April 28, 2023

Library on Wheels Ready to Roll!

JCS students now have the opportunity to check out books in their own neighborhoods thanks to our new book mobile! Unveiled last month, the “library on wheels,” as one fourth grader called it, will travel throughout Jefferson this summer giving our students ongoing access to books.

Students at JES and JA toured the renovated bus in March and learned from Ms. Marion Stem, JA media specialist, how the book mobile came to be.

“I’m very pleased with how it turned out,” she says. “It’s much more than what I envisioned! The best part is the children’s reactions. They loved seeing some of their favorite book series on the shelves.”

She got the idea after attending a conference and wondered if it was something the JCS BOE would be willing to explore. “I couldn’t have done it without the support of our board. They were very receptive from the start” she says. >>> Read More

Literary Team Wins Region

The JHS literary team placed first at the GHSA Region competition held in Conyers. Led by Ms. Elizabeth Kelley, JHS students competed in writing, public speaking, singing and acting at the annual event.

In her first year at the helm, Kelley was joined by additional literary coaches, including Ms. Savannah McIlrath, Mr. Nick Helfrick and Ms. Elaine Wilder. The competition included multiple categories, including essay writing, extemporaneous speaking, oral presentation, chorus and solo performances.

Abigail Foreman placed first in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking and Sabryna Galendez placed first for Literary Analysis Essay Writing. Foreman, a junior, went on to win the state championship. >>>Read More

AFJROTC Brings Home National Titles

The JHS AFJROTC drill teams traveled to Dayton, Ohio, last month, to compete nationally for top honors. They were crowned national champions in both exhibition drill categories and also were named runner-up in the overall division. With 25 teams from around the world competing, the JHS Dragons were the only team to finish in the “top three” in the Armed Division and Unarmed Division.

Both Armed and Unarmed teams earned four of five perfect scores from the judges, with the armed team winning the category for the second year in a row! The finishes in exhibition drill, inspection and color guard earned them the Division runner-up titles. >>>Read More

Jefferson School System Foundation News

Foundation Awards Grants to Schools

Each of the four JCS schools received grants from the Jefferson School System Foundation last month. Foundation Director Gina Dee Barker presented checks to Chrissy Joiner, JES principal, Christopher Whitworth, JA principal, Carol Ann Knight, JMS principal and Rob McFerrin, JHS principal.

Commemorative Brick Sale

If your child is a senior, consider purchasing a commemorative brick from the Jefferson City School System Foundation as a graduation gift! These bricks can be engraved with text or graphics. The bricks will be placed in the plaza located in front of the Arena. Please order here to pay online. If paying by check, complete this form! Deadline is August 8, 2023.

Pre-K Spreads Kindness Like Confetti

Our Center for Early Learning Pre-K students learned all about kindness last month. The initiative kicked off with a read-aloud called Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind by author Jessica Hische.

“Our hallway is sprinkling kindness around like confetti,” says Annette Beckwith, director of the Center for Early Learning. “The students have really embraced the concept.” Students also created a chart naming ways to be kind and then decorated a flower with their kindness commitment.

“It’s been amazing to see their little faces light up,” says Ms. Beckwith.

Interactive Science Night Delights Attendees

JA students and their parents had a fun night of learning during Science Night. Over 90 families attended to experience science in an interactive way!

“This year’s Science Night was a huge success,” says JA Principal Chris Whitworth. “We had so many families come and then leave with smiles on their faces. It was an enthusiastic and fun event.”

Some of the activities included building a tower from spaghetti noodles to see how many marshmallows it would hold, using salt to change the density of water to make a golf ball float and a Wacky Water Cycle Mad Lib activity on the BioSTEAM bus!

First HeART of the Dragon Art Show

Overwhelming Success

Students from all four schools showcased their original artwork in a variety of mediums at the JCS system-wide art exhibit last month, aptly named HeART of the Dragon.

Over 450 students and their families attended the opening reception and were able to view amazing creativity and artwork on newly purchased display panels!

During the reception, students completed an art scavenger hunt and younger students were able to take home coloring pages designed by JHS art students. The JHS Art Club also made beautiful pins to give to all of the art students. Additionally, they helped organize and set up the show. >>>Read More

JMS Outdoor Classroom Goes on the Road

Students from JMS brought their outdoor classroom to our community at Jefferson’s annual Spring Foliage Festival held last month in city park!

