Happy Wednesday, JCMES families! We hope you are having a wonderful week despite the recent rain showers. While the rain has been much needed, we know our students have been missing their outdoor recess fun these last few days! That said, we are really looking forward to our Welcome Back Picnic tomorrow evening at 6:00 PM and hoping for some dry skies! It is going to be a fantastic time to relax, enjoy the evening, and spend time together as a school community.
We also want to take a moment to celebrate our talented student artists who had their work displayed at the RCPS art show last evening. It was such a proud moment to see the creativity and artistic talent of several JCMES students on display. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and amazing accomplishments!
Please see below for our weekly updates and important information.
September 9th-24th
Students came home with a fundraiser package on Monday, September 9th. Our fall fundraiser is completely optional and will run until September 24th. JCMES receives a percentage of all sales which go towards classroom supplies, furniture, after school programs, and special guests and assemblies.
September 19th:
Join us for a fun-filled Welcome Back Picnic tomorrow, September 19th, from 6:00 PM to dusk at the track behind the school. Bring your own blanket or chair and get comfy as we kick off the new school year together. You can either drive around to the back or park in the front and walk through the school. Families are encouraged to bring their own dinner, but our amazing PTO will be providing free hot dogs and water bottles while supplies last. We can't wait to see you there!
September 27th:
Get ready to smile, JCMES! Fall Picture Day is coming up on September 27th! No need to send any money now—after picture day, a proof or portrait package will be sent home with your child, along with easy instructions on how to order. We can’t wait to capture those bright smiles!
JCMES Online Spirit Store:
Get your JCMES spirit gear now! Our online spirit store is open through October 1st, so don't miss out on your chance to grab some fun Jakes apparel. All orders and payments are made online – simply click the link to start shopping today! Spirit Store
RCPS Inspire Award:
JCMES has an outstanding team of dedicated staff who go above and beyond to support and inspire our students every day. The RCPS Inspire Award is a recognition program that honors the exceptional teachers and staff within our school community. To celebrate their hard work, we encourage you to submit an online submission form. When filling out the nomination form, please explain why you are nominating this teacher or staff member for the Inspire Award. Please include specific details and examples of how this person has inspired you or your child and is deserving of this recognition. (If your nomination is selected, this is what you will read publicly at the School Board meeting.) To submit your nomination please use the following link.
Student Attendance Policy JED:
Recently the RCPS student attendance policy JED was updated. Please see the revised policy below. This policy can also be found in the RCPS student handbook located on the RCPS website:
Pre-arranged Absences:
A written request for a pre-arranged absence must be given to the principal at least fourteen days prior to the planned absence. The school administrator has the discretion to excuse or unexcused the pre-arranged absence request, based on the student’s prior school absences, whether or not the student has a current attendance improvement plan and the academic standing of the student. The student is responsible for securing any and all make-up work from their teachers prior to the pre-arranged absence(s).
Due to varied demands on teachers with respect to preparing and assigning make-up work for pre approved absences, teachers shall have discretion to decide the type and amount of such work and schedule for its completion. Teachers shall not be required to provide assignments in advance of the absences, but may do so at their discretion. Parents/guardians and students are encouraged to work with teachers prior to the absence to develop a plan for doing the assignments either virtually, project-based, packet work, or other“means” agreed upon by the teacher, including expected deadlines. Parents/ guardians and students are expected to access assignments and class materials through the Learning Management System to the extent possible.
Parents are encouraged to consider scheduling vacations around school holidays and breaks.
Important Future Dates:
October 4th: Walk to School morning
October 14th: No School (teacher workday)
October 25th: No School (end of first nine weeks, teacher workday)
Wishing you all a wonderful evening and a great rest of the week!
Erin Branner, Principal erbranner@rockingham.k12.va.us
Chelsea Imbrescia, Assistant Principal cimbrescia@rockingham.k12.va.us