ISSUE 4 - January 2026
A Newsletter for the Jennings School District and Community
JHS Flood Causes Pivot to Virtual Teaching & Learning Jan. 6-9, High School Returns to In-Classes Jan. 12
Jennings Senior High School (JHS) students, originally scheduled to return to class on Jan. 6, will now study virtually Monday, Jan. 6-9 and return to the classroom on Monday, Jan. 12. This decision comes after water from a broken pipe caused extensive damage to parts of the school cafeteria. The band room and three classrooms were also involved. The building is safe to navigate and we are well on our way to complete restoration, but we must limit traffic in the building in order to complete repairs to a section of the cafeteria floor. Teachers will return as scheduled on Jan. 5 for J-Readiness Day as we prepare for the second semester.
Please understand this is an isolated incident. Virtual study only impacts high school students.
For those who were traveling and may not have heard, I will offer a bit of background. Very early in the morning of Dec. 22, just as we were settling into winter break, our security team was alerted to water flowing from the high school. Thanks to quick action all around (specific groups named below), the water was removed and repairs were underway.
In support of virtual learning and teaching, a distribution of JHS personal tech devices is planned at the school on Monday, Jan. 5 (see details below).
If there are any JHS events or activities planned outside of the school next week, those events can proceed as scheduled. Please contact your coach or instructor for schedule confirmation or to address any questions or concerns.
This is certainly not how we wanted to welcome you back, but if the last few years have taught us anything, it is the importance of being resilient. Despite the setback, we will continue delivering instruction with as much consistency as possible. That is and will remain our top priority. Beyond that, we are working closely with our finance and operations teams, as well as District partners, to complete full recovery efforts at JHS.
I thank our students and staff in advance for their understanding and cooperation. Thanks to St. Louis County Police, Jennings Fire Department, American Water, First Onsite and especially our own operations, maintenance and custodial teams for their support -- and for their Warrior Spirit.
In service together,
Dr. Paula D. Knight
Superintendent of Schools
JHS Personal Device Pick-up Scheduled for Monday, January 5 (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
In order to ensure continuity of learning while repairs are being made at JHS, students and teachers observe AMI (Alternate Method of Instruction) on Tuesday, Jan. 6 through Friday, Jan. 9. Students will return to the classroom on Monday, Jan. 12.
In preparation, all high school students are to retrieve their District-issued technology devices during an on-site distribution at the high school (E-Gym Door 21) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5.
All District staff will return for professional development as scheduled on Monday, Jan. 5. For more details, please visit the District website at www.JenningsK12.org.
Miranda Walker Jones
Tammy Dailey
Margie Jones
Despite the interesting start, Jennings has much to look forward to in 2026. While the year may have come in like a lion, times like these remind us of the strength, resilience and dedication that define our Jennings community.
Challenges may test our patience, but they also bring out our best—our creativity, teamwork and unwavering commitment to one another and to our students. As we move forward together, let’s remain positive and confident in our ability to meet challenges and seize new opportunities. With continued collaboration and perseverance, 2026 can be a year of growth and success. Happy New Year to us all, and here’s to a bright and successful year ahead.
As part of our commitment to supporting families, the District’s MSIP6 Community of Learners Café continues to address timely, real-world topics. Regardless of the topic of the month, families can expect useful information at the MSIP Cafe, along with food, fun and door prizes.
We invite you to join us for the upcoming MSIP6 Community of Learning Café on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, from 5–6:30 p.m. Reserve your seats early at www.JenningsK12.org/MSIP6Cafe.
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