Please review the JCS calendar reminders and changes for April: https://www.smore.com/n/qr4xnh
A reminder that Spring Break begins on Friday, March 29, with all Jefferson County schools and offices closed. Schools will remain closed April 1-5, while JCS offices will be open. Students will return to school on Monday, April 8. Enjoy your Spring Break!
💵 Thanks to the Office of West Virginia State Treasurer Riley Moore for helping JCS middle school students "Get a Life!" Eighth-graders across the district participated in this interactive, award-winning program to learn about financial literacy. Students developed a family budget, managed an expense ledger, and participated in real-life simulations with the help of community volunteers serving as salespeople, insurance agents, and doctors. Thank you to these local business leaders for supporting our students in this crucial hands-on learning experience!
The 8th graders participated in the "Get a Life" program this week -- an activity put on by the Treasury Department of WV to teach managing finances and the importance of education through two simulations - one as a person who received higher education and one that didn't. After receiving the jobs, students were challenged to get all the necessities while staying within the budget given. It was fun, thought-provoking and relevant. Nice work, Mustangs! 🏘💲
The 6th grade hallway has been overtake by March MAMMAL Madness! Round one in each of the 4 divisions was completed last Wednesday. Stay tuned to see which animal comes out on top and which of Ms. Day's Science students has the winning bracket!. For more on March Mammal Madness, go to: https://tinyurl.com/2024MammalMadness
Nice work Mustangs!
Each week the 7th grade students face an"Would You Rather ?" Question. They vote throughout the week with clothespins. Here's this week's question. Would they rather have the standard calendar or year round one with longer breaks? -- one more day to vote!
Students from all four middle schools recently represented JCS at the first-ever West Virginia Middle School All-State Band in Charleston. The event marked the first time middle school band musicians had the opportunity to earn this state-wide recognition. Visit https://www.jcswv.org/article/1386997 for a complete list of attendees!
🎨 JCS student artists display their talent at the Jefferson Arts Council's annual Youth Art Show! 🎨 Congratulations to the talented young artists selected to participate in the 2024 Youth Art Show! JCS art teachers submit the best of students' 2D and 3D artwork for the annual event celebrating West Virginia's Youth Art Month. A public reception on March 10 honored the featured artists, and their art teachers were on hand to support their success! The Youth Art Show runs through March 31 at the Firehouse Gallery in Charles Town.
Wildwood Middle Families:
Thank you for the outpouring of support with the loss of Ms. Jodi Brock. She was an integral part of the Mustang Community, and her loss is felt deeply throughout our community. We are honoring her memory through various memorials and initiatives, including an award at the 8th-grade Recognition Ceremony. We will share information on any community events surrounding future memorial efforts as they are available.
During Ms. Brock's leadership as the Interim Principal at WMS, I served as JCS's Interim Chief Finance Officer. My interim position provided valuable experience and learning opportunities that I will carry forward in my career. After some reflection on where my professional passion and dedication are, I am returning to my position as Principal of Wildwood Middle School. I am dedicated to working directly with our students and staff to create the best school environment. I will continue supporting our whole county and WMS during this transition.
Since January 22, 2024, I have supported our students and staff several days a week at Wildwood Middle School. I have been in classrooms, spent time in the cafeteria with our students during lunches, and ensured that students arrived and departed from school safely during bus duty. I have met many of our 6th-grade students and reintroduced myself to our 7th and 8th-grade students, whom I worked with previously. This time at Wildwood has reaffirmed my decision to work directly with our students.
As with any change, there can be questions or concerns, and I encourage you to contact me directly for help. I am committed to transparency and communication with our families regarding academic and socio-emotional student success.
Thank you for trusting me to continue the mission and vision of WMS. I look forward to the remainder of this school year and the years to come.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Moss
Principal, Wildwood Middle School
What an active and engaging day of professional learning! Elementary art teachers participated in hands-on activities today as they continue to grow as professional educators. It was just one of several district-wide training opportunities JCS was proud to offer staff on this professional learning day as they continue to perfect their skills in our schools and classrooms. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to student success!
As a reminder, there is no school for students tomorrow, Friday, March 8, 2024. This is a professional development day for staff.
Wildwood Middle School has returned to an all clear status.
Wildwood is currently on a Secure Hold due to an internal issue. There is currently no threat to student safety as students continue to learn in their classrooms. We will provide updates as available.
Ms. Day's 6th grade science students spent the last two weeks discussing renewable energy, climate change and ways to reduce their carbon footprint. It culminated with an oral presentation of their analysis of their own energy use and ways to reduce it with a poster of the same. Truly thoughtful and deep thinking was evident as the students reflected on their carbon footprint and the world. Well done, Mustangs!
The 8th graders are finishing up the Frankenstein novel by examining quotes from Frankenstein and the creature. Each group read the quote at their station, summarized its meaning and then did a Gallery Walk to see what their classmates thought. It helped them formulate what we as humans owe each other through the lens of the story! Nice work Mustangs!
Shepherd University invites high school students and their families (including rising freshmen!) to one of two upcoming dual enrollment information nights on February 22 and March 12. Students will learn how they can simultaneously receive high school and college credits while getting a head start on their college education! Register to attend at https://www.shepherd.edu/admissions/dualenrollment.
Don't forget! ⏰ Submissions for the JCS Black History Month art competition are due next Friday, February 23! Students are invited to celebrate notable figures throughout Black history with original artwork that highlights strength and resilience, explores creativity, and inspires others. Winners will showcase their creations at a community-wide Black History Month celebration on March 2 in Shepherdstown. Visit www.jcswv.org/bhm-art to learn more!
Due to the forecasted inclement weather, all Jefferson County Schools extracurricular activities taking place on Saturday, February 17, 2024, are canceled. This includes extracurricular activities, athletic practices, and competitions taking place at home or away. The Regional Wrestling Tournament at Jefferson High School is rescheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 18. All other rescheduled activities will be communicated at a later date.
⏰ A reminder that all Jefferson County schools will dismiss two hours early today, Friday, February 16, for faculty senate meetings.
Jefferson County Schools joins the Wildwood Middle School community in mourning the passing of Principal Jodi R. Brock, a dedicated and valued member of the WMS staff since 2008. WMS will honor Ms. Brock's memory with a candlelight vigil on Thursday, February 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the front bus loop of the school. If you plan to attend, please enter at the WMS parent entrance and park in the side or back parking lots. If those lots become full, overflow traffic may park at Jefferson High School.
