciate your support and are looking forward to a great week!
Phil Cox, Principal, pcox@ortn.edu
Jenifer Laurendine, Vice Principal, jllaurendine@ortn.edu
Nick Corrigan, Dean of Students, njcorrigan@ortn.edu
Ben Fowler, Instructional Technology Coach, bjfowler@ortn.edu
The Eagle Eye - A Look at the Week Ahead
Monday, January 18
No School - MLK Holiday
Tuesday, January 19
A Day
L – Z on campus
A – K Zoom
School Counseling PLC - Eagles Nest - 3:30-4:30pm
Atomic Master Brix Meeting Rm 102 2:45-4:30pm
Girls Basketball Practice - Gym - 3-5pm
Boys Basketball Practice - Gym - 5-7pm
Wednesday, January 20
All students (A-Z) remote learning
Admin Team Meeting Eagle Innovation Center - 6:30am
System Wide Groups
Girls Basketball Practice - Gym - 4-5:30pm
Boys Basketball Practice - Gym - 5:30-5:30pm
Thursday, January 21
B Day
A – K on campus
L – Z Zoom
Student Focus Meeting (Periods 2, 3, 6, 7 ) via Zoom
Basketball District Tournament Gatlinburg-Pittman - (more information to come)
Friday, January 22
B Day
L – Z on campus
A – K Zoom
Truancy Review and Support Meeting - Location TBD - 10am - 12pm
Basketball District Tournament Gatlinburg-Pittman - (more information to come)
Saturday, January 23
Basketball District Tournament Gatlinburg-Pittman - (more information to come)
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Take some time to learn about the amazing life of this American icon, leader and treasure. You can find a ton of great information about the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the History.com link.
Master Student Schedule
Wednesday Remote Learning Schedule
Zoom Norms for Students
BE ON TIME:
Follow your normal schedule for in-building days. Monday and Tuesdays are A days, Thursday and Friday are B days. Try your very best to be on time. Keep in mind, it may be a good idea to check your tech before you start and be prepared to take notes and complete assignments. Remember, your attendance is being taken by your being in the Zoom.
ATTENDANCE:
In order to be counted present, you will have to log onto Zoom for each class when you are at home learning remotely. You will no longer have to click the attendance buttons for each class. You must stay on the Zoom for the entirety of the session and/or released by the teacher. Attendance will be taken as if they student was sitting in the classroom.
- Please keep in mind that each student is permitted 7 parent notes for a sickness that does not require a doctor note. Once a student compiles more than 7 unexcused absences, your parent will be required to attend a Truancy Review Meeting with the District Attorney of Anderson County. Every day, whether you are in person or required to attend via Zoom, will be counted toward your attendance.
TARDY:
You must log onto Zoom at the normal class times for your regular schedule (see schedules above). If you enter a Zoom room late, you will be counted Tardy, just as you would if you were in the building and arrived late. If you are too late, the session may already have ended for that class period. If that occurs and you weren't able to log on, you will be counted absent for that class period. If you are habitually late to Zooms, discipline consequences may occur.
PRESENTATION:
Check your surroundings and make sure you feel comfortable with the background of your Zoom. Gently remind your family that class/zoom meeting is about to begin. Please refrain from being in bed and having other distractions. Keep in mind that we can see you, so dress appropriately, just like you would in school.
MUTE YOURSELF:
If the host does not choose to mute the class, it is always a good idea to make sure to mute your microphone when joining our class meeting. Only unmute yourself when asked to do so, if you have a question, or if you are answering a question aloud.
HEADPHONES:
Headphones are encouraged if you have them. This helps reduce any distraction, prevents reverb from drowning out a meeting, and allows you to focus on your class meeting!
PARTICIPATION:
Try your best, pay attention to directions, respect fellow classmates, and be an active listener and participant. If you have a comment or question, please click the “raise hand” icon. Another option is to simply give me a gentle wave with your hand, and the teacher will respond. Submit the assignments that are due during class or be sure to submit them later if they are due later that day.
ATTITUDE:
Stay positive, stay calm, stay motivated! If you have a question and the teacher gives you time to ask, ask! Otherwise email or Canvas message your teacher. If you are having technical issues or struggling to connect, email your teacher and let them know.
Student Expectations for Zoom
Please see below for your students' expectations while Remote Zooming into his/her classes for Remote Learning Days from home:
I will only enter my first and last name when joining a Zoom session.
I will be on time by logging into each class at the required times throughout the day when I am at home learning.
I will not be tardy for my classes.