Students enthusiastically shared their knowledge with attendees and led activities for participants. Booth items and activities included plants, jams, honey, crafts and more!

If you'd like to learn more about the outdoor classroom and wildlife habitat, join us on May 6 from 10 a.m. to noon for JMS Outdoor Classroom Day! Parking is available at JMS.

JES Reading Challenge

It's All About The Chips!

Last month first- and second-grade JES students were able to participate in a wildly-successful, unique reading challenge created by Ms. Erica Golding, media specialist. She encouraged the students to read more with an “Are You All That and a Bag of Chips? Then Prove It!” initiative. The students literally ate it up!

“We love fun ways to encourage reading at JES,” says Ms. Chrissy Joiner, JES principal.

The challenge required first grades to read three picture books, take an Accelerated Reader test and then turn in their form for a small bag of chips. Second graders were challenged with reading a chapter book. All entries went into a drawing on Friday mornings for a coveted BIG bag of chips!

Congrats to our super readers!

FFA Achieves Gold Chapter Designation

The Jefferson High School FFA has been named a Gold Emblem Chapter for the second year in a row. Only 40 chapters across the state are chosen for this honor! Congratulations!

FBLA Receives First Gold Chapter Award

The JHS Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter ended their competitive season on a high note at the State Leadership Conference in Atlanta earlier this month, winning multiple awards and recognitions, including the FBLA Gold Chapter Recognition – a first in JHS school history. Additionally, JHS FBLA

Sponsor Ms. Christy Drew was named Region 15 Adviser of the Year and Lanier Ashley, JHS student, was named among Region 15 FBLA Who's Who.

Counselors' Corner

Help Your Child Finish Strong

By Holly McShane, School Counseling Coordinator

Spring fever is a term used to describe the excitement and energy people feel as spring begins. It's typically characterized by a feeling of happiness and a desire to spend time outside in the warmer weather.

Spring fever at school refers to the feeling of restlessness or excitement that students may experience, often with summer break on the horizon. This feeling can be accompanied by a desire to be outside, participate in outdoor activities and socialize with friends.

Spring fever can sometimes lead to decreased productivity and motivation in the classroom as students may struggle to stay focused and engaged with their work.

Help your child finish the year triumphantly by helping them:

Stay organized. A planner or an online calendar is a great way to keep track of due dates, exams and other important events.
Prioritize. Focus on the assignments and tests that carry the most weight in your grade.
Manage time wisely. Allocate enough time for studying, homework, extracurricular activities and self-care.
Seek help. Understand that is O.K. to ask teachers or classmates for help.
Stay motivated. Work to set tangible goals, celebrate achievements and stay positive.
Stay healthy. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, eat well and take breaks when needed.

Following these tips may give your child the best chance for success as he/she completes the last few weeks of the school year!

JHS Students Inducted into Spanish Honor Society

Fifteen Jefferson High School students were inducted into the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, a Spanish Honor Society which recognizes high student achievement in upper level Spanish. These seniors will receive an extra seal on their diploma at graduation.

Front row: Dylan Gonzalez, Elisa Ortiz Rodriguez, Sydney Healan, Korrine Intriago, Caylinn Haas, Viky Casarotto

Back row: Makaylee Cain, Emmy Garrison, Christopher Law, Hunter Jewell, Ava Neely, Amanda Jacobs, Aubrey Meyer

CTAE Students of the Month

Fast Track to Literacy for Little Ones

Children who are read one short book per day enter kindergarten hearing 290,000 more words than kids whose parents didn’t read to them, according to a new study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. If you increase the number of books to five per day, that vocabulary increases to 1.4 million words! Not only will it jump-start your child’s education, but it’s also a memorable bonding activity!

“The word gap of 1 million words >>>Read More

Parenting Lessons From Our Children: Their View

When Author Dr. Swati Lodha interviewed over 200 children aged eight to 18 for her book, she set out to learn what children want parents to know after hearing her daughter say she “could write a book about what my mother does wrong.” In her research, four key things were prevalent. Children want you to know that: >>>Read More

Screen Use Could Alter Developing Brains

Too much time online might increase mental health issues in children, according to a study published recently by the Journal of Behavioral Addictions. Children’s screen use could be altering their developing brains as they enter adolescence and increase their risk for mood disorders.

