Inside this issue:

We have just completed second quarter and our first semester. If you have heard our motto “The Best of the Best,” you perhaps understand why we are excited at Thomas Jefferson Middle School! Our students and staff are off and running in 2019! Students Lara Mohamad and Vivian Monaco, are First and Second place winners (respectively) in the annual APS MLK Literary and Visual Arts Contest. Student Sassan Fiske (8th Grade) – Winner of the Jefferson Geography Bee. We are behind him 100% as he prepares for a chance to compete on the state level. Layla Eisenburg made the All Virginia Honors Choir and the following Yellow Jackets were selected to the All-District Honor Choir at Marshall High School on February 8-9: Sophia Alfonso (earned a perfect score), Ellie Gookin, Ella Godbout, Hope Maobelem, Matthew Gookin, Sarah Eichorn, Sophia Bartrum, Sami Stewart, Aria Hernandez, and Anu-Ujin Myagamar.

(Continues on page 2)

A Message from Principal Boggan

THOMAS JEFFERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL SECOND QUARTER NEWSLETTER

1 Message From Principal Boggan

2 Message From Principal Boggan Cont.

3 Jefferson Post, Spanish, ASL

4 French and Chinese

5 Latin

6 P.E., Family and Consumer Sciences, and Tech Ed

7 Theater Arts, Business & Info Tech, and Business & Info Sciences/Yearbook

8 Visual Arts, Band, and Orchestra

9 Chorus, ESOL/HILT, and IB Programme

10 IPad Progam and Gifted Program

11 Minority Achievement

12 Minority Achievement Cont. and News from the Library

13 A Message From Counseling

Special Dates of Interest:

Student-Led Conferences—3/8

Read-A-Thon—3/1 through 3/10

Teen Tech Week—3/3 through 3/9

Cheerleading Expo—3/12 @ 3:15 PM

Early Release—3/13 at 11:54AM

Padres Comprometidos—3/13, 3/20, 3/27,

and 4/3

TJMS Math Night—3/14 @ 6:00 PM

Regional Science Fair—3/15 and 3/16

PTA Meeting—3/19

8th Grade Writing SOL’s Testing

Window—3/19 through 3/28

No School For Students—4/1

Freaky Friday the Musical—4/5 and 4/6

Spring Break—4/15 through 4/19

This newsletter is a glimpse into what is happening in

non-core classrooms. See your team’s weekly email blast for

updates from the team.

Learning together to understand and improve ourselves, our future, and our world.

Page 2 A MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL BOGGAN

A Message from Principal Boggan Continued

The Thomas Jefferson Middle School Orchestra received straight “superior” ratings as District Assessment on March 2. Thomas Jefferson Middle School’s Boys Basketball Team and Indoor Soccer Team earned County-wide Championship titles. Thomas Jefferson’s Counseling Department earned ASCA (American School Counselor Association) Model Program Status with Distinction. Ms. Rotchford, grade 8 Math Teacher, was selected Thomas Jefferson Middle School “Teacher of the Year” and Ms. Gray, Educational Administrative Coordinator, and Ms. Martinez, Instructional Assistant, were both selected Thomas Jefferson Middle School “Support Staff of the Year”. Don’t forget student led conferences will be held on Friday, March 8, 2019. The Writing SOL for eighth graders is scheduled for March 19 - 28, 2019. Eighth graders MUST bring their charged iPads on each day of SOL testing! Finally, I want to say a special “Thank You” to our TJMS PTA, led by President Molly Demaret-Tahu, for everything they do for our school! This month, the PTA is sponsoring our first annual Read-A-Thon. We invite all families to participate in this event that promotes literacy and raises funds for the Thomas Jefferson PTA. The Read-A-Thon is a 10-day period (March 1-10, 2019) where we encourage Jefferson students to read as much as possible! Students are encouraged to record how many minutes they read each day on their Student Reading Log in Canvas. Check out the PTA webpage for more information. And don’t forget to come to the Booktopia Used Book Sale on March 8 from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM during student led conferences. All books are $2.00 or less and all proceeds benefit the PTA literacy programs at TJMS. Sincerely yours, Keisha Boggan Principal

