Embedded Files
Feb 24-28
Feb 24-28
This week we have PBIS meetings, Dept meetings, and Team Leads. Please be on the lookout for details to those meetings.
Grade 8 West Team made the news on Friday with their learning experience with Idaho Transportation Department's Snow Plow simulators. Thank you Mrs. Lumley for organizing this learning experience.
Spring Conferences March 6th 12:00-7:30
Spring Conferences March 6th 12:00-7:30
We have 2 weeks before Spring Conferences. Please make sure all students have the opportunity to come for conferences. Please prepare to share information with parents in the following areas:
Learning goals + "I Can Statements"
Progress on goals
Supporting students learning at home
Jenifer Middle School in the News
Jenifer Middle School in the News
Idaho Music Educators Festival debuts in Lewiston, uniting 630 students statewide
Idaho Music Educators Festival debuts in Lewiston, uniting 630 students statewide
Jenifer Middle School students explore snowplow operations with 'Plowabunga' visit
Jenifer Middle School students explore snowplow operations with 'Plowabunga' visit
From KLEW New: by Daniela Julio-Cano - Fri, February 21st 2025 at 4:20 PM
LEWISTON, ID — Students at Jenifer Middle School had a unique opportunity to learn about snowplow operations firsthand as they welcomed "Plowabunga," one of the newly named snowplows in District Two. The visit was part of the Idaho Transportation Department's first annual "Name a Snowplow" contest, which allowed eighth-grade students across the state to name 12 snowplows, two in each ITD district.
Here in North-Central Idaho "Plowabunga" was named by a local Lewiston student.
" Plowabunga is one of many plows that the fleet that the public can own. Are goal is to name all the plows across the entire state," Idaho Transportation Department District 2 Public Information Officer Mark Pfeifer said.
In Grangeville, another student got to name the second snowplow "Alpha Storm One".
During the visit, students were given a tour of the snowplow, learning about the intricate controls and technology operators use. They also had the chance to ring the airhorn, a highlight for many.
"Today the students got to climb up into the cab, see the intricate controls the operators have top technology at their fingertips. They, of course, got to ring the famous horn, the airhorn on there, so many students found that quite quickly," said an ITD representative.
Additionally, students experienced a snowplow simulator, providing them with a realistic view of what it's like to drive a snowplow.
Mark Pfeifer, ITD District Two Public Information Officer, emphasized the importance of snowplows in maintaining road safety during winter.
"Please know that we're out there to help keep you guys safe. They too want to get home to their families, the operators. They're out there 24/7 rain, snow, or shine," said Pfeifer.
This winter season, ITD has reported a total of 10 strikes involving snowplows. To prevent further incidents, the department urges drivers to slow down, create space, and avoid passing snowplows on the right.
jms Spelling Bee
jms Spelling Bee
Thank you for holding your class Spelling Bees last week. This week will be the whole school Spelling Bee on Wednesday, February 26th at 8:30-10:00 in the library. Below are the list of Spelling Bee participants. Thank you Justin for running the Spelling Bee!
Thank you for holding your class Spelling Bees last week. This week will be the whole school Spelling Bee on Wednesday, February 26th at 8:30-10:00 in the library. Below are the list of Spelling Bee participants. Thank you Justin for running the Spelling Bee!
Spring Conferences March 6 12-7:30
Spring Conferences March 6 12-7:30
We have 2 weeks before Spring Conferences. Please make sure all students have the opportunity to come for conferences. Please prepare to share information with parents in the following areas:
Learning goals + "I Can Statements"
Progress on goals
Supporting students learning at home
Please make sure that conferences are scheduled in 20min intervals and dinner time is consistent starting at 3:00.
Please make sure that conferences are scheduled in 20min intervals and dinner time is consistent starting at 3:00.
Semester 2 Observations for
Semester 2 Observations for
Teacher Evaluations
Teacher Evaluations
It is time to book semester 2 observations.
Please book your semester 2 observation by the end of the day February 28th. Use this link to book your observation: https://calendar.app.google/AVX1K2RpvRwH83ZN6
I have blocked March 3 through April 25th as dates for observations. Attached are the teachers that need to sign up for a semester 2 observation:
Maurer, Kevin
Henry, Bethany
Akin, Warren
Beckman, Joy
Doering, Feliza
Helt, Katy
Hoyt, Brandon
Lumley, Tara
McLeod, Mary
Norwood, Kelly
Ohrtman-Rogers, Heather
Peterson, Ryan
Reed, Desirae
Thompson, Will
Turner, Laura
Wolf, Heidi
McCall, Ali
Miller, Justin
Washburn, Julian
Rodrigues, Tatyana
All first year teachers will go through the formal process of scheduling a pre/post meeting conference.
