Happening This Week:
Embedded Files
Tuesday, October 28th:
Jaxco Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat, 5-7 PM
Friday, October 31st:
Friday Night Lights Theme: FRIGHT NIGHT
Athletic Events are posted in the Athletics section below.
🎃 Join Us for the Jaxco Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat! 🎃
We’re inviting all Westside families to come out for an evening of food, games, and trunk-or-treat fun on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 5–7 PM at Jackson County High School. Admission is free for everyone!
Come out for a spooktacular night of community fun — we can’t wait to see you there!
October 31st Reminder
Costumes, masks, props, and face or body paint are not allowed at Jackson County High School on Friday, October 31.
We’ll be following our regular dress code policy.
Thank you for your cooperation, and have a fun and safe Halloween!
Upperclassmen Information Night
Current juniors and seniors—and their families—are invited to Jackson County High School on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 5:30–7:15 PM for an evening designed to help you plan, prepare, and take your next step after high school.
💡 Featured Sessions
Choose from sessions on college prep, dual enrollment, work-based learning, and more:
The Power of 5: Your College Prep Essentials
Planning for Life After High School: Enrolled, Employed, Enlisted
Countdown to Graduation: All Things Senior Year
Dual Enrollment: Get Ahead in College
Healthy Relationships 101 (presented by Peace Place)
Work-Based Learning: Learn, Earn & Prepare
Building Your Senior Year Schedule with Purpose
Visit information tables featuring Peace Place, Military Recruiters, Upward Bound (UGA), Project Aware, HSYP, Wellness Workshops, and Local Employers.
Action-Packed Learning at Choe’s Hapkido!
Students from Ms. Harris, Ms. Sharpton, Ms. Townley, and Mr. Son’s classes had an action-packed visit to Choe’s Hapkido in Jefferson! 🥋 They learned awesome new skills and got to see some incredible demonstrations in action!
Work-Based Learning Spotlight
JCHS senior Jaxon Dowdie is gaining real-world experience this year through the Work-Based Learning (WBL) program with Caterpillar in Bogart. Because Jaxon completed most of his graduation requirements before senior year, he is scheduled in three WBL blocks each semester for the full school year. Jaxon has already completed and passed three CTAE pathways — Agricultural Mechanics & Electrical Systems, Agricultural Metal Fabrication, and Agricultural Mechanics — and he is on track to finish a fourth pathway in Nursery & Landscape next semester. At Caterpillar, Jaxon works as a welding apprentice, operating both robotic systems and manual MIG welding equipment to help produce high-strength construction machinery.
Students in Ms. Uesseler’s Spanish II class are mastering their conversational skills through collaborative task card activities.
Working in pairs and small groups, they read and respond to real-world questions—demonstrating their understanding of the current grammar concept while personalizing each answer. ¡Excelente trabajo, Panthers!
Work It Wednesday Spotlight 💡The Algebra team made learning interactive this week by greeting each student at the door with a question connected to what they’re learning in class. It was a fun, high-energy way to review key concepts before the break — and to remind everyone that learning happens everywhere at JCHS!
Mr. Smith’s Forensics students are putting their investigative skills to the test with a honeycomb lab! Students explored how bees and honey can play a surprising role in solving crimes — using science to uncover the clues hidden in nature.
Coach Mitchem’s U.S. History students dove into decoding the Zimmerman Telegram as they explored the causes behind America’s entry into World War I. Hands-on activities like this help students connect history to real-world decision-making and critical thinking.
Ms. Cronin’s Spanish I students put their collaboration skills to work this week! Using flashcard words, they formed complete sentences in Spanish — learning, laughing, and supporting one another along the way.
Ms. Pitman and Ms. Cox had students diving into the world of archetypes—exploring what makes a hero truly heroic. Students analyzed drawings of famous heroes, looking closely at the colors, expressions, and traits that define them in both pop culture and literature. A creative and thoughtful look into storytelling at its best!
Ms. Bong and Mr. Tinnell had the band hard at work perfecting their amazing show! Their dedication and teamwork continue to shine through each performance.
International Club
Plastic Films Challenge
Environmental Club
Socktober continues! Get your socks while you can! Find us at the football games!
Announcements from the Counseling Department
Click HERE to open the Counseling Department's announcements in a new window.
