As we wrap up another crucial week of state testing, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for assisting us in making the process as smooth as possible by having your kids to school on time and your flexibility with scheduling adjustments. Your partnership makes significant impact on student success. State testing is important because it helps determine if students are on track to graduate prepared for college and/or career, and if educational goals are being met. 

Your student may share that the results do not affect their grades or benefit them. Although it is true that we do not use standardized testing in a punitive or charitable matter regarding course grades, the results are used to determine students’ mastery of the standards including the complex thinking and critical skills students need to be successful in school and in life. 

As a parent the results are valuable to you:

• by providing information that shows what your child has been learning and practicing in their classroom.

• in knowing how well your student is connecting with classroom instruction. 

With this information teachers are able to:

• see differences between groups of students and make improvements to instruction, so that all students can succeed. 

• highlight gaps in achievement, so steps can be taken to ensure all students are supported in making meaningful progress.

By putting forth their best effort, students let JA know areas we are doing well and opportunities that may exist for us to refine our instructional practice. There is great value for us as a school when we review student results. 

Athletic College Information Night

Are you thinking about playing a sport in college? Join us for an informational night about the ins and outs of what it looks like and what is required. This meeting will be held on April 24th at 6:00pm in the auditorium. 

8th Grade Athletic Information Night

We would like to invite all 8th graders (and their families) that are intending to play sports in high school to an informational meeting on Monday, April 29th in the Auditorium at 6:00pm. Information will be provided on available sports at JA and also how to play a sport if it isn't offered at JA. Please come with questions so that your student will will feel like the are well informed of the expectations of a high school athlete. We hope to see you all there.

High School Sports

Girls soccer had a big win yesterday against rival Kent Denver. They are currently sitting 5th in the state. Baseball has played well this season and come up with a few big wins. They are currently sitting 17th. Lacrosse celebrated their six seniors this week at their last home game. The team is currently on the bubble of playoffs with 5 games left to go. Girls golf keeps getting better with each tournament. The team placed 5th in their last tournament with help from freshman, Paige Danforth, who tied for second. Track has had a history of being strong in the past and this year is no different. School records have been broken and many athletes are achieving personal bests. We can't wait to see what the rest of the season brings for all of our athletes!

Freshman Class Families!  Can you lend a hand?
It's the Freshmen Class families' chance to thank our JA staff with a staff appreciation 'Snack Day' in April. Donations from our 9th-grade families will help us put together a really special afternoon for the staff. Please donate via CheddarUp at https://hospitality-donations-41526.cheddarup.com, or drop off an envelope in the office indicating "Freshman lunch donation for Boosters."  Thank you!

After-Prom Volunteers Needed!
After Prom cannot happen without our wonderful volunteers. Grab a friend and come hang out at Bowlero Promenade for After Prom from 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.  Volunteers typically start to leave 30 minutes before the end of the event.  Contact Boosters@jajags.com.

JH "Not Prom" Party Help

As students enter Junior High we know parents want to continue to support their kids and get into the school for events. We have just the opportunity to make this happen early next month on Friday, May 3rd. On this date from 12:30 p.m. to 1:40 p.m., we will treat our junior high students to an informal party, while high school kids are having their prom assembly. Maybe we'll call it the "Not Prom" party. :-). 

Student planners are looking to have indoor and outdoor games and activities available for the students and we need volunteers to help make it happen. You can sign up here to let student organizers know you can help out. There will also be snacks for sale at the concession stand in the commons. Some ideas of ways you can contribute might include:

• Bringing and/or supervising games (cornhole, 4 square, Spikeball, board games, etc.) You would need to arrive to check in at the office and set up your game around 12:10, which will be during the end of high school lunch. 

• If you can come and supervise a game but not bring one, that would be great, too.

• Decorations; creative people, go for it. We cannot have balloons, but any other ideas, just shoot them to Miss Babcock.

• People who can assist with clean-up, as the teachers all have to go right back to class.

• Help out with selling snacks in the concession stand (not hotdogs, popcorn or nachos, just the packaged snacks)

Thank you for considering. If we can get enough family support, we'll let the kids know it will happen!  Feel free to email Ms. Babcock at ebabcock@jajags.com if you have questions or ideas.

Student Fees

All student fees need to be paid by the end of the school year.  This includes course fees, activity fees, and sports fees.  The Fees tab on Infinite Campus usually comes up empty but this isn't accurate.  Please follow the Fee Payment Guide cheat sheet to see your most up-to-date status.  Payments can be made online through Infinite Campus with a credit card or in person by cash, check, or credit card.  Please contact Mr. Melville (cmelville@jajags.com) if you have any questions about fees or need to set up a payment plan.

Last Call for Yearbooks! 

Start the presses! The Jefferson Academy Secondary Yearbooks are coming soon. This year, the yearbook staff over-ordered and there is a LIMITED number of yearbooks available for purchase right now on the Jostens website. They will NOT be available for purchase at school - so get your order in today!

www.jostensyearbooks.com

If you are unsure if you have purchased a yearbook, please reach out to the appropriate staff - jhyearbook@jajags.com, hsyearbook@jajags.com 

Everything you Need to Know About Pediatric Eye Care   

Parenting resources are full of information on wellness visits, milestones and parenting advice, but when it comes to eye care, many parents and caregivers aren't sure when vision screenings happen, whether they need to schedule an eye doctor visit or how to keep children’s eyes safe during sports, eclipses and more. Children’s Hospital Colorado ophthalmologist Becca Edwards, MD, shares her expertise.  

• April 25; Mr. JA - 7:00 to 9:00 pm

• April 26; NO SCHOOL STUDENTS - professional development Day for teachers

• Boosters

• JA Secondary Calendar

• Infinite Campus Parent Portal 

• Safe2Tell

• 2024-2025 Family calendar