Weekly Update
August 8th, 2023
A Message from the Principal
Today we had our 1st Class Meeting of the year with our 8th grade Class, this will be something each grade level will get to do monthly to build a community amongst themselves.
Here is a little information about class meetings-
The purpose of class meetings is to build class culture by celebrating students, listening to needs and feedback, and creating time to connect and have fun together.
Class meetings create a safe, open, and supportive environment where students feel connected to their peers and teacher, fostering a strong sense of community and shared responsibility for their classroom.
Foster a Democratic Environment:
Class meetings give students a voice and empower them to take ownership of their learning environment by participating in discussions and problem-solving as a class.
Improve Behavior and Ownership:
By collectively addressing challenges and developing solutions, students are more likely to take responsibility for their actions and contribute positively to the school/class culture.
Strengthen Relationships:
These meetings provide opportunities for students and teachers to get to know each other, build trust, and establish positive relationships, which are essential for a productive learning environment.
Caption for Picture Below-
Students signed up to participate in the Class Meeting Games- They competed in Duck Battle, where they had to walk around balancing a duck on the top of their hand and try to knock off the other players' ducks without losing theirs in the process.
They also played a Cup Color game. They were given four different colored cups, and needed to not grab the color of the cup that was called, for example, if they grabbed green when green was called, they were out.
ALL students got up and did some mingling- They were asked Would you Rather Jump in a Pool of Mud or a Pool of Slime. Then they needed to find someone who picked the opposite of them and convince them to go to their side.
Events Expectations
We love seeing our students cheer on their classmates and show school spirit at games and performances! Remember, when you attend as a spectator, you are not only representing our school, you are also role models for younger students, including your little brothers, sisters, and neighbors who look up to you.
As spectators, students are expected to:
Show respect for players, officials, coaches, and other fans.
Use positive cheers. Negative or hurtful comments and cheers will not be tolerated.
Stay in designated seating areas and follow staff directions.
Help younger students understand and follow these same expectations.
Thank you for helping us create a safe, fun, and positive environment for everyone at school events!
September is Suicide Prevention Month
At JWMS, we want families to know that mental health matters and support is always available. Here are a few ways to raise awareness and start conversations at home:
Know the Signs
Some things to watch for in teens include:
Talking about feeling hopeless or like a burden
Withdrawing from friends or favorite activities
Big changes in mood, sleep, or behavior
If you notice these signs, reach out for help.
Crisis Support
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.
Call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 with trained counselors ready to help.
More local resources can be found on my website
Meet our Counseling Student- Jill Foster
We are excited to welcome Jill Foster, a counseling student from Emporia State University, to Jeff West Middle School this semester. Jill will be completing about 30 hours of her training with us, gaining valuable experience while also providing additional support to our students when needed.
If you would prefer that your student not meet with or work with Mrs. Foster during her time here, please contact Mrs. Andrews or Mrs. Dooley, and we will be sure to respect your wishes. Please see below for more information about her:
Hello! My name is Jill Foster, and I’m excited to join Jeff West Middle School as a graduate counseling student from Emporia State University. I have 12 years' experience in education and a strong passion for helping students grow both academically and personally. I currently work at a high school in Topeka as a college and career specialist. I have three children (19, 17, 13), and any free time I have is spent watching their activities (baseball, 4H, FFA, cheer). I'm excited to step into the middle school realm, and I look forward to learning alongside the counseling team and building positive relationships with students, families, and staff. Jeff West was my favorite district to substitute teach in-- I am excited to be here for this opportunity!
Dental screenings are Monday, September 8th. If you wish to opt your child out of the free school wide district screening, please return the attached form.
September is National Preparedness Month! The goal is to take proactive steps to be prepared in case of emergency. Do you know where our school AED is located? The AED at the middle school is located in the lunchroom on the wall next to the concession stand window. This is used for cardiac emergencies.
Reminder for games ALL students must pay to get in - Admission prices are $5/Adult, $5/Student (K-12)
Football-
9/11- Football Game is at Home against Riley County- A team will play first, followed by the B team. Games start at 4:30 pm.
Cross Country-
9/11 - At Holton- races will start at 4:30 pm.
Volleyball-
9/9- At Home against Perry- A teams followed by B teams, Games start at 4:30 pm at the Middle School
9/11- At Home against Riley County- A teams followed by B teams, Games start at 4:30 pm at the Middle School
