Jefferson Middle School Instructional Focus: Reading to Learn. Reading to Write. Reading for Life!

THE JEFFERSON JOURNAL To see the Jefferson Journal in color, visit our website at: springfield.k12.il.us/Jefferson

Editor: Erica Austin NOVEMBER 2009

Principal: Sena Nelson 2009-2010

During the school's in-service on September 18th, teachers analyzed ISAT data and held conversations about what we can continue to do and what we can start to do, to encourage greater student learning. We will be focusing on improving reading, math, and attendance again this year. As stated in the last newsletter, Title 1 specialists have been hired to provide additional support for our students. We also have a Title 1 Parent Educator available for supporting students and their families. Informational, fun, and educational events have been held and more are being planned, so come out and join us.

AttendanceOur school-wide attendance goal for this school year is 91%. Our attendance percentage for August through September was 92.14%. We had 187 students with perfect attendance! Our attendance motto is "We want every student at school every day. Once you're at school we want you to stay here." Lately, we've had quite a number of students absent due to illnesses. When calling school to report an absence, give specific symptoms of the illness such as; has a 100 degree temperature with a sore throat. This information is tallied daily and sent to the public health department.

Sincerely,Sena Nelson

A message from the Principal...

Upcoming November Events: 11/2 No School ~Teacher In-service 11/5 6th Grade Donuts with Dad 8:00 AM-8:45 AM11/5 Boys BB Home vs. WMS 3:30 PM11/6 Fall Dance 6:00 PM-8:00 PM11/9 PTC Meeting in the JMS Library 11/9 Boys BB Game Home vs. Glenwood 4:30 PM11/10 Boys BB Game Home vs. CTK 4:00 PM11/10 Bowling for Technology 9:00PM - 11 PM 11/11 NO School ~ Veterans Day 11/12 Picture Make-Up Day11/12 7th Grade Donuts with Dad 8:00 AM-8:45 AM 11/12-25 8th Grade Explore Tests 11/13 Student of the Month Luncheon 6th Grade 10:59-11:29 7th Grade 11:54-12:24 8th Grade 12:30-1:00

11/16 -20 National Hunger & Homeless Week Canned Food Drive11/17 Boys BB Game Home vs. GMS 3:30 PM11/17-19 Persuasive Writing Assessments 11/19 8th Grade Donuts with Dad 8:00 AM-8:45 AM11/19 Family Reading Night 5:30 PM-7:00 PM11/21 Homemade Crafts & Second Hand Treasures Fair 8:00 to noon11/23 PTC Candles, Butter Braids & Cookies Fundraiser Items Delivered11/24 Boys BB Game Home vs. FMS 3:30 PM11/25 Early Dismissal 8:00 AM-1:30 PM11/26 NO School ~ Thanksgiving11/27 NO School ~ Thanksgiving

THE JEFFERSON JOURNAL: RED RIBBON WEEK PAGE 2

Laura Rennsion, Student Support Leader

JMS participated in the nationwide Red Ribbon Week celebration October 26-30. The purpose of Red Ribbon week was to show our support for being drug-free. This year’s theme was BE A “ROLL” MODEL-STAY DRUG-FREE.

Monday, October 26-RED RIBBON WEEK WRISTBANDS Drug-free wristbands was be distributed to all students. One way we showed respect towards ourselves is by displaying that we choosing to stay drug-free.

Tuesday, October 27- BE A GOOD “ROLL” MODELStudents were able to enter guesses as to how many Tootsie rolls were in the jar. Guesses were entered at lunch time and cost $.25 each. Stickers with the drug-free message were distributed to students who entered guesses. The winner received, Lanikitia, (6th grade gender team) won the Tootsie Roll Jar. She guessed 362 and there were actually 363!

Wednesday, October 28-HOOKED ON BOOKS, NOT DRUGSBookmarks with the drug-free message were distributed to students to show support for having a drug-free school.

Thursday, October 29- RED RIBBON DAY Red Ribbons will be tied onto cars in the parking lot to remind us not to drink and drive.

