JCS Garners Multiple Accolades, Cementing Status Again Among State's Top Districts | |
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Over the past few weeks, Jefferson City Schools has secured a string of commendable achievements, each contributing to the district's unwavering commitment to educational excellence.
These recent accolades serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of excellence within the school system, reinforcing its position among the top educational districts in the state. As the system reflects on these recent triumphs, it remains steadfast in its dedication to providing unparalleled opportunities for its students to flourish and excel.
Recent academic accolades across the district:
- JES and JA again named Title I Distinguished Schools, ranking in the top 5% in language arts and math content mastery.
- JCS BOE awarded 2023 Exemplary Status, the seventh year in a row.
- JCS outperforms state and national averages on SAT, ranking sixth in the state. JHS students had an average total mean score of 1107 – 104 points higher than the national average.
- JCS reports a Graduation Rate of 96.3%, outperforming state and national averages and ranking among the top 25 districts in the state.
- JHS named a National Best High School per U.S. News & World Report and Best of Jackson County, top 10% in state and U.S.
- JCS Named #1 District in Jackson County on Niche.com and #9 in the state.
- National academic honors for 33 JHS students by the College Board's National Recognition Program.
Thank you to JCS teachers and staff! You have been instrumental in fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence Additionally, we applaud our students on these remarkable accolades!
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Lawrence Named JCS Teacher of the Year
Coach Brittani Lawrence has been named this year's distinguished Teacher of the Year.
With a career spanning over half a decade at JCS, Lawrence has made an indelible mark as a dedicated health and physical education teacher at JMS, along with her exemplary role as the head varsity volleyball coach.
Lawrence's accolades in the world of volleyball speak volumes. She has led her team to an astounding five region championships and, for an impressive three consecutive years, has earned the prestigious title of Region Coach of the Year. Her dedication to sportsmanship, teamwork and excellence is evident in her consistent success on the volleyball court. Lawrence is also a valuable member of the JMS leadership team and serves as an active member of the JMS College and Career Committee.
Her influence also reaches beyond the borders of the school system. She holds statewide leadership roles, including her position as the volleyball coordinator for the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association and as the physical activity coordinator for the Georgia Shape School Physical Activity and Nutrition Grant.
"Coach Lawrence goes above and beyond," says JMS Principal Carol Ann Knight. "She has a positive attitude, is always willing to help others and engages with each of her students. We appreciate all she does at JMS!"
The Teacher of the Year recognition is a prestigious accolade that acknowledges educators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their students and a dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
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School Teachers of the Year
School winners were previously announced and recognized at the October Board of Education meeting. Nominated by their peers, these exceptional educators include:
- Lauren Massey, JES
- Delores Maxwell, JA
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Brittani Lawrence, JMS (not pictured)
- Justin Meyer, JHS
Congratulations to all for lasting educational excellence!
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Jefferson School System Foundation News | |
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Foundation Bestows Alumni of the Year Award to
One of Jefferson's Distinguished Citizens: Mr. Jack Purcell
In recognition of his unwavering dedication to JCS's educational landscape, the Jefferson School System Foundation awarded Mr. Jack Purcell the first-ever Distinguished Alumni Award during its annual JHS Alumni Night earlier this month. The honor is a testament to his enduring legacy and commitment to excellence.
Purcell, a stalwart figure in Jefferson, has been an integral part of the town's educational story. Born and raised here, he initially attended the Martin Institute before transitioning to the newly built JHS, where he became part of the first graduating class of 1946.
Over the course of 40 years, Purcell served as an educator, administrator and coach in Georgia, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of numerous students. His late wife, Jerrye Dunahoo Purcell, also contributed to Jefferson's educational heritage. Continuing the family legacy, his children, son-in-law and grandsons, Cam, Cason, Tanner and Tyson, all graduated from JHS. With four great-grandchildren and another on the way, Purcell cherishes the joys of family.
Fondly known as "Daddy Jack" around town and within the school system, Purcell is known for his tutoring sessions and captivating storytelling. Whether at Memorial Stadium, the Arena or any other venue where the Dragons compete, he remains a devoted spectator.
Thank you, “Daddy Jack,” for all of your support over the years, and congratulations on your well-deserved recognition!
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JCS Excels at Art in the Park & Blue Grass Festival | |
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JCS students made their mark at the annual Art in the Park & Blue Grass Festival, sponsored by the Tumbling Waters Society of Jackson County and hosted at Hurricane Shoals Park last month.
The festival saw an impressive turnout of talented students, with winners in both the art and essay contests proudly representing JCS. These budding artists and writers were recognized for their creativity and dedication, receiving ribbons and rewards during the festival's special recognition ceremony.
