NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010
T H E P R I N C I PA L ’ S P E N - R O B M IL L E R
Dear JMS Parents and Students, Wow, what a busy month we have had! Fall Break, parent conferences, dodge ball tournaments, EXPLORE testing, football games, student council elections – the list could go on and on, but I think you get the idea! The next six weeks will also be busy, but honestly, that’s the way we like it. With over 1600 adolescents gathered in the same building, it is often a beehive of energy and youthful activity in our hallways and classrooms. Most of the time, this “buzz” is generally positive and sounds the same. That’s a good thing. It means activities at the middle school are going as planned and everyone is doing their job. To continue with this analogy, a positive buzz around the hive means we’re making honey. In short, teachers are teaching, students are learning, and everyone is safe and comfortable. However, we do have the occasional bee go astray. As you well know, as parents of young teenagers, some teens can act impulsively from time to time and make poor choices. Brain research actually explains this phenomenon pretty well. Recent imaging studies in humans show that brain development and connectivity are not complete until the late teens or early twenties. The teenage brain is significantly different from both the young child and the fully mature adult. In other words, the teenage brain is not just an adult brain with fewer miles on it! This is a big reason why emotional outbursts, irrational thinking, depression, risk‐taking, eating disorders, drug and alcohol use, and other erratic behaviors reach a crest in the middle to late teen years. This research also explains how bullying and other social stressors contribute to teens’ overall sense of inadequacy. This may cause many to withdraw or act out in harmful ways (e.g. cutting). Our staff is always on the alert for signs of students in trouble. Recently, during home base our counselors led our eighth grade students through a curriculum titled, “Friends for Life,” that instructed students on what to do when they observed a friend or fellow student exhibiting self‐destructive behaviors. In seventh grade classrooms, we continue to discuss strategies for dealing with bullies and other difficult social situations. We are also in the process of conducting a bullying survey with our students and will provide a summary of those results in the next newsletter. Assistant principal Jeff Beyer is working with our student council and safe school committee to identify ways to reduce the incidence of bullying and fighting at school. We all recognize that in order for students to learn to their potential, we must first provide an environment where every student feels safe and comfortable. We’re doing a lot, yet we recognize there is always more to do. If you would like to research more about the topic of bullying in school, I am providing a few websites that I think are excellent and particularly appropriate for middle school students. Take a look, and as always, let us know if you have ideas or suggestions to help us do a better job. Have a wonderful month of November! Rob Miller, Principal 299‐4415, ext 5303 [email protected] Twitter: jmsprincipal http://www.focusas.com/Bullying.html http://family.samhsa.gov/teach/middleschool_bullies.aspx http://www.nmsa.org/publications/middleschooljournal/articles/january2006/article2/tabid/693/default.aspx JENKS MIDDLE SCHOOL - 299-4411
Attendance Office: x5301
Administration: x5307
Nurse: x5482
F RO M Y O U R J M S P TA P R E S I D E N T
Parents,
The holidays are quickly approaching, but your JMS PTA continues to be very busy. Here is a recap of our recent
activities:
 The Smashdown committee exceeded their budget in the fall fundraiser, netting over $13,000!
It was a fun event for the students and faculty. Thanks to everyone for making it a success.
 $5,300 in allocations, teacher grants, was approved at the October meeting.
 Directories were completed and distributed before fall break.
 We have had three JMS Sonic nights, with profit increasing each time.
 Care and Concern collected school supplies for students in need of assistance. They are gearing up for the holiday
Helping Hands drive to assist needy JMS families.
 The 7th Grade party is planned for November 12 from 2:30 to 4:30.
 PTA membership has increased significantly over last year, with over 550 members.
 The first Boxtops collection has concluded. Keep saving them for the next one in the spring semester.
 JMS supported the Jenks Public Schools Foundation with monetary donations collected at Back to School nights.
We hope to see some new faces at the next PTA meeting. Mr. Miller has been discussing some very interesting topics that our kids
are faced with during their time at school. He has even included some role-play and suggestions for ways to discuss these issues at
home. Dr. Lehman always provides us with the most current district information. Lunch is served each month and is always delicious! Please contact one of the executive board members if you would like to get involved. See you November 30 at noon.
From the JMS PTA, we wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season.
