May 13, 2020
Dear JCMS Students and Families,
The purpose of this communication is to share as much information about the close of our school year and hopefully answer as many questions as possible that have been brought up by students and families. We have been as proactive as possible to provide the best possible learning experience for students during this difficult time and I appreciate all that you have done to work with us. In this communication, we will share information about remote learning packets, the last day for school work, dropping off paper packets, collecting personal belongings, Chromebooks, yearbooks, medication, and some other important news.
I know that our teachers are very emotional when they think about their time lost with students but also thankful that we had the technology and resources in place to continue our learning remotely with the majority of our students. We are all very PROUD of the efforts made by students and families and thank you for doing the best you could given the hand that we were dealt. We truly LOVE and MISS you all and look forward to getting to see our 7th graders continue to thrive at JCHS and look forward to welcoming our current 5th and 6th graders as well as our new students from East Elementary and Grafton Elementary.
If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to call JCMS during normal school days between 9am and 2pm at 618.498.5527 and email me personally at jason.brunaugh@jersey100.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jason Brunaugh - JCMS Principal
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Remote Learning Packets for Non-Internet Families
Just to recap our current situation, we have distributed 9 weeks of learning activities in 4 different packets during this period of alternative learning. The first three weeks of work counted toward third quarter grades and the remaining packets are counted for fourth quarter. Many of our students have completed their work digitally but approximately 90 students have been using remote learning packets.
The first packet included work for March 17 - March 30. This packet went home with students on March 16th.
The second packet included work from March 31 - April 7. This packet was mailed out on March 27th.
The third packet included work from April 13 - April 24. This packet was mailed out on April 9th.
The final packet included work through May 15th. This packet was mailed out on April 23rd.
Expectations through May 22
Students have had daily assignments (digitally or through paper packets) that will wrap up at the end of this week (May 15). We are not assigning work during the next week because we want to use that time to collect assignments and work with struggling students to ensure their best effort and adjust grades or make up work over that time. Our teachers will be evaluating the work and reaching out to families as necessary and entering final grades in Skyward.
Students have been earning up to 10 points per week for their effort and completion of work for a total of 60 points for the 4th quarter. Our teachers will convert the final grade to a P for passing or an AU for Audit. Students that have not been completing work or in contact with teachers will have to continue to make up work and submit assignments through the 1st quarter of next school year if they desire to pass the class. Please remember, our teachers are available on normal school days from 9am-2pm via email.
Expectations through May 28
The last day of student attendance was scheduled for May 28th. We were scheduled to be off from school on May 25th for Memorial Day. During these last three days of a normal school year, students would have participated in Summer Send Off and other final of the year activities.
We are deeply saddened that we will not be able to wish our students a proper goodbye but we are attempting to reach out to as many students as possible digitally and through Flig Grid videos to let them know how much we love and miss them. Teachers will remain hard at work evaluating submitted assignments and entering grades up until May 28th. Please make sure that you are reaching out to them with any questions via email. All teachers are working from 9am-2pm on normal school days.
Completed Packet Drop-Off / Personal Belonging Pick-Up
Student Paper Packets: Plans are being finalized for the collection of completed student work. The current plan is to allow all families to drop off any completed paper packets to JCMS between the hours of 9am -2pm (Monday-Friday). There will be a tub in the main office vestibule for dropping off paper packets. Please make sure that your name is clearly marked on the packets. We will have some envelopes, pens, and a stapler available for your use. We will begin collecting paper packets on May 15th and would prefer to have them all turned in during that week.
Personal Belongings: We also have some personal belongings that were left in classrooms or lockers that we can distribute to families when they check in with a secretary. This is not necessary for all students because we have labeled individual bags and can return to students at the start of next school year.
Medication: You can call the school at 618.498.5527 to set up an appointment to pick up medication or stop by the main office during normal school days between the hours of 9am-2pm.
Band Instruments: We currently have a few instruments left in the main office for students to pick up. You can call the school at 618.498.5527 to set up an appointment to pick up medication from the main office or stop by during normal school days between the hours of 9am-2pm.
Chromebooks: All students will be keeping their Chromebooks and Chargers until next school year. We will not be collecting Chromebooks unless a student is moving and enrolling in a different school district. If you need to turn in a Chromebook, please call the school at 618.498.5527 to set up an appointment stop by during normal school days between the hours of 9am-2pm
Track and Field School Fees
If a fee was paid for participation in track and field, we will be refunding the fees. We already began mailing checks back to families and we will reverse any credit card charges that were made. If you have questions, please email kem.bartlett@jersey100.org.
Yearbooks
We received a letter with assurance from Lifetouch that everyone who ordered a yearbook will receive one. However, in certain instances the delivery of your yearbook may be delayed. They have been working through mandated shutdowns due to this crisis and promise that they will be requesting shipping information in the next few weeks. We will communicate as quickly as possible about getting the yearbooks into the hands of families as soon as we receive them or at the start of next school year.
School Lunch Program
We are happy to announce that Jersey CUSD #100 food services will continue food distribution through the month of June with details to be announced later this month. Our staff and OPAA has served 64, 014 meals to our students since our closure just over two months ago. We are proud of their hard work in assisting our students in getting the nutrition they need while they are not in school.
Future Planning for Remote Learning
This period of Remote Learning has been a learning experience for faculty as well as students. You have all made great strides in your technological and innovative approach to learning and communicating. We appreciate all of your efforts and long hours to make this possible. We are planning every day for possible future remote learning and are seeking new and creative professional development that will make this process easier. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we learn alongside you all.