Dear JRMS Families,

It was another exciting week at JRMS, with wonderful opportunities for students to demonstrate leadership, share their learning, and contribute to our school community.

Our Student Council elections included candidate speeches and debates, providing students with valuable opportunities to practice public speaking, active listening, and respectful engagement. Thank you to everyone who participated in the process, especially the students who put themselves forward as candidates. Running for office takes courage, and each of you demonstrated leadership simply by being willing to step forward, share your ideas, and represent your classmates. Congratulations to all who participated!

Our eighth graders also shared their Personal Interest Projects (PIPs), showcasing their interests, creativity, and learning. These meaningful presentations provided students with opportunities to explore topics that matter to them, develop their ideas, provide ways to help, and communicate their learning with others. It was wonderful to see students take ownership of their work and share their interests!

Congratulations to our October TIGERS Leaders! We appreciate the positive example these students set through their actions, choices, and contributions to our school community. The TIGERS Leaders already came together to take action and identified Friday, November 20 as a Hat Day! We look forward to another opportunity for students and staff to have some fun and show their school spirit.

Our faculty meeting and professional development day provided important opportunities for collaboration, reflection, and continued improvement. We reviewed updates already made together this year: our weekly family newsletter and staff communications, safety drill procedures, MTSS referral process, schoolwide behavioral expectations, meeting norms, and use of restorative practices. Throughout these discussions, we emphasized the importance of consistency, clear communication, and follow-through - key areas identified in previous climate and stakeholder surveys. We also identified next steps, including communicating expectations directly with students, creating additional opportunities for student voice, and continuing to refine our MTSS process to better support student needs. Alongside this work, staff enjoyed some time together through climate/team-building activities and a potluck lunch. These opportunities to connect, laugh, and strengthen relationships are important to maintaining a positive and supportive school community.

Next week, we will hold grade-level discussions with students focused on our shared schoolwide expectations in classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, at recess, and during safety drills. These conversations will also provide opportunities for students to share their perspectives and ideas. Our goal is not simply to communicate expectations, but to help students understand why they matter and how we can all contribute to a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment. At JRMS, we continue to emphasize Taking Care of Self, Taking Care of Others, and Taking Care of Our Community.

Next week, we look forward to recognizing Veterans’ Day with a schoolwide assembly honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans. Details are being finalized, but we feel it is important to engage the students on this important day. We will also celebrate with a Red, White, and Blue Spirit Day! Students and staff are encouraged to wear red, white, and/or blue as we come together to recognize and thank those who have served our country.

Speaking of school spirit, the JRMS Spirit Wear Store is featuring a Black Friday sale throughout November! Families interested in showing their Tiger pride can explore the available apparel and accessories through our online store.

Shop JRMS Spirit Wear

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support. Whether through student leadership, academic learning, school spirit, or everyday acts of kindness, there is much to celebrate at JRMS.

~Chris