I will make sure that I sit in a well-lit and quiet place without any inappropriate items behind me if I use my camera.
If I do not use my camera, I will ensure that I am staying engaged and participating in the lesson.
I will dress as if in a classroom setting and understand I am still subject to the ORS Student Code of Conduct and JMS Student Handbook even though in a digital environment.
I will keep myself muted until the teacher asks me to unmute myself or during a class discussion. This will help reduce background noise during the session.
I will participate in class, complete the assignments given by the teacher, and be attentive in the Zoom session.
I will use the chat feature (if offered) appropriately and only ask questions or make comments about what is being discussed in class.
I will only share my screen (if offered) with my teacher’s permission.
I will not retrieve, send or display offensive images or messages, insult, threaten or harass others.
I will not post anonymous communication or use the Internet or District network resources for illegal, inappropriate, or obscene purposes and will follow the ORS Acceptable Use of Technology.
I will report anything inappropriate that happens during the Zoom session to my teacher and parents as quickly as possible.
I understand that all ORS - JMS Rules/Protocols still apply during each Zoom session and I will be held accountable for any behavior that is in violation of the Code of Conduct.
Disciplinary Action - Inappropriate Behaviors While Zooming from Home
On occasion, students may display inappropriate behavior within a Zoom session. These disruptions can occur in face-to-face classroom settings, and strategies exist for remediating them. Online learning environments may lead to new situations; however, student code of conduct and behavior expectations do not change for remote teaching and learning contexts. The ORS Code of Conduct, Acceptable Use of Technology, and JMS Student Handbook will be followed. Please see below for some examples of potential consequences for inappropriate behaviors via Zoom:
Potential Consequences:
Disruptive participants may be removed from a Zoom session by the teacher.
Contact a Parent or Guardian.
Escalate offenses to Dean of Students/Administration just as would occur in a face-to-face class.
Office Referrals may result in additional consequences including but not limited to: Removal from Class, Detention, ISS, OSS, Alternative Placement, Expulsion.
It is very important that you explain this with your child and reach out if you have any questions about Zoom Discipline.
ITC Corner - Tips from Mr. Fowler
Hello Parents and Students of JMS.
This week, I wanted to remind you of some resources that the district has for virtual instruction and some troubleshooting.
First is the district’s ConnectOR page: https://www.ortn.edu/connector/ While this site is geared for parents whose students are in ConnectOR, it also has some great information on Canvas and food service if the district were to go to a full virtual schedule.
The second website is our own Online@JMS page: https://www.ortn.edu/jefferson/onlinejms/onlinejms-students/ This website has great troubleshooting for common student issues. For KAMI or Amplify or general website problems, clearing the browser cache is often a quick and easy fix. Having sound issues, check out the website. It also contains the links to Canvas, Skyward, our Online Textbooks, Office365 and more.
As always, I am hear to help you. If you need assistance I can be reached via email at bjfowler@ortn.edu.
JMS Flight Simulators Have Arrived! More information to come!
2021 JMS Spelling Bee Winners!
We want to give a big thanks to all our spelling bee qualifiers that participated in the JMS Spelling Bee on Wednesday.
A big shout out goes to our winners: 8th graders Ellen Eidemiller and Lana Haese!
Lana was the winner of the 2021 Jefferson Middle School Spelling Bee, and Ellen Eidemiller was the runner-up.
After 12 tough rounds, Lana was determined the winner after spelling the word “engrossed” successfully. Lana will move on to represent JMS at the Southern Appalachia Regional Bee in February. Lana, we all wish you the best of luck with the regional spelling bee!
A huge thank you to Ms. Fox and all of our judges!
Top 5 Spelling Bee Participants!
2021 JMS Spelling Bee Winner Lana Haese!
1st Place & Runner Up - Lana Haese & Eden Eidemiller!
The Community Speaks - A Change has Come
Please find attached an invitation to attend the celebration program commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is the 33rd annual presentation of this program, "The Community Speaks". The theme is "A Change has Come" and the keynote speaker is Dr. Garfield Adams. The program will be presented virtual via Zoom Webinar on January 18th at 9:45 am.
Portrait of a Graduate - Life Readiness
One of our goals is to prepare our students not only academically, but mentally, emotionally and socially. This week we focus on Self-Awareness. This includes resiliency, decision making and identifying personal strengths and weaknesses.
Please see areas that will be focused on through our Portrait of a Graduate efforts at JMS.
For more information, please visit https://www.ortn.edu/pog/.
Are You Looking for Tutoring?
JMS Counselors Corner
Good Evening from the JMS Counseling Office!!
