The Jag Spot

Dear Jackson Elementary Families,

We are thrilled to welcome you to the 2025–26 school year! Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in supporting the growth and success of every Jackson Jaguar.

I, Mrs. Gieg, am honored to continue serving as the principal of Jackson Elementary for my second year. This community has quickly become a place that feels like home—filled with resilient students, committed educators, and incredibly supportive families. Together, we’ve embraced a vision of growing stronger as a community—better together, mejor juntos—and I can’t wait to build on that momentum in the year ahead.

It’s also a pleasure to introduce Mr. Patrick Blanchard, our new Assistant Principal. Mr. Blanchard joins us from the Three Rivers School District, bringing nine years of experience and a leadership style rooted in relationships, inclusion, and student-centered support. We are so excited to have him on board and know he’ll be a fantastic addition to our school family.

This year, we are committed to continuing the work of creating joyful, inclusive learning environments where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered. We believe in strong partnerships with our families, and we welcome your voice, your feedback, and your ideas. We hope you'll join us at our first Pastries with the Principal's event for the year on Wednesday, September 17th at 8am in the commons.

We are looking forward to a year filled with connection, learning, and celebration. Our doors are always open, and we can't wait to meet or reconnect with each of you as we begin this exciting journey together. Here’s to an amazing school year!

With gratitude and excitement,

Mrs. Jordan Gieg / Mr. Patrick Blanchard

Principal / Assistant Principal

Jackson Elementary

September

• September 3rd - All School Assembly
• September 11th - PTO Meeting 5:30 pm in Media Center
• September 17th - Pastries with the Principals 8:00 am in the commons
• September 24th - Spanish Dual Language K-5 Family Night 5:00 - 6:30 pm
• September 25th - Lockdown Drill
• September 26th - No School; Professional Development Day for Teachers
• September 29th - Start of ATI Block #1 Small Groups

October

• October 1st - All School Assembly, Theme = Jersey Day/Favorite Sports Team Colors
• October 1st - Title 1A Presentation Coffee Chat Before the Assembly at 7:30am in Commons
• October 9th - Fun-D-Run (Schedule to come); PTO Meeting 5:30 pm in the Media Center
• October 10th - No School; Statewide Inservice Day
• October 15th - Pastries with the Principals 8:00 am in the commons
• October 16th - Great Shakeout Earthquake Drill
• October 24th - End of First Quarter
• October 27th - No School; Grading Day
• October 29th - Dia de los Muertos Fall Festival time TBD

To see the full MSD calendar, click this link: https://www.medford.k12.or.us/our-district1/2025-2026-district-calendar

Every month at Jackson, our front office will be purchasing cupcakes for the students that have a birthday that month. We will have these Cupcakes with the Principals the first Friday (or Thursday if there isn't school) to honor those students with birthdays that month. If your student has a summer birthday of July, they will be included in the June celebration and if their birthday is in August, they will be included in the September celebrations.

We know that your child's birthday is a special day! In an effort to decrease the instructional interruptions and support equity for all students, we ask that you do not send in sweet/edible treats on your child's birthday. All balloons/flowers will be held until the end of day deliveries. If you would like to send an activity or tangible trinket for all the students in your child's class, please coordinate that with your classroom teacher(s). Birthday party invitations will need to be handed to the teacher to be put in Friday Folders with enough notice as well. If you have any questions, please reach out to the front office!

Drop-Off: 3 Ways to come to school- Doors open at 7:25 am for Morning Choices (Breakfast, Library, Gym)

• By Car: Dropped off at the gate in the parking lot off Summit Ave.
• By School Bus: In front of the school by 7:20 am
• Walking Students: Enter at Parking lot gate by the gym
• Any parents wanting to accompany their student to the cafeteria must be vimmed and have a visitors pass

Pick-Up: 4 locations - See map linked to the right for each grade level (Dismissal for Kindergarten = 2:30pm; 1st - 5th Grade = 2:35pm)

• By Car: Parking is limited at Jackson; drive slow and always look out for students when leaving daily. Please do not park or leave your vehicle unattended in the center lane by the gym parking lot. This is a safety concern and students/vehicles have almost been hit.
• We encourage you to park on the street or if you are walking up and waiting to get your student, there is additional parking at the baseball field and a walking path through the Jackson Park.
• By Bus: Students will load the bus and leave at approximately 2:40 pm from school.
• Walking Students: Students will leave out of their designated areas to the right at 2:35 pm

This year we have partnered with Jostens, who creates our yearbooks, to also take our school pictures. Ordering photos is easy! Our Jackson Event Code FE360925

*Please do not have students wear green as the pictures are taken on a green screen

The way it works:

• When your student's pictures are ready, JostensPIX will send you a link to order on the email you used for Parentvue Registration
• Log In/Create an Account If you register your account using the email address your school has on file, your student's photos will display in the gallery. If you use another email address, click FIND YOUR STUDENT? and enter your event code and information to link their photos with this account.
• Order Photos PERSONALIZE & ORDER: Select your photo, choose a background and customize with text. CONTINUE: Select your package and any additional products ADD TO CART: Confirm your cropping. CHECKOUT: Your photos will be delivered directly to your home.
• Questions? Contact Customer Care at 1 (877) 515-1447 or visit shop.jostenspix.com/faqs

You should receive a flyer in your student's Friday Folder soon or view them HERE (English) or (Spanish)

Jackson Families - As we begin this school year together, I want to take a moment to talk about how we approach student behavior and conflicts at school. Conflicts are a natural part of learning and growing, and at times, they will arise. When they do, it is our responsibility as educators to guide students in learning healthy ways to resolve disagreements, manage their emotions, and build positive relationships with others.