Dates for Your Diary Feb 2025!
Dates for Your Diary Feb 2025!
February Week 4 - Feb 24-28
Dept Meetings this week & No Staff Meeting
Tuesday, Feb 25 - PBIS Meeting for Tier 1 and 2
Pep Assembly at 2:10
Wednesday, Feb 26 - Danielson Meeting - 3:30-5:00
Whole School Spelling Bee
Thursday, Feb 27 - Team Leads - 3:00-3:30
Friday, Feb 28 - Deadline to submit ESP & Teacher of the Year
March Week 1 - March 3-7
Monday, March 3 - Wrestling at LHS - JEN vs SAC
Tuesday, March 4 - New Teacher Meeting
Quarter 3 Concert - 6:00-8:00
Thursday, March 6 - Conferences
Friday, March 7 - No School
Feb 18-21
Feb 18-21
Thank you for your work last week during professional development. I appreciated the time you spent to write letters of appreciation to our colleagues.
Our next PD is March 12th. The next PD will focus on achievement. We only have 3 more PDs for the year and the next 2 need to have an achievement focus to support our work to reach our school achievement goals. Additionally, part of this PD will be blocked for staff members to share what they learned at the IMLA conference.
Secret Staff Spirit Week
Secret Staff Spirit Week
Thank you for participating in the Secret Staff Spirit Week. It was lots of fun to watch our students try and figure out what was going on with our daily themes!
School Safety and Security
School Safety and Security
On Thursday, February 13th, we had Mark Feddersen visit our school. He is a school safety analyst. He shared some recommendations to support our work to continue to improve our safety protocols. He will visit with us at a staff meeting on March 19th.
IMLA + IPMP Conference Debrief
IMLA + IPMP Conference Debrief
There was lots to learn from the IMLA+IPMP conferences that I attended February 6th - 8th. At our next PD staff members will share out what their main takeaways were from the conferences.
Spring Conferences March 6th 12:00-7:30
Spring Conferences March 6th 12:00-7:30
We have 3 weeks before Spring Conferences. Please make sure all students have the opportunity to come for conferences. Please prepare to share information with parents in the following areas:
Learning goals + "I Can Statements"
Progress on goals
Supporting students learning at home
Fire Drill - February 21 around noon
Fire Drill - February 21 around noon
We have a Fire Drill on February 21 at noon. This will be at a peak transition time for our students. There will be some issues with the drill because of the transitions. Please share any feedback that you have to improve for future drills.
IMLA Conference
IMLA Conference
There was lots to learn from the IMLA conference. Firstly, Region 2 is underrepresented. We need to have representatives at the conferences to make sure we are collaborating and sharing best practices with our fellow Idaho Middle School educators.
Staffing - Still Recruiting for a Math IA
Staffing - Still Recruiting for a Math IA
We've had two different people try out the Math IA position. So far this hasn't materialzed into a longer term fill for the job. We will keep trying and if you know someone who might be a great candidate for this job, please encourage them to apply.
Goal Setting Template for teams
Goal Setting Template for teams
Attached is the template to use for students setting semester 2 or quarter 3 goals.
As semester 2 gets under way, we want to see our students setting and tracking progress with their goals. Teams need to have students review their work habit comments from their semester 1 report card and look for themes to develop a goal.
Please check with students to see who are willing to share their goals publicly.
Teacher of the Year & ESP of the YEar
Teacher of the Year & ESP of the YEar
Roadshow coming to Jenifer on Feb 18 at staff meeting
Roadshow coming to Jenifer on Feb 18 at staff meeting
Please nominate your ESP and Teachers of the year! We have a few weeks left that staff members can use to nominate their colleauges for this prestigious award!
Tchr of Year-Cover-25-26.docxInformation & Timeline
Information & Timeline
Tchr of Year-Nom 2025-2026.docxNomination Form
Nomination Form
2024-2025 ESPoftheYearNominationForm.docx2024-2025-ESPoftheYearTimeline
2024-2025-ESPoftheYearTimeline
2024-2025-ESPoftheYearTimeline-1.docx2024-2025 ESP of the Year Nomination Form
2024-2025 ESP of the Year Nomination Form
Students of the Month for January
Students of the Month for January
Attached are the students who were selected for student of the month for January. If you need access to any of the documents, you should be able to download.
