Joseph Kerr Families,

 

Greetings from Joseph Kerr Middle School!  As I draft this letter, the first quarter of the 2020-2021 academic has come to a successful close and we are embarking on the beginning of quarter 2.  It is hard for me to believe we have completed a quarter of the school year already!  As we begin quarter 2, I would like to express my gratitude to our families, guardians and larger school community for your patience, understanding, and the grace you have given all of us as we work together, in uncertain circumstances, for the benefit of our students.

 

As we conclude the first quarter and begin the second, it is important for us all to take a moment and review your child’s progress thus far.  Quarter grades are now available for you to view in Synergy/ParentVue.  The best place to begin, should you have questions regarding your child’s grade(s), is with the teachers.  Although Administration is here to offer support, questions specific to grades, student behavior, or otherwise unique to the classroom teacher(s), should be addressed with the individual teacher.  Each student at JKMS has an assigned guidance counselor who is also ready and willing to help with your questions and/or concerns.

 

The quarter grade represents an important part of your child’s overall academic profile; however, please keep in mind that there is still much time for improvement.  The end of the first quarter allows students the opportunity to reflect on past performance and work with teachers, counselors, and parents, as necessary to improve future performance.  For our incoming 7th graders, there is often an adjustment period as students acclimate themselves to the many different nuances that are unique to middle school, even in a distance learning model, such as successfully managing 3 different teacher personalities, classrooms, and expectations.

 

We continue to make our best attempt to meet students where they are, recognize and address academic and social emotional challenges as they become apparent, and celebrate the many achievements of our fabulous students via Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

 

We are blessed by our wonderful parent and school community!  On behalf of all of the staff here at JKMS, thank you for entrusting us with those who are most precious to you, your children.  Thank you for your support, understanding, positive energy, enthusiasm, encouragement, patience, and above all, for partnering with us on the unforgettable adventure. Go Knights!

 

Sincerely,

Zack Cheney

Principal