|
espanol
This is a program developed in 1980 and featured in Luther Jackson for over 10 years, that promotes college and career readiness, designed to help students develop the skills they need to be successful in college. The program places special emphasis on developing writing, critical thinking, teamwork, organization and reading skills. Students are encouraged to take rigorous courses in both Middle and High School to both challenge and expand their learning, while being given extra support systems like tutors and collaborative study groups to promote critical thinking and problem solving. At Luther Jackson we have 4 sections of AVID, two 7th grade classes led by Mrs. Lazo, and two 8th grade classes led by Ms. Parker.”
Social Media and your Middle Schoolers
Parents/guardians we understand you may be navigating social media with your student. While YouTube and TikTok are very popular these days, it's a good idea to teach them some basic rules. Here are some guidelines for helping middle school kids use social media safely and responsibly:
Follow the rules. Many social sites have an age minimum of 13 by law and for reasons of safety and privacy. Encourage kids to stick to age-appropriate sites.
Tell your kids to think before they post. Remind them that everything they post can be seen by a vast, invisible audience (otherwise known as friends of friends of friends). With middle schoolers, it's a good idea for parents and caregivers to have access to what their kids are doing online. That way, you can be sure that what they're posting is appropriate, and help your kids avoid doing something they'll regret later.
Make sure kids set their privacy settings. Privacy settings aren't foolproof, but they can be helpful. Take the time to learn about default settings and how to change the privacy settings on your kids' favorite sites and apps, and teach them how to be in control of what they share.
Kindness counts. Lots of sites have anonymous features, such as Q&As and discussion channels, that allow users to tell their friends what they think of them. Rule of thumb: If your kids wouldn't say it to someone's face, they shouldn't post it.
Excerpts from “What Are Some Basic Social Media Rules for Middle Schoolers?” Common Sense Media, Publisher, July 2022, URL.
Counselors are assigned by alphabet and your first point of contact for any question or concerns you might have.
 |
|
Families,
We Need Your Consent for Select Digital Resources
At Jackson Middle School, our teachers will use a variety of digital resources to support student learning and promote communication and collaboration with students and families. Some of the digital resources your child may use this year will require your consent before they can be used. Please find the link to the digital form, where you can give your consent, here: https://digitalconsent.fcps.edu/ispb/is01/r/pdcp/login?session=3173032781249 . You can find a list of the resources that require parental consent here: https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/technology/digital-resources/consent.
Need technical support? Call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS). This will be answered by staff members from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
|
https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/policies-regulations-and-notices/attendance-policies/attendance-when-should-i-keep-my
 Safety is always my #1 focus while working at LJ. I get to work closely with the school security team and administration to make sure that our school is safe from the outside in. And I would like to work with you, as well. If you ever see anything happening inside or outside the school that is suspicious or concerning, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Take care,
PFC E.J. Green (342395)
How to Prevent Substance Misuse
It’s true, teens are more likely to listen to peers rather than their parents, it is part of this stage in development. When a baby is born, the brain’s sole responsibility is focused on keeping them alive. As they grow into adolescence, finding their tribe becomes important. Think about your top three happiest memories up to this point in life. What were you doing? How did you feel? Who was there? Each of these memories was likely a shared experience with others. Likely you were laughing and smiling with loved ones, maybe food was involved. Now shift to think about your three worst memories. What was going on? How did you feel? Who was there? In each of these memories, you likely were alone or felt alone.
Substance use becomes a problem for some because they either are or feel alone. Connection is an important aspect in our everyday lives. Fairfax County’s “Three to Succeed” describes protective factors to help youth achieve their higher selves. If a child has at least three of these protective factors, they are more likely to succeed in life. They include: having high personal integrity, trusted adults to talk to, performing community service, participating in extracurricular activities, teacher recognition of effort and good work, and parents availability for help. What is noticed is that five of the six protective factors involve connection with someone else, and the first protective factor describes connection with self.
Helpful Resources:
Knowing the Signs: Substance Abuse & Today’s Youth
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Substance Use Prevention & Encouraging Healthy Brain Development
REVIVE Training for Opioid Overdoses
FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270 and be sure to follow us on Twitter at @FCPSSAPS.
Dining for Dollars: Tuesday, October 24th at Wendy’s. Let’s raise some money for our PTA by dining at Wendy’s 3040 Gate House Plaza, Fairfax all date – for breakfast, lunch, dinner and all those times in-between! Mention LJMS PTA before ordering, dining in, or driving through.
Reflections Call for Entries: Reflections is a National PTA-sponsored program that encourages students to express themselves through the arts. The entries can either be submitted digitally https://jacksonmspta.org/reflections/ or entry forms can be picked up and returned to Ms. Lundeen’s art room 410.
This year's theme is: "I am Hopeful Because…”
 Deadline: Tuesday November 14, 2023.
Questions? Please contact the Reflections program Chair Meredith Caldwell at reflections@jacksonmspta.org
Volunteers needed: Multiple volunteer positions are available in PTA committees, such as food pantry, hospitality, fundraising, restaurant nights, spirit wear, nominations committee, audit committee, and bilingual family liaison. It is a rewarding experience with limited time commitment and enough support available to learn the tasks. Please consider volunteering for the PTA by reaching out to president@jacksonmspta.org.
Join PTA/Donate: Please check out the PTA website, where you can find the links to join the PTA, donate, and buy Spirit Wear: https://jacksonmspta.org/
Food For Neighbor's Holiday GIving program: This is to provide holiday meals for local families.
https://www.foodforneighbors.org/home/holiday-meals/
|