The accolades were shared among students from Jefferson Elementary School (JES), Jefferson Academy (JA) and Jefferson Middle School (JMS), highlighting the exceptional artistic and literary talent flourishing within JCS! Thank you to our art teachers for inspiring this talent!
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Blue Grass Festival Essay Writing Winner
Madison Hussey (JMS, 7th grade). Her heartfelt words on the power of music earned her a guitar!
JES Art Contest Winners
Rachel West (K, 1st place), Ava Dahlin (2nd grade, 2nd place)
JA Art Contest Winners
Reeves Siebels (3rd grade, 2nd place), Blythe Braga (4th grade, 1st place), (Camdyn Jackson (4th grade, 2nd place), Kate Ferguson (5th grade, 3rd place), Not pictured: Ramtej Medisetti (5th grade, 2nd place)
JMS Art Contest Winners
Gage Autry (MS Art, Honorable Mention), Emmett Day (MS Art, 3rd Place) Not pictured: Taylor Lambrichts (MS Art, 1st place)
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Exploring Coastal Wonders
JA's Fourth Graders Travel to Tybee Island for Educational Adventure
JA's fourth-grade students recently enjoyed an enriching and educational trip to Tybee Island as part of their annual field trip program. The excursion, aimed at broadening their horizons beyond the classroom, included visits to several significant landmarks and educational hubs.
The itinerary was designed to offer the young learners a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of marine life and the historical significance of the region. Students had the chance to explore the wonders of Skidaway Island, delve into the rich heritage showcased by the Tybee Island Lighthouse and gain valuable insights at the Tybee Island Marine Center.
Adding an element of cultural exploration, the students also embarked on a fascinating tour of Savannah via trolley, allowing them to soak in the charm and history of the city. Additionally, they had the opportunity to explore the vibrant marketplace on River Street, providing them with a hands-on experience of local commerce and culture.
Principal Chris Whitworth expressed his enthusiasm for providing students with such an immersive learning opportunity, stating, "We're very excited to offer our fourth- grade students an amazing opportunity to visit Georgia's coast and learn about marine life, as well as the rich history of Tybee Island and Savannah. This hands-on learning experience not only fosters a deeper understanding of science but also brings history and culture to life for our students."
The trip to Tybee Island not only expanded the students' knowledge base but also left them with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for the coastal ecosystem and the cultural heritage of the region.
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JES Hosts Literacy on the Lawn
Fostering Family Bonding and Love for Reading
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JES's inaugural Literacy on the Lawn event, held last week during school hours, was a heartwarming success and exhibited the school's commitment to promoting reading and family engagement.
In a celebration of literacy and family bonding, parents and guardians joined their children on the school's front lawn, armed with blankets and meals so they could enjoy lunch together and read a good book their child selected.
Amidst the joyous atmosphere, the students' faces lit up upon spotting their eagerly-awaiting parents, their excitement barely contained.
As the autumn sun illuminated the scene, students eagerly read books to their parents, prompting lively discussions guided by customized question/thought-starter bookmarks. Guest readers from the community and the school system also were on hand and joyfully engaged the children with their storytelling prowess.
The event was an overwhelming hit, leaving parents beaming with sentiments like, "I'm so glad I get to do this with you," and "This is the best thing ever."
JES Principal Chrissy Joiner's brainchild manifested into a beautifully executed affair, fostering cherished core memories and exemplifying literacy in action!
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JMS Students Impress at Elachee Festival
Students from JMS volunteered and exhibited at the Elachee Nature Center's Wildlife Festival last month, educating over 1200 attendees about local snake ecology. They engaged visitors with educational insights into local wildlife, including presenting snake demonstrations and dispelling myths.
These young volunteers also organized interactive games and assisted children with crafts, making learning about wildlife enjoyable for all. Jennifer McAuley, JMS life science teacher and outdoor classroom club advisor, expressed gratitude for the students’ dedication, stating, "We appreciate their efforts to create positive wildlife experiences for the public regarding this misunderstood member of our local wildlife."
JMS students' impact extends beyond the festival, leaving a lasting legacy of education and community engagement for our local ecosystem.
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JHS Commemorates 9/11 with Solemn Ceremony | |
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In a poignant and heartfelt ceremony, Jefferson High School came together last month to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The early morning ceremony left attendees feeling reflective and grateful, marking the 22nd anniversary of the devastating attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
The JHS Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AFJROTC) played a central role in organizing and participating in this significant event. Their dedication and precision in executing the ceremony were commendable and added to the solemnity of the occasion.
Among the attendees were local officials, veterans and first responders, who were honored guests. Their presence served as a reminder of the sacrifices made on that day and the resilience of our nation in the face of adversity.
"Jefferson High School believes in preserving the memory of this historic tragedy, and the 9-11 ceremony reaffirmed our dedication to honoring the lives lost and the resilience of our nation, said Principal Rob McFerrin. "As always, it was a special ceremony."