Spelling Bee
Spelling Bee
Thank you to the ELA teachers that have shared their Class Spelling Bee winners. Our School Spelling Bee will be held on February 26th in the library.
Spring Conferences March 6 12-7:30
Spring Conferences March 6 12-7:30
We have 3 weeks before Spring Conferences. Please make sure all students have the opportunity to come for conferences. Please prepare to share information with parents in the following areas:
Learning goals + "I Can Statements"
Progress on goals
Supporting students learning at home
Please make sure that conferences are scheduled in 20min intervals and dinner time is consistent starting at 3:00.
Please make sure that conferences are scheduled in 20min intervals and dinner time is consistent starting at 3:00.
School Safety and Security
School Safety and Security
On Thursday, February 13th, we had Mark Feddersen visit our school. He is a school safety analyst. He shared some recommendations to support our work to continue to improve our safety protocols. He will visit with us at a staff meeting on March 19th.
Some recommendations:
Any guest on campus - Staff should contact to verify purpose and ensure they have signed in at the office.
Need to have a visitor pass
Signage - Directions to office and notification of video surveillance as well as no weapons on campus.
Intercom Training - All staff can access the intercom if needed.
Fire Drill on Friday Feb 21
Fire Drill on Friday Feb 21
Internet Safety with
Internet Safety with
Officer Kent
Officer Kent
Officer Kent will has continued his internet safety lessons with grade 6 and 7. Grade 8 will need to use the schedule below to sign up for their lesson. Please schedule lessons between March 3 - March 14.
Also, have a look at this cool interactive game from Google to develop internet safety: https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us/interland/
Semester 2 Observations for
Semester 2 Observations for
Teacher Evaluations
Teacher Evaluations
It is time to book semester 2 observations.
Please book your semester 2 observation by the end of the day February 28th.
I have blocked March 3 through April 25th as dates for observations. Attached are the teachers that need to sign up for a semester 2 observation:
Maurer, Kevin
Henry, Bethany
Akin, Warren
Beckman, Joy
Doering, Feliza
Helt, Katy
Hoyt, Brandon
Lumley, Tara
McLeod, Mary
Norwood, Kelly
Ohrtman-Rogers, Heather
Peterson, Ryan
Reed, Desirae
Stamper, Angie
Thompson, Will
Turner, Laura
Wolf, Heidi
McCall, Ali
Miller, Justin
Washburn, Julian
Rodrigues, Tatyana
All first year teachers will go through the formal process of scheduling a pre/post meeting conference.
Dates for Your Diary Feb 2025!
Dates for Your Diary Feb 2025!
February Week 3 - Feb 18-21
Tuesday, Feb 18 - Staff Meeting at 7:50 in room 101
Middle School Group Meeting 3:30-5:00
Wednesday, Feb 19 - New Teacher Meeting 3:00-3:30
Grade 8 Assembly during advisory
Thursday, Feb 20 - ELA Pilot Meeting
Friday, Feb 21 - Fire Drill at Noon
February Week 4 - Feb 24-28
Dept Meetings this week & No Staff Meeting
Tuesday, Feb 25 - PBIS Meeting for Tier 1 and 2
Wednesday, Feb 26 - Danielson Meeting - 3:30-5:00
Whole School Spelling Bee
Thursday, Feb 27 - Team Leads - 3:00-3:30
Friday, Feb 28 - Deadline to submit ESP & Teacher of the Year
March Week 1 - March 3-7
Monday, March 3 - Wrestling at LHS - JEN vs SAC
Tuesday, March 4 - New Teacher Meeting
Quarter 3 Concert - 6:00-8:00
Thursday, March 6 - Conferences
Friday, March 7 - No School
Feb 3-7
Feb 3-7
PBIS & Be Good People
PBIS & Be Good People
Be Good People is a resource that we will use with our PBIS program. Thank you Katy and Quinn for your work to share and guide us in using the resource.
Staff Meeting on Monday Feb 3 on SARP
Staff Meeting on Monday Feb 3 on SARP
This week we will have a morning staff meeting on Monday, February 3rd. This meeting will focus on the SARP process. We are continuing to develop our resources for SARP and restorative elements connected to the program.
VIVI Training
VIVI Training
VIVI training on Monday went well. Those with VIVI in the their classes will now be able to integrate this technology successfully. Mr. Ayers has offered to support where needed, so if you still need help getting started, please let us know.
Goal Setting - Question 10 from Cognia
Goal Setting - Question 10 from Cognia
As semester 2 gets under way, we want to see our students setting and tracking progress with their goals. Teams need to have students review their work habit comments from their semester 1 report card and look for themes to develop a goal.