Other news: PRIDE cards= FUN stuff!Did you know that 183 students have been rewarded this past month? Students may earn PRIDE cards for showing respect to themselves, others, and property. Students may then enter their cards for a chance to win cool prizes. Prizes include items such as gift certificates, puzzle books, school supplies, picture frames, frisbees, games, etc. If you or someone you know would like to donate prizes please contact Mrs. Rennison.

We had 42 students who had their names drawn and participated in our very 1st Out of the Blue Day. They were able to enjoy a yummy s’mores treat. Thanks to Mrs. Kulavic for organizing this reward.

We had JMS students who participated in an Out of the Blue Day in which they got to carve a jack-o-lantern. Thanks to the Springfield Park District for donating the pumpkins and to Mrs. Kim Johnson for organizing everything.

Did you know that 82% of our students were completely referral free during the month of September. This includes everything-bus, dress code, tardies, etc. Way to go! Keep up the great work!

THE JEFFERSON Journal: Parent Educator/Services Page 3 Family and Community Engagement Team (FACE)

Erica Austin, Parent EducatorHere at Jefferson we are working to build relationships and partnerships to support student

achievement. A way that we are trying to build those relationships and partnerships is by having a

Family and Community Engagement Team (FACE). We are currently working under the following definition for family engagement: "Springfield Public School District defines family engagement as

relationships built on mutual trust and two-way communication that result in school family partnerships that create strong academic support systems to foster success for all students."

The purpose of each school-based F.A.C.E. team is to:• Build relationships with all stakeholders through open and honest two-way

communication.• Provide feedback to the principal and Instructional Leadership Team on school issues.• Support the School Improvement Plan by assisting in the development of the plan’s

Family Engagement/Parent Involvement sections and professional development for families and staff.

We invite you to be a part of our FACE Team to help produce world class citizens. Our meetings are held every third Thursday of the month. During that day, there are two meetings to make it more convenient for staff, community partners, and parents (Come to the one that works best with your schedule). The times of the meetings are 10:00-11:00 AM and 6:00-7:00 PM. Free babysitting services and transportation are provided.

** The parents that attend the FACE Team and stay for the entirety will be given a pass to give to their students to DRESS DOWN (OUT OF UNIFORM) the following day! I am a strong believer in the old proverb “It takes a village to raise a child,” because we all are connected in this human race and have a duty to hold each other accountable to ensure the responsible upbringing of our youth. By partnering up with us you are demonstrating that you care about our students and their future.

National Hunger/Homeless Awareness WeekNovember 15-21, 2009

Jefferson Middle School will be participating in the National Hunger/Homeless Awareness Week. We will be collecting canned food and non-perishable items in the form of a competition the entire week. The grade that brings the most items will be given a SPECIAL AWARD. The items that are collected will be donated to a cause of Jefferson Middle Schoolʼs Choice.

There are an estimated 3.5 million homeless persons in the United States, and the number is increasing.  Participating in National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week not only raises awareness and promotes ending hunger and homelessness in your community, but also strengthens the national endeavor to end hunger and homelessness. 

LETʼS FIGHT THIS WORLD-WIDE EPIDEMIC!

THE JEFFERSON JOURNAL: NURSE JANET PAGE 4

The Jefferson Journal, 3001 S. Allis Street, Springfield, IL 62703-4208, Phone: 217-525-3176

Educate Your Student to Stay Healthy!

*Educate and encourage students and staff to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze. Also, provide them with easy access to tissues and running water and soap or alcohol-based hand cleaners. Remind them to cover coughs or sneezes using their elbow instead of their hand when a tissue is not available.*Remind teachers, staff, and students to practice good hand hygiene and provide the time and supplies for them to wash their hands as often as necessary. *Send sick students, teachers, and staff home and advise them and their families that sick people should stay at home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine). *Clean surfaces and items that are more likely to have frequent hand contact such as desks, door knobs, keyboards, or pens, with cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas. *Move students, teachers, and staff to a separate room if they become sick at school until they can be sent home. Limit the number of staff who take care of the sick person and provide a surgical mask for the sick person to wear if they can tolerate it.*Have Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks available and ensure the equipment is worn by school nurses and other staff caring for sick people at school.*Encourage early medical evaluation for sick students and staff at higher risk of complications from flu. People at high risk of flu complications who get sick will benefit from early treatment with anti-viral medicines.

