Luther Jackson Weekly- March 24, 2023

espanol


Spring

Upcoming Dates:

April 3-7  Spring Break- Luther Jackson will be closed


Update

This morning, all families should have recieved the following message: 

Earlier this morning, there was a small fire in one of our classrooms. Everyone was safely evacuated from the school while fire officials responded. No one was hurt and there was no major damage to the classroom. The fire was caused by a cell phone battery charger in a student’s backpack. After 15 minutes, the fire department allowed us to return to the building. I want to thank the police, school security, and fire and rescue for their quick response and assistance in keeping our building, students, and staff safe. Our first priority remains the safety of our students and staff. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. 

Lithium-ion batteries can be a safety hazard since they contain a flammable electrolyte and may become pressurized if they become damaged. A lithium-ion battery fire can be started due to poor cooling or external fire, overcharging,  damage from dropping, or manufacturing flaws and aging. Be careful when using devices with these batteries. 


Mason District Roundtable:

Join Dr. Ricardy Anderson for a virtual Mason District Roundtable

Guest presenters:

  • Joash Chung, Manager of Tutoring Services, will provide an introduction to Tutor.com, highlighting the many online tutoring services available to students.
  • Leigh Burden, Assistant Superintendent of Financial Services, will provide an overview of the FY 2024 Advertised Budget.

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Register to Attend (Zoom)

Spanish interpretation will be available. Please indicate if another language is needed.

Learn more about Tutor.com

Learn more about the FCPS Budget

 


Spring Break Camps Available

ncs spring break camp

VIP Camp Registration Now Open!

VIP camp registration

VIP camp registration form (spanish)

Falls Church High School Jaguar 5K:

5 K

download form


From our Tech Support Specialist:

Procedure for purchasing new student laptop chargers

Replacement laptop chargers can be purchased for $23 and there are two options to purchase them.  First, have your child either bring in a check for $23 made out to Luther Jackson Middle School or bring exactly $23 in cash.  If they bring in cash, we cannot make change so please have them bring in the exact amount.   Then they can request an e-hallpass from any class at the beginning of the period and to go to Mr. Waldren's office, room 502 to pick up the charger.

Your second option is to purchase a charger from MySchoolBucks for $23, the link is also at the top of the FCPS and LJMS website.  If you do not have an account you can create one.  Please purchase the charger under your child's name and Mr. Waldren, Technology Specialist, will be notified of the purchase.  After you login to their account, click on School Store at the top, under categories choose [GROUP] Lost or Damaged Technology, click on FCPSON Laptop Replacement Power Cord, and add it to the basket for purchase.  If you are in need of a more detailed guide, please use the following, How to Pay for Tech in MySchoolBucks.  Then request the tech pass from any class at the beginning of the period and to go to Mr. Waldren's office, room 502 to pick up the charger.


From the Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist:

SSAW

Studies have shown that 13 is the average age of first-time drug and alcohol use.       

Natural High is “a drug prevention nonprofit that inspires and empowers youth to find their natural high and develop the skills and courage to live life well.” The Natural High campaign highlights helping children and teens find healthy thrilling activities to fulfill the dopamine (feel good) levels in the brain. 

                                                                                  

Teeter

Resources:

Natural High 

Fentanyl is Now The Leading Cause of Death For Young People in the US (video)

Live Your Life Naturally High

Knowing The Signs: Substance Abuse & Today’s Use (Video)

Adolescent Substance Use: America’s #1 Public Health Problem

FCPS video on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.


From our SRO:

sro

Keeping schools safe is my #1 priority.  There may be times where you or your student can help.  Sharing information with the LJ administration, the LJ security, and the myself as the School Resource Officer can both keep the school safe as well as create a school environment that allows students to focus without unwanted distractions.

How can your student share safety information?

  1. Speak directly to a teacher, a counselor, or an administrator in the building.
  2. Report the information through the FCPS anonymous tipline. (This tipline is run by FCPS security office and information is not shared with the police department unless required by law)
  3. Find me during a transition or lunch time or go to the Student Services Office and let them know you would like to speak to the SRO.
  4. If there is an immediate threat, your student can come speak to me anytime.

As always, Fairfax County Police Department is here to serve you. If you ever have information about an immediate threat or need a rapid emergency response, call 9-1-1 right away.

