The Jefferson Journal
August 4th, 2022
Family Updates: May 26, 2023
Dear Jefferson Middle School Families:
Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend! We look forward to seeing students on Tuesday.
Sincerely,
Kristyn Westphal, Principal
Key Upcoming Dates & Events
June is Pride Month
May 29: Memorial Day; no school for staff or students
May 31: Talent Show Tryouts After School
June 1: Talent Show Tryouts After School
June 7th/8th/13: Talent Show Practice After School
June 14: Talent Show
June 15: 8th Grade Promotion & Awards, 9:00-10:00 AM (please note updated time). This is the time at which we celebrate 8th grade transition to 9th grade. Families join 9:00-10:00 AM; students have additional 8th grade activities after this time, and the 8th grade party runs 1:30 - 3:30.
Summer Camp Program Opportunities
Food & Hygiene Resources
TJMS students and families in need of food or hygiene resources from our resource pantry can access them by filling out this link, which notifies our Family Resource Coordinator, Kelsey Potter.
Homework Club
is available every Monday from 2:55-3:55. The last Monday of early release for the year is May 22. As a result, May 22 is also our last homework club.
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
Free Food Pantries (updated in December)
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!
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.