8th Grade Writing SOLs will take place in March. For the full schedule, please see the TJMS website: https://jefferson.apsva.us/counseling/testing/

Page 3 THE JEFFERSON POST, SPANISH, & ASL

Spanish

In Spanish II classes at the end of the second quarter and at the beginning of the third quarter, the students reviewed topics in Spanish II (Descubre 1, Chapters 5-7: vacations, shopping, daily routine) in preparation for the countywide midterm exams. The classes expanded their language skills in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with emphasis on the present and preterit verb tenses of the reflexive verbs and aspects of daily routine. In Intensified Spanish I, the classes completed the chapter on school which focused on interests/activities in school, after school, and on the weekends. The students transitioned to the chapter on the family and are presently exploring chores at home and practicing the use of possessive and descriptive adjectives. In Spanish I, the classes transitioned from the study of school life to the chapter on the family, focusing on the use of verbs in the present tense. The students are also using possessive and other adjectives in sentences and paragraphs. In spite of the weather interruptions, the Spanish II, Intensified Spanish I, and Spanish I students managed to complete the PATS (Proficiency Assessment Testing: Speaking) Midterm Exam and the Writing Midterm Exam. In Transitional Spanish 6, the classes focused on the study of the exterior and interior of the home (house or apartment). Grammatical instruction continues to stress noun-adjective agreement and the use of the singular and plural present tense forms of certain verbs (“ser,” “estar,” “tener,” “llamarse,” “vivir,” “gustar”). Presently, the students are exploring chores in the home! In the Introduction to Spanish classes, the students learned about professions, family members, and expressions with “tener.”

American Sign Language

We are continuing to learn American Sign Language through conversations. I have seen so much accomplishment, it makes my heart warm. I get words from teachers and parents that those students do go outside of my classroom and continue to sign in ASL with other students or/and their parents. That only tells me they are motivated. I'm so grateful. I truly appreciate all of the students constantly learning about ASL culture & history which really matters to me. Looking forward to completing the school year with a bang where the students will continue on to their next level of ASL!

The Jefferson Post club meets weekly on Thursdays from 2:40-3:30 PM. Each week, students write stories that are posted to our school news site, The Jefferson Post. Students have written new stories, sports stories, opinion stories, features, arts and entertainment stories and book reviews. Here is a link to our online newspaper: tjmspost.com.

The Jefferson Post

Page 4 FRENCH AND CHINESE

French

All French classes enjoyed cooking and eating crêpes for la Chandleur holiday February 2. FR II - 8th grade students have been telling and reading stories about shopping, attending sports events, and describing houses. We have been concentrating on understanding the difference between past and present tenses. We continue our weekly pop music study with various artists: Pink Martini, Kenji Girac, Amir, and Black M. We have completed reading 1 novel, and will begin our second novel in the 3rd quarter. We have finished our mid-year speaking and writing exams. FR I and FR I Intensified - Students have been learning about school systems in French speaking countries, how to describe their likes and dislikes and they are beginning to read in French. Students in French 1 Intensified have continued to study songs from a variety of French speaking countries, have watched the classic film “La Gloire de mon Père.” They have also begun to read a variety of self-chosen books in simple French to increase their vocabulary, see grammar in context and to learn additional cultural information. Due to weather delays, we will be finishing our mid-year speaking and writing exams in early March. Intro to French - 6th grade students continue creating, reading and dramatizing class stories about silly characters who go on crazy adventures. We have begun reading the novel “Brandon Brown Veut un Chien” by using a variety of reading strategies and activities (such as Textivate.com) to reinforce vocabulary.

Chinese

I would love to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Chinese teacher at TJMS. It’s such a pleasure to be the part of the team, and I’m excited to work with the students. To give you some brief information about myself. I have worked in Arlington summer STARTALKs in previous years and I have taught in Washington YuYing Public Charter School for 5 years as a language teacher. I see my role as teaching and supporting students to achieve their best in the Chinese class. I’m looking forward to collaborating with you for the rest of the year!

