The Panther Paw

The administration team would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our students, faculty, staff members, parents, and families for making the first few days of school such a success! From the moment the doors opened, the building came alive with the energy and excitement of a new year. We loved seeing classrooms buzzing with learning, hallways filled with friendly greetings, gyms echoing with teamwork, and the cafeteria bustling with laughter and conversation. These first days have been a reminder of how special it is to be part of the JCMS community—a place where relationships are built, goals are set, and memories are made.

As we look ahead, we are eager to watch each student grow academically, socially, and personally. This year is full of opportunities to learn, explore, and challenge ourselves, and we know our Panthers are ready to rise to the occasion. Together, let’s make this the year we truly unlock our potential!

This school week, students will begin I-Ready and NWEA testing this week. Both assessments are used by the school corporation to help track each student's individual growth level. Each student will test in their math and language arts classes. Students should make sure they have their Chromebook charged and ready for testing. Be sure to bring your charger as a back up in case your device runs low on battery!

Here is the testing schedule JCMS will follow:

Tuesday, August 12th and Wednesday, August 13th: Students will take the I-Ready math test.
Thursday, August 15th and Friday, August 16th: Students will take the NWEA reading test.

Taking care of your Chromebook is an important part of making sure it works when you need it most. Treat it like a valuable tool, not just another school supply. Follow these tips to keep it safe, clean, and ready for learning all year long:

Carry it the right way – Hold it with both hands, lid closed, and never pick it up by the screen.
Keep the protective case on – It’s there to protect against drops, scratches, and “oops” moments.
Avoid food and drinks nearby – Crumbs and spills can cause serious damage.
Watch the temperature – Don’t leave it in hot cars, direct sun, or freezing cold.
Be gentle with the screen and keyboard – No poking the screen, slamming the lid, or leaving objects on the keyboard.
Charge it overnight – Plug it in before bed so it’s ready for the next day.
Report issues right away – Cracks, missing keys, or charging problems should be reported to a teacher or tech office immediately.
Take responsibility – It’s checked out to you, so treat it like you would your own phone or other important device.