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Upcoming Event :

April 10- Holiday

Admin Team:

When students need to miss school, it is important for parents/guardians to communicate those absences with the school.  This can be done by calling the attendance phone line at 703-204-8282 or by using the online reporting form which can be accessed by CLICKING HERE or on our Luther Jackson Middle School website.   Please DO NOT report absences through the Talking Points app. 

Admin Team Information

Testing:

Greetings LJMS students and families!

Our final testing season will be upon us shortly. If you have not completed the SOL Retake Permission form, please click on this link and submit the form. We want to give every student the opportunity to retake if they are eligible.

In order to help our students succeed, please encourage them to be well rested and attentive in these upcoming weeks and on our test days. Please try to avoid scheduling any vacations, appointments, etc during testing days.

Prayer/Reflection Space:

All students have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection space at Jackson.  This supervised space is designated for individuals to engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, inclusive of their religious or non-religious beliefs. Parents/caregivers must provide written permission for students requesting to miss instructional time on a regular basis. Students should see their school counselor if they have any questions or need assistance.

PTA Corner:

 Nomination Committee—Would you like to help find and nominate PTA officers for the next school year? The nomination committee will be approved at the April PTA meeting. If you are interested in joining the committee, please email president@jacksonmspta.org.

Restaurant fundraiser – April 8^th and 9^th Shake Shack, Mosaic - Let’s raise some money for our PTA by dining at Shake Shack, Mosaic district, all day on April 8^th and 9^th (Monday and Tuesday)! PTA gets 25% of the proceeds! Mention LJMS PTA before ordering, dining in, or taking out.

 Teacher Appreciation Week Committee: We have started planning for ‘Teacher Appreciation Week’ (May 6th to 10th) to honor the amazing LJMS educators and tell them how much we appreciate their commitment to our children. If you would like to lead or be part of the organizing committee for Teacher Appreciation Week, please send a note to president@jacksonmspta.org.

 PTA officers for the next school year: Would you be interested in joining the PTA board for the 2024-25 school year? It is a rewarding experience; the existing board members will help you get started. There are multiple roles available. Please email president@jacksonmspta.org

 Food Pantry: The Luther Jackson Middle School Food Pantry needs your help! We need parent volunteers to assist with food pick-up, bag packing, and food distribution. Interested in helping, but your schedule doesn't allow you to volunteer? Please consider donating food, personal hygiene items, household cleaning products, or reusable grocery bags to help our families utilize the food pantry. Follow the Sign-Up Genius link below if you are interested in volunteering: 

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/904084DA8AC2EAA8-ljms2

 PTA website: Please check out the PTA website, where you can find the links to buy Spirit Wear, join the PTA, or donate: https://jacksonmspta.org/

School Laptops:

This is a reminder that a student’s FCPSOn device must be used responsibly at school and home, in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities. According to School Board Regulation 5720 and the SR&R when a student borrows FCPS property, the student assumes full responsibility (including financial) for the property. If damage or a loss occurs, the student has a financial obligation to FCPS for the replacement parts or laptop replacement cost of $481.  Laptop chargers can be purchased on MySchoolBucks, by check, or exactly $23 at school.

The student device and charger are for the assigned student’s use only. 

Friends, other students, siblings, cousins, or other people should not use it.  If a student decides to lend their laptop or charger to a fellow student, it is their responsibility if it is damaged or goes missing. More info can be found at Student Device Guidelines

If it is found that a laptop was damaged on purpose or because a student was being careless, there will be a charge to fix the device. Please remind students about the importance of being responsible with these devices.

School staff should be informed of a lost/stolen device immediately.  The sooner it is reported, the more likely it can be found. Students and parents can submit support tickets at this site: 

https://itweb.fcps.edu/itsupport/student/

College Partnership Program (CPP)

Madison HS Students Host Summer Debate Camp

Madison Debate Camp will take place on Monday, July 29th through Friday, August 2nd @JMHS from 12PM to 4PM on each of those days. The price of the camp is $50 and includes lunch every day, instruction from national level debaters (who will also just be back from Nationals), and a tournament (with awards). The rest of the proceeds go to the JMHS debate team to cover team costs during the season.

