JCMS Weekly Update September 25-29
from Jennifer Kendall, Principal
Fall Break is October 2 - 6. Schools will be closed.
School picture order deadline has been extended through Thursday, October 12.
School Safety
Safety Alert - Student Drop-Off
The staff parking lot is also prohibited. Students have to cross the bus lane to get to our doors.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter for the safety of our kids!
Student Badges
This is just a reminder that students must have their ID badges on their person every day while at school. Student ID badges are a state mandated requirement for students in middle and high schools.
FCPS Events
FCPS instituted increased safety measures at school events last week.
- No unaccompanied elementary/middle school students at events.
- One-year ban for students/spectators removed due to behavior.
- Select high school football games may start earlier or be moved to Saturday afternoons.
- No backpacks or outside food/drinks.
- Denial of re-entry into games.
- Increased administration and FCPS police presence at events.
Though some of these measures only pertain to high school events, some are the same as our middle school expectations.
- Students must go home prior to the event.
- No re-entry. If a student leaves the event, they are not allowed to return.
- No large purses, bags, or backpacks. Any large bags are subject to search upon arrival.
- No food or drink in the gym.
Last week we received complaints from Burger King and Marathon regarding the loitering and the behavior of our students after school prior to an athletic event.
What is DESSA?
As part of the district efforts to support the education of your student, your child’s school will be participating in the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA). The DESSA is a strength-based rating scale measuring social and emotional skills that research has shown help students do well in school, at home, and in the community. This tool will be completed by your child to help them identify their strengths and establish goals for improvement.
Please visit the middle school DESSA Assessment Information page and select your child’s school to complete the form and provide consent for your student to complete the DESSA Middle School Student Self-Report.
To view additional information about the DESSA visit the Aperture Parent Portal.
JCMS had the highest middle school attendance on High Attendance Day!
Academic Information
Mid-terms
Mid-term grades were posted in Infinite Campus on Friday, September 22. The 9-week quarter grade is the grade that goes on the student transcript while mid-terms are a snapshot of how the students are performing. We encourage students who may be having difficulty to attend ESS (schedule below) to get some individualized help. Parents please reach out to your child's teachers if you have concerns.
The end of the 9 week quarter is October 20, 2023.
ESS is Back!
(Originally shared on Sept. 18)
Jessie Clark will be hosting tutoring & homework help sessions. We encourage all students to attend if they need assistance with catching up on missing assignments, studying for a test, working on a project or just needing a quiet space to work! Students may attend as many or as few sessions as needed. There is no sign-up process, so just make arrangements with them to attend what they need. Students will be asked to sign in upon arrival to track attendance and participation in the program.
Session Days & Times:
- Monday mornings (7:40 – 8:40)
- Monday afternoons (4:15 – 5:15)
- Wednesday mornings (7:40 – 8:40)
- Wednesday afternoons (4:15 – 5:15)
- Thursday mornings (7:40 – 8:40)
*Book Club will also be held on Thursday mornings with Mrs. Thomas (Please have your child reach out to her for more details regarding book club).
If you plan on having your child attend any of the morning sessions, please arrive by 7:50 at the latest, so an adult is there to let them in and escort to that day’s session. Otherwise, the doors will remain locked until morning arrival time at 8:40. If you plan on having your child attend any of the afternoon sessions, please arrive promptly at 5:15 to pick up your student. (Habitual tardiness in the afternoons may result in your child being unable to participate in afternoon sessions for the remainder of the school year.)
Please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Hoskins, our building ESS coordinator, with any questions!
See the flyer below to plan with your child which sessions they would like to attend. The schedule will also be posted around the building as well for students to refer to!
Extra Curricular Information
The Color Run Is Almost Here!
Clubs
Interested in serving as our math team coach?
- Compete in 5 district buzzer meets with other middle schools
- Host 2 weekly practices before and/or after school (can also be a combination of)
- Saturday morning competition in February at UK for regional competition
- having at least 10 members is encouraged
FCCLA
Final day to pay dues and join FCCLA is Friday, September 29
Next Chapter Meeting: Thursday, October 12 (General Dismissal - 5:30pm) Rm. 506
Questions? Please contact Ms. Moffett
Hobby Club (formerly Photography Club)
Dates:
Oct. 11 & 25, November 8 & 29, December 13
General Dismissal - 5:15pm in the library
Questions? Please contact Mr. Young
Eagle Elite
Starting after fall break! This club is a leadership opportunity for students at JCMS and is a chance to help our school and the community. Members will assist with activities such as Dance Blue and the Food Drive. Applications will be open October 11th through October 15th.
