Jackson-Reed eNews: Week of September 17th, 2023

Principal's Message

Greetings Jackson-Reed Community,

Last week included school activities and events that represented the best of Jackson-Reed and reminded us of why our school is so special. Thanks to everyone who attended our Back-to-School Night program on Thursday. I hope those who participated in the event enjoyed meeting our teachers and staff members as much as I enjoyed conversing with many of you as you navigated our campus. Please join me in thanking Mr. Minsker, Assistant Principal, for his time and effort in organizing this event.

In addition to Back-to-School Night last week, we had our Welcome Back to School Pep Rally. This Student Government Association (SGA) planned event resulted in our entire student body coming together to show their school spirit, cheering on our sports teams, and rooting for their classmates in a relay race. It was great to see our students demonstrate our R.O.A.R. values throughout the event and members of our SGA showing an example of active citizenship.

We also kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month last week, to celebrate and honor the history and contributions made by the Hispanic and Latinx community. Our Hispanic Heritage Month committee members planned events for students from September 15th – October 15th. We are grateful for their commitment to growing our Tigers’ knowledge and understanding of the Latinx and Hispanic culture, and for the commitment all members of our Faculty and Staff have in supporting our students.

Tigers R.O.A.R.

Sah Brown

Principal

Jackson-Reed's Back-to-School Night Event on Thursday, 9/14.

Jackson-Reed's first Pep-Rally of the 2023-2024 School Year!

NAF Academy Night:September 26th, 5:30-7:30 pm

Come and learn more about what the Jackson-Reed NAF Academies have to offer- all are welcome! Please RSVP here, by Monday, September 22nd. See the agenda below.

Agenda

5:45-6:00 pm -Check-in & Arrival
6:00-6:50 pm- Presentation in Auditorium
6:50-7:30 pm- Academy Fair and Ice Cream Social in Atrium

Immunization Information for 23-24SY

Beginning in the 2023-24 school year, students in grade 11 may only attend school for a limited time without proof of immunization. If it is determined that your child in grade 11 has not received the required immunizations, you will receive a written notification stating that you have until Monday Dec. 4, 2023 to present proof of immunization or your child will not be allowed to return to school until they have received the required immunizations and provided documentation to the school.

Once the proper immunization documentation is presented to the school, your student will be allowed to return, and the missed days will be changed from “unexcused absences” to “excused absences.”

If you are not sure if your student’s school immunization records are up-to-date, contact the school to find out.
You may also contact your primary health provider or make an appointment for your student to receive their annual wellness visit.
During the wellness visit, ensure the health provider completes the Universal Health Certificate or provides you with appropriate proof of immunization or medical exemption. You will need to give this immunization documentation to the school.

To upload your documents virtually, please access this website: https://forms.office.com/r/ZnWC43y6CA

Click here to read the entire message regarding Immunizations for SY 23-24.

Class T-shirt Competition 2023

Calling all artists! It's time for our annual shirt design competition. The students will vote on the design they want for their class t-shirt. The winners will get two free t-shirts and one Homecoming ticket. Submit your design by clicking here by Friday, September 22nd.

Events this Week

Monday, 9/18: Fire Drill @ 10:00 am (1st Period)
Wednesday, 9/20: Club & Activities Fair in Atrium @12:00 pm -12:30 pm
Wednesday, 9/20: Noche Para Familias in Atrium/Cafeteria/Classrooms (215, 219, 221, 224) @ 5:30pm -7:30 pm
Thursday, 9/21: Voter Registration Drive w/ DC Board of Elections @11:55 am -12:40 pm
9/15-10/15: Hispanic Heritage Month

