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Dear Parents/Caregivers:
Happy Summer from Jack Young Middle School!
We believe leadership is inside everyone; students, parents/caregivers, teachers, and principals. As the principals of Jack Young Middle School, we thrive to create conditions where all staff and students can choose to volunteer their best efforts and highest energy. We work collaboratively with our colleagues to co-create a culture where everyone can say: “I’m a valued member of a winning team doing meaningful work in an environment of trust” ( Franklin Covey, 2024). Therefore, we are moving a collaborative team FROM Leading a team where culture just happens TO Leading a team where a high-trust culture is co-created intentionally from the inside out (Franklin Covey, 2024). With that said, we are accelerating our teachers’ credibility by unleashing their courage and confidence to engage students in meaningful learning every hour of the day. By the end of the school year 2024-2025, our staff will be ready to move FROM thinking success TO knowing that enduring success is in our school systems (Franklin Covey, 2024). Teachers will see their scholars engage in all academic activity with confidence using higher order of thinking and questioning.
We know why we are here. We are here because it is time to move Jack Young Middle School from where it is to where it needs to be. A great Jack Young Middle School will look like: collaborative, excellence of student work, responsive to student learning, engaged and organized. A great Jack Young Middle School will feel like: calm, respectful, welcoming and responsible.
The Jack Young Middle School leadership team will have ongoing communication with students, parents/caregivers, staff and community partners about the following areas:.
Academic excellence
- Differentiated instruction/Responsive teaching
- Reading, Writing, Collaboration, and Inquiry
- Classroom management
Attendance
- Follow district policy
- Work closely with students and families
Expectations
- Academic Expectations
- What do teachers expect students to do in the classroom?
- How do students respond to classroom expectations?
- Behavioral Expectations
- Hallway behaviors
- Classroom behaviors
- Lunch/Cafeteria behaviors
What can our parents/caregivers do to support our efforts?
- Prepare your scholar to come to school on time every day
- Talk to your scholar every night about assignments, school expectations, and extracurricular activities
- Email your scholar’s teachers with any questions or concerns
- Come to visit school
- Volunteer to help with school activities
We believe every scholar can learn at a high level and they can be successful in every classroom. We teach our scholars to think, collaborate, inquire, and organize their learning every day. Our scholars are amazing. Let’s unleash their potential and ignite their passion for learning. “If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” Maya Angelou
From our School Social Worker: Ms. Shuster
JYMS Attendance Procedures and Expectations:
Regular attendance is crucial for students' academic success and overall development. Consistent attendance ensures that students don't miss out on valuable instruction time and classroom activities that build the foundation for learning. It fosters a sense of responsibility and discipline, which are essential life skills. Additionally, attending school regularly helps students stay connected with their peers and teachers, contributing to a supportive and engaging learning environment. Remember, every school day counts towards your future success!
When a parent/guardian knows that their student will be absent, they need to call* the attendance secretary at (608) 355-3930 with the following information:
- Their name
- The first & last name of their student
- The grade the student is in
- The reason for the absence
- Date(s) in which the student will be absent, including class period(s), if less than the full school day
*Alternatively, a written excuse including the same information, described above, may be submitted to the JYMS Attendance Secretary in the main office. This written excuse must be signed by a parent/guardian.
When parents/caregivers can expect a phone call regarding attendance?
- Classroom teachers, School Counselors, School Social Workers, Student and Family Engagement Specialists, Dean of Students, and other JYMS staff may also contact families about student attendance at any point during the school year to problem-solve together.
- Students are considered to be TRUANT when they are absent without an acceptable excuse for all or part of one (1) or more days during which school is held.
- Parents and caregivers will receive a phone call from the JYMS Automated Dialer when their student is considered to be truant, or has missed all or part of the school day without an acceptable excuse.
When parents/caregivers can expect a phone call about an attendance meeting?
- Students who are considered HABITUALLY TRUANT are those who are absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of five (5) or more days on which school is held, during a school semester.
- Families will receive a letter in the mail after their child has missed part of all of five (5) or more days of school during a school semester. In this letter, there is an indicated time and date for which the parent/caregiver is expected to call JYMS to discuss their student’s attendance.
- If they are not able to call the school at this time, they should call the school social worker at their earliest convenience to discuss their child’s attendance at 608-355- 3959.
What is the next step after an attendance meeting?
- Students may be referred to the School Resource Officer for a truancy citation if their attendance does not improve after an attendance meeting.