Best Regards,

Yuan Zhai

Page 5 LATIN

Latin

In the 2nd

quarter, the 6th grade Intro to Latin class learned about Greco-Roman mythology,

Olympian gods, the founding of Rome, and animal vocabulary. Latin I students learned the present, imperfect, and perfect verb tenses, and the accusative noun case. They also learned about Roman theater, burial practices, slavery and freedpeople. The Latin II students studied life in Roman Britain and ancient Alexandria, and religions of the ancient Mediterranean. They also learned the pluperfect tense, infinitives, irregular verbs, and relative clauses. On November 18th and 19th, eleven students from Magistra Egbert’s Latin I and II classes attended the Virginia Junior Classical League state Latin convention in Richmond, Virginia. They joined more than 1500 Latin and Greek students from all over Virginia, taking part in academic contests, art projects, performances, lectures, games, a Roman banquet, dance, and karaoke. The following students won awards for their art projects and test scores:

Elizabeth Kisor earned 9th place on the Roman Life exam and 6th place for her small model.

Sean Howder and Jaray Witherall earned 5th place in the team costume contest.

Henry Bui earned 5th place for his modern myth composition.

Astrid Brigham earned 4th place for her jewelry project.

Lila Derr earned 4th place on the Roman Life exam and 3rd place for her sculpture project.

Aria Merrill earned 3rd place for her mixed media drawing.

Keelin McCarty earned 2nd place for her jewelry project. On December 8th, the following Latin students competed at the BASIS DC certamen:

Elizabeth Kisor, Mailynn Nguyen, Violet Dellinger, Petton Cottey.

Certamen is a Latin trivia team game, similar to It’s Academic or Quiz bowl, played between teams from different Virginia schools. Our Jefferson team placed 6th out of 12 teams.

On December 18

th, Latin students from all over Arlington celebrated Saturnalia, the ancient

Roman winter festival, at Yorktown High School. Students enjoyed a potluck banquet, Roman games, gladiatorial combat, impromptu art, fortune telling, and many more activities. Over 100 students from all APS middle and high schools attended. Finally, on January 12th, the following students competed in the Flint Hill School certamen: Elizabeth Kisor, Violet Dellinger, and Robbie Rezabek-Castello. Our Jefferson team placed 5th out of 12 teams.

Congratulations to all students who participated!

Page 6 P.E., FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES, AND TECH ED

Physical Education

The Jefferson Health & Physical Education department has had a successful first half of the 2018- 2019 school year. The department is excited and looking forward to teaching the following health and physical education unit throughout the rest of the school year: Upcoming 6

th grade units

Health Units: Family Life, Nutrition, and Substance Abuse and Medications Physical Education: Soccer, Kinball, Sepak Takraw, Jump Rope, Badminton, Team Handball, Pickleball Upcoming 7

th grade Units

Health: Family Life, Safe Dates, Nutrition, Substance Abuse & Medication Physical Education: Soccer, Kinball, Sepak Takraw, Jump Rope, Badminton, Team Handball, Pickleball & Recreational Games Upcoming 8

th Grade units

Health: Family Life, Safe Dates, Nutrition, Substance Abuse & Medication Physical Education: Soccer, Wall Ball, Badminton, Softball, recreational games Expectations for Dressing out: All students are expected to wear a Jefferson Physical Education Uniform for class. Please remind your child to keep track of their uniform. Uniforms can be left in their PE locker during the week and brought home on Fridays to be washed. Uniforms cost $18 for a shirt and shorts or $9 for a shirt or shorts. Uniforms may be purchased at any time throughout the school year. If you have any questions or concerns about Health & Physical Education please email your child’s specific Physical Education teacher.

