EJMS Jaguar Weekly Sept.14-Sept.18

EJMS Families,

The short weeks tend to feel just the same (or longer!) than the regular weeks! We are only a few short weeks until Fall Break, which is hard to believe. Our theme for this year is, “The grass is green on our side.” At East Middle we are embracing the belief that many great things are happening right where we are standing, and we are focusing intentional energy on the growth and upkeep of our wonderful school culture and forward momentum. We are thankful every day for the family partnerships that contribute to our “green grass!”

💯 Midterm Approaching Sept. 18

At any point you are able to check on your child’s progress. Friday, September 18th marks the midterm of the first grading period. Don’t know how to check on your child’s grades? Check out this IC Parent Portal Grades Doc for help.

✅Incentive Eligibility

We are approaching the time for the school and individual grade levels to have incentive opportunities. Students must have at least four out of a possible five points in order to attend reward days, field trips, and dances throughout the year, as well as ensuring all fees are paid on Infinite Campus The graphic has additional details explaining how students can lose and earn points back. Students are able to check their points with their Homeroom Teacher. All information regarding our behavior system can be found in the Parent-Family Handbook.

🏆 Gifted Auditions

The District Gifted and Talented program will begin screening students in grades 4-8 in the area of Visual and Performing Arts. If your child is interested in the audition process to be identified in the area of Art, Music, Dance, or Drama, please read the information in the linked document. Any questions can be emailed to: lindsay.cornelius@jessamine.kyschools.us.

GT Arts Identification Process

❄ NTI Assignments

NTI packets were sent home with students on Thursday of this week. We had students sign when they received their packets, put their names on them, and take them home. Please check with your student to make sure they made it home. Packets should stay at home and do not need to be kept in binders or in lockers. If your student did not receive a packet/booklet for their NTI work, please reach out to their homeroom teacher. They also received a separate NTI paper for their Arts/electives classes; they should keep these with the packets. All assignments will also be posted online, and more information will be sent each NTI day for online meets and family evening hours. Our first priority is getting everyone access to paper copies.

iReady Diagnostic

Students did an excellent job completing diagnostics this week; each student should have brought home their goal-setting card to be signed by a guardian. These can be returned to homeroom teachers for ebucks and prizes! More detailed reports will follow as all students complete testing this week.

As students begin receiving grades in Infinite Campus, we want to communicate to all families the Jessamine County Schools Middle School grading policy. This informational document details the scale, summative assessment retakes policy, graduate profile measurements, and more. This policy mirrors our high school policy to help ease all students into that transition. We recommend keeping this document on hand and reminding students of the importance of every assignment.

Additional parent members needed on committees

We have additional opportunities to serve on school committees. Please read the name and description of each committee below.

• PBIS committee: uses data and research to review and recommend changes to discipline and classroom management policies, while also focusing on implementing social-emotional learning to proactively support student behavior.

• Technology committee: develops and oversees the annual school budget and the allocation of resources, with a specific focus on recommending and monitoring technology investments based on identified needs.

• School culture committee: responsible for planning and implementing school-wide clubs and recognition programs, including incentives, monthly themes, and awards for both students and staff.

• Curriculum and instruction committee: focuses on academic policy and instructional best practices, with a specific charge to develop plans for student interventions, monitor academic data systems, and research and recommend improvements to advanced courses and homework policies.

• Parent & Family Engagement Committee: works to strengthen partnerships between families and the school by gathering input and identifying ways to support student learning as well as ensuring family voices are reflected in school decisions and programs.

If interested in any of these committees, please contact Jenny Borders: jennifer.borders@jessamine.kyschools.us

Upcoming Dates (SBDM Meetings at 4:30 PM in the EJMS library):

• Monday, Sept. 14 - SBDM Meeting

• Friday, Oct. 2 - Flag Football Tournament

• Monday, Oct. 5-Friday, Oct. 9 - Fall Break, No School for Students

• Tuesday, Oct. 13 - Picture Day

Have a wonderful week ahead!