Special thanks to Chief Budell Willis and Major Bryan Watson for organizing the event.
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Learning Comes to Life at Center for Early Learning | |
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Pre-K Students Illuminate Learning with Hidden Letters
Our Pre-K students had a blast exploring the ABCs in a unique way with flashlights!
Last Friday, they eagerly hunted for hidden letters and shapes, their faces lighting up with joy at each discovery. Every little find is a big step in their learning journey.
Learning has never been more fun!
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Young Readers Program Sparks Adventures
Pre-K students delve into the world of literature with the new Raising Young Readers Program launched recently!
Each week, students bring home books to enjoy, read, return or keep, fostering a lifelong love for learning and stories.
Kindling a love for reading at home and school!
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Spidey Expeditions at the JCS STEAM Center
Pre-K was fully involved in an enthralling exploration of the world of spiders!
Delving into their captivating eight-legged universe, the young learners reveled in creating intricate spiderwebs and enjoying an exciting book-sharing session. Enthusiasm and curiosity were evident!
Spidey Success!
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Counselors' Corner
A Parent's Guide to Enhancing Study Skills
for Academic Success
By Holly McShane, School Counseling Coordinator
No matter the passage of time, the importance of effective study skills remains unchanged for academic achievement. Children do not naturally possess the inherent ability to master these skills, which must be developed over time through deliberate practice and experimentation.
Here are proven strategies you can employ to transform studying into a regular, stress-relieving routine that fosters your child's confidence and enthusiasm for learning:
- Provide an undistracted study space, free from television and social media.
- Minimize noise levels: Consider noise-cancelling earplugs for busy households.
- Stay informed about school updates and schedule study time accordingly.
- Utilize visual aids such as wall calendars or digital organizational apps for tracking assignments.
- Foster positive emotions around studying with healthy snacks, short breaks and words of encouragement to establish a calming routine.
- Create a multi-sensory learning environment that engages all five senses for better retention.
- Avoid shaming a child for academic struggles, as it can hinder their willingness to seek help and learn.
Check out these evidence-based strategies tailored to each developmental stage and crucial for instilling a positive mindset regarding successful study habits.
For Grades K-2:
- Regular reading sessions foster a positive association with books and reading.
- Implement flashcards with visual aids to aid in memorization and recall.
For Grades 3-5:
- Encourage consistent, small bouts of studying to retain information.
- Introduce effective note-taking skills using available online organizational tools.
For Grades 6-8:
- Utilize verbal review and incorporate movement to reinforce information retention.
- Explore online tools tailored to the student's learning style for an engaging study experience.
For Grades 9-12:
- Encourage students to determine whether listening to music aids or hinders their focus; recommend Lo-fi or classical genres.
- Provide guidance on stress management, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and practicing self-care.
- Address perfectionism by reinforcing the idea that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, fostering a positive attitude toward challenges and seeking assistance when needed.
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Athletics Update
Our Dragons have had an amazing competitive season this fall with more to come. Check out the "In Case You Missed It" section at the end of the newsletter to learn more about individual sports and upcoming contests.
Winter sports will soon be underway!
View Schedules Here
Fall Sports Performance as of 10/31/23
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| Sport | Record
Overall/Region | Season Result | | Comp Cheer | n/a | tbd
state/region competition ahead | | Cross Country | n/a | Girls: Region Champs
Boys: Region: Runner-Up
state competition ahead | | Football | 9-0 / 5-0 | tbd
state/region competition ahead | | Softball | 17-6-0 / 13-4-0 | Region Runner-Up
Sweet Sixteen | | Volleyball | 31-5-0/ 5-1-0 | Region Champs
Elite Eight | | |
JHS Dragon Regiment Excels at Bands of America | | | |
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The JHS Dragon Regiment showcased their exceptional talents on the national stage at the Bands of America Chattanooga Regional held at the University of Tennessee - Chattanooga last month. Bands of America, renowned as the nation's premier marching band circuit, rigorously adheres to the highest judging standards, making participation in this event a prestigious honor.
A total of 20 top-tier bands hailing from Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee competed in the preliminary competition, with the JHS band emerging as one of the brightest stars of the day.
The JHS Dragon Regiment not only earned their spot in the final showdown but also managed to secure a remarkable sixth-place finish, firmly establishing their presence among the elite bands from across the region. This achievement is a testament to their dedication, skill and hard work.
"Our students have invested hundreds of hours of their lives into this year’s program,” says Nick Golding, JHS band director. “It was incredibly rewarding to see them reap the benefits of their efforts in such a tangible way. This event was a positively life-changing experience for all of us.”