Athletic Events

Monday, 9/18: Girls Varsity Soccer Game CANCELED
Monday, 9/18: Boys Varsity Soccer (HOMe) vs. McKinley Tech @5:30 pm
Tuesday, 9/19: Volleyball (HOME) vs. Cardozo @6:15 pm
Tuesday, 9/19: Boys JV Soccer (AWAY) vs. Gonzaga @7:30 pm
Wednesday, 9/20: Boys Varsity Soccer (AWAY) vs. Dunbar @ 4:00 pm
Wednesday, 9/20: Girls Varsity Soccer (AWAY) vs. Sidwell @4:00 pm
Wednesday, 9/20: Girls JV Soccer (AWAY) vs. Sidwell @5:30 pm
Wednesday, 9/20: Volleyball (HOME) vs. Stone Ridge @5:00 pm
Thursday, 9/21: Boys JV Soccer (HOME) vs. Bullis @4:00 pm
Thursday, 9/21: Boys Varsity Soccer (AWAY) vs. Bullis @4:30 pm
Thursday, 9/21: Volleyball (AWAY @ Dunbar HS) vs. Coolidge @5:00 pm
Thursday, 9/21: JV Football (HOME) vs. Roosevelt @6:00 pm
Friday, 9/22: Field Hockey (AWAY @Justice HS) vs. Justice Tournament @6:00 pm
Saturday, 9/23: Field Hockey (AWAY @Justice HS) vs. Justice Tournament @6:00 pm
Saturday, 9/23: Volleyball (AWAY) vs. Anacostia @12:15 pm

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, 9/26-Friday, 9/29: Senior Portraits in Auditorium Stage
Tuesday, 9/26: NAF Academy Night, 5:30-7:30 pm in Auditorium & Atrium
Saturday, 9/30: Play-in-a-Day Performance, 8:00 am- 10:30 am in Blackbox
Saturday, 9/30: Tenleytown Art all Night, 7:00- 11:00 pm in Main Gym/Aux Gym/Rose Garden
Monday, 10/2- Thursday, 10/5: Picture Days w/ Lifetouch in Auditorium
Thursday, 10/5: HBCU College Fair in Aux Gym

Dual Enrollment: 10th-12th Graders

Registration for Dual Enrollment has begun! Take college classes and earn credit. Deadline to apply is October13th. See flyer and click here for more information. Questions? Please see your School Counselor

TigerTVLive is the YouTube channel that provides Free live coverage of athletic and other events at Jackson-Reed High School. We strive to provide live broadcast coverage of all home games. TigerTVLive broadcasts can be found by clicking here. Please subscribe and like.

Jackson-Reed developed a relationship with the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Network that also broadcasts live and has Video On Demand (VOD). The NFHS Network Broadcasts all home games and games at participating NFHS schools. VOD memberships are free. Live view subscriptions are $11.99 a month or $79.99 annually. Subscribe to the Jackson-Reed NFHS Network here.

School Locker Request

9th Grade Students & Those New to Jackson-Reed: Scan the QR Code posted throughout the school, or request a locker by clicking here.

10th , 11th , 12th Grade Students: Students must utilize their locker and combination for the previous school year.

NOCHE PARA FAMILIAS:Reserve la fecha: miércoles, 20 de septiembre, 2023. 5:30 - 7:30 pm.

Noche para familias es una sesión informativa para los padres/madres y tutores legales hispanohablantes. Las sesiones incluirán información sobre: (1) asistencia y comunicaciones con la escuela, (2) asesoría académica, (3) preparación para la universidad y el mundo laboral (4) computadoras para cada estudiante y programas en línea donde están las tareas y notas de los estudiantes. La sesión será en español. Se servirá una cena.

Save the Date: Wednesday, September 20th, 2023. 5:30 - 7:30 pm.

The Noche para familias is a Spanish-language parent meeting and information session. Sessions will (1) attendance and school communications, (2) school counseling, (3) college and career planning, and (4) student 1-to-1 computers and the programs which carry assignments and grades. The event will be entirely in Spanish. Dinner will be served.

Host an Italian Exchange Student and Visit Italy in Spring 202

(Postponing Italian Exchange Meeting from 9/21 to 10/5 at 7pm in Room 208-Mr. Geremia is ill)

Jackson-Reed’s International Studies Program has a long tradition of exchanging one-week visits with Liceo Cambi, a public high school in Falconara, a beachfront town on Italy’s east coast. Sign up now for our spring 2024 exchange! If families are interested, please plan to attend an evening meeting on October 5th, at 7:00 pm in room 208 (date change due to illness). Please bring your questions to the meeting.

