School hours are 7:50 am to 2:45 pm. Our front doors open to all students at 7:15 a.m. Students who walk or who are car riders use our front drive and doors. Bus riders will enter through the south gym parking doors.

Character Education Program

Jardine Middle School has a Positive Character Program which recognizes positive character traits of Self-Awareness, Compassion, Responsibility, and Respect. The goals of the program are to recognize students for exhibiting positive character qualities at school, encourage positive behaviors, and make students more aware of their actions. Therefore, this program helps Jardine to be recognized as a safe and welcoming learning community.

Jardine grade level teams nominate four students to recognize each month. Each student is nominated for exhibiting one of the four character traits on a consistent basis. These students will get a certificate as well as ten 5-Star Student points to purchase an item or enter their name into a quarterly prize drawing.

Naviance

Naviance is our career exploration program for the district. Mr. Falk and Ms. Waldy will be working with students to help them complete Naviance tasks and lessons. The tasks will help them create goals, understand their learning style, choose future classes, consider post-secondary opportunities available to them, and explore possible career interests. The lessons will encourage students to identify their strengths and interests, set goals for personal growth, and explore options they will have after high school.

Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week is October 23-31 every year. The theme this year is “Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free”. School wide activities will be set up to recognize Red Ribbon Week.

Hello Jardine Jaguars and families!! School is well underway and– Phew– it is exhausting.

There is a theme that more and more students and adults are discussing and a behavior that is causing negative consequences for our students. VAPING! Unfortunately, students seem to be bringing vape pens to school and are using them in the bathrooms. While school consequences can be unpleasant for students, the negative effects of using vape pens on the human body is a topic we all need to understand. I was able to find an article by Dr. Michael Blaha, M.D., M.H.P written for Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease. This article lists 5 Vaping Facts You Need to Know.

1. Vaping is not quite as harmful as smoking cigarettes, but it is still not safe. E-cigarettes heat nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals to create an aerosol you inhale. These aerosols are causing an outbreak of lung injuries and deaths associated with vaping
2. Research suggests vaping damages your heart and lungs. Nicotine-which is in e-pens and cigarettes is a toxic substance. It raises your heart rate and increases your likelihood of having a heart attack.
3. E cigarettes are just as addictive as regular cigarettes. Research shows that the nicotine in cigarettes or vape pens are just as addictive as heroin and cocaine. Because you can buy extra strength vape pens a person inhales more nicotine than a regular cigarette—heart rate is higher. A person then becomes addicted and struggles to stop when their body is getting sick.
4. E-cigarettes do not help you quit smoking regular cigarettes. Like above –the person may be getting more nicotine with the pen than a cigarette.
5. A new generation of people are getting addicted to nicotine. According to the 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey more than 2 million U.S. middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2021, with more than 8 in 10 of those youth using flavored e-cigarettes. Dr. Blaha believes that e-cigarettes may be enticing to young people. He believes teens believe vaping is less harmful than smoking, find the product cheaper, and do not have the same nasty smell as cigarettes. He reports what he finds most concerning is kids who would have never smoked cigarettes are vaping and becoming addicted because of the ease of vaping.

While none of this information is surprising or necessarily new, hopefully discussing the damage students are causing their bodies while vaping–to their heart and lungs– will discourage their desire to even begin vaping in the first place. Not vaping at school will certainly keep them from negative consequences while they are here. Lung and heart health is also a bonus!

• HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who supported the Book Fair. We raised over $9900. Each library will get about $2000 to purchase new materials. Your support is AMAZING!!!

• Students have been using the electronic card catalog to put books on hold, access ebooks, and create a favorites list.

• We are currently reviewing the wonderful books on the William Allen White Award list for this year. You can access this list here: WAW LIST

• If your student is having chromebook issues, please tell them to visit the library 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.

George Halas once said, "Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.”

