From the Principal
Greetings, families!
Welcome to September everyone! Schedule changes went smoothly on Thursday and we are now reaching the point in the semester where changes will be shut down. There is no time wasted here at Jackson: students are finishing their first writing projects, baseline testing for math and reading is wrapping up, and everyone is settling quickly into a new school year.
At Jackson, we believe that assessments have a variety of purposes. Right now students are doing some performance tasks (frequently writing), and some more formal normed assessments. These normed assessments will give teachers a point of reference to measure progress over the course of the semester, and the year. Grades are based on proficiency towards standards (yes, Common Core). These are the things you should expect:
-
Your student(s)’ grades communicate what they know and can do compared to established standards of skills and knowledge.
-
Behavior is not used in grading (although work production is a prerequisite for a grade). We’ll handle behavior separately.
-
Students do not learn at the same rate, and it isn’t a race. Students can both be working hard and need more time to meet standards.
-
Both academic knowledge and skills AND positive work habits are essential for long-term academic and career success. We will be encouraging both.
-
Timely feedback is essential for both students and families to have a clear picture of the learning that is happening.
-
You child’s teachers will be sharing classroom specific information in the form of syllabi and course overviews at Back to School Night.
Back to School Night for Jackson is still two weeks away, but in the meantime our school website, https://www.pps.net/schools/jackson, has a ton of information for families including the important dates for our school community. This week is a big one, as our PTA partners are beginning their first big initiative in support of our teachers and academic program through a popcorn and cookie dough sale. Your students will receive all of the information in their 6th period class on Friday. Check their ParentVUE, binders and backpacks!
And, finally, a quick school tip:
We are already getting quite the collection of lunch boxes in the cafeteria lost and found. If your child is suddenly missing their usual lunchbox, this would be a great place for them to look. There are also an assortment of water bottles and sweatshirts from the patio and field. Have a great week, everyone!
|
Did you know Jackson has a food pantry run through the SUN School? The pantry is open this week during certain hours and by appointment. Any family in need of extra support with food and hygiene can access this resource. Please call SUN at 503-916-6016 or email at 
Lost & Found!