Message From the Principal

Hello JMS families!

Welcome to October! The school year is rolling right along - with only two weeks remaining in the first quarter! Time is flying by!

I wanted to send a special shout-out to our 7th and 8th grade Volleyball teams - they finished their regular seasons this week with wins over Beulah Park! This clinched their UNDEFEATED 17-0 seasons! Congratulations girls!! We're very proud of you! Both teams are gearing up for end of season tournaments and we wish them luck!!!

Don't forget that 8th graders wanting to register for the Washington DC trip need to do so by NEXT FRIDAY, October 9th. T-Shirt design contest submissions, scholarship applications, and chaperone applications are all due October 9th also. See the information below about the DC trip.

Also next week is our next Arts & Athletics Booster meeting. We will meet in the ERC at 6pm on Monday October 5th. We'd love to see anyone that is interested in helping all our athletics and music programs in the building. Your support is very much appreciated! See the Boosters information below for more information.

Please check out the rest of this week's important information below - including information about our Family Night at Circle S Farms on October 15th!

Daniel Boland

Principal

Jackson Middle School

jms.swcsd.us

Follow us on X: @JMS_Jaguars

Upcoming Dates to Remember

What's Happening When?

Mon Oct 5 - Arts & Athletics Boosters, 6pm

Fri Oct 9 - Washington DC Trip Registrations Due!!

Tue Oct 13 - Orchestra Concert (at GCHS), 7pm

Wed Oct 14 - Makeup Picture Day; Choir Concert 7pm

Thu Oct 15 - End of 1st Quarter; Circle S Farms Family night (see below for more info)

Fri Oct 16 - No School (PD Day for teachers)

Tue Oct 20 - PTSA Mtg, 6pm

Fri Oct 30 - Winter SBC Scholarship Applications Due

Mon Nov 2 - Arts & Athletics Boosters, 6pm

Tue Nov 3 - No School - Election Day

Thu Nov 5 - Band Concert, 7pm

Fri Nov 13 - Winter Pay to Participate Fees Due

Tue Nov 17 - PTSA Meeting, 6pm

Nov 25 - 27 - No School - Thanksgiving Break

See below for more information on these items

Washington DC Trip

All Things DC Related DUE FRIDAY OCTOBER 9TH!!

Friday, October 9th is the last day to do all things related to signing up for the Washington DC Trip! Registration is Due; T-Shirt Design Entries are Due; Scholarship Applications are Due; Chaperone Applications are Due. Please be sure to secure your spot by signing up by the deadline!

If you have any questions, check out the DC information page linked below, or email Mrs. Nesler!

DC Information

Arts and Athletics Boosters

Our Our next Arts & Athletics Booster meeting is Monday October 5th. Mark those calendars! Can't make it in person? We offer a Google Meet Link as well. Click the button below to join!

Google Meet

Become a Booster

You can also show your support for this organization by becoming a member. Click the button below to be able to join the Boosters!

Click here to join

Concession Signups

Another way to support the Boosters - and raise money for the athletic or music program of your choice - is to work concessions! Click the button below to sign up!

Concessions Signups

Kroger Community Rewards

One more way you can help our Arts and Athletics Boosters is by signing up for Kroger Community Rewards! Click the button below for information on how to sign up, and our Arts and Athletics Boosters will receive donations with no work from you at all! Thank you for your help!

Click Here

Circle S Farms Family Night

Come celebrate the three day weekend, and get into the Fall spirit, at Circle S Farms! For only $11 (pay at the event) you can get a pumpkin, a treat, and engage in all kinds of fall activities! We hope to see lots of JMS Jaguars at the event just celebrating the season! Click on the button below for more information.

Circle S Farms

PTSA News

Become a Member

The easiest way to support PTSA is to just become a member! Membership is $10. Click the button below to join!

Join Here!

Next PTSA Meeting!

Our next PTSA meeting is Tuesday, October 20th, at 6pm in our library. Come see what it's all about! Our PTSA is a huge partner for our school, providing opportunities for recognition for our students and staff, hosting a dance, giving scholarships to graduating seniors, and making sure our end-of-year celebrations are an amazing experience for students! We can use your help!

Can't make it to the meeting, join us virtually! Click on the button below to join us on Google Meet!