PTA BOARD MEETING DATES 2010/2011
Start Time: Noon
November 30
January 25
A light lunch will be served before & during the meeting February 22
March 29
April 26 (Changeover Luncheon)
2010-2011 PTA Allocation Requests
At the October PTA meeting, teacher allocation requests totaling approximately $5,300 were presented to the general membership.
All certified staff members are given an opportunity to request items needed both in their classroom as well as for their grade level.
Items requested are reviewed first by the department heads, principal and assistant principals, the Allocations Committee and the
PTA Executive Board. The items were approved by a vote of the general membership.
Some of the items purchased this year include novel studies, mineral samples, desk atlases, folding geometric shapes, foreign language aids, intramural equipment and a sunlit rotating globe.
Thank you, PTA, for putting over $5,000 back into the classroom!
What is the only fundraiser that doesn’t require going door to door, delivering
merchandise, calling your relatives, or asking for sponsors…and
you get to throw things at your teachers and principals?
The JMS Smashdown!
A Big Thanks goes out to our principals and faculty for playing and
to our parents for donating to our school.
With your help, we raised $13,330 for our school!
We appreciate everyone who contributed their time and money!
Your JMS Fall Fundraising Committee
Last Friday of the month
DURING LUNCH - ONLY $2
November 19, December 10 and January 28
Turn Boxtops in at the office
Please put them in a bag with the home base teacher's name.
Watch the newsletter for upcoming campaigns!
Dinner for the family and support Jenks Middle School!
Sounds like a plan!!
Sonic at 91st & Yale
The last Tuesday of every month a percentage of sales will benefit Jenks Middle School!
All Sales From 5 to 8pm at the 91st & Yale location
NOVEMBER 30 and DECEMBER 28!!
Experience a party full of challenging, enduring,
heart stopping games… and lots of fun.
DJ!
Prizes!
JMS 7th Grade Party
Friday, November 12th
2:30pm-4:30pm
In the gym
$5.00 tickets sold Tuesday-Friday @ lunch and Friday at the door.
Includes Cici's Pizza, freckles ice cream and a drink.
F RO M
YO U R
CARE
AND
CONCERN COMMITTEE
We Care at JMS
A GIFT FROM THE HEART
JMS Families can lend a “Helping Hand” this Holiday Season.
During the month of November, the Care and Concern Committee
will accept items requested by students in need.
You may donate monetarily or provide a special gift.
Specific needs will be displayed on the counselor’s door in the weeks to follow.
As always, there is a basket labeled Care and Concern in the counselor’s office
or if you prefer to give a monetary gift, you may send your check to:
Robyn Fillmore @ 8665 E. 104th Pl. Tulsa, OK 74133.
Make checks payable to JMS PTA
All gifts are tax deductible.
Each year the middle school provides gifts to students in need. These gifts brighten the day of
students that need help in our middle school community. In the past, the PTA has been able
to provide gift cards as well as phone cards to children with parents in the military.
Let’s continue that tradition of generosity!
JMS Care and Concern Committee
Robyn Fillmore
695-7280
Chele Mickle
902-5636
Nicole Young
232-5024
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
CRT MONITORS NEEDED


Please consider the opportunity to volunteer as a CRT Monitor. We are still in need of a lot
more monitors and ask your help to assist our teachers. It would help if you can spread the
word to friends and family as well.
The dates have yet to be set, but there will be some testing in February. The majority of
the testing will take place mid-April. The State of Oklahoma Department of Education mandates that each classroom have a monitor during the CRT's.

If you have volunteered before as a monitor, you know there is
very little required of you other than reading a short training brochure
and spending 2 hours in a classroom.

Please contact Donna Rutch at [email protected] or Diana Wolff at
[email protected] if you can help.

Thank you very much for considering this volunteer opportunity to ensure
our students' success.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Attendance Office
Thursday or Fridays 10:00 to 12:30 - Shifts are every other week. Please contact Angela Turner
299-9831 or [email protected]
Reminder to ALL JMS Volunteers:
Please stop by the volunteer desk in the principal's office area and fill out a "volunteer time sheet" in the
white notebook labeled "volunteer hours." Thank you so much for the contribution that you make to our
schools! If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact Tanya Deer at [email protected]
JMS PTA WEBSITE
 The website is UP AND RUNNING. The direct link to bookmark for easy
access is
http://www.jenksps.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/Middle%20School%7CPTA
2010-2011 COLLABORATION DAYS
JMS will participate in six Teacher Collaboration Days. School starts at 9:40 am on the following Thursdays.
