Staffing shortages are impacting school systems across the country. For Jefferson County Schools (JCS), the shortages have significantly affected our staff time to complete critical behind-the-scenes work that goes into sustaining excellence in teaching and learning. Beginning October 15th, Jefferson County Schools will dismiss students 1/2 day every Friday. Staff will spend 3 hours completing all non-student supervision work (planning, SAT/IEP meetings, creating instructional materials, deep cleaning, etc). A full explanation of the factors leading to this change and expectations for staff in using this time can be found in the “Sustaining Excellence Plan” on the JCS website https://5il.co/101uz
The Jefferson High School FFA chapter harvested potatoes from their land lab this week as part of Project Feed JC. The potatoes will be donated to the food pantry at Jefferson County Community Ministries in a couple weeks once they have undergone a curing time in the cooler.
A threat posted on social media against an unidentified school led to precautions at two schools in Jefferson County Thursday. Although this incident was investigated in Berkeley County, law enforcement could not initially determine whether the threat was local or if it targeted a specific school.
In an abundance of caution, Jefferson High School modified the bus arrival pattern. Wildwood Middle School entered into a temporary modified lockout, limiting visitors and keeping students inside the building while maintaining a normal schedule. The lockout was lifted by noon Thursday.
Jefferson County Schools (JCS) puts the safety of students and staff first and applauds local law enforcement and our administrators for quick action. As always, JCS takes any potential threat seriously. We are grateful to and fully support our partners in law enforcement in their efforts to determine the validity of these threats and what risk they might pose to children. We appreciate the continued patience and support of our families, students, and community as we work to keep our schools safe.
Congratulations to JHS Golf for becoming the 2021 Region Champions!
Thanks to Kyle Hibberd, Andrew Sudduth, Will Turner, Colin Walker, Ashton Klein, and Coach Brent Freeburg for all of your hard work!
Students and staff in Jefferson County Schools (JCS) will continue wearing masks to reduce the risk of mass quarantines and keep students in class after a vote from the Board of Education Monday, 9/27. The board will review the decision during their board meeting on 10/25.
All students who participated in state mandated Spring 2021 assessments will be receiving student/parent reports this week. There will be a letter and guides attached to each report. All reports will be sent home by Friday, September 24, 2021.
Jefferson County JROTC Students are learning about U.S. Service Academies from Senator Joe Manchin this morning!
Jefferson County JROTC Students are learning about U.S. Service Academies from Senator Joe Manchin this morning!
We've got some important dates for families to remember this school year! Make sure to download the JCS 21-22 at a Glance Calendar and keep up with what's happening in your schools!
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1571584/JCS_21-22_at_a_Glance.pdf
We are proud of students at Ranson Elementary School and Shepherdstown Elementary School for meeting with architects last week to share their ideas for the new schools coming to their communities!
https://jeffersoncountywv.sites.thrillshare.com/article/539617
The Eastern West Virginia community Foundation (EWVCF) has brought back their Mini Grants to Teachers this year!
Mini-Grants will be awarded to teachers in the Eastern Panhandle who want to improve the classroom experience for their students and have the ability to inspire the members of the EWVCF grants committee to support their efforts. All Jefferson County public school and PreK-12 teachers are invited to apply. All grant applications must be received before 5 PM, October 1. Applications must be filled and submitted online at
https://www.ewvcf.org/2021-mini-grants-to-teachers/
A popular snack food helped students at Blue Ridge Elementary School learn all about pollination thanks to a visit from Amanda Johnson with the WVU Extension Service. Johnson showed Danielle Chinnock’s second-grade students how bees help flowers grow.
“The students pretended to be bees, drinking nectar (water) and then taking pollen (Cheeto dust) to paper flowers,” Chinnock said.
The WVU Extension Service’s youth education programs promote responsibility, teamwork and overall youth development while cultivating a promising future.
Hey high school students, looking to bring your idea for a business to the real world? Check out the the West Virginia High School Business Plan competition!
Students will compete for a unique opportunity to make a business idea come to life with the support of WVU's John Chambers College of Business & Economics, Encova Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, WV Secondary Education, and seasoned business professionals. The competition is open to ALL high school students in grades 9 -12 across ANY discipline. We encourage all students with a product or business idea to enter!
Local Girl Scout Daisy Troop 15099 donated 351 school supply items to Shepherdstown Elementary School today! Thanks for supporting our students!
Congratulations to Jefferson County's own Laura “Chelle” Ferguson! The West Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Technical and Adult Education held its 25th annual Adult Education Awards Ceremony Wednesday, where she was named the WV SPOKES (Strategic Planning in Occupational Knowledge for Employment and Success) Student of the Year!
JCS Students have great opportunities at James Rumsey Technical Institute, like their Simulated Workplace. This classroom is structured as if it were an actual technology lab in the real world. JCS students are mastering skills such like robotics in this awesome learning environment.
https://www.localdvm.com/news/rumsey-technical-institute-preparing-its-students-for-workforce/
ATTENTION Jefferson County Schools Families.
Jefferson County Schools will begin sending attendance calls on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021. The calls will contain information about students who miss school and the date of their absence. The automated call is a notice for parents and guardians and an opportunity to connect with Jefferson County Schools staff as we work together to ensure students are on track and in class. If you receive a call on Monday that you feel was sent in error, please contact the Attendance Department at (304) 725-9741.
Thank you for your patience and support as we continue working toward the success and well-being of our children.
We will always remember 9-11-2001 so our students never forget.
We are incredibly proud of Heather Pindell, the Jefferson County School Service Person of the Year! Heather represented the JCS community well last night as a finalist for WV School Service Personnel of the Year! Thank you for all you do, Heather!
Just a reminder that all Jefferson County Schools will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 6. Enjoy your weekend!
