Here’s another week’s worth of updates and news for the Jakes!
Fall Pictures
Strawbridge has sent out the emails from the Fall pictures that will be used in the yearbook. If you did not receive the email and need the online code please email Lolita Whetzel (lwhetzel@rockingham.k12.va.us). All payments are made online.
Payments that are received in the next week will be delivered to JCMES. Late payments will have a fee to deliver to home.
The Duke Dog Reading Program has begun! Parents will click HERE to log their children's completed books on the Duke Dog Reading Completion Form for tabulation by JMU Athletics! Please share this LINK with any participating families. Students will have until February 6, 2027 to complete their reading requirements and earn their prizes!
Student participants will be able to earn FREE tickets for the following events:
January 9, 2027 — Women's Basketball vs. Louisiana Tech
January 16, 2027 — Men's Basketball vs. Old Dominion
February 6, 2027 — Women's Basketball vs. MAC Opponent
Costume Guidelines & Upcoming Dress-Up Days
Mark your calendars! Our annual Book Character Day will be on Friday, October 30th. On this day, both students and staff are invited to come to school dressed as their favorite book character.
Your family might be starting to shop or craft Halloween costumes. If they’re planning to also wear that costume to school for Book Character Day on October 30, please keep our school-wide safety and comfort guidelines in mind. To ensure a safe, fun, and distraction-free environment for all students, the following items are not permitted at school:
No Inflatable Costumes: These create space and visibility issues in hallways and classrooms and can prevent students from sitting in class and lunch.
No Face Masks: Staff must be able to identify all students easily.
No Scary or Overly Gory Costumes: We want to keep the day fun and welcoming for our younger learners.
📚 Book Cart is Coming This Week! 📚
We are excited to share that our Book Cart will be visiting students this week! Kids love having the opportunity to "shop" for their own books, which builds wonderful pride and independence as a reader. Plus, it's a great, low-cost way to bring fresh stories home to keep building those reading skills!
Schedule:
PreK – 2nd Grade: Wednesday, October 14th | 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM
3rd – 5th Grade: Thursday, October 15th | 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM
How it works:
Book Swap: Students can bring in a book in good condition that they’ve finished reading and swap it for a new favorite.
Purchase: Students can also shop for a "new-to-them" book for just 25 cents.
Have a good evening,
Liza Coffman, Principal – lcoffman@rockingham.k12.va.us
Jenna Rinker, Assistant Principal – jrinker@rockingham.k12.va.us