Buses will run on these days. Pick up times will be appropriately adjusted.
Nov 18, 2010
Jan 27, 2011
Feb 24, 2011
March 31, 2011
Mark Your Calendars
Veteran’s Day Celebration
November 12 - 10:00 AM
7th Grade Social
November 12
Jenks Foundation Auction
November 13
Collaboration Day
November 18
8th Grade Musical, Wizard of Oz
November 18, 7:00 PM, HS PAC
FRECKLES FRIDAY
November 19
NO SCHOOL
November 24-26
PTA Meeting
Noon—November 30
JMS SONIC NIGHT
November 30
FRECKLES FRIDAY
December 10
NO SCHOOL
December 20 thru January 3
SAVE THE
PARTY DATE—8th Grade
JMS SONIC NIGHT
SCHOOL RESUMES
Social—Friday April 29
December 28
JANUARY 4
VETERAN’S DAY
Jenks Middle School Tradition
Middle school students will celebrate
Veteran's Day Assembly
November 12th 10:00 AM
The community is invited to join Mr. Miller, administration, staff and the student body
as the men and women who have served our country are remembered.
8th GRADE MUSICAL
You and your family will not want to miss
this wonderful production of
The Wizard of Oz
Presented by our own 8th grade students
November 18th 7:00 PM
High School Performing Arts Center
Playing with Purpose Basketball Lessons with Rod Thompson
and Lee Mayberry Are Back!!
Playing with Purpose basketball lessons, a fundraiser for the Jenks Basketball Booster
Club, is ready for another great year!
Weekly Classes are on: WEDNESDAYS
following the school calendar for the rest of the year.
Classes are at the Rock Gym (Next to or East of the Post Office in Jenks).
6pm for 3rd thru 5th grade, 7pm for 6th and 7th grade, and 8pm for 8th grade and up.
Enrollment is continuous throughout the year but get started today helping your athlete reach that
next level!
Cost is $20 per week, payable at the first class each month.
Call Traci Hines, 918-406-0790 or
email [email protected] to reserve your player's spot
November, 2010 Updates from Your Jenks Public Schools Foundation
22nd Annual Jenks Public Schools Foundation Dinner & Auction
Saturday, November 13th
6:00pm Doors Open - 8:00pm Dinner
Spirit Bank Event Center, 105th & Memorial
Live Music by Admiral Twin
Great Live and Silent Auction Items
Casual Attire – Adults Only
Visit www.jenksfoundation.org for reservations and information
Join us for a wonderful evening as we raise funds for our students and support the programs funded by JPSF. This
year’s event will be emceed by Jenks alum, Heather Richetto-Rumley and will feature live music from Tulsa favorite,
Admiral Twin. The auction will have something for everyone! Highlights include:
 Tickets to the Bedlam game (on the 50 yard line with a parking pass and tailgate party)  Tickets to the 2011 US Open at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland  BOK Suite Tickets to Brad Paisley  Suite Tickets for Michael Buble at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, with $100 gift certificate to the Melting Pot in Bricktown and overnight accommodations  Special events at the Aquatic Center and Math and Science Building  St. Louis Cardinals vs. the Florida Marlins  Autographed baseballs and photos by Jenks alum and Marlins pitcher, Josh Johnson  Summer Camps and Programs including Jenks Athletic Camps and New Life Ranch  Autographed Memorabilia from OU, OSU, and TU sports legends  Trip to Belize And so much more… check the website and facebook page for updates.
Proceeds from this special event and Jenks tradition are used to fund:
Classroom Grants to Teachers which provide curriculum support, equipment and technology at all sites. Vision of Excellence Awards which provide a stipend to outstanding JPS teachers and staff. Junior Achievement Biztown, curriculum and participation for all 5th graders. Student Support and assistance to many other programs throughout the year. Need a babysitter - for the event, Center Stage and Cheer Action in Jenks, is offering a Parent’s Night Out for ages
4-14, $25 for one child or $35 for the entire family. The evening includes pizza, tumbling, games, movies and
more! Contact [email protected] or 296-3335.
facebook/jenksfoundation
www.jenksfoundation.org 299-4463