Our fall season is close to coming to an end. We have started off with a spike from our Varsity Volleyball team setting a 4-10 record working hard for city on October 5th . We will have a playoff on October 3rd at place French Middle School. City Championship will be held at Topeka West High School on October 5th, $2.00 at the door.

The Football team took the field with our Varsity coming off a victory over Shawnee Heights 18-14. The JV team played well against Shawnee Heights Middle school but lost 28-30 our next game will be French Middle School at Hummer Sports park on October 4th . City Football will be at Hummer Sports Park October12th , $2.00 at the door.

The girls tennis team will finish the season at Kossover on September 28th for the city tournament. Girls Basketball and Boys Soccer meeting October 13th at 6:30 on zoom, practice begins October 13th .

Girls Basketball and Boys Soccer zoom code-

https://tps501.zoom.us/j/83661405165

Password- jardine

Students must pass 5 classes in order to be eligible to play 2nd quarter. A physical must be on file with Mr. Snyder dated after May 1st, 2022.

Physical Education National Standard 1- Motor Skills and Movement

Greetings from Jardine Middle School P.E. Department!

We are hard at work learning P.E. Expectations, Boys Town, Health Lessons and getting lots of physical activity. Throughout the year we will be sharing our national standards.

Let’s start with Standard #1. This “I Can” PE visual identifies 9 important “I CAN” statements that directly relate to the Shape America; Standard 1, Motor Skills and Movement Patterns, National Standards. These “Motor Skill Performance” statements allow students to directly and personally “connect” with the standard-based outcomes we want them to learn during our daily PE lessons. The statements are brief but POWERFUL!

Our current newsletter program will not allow for the visual to be posted, so if you are waiting to see the adorable visual, please email Mrs. Remer at bremer@tps501.org and it will get sent to you.

Examples are:

I can demonstrate the difference between walking, sprinting and running.

I can hop, skip, gallop, leap, slide and run while traveling.

I can sequence and control movements that require weight transfer and balance.

I can perform selected dance steps and movement patterns.

I can change speeds, directions, pathways and levels while on the move.

I can jump and land in a variety of practice tasks and games.

As always, please feel free to call/email with any questions or concerns you may have about PE class. Thank you for sharing your middle school student with us. We are off to a great semester.

Reading is Fundamental. In fact, it is one of the most important ingredients to becoming all that you can be. Reading develops your brain, provides a window into the world around you and helps you do better in all school subjects. Most importantly, reading can not only help you become a better student, but a better person. You can learn from the brightest people

whenever and wherever you choose.

As important as reading is did you know that:

• 800 million people around the world cannot read or write.
• Many families (and some schools) have no books for children to read.

There are likely many children and people in our city that fall into this group. If you are already a strong reader, helping others to read is an amazing gift that you can give. Here are some ideas below as to how you can help your student:

1. Let your child select books. When you visit the library, let your child select books. Try both fiction and informational books, and ask the librarian for recommendations based on your child’s interests. The more interest your child has in a book, the more apt they are to read it.

2. Develop family reading routines and rituals. Find a regular time of day when you can dedicate reading into your day. You can read in the morning, after school, or before going to bed. Simply setting aside 20 minutes every day can make a huge improvement in your student’s vocabulary and comprehension.

3. Talk to your child about what they’re reading. When you engage with your child and discuss what they’re reading you can make great connections from the reading and apply it to other subjects or relate it to real life experiences. If you can obtain an extra copy of the book,

read it with them so you can see what they are or aren’t getting from the book.

6th Grade: (Ms. Appelhanz/Ms. du Bois/Ms. Wooten) We are still reading our

first novel and studying the elements of plot; wrapping up Unit 1 and encouraging

independent reading.

7th Grade: (Ms. Bisconer/Ms.Morlock/Ms.Wooten) We will be composing a

personal narrative for the culmination of Collection 1 and beginning Collection 2 with a

focus on summary, author's purpose, and simile and metaphor.