Children ages 9 and 10 who spend more time on smartphones, tablets, video games and TV exhibited higher levels of depression and anxiety by the time they were 11 and 12, researchers found. However, the study did not link the same brain changes to heavy screen use and behavior problems like bullying, aggression or defiance. The observed brain changes involved regions of the brain involved in higher-level processes like attention or emotional regulation, as well as regions related to a person’s urges. >>>Read More

Keeping an Eye on Sleep at Every Age

As children become teens, it gets harder to monitor how much time they actually spend asleep. New research shows we need to keep an eye on our children’s sleep at every age. Parents can shape sleep behavior in the growing years as some research suggests that sleep habits are formed early in life.

During the first year of life, babies sleep most of the day. As children grow older, they need fewer hours of sleep. Preschoolers need 10 to 12 hours, school-age need at least nine, while teens need eight to nine. However, the importance of sleep does not fade with age. >>>Read More

Upcoming Events

Summer Camps = Summer Fun!

Looking for fun ways for your children to enjoy their summer? Check out our 2023 Summer Camp Catalog! You'll find all JCS camps in one place. Click the link below for the most updated version of the catalog. There are so many options to explore!

JCS Summer Camp Catalog

Please order here to pay online. If paying by check, complete this form!

JMS Outdoor Classroom Day is Saturday, May 6, from 10 AM to noon at JMS. Questions? Contact Liz French at [email protected].

The Jefferson Car Show will be Saturday, May 6, from 10AM until 2PM. There is a $20 entry fee for cars. Spectators get in free! All proceeds will go to the JHS AFJROTC Program.

Have your child join us this summer at our many camp offerings! The latest version of the camp catalog can be found here. You'll also find it on our website under Latest News if you need to locate it later!

This is a great opportunity to take care of any vaccines your child may need!

In Case You Missed It

Eight Student-Athletes Sign Letters of Intent

Last week eight outstanding student-athletes pledged to advance their athletic careers to the next level by signing letters of intent! Way to go, JHS Dragons! Congratulations and best wishes!!

Owen Botts, Football, Brevard College
Aubree Behers, Track, Truett McConnell College
Bailee Stanley, Track, Emmanuel College
Davis Dollar, Wrestling, Reinhardt University
Jenna Rogers, Volleyball, Coastal Georgia University
Chase Johnson, Soccer, Converse University
Aiden Dumas, Baseball, Toccoa Falls College
Mason Fifer, Soccer, Truett McConnell College

JHS Winter Guard Wins First Place

The Jefferson High School Winter Guard team won first place last month at the Southern Association for Performing Arts (SAPA) competition in Cumming, Ga. SAPA sponsors competitive and educational events for Winter Guard, which are indoor Color Guard units. The JHS Winter Guard is under the direction of Ms. Elana Worth and Ms. Christy Callum. “This team has been improving every single week,” says Ms. Callum. “I couldn’t be any more proud of them … they are on fire!”

JHS Students Become Published Authors

JHS students David Heard, Kinsey Wilder and Abigail Rose are creative writers whose poetry was published recently. Original writings from Heard and Wilder are featured in “Resilience - 2022 Poetry Collection,” published by the American Library of Poetry. Rose’s original work is printed in “2022 Rising Stars Collection,” published by Appelley Publishing. Their creations were entered into a student poetry contest last year that was judged by people with backgrounds in English, literature,

journalism and child education.

FFA Proficiency Winners Head to State

Jefferson High School students Wells Green and Emma Storey earned region titles for their FFA proficiency applications. Storey succeeded in the area of Veterinary Science for her work at Shannon Veterinary Services here in Jefferson. Green prevailed in the area of Wildlife Management and Production for his work with nuisance hog hunting near kaolin mines and farmland in central Georgia. Both are competing in Macon at the state level this week.

JHS Chorus Receives Superior Ratings

Congratulations to the JHS chorus! They received superior ratings on sight reading and their performances at the Large Group Performance Evaluations last month.

The Women’s Chorus sang Class A/B, the highest level in which they have ever performed!

JHS Robotics Team Competes

The JHS Robotics team “4189: The Chargers” earned a bid for the state championship last month after placing second in two regional events. They also won a Creativity Award.

Additionally, the Chargers received a $5000 grant from SK Battery to assist with competition expenses.

Jazz Ensemble Dazzles

JES and JA students enjoyed concerts performed by the JHS Jazz Ensemble last month. “They put on quite a show,” said Mr. Whitworth. Both schools send a special thanks to Nick Golding for bringing the talented group to their students for wonderful performances!

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