Additional Committee and Event Updates
Additional Committee and Event Updates
Secondary ELA Pilot Meeting - Moved from February 5th to February 20th
Aaron away for Idaho Principal Mentoring Project - February 5th - 7th in Boise
IMLA Conference - February 7th (Aaron, Katy, Kinsey, Jessi, Will, Desirae, and Mary) Lone Star Middle School
February 10th - Progress Report Parent Communication - Office sending message to families to check PowerSchool
Congratulations to our JMS Cheer Team
Congratulations to our JMS Cheer Team
Results from the Lakeland Competition
📣1st in Pom
📣1st in Sideline
📣2nd in Show
🌟Co-grand championship with Sac!!! 🙌🏼
Way to go, Burros Cheer Team! 💙❤️🙌🏼
Excellent work to our cheer coaches Brooke and Kenzie!
Staffing
Staffing
We are working to secure a position for an additional Math IA. This position would fill the vacancy left by Maria Lacey. We have discussed this position with Joshua Espinosa who is interested in filling the position. On Friday, January 31 we had Josh shadow Mrs. MacMillan.
School Improvement on january 29
School Improvement on january 29
Thank you Quinn and Katy for leading our PD on behavior. The Be Good People resource will be useful reteaching behaviors we want to see improved in our students.
If you have not completed the feedback yet, please do so at your earliest convenience.
Grade 6 Collaboration
Grade 6 Collaboration
Grade 6 working on Be Good People and looking for behavior reteaching strategies
North Team
North Team
North Team sharing the many ways they acknowledge positive student behavior
Teacher of the Year & ESP of the YEar
Teacher of the Year & ESP of the YEar
We will start sharing information about teacher of the year and ESP of the year. You should see us circulating the forms on our communication channels as well as messages to parents. We are including all the forms in an email out to parents today.
Martha S. Baskin Outstanding Elementary Education Teacher Award
Martha S. Baskin Outstanding Elementary Education Teacher Award
Please see the message from Carla Gomez about the Baskin nomination form. It is attached here for your reference: https://forms.gle/rQPrxPwCX7oXrbau8 (Feb 1st is the deadline).
Tchr of Year-Cover-25-26.docxInformation & Timeline
Information & Timeline
Tchr of Year-Nom 2025-2026.docxNomination Form
Nomination Form
2024-2025 ESPoftheYearNominationForm.docx2024-2025-ESPoftheYearTimeline
2024-2025-ESPoftheYearTimeline
2024-2025-ESPoftheYearTimeline-1.docx2024-2025 ESP of the Year Nomination Form
2024-2025 ESP of the Year Nomination Form
PLC Lead Mid-Year Feedback from Staff
PLC Lead Mid-Year Feedback from Staff
Attached are the results from Justin's mid-year feedback.
Clearly, we have very positive responses for the work that Justin is doing leading our PLC process. We have benefitted greatly from his leadership with PLC as well as many other areas of our school!
Internet Safety with
Internet Safety with
Officer Kent
Officer Kent
Officer Kent will has continued his internet safety lessons with grade 6 and should finish by the end of the week. We will work with grade 7s to manage how best to schedule these visits. It seems that the time we had during advisory was not enough time to complete the lessons.
Also, have a look at this cool interactive game from Google to develop internet safety: https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us/interland/
VIVI Training with Karen Forsman
VIVI Training with Karen Forsman
On Monday, January 27th, we had training for VIVI.
This device will help us become more mobile as we are teaching in our classrooms. Mr. Ayers will start to check with staff members to see what support they need to continue integrating VIVI in the classrooms.
Goal Setting Template for teams
Goal Setting Template for teams
Attached is the template to use for students setting semester 2 or quarter 3 goals.
As semester 2 gets under way, we want to see our students setting and tracking progress with their goals. Teams need to have students review their work habit comments from their semester 1 report card and look for themes to develop a goal.
Please check with students to see who are willing to share their goals publicly.
🌟🌟🌟UNDERCOVER SPIRIT WEEK🌟🌟🌟
🌟🌟🌟UNDERCOVER SPIRIT WEEK🌟🌟🌟
This is for STAFF ONLY!!! It is all over social media, plus this will be the 3rd year we have done this, so I'm sure the students will pick up on it-HOWEVER-they should not know the themed days ahead of time so PLEASE keep this off your screen and away from student eyes👀!!!
Week of February 10-14
Monday: Monochromatic Monday-wear all of ONE color! Do this on your own, with a partner, as a team-your choice. Just make sure your entire outfit is one color!
