The Panther Paw - Edition #10

Welcome back from Fall Break! Hopefully you had some time to rest, recharge, and spend time doing things you enjoy. Now that we’re back together, it’s time to shift gears and bring that same energy into the classroom. A new quarter means a fresh start--a chance to refocus, reset, and remind ourselves of what we’re capable of when we put in the effort.

A Fresh Start for the Second 9 Weeks

As we begin the second 9 weeks, think of this as your opportunity to start strong and finish even stronger. Whether your first 9 weeks went exactly how you hoped or had a few challenges, this is your chance to grow from it. Each new grading period is like opening a brand-new chapter—clean pages, ready to be filled with progress, perseverance, and pride.

Set a few small goals to guide your path: finish assignments on time, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Those little choices each day build momentum, and that momentum leads to success. Remember—growth doesn’t happen overnight; it happens through steady effort and the belief that you can always improve.

Attendance Matters—Every Day Counts

One of the most powerful steps you can take toward success is simply being here. Each day you show up, you’re investing in your future—learning lessons, building friendships, and strengthening skills that can’t be replaced. When you’re present, you’re part of something bigger: our Panther community moving forward together.

Perfect attendance is more than just a streak—it’s a reflection of commitment, responsibility, and pride. These are qualities that matter in school, in sports, and in life. So let’s make this quarter count—be here, be engaged, and be ready to learn.

Bags and Purses

For safety, security, and to keep classrooms clutter-free, all purses and bags should be left in your locker at the start of each day. Carrying only the materials you need for each class helps keep learning spaces organized and makes it easier for everyone to move around the room. Lockers are the safest place for your personal belongings, and keeping them there during the school day ensures that nothing gets misplaced or becomes a distraction from learning.

Dressing for Success

At Jennings County Middle School, we believe the way we present ourselves matters. The way we dress sends a message—to others and to ourselves—about pride, respect, and readiness to learn. Our goal isn’t to limit personal style, but to help students show their best selves every day.

When you walk through the doors in the morning, you’re representing yourself, your team, and our school community. Dressing appropriately helps create a positive learning environment where everyone can focus on what really matters—learning, teamwork, and personal growth.

The JCMS dress code is designed to keep things simple, respectful, and school-appropriate. That means:

• Clothing should fit properly and be free of holes or tears that show skin in areas that should be covered.

• Shirts should have sleeves, and all tops should fully cover the midsection.

• Shorts, skirts, and dresses should be an appropriate length for school activities.

• No hats, hoods, or sunglasses should be worn inside the building.

• Clothing should avoid offensive language, symbols, or images that distract from learning or show disrespect to others.

These guidelines help ensure that everyone can learn comfortably and confidently.

Why It Matters

A respectful appearance supports a respectful attitude. When students follow the dress code, it shows maturity, self-discipline, and understanding that school is a place for learning and growth. Just like athletes wear uniforms to show team spirit, dressing appropriately at school shows Panther Pride—that you care about yourself, your classmates, and your community.

If you’re ever unsure whether something meets the dress code, ask yourself:

“Would I wear this if I were representing my school or my team?”

If the answer is no—or even “maybe not”—it’s probably best to make another choice.

Let’s keep up the great work, Panthers!

When we look our best, we feel our best—and when we feel our best, we learn our best.

Beginning on Thursday, October 15, JCMS will begin using OpenGate weapon detection scanners as part of our commitment to keeping students and staff safe. Everyone will be learning this new routine together, so your patience and cooperation will help us start each morning smoothly!

Before returning, give your backpack a quick clean out. Remove anything you don’t need for school. Fewer unnecessary items will make it easier to get through screening and head to class.

When you arrive, keep your backpack on and have your Chromebook ready to hand to staff before walking through the scanner. You do not need to empty your pockets.

The following items also need to come out of your backpack and be handed to staff:

• Umbrellas

• Large or multiple three-ring binders

• Metal mint tins, such as Altoids containers

• Eyelash curlers

• Aerosol cans, such as body spray

• Metal tumblers, such as Stanley cups

• Hard-shell glasses cases
  
  

These everyday items can trigger an alert because the scanners are sensitive. Having them ready ahead of time will help keep the line moving.

Use your assigned entrance and follow staff directions.

• Door J is open for morning drop-off from 7:15–8:15 a.m.
• Door A unlocks at 7:30 a.m.
• Door B is reserved for special education buses.

As you enter, be patient, listen carefully, and be ready to follow any additional directions from staff. A little preparation from every Panther makes a big difference!

JCMS will administer the PSAT on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. All 8th graders will take the PSAT 8, a valuable test that provides data to help support their academic growth as they begin the transition between middle school and high school, and to prepare them for maximizing their SAT score during their junior year of high school. Students should make sure to get a good night's rest, enjoy a protein packed breakfast, and have their device charged for testing!

On the same day, students will be attending the Jennings County Economic Development Center sponsored Manufacturing Day. Students in the 8th grade will have the opportunity to tour one of the local manufacturing facilities and JCHS to learn about the different career options available to them in the manufacturing field. Students are to wear long pants, tennis shoes, and long sleeves in order to attend the field trip.

Were you unable to attend the informational meeting about the 8th grade trip to DC last week? Mr. Tyler has recorded an overview of information for the DC trip. It is linked below and a sample itinerary is attached as well.

If you have any questions about the trip, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Tyler (ctyler@jcsc.org) or Mr. Shoultz (tshoultz@jcsc.org).