Tentative information below:

Dates: Host Italian students in DC from Thursday, March 21-Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Hosting in DC: All the Italian students speak English. They are usually 16 years old and in their third year of high school. They will attend selected J-R classes in the mornings and tour DC in the afternoons. You’ll join your guest for evening and weekend activities. You’ll provide a warm welcome – a bed – meals – and transportation to and from school.
Travel: Visit Italy April from April 11- Saturday April 20, 2024 (spring break – miss 1.5 days of school). You will fly in and out of Ancona, the city next to Falconara. You’ll stay in the home of the student you hosted. In most homes, at least one parent also speaks English. You’ll attend English classes and team-building activities at school and take trips to enjoy the beach, the mountains, and the food, culture, and history of Italy.
Estimated Cost: $2000-$2200
Group size: 20 students, 2 chaperones

More detailed trip information to follow. Interested? E-mail Mr. Geremia at robert.geremia@k12.dc.gov.

Additional Updates By Area

Click on the headings below to see more information about each area. Please see "UPDATED" or "NEW" areas accordingly.

NAF Academies (UPDATED)

Calling all Academy Seniors

Academy Seniors who are interested in a possible internship. Urban Alliance will be in the library on 9/19/23 from 10:30am-11:30am. Please come get a pass from Mr. Wims, Ms. McClure, or Ms. Lorenzo located in room b 108B.

STEM NAF Academy students (IT, Engineering Biomed)

We want to make sure you and your family are connected to all the opportunities and events offered within the academy. There are three main ways to do that:

1. Please subscribe to our academy newsletter using this link: https://scimatech.org/subscribe/ (Newsletter will launch weekly starting September 17th).

2. Also, follow us on our academy Instagrams: Biomed @jrbiomed, Engineering @jacksonreedengineering, IT: @jacksonreedinfotech.

3. Join each Academy's remind code--will be sent out to directly to academy families in a welcome email coming this week from Academy Director, Regina McClure regina.mcclure@k12.dc.gov

Mandatory Jackson-Reed International Studies Program Meeting on Wednesday, 9/27 in Room 208 during Lunch

Attention all past, present, and prospective International Studies Program students (formerly known as WISP students)! Please attend a mandatory meeting on Wednesday, 9/27 in Room 208 during lunch. Your attendance is required as we need to review important requirements about the academy. See Mr. Geremia in Room 208, if you cannot attend this meeting.

Academy Work Based Learning Events

9/19-Urban Alliance Internship Presentation in Library 10:30am
9/20- Academy of Hospitality students will tour Marriott HQ
9/21- Academy, College Tour to American University
9/22- Academy College Tour to American University
9/26-NAF Academy Night from 5:30pm-7:30pm
9/27-AOHT/AOF College Tour to Temple University
9/30-Art All Night

Calling All Contacts and Connections!

We know that we have wealth of resources within our Jackson-Reed family, particularly in the realm of professional and career expertise! Academy staff is currently working on building up a bank of work-based learning and enrichment contacts who can serve as guest speakers, fieldtrip hosts, mentors, capstone project judges, resume/interview workshop mentors, etc. If you or someone you know is connected to the following career fields (engineering, info tech, health sciences, hospitality and tourism, graphic design, finance, and AV Audio Production) and has a heart for building career exposure and preparation in our students, please send/fill out the form linked below. Academy staff will follow up with more details.

Connect With Us (Scroll down to "Get Involved")

College & Career Center (UPDATED)

UDC Perry Outreach Program

Application deadline: Wednesday, October 18

Event: Saturday, November 18

The Perry Outreach Program is a free, one-day, hands-on experience at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) for female high school students in grades 10, 11, and 12 who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine and engineering. Students will hear from women leaders in these fields and try it for themselves by performing mock orthopedic surgeries and biomechanics experiments.

Click here to access the application and for more information go to www.perryinitiative.org. Email Dr. Lara Thompson, lara.thompson@udc.edu, if you have questions.