Every day will have new, fun lessons that will teach you the skills of a high school debater, giving you a foundational understanding of the basics of argumentation, public speaking, and debate as a whole. At the end of the camp, participants will also have an opportunity to participate in a high-school style tournament on the week’s chosen debate topic!

Sign-Up Link: https://forms.gle/qv7Kim31PtRu5SMk6

Support Oakton HS Bands:

"Support Oakton HS Bands at a FREE and FUN Fitness Fundraiser! Try out a HIGH Fitness class at the OHS gym on Saturday, April 13 at 10am. The format is ALL CARDIO with GREAT MUSIC and no equipment needed! This class is for all ages and fitness levels". 

Oakton HS Band Auditions:

"Calling Oakton-bound 8th graders! Oakton High School band is holding 8th grade band auditions. If you are a rising freshman and plan to participate in band, please join us for auditions from 6:30-8:30pm on Monday, April 15 (Woodwinds) and Tuesday, April 16 (Brass/Percussion). Enter OHS through Door 1, and look for Oakton band students or parents to guide you to the Hospitality room and Band room. If you cannot make it on the assigned night, feel free to come at the other time."

Join the Oakton Band!!!!!

**ALL BANDS ARE OPEN TO 9^th GRADERS**

Marching Band ◊ Concert Band ◊ Color Guard ◊ Jazz Band ◊ Drumline ◊ Indoor Winter Guard

Band “Mythbusters”

1. It is possible to do athletics and band.
2. You can do clubs and honor societies and band.
3. You can do band all four years and still get the most advanced diploma.
4. You can still get into a great college without taking every AP class.

Important Dates

• 8^th Grade Auditions: April 15 (woodwinds) and April 16 (brass/percussion)
• 6:30pm at Oakton HS
• You may audition on the other day if you have a scheduling conflict
• Marching Band online registration begins May 1^st
• Mandatory new marcher meeting May 13^th
• Marching Band camp: July 29-August 9, 2024

Questions?

Ask Dr. VanValkenburg (director@oaktonbands.org)

Counselors:

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

From our Family Liaison:

Hello,

My name is Aqa Gul Aiyubi, and I am the Family Liaison here at Luther Jackson Middle School. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with you and your family. As a Family Liaison, my role is to support and connect with families, ensuring that you have the resources and information you need for a positive experience.

I'm here to be a helpful point of contact for any questions, concerns, or information you may require. Whether it's navigating educational resources, understanding school policies, or addressing any challenges your family may face, I'm here to assist and advocate for you.

Feel free to reach out to me at any time at aaiyubi@fcps.edu or aaiyubi@fcpsschools.net  or (703) 204-8137. I’m dedicated to fostering open communication and building a strong partnership between the school and our wonderful families.

If there's anything specific, you'd like to discuss or if you have questions about how I can support your family, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better and working together for the success and well-being of your family.

Ramadan 

Ramadan begins at sunset on Sunday, March 10^th and continues until sunset on April 9^.

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It is marked by personal and community prayer as well as fasting from dawn to sunset. It’s important to recognize that students may be getting up and beginning their day as early as 3 a.m. for morning prayer as well as fasting throughout the day. During the last 10 days of Ramadan, which are very important, students and families may attend prayer services at the mosque nightly. These observances can have a huge impact on a student’s school day.

Family Engagement Survey:

Participate today! 

Make Your Voice Heard! 

Share your thoughts around important topics impacting your student’s success. By participating in the Family Engagement Survey, parents/caregivers are making their voices heard. Survey topics include:

• Welcoming environment
• Communication
• Student success
• Advocacy
• Family and school partnerships
• Collaboration with the community to see if FCPS is meeting its goals at the school, region, and division levels

Help us better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools. 

TAKE THE SURVEY!

Visit the Family Engagement Survey website for more information

LJMS Red/White Calendar

Substance Use Disorder:

Natural High

The Problem: 

90% of Americans with a substance use disorder began using substances before the age of 18. 

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. 

Solutions: 

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 the Clinic:

3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church, Virginia, 22042  | Main Office: 703-204-8100
Attendance: 703.204.8282 | Web | Twitter | Instagram