August 11th, 2023 Edition

August 15th

The first day of school for all students at Jefferson Academy will be on August 15th. Students will attend shortened classes and will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. The daily schedule for the 15th is here. 

PRINCIPAL NOTES

We are thrilled to begin the school year this week. Our staff and faculty have been working tirelessly over the last week, as most the summer, preparing extraordinary student experiences for your children. Although our work together as teachers is powerful to continuously improve and ensure academic excellence for all students, it is just not the same without the kids in the building. That all changes Tuesday. All students report to school at 8:25 a.m. with the 8th-12th graders meeting in the large gymnasium and 7th graders in the commons area(cafeteria). Adults will be at the Main Entrance to assist students navigating that morning.


Over my 20+ years in education I have worked at five superb schools. At each one of those, no matter how diligent parents and staff are, there is just no amount of planning and preparation a school can do to make everything run smoothly during drop-off and pick-up. The fact that over 500 families are trying to get in and out of a small location in a short amount of time will always be daunting. Those of you who attended a Nuggets game this winter know what I am talking about. So what I ask of you is patience. Teachers are doing their best to dismiss students immediately. Kids are doing there best to get out to their rides as quickly as possible. And the JA staff is doing their best to help drivers navigate safely with so many students present. As hectic as pick-up can be, please know it takes less than 12 minutes for all vehicles to move through our drive line after dismissal at 3:20 p.m. I recognize many guardians may need to get their children quickly as they have to return to work or have other siblings to pick up. If this is the case, I encourage you to come closer to 3:30 p.m. as it will only take 60 seconds to loop through the parking lot; or park along Reed Way north of the school in the bike lane and have your student walk to your car. Whichever route you choose, know that the first few days will take a bit longer. However, as parents we should see this time as a positive in that we have the ability to be there for our kids as they come home for the day eager to share their experiences, rather than a negative of time wasted. 


As the year begins, know that every adult at Jefferson Academy will do everything within our power to care for your children as if they were our own. We recognize the trust you put in us as by sending your kids to JA and and do not take that lightly. Here is looking forward to a tremendous year!

athletics 

Fall Sports is off and running:


Fall Sports Athletic Particiapation Fee:


Payment Information:


For Payment please go to- infinite campus to make this payement 


Fall Sports Parent Meeting: 


Sporting Events: 

Softball opens the season today on the road (Friday August 11th) and there first home game on Tuesday August 15th at Clapper Field 4:30pm 

Volleyball has there home opener this coming up Thursday August 17th 6pm

Cross Country has there first race next Saturday August 19th at Holy Family 

Boys Soccer has there first game on the road Wednesday August 23rd 

For more information Please go to athletic page to look at the Rschool Calendar. 

Please come out and support our teams!


Activities

Concessions

Sign-up today and volunteer to run the JA Fall Sports Concessions Stands!  Part of the money earned will be applied to your JA Sports or Club fees. Training is required before you participate so follow the link for sign-up and training instructions.  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0948aaa922a1fc1-high#/.


Parents, if you want to help out with the Concessions Committee for set-up and a more flexible schedule, email Lucy Zugschwert lucyzugs@gmail.com.


Student support services

Schedules are now live! Junior High students are able to view 1st semester classes. High School students are able to view 1st & 2nd semester classes. Schedules changes can be made until 18th @ 3:30 p.m. Changes are subject to availability.

What's New with Junior High Schedules? Click HERE for clarification.

 Schedule for The week of August 14th

August 14: Open House for new students; Session #1 from 10:00-12:00 p.m. or Session #2 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.  

August 15: First Day of School all students; Early Release - student dismissal at 11:30 a.m.

August 16: First FULL day of school all students - student dismissal at 3:20 p.m. 

August 17: Student Picture Day; visit mylifetouch.com to pre-order.  Use Picture Day code:  EVT4ZDB94

Bell Schedule for 2023-24  

Start Time: 8:25 a.m. 

End Time: 3:20 p.m.

(click here for Daily Bell Schedule) 

Registration

Online Registration and Annual Update - REQUIRED for all Jeffco Schools 
All families (new and returning) must complete the Annual Update in Infinite Campus Parent Portal to verify household, student  and emergency contact information, as well as sign agreements. This is also the only time that parents can update their opt out information with the district. Here is a help guide: Family help Guide - Annual Update


Course Fees are Now Available

Please check Infinite Campus to pay your course and school fees. Any fee that has OPT in the description is an optional fee and you only need to pay it if your student is participating in that activity. If you see a duplicate fee for any of your students courses, please only pay the fee once.   Student parking passes may be purchased online and are only necessary if your student will be driving this year and parking on campus.  High School students had the parking form emailed to them this week.  Passes will be handed out next week, once the completed parking form is turned into Mr. Melville.  


STudent information  

Lunches
For the 2023-24 school year, all JA students can receive lunch for free from our cafeteria. Families are encouraged to complete the meal benefits application for inclusion in other school resources. Meals will begin to be served on August 16th. We are excited to welcome Joanna Schuman to the JA family who will be supporting our students this year in the cafeteria.  Also new this year, all students eating lunch at school will need to have their student ID scanned each time they get a lunch.     


Class of 2024 Senior Portraits and Senior Recognition Ads
Got a senior and wondering about senior photos?  For information on Yearbook Senior Portraits and ordering Senior Recognition Ads click here: Class of 2024 Senior Portrait & Ad info  


School Pick Up and Drop Off Procedures  

Students may be dropped off as early as 7:30a.m. (7:15 a.m. for First Period classes).  Students may remain on campus after school when they are waiting for an activity or practice to begin or have an appointment to meet with their teachers.  Students who are disruptive, destructive, or disrespectful will not be allowed to remain on campus outside of school hours.  


School Traffic Pattern and Reminders

Click HERE for the traffic pattern.  If you would like to bypass the parking lot for dropoff and pickup, families may park along the street where there is a bike lane.  Please do NOT use the parking lots of surrounding businesses as a meeting point.  Please follow the directions of the staff members in yellow vests outside directing traffic and observe all traffic laws.  Please practice patience in the first few days, understanding that we are all learning again. 


Medication Drop Off 

If your student requires medication during the school day, you may drop off all medications with completed forms during the open house on Monday, August 14th to Ms. Murray, our clinic aide in the main office. Forms can be found here:  Clinic - Jefferson Academy Secondary School


Front Range Community College start days 

Front Range Community College (FRCC) courses will begin the week of August 21st unless you are given an earlier start date by your faculty. All students enrolled in FRCC courses must attend an orientation on August 16th or 17th at the start of your class time. The schedule was emailed to students. Students only need to attend one orientation per semester. 

 

Prepping for the start of the year

Boys Golf 

Senior Parking Spots 

Important Links

administration

The mission of Jefferson Academy is to help students attain their highest academic and character potential through an academically rigorous, content-rich educational program.


Jefferson Academy envisions a community of parents, teachers, students and educational and business leaders working together to create a learning environment that engenders growth in character, academic achievement, and the love of learning, resulting in responsible, productive citizens.