Family & Consumer Sciences

In November, FACS students completed a Babysitting Unit, with some 7th and 8th grade students earning their Red Cross Babysitter’s Certification. In December, all grades used the Design Cycle to plan and create sewing projects. The 6th graders completed felt ornaments, 7th graders used the sewing machine to create an emoji pillow, and 8th graders created a monogrammed apron. In January we developed our financial literacy skills, and 8th grade students finished the semester with an Interior Design project.

Technology Education

The 6th Grade students worked hard on designing a new virtual “Arlington”, one that would be perfect for our new Amazon neighbors. They discovered getting rid of traffic isn’t easy in virtual reality either! The 7th Grade students (combined with Mr. Ammon’s Tech Ed 7) persevered through the snow delays and finished a class set of cigar-box guitars. The culminating concert was held on the evening of February 21st at Kenmore Middle School. Robotics students completed a unit in digital electronics and integrating logic gates into simple electrical circuits.

Page 7 THEATER ARTS, BUSINESS & INFO TECH, AND BUSINESS & INFORMATION SCIENCE/YEARBOOK

Theater Arts

The second quarter was filled with many marvelous theatrical creations. The 6th grade actors journeyed into the world of Tableau. They devised original Tableau performances that shared a piece of themselves. The 7th grade actors began the 2nd quarter becoming playwrights. They wrote their own monologues and then performed them. The characters and stories that they created were unique. The 8th grade actors were both playwrights and actors this quarter. They wrote and performed in original scenes. Finally, they wrapped up their time in drama with a hilarious Improv Show that displayed their grasp of the “rules” of improvisation.

Business and Information Technologies

Computer Applications and Internet Technology - Students learned Internet security vocabulary and researched high profile Internet data breaches. For the remainder of the semester students developed business skills with Microsoft Office and PowerPoint. Investigating Computer Science - Students continued learning computer programming concepts and demonstrating those skills in the Scratch programming language. Students applied programming skills to build a game to meet requirements. For the last project of the quarter, students researched video game genres and history in order to determine what game they wanted to build as an independent project at the start of the third quarter.

Business and Information Science/Yearbook

Yearbook grade 8 students developed proficiency in applying principles of layout and design in completing page spread assignments using industry-standard application software. Digital Input Technology grade 7 students, collaborating with an assigned Mentor, completed team project models, electronic presentations, and 3D plans for the A4LE SchoolsNEXT Design Competition. Teams presented in-class to the District Jury, and one team was selected to compete at the statewide competition. Design Tech - Computers grade 6 students developed advertising messages and marketing plans to reach potential audiences for products, brands, organizations, and ideas. Students completed a SWOT analysis and created slideshow presentations.

Page 8

VISUAL ARTS, BAND, AND ORCHESTRA

Visual Arts

Visual Arts - Ms. E. Shepardson The 8th grade art students defined their idea of what makes a house a home with a choice of clay, paper mache or drawing; there was a wide range of finished work. They then moved onto a self portrait collage, and finished the quarter working on ceiling tiles and murals for the school. The 7th grade students made a self portrait that incorporated printmaking as well as chalk drawing. They also used their prodigious energy on a big project building castles with cardboard and paper. The 6th grade students worked in clay to create round emoji boxes as well as clay animals. They finished up with painting and mixed colors, tints and shades to create rainbow eyes. Visual Arts - Ms. Barbour During second quarter, sixth grade students created relief prints using linoleum or Styrofoam. They went on to explore color, gaining new understandings of color relationships. They created unique design schemes, using complementary colors, and applied their knowledge in a sculpture project.

During second quarter, all band students presented an outstanding Winter Concert on December 4. Since the Winter Concert, each band has started learning three pieces of music for our Assessment performances (which are like an “SOL” exam for band, orchestra, and chorus). Concert Band classes have been performing from the Sound Innovations Method Book to develop music reading and performance skills. They are also preparing to perform during the Wakefield Pre-Assessment Concert on February 27 and the APS Band Assessment on March 21. Symphonic Band classes have been working on demonstrating scale and sight-reading and preparing for District Band Assessment. They will perform at the W-L Pre-Assessment Concert on February 28 and the VBODA District 12 Middle School Band Assessment on Friday, March 15 at Marshall High School.