For 11th and 12th graders: 2024 United States Senate Youth Program -Application deadline: Friday, October 27, 2023

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is seeking high-achieving student leaders interested in a future related to government, history, and/or public service to participate in the 2024 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). High school juniors and seniors who will be serving in an elected or appointed position during the 2023-24 school year and who possess a strong interest in government, history, and causing a change in their community are encouraged to apply. To view the application, application instructions, and timeline, please visit OSSE’s USSYP website.

https://osse.dc.gov/publication/united-states-senate-youth-program-ussyp-application

U.S. Navy STEM Internships-Application deadline: November 1, 2023

The U.S. Navy’s Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program places high school students in Department of Navy laboratories where they take part in real Naval research for eight weeks during the summer. High school students who have completed at least Grade 9 are eligible to apply, including graduating seniors. See all of the eligibility requirements and learn more at www.navalsteminterns.us.

Attn: Students interested in Medicine and Health Professions

The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is the oldest student-led organization dedicated to supporting current and future underrepresented minority medical students. As part of our National Leadership Institute, we are excited to announce the Virtual Pipeline Academy, a half-day conference designed to excite, engage, and inform underrepresented minority (Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American) high school students interested in medicine and other health professions. Registration deadline: Friday, September 29, 2023. To learn more, visit https://snma.org/page/programspipeline or email pmi@snma.org.

Community Service (UPDATED)

DCPS Block Party Saturday, Sept. 23 11:00am-2:00pm

This year, LAD is partnering with Family and Community Engagement in planning the DCPS Block Party, which will take place on Saturday, September 23, from 11:00am-2:00pm.

Volunteers are needed for following activities:

Face painting
Applying temporary tattoos
Basic Logistics/Helping direct families
Playing with our younger students
Other duties as assigned

Students may earn up to 5 hours of community service as volunteers, depending on their availability. Students should sign up here by Wednesday, September 13 and will need to attend one required virtual training session via TEAMs. It will consist of a brief 30-45 minute session in which we discuss the goals of the Block Party, review the layout of the fair and the various roles.

Murch Elementary Fall Fair

Murch Elementary is seeking volunteers to help with booths, set-up, and clean up at their Fall Fair on October 14th.

Sign-up here.

Goods for Good

All new moms and their babies deserve the best start possible, regardless of circumstance. Join G4G in supporting low-income parents with essential baby items. G4G will partner with Greater DC Diaper Bank and Unity Healthcare /Columbia Heights, two nonprofits that work tirelessly to improve the lives of mothers and babies in the DC area. For high schoolers in need of community service hours, join us on September 27 after school at G4G to put together diaper bags with pre-purchased supplies and to make cards.

This activity will take place at Goods For Good (5830 Nebraska Ave NW) from 4-6pm on Sept 27th. Participants will assemble bags and make cards to celebrate mom and baby!

Community service hours can be provided (students must sign up here AND register on our website by filling out the 2 minute Student Engagement Form on our website.

Seeking Volunteers for Ch/Art's Annual Art Walk!

Ch/Art is a local nonprofit arts organization that supports visual artists in Chevy Chase (DC and MD). Every year, Ch/Art holds an Art Walk where artists display their work at people’s homes. This year, it's scheduled for October 21-22, 2023, from 12-5pm.

We need 1-3 volunteers to take short videos (~1 min long; on your phone) at each house that’s represented in the Art Walk; there are 31 houses participating this year. These videos need to be posted on Ch/Art’s Instagram account.

We need volunteers at as many houses as possible during the Art Walk to welcome visitors, stamp their maps with the location, and offer drinks/food. Timeslots can be split (12- 2:30pm and 2:30-5pm) or you can stay for the full time (12-5pm). Please reach out to Anne Shields (ennashields@hotmail.com) if you would like to help!

More DC-wide Volunteer Opportunities can be found here.

Family Engagement (UPDATED)

September LSAT Meeting Announcement

Hello Jackson-Reed Families!

We hope your student's school year is off to a great start!

The first SY2023-24 Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 9/19 @ 6pm in the Principal's Conference Room. The Jackson-Reed LSAT advises the principal on such matters as the Comprehensive School Plan, the annual school budget, strategic priorities, curriculum, school culture, and family engagement. The LSAT may also advocate on behalf of JRHS on city-wide educational issues.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to the LSAT. We are here to help!

PTSO (Jackson-Reed Parent Teacher Student Organization)

The Jackson-Reed Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) is seeking your support to help meet the needs and requests of our school community. Can you donate $1 per school day?

