The Jefferson Journal
August 4th, 2022
Family Updates: August 4, 2022
Dear Thomas Jefferson Middle School Students & Families:
Happy August! Hope you have managed to stay cool amidst the high heat. We are excited to see you later this month. Here are some updates for your reference:
Welcome New TJ Staff:
Speech Language Pathologist Jill Adkins
Associate Principal Alyssa Alvord
Paraeducator Merideth Bartos
Counselor Brandon Casteel (student last names P-Z)
Counselor Lindsey Earl (student last names A-Go)
School Psychologist Shauna Gregory
Paraeducator Tawny Langin
Paraeducator Emily Lauridsen
Paraeducator Dean Mannen
Learning Support Teacher Colleen Ollila
Paraeducator Nathan Robe
Paraeducator Cynthia Soike
Counselor Beth DeCarlo (student last names Gr-O)
Back to School Updates
Bell Schedule & Bus Info 2022-2023
8:30 - 9:00 AM - Breakfast in The Commons
8:55 AM - First bell; students enter building & go to first period
9:00 AM - Second bell; class begins
3:30 PM - Last bell; class ends
3:35 PM - Bus bell & buses depart
Updated bus route information will be posted on the VPS Transportation website on August 22.
Key Dates & Events
All Students Schedule Pick-Up: August 26, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM in the commons. Families are welcome to self-tour the building during this time.
6th Grade Kick Start: August 29, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM. We are excited to welcome all 6th grade students for a day all their own. Students will meet new friends, build community with teachers and 8th grade leaders, and learn about being a middle school student.
Family Welcome Ice Cream Social: August 29, 6:00 - 7:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you for icy treats (we’ll have a few varieties to ensure everyone can partake.) Come meet school staff and other families and students. This is an informal gathering.
7th/8th Grades - First Day of School: August 30: school starts at 9:00 AM for all students.
Back to School Night: September 20, 6:00 - 8:00 PM. More info to follow.
Principal and Parents Coffee: September 8, 8:30 - 9:00 AM: This will be a monthly gathering; families are invited to enjoy some morning beverages and snacks and catch up on what is happening at school.August Office Hours & Staff Availability
You can reach the main office at 360-313-3700. The office is open to assist families beginning Friday, August 5.
Secretary Michelle Steele and Registrar Laurie Evans are available 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, as are Attendance & Discipline Clerk Jamie Vela and Business Office Clerk Brandee Lassiter.
Counselors will be available to assist students and families starting at schedule pick-up on August 26 (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM).
Teachers will be available via email starting August 30, 2022
Fall Sports News
Registration for Fall Sports opened Monday, August 1st.
Practices will begin on Wednesday, August 24th, 2022.
For the fall season, we offer Cross Country, Volleyball, Flag Football, and 8th Grade Tackle Football.
Check out more info on the district webpage, and access required forms, here
COVID Protocol & Safety Updates
The State Board of Health will not require Washington’s students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for school attendance in Fall 2022.
We will keep you updated as new information becomes available for the start of school; no big changes are anticipated from spring protocols.
Student Schedules
Counselors are still working to make final tweaks in student schedules. Please know that they will not be considered final until August 29. Schedules are built based on student forecasting to provide the best possible access to requested electives for all students. Changes are only possible in fall if there is an error (wrong grade level, two of the same class, etc.) Changes are not possible based on teacher preference requests, in order to be fair to all students, since it would not be possible to honor all such requests.
Student Laptops
Students will receive laptops at the beginning of the year, and will be expected to bring these to and from school, charged daily. Stay tuned for distribution details.
Student Lunch
Attendance Counts!
Missing class has a negative impact on student learning. We want to see your student every day, and we are here to help with anything that might get in the way.
We will be sending student handbooks home during schedule pick-up days. Please check out the information available on how to excuse an absence for illness or appointment.
Look forward to seeing you soon,
Kristyn Westphal, Principal