Week of February 16, 2026 Newsletter

At West Jackson Middle School, our mission is to empower students, educators, and our community for success. We bring this to life through our Three Panther Pathways: Achievement, Collaboration, and Engagement.

Each week, we’ll highlight how our students, teachers, and families are demonstrating these pathways—whether it’s through academic excellence, teamwork, or innovative learning experiences.

How Can You Get Involved?
We’d love to hear from YOU! If you see a great example of the Panther Pathways in action—whether it’s your student showing leadership, a teacher going above and beyond, or a community member supporting our school—share it with us! Email rhawk@jcss.us or tag us on social media using #PantherPathways to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

Together, we make WJMS a place where every Panther thrives!

School Announcements

Feb. 24th Spring Sports Picture Day

Upcoming Dates

***ATTENTION RISING 9th GRADERS***

Jackson County High School invites families of rising 9th grade students to attend our Rising 9th Grade Scheduling Night, an opportunity to receive personalized guidance as students prepare for the transition to high school.

During this event, families will meet individually with JCHS faculty members to discuss:

Course options and levels (On-Level, Honors, AP)
Pathways and elective opportunities
Best-fit academic planning for each student’s first year of high school

Event Details:
Location: JCHS Café

Time: 4:30–6:30 PM

Dates (by last name):

February 12 – A–L
February 19 – M–Z

This event is focused on guidance and planning. Final schedules will not be issued, but families will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive individualized support to help make informed decisions.

Please see the attached flyer for additional details. We look forward to partnering with you to ensure a strong and confident start to high school.

***RISING 9th GRADERS***

See the flier for more information about taking the Health/PE course over the summer.

Our 2025-2026 Yearbook is on sale! Scan the QR Code or go to the website to order your student's copy today! Last day to order is March 1st, no exceptions!

School Updates

Please download the Box Tops App using our referral code TD9F6SH7 or by scanning this QR code and our school will get $5. Each time you shop, just scan your receipt in the box tops app and money will go back to our school.

Shop for you and help our school! Link your Kroger card to our school and each time you shop, our school will get a percentage back.

Get the apps! Stay up to date on our school's communication, your student's course work, and your student's course grades.

Click the links below to learn about logging in to the apps and further navigation.

If you need further assistance, contact Ms. Hawk at rhawk@jcss.us

Needing to drop your student off at school early? Enroll for our Before School Care which opens every instructional day at 6:30AM.

School Information

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. Learn more by visiting www.jacksonschoolsga.org/raptorsafe.

WJMS Families, it is incredibly important that students are coming to school each day with their Chromebooks and that the Chromebook is fully charged. When students do not have their resources, it puts the student behind in daily assignments which have to be completed at a later time. Please help us by reminding your student to have their supplies and be best prepared for the day!

As a reminder, students should not bring in any outside food from restaurants. This will help with concerns about food safety, potential disruptions in the classroom, managing food allergies among students, and maintaining the cleanliness of the school environment.

🔗Click here for the current lunch menus for your school.

Thank you for your help!

Families, please remember that 1st period instruction begins promptly at 8:45 AM each day. To ensure students are in class and ready to learn on time, they need to be in the building no later than 8:40 AM. This allows them time to get to their classrooms and prepare for the day ahead.

Thank you for your help in supporting a smooth start to the school day!

Your best school supply is a library card! JCSS has partnered with the Piedmont Regional Library System, and conveniently, your student ID number acts as a library card for your public library! The public library provides free access to books and online resources to help you succeed, as well as fun resources that help develop a lifelong love of reading.

To view the 2025-26 calendar, click here.

Get involved at WJMS!

Birthday Shout Outs

Give your student a birthday shoutout on our digital signage. Click here to order your shoutout!

Boost your business and sponsor our school!

We are looking for dedicated families and businesses to sponsor our school. This is a great chance for you to give back to the community of students that becoming great leaders! Email wjmspantherspto@gmail.com for more information.

Snapshots From Around WJMS

Football was the theme and math was the task! Ms. Campbell's classes used their math skills to move through several problem solving challenges to score touchdowns, earn points, and win. Our students were engaged and work diligently to show all that they know.

7 Mindsets of the Month

Congratulations to our 7 Mindsets representatives for being 100% Accountable! Both Anderson Terry and Ms. Amber Cannon consistently grow toward a high standard and excellence in the classroom, displaying accountability through their work and their instruction. We are proud to have them as #onlythebestatwjms!