Jayhawk Nation!

Mindfulness includes:

• The act of observing the present moment.

• Being purposeful with our attention.

• The ability to focus on what is happening inside of us and all around us.

• The skill of being non-judgmental and kind about what we observe.

This month's assembly is scheduled for Friday, November 20th, but with an exciting twist: instead of a traditional gathering, the entire campus will participate in a whole-school scavenger hunt. Middle and high school teachers who normally collaborate on social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons have teamed up to organize an interactive event led by high school student leaders. Working in mixed-age teams, students will travel to multiple stations across campus to solve engaging problems and riddles together. This dynamic activity is designed to encourage collaboration, build mentorship between older and younger students, and reinforce SEL skills through hands-on teamwork and real-world problem-solving.

On Monday, November 16th, select 11th and 12th-grade students will travel to the JCISD Central Campus from 9:00-11:30am to participate in the Reality Fair. Hosted in partnership with organizations like Junior Achievement and local credit unions, this hands-on financial literacy event gives students the opportunity to explore career pathways, connect with local schools and community partners, and practice real-world financial decision-making. If you have any questions, please contact Troy Koszegi.

On Tuesday, November 17th, 11th grade students will participate in the Juniors Over the Circuit event. During this tour, the high school juniors will visit several campuses, including Albion College, Spring Arbor University, and Jackson College, to explore post-secondary options and gain insight into college life. Students will depart at 7:50 AM and return before the end of the school day at 2:40 PM, with transportation provided. If you have any questions, please reach out to academic counselor Jada Rostic.

Join us for our Food Pantry Thanksgiving Event at the MS/HS on Tuesday, November 17, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. To ensure we have enough supplies for everyone, please contact Donna LeFaive ahead of time to reserve your spot. While at the event, you will also have access to our Jayhawk Exchange, which offers clean, washed, and gently used clothing items, shoes, and other accessories for free.

Come Start Your Future Workshops

• 9th grade from 8:38 AM to 9:23 AM

• 10th Grade: from 9:35 AM to 10:20 AM

• 11th Grade: from 12:51 PM to 1:36 PM

The 35th Annual Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade takes place in Jackson, Michigan, on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Procession floats and participants will march right down Michigan Avenue in Downtown Jackson, celebrating this year's theme, "America's 250th Star Spangled Christmas." Following the parade, families are invited to attend an afterglow event where they can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos, cookies, and hot cocoa. 🎅🍪☕

Staff and administration will meet with classes on November 23rd and 24th to review expectations, discuss academic progress, and share strategies on how to finish strong for the remainder of the semester.

November 23rd

6th grade (7:45–8:15 AM)

7th grade (8:40–9:10 AM)

8th grade (9:40–10:10 AM)

November 24th

9th grade (7:45–8:15 AM)

10th grade (8:40–9:00 AM)

11th grade (12:51–1:21 PM)

12th grade (1:50–2:20 PM)

The Vandercook Lake community Christmas parade will take place on December 5th at 6:00 PM. 🎁 If you have any questions about the event, please reach out to Tammy Alger.

The National Honor Society is hosting a blood drive sponsored by Versiti on Tuesday, December 10th. The event will take place in the middle school cafeteria at Vandercook Lake MS/HS from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

• Handprint Wall-Alumni 11/23, 6:00pm
• NO School –Thanksgiving Break 11/25-27
• Seniors-Hot Chocolate & Scholarship in HS Cafeteria 12/4, 1:45pm
• Vandercook Lake Community Christmas Parade 12/5, 6:00pm
• Scholastic Book Fair in MS/HS Library, 12/7-11
• Scholastic Book Fair Family Hours 12/8, 6:00pm-7:00pm
• MS/HS Band/Choir Concert 12/8, 7:00-8:00pm
• Board Meeting– Informational in MS/HS Library 12/9, 5:30pm
• NHS Blood Drive @ MS Cafeteria 12/10, 11:30am-4:00pm
• Food Pantry Christmas Event– RSVP 12/15, 6:00-7:30pm
• Board Meeting– Regular in MS/HS Library 12/16, 5:30pm
• Half-Day for Students (Community Outreach Event)/ Teacher Workday PM 12/17
• Half-Day for Students/Teacher Workday PM 12/18
• No School - Winter Break for Students & Staff 12/19-1/3
• School Resumes 1/4