A reminder for all ~...  the signs or symptoms of flu  ...

Feeling warm to the touch, fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and tiredness. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

We will notify you of any additional changes to our school's strategy to prevent the spread of flu. We will not notify you of every suspected case of H1N1 at school; however, if our school has an increase in absenteeism due to influenza-like illness, we will notify parents of students at risk of flu complications according to CDC guidelines.

With infection control, the best practice is to assume that even those without symptoms are shedding the virus and able to infect someone. Thus Clean (your hands), Cover (your coughs and sneezes), and Contain (stay home when ill) are best practices for school staff and for your student.

NURSE JANET

THE JEFFERSON JOURNAL: LITERACY CORNER PAGE 5

The Jefferson Journal, 3001 S. Allis Street, Springfield, IL 62703-4208; Phone 525-3176

November Literacy CornerBarbara Boosinger, Literacy Coach

Leaves falling… Cold approaching…Daylight waning Darkness encroaching…

The season is fall, the school year is second quarter, and the required learning is theme, point of view, evaluating evidence, and persuasion. The nights are filled with games, meetings, and work. The weekends are personal activities and special events. Days march on. We are pulled along with them. Life is good.

Please add to your calendar a list of “Must Attend” activities sponsored by Jefferson Middle School.

Family Reading Night is November 19. Starting at 5:30, families can gather at Jefferson and participate in a number of activities encouraging literacy. You may want to join the fun in the Mystery Room, or read some poetry at the Poetry Slam. Costumes for drama, a book walk, and story writing and reading all add up to fun. A storyteller and

pizza will round off the evening. On Saturday, November 21, Jefferson will host a Handmade Crafts and Second Hand Treasures Fair from 8:00 to Noon. Our hallways and cafeteria will be filled with unique items for your shopping pleasure. Thursday, December 3, Barnes and Noble Book is hosting the Jefferson Book Fair. To help Jefferson all you need to do is take the voucher attached in this newsletter to the checkout counter at Barnes and Noble along with your purchase items. Barnes and Noble will donate a percent of your purchase to Jefferson, which we will use to increase our library with newly published books. Make your purchases throughout the day, but the entertainment takes place from 6:00-8:00 P.M . Don’t miss it.

The Jefferson’s Show Choir will perform twice that night. The first performance time is 6:15 and then again at 6:45. Before, during, and after the performances, students will be reading their own

stories and poetry. This is the perfect time to shop for personal gifts of books, journals, games, DVD’s and a CD or two. Even a bag of coffee counts for sales. Everyday is a good day to speak, listen, read, and write. Join us on these special days for literacy family fun.

!

THE JEFFERSON JOURNAL FAMLY READING NIGHT/BOOK FAI R PAGE 6

The Collector, 1234 Main Street, Any Town, State 54321 | 123-456-7890 | www.apple.com/iwork

Honey? Are we going to Family reading night?

Of course, Dear! There will be fun activities for Johny and Door prizes for us!

Mommy, Mommy! My teacher said we will get pizza after

the activities are over. And I so love pizza. Please, can we

go? It's from 5:30 PM to 7:00 Pm on November 19th. We can eat at 6:30 and then

leave.

Who: All JMS familiesWhat: Reading/Writing Activities

and PizzaWhen: Thursday, November 19thWhere: JMSTime: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

THE JEFFERSON JOURNAL: TECHNOLOGY/PRIDE PAGE 7!

TECHNOLOGY NEWSKelly Snyder , Info Tech

Weʼre looking for a few missing AUPʼs (Acceptable User Policy)! Every student at JMS must have an AUP signed by parents and on file with Mrs. Gephart. Without this, students will not be able to use any computers at JMS. Lists are posted throughout the school with names of people who havenʼt turned in their form. If you are on the list, get that form in quickly! Extras can be found on the door of the Computer Lab, Room 116.

8th GradeJAGUAR PRIDE!

