Jag News

Dear AJHS Families,

Welcome back from a rejuvenating Spring Break! I hope this time off provided you and your student(s) the opportunity to rest, recharge, and refocus as we enter the final stretch of the school year.

As we begin the 4th quarter, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of finishing strong. The last quarter presents a valuable opportunity for your child to showcase their growth, determination, and resilience. It is time for setting goals, staying committed to academic success, and making the most of every learning opportunity.

The month of April marks the beginning of the AASA and AzSci State testing window.. We will start administering AASA on April 4th, 2024. Please reference the testing schedule below. The schedule will also be posted on our social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. It is very important that your students be at school and on time on AASA and AzSci testing days. Past experience has shown that students who take the assessments with their class perform at a higher level than those who take a make-up assessment at a different time. If you need to schedule a medical appointment for your child in the next couple of months, be sure to check with your child’s teacher to find out what days to avoid when scheduling the appointment.

Testing Schedule:

AASA/AzSci testing Dates: Please mark your calendar

AASA Writing – All grades – April 2nd

AzSci – 8th Grade Only – April 3rd & 4th

AASA Reading and Math Part 1 – All grades – April 16th

AASA Reading and Math Part 2 – All grades – April 17th

Antasio Holley

Principal

Andersen Junior High School

• 28% of sales will be donated to: Andersen Junior High Bands
• AJHS Bands serve to provide performances for our school and local community.
• CLICK HERE for more information and to place orders

Million Bazillion Live!

Million Bazillion Live! “Who wants to be a Bazillionarre?” will be making stops at several schools each week in selected cities. Guess what, Andersen Junior High was selected as one of the schools of choice based on a competitive application process.

On April 22, 2024, American Public Media’s Million Bazillion and Greenlight presents “Who Wants To Be A Bazillionaire?” A Free, Live, Interactive game show visiting middle schools across the country to raise Financial Literacy.

Featuring live actors, audience participation, high-stakes challenges and competitive game play, students walk away entertained and learning key components of financial literacy, such as spending, saving, inflation, and opportunity cost.

“Financial illiteracy is not an issue unique to any one population. It affects everyone: men and women, young and old, across all racial and socioeconomic lines. No longer can we stand by and ignore this problem. The economic future of the United States depends on it.” - President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy

https://millionbazillionlive.com/about/

• STUDENTS MUST ATTEND THE PREGAME PARTY OR TUTORING IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A WRISTBAND FOR EVENTS.
• STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE A WRISTBAND AND MUST WEAR IT WHEN IN ATTENDANCE UNLESS THEY ARE SUPERVISED BY THEIR PARENT/GUARDIAN.
• STUDENTS WITHOUT A WRISTBAND WILL BE ASKED TO CONTACT THEIR PARENT/GUARDIAN & WAIT FOR THEM IN THE PARENT PICKUP AREA.

• Take care of yourself! Eat breakfast, drink lots of water, exercise/play outside, try to get at least 8-10 hours of sleep each night. This will ensure you are prepared to take on the day and that your brain is ready to learn.
• Use a planner! Using a planner will help you stay organized with homework, project dates, test dates, and your daily schedule.
• Get organized! Along with using a planner, when possible, try to set up a designated space for you to learn that has all of your materials in one place. This will help ensure you are prepared for each class and aren't adding additional pressure/stress when looking for your work.
• Do your homework so you don't fall behind! Homework is intended to help you review and learn new skills. It helps reinforce what you are learning and creates consistent practice. It also helps your brain grow!
• Ask for help! This is a super important skill, even for adults. Figure out who can support you with academic, social, and personal challenges. Don't be afraid to talk to your teachers, counselors, or administrators, and ask for help. We are here FOR YOU! We want to support you and help you with all of your needs.
• Follow your curiosity and try new things! The great thing about middle school is that you have more access to different subjects, languages, clubs, sports, and people. Don't be afraid to try new things and expand your horizons. It can also be a great way to make new friends and learn something new about yourself.
• Just breathe! Middle school is a wonderful and exciting time, but there may be times when you feel overwhelmed with all the changes taking place. Slow down, take it one step at a time, practice your coping skills, breathing, and mindfulness. Don't be afraid to take a pause and then start again.