Google Meet

Grove City HS Football Announcement

Middle School Student Section

Click the button below for a letter from the high school regarding what we need from Jackson students at Grove City football games. Ultimately, middle school students should either be in the Middle School student section, or with their parents on Friday nights. Thank you for your help with this!

HS Football Letter

#BePresent this September: Attendance Awareness Month

Every student. HERE. Every day.

September is Attendance Awareness Month, a reminder that every school day matters. Daily attendance means more than simply being physically present. It ensures students are actively engaged in learning, building skills, and accessing the instruction, support, and opportunities that help them succeed. Even missing part of a school day or arriving late can interrupt learning and have a lasting impact on academic growth. Establishing strong attendance habits helps students stay connected to school, supports positive educational outcomes, and prepares them for long-term success.

This school year, Ohio's updated attendance law through House Bill 96 brings new requirements for how schools communicate with families about attendance. Parents and guardians can expect earlier and more frequent attendance notifications, including when a student reaches five percent of missed instructional hours for any reason, while students who miss ten percent of the school year are identified as chronically absent under state law. Although these requirements have changed, South Western City Schools' commitment has not. Our focus remains on partnering with families, identifying barriers to attendance, and providing tiered supports that help every student attend regularly, stay engaged, and thrive. Learn more about attendance expectations, recent legislative changes, frequently asked questions, and available supports at https://www.swcsd.us/Attendance.aspx.

Resources

Stay in the Game! An Attendance Initiative with the Cleveland Browns

Learn More about the No-New-Millage Bond Issue on the Nov. 3 Ballot

On November 3, 2026, South Western City Schools will present a No-New-Millage Bond Issue on the ballot—our first since 2018. Focused on high school facility improvements for grades 9–12, this measure will not raise the district tax rate, which has remained constant since 2009.

Approval of this initiative allows SWCS to execute Segment 3 of its long-range facilities plan while securing approximately

$113 million in matching state funds. Key outcomes include:
New High Schools: Constructing brand-new facilities for Grove City High School and Westland High School.
Expanded Career Tech: Addressing waitlists at the South Western Career Academy.
Targeted Upgrades: Investing in facility and athletic enhancements for Central Crossing High School and Franklin Heights High School.

Coffee & Conversation Informational Sessions

SWCS leadership invites community members, parents, and staff to learn more about the proposed projects. Special thanks to our community partners and local businesses for hosting these events.

Friday, October 2, 2026 (10:30–11:30 a.m.)
Location: Southwest Public Library - Grove City Library, 3959 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 (4:00–5:00 p.m.)
Location: Southwest Public Library - Westland Area Library, 4740 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43228
Friday, October 16, 2026 (10:00–11:00 a.m.)
- Location: Prairie Township Community Center, 5955 W Broad St, Galloway, OH 43119
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 (6:00–7:00 p.m.)
- Location: The SWCS Welcome Center (formerly Brook Park Middle School), 2803 Southwest Blvd, Grove City, OH 43123

Stay Informed and Read more - click the button below

Arrival and Departure Information

Arrival

Students may enter the building and go straight to the cafeteria beginning at 8:45am. Students should not arrive before 8:45, as staff is not available for supervision. When dropping students off, please ONLY drop off on the south side of the building. Our busses needing extra assistance drop off on the north side, and we cannot have extra traffic on this side. When dropping off on the south side (Mallow Lane side) please do not enter the bus lane closest to the building. Instead turn down the drop off lane, and pull as far forward as possible to drop off. The further you pull down, the more cars we can get in the lane to drop off at once, and the less waiting around you do as parents. Staff members will be in the drop-off lane encouraging you to pull forward, and to help monitor traffic flow and safety. Students should cross the bus lane ONLY at one of the two crosswalks.

Departure

We begin dismissal at 3:50 by dismissing car riders and walkers first. Again, please only use the south side of the building for picking up students - our busses need to not deal with extra traffic on the north side of the building. When picking students up, we form TWO lines in the drop-off lane, one on the left and one on the right. Please pull as far forward as possible to accommodate as many cars as possible. Once the drop-off lane is full, the rest of the cars are then directed to pull into the parking lot just south of the drop-off lane and park in a parking spot waiting for your child. Please be be patient getting out of the spot with the cars entering and exiting the lot. Students riding busses are then dismissed in the order their bus arrives.