8th Grade: (Ms. Watson/Ms. Pumford/Ms. Bisconer) starting Collection 2, which

focuses on a study of both classic and modern horror stories. We will be working on citing

textual evidence to support our analysis of a story, as well as looking at the ways in

which authors use word choice and literary techniques to influence our understanding of

a story.

ESOL Elective: Students will submit their final project for Unit 1 before Parent-Teacher Conferences and then spend some time reflecting on their learning and creating a digital portfolio. When we come back after conferences, we will start to examine how individuals impact others, what people can do to make a difference in their communities and different ways people can show their strengths.

6th Grade: Ancient World History - We are starting the exciting unit of Mesopotamia. We will be learning about one of the earliest civilizations known as Mesopotamia (the land between the two rivers). We will look at what characteristic traits define a civilization as we study how these early Neolithic societies overcame several factors in their development of becoming a civilization including new inventions such as a system of writing, religions, epic stories, irrigation systems, and the development of empires.

7th Grade: Classes will soon be learning about the Amazon Rainforest and the groups interested in preserving and those who wish to use it. We will learn about endangered species within it, and the many new species discovered almost daily. The Lungs of the Earth are important to us all, and almost half of our oxygen is generated from the rainforest. In addition, many important and life-saving medications are derived from plants in the Amazon. We will explore both sides' arguments for their use of the rainforest.

8th Grade: History Class has been full steam ahead. The students have been analyzing documents, thinking historically, and writing their opinions with supporting detail. We just wrapped up the unit over the Constitution and we are now diving into the Early Republic. The students will be learning about the first 5 Presidents Presidency's and how they handled foreign policy.

6th Grade: The 6th grade math classes have wrapped up their first module on Arithmetic operations including division of fractions. Heading into our second unit, students will be introduced to the concepts of ratio and rate. After the concept of ratio equivalence is defined, the students will explore collections of equivalent ratios in real-world contexts. Students have access to IXL which allows our students to work on their current and previous math skills. They can access their assignments in IXL through Clever anywhere they have internet access so please encourage your student to practice at home.

7th Grade: The 7th grade math team is finishing up our unit over proportional relationships. During this unit, we found that our students came in with prior knowledge over ratios, which gave us the opportunity to dig a little deeper. Our next unit is called Rational Numbers. Students will return to the number line to model the addition and subtraction of integers (7.NS.A.1). They use the number line and the Integer Game to demonstrate that an integer added to its opposite equals zero, representing the additive inverse (7.NS.A.1a, 7.NS.A.1b). Their findings are formalized as students develop rules for adding and subtracting integers, and they recognize that subtracting a number is the same as adding its opposite.

8th Grade Math & Algebra: This unit reviews geometric terms and introduces angle measures and angle relationships. With angle measure playing a key role in the work throughout the unit, students learn how to create and measure angles, as well as how to create and solve equations to find unknown angle measures. In these problems, where the unknown angle is represented by a letter, students explore both measuring the unknown angle with a protractor and reasoning through the solving of an equation. This connection between the measurement tool and the numerical work lays an important foundation for success with high school geometry.

After angle relationships, students move into the study of triangles. Triangles will be classified according to sides and to angles. Geometric Theorems dealing with triangles will also be explored. These include Exterior Angle Theorem and Inequality Theorem. The Inequality Theorem helps them learn which conditions determine a unique triangle, more than one triangle, or no triangle. This work is in preparation for our next unit over Pythagorean Theorem.

As grades are being entered in Tyler SIS, you may see a couple of unfamiliar terms. MSNG means that an assignment has not been turned in due to an absence. This does not affect the overall grade. A MS50 notation means that the assignment has not been done, but should be done. Another notation you may see is FLOR. This is used when an assignment as been turned in, but the grade earned was less than 50%. The latter two mentioned do affect the student’s overall grade.

6th Grade: For the month of October, 6th graders are ready for CHEMISTRY!!! They will understand the structure, properties and interactions of matter at the molecular scale. They will identify the basic properties of matter and create models to represent atoms and molecules.

