Dear JCMES Families,
Only 6 days to go until the school year kicks off, and we couldn’t be more excited! This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming our AMAZING teachers and staff back into the building. It’s been inspiring to see the dedication and enthusiasm they’re already pouring into their classrooms as they prepare for their students. Our JCMES students are so lucky to have such caring and committed teachers and staff ready to support them. They’ve been diving into all the details for the upcoming year and are eager to meet their students and start this exciting journey together. As we gear up for the first day, we wanted to let you know that you can now look forward to our weekly family emails every Wednesday. These newsletters will be packed with important updates and helpful resources to keep you connected and informed throughout the year.
Rising PreK and Kindergarten Students:
As a reminder, rising PreK and Kindergarten students must have a school physical form on file before they can start school. If you have not scheduled a physical for your child, we would encourage you to contact your medical provider to make an appointment as soon as possible. Physical forms can be dropped off at JCMES Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, or a scanned copy can be emailed to: jcmesnotes@rockingham.k12.va.us
Bus Transportation Information:
All bus transportation information for our students will be available on Meet the Teacher night (August 15th). We appreciate your patience and understanding for not having transportation information available at an earlier date. Our bus routes are created by our RCPS transportation department, and they often work on finalizing routes up until the week before school starts.
If you know of any transportation changes for your child/children for the upcoming school year, please email our secretary Donna Shifflett as soon as possible to communicate those changes at: dshifflett@rockingham.k12.va.us
Meet the Teacher:
Meet the Teacher night will be on August 15th between 3:00-6:30 PM. Teachers have been reaching out to schedule a specific time for you to come in on that evening. This event is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child's teacher, see the classroom, bring in supplies for the year, and gather important bus transportation information.
New Toy Policy at JCMES
This year, we are making a change to our school policy regarding toys to help minimize distractions during class time and to prevent special toys from home from getting lost. We understand that students may bring toys and trading cards to play with at after school daycare programs, which is perfectly fine. However, during the school day, all toys and trading cards must remain in backpacks. Rest assured, we have plenty of recess equipment for outdoor play, and our classrooms are well-stocked with toys, manipulatives, and games. Additionally, for students who need them, we have a wide variety of fidget items available for sensory support. Teachers may still allow students to bring toys on special days for rewards or projects, and you’ll receive information about that in advance. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a focused and fun learning environment for all students!
Virtual Parent Support Group
This fall, Shenandoah Family Therapy will be offering a virtual support group specifically designed for parents of elementary-aged children facing behavioral or emotional challenges.The group will be led by Hannah Gibson, a graduate intern working towards her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. This support group will provide education on effective parenting approaches, a chance to connect with other parents navigating similar challenges, and mental health support tailored for parents.
Sessions will begin in September, with a cost of just $10 per session. Additionally, there are some pro-bono (free) spots available for families in need. Space is limited, and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to sign up, please refer to the attached flyer: Stronger Together
Substitute Teachers Needed:
We invite you to consider applying to become a substitute teacher for the 2024-2025 school year. This role offers great flexibility, allowing you to choose when and where you work—whether at JCMES, other schools in the Broadway/Timberville area, or throughout Rockingham County. Substitutes are essential in keeping our school running smoothly and supporting our students' education. By becoming a substitute, you can make a meaningful impact on our JCMES community. If you are interested in applying, please contact Erin Branner (erbranner@rockingham.k12.va.us) or Chelsea Imbrescia (cimbrescia@rockingham.k12.va.us) for more information.
As we count down the days, the excitement is building, and we can’t wait to see everyone this Thursday, August 15th, at Meet the Teacher! It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity for our students to connect with their teachers and get a sneak peek at the wonderful year ahead. We’re so looking forward to all the smiles, the introductions, and the beginning of another amazing journey together!
We are looking forward to seeing you soon!
Erin Branner, Principal erbranner@rockingham.k12.va.us
Chelsea Imbrescia, Assistant Principal cimbrescia@rockingham.k12.va.us