Your donation of $180 (equivalent to $1 per day in school) supports grants for teachers, administrators, staff, and student groups, as well as school-wide events such as monthly Principal Coffees. PTSO grants fund professional development for teachers, the Beacon student newsletter and other student clubs, backpacks of school supplies for English learners, art supplies, chemistry equipment, scholarships for seniors to cover graduation and prom fees and much more!

Gifts of any amount are appreciated. In school year 2022-23, the PTSO received about 600 donations from our student community of 2,000+. This year we would like some level of participation from all families. At Jackson-Reed, there is no auction gala or other formal fundraising event. We depend on our direct giving and appreciate your support.

More information on the JRHS PTSO is available

On the school website under “Parents”
On Twitter / X @JacksonReedPTSO
On Instagram @JacksonReed_PTSO

Donating is easy!

Text “JRHS” to 44321 for a donation link OR
Visit OR
Visit the “parents” section of the Jackson-Reed website OR
Send a check payable to “Jackson-Reed PTSO” to
- Jackson-Reed HS PTSO, 3950 Chesapeake St, NW Washington, DC 20016

Meet Your JRHS PTSO Class Representatives

Class of 2024: Alisa Gogarty, Elizabeth Tsehai, jrhsclassof2024@gmail.com
Class of 2025: Steven Brown, Sejal Dave, jrclassof2025@gmail.com
Class of 2026: Alysa MacClellan, Susan Pultz, jrhsclassof2026@gmail.com
Class of 2027: Karl Khoury, Amy West, jrhsclassof2027@gmail.com

Clubs (UPDATED)

Ms. Clemmons will be hosting a Club & Activities Fair in the Atrium on September 20, 2023, from 12:00-12:30 pm. More information about individual clubs will be shared at the event.

Jackson-Reed Speech and Debate

The Jackson-Reed Speech and Debate team meets every Tuesday after school in room 319. Come to improve your speaking, put your argumentative skills to use at tournaments, and be a part of this student-run club. Contact scuaresma214@gmail.com with any questions.

Chess Club

The chess club will meet in Room C207A on Tuesday at Lunch. We will participate in the Metro Washington Area Chess League. https://chessctr.org/play/macl/

Please reach out to Mr. Evans for more information. Anthony.Evans@k12.dc.gov 202-713-5844

Speech & Debate Club

Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Clinician's Corner (NEW)

Academic

PSAT and SAT Accommodations

If your student has a 504 plan or IEP and will need accommodations for the school day PSAT or SAT test this year, please download and fill out this form to provide consent for the school to request accommodations from College Board. Forms for students with IEPs should be emailed or submitted in person to Dr. Goff (angela.goff@k12.dc.gov; Room 202). Forms for students with 504 plans should be emailed or submitted in person to Ms. Wells (katherine.wells@k12.dc.gov; Room 104j). Please note: if your student was already approved for accommodations in the past, they do not need to resubmit a request. However, we would like to make sure everyone has a consent form on file so unless you are 100% sure you submitted one in the last 12 months, please send in consent form so your student is ensured their accommodations. Please make every effort to submit the form as soon as possible to allow enough time for College Board to make decisions regarding the request before the test.

Tech Support- Ask Mr. Thompson

DCPS central office IT has been creating several fixes for issues that students and staff may have been experiencing the past week. To solve many of the network and keyboard problems you may have been having, please check for and install any updates that you can find.

Click on the magnifying glass and type “Updates”, click on “Check for Updates” and run any updates you that appear.
Additionally, click on the “Optional Updates” button. Devices should be plugged in with over 40% available on your battery.

If you continue to have challenges with your network connection or keyboard, stop by the Help Desk in the Atrium, before school, during lunch or after school. Remember, students should have their computer every day for every class.

Special Education Hub

Family Empowerment Series: All about Individualized Education Program (IEP) Goals: Appropriate, Ambitious and Attainable - Online Training

Monday, September 18, 2023, from 7pm - 8pm. This session will be held on Zoom.

IEP goal training: What makes an IEP goal appropriate, ambitious, and attainable? Join the SpEd Hub for an education session about developing individualized education program goals for your child and everything you need to know about supporting their learning and progress.

You'll receive the Zoom link in an email during the week leading up to the training. Save the date for this informative session!

January 12, 2024