Tuesday: College shirt. Represent your favorite college!
Wednesday: Favorite Holiday. That's right, pick your favorite holiday and dress to impress representing/celebrating that holiday!!
Thursday: Anything but a cup! Find ANYTHING other than a cup to use for the day-for your water, coffee, soda. Get creative!
Friday: Back by popular demand, and appropriate for Valentine's Day, Formal Friday! ❤
Idaho Middle Level Association Conference Update
Idaho Middle Level Association Conference Update
This week we will send representatives to the Idaho Middle Level Association Conference in Boise on February 7th and 8th. Thank you Brandee for organizing all the details for the conference.
JMS - IMLA Conference 2025 Fact Sheet.pdfImpact Grants
Impact Grants
We have just a few weeks left to submit our impact grants!
We have just a few weeks left to submit our impact grants!
Below is a message about Impact Grants, from the L.I.F.E. Board:
Hello All!
It is that time of year when Impact Grant applications open! This year we are offering awards of up to $1,500 to any employed member of the Lewiston School District staff to fund those innovative projects that benefit the students and staff within our amazing district! The deadline to turn in applications is Friday, February 28th, 2025.
Something new this year is that the application is ONLINE! To access the form, all you have to do is click the link below and follow the prompts. The questions are similar to that of the paper copy that you may have seen before, so if you have already filled out the paper copy you can easily transfer the answers to the online format. As this is our transition year to an online format, this year we will still accept the paper copies if you desire.
https://forms.gle/AH6j6jJXGy6K1R2N6
Please see some of the potential questions and answers below that may answer some of the questions you may be having:
● Is there a photo requirement?
○ Just as with the paper application, there is an upload component to upload photos of the project or idea to make your proposal come to life!
● Is there still an Administrator/Principal sign-off?
○ At the bottom of the form, you will put in your administrator's email, which will then send them your completed application. From there, they will review your proposal to make sure it meets the requirements and eligibility and accept or deny your application.
● Will I get a copy of my completed application?
○ Yes! When you submit your application for approval, you will receive an email with your completed application. You will also get an email when your administrator has approved or denied your proposal.
● What if I have to leave the online application and come back at a different time, will it save?
○ While it has been tested out by members of the board and there is an autosave feature, there is no guarantee your answers will be saved if you have to leave before you submit. However, when trialed by the members of the board it did save when exited and returned to the link.
If you have additional questions or find the link or application not accessible or working properly please reach out to one of the following individuals:
Kim Brown @ Kimbrown6462@gmail.com - LIFE Programs and Disbursements Chair
Katie Johnson @ knjohnson9009@gmail.com - LIFE Vice President
Carla Gomez @ CGomez@lewistonschools.net - LIFE secretary
We look forward to seeing those applications full of innovative ideas!
The Lewiston Independent Foundation for Education Board
Idaho Music Educators Association
Idaho Music Educators Association
Great job to Mrs. McLean, Mrs. O’Brien, and Mr. Wicks in their work to host IMEA conference last week. Thank you for representing well the awesome work we do with music in our district and our school!
Dates for Your Diary Feb 2025!
Dates for Your Diary Feb 2025!
February Week 1 - Feb 3-7
Monday, February 3rd - Staff Meeting
Thursday, February 6th - ELA Pilot Meeting 3:30-5:00
Thursday, February 6th - Idaho Principals Mentorship Project - Aaron away
Friday, February 7th - Full School Extended Advisory
Idaho Middle Level Association Conference
Idaho Principals Mentorship Project - Aaron away
February Week 2 - Feb 10-14
Monday, February 10 - Message to Parents to Check Grades
Tuesday, February 11 - PBIS Meeting - Tier 2 at 7:15
Justin and Aaron at District Office for Lead Meeting and Coaching with Mike Hagadone
Wednesday, February 12 - Guiding Coalition at 7:15
Thursday, February 13 - Team Leads 3:00-3:30
Friday, February 14 - Nez Perce Youth Advisory Board Meeting at 8:20-9:00 in the Library
Happy Valentines Day :)
United Way Presentation
United Way Presentation
On Wednesday, January 22nd at 3:00 we will have Janis Forsman visit us at an after school staff meeting to share a presentation from United Way. The purpose of the meeting is for United Way share with us all the work they are currently doing in our community. There are a number of organizations and programs supported by United Way like Family Promise, Boys and Girls Club, and Kindergarten Boot Camp to name a few. Have a look at their website before the presentation to get a better idea of all the work they do in our community: https://tcuw.org/
This staff meeting will be in the library
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