Jonathan Alder Junior High

JAJHS Families,

As the weather forecast turns, we start to see seasonal changes around the building, too. Our winter athletes are now practicing daily and our drama students are getting closer to their December production!

During Parent-Teacher Conferences, we were able to connect with many families to share updates on your student’s performance so far this year. These were great conversations to have. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers or the school office.

Please be sure to read the newsletter below for important reminders and activities around our school.

Sincerely,

Mr. Malany

Principal

There are 4 opportunities for the JAJHS students and families to support our community in the next couple weeks:

• PTO Fundraiser - now through Wednesday, November 22nd (EXTENDED!)
• Book Drive - now through Friday, November 17th
• DNA Food Drive - now through Tuesday, November 21st
• Carly's Sock Drive - now through Monday, December 3rd

See below for additional details. Thank you so much for your support!

On Friday, November 10th, JAJHS students gathered together in our gym to learn about and honor Veterans Day. This special assembly focused on "The Spirit of Service." It included Student Council greeters and leaders leading the Pledge of Allegiance, a book talk from Mrs. Conley, and essay and media contest presentations from Rose Rauh and Emma Anderson.

Our guest speaker was Lt. Col. Jody Schweickart who has served in the US Air Force and currently serves as a liaison between the US Air National Guard and the US Space Force. Lt. Col. Schweichart discussed how The Spirit of Service has applied to her life and family. She challenged our students to find places to serve others and explore opportunities to serve our country. Our students did a wonderful job attending the ceremony and learning about the importance of recognizing the service and sacrifice our nation's veterans have made for us.

November 17th-18th - Fall Drama Production

November 22nd-24th - Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL

December 5th - JAJHS Winter Band Concert

December 12th - Holiday Choir Concert

December 21st -January 2nd - Winter Break - NO SCHOOL

January 3rd - Teacher Work Day - NO SCHOOL

January 5th - End of Second Quarter

To help enhance programs, materials, and resources for both students and teachers at JAJHS, please visit www.fundraiseit.org and place your orders for our PTO Winter Plant & Gift Fundraiser! This is a wonderful opportunity to support our school while also getting a head start on holiday decorations and gifts! Please promote this to your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers! Orders need to be placed by Wednesday, November 22nd (EXTENDED!) and can be picked up from the JAJHS on Friday, December 1st.

Calling for book donations! From now through November 17th we are looking for gently used books for our JH Service Learning Day! All donations can be brought to the JAJHS and will benefit the Free Little Library program. Clean off your bookcases! Give the joy of reading!

Cooper Fleming, one of our favorite 8th graders, and his family are collecting socks in honor of his sister, Carly. Please grab some NEW, warm, woolly socks to help Cooper and his family help The Open Shelter bless those without permanent housing this winter! Students can drop off socks in the office! Please brings socks by Friday, December 1st!

Our annual Service Learning Day will be held on Tuesday, November 21st. Our students will spend the day participating in various activities that support the spirit of service learning, paying it forward, and the value of our community.

We are excited to again partner with The Driven Foundation for our guest speakers. Our students will hear from Doug Worthington Former OSU/NFL player, Doug Worthington, Certified Life Coach, Julie Wilkes, and former OSU player, Brady Taylor. These high-energy, engaging speakers will discuss community service and the value of giving back as well as empathy, kindness, and other positive character traits.

Other activities throughout the day will include working with The Little Library, sorting food for the DNA Food Pantry, writing cards for residents in nursing homes, interacting with service dogs, and having movie discussion activities. We are excited for our students to enjoy this special day.

The Drama Club play performance of The Ever After is Friday, November 17th at 7:00 P.M. and Saturday, November 18th at 7:00 P.M. Admission is free and concessions are available, so join us as a cheesy talk show host invites traditional fairy tale characters who have been estranged for 20 years to reconcile on live television. From Snow White and the Evil Queen to Cinderella and her middle-aged Ugly Stepsisters, this TV show parody asks the question, ’Can’t we all just get along?’ Can't wait to see you all there!

When: Tuesday, December 5th @ 7pm (Students report @ 6:15pm)

Where: JAHS Auditeria

*Specific Band information for students will be sent out at the beginning of November*

The Holiday Choir Concert is Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 at 6:30 for the Junior High and 7:30 for the High School in the JAHS Auditeria.

Click here to view the JALSD Technology Guides, including instructions for accessing Canvas. As a reminder, the Canvas platform is how families can stay connected to students’ grades, progress, and activities in classes.

• Free and Reduced Lunch applications are completed through Final Forms. Please be sure to update your family’s information each year to qualify for these programs. If you have any questions about this process, please contact our Food Service Director, Mrs. Rings, at: ringsre@japioneers.org

• Regular breakfast costs $1.50 and regular lunch costs $3.25. Money can be added directly to students’ accounts through the Food Service website. Students can also take cash or checks to the cafeteria each morning at the start of the day.

• Daily lunch options include a hot lunch, a large salad (Tuesday through Friday), or a “Grab and Go” sandwich option. Menus are available each month on the Food Service website.

Please be sure to complete all of your back-to-school forms on Final Forms. Student fees are $30 per student and can be paid in the school office.

Reminder to all Parents/Guardians of 7th graders:

Please turn in Immunization records showing your 7th grader received the required TDAP and Meningitis Vaccines or an Exemption Form, if necessary. You can Fax the records to the junior high office at 614-873-0845 or email them to cazareje@japioneers.org.

Sometimes parents ask that school personnel administer medication to their child during the school day. When this is necessary, we require written permission and instructions from the parent and in some instances from the doctor. The required form must be completed and turned in to the junior high office with the medication to be administered.

If you haven't done so already, please take a moment to watch this helpful VIDEO on how to pair with your student and set up notifications on Canvas!

Email: cazareje@japioneers.org
Website: http://www.alder.k12.oh.us/
Location: Jonathan Alder Junior High School, Killbury-Huber Road, Plain City, OH, USA
Phone: 614-873-4635
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathanalderjrhigh/?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: @AlderJHS