Band

Orchestra

Our orchestras’ biggest accomplishment was the Winter Concert in December which featured the 6th, 7th and 8th grade orchestras and the TJ Jazz String Orchestra. Other than all the work that students did to learn all this music, the second quarter was filled with sight reading skills development, scales, bowing patterns, finger patterns and lots of good music. The Beginning Orchestra 6th Grade Orchestra has developed into a true orchestra and learned several full string orchestra pieces as well as some seasonal favorites such as Frosty the Snowman. The Jazz String Orchestra has come a long way and is getting ready for a few Farmers Market Concert to raise funds for the program. Students enjoyed 15 flash-mob holiday concerts to celebrate Winter Break. The TJMS Orchestras are getting ready for District XII Assessment at Kenmore Middle School.

Page 9

CHORUS, ESOL/HILT, AND IB PROGRAMME

Chorus

During the second marking period, chorus students performed in a successful Winter Concert on December 6, in the TJMS Theater. After these performances, students have been continuing their study of music literacy through reflection, vocabulary and sight singing. Several students participated in the Arlington Honors Chorus on January 26 and District Honors Chorus Festival on February 8 & 9. Chorale students are preparing to be judged at their District Assessment (our version of the SOL) taking place Saturday, March 23.

ESOL/HILT

From Ms. Jones: In HILT A ELA classes, students continue to develop phonemic awareness, write complete sentences, utilize their dictionaries for vocabulary awareness and development and will begin working on an Autobiography Portfolio PBL in March. HILT A Social Studies classes are learning about types of conflicts and will create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) about a conflict that exists in a country that they research. From Mr. Lash: HILT-A English classes are working on selecting, synthesizing, and presenting information on countries, famous people, and current events. HILT-A Science students are coming out of a unit on cellular structures/functions and genetics/heredity. Their next unit will explore relationships between the Earth-Sun-Moon, and the Solar System. From Ms. Barbour: Ms. Barbour has been co-teaching a YJP with Ms. Chawla. The class has a Science theme and is made up of sixth graders. So far we have been learning about energy concepts, including renewable and non renewable energy sources. Now we are moving on to weather. Students are currently creating a video as a group project. It will answer the question, “How does Earth’s atmosphere change with elevation?”. From Ms. Chawla: Ms. Barbour and I have dedicated our Yellow Jacket Period towards a meaningful experience of co-teaching Science to HILT-B-X students. The Science theme that we have covered is Energy and Weather. Presently, students have been focusing on all the four Language domains of Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. For example, students have learned, understood, and recorded a video on "Earth's Atmosphere changes with Elevation." In HILTB, Reading class students focused on Reading Fluency, Genres, and celebrated Black History month by a Read Aloud of Ruby Bridges and created two inquiry-based reflective questions. For HILTEX-A English class, students are appreciating Black History month by engaging themselves with a Read- Aloud of Ghost Boys by Jewel Parker Rhodes and by watching and creating a timeline of legendry Martin Luther King Jr. Additionally, students learned about Genres and its importance. Currently, students are working on how to build their fluency with punctuation.

IB Programme

Here is the January IBMYP Thomas Jefferson Newsletter. Highlights include our reflective students of the month, a draft of a new inclusion policy, a recap of the Science Fair and Geography Bee, a spotlight on some our Language and literature classes, a Community Project update, and upcoming service learning opportunities.

Page 10 IPAD PROGRAM AND GIFTED PROGRAM

iPad Program

Please remind students to bring iPads fully charged to school every day. iPads will be used for SOL testing, so we need to create good habits now. If there is any issue with an iPad, it should be reported to the TA teacher first.

