The Eagle Express
News & Updates from
South Jackson Elementary School
The Eagle Express
News & Updates from
South Jackson Elementary School
As we move into this season of gratitude, we want to share how thankful we are for our incredible South Jackson community. Each day, we are reminded of the partnership, support, and kindness that make our school such a special place for students to learn and grow.
We are looking forward to welcoming families to our Thanksgiving Luncheon next week—join us on Tuesday or Thursday as we celebrate together. Sharing a meal with our Eagle families is one of our favorite traditions, and we can’t wait to see you there.
Throughout November, we are cherishing the time we have with our students. They are truly beginning to glow with new learning—developing stronger reading, writing, and thinking skills each day. It is a joy to watch them SOAR as they stay Safe, Accountable, On-task, and Respectful in all they do.
Thank you for being a vital part of the adventure. South Jackson shines because of you!
Don’t miss our next All Pro Dad meeting on November 20th at 7:00 AM in the gym! One morning a month, dads and their kids spend quality time together before school, making lasting memories. RSVP Here.
We are thrilled to announce all JCSS schools are adopting the Raptor Safe mobile application as part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing school safety, while streamlining visitor management check-in at our schools. The Raptor Safe app builds upon existing visitor procedures, offering a more convenient and secure check-in process for visitors.
What is the Raptor Safe App?
The Raptor Safe app offers a convenient and secure way for visitors to manage and verify their identity before arriving at a school. With the Raptor Passport feature, visitors can pre-verify their identity, allowing for a seamless sign-in process when they arrive on campus.
How Does It Work?
When visiting a school, visitors can use their secure QR code generated by the app to expedite the check-in process. QR codes automatically regenerate every 5 minutes to ensure security and prevent misuse.
Getting Started
Click Here to access the Raptor Safe Set Up Guide
Mark your calendars! The Athens Rock Lobsters are hosting FOUR JCSS Foundation nights! A portion of every ticket sold will be donated back to the Foundation to support staff grants and student scholarships! Tickets are on sale now! Visit www.jcssfoundation.org/upcomingevents.
The SJ Reading Challenge is officially underway! Our Eagles are teaming up with the Athens Rock Lobsters in the Rocking & Reading Program to log 1,000 minutes of reading by December 17th. Students who reach their goal will earn a FREE Rock Lobsters game ticket!
Claws Up, and let’s get reading, Eagles!
The JCSS Foundation has partnered with the Atlanta Falcons for a fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 16, against the Carolina Panthers. You can purchase tickets by clicking here.
Show your Eagle pride with SJES Spirit Wear! From comfy sweatshirts and sweatpants to tees and shorts, we’ve got the perfect gear for every Eagle. Let’s fill the halls with Eagle spirit! #greatdayatsj https://jacksoncountyga.schoolwindow.com/estore/sjes.html
South Jackson Elementary is seeking Partners in Education for 2025–2026!
Do you know, visit, or own a business that wants to make a difference in our school community? We’d love for that business to join us as a Partner in Education!
Partnership packages include recognition opportunities such as:
✔️ Logo on our LED road sign
✔️ Logo in the yearbook
✔️ Logo in the Eagle Express parent newsletter
✔️ Table at Open House
Check out the flyer for details about available partnership packages. If you’re interested, please reach out. We’d love to connect!
We’re proud to celebrate this month’s Seven Mindsets Heroes for We Are Connected! These honorees remind us what it means to build strong relationships, show kindness, and lift others up. Congratulations to our recipients for demonstrating the power of connection and community at South Jackson!
Just a friendly reminder for our Eagle families—there’s no need to line up early for car rider pickup. Our line moves quickly and efficiently, taking only about 20 minutes from start to finish. Car rider dismissal begins at 2:40 and ends at 2:55. Arriving too early can block the school entrance, so we appreciate your help in keeping the process safe and smooth for all.
Safety is our top priority during arrival and dismissal. Help everyone stay on time and out of harm's way by following our trusty eagle timeline and car rider protocols. Staff will be on hand at the front of the school every day from 7:00-7:35 and 2:35-2:55 to ensure student safety.
South Jackson Elementary Named Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School
South Jackson Elementary School has been named a Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Lighthouse School, the highest honor bestowed upon the organization.
South Jackson Elementary School met the required criteria in nine performance areas of high performing schools required for the prestigious recognition. SJES was recognized for its student focus and support; school organization and culture; challenging standard and curriculum; active teaching and learning; technology and integration; professional community; leadership and education vitality; school, family and community partnerships; and indicators of success.
South Jackson Elementary School is the fifth school within the Jackson County School System to earn the prestigious honor, joining East Jackson Elementary School, Maysville Elementary School, East Jackson High School and West Jackson Middle School.
The Blue Ribbon Lighthouse certification lasts for five years for South Jackson Elementary School, during which time it will have the opportunity to collaborate on exemplary practices with other schools on a local, regional and national level, as well as providing mentoring and networking to schools actively seeking guidance and assistance on improvement initiatives.
Did you know we have our own Little Free Library? Located in the back parking lot near the trail entrance, this tiny library is filled with books waiting to be discovered. Feel free to stop by to take a book or leave a children's book for others to borrow; let's keep SJ Eagles reading!
The Nicholson Public Library has something for everyone! Check out the October events, and remember, students may use their JCSS lunch number to check out books!
Here Comes The Bus for the Jackson County School System is now live! Here Comes The Bus allows for families and students to track the location of their school bus. The app will notify families of morning and afternoon arrival, and is a great transportation enhancement. Please note the app may take 24-48 hours to update. If after a problem with the application arises following the update window, please contact the JCSS Transportation Department via email at transportation@jcss.us. #SuccessatJCSS #AllAroundExcellence
Scan the QR code below for the SJ Road List.
Infinite Campus
All families should set up an Infinite Campus Parent Portal Account. Click HERE to set up your child's account. This account allows you to receive important school messages through the Parent Square app. If you have trouble with this process, email Mrs. Embry at angie.embry@jcss.us After a parent portal account has been activated, please allow 24 hours for the information to sync with the Parent Square app to be able to message teachers. If you are unable to use Parent Square at any time, please send your child's teacher an email.
Thank you to our Partners in Education! Your support means so much to our school community.