Eighth grade students have been completing the NAU GEAR Up College and Career Exploration program during the 3rd quarter. Each student will be bringing home their own workbook and a parent guide. Please take time to look through your student's workbook and explore the parent guide. The parent guide is a helpful tool to prepare for high school and future success. To learn more about the GEAR Up program click on this link.

https://in.nau.edu/gear-up/discover-guide-parent-video-form/

Please save the following dates for state testing this year:

• April 2 - AASA Writing (ALL STUDENTS)
• Apr 3-4 - AzSci (8th Grade)
• Apr 16-17 - AASA ELA & Math (ALL STUDENTS)

At 3:33pm, when school gets out, there are many opportunities for students to continue being involved in their education on campus. Students can participate in athletics and clubs. They can also attend tutoring with their teachers. (below is the daily tutoring schedule)

Late bus transportation is available to students who have assigned transportation from CUSD. Please review the important information below if your student may use the late bus.

• The bus departs AJHS at 4:30pm Monday - Thursday.

• If a student is not assigned transportation, they will not be allowed on the late bus.
  
• Students will be dropped off at the nearest elementary school to your home. Please ensure your student knows how to get home from that location.
• In order to board the late bus, students must have a valid transportation pass. students must be attending an after school activity, attend tutoring, or be in after school detention to get a pass. Students without a valid transportation pass, will be asked to call home and not permitted on the bus.

CUSD STUDENT HANDBOOK POLICY:

FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES (Door Dash, Grub Hub, Uber Eats, etc)

We do not allow or accept food delivery orders of any kind at any time of the day. Students and/or parents may not order food delivery to be dropped off at school. The front office will not accept orders and will refuse the delivery.

PLEASE HELP BY:

We kindly request that you refrain from using food delivery services such as Door Dash, Uber Eats, and similar platforms to have meals delivered directly to Andersen Junior High School. While we understand the convenience and appeal of these services, there are several reasons why we encourage you to reconsider this option.

First and foremost, our campus dining facilities are designed to provide students with nutritious and balanced meal options. By utilizing the meal plans and dining services available on campus, students have access to a wide variety of healthy food choices that cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions. These dining options are carefully curated to ensure students receive the necessary nutrients for their overall well-being.

Additionally, encouraging students to rely on campus dining facilities fosters a sense of community and engagement. Eating together in common areas promotes social interaction, allows students to meet new people, and enhances their overall Middle School experience. It also provides an opportunity for students to explore different cuisines and expand their culinary horizons.

Lastly, it is important to note that the delivery process itself can be disruptive to the campus community. And we do not have the system capacity to be responsible for food being brought and giving to students on a consistent basis.

We kindly request your support in reinforcing these points with your child. Encourage them to embrace the dining options available on campus, explore new culinary experiences, and engage with their peers during breakfast and lunch times. By doing so, they will not only benefit from a healthier and more balanced diet but also contribute to a vibrant and inclusive campus community.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. We appreciate your partnership in creating a positive and enriching middle experience for your child.

Are you picking up / dropping off your student at AJHS? Please review the traffic flow map to ensure the safety of all students, as well as an efficient process for all. Thank you!!!

Low on Chromebook Loaners! We are extremely low on CB loaners. Please make sure that your student brings his or her Chromebook to school fully charged each day. Our library is very low on loaner computers, and may not have enough on hand to check out to students who have left their chromebook at home.

Student devices were issued with a CUSD case this year, students must use the vetted case that was provided. Removal of the case (even if it’s replaced with a different case) will void the Device Protection Plan, meaning any damage incurred will result in a full fee. If the device is not returned with the provided case, the student will be fined. Please discuss with your child the importance to taking care of their device. For more information about student devices, please visit the CUSD 1:1 technology guide at https://1to1.gse.cusd80.com/home.

If you did not purchase the Device Protection Plan and still want to, please have your child take their laptop to the library to be assessed by our technician. Once the device has been assessed, the $25.00 Device Protection fee will be added to their Infinite Campus Intouch account. Please contact the front office if you have any questions.