August update:

Update for the month of August about the Youth Service Center (YSC) and preparing students for the new school year through strong community partnerships. Key efforts included the "Cram the Cruiser" drive with Nicholasville Police, Lake Mingo back-to-school supply distribution for over 230 students with the YMCA, over 2,000 items from Donaldson, and hygiene and apparel donations from the Salvation Army. High school Student Ambassadors also conducted leadership workshops and led Middle School 101 orientation sessions to help incoming middle schoolers transition smoothly.

On campus, Room 179 continues to provide free, no-barrier school supplies, clothing, and hygiene items for students. The YSC also launched a confidential Community Food Support Program form for families facing severe financial hardship. Looking ahead, upcoming programming includes student-led mental health awareness activities for "988 Day" on September 8.

The August donation log recorded $1,710 in total value across seven major contributions from the Nicholasville Police Department, Salvation Army, local partners, and EJMS staff members. These contributions directly replenished Room 179 with essential hygiene items, school supplies, apparel, and family relief support.

Updated student tracking data highlights significant direct impact across key service areas throughout August:

• Academic & School Engagement: Supported 53 academic support interactions and engaged 38 students through the ambassador programs and club activities.

• Basic Needs & Health: Distributed 28 food provisions, 8 clothing sets, 4 snacks, and 3 hygiene touchpoints.

• Family & Student Support: Conducted 47 direct parent contacts, engaged 8 caregivers in parenting support workshops, and provided structured Check & Connect mentoring for 7 students.

Check out what the Hilltoppers and the Colonels have in store this month!

Check out what the Raiders and Mountaineers have in store this month!

Check out what the Knights and Eagles have in store this month!

Check out what's happening in your students' arts classes this month!

KY Safe Schools Week is here! (Sept. 14–18)

We’re celebrating "Strong Roots. Safe Schools" all week long with spirit days, connection, and community!

Each day, students will participate in daily Community Circles to explore elements of school safety, mental health, and supportive relationships; building up to our school-wide Safe Schools Pledge on Friday!

Check out the graphics for our daily dress-up schedule and theme details. Let's work together to keep our school safe, strong, and connected!

Monday, Sept. 14 - Mental Health Matters - wear RED

🏫 4:30 SBDM in EJMS Library

🏀 5:45 Girls Basketball @ Bate Middle

Tuesday, Sept. 15 - SRO Apprecia tion Day - wear TAN, HUNTER GREEN and BLACK

🌟 4:15 National Junior Beta Bring a Buddy to Beta Meeting (all students welcome)

🏈 6:00 Football @ King Middle School

⚾ 6:30 Baseball Fall Open Field

Wednesday, Sept. 16 - Wacky Welcome Wednesday - wear WACKY socks

Thursday, Sept. 17 - Safety Plan Review - wear EAST gear

🏀 5:45 Girls Basketball vs. Boyle County (home game)

⚾ 6:30 Baseball Fall Open Field

Friday, Sept. 18 - (Don't) Sleep on Safety - wear your PJs

Students take the KY School Safety Pledge

💯 End of first midterm

EJMS Junior Beta Club is now accepting applications for new members! If you are passionate about leadership, character, achievement, and service, this club is the one for you. Students of all grade levels are welcome to apply by submitting an application at bit.ly/ejbeta26 before September 18th. For more information about our club, see the presentation here: bit.ly/ejbeta26info

Acceptance letters will be delivered before September 25th. Please email a sponsor if you have any questions!

We invite any interested students to our Beta meeting this week on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 4:15 - 5:15 in the EJMS Library to come see what it's all about!

Email: Sheena.Roller@jessamine.kyschools.us
Website: https://www.jessamine.kyschools.us/o/ejms
Location: 901 Union Mill Road, Nicholasville, KY, USA
Phone: (859) 885-5561
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EastJessamineMiddleSchool

PTO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ejpto

Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/eastjessaminemiddleschool/