Thomas Jefferson Middle School Parent/ Guardian Information Night

Welcome to TJMS! Introductions Courses of Study/Forecasting The Middle Years Technology News

Introductions Tom Adams – Principal Ryan Dotson - Teacher Jennifer McKay - Teacher Judy Andrews - Teacher Anita Chase - Associate Principal (A-L) Reid Wetterau - Counselor (A-L) Brian Luderman - Associate Principal (M-Z) Jeannie Meyer - Counselor (M-Z) Kendis Kochis - Nurse

Good Attendance Important learning occurs daily. It is impossible to recapture or make up the discussions, activities & interactions that students miss when absent or tardy Please work with us to instill responsible life long work habits by making sure your student is punctual and at school every day.

Courses of Study and Forecasting Core Classes (6 of 7 Periods) – English/History Block (2 Periods) – Math Block (2 Periods) – Science (1 Period) – PE (1 Period) Elective (1 Period) – Performing Arts – Band, Orchestra, Choir – Art – Tech Ed

Activities for 6th Graders Green team ASB Socials Music (performances, excursions) Track Chess Club School Play Battle of the Books

Communication Electronic Newsletter (link on webpage) TJMS Web Site Parent Access Student Access Teacher Web Pages Fall Parent Conferences (October) Student-Led Conferences (March) Contact teachers, counselors & administrators by or phone Progress Reports & Report Cards

Student Planner Each student will receive a student planner at the beginning of the school year. The planner is a tool for student success and communication with parents as it contains:student planner – Calendar/Planner for assignments – School schedules – Information about TJMS – School Rules – District Policies

Kendis Kochis School Nurse Immunizations Health Concerns/Procedures

The Middle Years

It’s About Their Brains Just before puberty the brain undergoes major changes. This peaks when girls are about 11 and boys at 12. The brain matures from back to front The Prefrontal lobe matures last (home of the executive functions)

The Adolescent Brain Struggles With: Organizing and planning Sensitivity Controlling impulses Modulating mood Weighing consequences Inhibiting inappropriate behavior Setting priorities Making decisions

Other Major Changes Physical Emotional Intellectual Social

6 critical life messages I believe in you I trust in you I know you can handle this You are listened to You are cared for You are very important to me

We need You!  Sign up in the office to:  Join the PTSA  Become a tutor  Help in The Commons at lunch time  Assist with production of classroom materials We need parent volunteers at TJMS!

Important School Phone #’s Thomas Jefferson MS: Attendance Office: Tom Adams, principal: Anita Chase, associate principal (A-L) Reid Wetterau, counselor (A-L) Brian Luderman, associate principal (M-Z) Jeannie Meyer, counselor (M-Z) Kandis Kochis, nurse