SHERYL STEWART, SCIENCE & SS 8TH GIRLS

Jefferson is selling yellow Jaguar T -Shirts for $12.  These shirts are being sold to help out the 8th graders for their class trip this year and in the future years.  Students are able to wear the shirts on "Spirit" days at Jefferson, and students are greatly encouraged to wear them to any and all sports events to show Jefferson Spirit!!  Shirts come in sizes of youth large to adult XXXL.  If you would like to purchase a shirt, please contact Ms. Stewart, room 202, or e-mail stewart@springfield.k12.il.us. GET YOUR SHIRTS BEFORE THEY ARE ALL GONE!

MORE TECH NEWS...KARON GEPHART, TECHNOLOGY FACILITATOR

The JMS technology department will have a booth at Jefferson's November 21st craft fair where we will be selling popcorn and collecting recyclable tech items. We will accept empty ink tanks/cartridges and old cell phones. We cannot accept toner cartridges. If you cannot attend the craft fair, feel free to send your ink cartridges or cell phones to school with your child.

TECHNOLOGY NIGHT OF FUNKelly Snyder , Info Tech

Mark you calendars and plan on coming to our 2nd Twilight Bowling for Technology! Tuesday, November 10th from 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. we'll be bowling and have a blast.

The cost is $15.00 for a lane, shoes, and fun. No school on Wednesday due to Veteran's Day so we can sleep in! Sign up in advance on Monday, November 9th during your lunch hour. Come have fun and help out technology at JMS!

THE JEFFERSON JOURNAL EXPLORE TESTS/AVID! PAGE 8

The Jefferson Journal, 3001 S. Allis Street, Springfield, IL 62703-4208, Phone 525-3176

AVID is a new elective class this year at JMS for 6th 7th and 8th grade students. AVID Stands for Achievement Via Individual Determination. Students in AVID are students with grades "in the academic middle" who are capable of A's and B's with support and dedication. These are students who have good attendance and have excellent behavior. This is an elective class that meets daily.

Mondays and Wednesdays for AVID curriculum (note-taking, speaking, organization, writing, etc…). Tuesdays and Thursdays are tutorial days run by college tutors with students working cooperatively in small groups to solve questions they have about their classes. Fridays are reserved for team building, guest speakers, and college visits.

Our class teaches students to advocate for themselves. AVID students must maintain a C or above in all classes, maintain an AVID Binder, take notes in all core classes, attend field trips, and be willing to improve themselves. AVID will be offered again next year at Jefferson. If you are interested in the class, please mark AVID on your childʼs registration form, these come home in January. You may also contact the AVID Coordinator, Kathy Stearns at kstearns@springfield.k12.il.us or leave a message at 525-3176.

8th Grade Explore Test

The eighth graders will be preparing to take the Explore Test on November 12-25. Mrs. Janet Stratton, Assistant Principal from Southeast High School will visit our eighth graders to explain the importance of this test. This test is not to be taken lightly. The Explore Test is one of the assessments used for not only career consideration but also assigning students their classes by how well they perform on this test.  As you can see, this test is very important. Please encourage your child to do their best.

JEFFERSON JOURNAL YEARBOOK! PAGE9

The Jefferson Journal, 3001 S. Allis Street, Springfield, IL 62703-4208, Phone 525-3176

YEARBOOK ORDER FORMPlease return this form, with payment, to Miss Johnson-Caldwell in room 115.

Check or Cash is accepted, only cash will be accepted after May 1, 2010.

_______ Yes, I would like to purchase a Jefferson Jaguar for $20.00. My check or cash is enclosed.

_______ Yes, I know of a business that can advertise their business card in the yearbook for $50.00. (Please enclose the business card you want on the advertisement page with the $50.00 business check.)

(Note: Yearbooks will increase in price to $25.00 beginning May 1st if one has not been reserved during the school year.) Time is running out!

ORDER MY YEARBOOK:

Name: ___________________________________________________

Grade: ___________________

Address: _________________________ Zip Code: ______________

Phone: _______________________

Yearbook: $20.00 check cash (circle one)

YEARBOOKS ARE ON SALE NOW!!!

 To purchase your yearbook at this low introduction price, pre-order yours today.  

THE JEFFERSON JOURNAL STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT/PARENT PRIDE! PAGE 10

The Jefferson Journal, 3001 S. Allis Street, Springfield, IL 62703-4208, Phone 525-3176

KUDOS TO MELISSA SKELTON!