7th Grade: Seventh graders are continuing to learn about Physics through the many forms of Energy and its Energy transfers-transformations. Students have completed classwork, done computer simulations, investigations and labs to help them understand those concepts. We will be moving on learning all about Waves, how Waves are used in everyday day communication(s) and technology.

8th Grade: Expanding off of what we learned last month, 8th graders will explore how it is possible that so many different animals exist in the fossil record. Looking at similarities between species and understanding how natural selection happens, we will look at how we can change how animals look and act. Students will be presented with genetic, anatomical structures, and embryology to compare similarities and differences.

Jardine artists are working hard to prepare for the Aaron Douglas Art Fair. The Art fair is celebrating its 27th year and will be held October 1st at the Aaron Douglas

Art Park located at the corner of 12th and Lane. I am excited to provide an opportunity for our students to showcase their work and engage in the local art community. The work that we are featuring for the art show is the final projects from our Graffiti and Street Art Unit. Students are creating their own street art and have the options of drawing from popular culture, abstract art, fan art, or art that address social or political issues. Students are learning the complexities of art and the impact it has on its community. We have discussed how it can be used for good in addition to when it is legal or illegal. I am very proud of the work that our budding artists have created.

We have a band performance just around the corner! The 7th and 8th Grade Band will perform at the Jardine Football Classic at Hummer Sports Park. The game is Wednesday night, October 12. We do not have an exact start time yet. Students will meet Mrs. Rowe at the sports park with their instruments and music. We will play music for pregame, halftime and post game in the bleachers. Our Jaguar musicians will wear black shirts/hoodies/jackets, dark pants (no faded/ripped jeans or shorts), and tennis shoes/sneakers (no boots/sandals/slides/Crocs).

Check out the Jardine Middle School BAND Facebook page!

Jardine Advanced String Orchestra will have our Fall Concert on Monday October 24th at 6:30 p.m.

This will be held on the lunchroom stage.

Students will need to be here no later than 6:15 for tuning and warm-up.

Students are encouraged to dress nicely.

Combinations of Black and White are preferred.

This will be Advanced Orchestra only. 6th hour students.

We will be performing 5 pieces of music, so it will not be lengthy. It will conclude around 7 p.m.

All members of 6th hour Advanced Orchestra are expected to perform.

Jardine Middle School will not tolerate bullying of any kind. Bullying is defined as any ongoing verbal or physical mistreatment where there is an imbalance of power, and the target/victim is exposed repeatedly to negative actions by one or more students. Bullying can be direct (physical or verbal), or indirect (exclusion, cyber-bullying, emotional). In order for everyone to feel safe and secure at school, every Topeka Public School has adopted the following rules against bullying: “I will not bully others. I will try to help students who are bullied. I will do my best to include students who are easily left out. When I know somebody is being bullied, I will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.” Students, staff, and parents should report any bullying that they are aware of to administration through the on-line safety report link on the Jardine website. There is also a "request to see" form online that students can fill out to be seen by someone during the day. Students who bully others will receive consequences. Our counselors will be visiting 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes in September to remind students what bullying is, what we can do to prevent bullying, and what students should do if they or someone else is being bullied.

The Topeka Public Schools, Unified School District No. 501 is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity. No person shall, on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, national origin or ancestry be denied lawful access to any appropriate educational service, program or activity provided by the school district. The Title VI and Title IX compliance coordinator is the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching/Learning/Administration. The Section 504/Title II compliance coordinator is the Coordinator of College and Career Ready Services. For employment, the EEO/AA officer is the General Director of Human Resources. All compliance coordinators may be contacted at 624 SW 24th Street, Topeka, KS 66611-1294, (785) 295-3000. The clerk of the Board of Education has been designated to receive and redirect or handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, regulations and procedures. The clerk may be contacted by calling (785) 295-3045 or by writing to 624 SW 24th Street, Topeka, KS 66611-1294.