Happy Tuesday John C families. We have enjoyed hosting so many of you the past 2 days for our fall family picnics! Our fingers are crossed that the wonderful weather sticks around for the remainder of the picnics as well.
Now-September 30th
We’re so excited about our current fundraiser, running now until September 30th. Did you know that in addition to purchasing items, we also accept direct donations? For every $40 donated, your child will still earn a “Coop Squad Buddie” as a thank-you for your support. Your generous donation goes directly toward supporting our students and school programs, making a big difference for our entire school community!
September 22nd-25th
You’re invited to join us for our Fall Family Picnics! Each day, one class from each grade level will be eating lunch outdoors, and we’d love for you to bring your lunch and join your child. You’re welcome to use our picnic tables or bring a blanket to sit together in the grass out in front of the school building. Especially for our youngest students, consider talking with your child ahead of time about saying see you later after lunch, as students will return to their classrooms for an afternoon of learning. Your child’s teacher will reach out about which day of the week they’ll be having a picnic. Hope to see you there!
September 26th:
Get ready to smile, JCMES! Fall Picture Day is coming up on September 26th! 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!
Fall Swap-Donations Accepted
On October 4th from 8am-11am, JCMES will host our Fall Swap, a free yard sale for our families. We are currently accepting donations of gently used, clean clothing, shoes, books, toys, and household items. We’ll gladly accept donations in our front office. Please reach out to Amy Hull (ahull@rockingham.k12.va.us) with any questions.
October 5th: Farm at Court Manor PTO Fundraiser 1 - dusk
JCMES Online Spirit Store:
JCMES spirit wear is now available to purchase. The online spirit store is open from September 16 - October 5th. 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! As a fundraiser for the Holly Hatcher Education Foundation, pink options are available.
PTO:
At John C. Myers, all families are members of the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization). We would love to hear your ideas for JCMES for the upcoming school year. Please email jcmespto@gmail.com with questions, ideas or strengths you may have that can support the PTO here at John C.
Nominate JCMES for the Teachers’ Lounge Makeover
The Virginia Lottery, in partnership with The Supply Room, is excited to launch its newest Thank a Teacher promotion, the Teachers’ Lounge Makeover! The Teachers’ Lounge Makeover is a special opportunity to recognize and celebrate that dedication by transforming the heart of your favorite school into a refreshed, comfortable, and inspiring space. The winning school will receive a refreshed lounge valued at $7,500, furnished and supplied with comfort and creativity in mind—a welcoming retreat where educators can recharge and connect.
Teachers, staff, parents, and community members 18 years and older can nominate their favorite K-12 public school at www.thankateacherva.com/teacherslounge now through October 3, 2025. One lucky school will win.
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. Use the following link to submit your nomination.
Free Community Performance
The Harrisonburg High School Band is honored to welcome “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band to Harrisonburg High School on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, for a free concert open to our community at 7:30 p.m. This performance is part of the 2025 United States Marine Band National Concert Tour and is proudly sponsored by the HHS Band. While admission is free, tickets are required and limited to four per request. Tickets are valid until 7:15 p.m., after which seating will be open. Please note: large bags will not be permitted. Ticket link
The Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Founded in 1798, the band has performed for every U.S. President since John Adams. Known as “The President’s Own” since the days of Thomas Jefferson, the Marine Band’s primary mission is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. In the style of the band’s 17th Director John Philip Sousa, who initiated the concert tour tradition in 1891, Marine Band Director Lt Col. Ryan Nowlin has chosen a diverse mix of programs, from traditional band repertoire and marches to instrumental solos. Learn more about the Marine Band: www.marineband.marines.mil
Important Future Dates:
October 1st: Book Cart Pre-K - 2nd
October 2nd: Book Cart 3rd - 5th
October 3th: Walk to School morning
October 4th: Clothing and Stuff Swap (Free Yard Sale)
October 13th: No School (teacher workday)
October 14th: PTO Meeting @ 6:30pm in the Library
October 16th: Domino’s Pizza Fundraiser Night
October 17th: BHS Homecoming Parade
October 24th: No School (end of first nine weeks, teacher workday)
We hope everyone has a great evening!
Liza Coffman, Principal lcoffman@rockingham.k12.va.us
Jenna Rinker, Assistant Principal jrinker@rockingham.k12.va.us