Changes To Bus Passes for Daily Ridership

Beginning this school year, South Western City Schools is updating its student transportation procedures regarding bus passes and alternate drop-off locations to improve student safety and ensure accurate transportation for every child.

Students will continue to be assigned one morning pick-up location and one afternoon drop-off location within their school attendance boundaries. For families with established split-custody arrangements, Transportation can continue to accommodate consistent weekly schedules, such as specific weekdays, when they are communicated in advance.

However, students will no longer be permitted to ride home on a different bus with friends or relatives for social visits or other informal arrangements. Daily transportation changes create challenges for school offices and bus drivers, particularly substitute drivers, and increase the risk of students being transported to the wrong location. These updated procedures help ensure every student arrives safely at their authorized destination each day.

Important Reminders

Cell Phones

Just like last year, cell phones are prohibited from the time we enter the building at 8:45am until we start bus dismissal at 3:50pm. Phones must be off and out of sight during these times. At JMS, we warn our students in the first week at class meetings, and ANY violations from there forward start with After School Detentions. Repeat offenses can result in leaving the phone either at home or in the office for the entirety of the school day. We encourage families to help our students meet this expectation by reminding them of the rule and the consequences, and by not texting students during the day. If there is an emergent message that needs to get to your child, please call the main office a 614-801-3800.

Outside Food/Drink

Students are NOT able to bring in outside food/drink for lunch. This includes dropping off food from restaurants or having food delivered. The student handbook for all middle schools states this:

"We operate under a closed lunch policy. Students may not leave during the school day to get food. Students cannot order food for delivery from outside restaurants or businesses. Please do not bring restaurant food for your students during the day." (Page 15)

Thank you for your cooperation with this expectation!

Emergency Contact Information

Each year, it is vital for every family to log in to the Parent Portal and update and/or confirm the emergency contact information for their child. We need to ensure we have the most current information to reach parents. Click the button below to get to the Parent Portal. On the left side menu, press the "More" button, then look for Annual Information Update. Please complete this information as soon as possible.

Parent Portal

Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

Apply Today!

It is that time of year again to complete a Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application! For many families, they wonder if they qualify and for some that believe they do not qualify…sometimes they are surprised that they do end up qualifying and avoid unnecessary costs and meal debt in the process. As a rule of thumb, we suggest “it does not hurt to apply!” Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications need to be completed annually each school year.

Free and Reduced-Price Lunch eligibility is determined annually at the federal level using a sliding scale based upon a household’s combined income. Once a family qualifies, they receive either Free or Reduced-Price breakfast and lunch. Additionally, qualifying families are eligible for academic fee waivers for school supplies.

Click Here to See if You Qualify!

SchoolLinks Comes to SWCS

A New Career Planning Tool for Grades 7 - 12

Beginning this school year, South Western City Schools students in grades 7-12 will begin using SchooLinks, a comprehensive college and career readiness platform designed to help every student answer one important question: What's my plan after graduation? Whether a student's future includes college, the military, a skilled trade, an apprenticeship, or entering the workforce, SchooLinks provides personalized tools to explore interests, discover career pathways, and build a meaningful post-graduation plan.

Throughout middle and high school, students will complete career interest assessments, create personalized academic and career plans, explore colleges, scholarships, internships, and workforce opportunities, and track progress toward Ohio's graduation requirements. By connecting classroom learning to real-world opportunities, SchooLinks empowers students to make informed decisions and graduate with a clear plan and the confidence to take their next step. Families can learn more by visiting https://www.swcsd.us/SchoolLinks.aspx.

Athletics Information

Athletics Passes

Sports passes can be purchased, allowing adults a discounted entry for multiple events through the season. The pass works as a punch card, giving you a certain number of entries. Click the button below to be directed to the purchasing website. Passes will then be able to be picked up in our front office.

Click Here to Buy Passes

Click Here to Buy Individual Game Tickets

Event Information

Cross Country @ Pickerington Invitational

When?

Saturday, Oct 3, 2026, 09:00 AM

Event Information

Cross Country @ Marysville Tri

When?

Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026, 05:30 PM

Where?

Bunsold Middle School, Ohio 4, Marysville, OH, USA

location_on Open maps

Event Information

7th Football home vs. Dublin Davis MS

When?

Wednesday, Oct 7, 2026, 05:30 PM

Where?

Jackson Middle School, Holton Road, Grove City, OH, USA

location_on Open maps

Event Information

8th Football @ Dublin Davis MS

When?

Thursday, Oct 8, 2026, 05:30 PM

Where?

Davis Middle School, Sutter Parkway, Dublin, OH, USA

location_on Open maps

Attendance Reminders

Going to Be Absent?

PLEASE LET US KNOW!!

ATTENDANCE HOTLINE 614-801-8884

SWCS is excited to continue using an innovative new tool for parents and guardians this school year in the form of a new Absence Request tool within the Infinite Campus Parent Portal (web or mobile application)! Parents and guardians can use this new Absence Request tool to submit a request that informs the office in advance when their student is not going to be in school. After the request is processed, an attendance record is created for the student. The tool helps parents log all types of absences at the ease of their fingertips, while also automating administrative tasks for school front offices in the process.

As a reminder, Ohio law requires written notification of all types of absences, including full-day absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals. Absence Requests can now be submitted through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Click the button below for instructions.

Online Attendance Reporting Information

Parent Portal

7th Grade Immunizations

Reminder to all 7th Grade Parents: The Ohio Department of Health requires all 7th graders to have a Tdap and Meningococcal vaccination prior to the start of the school year. Please turn in updated vaccine records to our school nurse, Jessica Vehr, or you can email them to jessica.vehr@swcsd.us

There are two documents linked below with more information!

Click Here 1

Click Here 2

🙋🏽 Important Information

Click the Links Below for Important Reminders or Tasks

JMS Contact Info

Jackson Middle School

Principal: Daniel Boland

Asst. Principal: Laurie Buchieri

Main Office: 614-801-3800

Attendance Line: 614-801-8884

Website: jms.swcsd.us
Location: 2271 Holton Road, Grove City, OH 43123
Twitter: @JMS_Jaguars

Previous Weekly Newsletters: https://jms.swcsd.us/newsletters

Message From the Principal

Upcoming Dates to Remember Upcoming Dates to Remember

What's Happening When?

Washington DC Trip Washington DC Trip

All Things DC Related DUE FRIDAY OCTOBER 9TH!!

Arts and Athletics Boosters Arts and Athletics Boosters

Become a Booster

Concession Signups

Kroger Community Rewards

Circle S Farms Family Night Circle S Farms Family Night

PTSA News PTSA News

Become a Member

Next PTSA Meeting!

Grove City HS Football Announcement Grove City HS Football Announcement

Middle School Student Section

#BePresent this September: Attendance Awareness Month #BePresent this September: Attendance Awareness Month

Every student. HERE. Every day.

Learn More about the No-New-Millage Bond Issue on the Nov. 3 Ballot Learn More about the No-New-Millage Bond Issue on the Nov. 3 Ballot

Arrival and Departure Information Arrival and Departure Information

Important Reminders Important Reminders

Cell Phones

Outside Food/Drink

Emergency Contact Information

Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

SchoolLinks Comes to SWCS SchoolLinks Comes to SWCS

A New Career Planning Tool for Grades 7 - 12

Athletics Information Athletics Information

Athletics Passes

Event Information

Event Information

Event Information

Event Information

Attendance Reminders Attendance Reminders

Going to Be Absent?

7th Grade Immunizations 7th Grade Immunizations

🙋🏽 Important Information 🙋🏽 Important Information

Click the Links Below for Important Reminders or Tasks

JMS Contact Info

Upcoming Dates to Remember

Washington DC Trip

Arts and Athletics Boosters

Circle S Farms Family Night

PTSA News

Grove City HS Football Announcement

#BePresent this September: Attendance Awareness Month

Learn More about the No-New-Millage Bond Issue on the Nov. 3 Ballot

Arrival and Departure Information

Important Reminders

SchoolLinks Comes to SWCS

Athletics Information

Attendance Reminders

7th Grade Immunizations

🙋🏽 Important Information