EOC exams will begin next week at Jackson County High School, marking the start of our semester testing season. Final exams are scheduled for December 16 and 17, 2025, with early release for all students on December 17.

We encourage students to be present and well-rested on all exam days. If you have questions about testing procedures or exam expectations, the attached graphic provides helpful details and a complete overview of the schedule.

Download the JCHS Final Exam Schedule HERE.

Thank you for your support as we finish out the semester strong. We’re proud of our students, and we appreciate you partnering with us throughout exams!

Students, don’t forget to log your November reading minutes for the Claws Up for Reading Rock Lobsters Challenge! Whether you’re reading or listening to audiobooks, every minute counts.

Submitting your minutes this month automatically enters you in our Dunkin’ gift card drawing, so be sure to get yours in.

And remember: Reach 1,000 total minutes by January 1 and you’ll earn a FREE Rock Lobsters game ticket as the grand prize!

Use this link to submit your minutes and keep the pages—and audio—going!

If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Weldon in the Jaxco Library Learning Commons.

✨ When: December 1st • 3:30 – 5:30 PM

✨ Where: The Blackbox Theatre

Interested in being part of the magic?

🎤 Actors, Dancers  & Singers:

• Sign up for an audition slot starting November 17th (sign-up sheet outside the Blackbox).

• Songs must be from Mary Poppins the Musical.

• 60 second instrumental version! No singers with you! 

• Dance portion required! 

🎭 Tech Crew:

• Interested in backstage, costumes, lights, or sound? Pick up a tech packet outside the Blackbox!

• All students (cast or crew) must pick up an audition/tech packet for details and forms and submit them by Monday, December 1st! 

☂️ Questions?

•  Ask Ms. Taylor (etaylor@jcss.us) for more information!

On Tuesday, December 2nd, we celebrate National Special Education Day and recognize the outstanding work of our JCHS Special Education team. Their commitment to supporting diverse learners, building strong relationships, and creating an inclusive school environment makes a meaningful difference every day.

We are grateful for all they do for our students and our school community!

Owen Kidwell, Diploma Program Candidate ‘26

• Defining IB learner profile trait: Caring 🩵

• Favorite IB class: IB History of the Americas 🗽

• Favorite IB teacher: Mr. Taylor 🧑‍🏫

• Go-to study snack: Munchies Snack Mix 🥨

• Favorite club/sport/activity: Lacrosse 🥍

• Favorite song/artist/show right now: Elevation Worship 🎶

• Dream career: Helping others  👥

• Why IB? “It’s rigorous but open-ended. It’s structured, but the questions allow us to think.”

JCHS senior Chase Webb has already found his future in the electrical field, and he’s using the Work-Based Learning (WBL) program to jump-start his career. Chase spends two afternoon WBL blocks each day working for Glawson Electric, where he is gaining real-world experience as part of the Independent Electrical Contractor (IEC) apprenticeship program.

Becoming a nationally certified electrician requires two major components: 8,000 hours of on-the-job training over four years and 576 hours of classroom instruction. Thanks to WBL, Chase is getting an early start on both. This year, he’s already putting in hands-on hours at job sites and attending IEC classes. He is currently learning to read blueprints and developing the skills needed to quote electrical jobs—experience that will carry him well into his future career.

Jackson County High School students recently participated in the Basketball Special Olympics Games. Our athletes represented JCHS with outstanding teamwork, determination, and Panther pride. It was a meaningful day of sportsmanship and celebration, and we are incredibly proud of the way they supported one another and gave their best throughout the event.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for last week’s Winter Art Exhibition in the Jaxco Gallery. The turnout was fantastic, and it was wonderful to see families, students, and community members exploring the ceramics, photography, and visual art pieces created by our talented JCHS students.

The gallery was filled with thoughtful conversation, excitement, and pride as guests viewed the work our students have crafted this semester. Their creativity and effort truly shined.

We appreciate the support of our Panther community in celebrating student artistry and making the evening such a success.

Our JCHS chorus students delivered a beautiful performance at last week’s Winter Chorus Concert. Their preparation and musicianship were evident throughout the evening, and we are proud of the hard work they put into sharing this program with our community.

A special thank-you to Mrs. Green for her direction and support of our students. We also appreciate everyone who attended and helped make the night meaningful for our performers.

Our staff proudly showed off their college and university gear today in celebration of November’s Apply to College Month!

This statewide initiative encourages Georgia seniors to explore their postsecondary options and take important steps toward their future—whether that path leads to college, career training, or another exciting opportunity.

Thank you to our JCHS faculty and staff for sparking conversations, sharing your own journeys, and inspiring our students to dream big. Your support makes all the difference!

Bookmark the Senior Website HERE. This site will have the latest information about senior celebrations and graduation.

Check the Counselor’s Corner announcements each week in the Panther Press and visit the JCHS Scholarship Database regularly for the most up-to-date scholarships and resources to support your plans after graduation.

You’re invited to join in on all the holiday fun by participating in our December Dress-Up Days right alongside your teachers and staff. Pick a few favorites or jump in for all of them—it’s completely up to you!

Each day has a festive theme, and we can’t wait to see your creativity, school spirit, and holiday cheer all month long. Let’s make December the most joyful, cozy, and colorful month of the year at JCHS!

Friendly reminder: All dress-up outfits must follow the school dress code and be appropriate for the school day. Please also remember that face paint and body paint are not allowed.

December Dress-Up Days

• December 1 – Sweater Weather: Wear your coziest holiday sweater.

• December 2 – Feelin’ Frosty: Dress in icy blues, whites, or winter-inspired outfits.

• December 3 – Candy Cane Express: Rock red, white, or stripes.

• December 4 – 100% Grinch: Wear green or Grinch-themed gear.

• December 5 – Santa’s Workshop: Dress like elves, reindeer, or Santa’s helpers.

• December 8 – Christmas Carols: Wear something inspired by your favorite holiday song.

• December 9 – Holiday Hair, Don’t Care: Fun, festive, or crazy holiday hair.

• December 10 – Merry Merry Morning: Wear PJs or comfy “Christmas morning” clothes — all pajamas must follow dress code and be school-appropriate.

• December 11 – Holiday Glow-Up: Sparkles, lights, shine—anything that glows.

• December 12 – Channel for Flannel: Wear cozy flannel or plaid.

• December 15 – Buddy the Elf: Dress like Buddy or wear bright elf colors.

• December 16 – Christmas Movie Marathon: Rep your favorite holiday movie or character.

• December 17 – Hawaiian X-mas: Tropical holiday vibes—leis, florals, island Christmas wear.

Students: If you plan to obtain your learner’s permit or driver’s license within the next 30 days, please request your Certificate of School Enrollment and ADAP Certificate by visiting the JCHS website (Families & Students → JCHS Forms → Certificate of Enrollment for Driver’s License) or visit this link.

Once requested, certificates will be ready for pickup in the front office the NEXT DAY after 1:00 PM.

For questions, please email Mrs. Armendariz at larmendariz@jcss.us.

Mark your calendars! The Athens Rock Lobsters are hosting 4 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.