The Eagle Express
News & Updates from
South Jackson Elementary School
The Eagle Express
News & Updates from
South Jackson Elementary School
Dear South Jackson Families,
What an exciting Friday we had today! This afternoon, our students got to spread their wings in Eagle Experiences—and the energy was incredible. Students met in experiential clubs based on their own interests, and we loved seeing the buzz of excitement as they tried something new or deepened a passion.
With more than 30 different opportunities, our Eagles explored everything from Podcasting to Drumline, Gardening to Construction—and so much more in between. These hands-on experiences are not just fun; they’re powerful ways to build motivation, spark curiosity, and give our students early exposure to skills that will support them on the path to being college and career ready.
We are proud to offer these adventures because we know that when students are engaged in learning they care about, they soar even higher. Thank you for your support as we continue to create meaningful opportunities for every child to explore, grow, and dream big.
Soaring together,
Amy, Heather, and Em
Don’t miss our next All Pro Dad meeting on October 30th at 7:00 AM in the gym! One morning a month, dads and their kids spend quality time together before school, making lasting memories.
South Jackson Elementary School has been named Heart Safe School by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Learn more by visiting www.jacksonschoolsga.org/news.
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!
SJ’s Mindset Heroes for Everything is Possible are recognized for dreaming big, embracing creativity, thinking positively, and taking action even when faced with setbacks. They inspire our Eagles to set high expectations, appreciate their unique talents, and see that with the right mindset, everything is possible!
We had a great time honoring Coach Scott McCall at the district TOTY/SPOTY Banquet! We missed Coach Scott Bess, but we’re so proud of both of our amazing coaches and the positive impact they make every day at SJES!
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.
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 Jackson County School System will once again be participating in the annual Bus Safety Poster Contest sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education. Interested students should contact their school's art teacher for more information!
Calling All SJ Innovators!
Bring your ideas to life; the JCSS Student Technology Competition is coming! Show off your skills in animation, game design, robotics, graphic design, multimedia, and MORE. Winners from our school will advance to the district level.
Open to all students in third through fifth grades, and projects are due by November 3rd.
Learn more and see all the categories HERE.
Join
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!
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 Partner in Education! Your support means so much to our school community.