The Eagle Express
News & Updates from
South Jackson Elementary School
Embedded Files
Upcoming Events:
Open House on July 28th for New Families at 1:30 PM and 2:00-5:00 PM for Returning Families
We are really looking forward to celebrating the accomplishments our students made in both achievement and growth over the last three days of the school year next week! It is hard to believe we have come to the end of another school year. Our Eagles truly glowed bright this year, and we are going to miss seeing all of our students over the summer.
As you head into summer adventures, remember to keep those skills sharp! Read something every day, whether it’s a book, a comic, a recipe, or even the signs on a road trip. Practice your math skills at the grocery store, while helping measure ingredients, or during car rides to your next adventure.
Most of all, enjoy your time with family and friends, make wonderful memories, and come back ready to soar even higher next year. We are so proud of all you accomplished this year, Eagles!
This summer, SJ is teaming up with the Nicholson Library to help our Eagles keep reading all summer long through the “Unearth a Story” Summer Reading Program!
Students can track their reading by coloring in spaces for books or reading minutes and earn special prizes along the way from the library. Even better, students who return their completed Summer Reading Log to Ms. Embry when school begins again will earn a special reward at SJ! A reading log will be sent home. Additionally, you may pick one up at your local Piedmont Regional Library location, or click here to print.
In addition to the reading challenge, the Harold S. Swindle Public Library in Nicholson has an AMAZING lineup of summer events including dinosaur adventures, petting zoos, slime bar, laser tag, crafts, water slides, and more! Click here to see an overview of each event and suggested age participation.
The Piedmont Regional Library System also has great summer events happening at all library locations! Learn more here: Piedmont Regional Library System Summer Reading Program.
Big Summer Goals for Small Readers!
Calling all SJ families! While our big kids are crushing their summer reading logs, did you know our littlest learners have a challenge of their own?
We’re so excited to support the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program! It sounds like a big number, but it’s easier than you think: 1 book a day = 365 books a year, 3 books a day = 1,095 books in just one year!
Whether it's a bedtime story, a library read-aloud, or reading their favorite book for the 50th time (yes, repeats count!), every single one helps build their brain and their love for reading. Plus, there are fun prizes and milestones along the way!
Let’s show our SJ spirit and get those pages turning! Sign up and track your progress here: https://www.prlib.org/1000books
They did it! Our admin officially finished every lap of the Principals’ Marathon challenge, and what an incredible celebration of reading it has been!
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
Summer fun is just around the corner with the 2026 Summer Camps from Jackson County School System. With a variety of engaging options for students and many camps costing $75 or less, there is something for everyone to learn, explore, and stay active all summer long.
Find the full list of camps and register here: www.jacksonschoolsga.org/summercamps
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
Registration for the 2026-27 Pre-Kindergarten Lottery is now OPEN! Families can visit www.jacksonschoolsga.org/prek to learn more about eligibility requirements. Pre-K programs are available at all seven JCSS elementary schools. The lottery drawing will take place in March, and families will be notified of their enrollment status.
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 are so proud to recognize one outstanding teacher and one incredible student who truly embody “The Time is Now.” Through their leadership, positivity, and daily actions, they inspire those around them to be their very best. We are so proud of you both; thank you for making a difference at SJ!
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!
JCSSCanvasParentLogin.pdf
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.
Every day is a great day at SJ!
Every day is a great day at SJ!
Page updated
Report abuse