The Panther Paw

Last week, JCMS 7th grade students participated in the annual Reality Store, an interactive financial literacy event coordinated by the JCMS School Counseling Office. The activity gave students a taste of what it’s like to navigate the world of adult responsibilities, budgeting, bill paying, and making real-world decisions about careers, family, and lifestyle choices.

Each student chose a career and they were assigned an income and family scenario, then challenged to make ends meet by visiting various “life stations” set up around the gym. Stations included housing, transportation, childcare, groceries, insurance, entertainment, and even unexpected expenses. Students quickly learned how important it is to manage money wisely and make choices that fit their budget.

The event is designed to help students understand the connection between education, career choices, and financial stability. Many were surprised to see how far their monthly income had to stretch and how quickly expenses added up. By the end of the experience, students walked away with a deeper appreciation for budgeting, saving, and planning ahead.

A special thank-you goes out to our school counselors, who organized the event, and to the community volunteers and school staff members who helped make the Reality Store possible. Events like this give students hands-on learning experiences that go beyond the classroom, helping them develop real-world skills they’ll carry into high school and beyond.

At JCMS, we’re proud to offer opportunities that prepare our Panthers not just for today, but for the future they’re building.

Last week, Mrs. Ahlbrand, Mrs. Kelley, Mrs. Manowitz, and Mr. Shoultz represented Jennings County Middle School at the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) National Conference, held in Indianapolis. The event welcomed nearly 2,000 middle school educators from across the country—each dedicated to helping students grow during these pivotal years of learning and development.

Over the course of three days, the team explored a variety of engaging sessions focused on AI in education, career exploration, STEM innovation, effective middle school teaming, and student leadership. These sessions provided hands-on strategies and fresh insights into how schools can continue to adapt instruction and support systems to meet the evolving needs of today’s learners.

The JCMS representatives returned inspired and full of ideas on how to unlock our potential even further, whether through new instructional tools, stronger team collaboration, or opportunities that empower students to lead and succeed. Experiences like these not only strengthen our school community but also reaffirm our shared commitment to providing the very best education for every Panther.

Barksdale will be back at JCMS on November 18th for picture retakes and to take pictures of our students who were absent during our first scheduled picture day.

What to expect on picture day

1. Any student wishing to have a retake should bring their original picture package to exchange for the retake image.
2. When an order is placed online, the parent/guardian will receive a camera pass via email. This can either be printed or texted to the student and brought to picture day. The photographer will photograph the printed camera pass along with the student.
3. If a student is not able to print their camera pass, that is not a problem. We will match up the student to their order manually in the production process.
4. A parent may order from the flyer up until 24 hours after picture day. After 24 hours, the online ordering access may close. This will allow our imaging team to "Pull" all orders submitted and match them with the students photographed. You may order by clicking the flyer below or by following the linked website below.
5. When pictures are returned to school, all students that purchased pictures will receive their prepaid package. Any student that was photographed but did not order a package, will receive a "Proof" (PX) of their picture that was taken on picture day.

All proof packages offer parents a second opportunity to order prints. All orders are subject to shipping and handling costs of up to $8.50 and will be shipped directly to home.

Access School Picture Day Flyer and Web Banner

Access our secure site by clicking here: www.pictureportal.org or copy and paste this into your Chrome browser. Google Chrome is the required browser to run this site.

If you do not have your login information, on the login screen you can click Forgot Password to have your password reset and emailed to you.

• Click on Photo Events on the left menu

• Find the event for your upcoming picture day (school pictures, class groups, etc.)

• Click the View (first icon) to download the Flyer or to resend the email for your web banner link

Feel free to contact your Sales Representative with any questions that you may have about picture day.

Monday

Tuesday

• Boys Basketball - Varsity - @ Greensburg Jr High School - 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Wednesday

• Science Club - 3:15 - 4:30 PM

• Boys Basketball - Varsity - HOME - against Sunman-Dearborn Middle School - 6:00 - 8:00 PM
• Girl's Basketball - JV - @ Lutheran Central School - 7:00 - 9:00 PM