Please complete the free or reduced lunch application, even if you do not think you will qualify. Not only does your family benefit, but AJHS also receives additional federal funding which we use to benefit all students.

Below is information sent by the CUSD Nutrition Department on July 5th.

Dear Chandler Unified Families,

We are excited to announce that the Free and Reduced Meal Program was approved again this year by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Arizona Department of Education (ADE). Applications for the 2023-2024 school year are now open.

As a reminder, if your child was approved for last year you will need to fill out a new application again this year. Your child's 2022-2023 application is only good for the first few days of this upcoming school year.

Benefits:

• School Meals - Free or Reduced prices on delicious and nutritious meals
• P-EBT – Eligibility to receive Pandemic EBT
• Academic Tests – Reduced registration Fees for AP, SAT, and/or ACT tests
• Internet Access – Eligible for discounted rates on internet services
• Athletics – Free or discounted fees to participate in most sports

Key Dates:

• July 6- Online Application portal opens! for free or reduced lunch for the
  2023-2024 school year.
• July 19- First day of school.
• August 30- Eligibility from 2022-2023 school year EXPIRES! Please re-apply for the new school year.

Important Information and links:

• TO APPLY the 2023-2024 school year or to see if your child qualifies go to: MySchoolApps or www.myschoolapps.com/application
• A new meal application is required every year to determine eligibility for the current school year.
• If you have multiple children attending CUSD schools you only need to fill out one application per family.
• Meal Prices have increased for the 2023-2024 school year, please click on our website for information this year’s prices.
• Meal Account payments, checking balances, and tracking purchases may be done online by using myschoolbucks.
• For more information please visit our website Free & Reduced Meals Information

Thank you and we look forward to the opportunity to serve you,

CUSD Food & Nutrition

Reading is the key to unlocking new worlds, expanding your knowledge, and fueling your imagination. Have your student dive into a book today and discover the endless possibilities that await you! Keep turning those pages and let your mind soar!

• Mr. Terupt Falls Again, Mr. Terupt #2, by Rob Buyea
• Mars Rover Driver, The Coolest Jobs on the Planet, by Scott Maxwell
• The Storm Runner, by J.C. Cervantes
• No Brainer, Diary of a Wimpy Kid #18, by Jeff Kinney
• Disney Bound: Dress Disney and Make It Fashion, by Leslie Kay
• Once Upon a Time in Queens: An Oral History of the 1986 Mets, by Nick Davis
• You Go First by Erin Entrada Kelly
• City of Villains, Book #1, by Estelle Laure
• Perfect Liars, by Kimberly Reid
• Kepler’s Dream, by Juliet Bell
• Mira in the Present Tense, by Sita Brahmachari
• Jasmine Skies, by Sita Bramachari
• The Possibilities of Sainthood, by Donna Freitas
• The Summer of May, by Cecilia Galante
• Mind Games, by Jeanne Marie Grunwell
• Dear Jo, by Christina Kilbourne
• Don’t Fail Me Now, by Una LaMarche
• Camo Girl, by Kekla Magoon
• A Portrait of Pia, by Marisabina Russo
• The Jumping Tree, by René Saldaña Jr.
• Under the Weather, edited by Tony Bradman
• Miles from Ordinary, by Carol Lynch Williams
• Waiting to Forget, by Sheila Kelly Welch
• M is for Magic, by Neil Gaiman
• Jacob’s Ladder, by Brian Keaney

Please consider joining our PTO/Booster volunteer program as our students can greatly benefit from your involvement and contributions to the school’s program and its operations. We seek volunteers to help us with the following activities:

1. Teacher Appreciation Events
2. School-wide events (Sports, Fine Arts, Etc.)
3. Student recognition events
4. Outreach and recruitment of parent and community volunteers

(English)

https://www.cusd80.com/cms/lib/AZ01001175/Centricity/Domain/104/Approved_CALENDAR_2022-23.pdf

(Spanish)

https://www.cusd80.com/cms/lib/AZ01001175/Centricity/Domain/104/CALENDAR2022-23_SPANISH.pdf

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AJHSJaguars

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andersenjaguars

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/andersenjuniorhighschool