Questions? Please contact Ms. Merrick (room 325) or Ms. Amolsch (room 416)
Girls Who Game
Students will become leaders as they use hands-on gaming to learn more about STEM fields.
- Learn and play in Minecraft
- Connect and collaborate with other girls to solve a problem
- Build confidence, leadership and communication skills
- Submit your product for local and global competition
- Have an amazing time!
Meets every Thursday, 4:15 - 5:15pm
Maximum of 20 students (permission slip required to sign up)
Open to girls and allies, regardless of gender.
Questions? Please contact Ms. April Thomas or Ms. Lovely
Intramurals
Intramurals are open to all Jessie Clark students and take place on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 7:45am to 8:40am. Each month we will play a different sport and students get to pick their own teams. This is a great opportunity for students to get daily physical activity and engage in lifelong fitness activities with their peers prior to school starting.
Questions? Please contact Coach Robert Ford
Information regarding Boys Basketball Try-outs coming soon!
Volleyball Tryout Information
Volleyball tryouts are Friday, October 13 with the following times;
6th grade: 4:30-6:00
7th grade: 6:00-7:00
8th grade: 7:00-8:00
Requirements for tryouts:
- Anyone wanting to tryout must have an up to date KHSAA Sports physical at the time of tryout, (blank forms can be found on the KHSAA website).
- Water Bottle
- sneakers/ volleyball shoes
The KHSAA Physical is different than the 6th grade physical. You can download the form using the links below, or most physician's offices have them.
This Week in Athletics
Athletics Updates:
- Shoutout to our Girls Basketball A Team on advancing to the Final Four in the City Tournament.
- The FCPS City Championship for Cross Country will be this Tuesday (9/26) at Brenda Cowan.
- Intramurals for Wednesday and Friday this week will be 9 square in the air.
Monday:
Intramural Wiffle Ball (7:45 - 8:30am) gym
Cross Country Pasta Dinner (4:00 - 5:30pm) cafe
Football Practice (4:29-6:31pm) field
Cheer Practice (4:30-6:00pm) gym
Girls Basketball Away Game vs Leestown (A Game 5:30pm) Leestown
Tuesday:
Girls Basketball Practice (TBD) gym
Football Practice (4:29 - 6:31pm) field
Cross Country City Championship (5:30pm) Brenda Cowan Elementary
6th Grade Football Game @ The Lexington School (6:00pm) TLS
Wednesday:
Intramural 9 Square (7:45 - 8:30am) gym
Girls Basketball Practice (TBD) gym
Football Away Game vs Southern @ Lafayette (6:00pm) Lafayette
Cheerleading @JCMS Football Game vs. Southern (6:00pm) Lafayette
Thursday:
Girls Basketball Practice (4:00 - 6:00pm) gym
Cross Country Practice (4:15 - 5:30pm) track
Football Practice (4:29 - 6:31pm) field
A and B Team Girls Basketball Finals @ Dunbar (5:30pm B Game, 7:00pm A Game)
Friday:
Intramural 9 Square (7:45 - 8:30am) gym
Football Practice (4:29 - 6:31pm) field
Saturday: Nothing scheduled at this time
Sunday: Nothing scheduled at this time
Please contact Coach Ford, our athletic director, if you all have any questions. Have a great week and GO EAGLES!
Frequently Used Links
PTSA News
The Jessie Clark PTSA supports our school in so many ways.
- Parent volunteers
- Funding for Special Projects and Activities
- Advocates for students
- Appreciation events for Teachers & Staff
Please consider joining today!
Click here to join Online or purchase JCMS spirit wear! jessieclark.memberhub.com
Or print and return this form with cash or check:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dVxOxCbketC2_M-Nth5yq2CKVmNRmzIoDwxv4Qo0E3U/edit?usp=sharing
Also, be sure to check out the PTSA website and follow on Facebook and Instagram this year! Stay in the loop for upcoming school events you don’t want to miss, volunteer to lend a hand, and more!
Website: Visit now and be sure to add to favorites and check back often as we are updating it frequently: https://www.jessieclarkptsa.org/
Facebook: Follow for up-to-date news! https://www.facebook.com/JCMSPTSA
Instagram: Follow for timely reminders! @jcmsptsa https://www.instagram.com/jcmsptsa