Kindness Month
We hope that you have had a great week and that you have gone the extra mile to be kind. Some students expressed kindness with words and excitement this week and even the teachers got into the spirit. We really appreciate all the kindness that our students model each day to one another.
"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention."
Kahlil Gibran
8th Grade ACT Aspire Testing Results
As you all are aware, our 8th Grade Eagles sat for the ACT Aspire test in the Fall at Jefferson Middle School. We are excited to announce that the results are in and we could not be more proud of the scores that our Eagles produced. These scores are a product of a number of years of hard work and knowledge acquirement, and their scores reflect this!
Aspire summative reports were mailed home this past Tuesday. Please visit the School Counseling Canvas Page for a debriefing video on all things Aspire, including how to read the results and what these results can mean for future scheduling at Oak Ridge High School! These scores will be a part of the data used to determine your child’s placement into Math, Science and English classes at ORHS. You can also view the video linked here: https://youtu.be/-S8Oehy2-R4
Mental Health Resources
For further mental health support, please feel free to reach out to the Jefferson Middle School Counseling department at (865) 425-9301. If you or someone you know is in crisis please refer to the information below:
Mobile Crisis/Youth Villages: 866-779-9225
Ridgeview Behavioral Health in Oak Ridge: 482-1076
Statewide Crisis Textline: Text TN to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255
We Need Your Help!
Thank you so much to those who have considered donating prepackaged snacks for our After School Homework Help Program. We are still asking all who are able and interested in supporting this program to donate nutritious, prepackaged snacks for our students. All donations can be dropped off to the Jefferson Middle School Counseling Office or in the office at the front entrance. We thank you so much for your willingness to support this wonderful program here at JMS.
Student of the Week:
Kenasia Anderson
Jordan Menefee
Cynthia Markus-Brock
Xander Valentin
Annyla Osborne
Mason Greenhalgh
Stephanie Kenworthy
Landau, Margaret
Pyper Watson
Serenity Campbell
Jermichael Howard
Malia Barnes
Rosabella Casanova
Ryan Huckaby
Tyler Law
Important Dates:
No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday - January 18, 2021
Wear Your Kindness Gear – January 28th & 29th
Spring Break- March 15th-26th
Acts of Kindness for the Week:
January 19th Tuesday- Return someone’s cart at the store.
January 21st & 22nd- Leave a kind letter or poem in a book when you return it to the library.
Kindness Matters!
8th Graders- Interested in AVID at ORHS?
What is AVID?
AVID is a program for students at ORHS. Its goal is to provide the structure, support and skills for students to succeed in high level (Honors & AP) classes and to create a high school transcript that reflects the highest of their abilities. Students receive support via tutorology (collaborative work on assignments and help from college-age students with difficult classes, etc…). They can also work on skills development (organization, focus, self-advocacy) and intentionality regarding college attendance (planning early, learning about colleges, help with financial aid/scholarships and college visits). Additionally, this program creates a family of students who navigate ORHS together. Each student creates their own schedule, of course, but the AVID elective class provides opportunities for collaboration, support and personal development.
How Do I Apply?
- Application Link: https://forms.gle/3xPtKNgHkoirPnX17
- Teacher Recommendation Request Link: https://forms.gle/EWuRyVuhKGRoYENa6
What is the Deadline to apply?
All applications and recommendations are due no later than Jan. 31st. Interviews will then be scheduled for a later date.
Please see Mr. Sprouse, Ms. McMahon and Ms. Sullivan for support! The can provide assistance with the application responses/essays, consultation on teacher recommendations and help organizing all required elements of the application process and meeting deadlines.
The Reading Eagle
JMS Athletic Update
The Jefferson Eagles and Lady Eagles basketball teams will begin District Tournament play on Thursday evening at Gatlinburg-Pittman. Game times are TBD. The District Tournament will run from Thursday, January 21st through Thursday, January 28th. The Sectional Tournament will be held at Anderson County High School the following week. Good luck to the Jefferson basketball teams as they compete in post-season play!
Healthy School Team Update - Rethink Your Drink Contest!
We are excited to compete against RMS for the Rethink Your Drink Campaign in the week of Jan 25 – 29.
Students, all you have to do is fill up your water bottles at the water filling stations around the school as you drink water throughout the day. We will keep track of how many water bottles we drink using the counters on the water fountains. There’s nothing better than making healthy choices and beating Robertsville at the same time! Ditch the sugary drinks and choose water!
If you have questions about our Healthy School Team, please reach out to our Healthy School Team Leader, 5th grade teacher Ms. Taylor!