Jackson Academy is carefully refining and finalizing plans to keep JA students engaged in their education, while adhering to precautions concerning the coronavirus pandemic. We are coordinating with teachers and developing appropriate methods of distance learning this week and will be prepared to launch effective distance learning on Monday, March 23. Unless you are notified otherwise, JA will postpone a return to campus for all students and will proceed with distance learning on this date.

 

Students will receive further learning plans from JA’s academic divisions on or before Friday, March 20, at noon. Certain classes may receive information earlier than Friday. Parents, please encourage your students to check their email frequently throughout the day.

 

As a reminder, MAIS has already granted a waiver for this first week's delay, which will not have to be physically made up to have the required number of school days.

JA Information Sources

Parents are encouraged to check their email and the JA website regularly. Messages will also be shared as appropriate on social media and through Alert Now. Individuals who are not receiving the weekly  Tuesday Raider  may sign up for the newsletter by clicking the button below and submitting their information.

Please know that there is no higher priority than the health and safety of our students and adults, and as each decision is made, that purpose is kept at the forefront. We know that we will successfully weather this challenge together.

Resources

CDC Updates:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html

MS Department of Health:

https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,0,420.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/

“These are unprecedented times” is a phrase that has been used frequently over the last several weeks. Because we have never experienced a disruption like this before, you and your children may be experiencing a wide range of emotions. These emotions can alternate from elation, to worry, to fear. I am sure every parent has heard a few of the following phrases over the last several days:

“Yay, we have an extended spring break!”

“Wait, with classes online, how will I keep my grades up?”

“I’m scared Grandma is going to catch the virus.” 

“I want to have Prom!” 

“I wanted to play baseball, tennis, or run track this spring.”

 

Validating our students’ feelings during this unprecedented time is an important way to help them process the changes that are occurring as our nation strives to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Doing this simply means listening in order to understand their point of view. Validation doesn’t mean you agree with the other person, but it does mean you want to understand what the other person is thinking and feeling. In the big picture, you are communicating to your student that they are important to you.

So, how do you validate your child’s emotions?

 

Please know the counseling office is always here to help you and your student in any way we can! We are offering counseling in four ways during this time of social distancing:

 

Today, I’d like to leave you with a verse that has come to my mind over and over in the last several days. Proverbs 3, verses 5 and 6 say, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” Raiders, let’s all hold on to this truth! God is going to take care of us and all of our children.

 

Paula Pratt

Director of Counseling

Lower School Nurse Kathy Sheffield provided the following guidelines for parents to help their children navigate the coronavirus pandemic with good information and healthy practices. Below, we share her recommendations.

First of all, we need to remain calm and reassuring. Children will follow your lead, so if you appear to be calm, they will be, too. Remind them that the adults at home and at school are doing everything they can to keep the children safe. 

 

Second, be open and honest about what the virus is (a germ that we cannot see that is similar to the one that causes the cold and flu) and how we can avoid getting those germs into our bodies. Use age-appropriate terms. Ask them if they have any specific concerns or questions and let them know that you are available to talk if they need to. Knowledge is power, and children are often comforted by the fact that you have shared this information with them.

 

Third, monitor your child's access to television and social media. Unfortunately, the media sometimes use scare tactics to inform the public rather than just imparting the facts. Excessive exposure to the media and the COVID-19 reports can be anxiety producing in children and adults, so limit time spent in front of a screen.

 

Fourth, try to maintain as normal a routine as possible. A routine for most children is reassuring and promotes good health. If you or your child is quarantined, try to communicate with them often through FaceTime or phone calls to reassure them that you are all right. Calling or using FaceTime with them at bedtime to read a book before bed or to sing to them can be very reassuring.

 

Finally, have a plan for your family to avoid contracting the virus. Model good handwashing techniques for your children. Encourage them to be “germ busters” with you, and follow these five magical tips for avoiding the virus:

 

You can have children make posters with these tips on them to hang around the house. Make “germ buster” capes out of old T-shirts or pillow cases. Make “germ-buster” masks out of paper plates. Giving children projects helps them feel included in our fight against this virus.

 

Wishing you well!

Kathy Sheffield

Resources

 

Yucky Bug by Julia Cook  (A very informative book written by children's author, Julia Cook, and illustrated by children. A child reads the book in this YouTube video.)

 

NPR podcast Just for Kids  (A great podcast for older children that describes the virus and what we can do to prevent its spread.)

 

Harvard article about talking to children about the coronavirus (This article was updated this week with some great tips for talking to children about COVID-19. There is also a blog about talking to teens.)

Student Activities

No student on or off-campus extracurricular activities, including athletic practices, competitions, or meetings, will be held until further notice.

Alumni, Submit Photos of Your Family’s Easter Egg Hunt! 

The Office of Alumni Relations regrets that our annual Alumni Easter Egg Hunt planned for Saturday, March 28 has been cancelled this year in accordance with CDC guidelines for public safety. We look forward to spending time with our alumni families in the near future, but in the meantime, send us a snapshot of you and your children having an egg hunt in their JA attire by Monday, April 6, and one lucky family will win the "JA Golden Prize" delivered by the Easter bunny himself! Send your photo entries to [email protected] . These photos will be shared on JA social media.

Prom Notes From Faculty Member Rebecca Fowler

 

We have made the difficult decision to postpone prom that was scheduled for Saturday, April 4. I apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment that I know this decision brings. Many of you have already made reservations for restaurants and transportation. I would like to encourage you to support these private businesses by asking if your reservations and deposits can be used at a later date, rather than refunded. If there is anything that we can do to help you in these matters, please do not hesitate to contact me , or Upper School Head of School Steve McCartney . 

 

It is our hope that we will feel comfortable and confident enough to have this event by the end of the school year, if possible. Any information about this will go out in due course. Until then, we appreciate your understanding and hope that all of you stay healthy and safe in the coming weeks! As always, Go Raiders! 

News from the College Counselor, Amy Bush

Sadly, we’ve cancelled our college tour to four Texas schools that was planned for March 16-18. Also cancelled are visits to JA this week by Ole Miss and Savannah College of Art and Design as well as the bus trip to Ole Miss for March 23. Keep watch in the Tuesday Raider for information about future college happenings!

Color Me Raider

Color Me Raider scheduled for March 26 is postponed. Please watch for more information as it becomes available from the JA Athletic Booster Club.

The Greatest Show

The Greatest Show talent show was scheduled for March 20 in the PAC. Stacy Bates from the PAC reports that they will keep everyone posted about whether this event is just postponed or will be cancelled.

The new issue of True Blue is available online! JA's True Blue magazine is now being published two times a year. The current winter issue highlights alumni and friends of the school, giving, and our community . The summer issue will focus on students, faculty, and happenings on campus.

Please check out the new publication here .