Melissa Skelton, a 7th Grader here at Jefferson, received her 2nd degree Black Belt on September 26, 2009. She did a GREAT JOB! We are proud of her for displaying that JAGUAR PRIDE! WAY TO GO MELISSA!!

Melissa Skelton displaying her Karate

Skills!

*If your student has an accomplishment that you would like our faculty, staff, & families to know about please let our Parent Educator, Erica Austin, know so that it can be included within the newsletters as well.

PARENTAL JAGUAR PRIDE

Parents show your Jaguar Pride by purchasing a sweatshirt or polo from our Student Support Leader, Laura Rennison.

T-Shirts- $15

Sweatshirts- $20

Wind shirts- $35

If you are interested, contact Laura Rennison by phone, 217-525-3176 or e-mail, lryan@springfield.k12.il.us.

THE JEFFERSON JOURNAL: SCHOOL FAIR! PAGE 11

The Jefferson Journal, 3001 S. Allis Street, Springfield, IL 62703-4208, Phone 525-3176

Jefferson Middle School Fair Saturday, November 21

8:00 A.M. - Noon

Please join us for a morning of fun. If you have craft items you would like to sell or just want to clean out the basement or closet, just register for a booth to ply your wares to others. Come join the fun !

Please complete this registration sheet and mail/return it to:

Jefferson Middle School 3001 Allis

Springfield, Illinois 62703

c/o Katie Foley

Handmade Crafts and Second-Hand Treasures Fair Name of Participant_________________________ Address __________________________________ Telephone number __________________________ Type of Wares sold in your booth _____________________ Please check one

! Booth size: 5’ X 8’ hallway space for $15.00 ______ ! Booth size: 10’ X 12’ cafeteria space for $25.00 ______

You may bring your own tables or rent a table from the school.

Will you need to rent a table? yes no (Table size is 30” X 94” and rents for $5.00) If yes, how many tables will you need: _____at $5.00 a table for a cost of ______.

Will you need an outlet? yes no You will need to bring your own extension cords.

! Set up can begin at 6:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 21. ! Please check in at the registration table when you arrive on November 21. ! All unsold articles must be removed directly after the noon ending time.

Booth cost __________

Table cost __________ Total Cost ___________ Please make check out to Jefferson Middle School. Please return this registration

sheet with your check to JMS.

SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS 530 W. REYNOLDSSPRINGFIELD IL 62702

Jefferson Middle School 3001 S. Allis Street

Springfield, IL 62703-4208 Phone: 525-3176

Administration & Staff: Principal Offices & Attendance Sena Nelson Carolyn Frye Loretta Palazzolo Assistant Principal Kim Riley Kari Borders Administrative Intern Security Chris Colgren Patricia Nikson Anthony Fennessee Kathy Johnson Guidance Deans Alicia Miller Literacy Coach & Specialists Ernestine Lawrence Barbara Boosinger, Coach Julie Alexander, Specialist Mindy Kulavic, Specialist Tammy Winters, Specialist Math Coach & Specialist Dawn Swaggerty, Coach Tiffany Burris, Specialist Student Support Leader Special Education Laura Rennison Eva Saunders Parent Educator School Nurse Erica Austin Janet Mitchell School Social Worker School Psychologist Leslie Watkins Blake Martin

THE JEFFERSON JOURNAL THOMAS JEFFERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL

HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING!!

If you and your family are in need of holiday services, you can contact the

following.

Salvation Army-You have to personally

visit Salvation Army at 6th and Carpenter, 9:00-4:00 for open registration. The Sooner the better!

Families will need to supply: • Picture ID for all adults

• Social Security Card for all in household

• Medical Card & Birth Certificate for allchildren.

Contact Ministries- 217- 753-3939

Kumler Neighborhood Ministers - Monday-Friday 9AM-12:30 PM

217-523-7890.

Catholic Charities Holy Family Food Pantry- 217-523-4551.

St. Martin DePorres Center- Wednesday-Thursday & Saturday from 9-11:00 AM

(once a month) 217-528-2851.