Finally, if you have any general questions or would like more information about reporting, you can always email me at enoch.green@fairfaxcounty.gov.  I look forward to being a continued resource to you.

Officer Green (342395)


Inspirigirl

Inspirigil is a nonprofit educational group run by students at Thomas Jefferson High School (TJHSST) that provides free computer science classes, workshops, and events for students with a focus on encouraging girls to participate in computer science. Inspirigirl will be holding free Spring 2023 virtual computer science classes this year between April and May. Learn more here

Insipirigirl

2023 CTE Summer Enrichment:

Summer CTE

SoCo Summer Strings Camp:

Exciting news! SoCo Summer Strings (formally Stallion Summer Strings) is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July 10th-21st from 8:30am-12:30pm, weekdays only. 

Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day.

You can find more information and registration for camp at www.schsorchestra.org/soco-summer-strings. Early registration is from March 1st-June 9th so sign up soon!


PTA Corner:

  1. Healthy Mind Grant Workshops: We are excited to have hosted two informative workshops on essential topics such as mental health and social emotional learning (SEL). These sessions provided practical strategies to help our children develop emotional intelligence and cope with stress and anxiety. If you missed either of these workshops, you can click here to listen to the first session and here for the second session.

 

Now, it's time for our final workshop on Building Resilience, which will take place on Wednesday, April 19th from 7-8pm. We invite you to join us and learn how to build resilience in yourself and your children. This workshop is an excellent opportunity for you to explore ways to bounce back from adversity and develop coping skills to handle life's challenges.

 

Don't miss out on this chance to learn and grow with us, see Zoom link below:

Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81760514068

Meeting ID: 817 6051 4068

Passcode: 202998

 

  1. Volunteers Needed: We need your help to keep our PTA thriving and successful. Join our team of dedicated volunteers and make a real impact in our school community. We are currently seeking volunteers for the following positions:

 

  • Audit Committee: One volunteer to join the team that will perform the end of the year audit of the PTA financials.
  • Nominating Committee: Three volunteers to nominate candidates for next year’s PTA board vacancies.
  • 2023-2024 Board Vacancies: President, Vice-President, Hospitality Chair, Spiritwear Chair, and Food Pantry Chair.

 

By volunteering, you'll have the opportunity to use your skills and expertise to contribute to our school community. You'll also gain valuable experience and meet other like-minded individuals who are passionate about education and community building.

 

To volunteer, please email us at president@jacksonmspta.org Thank you for your support!

 

  1. April Restaurant Night: Save the Date for our upcoming restaurant night at Nando's in the Mosaic District on Monday, April 24th from 11am-8pm.

 

  1. FREE Online Tutoring: Did you know that FCPS offers free online tutoring services for all students? Click here to access these services and give your child the academic support they need. In addition, the Manager of Tutoring Services will provide an introduction to Tutor.com on Wednesday, March 29th at 6:30. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the many online tutoring services available to students.

 

  1. FCPS Strategic Plan: Don't miss the opportunity to make your voice heard! Three more virtual sessions will be held in APRIL for YOU to participate in and influence the direction of FCPS's new Strategic Plan. You will be asked to discuss the student survey results and select the top goals that you think FCPS should prioritize in the coming years. No time? No problem, you can use this form to submit your comments. Your input is important!

 

  1. Spirit Wear: We have sweatshirts ($35) and magnets ($5) for all current LJMS students, incoming LJMS students, LJMS-loving family members, LJMS-supporting neighbors, and more. To purchase online with a credit card, go to https://ljmspta.memberhub.com/store. If you’d rather pay by cash/check or have any questions, email Lynn Collins at spiritwear@jacksonmspta.org. Go Tigers!

 

In collaboration,

LJMS PTA

 


Department of Student Services:

Counselors are assigned by teams and are your first point of contact for any question or concerns you might have.

School Counselors

Teams

Contact Information

Jessica DeVault

Seekers, Innovators

jmdevault@fcps.edu

Amber Hill

Titans, Quasars

adhill@fcps.edu

Brian Tickle

Phoenix, Griffins, LJ United

brtickle@fcps.edu

Shannon White

Explorers, Odyssey, LJ United

snwhite@fcps.edu