The Panther Paw

On Friday, the 8th grade students had the opportunity to hear from a variety of workers representing many different careers in the community. Students heard from law enforcement, firefighters, cosmetologist, tattoo artists, real estate agents, local business owners, and representatives from the Southeastern Career Center! This was a wonderful opportunity for our 8th graders to learn more about different careers available and the training necessary.

JCMS extends a huge thank you to the volunteers who came in to assist!

Next week, during Social Studies classes, all students will begin turning in their school devices and accessories. Be sure to come prepared! 7th grade students will turn in their devices next Monday, May 18th and 8th grade students will turn in their devices on Tuesday, May 19th.

✅ What to Bring:

• Your Chromebook (with the school-issued cover still on it)

• Your charger

• Your Chromebook bag

Students will:

• Clean out their Chromebook bag

• Wipe down their device

• Turn everything in to their Social Studies teacher for inventory

🔍 Before You Turn It In...

Take some time this week to prepare by doing the following:

📌 Turn in any remaining digital assignments

📌 Organize your Google Drive
Use SRT time to create folders, delete old files, and clean up your Drive. It’ll help you stay organized for next year!

Thanks for taking care of your device and helping us finish the year strong!

The end of the school year is just around the corner, which means… it's time to clean out your locker! 🎉

Next Wednesday, May 20th, during SRT, all students will need to completely empty their lockers as we get ready for summer break and prepare the school for next year.

🗓️ What You Need to Do:

✅ Take Everything Home

Make sure to bring a backpack or an extra bag to carry home all your things — notebooks, water bottles, and random items that have somehow lived in your locker all year.

🗑️ Throw Away or Recycle Trash

Old papers, dried-out pens, empty snack wrappers… if you don’t need it, toss it! Recycling bins and trash cans will be available near the hallways.

🧽 Wipe It Down

Each student will be asked to quickly wipe down the inside of their locker to leave it clean for next year.

Next week, we’re going to ring in summer time with a SPIRIT WEEK celebration! Each day will have a fun dress-up theme — so get creative, have fun, and show your school spirit as we wrap up a fantastic year at JCMS!

🚦 Monday, May 18 – Traffic Jam Monday! 🚦

We’re kicking off the final week of school by shifting into summer mode!
Students and staff are encouraged to wear a traffic light color:

🟢 Green – Ready for summer!
🟡 Yellow – Almost there!
🔴 Red – Running on fumes!

You can wear solid colors, racing gear, checkered patterns, or anything road-trip inspired as we begin our race to the finish of the school year!

🧳 Tuesday, May 19 – Tacky Tourist Tuesday

Summer is a great time to travel — even if it’s just in your imagination!
Throw on your tackiest tourist outfit: think Hawaiian shirts, fanny packs, and socks with sandals. Vacation vibes only!

🔴🔵 Wednesday, May 20 - Gentleman...start your engines!

Break out your race gear as we prepare for the JCMS Race to the Finish event!

🌺 Thursday, May 22 – Aloha Day!

It’s the last day of school, and we’re sending off the year with some tropical flair!
Wear your best Hawaiian shirt, leis, and island-inspired gear as we say ALOHA to summer!

💥 Don’t forget — participation makes spirit week way more fun for everyone! Let’s finish the year strong with style, smiles, and school spirit!

As we move into the spring season, we’re starting to see warmer temperatures and more time spent outdoors ☀️🌿 With that change in weather, we want to take a moment to remind everyone about our school dress code expectations.

While we know students are excited to break out their spring wardrobe, it’s important that clothing remains appropriate for the school environment. Outfits should continue to follow school guidelines, ensuring that all students are dressed in a way that is respectful, comfortable, and ready for learning.

Spring is always a great time of year at JCMS, and we appreciate families helping us reinforce these expectations. By working together, we can keep the focus where it belongs on learning, growth, and finishing the school year strong 💪🐾

For this year's 4th quarter celebration, students will have the opportunity to choose between a few different activities:

• Games in the Cafeteria
• A movie in the Auditorium
• Quiet time in the Library
• Time in the gyms/on the football field
• Basketball in the South Gym
• Dancing in the North Gym
• Time on the Football Field
  

Concessions will be available for students to purchase during the Celebration!

On the last day of school, during the End of the Year Celebration, Kona Ice will be at JCMS! Students will have the opportunity to purchase a snow cone. There is one size option will cost $3.00.

Monday

• Track and Field (Tri-County) @ Columbus East HS - 6:00 PM
• Golf vs Columbus Central @ Par 3 - 5:00 PM
• Girls Tennis vs Silver Creek @ Silver Creek - 5:00 PM
• Math Club - 3:15 - 4:30 PM - Room 30

Tuesday

Wednesday

• 8th Grade departs for Washington, D.C. - 7:30 PM
• Science Club - 3:15 - 4:30 PM - Room 27
• Yearbook - 3:15 - 4:00 PM - Athletic Office

• 8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip

Friday

• 8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip

Saturday

• 8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip

• 8th Grade returns from Washington, D.C. - 5:00 AM arrival time