Jonathan Alder Junior High
August 30, 2024
Message from the Principal
JAJHS Families,
We’ve arrived at the end of our first full five-day week! I’m so proud of our students and teachers for their hard work this week. We’re still in the very early part of the year which includes plenty of review and going over expectations and routines, but the pace is starting to pick up. Our kids are starting to rise to the challenges we give them while also coming together as a great group of students! You’ve given us such great kids to work with!
Around the building, we continue Fall MAP testing. We are also looking forward to seeing many of you at the Classroom Information Nights. Please be sure to see the information below for details.
As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, September 2, for Labor Day. I hope you and your family have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!
Sincerely,
Ryan Malany
Principal
Message from the School Counselor
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! My name is Kati Lupia and I am the school counselor at the Junior High. I am so excited to see the familiar faces of our 8th graders in our hallways, and also meeting and getting to know our new 7th graders!
This is my 11th year at Alder and I am looking forward to a great year ahead. As your Junior High School Counselor, my role is to assist students with academic planning, emotional support, and overall well-being. I also provide support for teachers and families.
If you or your child have any concerns or need assistance navigating this new school year, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am here to help every step of the way.
Best wishes for a successful and rewarding school year!
Kati Lupia
School Counselor
Important Upcoming Dates!
September 2nd - Labor Day - NO SCHOOL
September 3rd - 7th Grade Parent Information Night
September 10th - 8th Grade parent Information Night
September 11th - JAJHS Picture Day
September 23rd - Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL
Parent Classroom Information Nights
Please mark your calendar for our Parent Classroom Information Nights. These events will provide families with the opportunity to walk through our classrooms and meet your child’s teachers while hearing about currriculum plans and activities in each class. Families will walk-through an abbreviated version of your child’s schedule. This event is intended for parents of students and the children do not need to attend. If you are unable to attend, printed materials will be shared after the event. The 7th Grade Parent Information Night will be Tuesday, September 3 from 6:00 - 7:30. The 8th Grade Parent Information Night will be Tuesday, September 10 from 6:00 - 7:30. The rotation schedule will start promptly at 6:30.
JAJHS Picture Day
Mark your calendars! JAJHS Picture Day will be Wednesday, September 11th. Ordering information is forthcoming.
8th Grade Band Night Information
Greetings! The 8th graders are gearing up for concert season, kicking it off with our 8th Grade Night at the High School Football Game on Friday, September 13, 2024 . We will rehearse with the High School Band at the High School on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Please see the details below for both dates.
Tuesday, September 10th - Band Rehearsal with the HS Band
LOCATION: Jonathan Alder High School (9200 US-42, Plain City, OH 43064)
TIME: 4:45pm - 7:30pm
DETAILS:
The HS doors will open at 4:30pm. Students need to report to the CHOIR ROOM with their instruments. (Students must take their instruments home from school that day.)
Students need to wear closed-toed tennis shoes and bring WATER. Most of the rehearsal will be outside in the football stadium, so students will need to dress accordingly depending on the weather.
Friday, September 13, 2024 - Performance at High School Football Game
LOCATION: Jonathan Alder High School (9200 US-42, Plain City, OH 43064)
Report Time - 4:45pm Pick-up Time - 9:30pm
DETAILS:
The HS doors will open at 4:30pm. Students need to report to the CHOIR ROOM with their instruments. (Students must take their instruments home from school that day.) We will then do a short rehearsal in the football stadium with the HS Band, then relax inside until game time.
Students need to wear their Grey 8th Grade Band Shirt, jeans, and closed-toe tennis shoes.
Our Boosters will be providing students with hotdogs, chips, and water during 3rd Quarter. If your student would like anything additional, they are welcome to bring money for concessions.
The 8th grade band students will get into the game for free. All spectators must pay for tickets.
JA Band Show
The JA Band Show will be held Saturday, September 14 from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm. We have 10 bands coming this year!! It will be a great show and fundraiser for our band. We NEED your help! It takes over 80 volunteers to help this event be the success it has been in the past. Please check out the sign up at this link and help wherever you can. https://signup.com/go/uTEnzYj
We have open spots for our concession stand this fall. Click on this link to schedule your time for fun in the stand with other music parents! Remember at least 2 spots will get your volunteer fee refunded to you. https://signup.com/go/OXZYhrF
Our JA Music Booster meetings are held the 4th Monday of each month at 7:00. We’d love to have your join us!
Athletic Ticketing/Pass Information
Please click on the link below for sports pass options to attend varsity and junior high home athletic events. Tickets will also be sold at the gate. We accept credit cards and cash as well.
Teaching and Learning Website
We are excited to introduce our new teaching and learning website, thoughtfully designed to provide families with the latest information and a rich array of resources to support student success and engagement. This website serves as a one-stop hub for everything you need to stay informed and involved in your child's educational journey.
TalkingPoints Communication
We are excited to share that our staff members will continue to use a safe and easy to use two way communication tool called TalkingPoints to communicate with families. Families have three easy ways to use TalkingPoints to communicate with your children’s teachers for free! You can use text message, download the app or use it on the web at https://talkingpts.org/families/.
Stay Safe. Speak Up.
Jonathan Alder Local School District is fully committed to the safety and well-being of our students and school community. That’s why we’ve taken an important step to enhance personal safety and provide a positive learning environment for all students. Jonathan Alder Local School District is now using the Stay Safe. Speak Up! Student Safety Reporting System (powered by PublicSchoolWORKS). Stay Safe. Speak Up! is a comprehensive reporting tool that allows students, parents, and staff to submit safety concerns to school officials. You will find a reporting button at the top of our website homepage. Please also see this letter to learn more about reporting safety concerns quickly and easily to district and building administrators.
Teaching and Learning Department Literacy Selection Information
Please take time to read this document about the importance of literature selection and our partnership with students and families in this process.
Personal Communication Device Policy Updates
Please review this link to learn about our personal communication device policy updates.
Fees and Forms
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.
Common Sense Media
Commonsense Media is an online tool that can help parents and students make informed decisions regarding media use. This tool can be used for many types of media, including books, movies, video games, and apps.
Message from the Treasurer
Moving forward, we are only able to accept checks from parents and/or students made out to the following:
- Jonathan Alder Local Schools
- JA
- Jonathan Alder
Technology Guides
Medications at School
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.
Save the Date: Tolles 50th Anniversay
Come Work With Us!
Jonathan Alder Updated Academic Calendar
