Jefferson Middle School
January Parent Newsletter

Principal's Memo
I hope you are having a wonderful winter break! Thank you to our JMS PTO and parents who donated treats to our staff the week before break. As we look ahead to 2025, there is a lot to look forward to. Please see the information below for exciting events coming up in January!
Sincerely,
Mike Matteson
Thank you Student Council and JMS Families!
A big "Thank You" to our JMS Student Council and students and families who contributed to the Christmas Neighbors donation during the last week of school prior to winter break. Your efforts helped to brighten the holidays for families in need in Jefferson!
π Bell Schedules for January 2nd and 3rd
With students returning on a short, two day week, JMS will run our "Monday" schedule on Thursday, and our "Tuesday" schedule on Friday to make sure we balance the instructional minutes for those days. The change has already been made in PowerSchool, so students just need to follow what they see there once they return.
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of the Class of 2029:
Between January 3rd and February 3, 2025, I will be meeting with all 8th graders and their parents for an Individual Planning Conference.
Individual Planning Conferences are not traditional parent-teacher conferences or an appropriate place to discuss discipline/current school issues. It is a specially designed conference for you and your child to focus on their interests, future goals, their educational and career development, and planning for their future. Conferences generally last 30 minutes, and take place between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Your involvement in this conference is very important. We will be discussing the following items:
Personal/ Social Development:
- Strengths
- Hobbies/Interests
- Educational & Career Goals
Academic Development:
- Academics
- High School Graduation and 9th Grade Requirements
- Co-Curricular Opportunities
Career Development:
- Career Plans
- Xello/ Individual Learning Plan
- Career Slideshow
I have attached a link please click here to sign up for a day and time of day which would work best for you. A confirmation of your time will be sent once you have signed up on the signup genius. If you have not signed up by December 19th, 2024 a time will be selected for you.
I am looking forward to meeting with you and your child.
Sincerely,
Deanna Battist
Jefferson Middle School Counselor
(920) 675-1326
As we have done in the past, JMS is planning an end of semester 1 incentive day for students. On Friday, January 17th, students who have no failing grades and no missing assignments will be eligible to participate in a day of fun that will include activities both in the building, as well as getting some time at Skate Express to roller skate. Incentive days have been helpful to incentive students doing their best to keep their grades up and to turn in all of their work, and we appreciate your support in that process as well. We will be sharing additional information with families soon with more specific information about that day soon.
On Friday, January 31st, the JMS Student Council is sponsoring the first ever Winter Gym and Swim at Jefferson High School. The Winter Gym and Swim (like the Student Council Dances) is open to all (and only) JMS students and will be an open gym and open pool event at the high school. Cost for entry is $5, and the event runs from 6-8 pm. Concessions will be available for purchase.
πTHANK YOU JMS PTO π
On Behalf of JMS Staff, thank you to JMS PTO for organizing the delicious food and treats!
π Our next monthly PTO meeting will be 6, 2025. JMS library @ 6pm, all are welcome.
Special Thank You: Thank you to ALL who sent in items and helped up spoil the JMS staff before winter break. Their lounge was stocked up on goodies and yummy treats. Thank you for helping support the PTO and the school. The generosity of all our school families does not go unnoticed.
Read-a-Thon and Family Fun Night: JMS is planning an all-school read-a-thon where students compete along with classmates to earn an incentive for their whole grade. Individual readers can also earn prizes. After four weeks, JMS PTO will host a Family Fun Night. Mark your calendars for Friday, February 28, 5:30-8:00 pm (Snow date March 7). Weβll celebrate our readers and give families an opportunity to explore the fun and educational clubs and co-curriculars JMS has to offer.
π If you are interested in helping with our Read-a-Thon planning, please reach out to jmspto@sdoj.org, we would love the extra help.π
Head on over to the Jefferson Middle School webpage, https://www.sdoj.org/schools/middle/ under School Spotlight, there is a link for PTO! This will take you over to upcoming events and important information. Please check it out. PTO Highlights and Upcoming Events
Happy New Year 2025π
Sarah Gyles
JMS PTO President
Remaining PTO Meeting Dates (6:00 pm)
- January 6, 2025
- February 3, 2025
- March 3, 2025
- April 7, 2025
- May 5, 2025
- June 2, 2025
On January 22nd, JMS will be travelling to the JHS auditorium in the afternoon to watch the final dress rehearsal for Frozen Jr. This is a great way for JMS students and staff to support our own students and staff in their hard work with the musical!
Why is school attendance so important?
π₯ Jefferson Youth Softball Meeting π₯
WHAT: Youth softball parent information meeting and sign up
WHERE: Jefferson High School Commons
WHEN: Sunday, January 5th at 6:30 p.m.
AGES: 2nd grade - 8th grade
Any questions feel free to call Toby Krause 920-397-2361
4K Information - Mark your calendars!
Jeffersonβs 4K program will begin pre-registration for the 2025-2026 beginning on January 20, 2025. We offer 4K in the AM and PM at Jefferson Early Learning Center (located at East Elementary), and in the AM at Sullivan Elementary. Half day programs run Monday - Thursday. The AM sessions run from 8:00 AM - 11:10 AM, and the PM sessions run from 11:50 AM - 3:00 PM. Head start will again be offered at East Elementary for qualifying families. More information to come!