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nding OUR Way Volume 3 Issue 1 A publication of the Jasper County Charter System JCCS Calendar By Dr.Mike Newton BOE Meeting Aug-21 Labor Day Sept-03 BOE Meeting Sept-18 Early Release Oct-04 Fall Break Oct-05/08 Early Realease Oct-19 BOE Meeting Oct-23 ACADEMICS & EVENTS First Day of School Aug-10 Sports Pics MS Aug-16 MAP ALL Aug-13/31 Parent Night WP Aug-14 Curriculum Night WP Aug-28 Book Fair WP Sept-04/7 Title I Annual Mtg MS Sept-20 College Night JCHS Oct-18 FAFSA Nigt JCHS Nov-08 For more details and an athletic schedule, please visit us online at www.jasper.k12.ga.us/ calendar or scan the QR code below. I am humbled and honored to begin my 9th year as Superintendent of the Jasper County Charter System. OUR staff recently held its annual leadership retreat in late July, and the theme of the experience was “Building a Legacy of Excellence.” As they say, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and the same I guess could be said about the term “excellence.” Over the last eight years, we have focused on improving the climate, culture and learning experiences for OUR students and staff. The work has been both challenging and rewarding as we have faced many “changes” along the way including but not limited to: Transitions in school leadership/teaching staff and Board of Education members, significant reductions in state funding, numerous changes in state mandated curriculum, monumental shifts in state and federal policies, two Governors, two state School Superintendents, transitions in state testing/ accountability, etc. Throughout these many years of changes, the Jasper County Charter System has emerged more focused than ever on improving student outcomes- preparing OUR students for their lives beyond school. I’d say that we are well on OUR way to building a “legacy of excellence” as demonstrated by: • Significant gains in reading and mathematics achievement at JCPS • Student growth/ progress in reading and mathematics on the Measures of Academic Progress- a nationally- normed assessment • Record high graduation rates from JCHS • Record number of students from the Class of 2018 who were accepted to post-secondary institutions • Increases in career- technical course offerings • Implementation of a Bio-technology and Emergency Response Pathways • Continued improvements at JCMS on state assessments that have moved them from State intervention in 2010 to “Beating the Odds” compared to like middle schools in 2017 • Higher than average school climate and financial efficiency ratings • Continued recognition by the state for sound accounting practices • Awards of millions of dollars in state and federal grants • Regional, state and national student competition winners • Top 10 finishes in AA Region athletics • District AdvancED Accreditation • Transition to Charter System status with an emphasis on innovation/ flexibility/ and School Governance • A National FBLA winner (Keri Roach) • And OUR spring 2018 Milestones scores reveal that we are making much progress in moving OUR student achievement in the right direction! OUR facilities have also undergone a remarkable transformation over the last eight years. The Board of Education relocated to a renovated wing of the old JCHS (2011). Extensive The Jasper County Charter System saw improvement in several of the End-of- Grade and End-of-Course Milestones Assessments for this past school year. At levels 2, 3 & 4 Jasper County students beat the state and/ or RESA average in 14 out of the possible 24 tested subjects in 2016-2017. This year that number increased to 19 out of the 24 tested areas. At levels 3 & 4 Jasper County students beat the state and/ or RESA average in 7 out of the possible 24 tested subject areas. In 2017-2018 students and teachers increased that number to 13 out of 24. Jasper County Family Connections Back To School Rally 2018-2019 Building a Legacy of Excellence Jasper County Charter System is always looking for ways to improve communications to keep parents and students connected with their teachers and schools. This year we are adding to our districtwide callout system provided by Blackboard. Each teacher across the system will have access to the same app with which they can text, email and/or call students and parents with those important reminders. And the best part? Parents don’t have to download and learn a Communication con’t... new app or remember any access codes. The message will come to your preferred contact method. Whether that is as a text message, an email or a voice call, you decide. The only thing we need from parents and guardians is their current contact information so that we can always reach you. Please be sure to contact your school should your contact information change. Photo credit: Kelsey Marat Pictured (l-r): Targie Folds and Mary Gordon Thanks to Targie Folds and her team for a very successful Back To School Rally and Health Fair held on July 28 at jasper County high School. Improving Classroom Communication By Cara Bockholt Photo credit: Kelsey Marat Pictured (l-r): JCMS Principal Cheryl Marrett greets students. Photo credit: Kelsey Marat Some of OUR very happy customers! Thanks to all the sponsors and volunteers at this great event! renovations to the interior, roof and HVAC are now almost complete at JCMS. JCPS has undergone roof and HVAC renovations (2016) along with other flooring improvements. ADA and other cosmetic updates were made at Rose Bowl Field and at the Baseball field. The “bus barn” and lot have undergone expansion and much-needed interior improvements. On the horizon- as a result of the passage of the May 22 ELOST, additional renovations (2019) will be made at JCPS along with roof, HVAC and renovation work at WPES in the near future (2020). Also, planning is complete and bidding is underway on the new Athletic Complex at JCHS which will house a new football stadium, track, tennis courts, baseball/softball fields, and Agriculture greenhouse. The work at JCHS will be complete by the start of the 2019-2020 school year. Are we satisfied with OUR progress? Jim Collins coined the phrase, “Good is the enemy of Great!” So, while we are pleased with our progress, complacency will not suffice. Therefore, we will continue to strive toward “Building a Legacy of Excellence.” Giving credit where credit is due is very easy. The Jasper County Charter System could NOT have accomplished all that it has over the last eight years without the support and hard work of OUR incredible faculty and staff, building/ district leaders, parents, students and community. YOU all have made THE difference and have afforded me the privilege of leading OUR collective work- and for that I am truly grateful. Jasper County Milestones Scores Improve for 2017-2018 By Ty Snyder Pictured Leadership Retreat Teams (clockwise from top left): JCMS, JCHS,WPES,JCPS and Preschool. Photo credit: Kelsey Marat Pictured (l-r): WPES Staff Tomiko Rooks, Shawn Dean, Chandra Goen and Eunice Blackmon enjoy breakfast together at JCCS Convocation to welcome staff back to school. Welcome Back! Photo credit: Kelsey Marat Pictured (l-r): Preschool Staff Deborah Edwards and Heather Battle Congratulations to OUR Transportation Department for winning the first ever Pupil Transportation Safety Award issued by the GA Dept of Education!