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NOTE: This past Saturday, the band wrapped up their season at the Plank Invitational at Pike County High School. The Dragon Regiment had their best performance of the year and ended their competitive season with straight superior ratings and a grand championship.
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CTAE Student of the Month | | |
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PLAYCARD Coming Soon to JCS Students
Digital Library Card Offers Free Access to Public Library Materials
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The Jefferson City School System is excited to partner with the Piedmont Regional Library System to provide students with a digital library card that offers them free access to public library materials and online resources to support their educational success. Be on the lookout in November and December for more details about how this will work and when the program will start.
Once the program is launched, students will be able to search the catalog for millions of books, download free eBooks and eAudiobooks, access the Online World Book Encyclopedia and even find practice tests for the SAT, PSAT and ACT!
Parents, if you do not want your child to participate, you may opt out of this program now by submitting the form at this link: Opt Out.
We look forward to sharing more details soon!
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Don't Miss This Important Parent-Focused Seminar
on Internet Safety for Parents
(Click on the image for more information!)
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Noland Celebrates 200th Win | |  |
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Reed Crowned Homecoming Queen
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In an exciting football showdown on a September Friday night, Jefferson High School's Head Football Coach Noland Travis reached an incredible milestone by securing his 200th career win. The Jefferson Dragons left fans in awe as they dominated St. Pius X High School with a resounding 42-0 victory. Today, his winning record now exceeds that mark by six in an undefeated season that has thrilled Dragon Nation.
Noland's 200th career win is a testament to his unwavering passion for the sport, dedication to his players and the indomitable spirit that has fueled his remarkable journey in the world of high school football. We are proud to have you at the helm, Coach Noland!
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Rachel Reed is the daughter of Steve and Krissy Reed. She is a captain and three-time varsity letterman for track and field. In 2022, she was a member of the track and field region championship team and state championship runner-up team. Reed serves as editor of the 2023-2024 yearbook and has been on staff for the last two years.
She is a member of FCA, Beta Club, Total Person Program, YoungLife and Miracle Club. After graduation, Rachel plans on attending Georgia College and State University to major in business and minor in photography.
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JHS Drama Dragons Placed Third at the Region One-Act Play Competition Last Week.
Under the direction of JHS Drama Teacher Elizabeth Kelley, the stage crew was recognized with the Outstanding Tech award. Lex Dolezal and Nora Sellards were awarded All Star Cast and Jayla Beasley won Best Supporting Actress!
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JHS Volleyball Crowned Region Champs, Competes at State Playoff in Elite 8.
Last week, our volleyball team battled for five sets before eventually falling 15-17 to McIntosh in the final set of the State Elite Eight.
Congrats to Coach Brittani Lawrence and the team for a great effort and an exciting season!
Five-time region champions!
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Distance Dragons Girls Named Region Champions, Boys are Runner-Up.
Congratulations to the JHS Distance Dragons for their outstanding performances this past Saturday at the Lamar Murphy Region XC Championship. The varsity girls are region champions and the varsity boys placed second by the tiniest margin - one point!
The 2023 GHSA 5A XC State Championship will be held on Friday, November 3, in Carrollton, Ga. Tickets are $10 on GoFan.
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Dragons Softball Team Makes It to Sweet 16 in State Playoffs.
Softball Dragons lost a heartbreaker a few weeks ago in extra innings during the state playoffs to finish an incredible season under the direction of Coach Allen Bailey in his first year.
Initially clinching the number two seed in state playoffs, the Dragons had a regular season record of 17-6-0.
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Comp Cheer Dragons Finish Season Strong with First Place Finish.
Regular season ended this past weekend at Loganville for our competitive cheer Dragons. The team has had a tremendous season thus far with multiple first-place finishes.
Next stop: Region on Saturday, November 4!
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Varsity Football Remains Undefeated.
Congratulations to the JHS Dragons who are 9-0 this year and headed into their last regular season game this THURSDAY (not Friday) night at Eastside in Covington.
It's an epic matchup that will determine the region champion!
Even if you can't attend, you can catch the game via livestream HERE. Game tickets available on GoFan.
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Eight JHS Students Named to Esteemed Leadership Jackson Program
Congratulations to these outstanding students who will embark on an eight-month leadership program with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce! The 2024 class includes Josie Fuller, Cap Benson, Dean Casey, Ben Dorough, Mara McGinley, Tyler Frazier, Ashley Frazier and Anna Kate Patton (not pictured).
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Stay Connected with JCS
Dragon Digest newsletters are emailed monthly during the school year through Infinite Campus to the parent email designated during registration. Have other family members who would like to receive this newsletter? Subscribe below.
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Upcoming Events
- November 9: BOE meeting at 4 p.m.
- November 20-24: Thanksgiving Break (no school)
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December 13 & 14: Early Release (details to come from your child's school)
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