The following information was sent to families via SchoolMessenger on Wednesday, February 1 with the subject "Weekly Wednesday Update 2.1.23". The content has been formatted for the web.
Hello, West Jeff Middle families. This is your Weekly Wednesday Update for February 1, 2023.
Upcoming Dates
February 2: 2 Hour Delay Start day, school starts at 9:30 am
February 2: Accountability committee meeting, 2:45 pm
February 10: "When Life Hands You Lemons" Day, sixth grade and WEB leaders canceled
February 10: last day for science fair project parameters to be changed/adjusted
February 17: No school, student non-contact day
February 20: No school, Presidents Day
School News
We have a 2-Hour Delay Start on Thursday, February 2nd. This is the second of three planned late start days for K-8 students in Jeffco to allow time for teacher planning.
The next School Accountability Committee meeting is Thursday, February 2nd at 2:45 pm in the library with a virtual meeting option. The meeting is open to interested adult attendees.
Every January, Jeffco schools collect items for Grub Club, a program that provides boxes of food items and toiletries to Jeffco high school students in need. This year, West Jeff Middle is collecting macaroni and cheese cups through March 17. Direct donations for the program may be made online at https://bit.ly/conifer-evergreen23.
West Jeff Middle students that formed a team for the Jeffco Middle School Battle of the Books should decide which member(s) will read which of the books and begin reading them in preparation for our school competition in March.
Schools across the country will celebrate National School Counseling Week 2023 the week of February 6. Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, the week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. We are thankful to have Mr. Enlund, Mr. Keane and Archie, Ms. Schute, and Ms. Elio help all of our students dream big!
Our sixth grade "When Life Hands You Lemons" Day scheduled for Friday, February 10 has been canceled. Additional information will be provided as available. This all-day, in-school event for our sixth grade students helps develop self-efficacy, motivation, and growth mindset. The event includes a presentation on key concepts, team building and growth mindset activities, and ends with a lemonade social for students to reflect on what they have learned, build relationships with our eighth grade WEB Leaders, and get to know their peers in a relaxed setting. Please contact Mr. Keane with any questions or families to request their student(s) not participate in this day.
The last day for students participating in the "Science Around Us" Science Fair to change or adjust their project parameters is Friday, February 10. Projects are due on Thursday, March 9, and the fair will take place Friday, March 10. More information can be found in the information packet. Questions may be directed to Mrs. Buffington or Ms. Dickinson.
Adult family or community members available at the beginning or end of the school day to help keep the drop-off and pickup of students safe and well supervised are invited to volunteer with our Watch D.O.G.S.! Please contact our Lead WatchDOG, Daniel Tucker, with any questions at [email protected].
Students that do not feel well during the school day may ask their teacher for a pass to the health room. Adult family members will receive a call from the school (303-982-3056) if your student needs to be picked up. Families, if your student contacts you during the day to inform you that they are ill and want to be picked up, please direct them to go to the health room.
The annual letter reporting our school's immunization and exemption rates for school-required vaccines has been published. It was sent to families via SchoolMessenger on January 24 with the subject "WJMS 23-24 Immunization Information".
Health Reminder
We can help protect our loved ones, the community, and our health care system by getting vaccinated, contacting a health care provider before going to an emergency department for respiratory symptoms, staying home when sick, and hygiene practices outlined in the press release "Colorado responds to increased cases of respiratory viruses, including flu, RSV, and COVID-19" on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) website.
Jeffco Public Schools follows the CDPHE "How Sick Is Too Sick?" guidelines for families to decide when to keep their kids home from school.
PTA News
Thank you to everyone that helped with the Snow Glow Dance last Friday!
School PTAs in Colorado report their membership to the Colorado PTA every October and February. You can support our spring membership drive through February 1 by joining today!
Area businesses interested in advertising at our school along the fence may work with our PTA to rent a portion of the fence to display a 4' x 8' laminated aluminum composite sign. Please refer to the WJMS PTA Fence Sign Sponsor Letter for more information on this program.
Families, please consider joining the West Jeff Middle PTA using our MemberHub store or printable sheet and follow the West Jeff Middle PTA page on Facebook to learn about events, volunteer opportunities, and more going on at our school!
Community News
Jeffco Public Schools is hiring! There are available positions in many areas for adults interested in working for Jeffco Public Schools. Learn more about available positions and apply online on the Jeffco Jobs Board at jeffcok12jobs.org. Many mountain area schools have immediate openings for custodial and kitchen staff.
Baseball Skills Clinic: Evergreen High School Cougars Baseball is hosting winter youth clinics for players ages 8 - 14 over four Sundays from January 22 to February 12. The cost is $50 per day, or $150 for all four days. Please contact [email protected] with questions.
Paint & Sip at The Well: Have fun supporting Conifer Lobos football at a Paint & Sip event at The Well, 27051 Barkley Rd, from 6 to 8 pm on Tuesday, February 7th. The $45 ticket price includes two glasses to paint, instruction and supplies, and a beverage. The event is limited to 40 attendees. To reserve your spot, please email [email protected].
Jeffco Writing Challenge / I Love to Read: Jeffco Public Schools students may submit an original illustration about what they love to read through February 24, 2023. Please read the flier for directions on how to submit entries. Prizes are awarded to first, second, and third place winners in each grade and to schools based on student entries.
IvyMath assessment and learning plan offer: IvyMath, an online math tutoring program delivered via Zoom, is offering a comprehensive math assessment, parent conference, and learning plan at no cost to families. There is a regular monthly membership cost for tutoring after the initial assessment and plan. To sign up for an assessment, please visit IvyMath.com/Boost.
Resilience1220 events: Resilience1220 is a local non-profit organization that provides free counseling sessions and support groups for young people ages 12-20, and community outreach and events that increase awareness of mental health issues. Some of their upcoming events:
February 1: Conversations and Connections, "Understanding and Managing Anxiety" with Kelly Andrews, MA, LPCC, 7 - 8:30 pm via Zoom
February 15: Sensitive Collective support group, 3:30 - 4:30 pm via Zoom
February 23: Support after Suicide Loss support group, 5:30 - 7 pm, both via Zoom (free registration required) and in person at the Resilience1220 office (32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen)
Jefferson County Public Library events: Please follow the links for more information on upcoming programs at the Evergreen and Conifer branches:
Wednesday, February 1: After School Craft: Perler® Beads, Conifer, 3:15 – 4:15 pm
Third Thursdays: Teen Dungeons & Dragons, Conifer, 3:30 – 6 pm
Third Fridays: Teen Makers, Evergreen, 3 – 4 pm
Friday, February 24: Teen After Hours: Giant Games, Evergreen, 6 – 8 pm