Dear JCMES Families,
Welcome back to a brand-new school year filled with fresh possibilities, laughter, and learning! We’re thrilled to welcome both our new and returning families as we partner together to make this a joyful, safe, and successful year for your child. Please take a few moments to review the important details below so your family is fully prepared for a fantastic first week next month.
2026-2027 Registration:
If you have not completed the 2026-2027 registration, please do so as soon as possible. Registration links have been sent to families via email. If you have questions, please call us at school (896.2297) and ask to speak with Mrs. Donna Shifflett.
Rising PreK and Kindergarten Students:
Rising PreK and Kindergarten students must have a school physical form on file to begin school. Forms can be dropped off at JCMES (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM) or emailed to jcmesnotes@rockingham.k12.va.us.
Bus Transportation Information:
Bus transportation details will be available at Meet the Teacher Night on August 17, as RCPS Transportation finalizes routes close to the start of school. If your child's transportation needs have changed, please email Donna Shifflett (dshifflett@rockingham.k12.va.us) as soon as possible.
School Tours:
New to JCMES? Join Mrs. Coffman or Mrs. Rinker for a guided tour on August 5 to see the school, ask questions, and learn about JCM procedures. Tours will be offered during the following times:
August 5th: 4:00, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30
Returning families are invited to drop in for a self-guided scavenger hunt on August 5 between 4:00–5:30 PM, a fun way for younger students to refresh their memory of key areas in the school.
Teacher Assignments:
Starting the week of July 27, your child’s teacher will contact you by phone and email to gather important information, confirm transportation plans, and schedule your Meet the Teacher time for August 17. The initial call is a great chance to share helpful information for the upcoming year.
Meet the Teacher:
Meet the Teacher night will be on August 17th between 3:00-6:30 PM. Teachers will be 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.
Teachers spend most of the days during work week at trainings, meetings and inservices and are not necessarily available in their rooms. Please do not request other times for your child’s teacher to meet with you unless there are unavoidable circumstances such as travel.
School Lunches
For the 26-27 school year, meal prices will be as follows:
Breakfast - $2.00 Lunch - $3.25
Families will be able to add money to student lunch accounts and/or complete eligibility paperwork for free/reduced lunch costs. Paperwork will be available at Meet the Teacher or online in the beginning of August. Only 1 application is needed per family.
Substitute Teachers Needed:
Consider applying to be a substitute teacher for the 2026–2027 school year—a flexible role where you choose when and where you work, including right here at JCMES. Substitutes play a vital role in supporting our students and school community; for more information, contact Liza Coffman (lcoffman@rockingham.k12.va.us) or Jenna Rinker (jrinker@rockingham.k12.va.us).
Attachments:
To help ensure a smooth and successful start to the school year, please take a minute to review the 2026-2027 School Supply List and Important Information for Jake Families.
As we start the school year supplies can become costly. If your student(s) are in need of supplies please reach out to Mrs. Hull, our School Counselor, at ahull@rockingham.k12.va.us. She will also be available to speak with families during our Open House event on August 17 from 3-7pm.
We’re grateful to have you as part of the JCMES community and are excited to welcome your children with care, continuing support, and high-quality learning experiences. If you have any questions, please call us at 540-896-2297— our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone back at school soon!
Liza Coffman, Principal lcoffman@rockingham.k12.va.us
Jenna Rinker, Assistant Principal jrinker@rockingham.k12.va.us