Our staff uses a variety of strategies to support students in developing these important skills. At times, we may need to call home to share concerns, celebrate progress, or partner with you in finding solutions. While there are many reasons we may reach out, please know that we will always contact you if your child has been unsafe or has caused harm to others. As we move into the month of October, we will be highlighting Bullying Awareness Month with our Character Strong Curriculum across the building. You can access that information early at the buttons below.

We believe the best approach is a proactive one. Open communication and collaboration between home and school are key to supporting your child’s growth and success. If you have questions, concerns, or insights that may help us support your child, I encourage you to reach out at any time. Thank you for partnering with us in creating a safe and supportive school environment where every child can thrive.

Throughout the year, Medford School District staff take photos and videos of students during classroom activities, field trips, performances, sports, and other events. These moments help us celebrate student learning and accomplishments through our website, social media, publications, and even local news stories.

If you do not want your student’s image to be shared, please stop by the office to complete a Publicity Denial Form. We will make every effort to honor your request and protect your child’s privacy.

Please note: in large group settings (such as assemblies, athletic events, or public meetings), the district cannot guarantee that a student’s image will not appear in photos or video.

Questions? Contact the MSD Communications Department at msd.communications@medford.k12.or.us

Medford District 549c schools are always in the process of identifying students who are academically talented and/or intellectually gifted. Previously identified TAG students remain identified and their services will continue as needed. Students may be nominated for the Talented and Gifted Program (TAG) by the following: national or state test scores, district achievement tests (i-Ready), a teacher, parents, community members, or by self-nomination. After nominations are complete, information will be gathered and a screening committee will screen each student. Students and parents/guardians will be contacted if additional testing is needed. If you wish to obtain information on this program or you have any questions, please contact Patrick Blanchard, TAG Coordinator at Jackson, or Rebecca Sha, the district Talented and Gifted Specialist at 541-842-1043.

You can also find more information at our district website linked HERE

We would like to take a moment to remind families that students are expected to be responsible for their Chromebook at all times. This includes handling the device carefully, storing it safely, and using it appropriately both at school. You can access the English and Spanish letters from our Teaching a Learning department to review further for financial responsibilities. Please take a moment to discuss these expectations with your student and help reinforce the importance of taking care of their assigned device and treating it with care. Our goal is to maintain the quality and availability of these tools to support learning and success for all students. If you have any questions, please call our office at 541-842-3770.

Join Us! Football Season Starting at Spiegelberg Stadium! As a yearly reminder: All K-8 students must be accompanied by a ticketed adult to enter the stadium. They will need to remain seated with that adult throughout the game. Any student K-8 attempting to enter the stadium without an accompanying adult will be asked to call their guardian to be picked up or accompanied throughout the game. A couple of other things…

• Please leave your own footballs at home, focus on watching the one on the field!
• For your safety, we ask that elementary and middle school-aged students stay off the field both during and following the game.
• Backpacks and toys should stay at home.
• Please walk at all times while in the stadium.

Our first PTO Meeting of the Year is Next Thursday, September 11th 5:30-6:30 pm in our Media Center. All are invited! Childcare & Spanish Interpretation will be available.

PTO Board Members for the 2025-26 School Year:

• President - Abby Sanchez
• Vice President - Irene Villagrana
• Secretary - Noelle Slocum
• Treasurer - Laura Delgado
• Volunteer Coordinator - Michelle Malfavon
• Communications Manager - TBD; Still open for the 2025-26 School Year

Are you interested in supporting the Parent Teacher Organization's fantastic work that they are doing at Jackson? There is still one spot left to fill on the board as Communications Manager!

If you have questions you can reach out to the PTO directly at their email: jacksonptomsd@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook by clicking HERE

As a reminder- ALL visitors must have a valid ID on them to sign in at the front office when they arrive.

We have seen an increase in last minute calls for students to be picked up early. We understand emergencies happen, however we want to make sure we can get the information to your student in a timely manner. Please call the office before 2:00pm to ensure all notes and messages are delivered to students on time.

• Pick-up on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for Kindergarten is at 2:30pm
• Pick-up for Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for 1st - 5th grade is at 2:35pm
• Wednesday all students are dismissed at 1:00pm.

Our office closes promptly at 3:30pm. All students need to be picked up promptly from school at their grade's dismissal times.

Thank you so much to all the parents and guardians that have donated snacks to our classrooms so far this year. You can drop them at our office and they will be delivered to the classroom by the end of the day to your child's classrooms. As a good practice, snacks should be healthy and individually portioned for storage.

It is highly recommended that name tags or inked names be placed in all coats, hats, sweaters, jackets. It is also a good idea to label lunch pails and backpacks.

If you are missing an item, please visit the Lost and Found rack located in the main building hallway before and after school hours. Or you can have your student check the lost and found on the playground during their recesses.

Ask for small missing items such as glasses, watches, jewelry and toys in the Office.

Unclaimed items will be donated to a charitable organization as the rack becomes full.

Field trips will be here before you know it! Is your VIM up-to-date?

For student safety, all volunteers must complete an application and pass a background check. This includes anyone wanting to eat in the cafeteria with their student(s). VIM status is valid for two years. For questions specifically about the Official MSD Volunteer Application, becoming a VIM (Volunteer in Medford), or checking your expiration date, please visit the Jackson Office, call 541-842-3770, or email Jackson@medford.k12.or.us

Both breakfast and lunch are offered at no charge to students for this school year. You are welcome to send your student with a lunch as well.

Breakfast and Lunch Menus

Email: jackson@medford.k12.or.us

Website: https://jackson.medford.k12.or.us/

Address: 713 Summit Avenue, Medford, OR 97501

Phone: 541-842-9770

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacksonjaguars549c/

PTO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1129932258204918