- Students and their families may be asked to collaborate with school staff to create an attendance improvement plan
When will the Social Worker, SAFE, and School Officer visit a family regarding attendance or other problems?
- School staff (School Social Worker, SAFES, Dean of Students, Building Administrator, and/or School Resource Officer) may visit a student and their family at their home if the school has not been able to communicate with the family or student regarding attendance or other concerns
Important Attendance Contacts:
- JYMS Attendance Secretary, Jody Woodbury: 608-355-3930
School Social Worker, Hannah Shuster: 608-355-3959
From our Dean of Students: Mr. Fish
Expectations Inside the Classroom
Responsible
- Follow adult directions for the first time told
- Use Chromebooks appropriately & only when directed by staff
- Bring your materials each day
- Keep food and drinks (except water) out of the classroom
Respectful
- Raise your hand and wait to be called on by an adult
- Be an active listener
- Treat others kindly and be understanding of others
Safe
- Per teacher approval, use your pass when leaving the classroom.
- Stay in your assigned seat and keep all of the chair legs on the floor
- Keep your hands, feet and all other objects to yourself
- Stay at your seat at the end of class until dismissed
Expectations In the Hallway
Responsible
- Walk throughout the hallways.
- Phones/technology off & away
- Use the furniture appropriately
- Have your pass available while you are in the hallway
Respectful
- Listen to the directions of adults
- Voice level 0-2
- Use school appropriate language
- Avoid disrupting other classes (no waving/touching windows)
Safe
- Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself
- Walk on the right side of the hallway/stairs
- Keep outside doors closed at all times
Expectations In the Commons
Responsible
- Only touch the food that you are going to purchase
- Keep opened food and beverages in commons
- Clean up after yourself and put trash in the garbage
Respectful
- Use a quiet voice (level 0-2)
- Follow adult directions
- Use good manners when eating
- Be kind and inclusive
Safe
- Wait your turn in line, leaving space between you and others
- Keep your hands, feet, and other objects to yourself
- Wait for the sign to turn green before going outside
- Walk at all times and keep walkways clear
- Be mindful of food allergies of other students
Code of Conduct
Please use the link at the bottom to access the Baraboo School District Code of Conduct. This can also be found on the district website.
From our Student & Family Engagement Specialist: Ms. Kish
Behavioral Feedback and Referrals at Jack Young Middle School
Behavioral Feedback to Students
At Jack Young Middle School, our staff provides behavioral feedback to students through a collaborative and structured approach, aligned with our school-wide expectations: be respectful, be responsible, be safe. Feedback is given verbally and nonverbally during interactions in classrooms and throughout the school environment. Teachers and staff use positive reinforcement to acknowledge and encourage appropriate behavior, while addressing concerns promptly through verbal reminders and nonverbal cues when behavior requires correction.
Steps Before Writing a Referral
Before writing an office documented referral, staff follow a progressive disciplinary model designed to support student growth and maintain a positive learning environment:
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Nonverbal Cue: A subtle reminder or gesture to redirect behavior.
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Verbal Redirection: A clear verbal reminder to correct behavior.
a. Complete Reflection Form: Students reflect on their actions and the impact on others.
b. Participate in Restorative Circle and/or Conversation: Engage in dialogue to understand and repair harm caused by behavior using restorative practices.
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Corrective Consequence: Implement appropriate consequences that promote accountability and learning.
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Office Documented Referral: If behavior persists and violates the School District of Baraboo's Code of Conduct, a formal referral will be made, involving communication with parent(s) or guardian(s) to discuss further steps.
Communication with Parents/Caregivers
Parents/caregivers can expect phone calls from staff in situations involving significant behavioral concerns that directly violate the School District of Baraboo's Code of Conduct or to celebrate positive achievements. These calls aim to foster a collaborative partnership between home and school to support student success.
We believe that by consistently reinforcing our school-wide expectations and utilizing restorative practices to repair harm, we create a supportive environment where all students can thrive academically and socially.
Upcoming Events
August 28, 2024 Open House 5:00-7:00 PM
September 3, 2024 First Day for Sixth Grade and new students to Jack Young Middle School
Thank you for your partnership in ensuring a successful school year for your scholar at Jack Young Middle School.
Dr. Chai Lee Mrs. Stacie Wagner
Principal Associate Principal
Jack Young Middle School Jack Young Middle School
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