Jaguar Junction

Thank you to all the families that came out to support our​ community by providing the staff with a wonderful taco bar lunch for conferences as well as meeting with our staff to discuss the progress of your students while they are in our care. The school to home partnership is so crucial for the

success of each of our students. We appreciate your ongoing support.

As we head into the next month before winter vacation, we will be completing our round 2 of academic testing. In December, our students will be taking the MAP assessment in math and reading which will measure their progress from the beginning of the year MAP assessment. This data will give parents great feedback on progress as well as teachers important data as we track students to provide whole group and small group instruction. In addition, some of our students will be participating in the Fastbridge assessments in reading for those who did not pass the beginning of the year Fastbridge. Although these assessments are not for grades, the student's job is to do their absolute best on these assessments to give a true picture of their strengths and weaknesses.

November also brings our 3 day Career Fair for our students.

Nov. 18th – 6th Grade

Nov. 19th – 7th Grade

Nov. 20th – 8th Grade

If you, or someone you know is interested in presenting on one or multiple

days, please follow this link to sign up:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7ZtWfw_ftNSikqARjpWX6I6V

7NhzIO3sv3NSA9E77TjTDWg/viewform?usp=header

Also - do not forget that the last week of November there is no school for

Thanksgiving break. November 24 - 28.

Parents/Guardians –

Have you checked out our student handbook, which is online on our school website? You can

find it at this web address: Student Handbook

A few items from our student handbook:

From page 5, in regards to Truancy:

Truancy is defined by Kansas state statute (K.S. 72-1106) as a student under age 18 who has been absent unexcused from school on three (3) consecutive days or five (5) days absent within a semester or seven (7) days within a school year.

Parents will be notified for the following attendance issues:

• At pre-truant status (two unexcused absences)

• Excessive lateness to school

• Excessive (10 or more) absences (After 10 absences, doctor’s documentation will be required for any further absences.)

• At truant status (3 consecutive days or 5 days absent within a semester or 7 days within a year)

** Two (2) consecutive unexcused absences with no communication from parents/guardian will result in a home visit by school officials.

** Family vacations or family trips will need prior administrative approval. If approved, the absence will only be excused up to 3 school days.

From page 8, in regards to School Safety:

INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT-PARTICIPATION WHICH MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR WHICH MAY

ENRAGE, INCITE OR INTIMIDATE OTHERS

If the student is angry with someone, that student should seek the assistance of a counselor to help him/her solve the problem. “Horseplay” or “messing around” may result in an elevation of emotion, resulting in violence. Violence is never a solution in resolving conflicts. Students are taught skills to assist them in resolving conflicts. Fighting or retaliation will result in a parent conference and a consequence depending upon severity of conflict with a possible citation from the School Resource Officer.

Please help your student be as successful by helping them understand these expectations.

Easily pay School Fees online! Create your free MySchoolBucks account to conveniently and securely pay for your student’s school fees online or with the mobile app.

With MySchoolBucks you’ll be able to quickly browse school items in our School Store, be notified when fees are due, and make payments from anywhere!

Get Started Today:

1. Go to myschoolbucks.com or download the mobile app

2. Create your free account and add your students using their school name / student ID

3. Add school items or invoices to your cart

4. Check out using your credit / debit card or electronic check
   
   

If you need assistance with your account, you can find helpful how-to videos and answers to commonly asked questions by visiting myschoolbucks.com. Or, you can contact MySchoolBucks directly by logging into your account to start a chat conversation or give them a call at (855) 832-5226.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Click this link for a step by step with pictures!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qL34CZPfQvHPEog9rNYRTaYB1DmqG5eG/view?usp=drive_link

News from the library,

Student's this month are learning how to use the library catalog. We have been working hard on how to locate books on the bookshelves, and keeping the shelves nice and tidy. Stations during checkout will start to be utilized so that students who return their books will have a fun activity or game they can choose to do. The library recently purchased a 3D printer. I plan on using it to make durable bookmarks, student incentives,etc. Thank you again for contributing to the book fair.

Welcome to Fall–a very hot Fall!!! What immediately comes to mind is the upcoming holiday celebrations and the days off from school we will have. While I find this exciting, some others may not especially enjoy all the activities that come from the months of November and December. We all have a lot of days off from school.

During this time people do deal with more mental health issues, both students and adults. Please remember there are a lot of resources in Topeka that can be used to help people navigate the holiday time. I have used the magical resource of AI to look up ideas that may be helpful for use while dealing with mental health issues.

Here are some tips for managing mental health during the holidays:

• Set realistic expectations: Try to manage the disconnect between your expectations and your actual situation.

• Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can be a helpful tool, especially if you're traveling or have an unusual schedule.

• Practice self-care: Take time to observe your mental and physical state.

• Limit overindulging: Be patient with yourself and limit what you consume.

• Set boundaries: If you're uncomfortable with a topic, you can politely change the subject.

• Disconnect from news: Try to turn off the news for a few hours each day.

• Seek professional help: If you're struggling, you can consider seeking professional help. (generated by AI)

Please contact support staff at Jardine Middle School if you have any questions about local resources.

Upcoming Events for Jardine M.S. Orchestras

December 16 - Orchestras (6th and 7th hours) 6:30 p.m.

December 19- Orchestra Field Trip/Performance during school day.

*Students will be away from school at lunch, so they will need to bring money for their meal (Cici’s Pizza)

March 31 - Orchestras 6:30 p.m.

May 1- String Festival at Washburn University (6th hour only) During day

May 13- May Concert 6:00

May 19- Orchestra Field Trip/Performance during school day.

*Students will be away from school at lunch, so they will need to bring money for their meal (Cici’s Pizza or McDonald’s)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXPECTATIONS

ITEMS NEEDED FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS (PREPARED)

• Tennis shoes - No Crocs, boots, slides, sandals, etc.

• Clothing you can comfortably participate in. No hoodies, coats, tight pants, shirts that dip down in the front, midriffs, tank tops etc.

The Board of Education has adopted the following policy (#8150) regarding student dress: “A student shares with his/her parent(s) the right to dress according to personal preference except where such dress is dangerous to the student’s health and safety or to the health and safety of others or is unsanitary, distractive or indecent to the extent that it interferes with the learning and teaching process. Not acceptable - halters, half-shirts, midriffs or short tops not covering the stomach area, spaghetti straps, oversized armholes, bare feet, slippers, short shorts/skirts, sagging pants, Sagging pants are not permitted! Jackets/coats designed for outside wear are to be in lockers and not worn in classrooms. Sweatshirts/sweaters/hoodies may be worn in cool classrooms, HOWEVER, hoods must remain down while inside the building. Students who violate the dress code will have the option of correcting the situation by putting on different clothing, borrowing clothing from the school to wear, or by having a parent bring them an acceptable piece of clothing. If students refuse, it will become a disciplinary matter and may result in consequences. Coats, hats, bandanas, book bags, string bags, and purses will be placed in student lockers. Backpacks, bookbags, string bags, and purses will not be allowed to be carried around to classes.

• No jewelry. Watches included. Hair shoulder length or longer needs pulled back and off the face.

• Deodorant is a daily must after class. Please bring some deodorant.

• If a student utilizes an inhaler, the necessary paperwork must be on file with the school nurse. Please mark inhalers with names.

*Girls- For class, please enter at the far East door and come directly into the locker room, secure your supplies and sit on the benches.

*Boys- For class, please enter at the door in the hall by the restrooms, secure your supplies and sit on the benches.

TIMELINESS/PROMPT

• A student is tardy to class if they are not in the locker room.

1st Tardy- Warning.

2nd Tardy- Parent called/15-minute after school in ISS room or lunch detention assigned.

3rd Tardy- Parent called/30-minute after school in ISS room or lunch detention assigned.

4th Tardy- Parent called/30-minute after school in ISS room or lunch detention assigned plus office referral submitted.

5th Tardy- Administrative Action.

• Points will be deducted if you are not in your assigned squad spot when daily roll is being taken. Prompt also entails the student hustles during activities.

November Tentative Activities-

Nov. 4-8

5 days-Basketball Skills (2 days)/Steal the Bacon/Line Basketball (2 days)/Donut Basketball. Health

Nov. 11-15

5 days- 12 Team Basketball Tournament (4 days)/4-Way Basketball (Day 1) Health

Nov. 18-22

5 days- 4- Way Basketball (Day 2)/Line Football, Donut, Frisbee (3 days)/Two Team Pinball/Health

Nov. 25-29 Thanksgiving Break Week

6th Grade

We’re learning about theme in literature and starting our exciting animal research project, where students will use text evidence to support their findings. Students will know they’re successful when they can clearly identify a story’s theme and explain it with strong evidence from the text. Encourage them to share what they’re discovering at home!

7th Grade

Students are practicing writing compound and complex sentences while continuing to explore theme, main idea, and topic in both fiction and nonfiction texts. They’ll know they’re successful when they can write clear, detailed responses that connect ideas smoothly. Ask them to show you one of their polished sentences!