College-Bound Panthers — Don’t Miss These Test Deadlines!
Planning to take the SAT or ACT this school year? Be sure to register before the upcoming deadlines!
SAT & ACT registration dates are now posted — don’t wait until the late deadline (extra fees apply!).
Take charge of your college prep and get registered today!
Scan the QR codes on the graphics or select the links below:
UGA Rural Scholars Program
UGA Young Scholars Program
Georgia Gwinnett College Preview Day
Bookmark the Jaxco Class of 2026 Senior Information Site!
Bookmark the Senior Website HERE. This site will have the latest information about senior celebrations and graduation.
Don’t miss out on scholarship opportunities!
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.
Advance Notice – Early Release on December 17th
We would like to provide families with advance notice regarding the final exam schedule in December.
Tuesday, December 16th will follow a regular school schedule, with students completing their third and fourth period exams.
Wednesday, December 17th will be an early release day as students take their first and second period exams in the morning.
On December 17th:
Car riders and students who drive may leave campus at 10:56 AM.
Lunch will be served for all students from 10:56–11:20 AM.
Bus riders will be dismissed at 11:25 AM.
The full first semester exam schedule is available HERE.
The second semester exam schedule will be shared at a later date.
We hope this early notice helps families plan ahead as we approach the end of the semester.
Athens Rock Lobsters - October Reading Minutes
Hey Students! Don’t forget to submit your October reading log minutes for the Claws Up for Reading Rock Lobsters Reading Challenge! Every minute counts—and all student entrants are automatically entered into our monthly prize drawing!
PLUS… students who reach the challenge goal of 1,000 minutes by January 1 will earn the grand prize: a FREE Rock Lobsters game ticket!
Log your minutes this week and let’s read and rock the rink!
Mark Your Calendar!
The Jaxco Holiday Market is happening Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10 AM–4 PM at 152 Jaxco Jct, Hoschton, GA.
Kick off the holiday season on Small Business Saturday by shopping unique gifts from local vendors and spending a festive day with family and friends. Admission is FREE—we can’t wait to see you there!
Vendor applications are available through the QR code on the flyer or by clicking HERE.
Certificate of Enrollment
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.
Buy Your Yearbook Today!
Don't miss your chance to own a piece of Jackson County history. Order your 2025-26 yearbook today at www.yearbookordercenter.com. Secure your copy at the lowest price of the year.
JCSS Foundation Nights with the Athens Rock Lobsters
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.
JSLT Thrifting Extravaganza
Jackson County High School’s student leadership team is excited to host our first Thrifting Extravaganza on December 3–5. During the event, JCHS students will be able to “shop” for new or gently used clothing—completely free! We’re now collecting donations of clothing in all sizes (children through adult), so if you’re cleaning out your closets, we’d love to give your items a second life with our students.
Donations accepted at the JCHS front office through November 26.
Thank you so much for supporting our students and helping make this event a success!
Celebrate Our Teachers’ IMPACT
At JCHS, teachers make a difference every day by inspiring, motivating, and supporting students in powerful ways. If a teacher has had an IMPACT on your year, lift them up by completing the IMPACT Teacher Form.
📲 Scan the QR code or click HERE
Let’s recognize the teachers who truly make a lasting impact at JCHS.
Jackson County School System Day with the Falcons
The Jackson County School System Foundation is excited to announce a new partnership with the Atlanta Falcons! The JCSS Foundation will be taking part in Jackson County School System Day with the Falcons when they host divisional rival Carolina on Nov. 16. Five dollars of every ticket sold will be awarded back to the JCSS Foundation! Purchase tickets online by visiting www.gofevo.com/event/jacksoncounty30.
Seal of Biliteracy Testing
Are you fluent in a language other than English?
Students interested in taking the test to earn the Seal of Biliteracy should contact Mrs. Hoppe (nhoppe@jcss.us).
The test will be conducted during the third week of November. All payment is due through School Window by November 4.
More information about the Seal of Biliteracy and the languages offered is available here.
Facebook: @jacksoncountyhighschool
Instagram: @jchspanthers
X: @panthers_jchs
JCHS PTO Facebook: @JAXCOPTO
Visit the Jackson County High School website for more information!
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