8th Grade

In November, we'll be continuing to work on Unit 2: The Thrill of Horror. We'll read classic works of the horror genre, including "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Monkey's Paw". Students will engage in activities that build their understanding of theme, suspense, and imagery, and we'll end the unit with writing our own original horror stories.

6th Grade Math

Our unit on Ratios and Proportions which will conclude mid November. Students have been working to understand the ratio relationship, solve ratio word problems, use patterns in a ratio table , and create related equations and graphs. We have also spent time on unit rates. We will end the unit with percentages and solving problems in a proportional relationship. At the end of November, students will start a new unit on rational numbers. Students will begin by being introduced to integers (positive and negative whole numbers and zero), comparing and ordering integers and learning about absolute value (the distance from a number to zero). Encourage students to stay focused and do their best. IXL is available for extra practice at home.

7th Grade Math

7th Grade Math students will be combining like terms in order to simplify variable expressions by applying addition and subtraction of like terms, factoring and distributing in order to obtain the final simplified version of an Expression. Students will also start solving multiple step equations, a topic that will be part of the rest of their middle school and future high school experience…

8th Grade Math

8th grade math students are diving into the world of slope and graphing! They are learning how to interpret and create graphs using the equation y=mx+b, identifying both the slope and the y-intercept. Students are exploring how slope represents rate of change and how to distinguish between proportional and non-proportional relationships. We’re excited to see their growing confidence as they connect equations, tables, and graphs to real-world situations!

6th Grade

Hello from the sixth grade history department. As we are finishing up the first civilizations of Mesopotamia, we are gearing up to head over to the world of the ancient Egyptians. Don’t be in de-Nile… Here we will be investigating a great river civilization that spans the course of over three thousand years. Pyramids, tombs, gods, pharaohs, and so much more.

7th Grade World Geography

The semester is flying by so quickly. The students have been learning about Globalization for the past few weeks. They will be completing the required state assessment the last week of October into the first week of November. After that, we will be moving on to our Immigration Unit.

Parents, please ask your child what they are learning about in class.

8th Grade United States History

It's hard to believe the students will be looking at high school class schedules and class options very soon.

In U.S. History class, we are finishing up our unit on the Early Republic. In this unit, we have been focusing on the first 5 Presidents and their policies at home and abroad. Once done, the students will be learning about President Jackson's Presidency.

Parents, please ask your students about what they are learning in classes.

Dear parents and students,

It was good to see many of you at our first quarter parent - teacher conferences.

6th Grade

Our 6th-grade students are currently learning about the properties of matter. They recently completed a fun density tower activity and are now beginning to explore the physical and chemical properties of matter and how they change. Students will also develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures. In addition, they will gather and analyze information to understand how synthetic materials are made from natural resources and how they impact society.

7th Grade

We are currently learning all about Waves: how waves are used in everyday day communication(s) and technology. And will be starting next, Thermal Energy transfer (conduction, convection and radiation) through student project based learning (Solar Oven Project). After that we will start our Chemistry Unit.

8th Grade

Finishing Earth's history and are currently studying Natural Selection (variety in species, inherited traits, adaptation) and Evolution. We will then change directions towards Space Science. Students will be looking at the size and scale of our solar system and a closer look at our own natural satellite, the Moon. We will also be looking at how stars are formed and their life cycle(s).

Newcomer 1 class is still busy learning about food. This month we have practiced cooking, tasting, talking about, and ordering foods in English. Students enjoyed fried tacos this month to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. In the coming weeks, we will read a story about foods all across the United States. We will be wrapping up this unit with a test very soon. The Newcomer 2 class has been busy learning about civil rights and women’s suffrage. They will also be taking a unit 2 test over this information in the next couple of weeks. We will be stopping to do a short writing project in between unit 2 and 3. I am excited to see what they can do!

Follow this link to become familiar with our student handbook! This should answer most questions you will have!

https://cdnsm5-ss11.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_8259061/Image/JMS%20Planners%20handbook%2024-25.pdf

We Support Equal Opportunities

The Topeka Public Schools, Unified School District No. 501 is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity. No person shall, on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, national origin or ancestry be denied lawful access to any appropriate educational service, program, or activity provided by the school district. For students, the Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 compliance coordinator is the General Counsel for the district. For employment, the EEO/AA and Title VII compliance officer is the general director of human resources. Compliance coordinators may be contacted at 624 S.W. 24th Street, Topeka, KS 66611-1294, (785) 295-3000. The clerk of the Board of Education has been designated to receive and redirect or handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, regulations, and procedures. The clerk may be contacted by calling (785) 295-3059 or by writing to 624 S.W. 24th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66611-1294.