Gifted Program

Follow Jefferson Gifted Services on Twitter! @TJMSgifted While co-teaching recently in Mrs. Larson’s 7th grade English class, I experienced one of the greatest moments for gifted services so far this year. The students were studying various topics related to black history month including Black Lives Matter, hate crimes, LGBT issues, Blue Lives Matter, Ghost Boy by Jewel Parker Rhodes, and TedTalks focused on understanding others’ cultures. During a Socratic Seminar a student made the comment, “Maybe the reason books from multiple perspectives are so popular is because kids are learning how important it is to know all sides to a story.” This comment was followed by a rich and respectful dialogue on issues of race, organized movements, and how we fit into the future of these topics. Because of strategies like Socratic Seminar, our teachers are able to set students up to learn from each other so that they can become valuable leaders and participants in our community. Additionally, genius hour for 6th grade is underway. Genius hour is a concept derived from Google and 3M where employees are given twenty percent of their time to work on passion projects. During genius hour at Jefferson, students are given two hours a week to research passions that they don’t get time to learn about in school. At the end of each session students present what they’ve learned to an audience of peers. Our current genius hour projects include: research on dreams and population growth, how to refinish furniture, learning to read music, learning to play chess, creating an online photo portfolio, coding with Scratch, Stick Bot animation, creative writing, switchboards and soldering, and mimicking famous works of art. The math 6 team, our IB coordinator, and I attended the second math workshop training that was geared towards secondary math classes. After this training we collaborated and planned to ensure that the workshop model allows for rigor and challenge for students who are currently meeting or exceeding expectations in class. Our math team will continue to monitor and adjust to the needs of the high performing students. Teachers throughout Jefferson have also been very involved with the critical and creative strategies framework. During the second quarter all 8th graders completed an economics data-based question (DBQ) in their geography classes. High level writers were placed with me to receive accelerated and more intense writing instruction. Finally, the NPR podcast competition is also open to any Jefferson student who wishes to participate. I have a borrowed portable recording studio to set up in my office for students to record and edit podcasts for the contest. For more information on the contest click here. All entries are due March 31st.

Orchestra

Page 11 MINORITY ACHIEVEMENT

Minority Achievement

Equity and Excellence Arlington Chapter of the Links, Inc., Robotics Team This is the fifth consecutive year the Arlington Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, has sponsored robotics teams at Jefferson to teach young ladies to build and program robots. Members of the teams attend a mentoring program sponsored by the chapter one Saturday of the month from 10:00 AM—12:00 PM. Leadership Program for Young Men Jefferson staff members are sponsoring a leadership/mentoring program for young men. The program takes place on Wednesdays from 2:30 PM—3:30 PM in room (273). Students participate in activities designed to enhance their leadership skills. Participants hear from guest speakers periodically and are reading the book Letters to a Young Brother together. BRIGHT CS Building Student Retention through Individuated Guided Cohort Training in Computer Science (BBRIGHT CS) is a pilot program designed to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving and to teach concepts related to computer science. The goal is to expose girls of color, traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields, to these concepts. Students meet every Friday from 2:30-4:00 p.m. Coalition of 100 Black Women Mentoring Program The Northern Virginia Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women sponsors a monthly mentoring program for middle school girls. The program is held one Saturday a month from 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Middle School (library). This year’s theme is Shaping and Inspiring Your Voice. Color of Leadership Conference The 7

th Annual Color of Leadership Conference will take place on Saturday, March 30, 2019.

The event will be held at Kenmore Middle School. Middle school students in Arlington will hear from guest speakers and take part in workshops designed to develop their leadership skills and expose them to a variety of careers Edu-Futuro Robotics Club Edu-Futuro is partnering with Thomas Jefferson Middle School to sponsor a robotics club for the third year in a row. Students meet once a week after school to learn how to build and program robots. Gay-Straight Alliance The Gay-Straight Alliance is a student club that works to improve school climate for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GSA meets Thursdays from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in room 206.

Page 12

MINORITY ACHIEVEMENT AND

NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY

Latinas Leading Tomorrow (LLT) Latinas Leading Tomorrow (LLT) meets after school in room 260 on the 2

nd Tuesday of the

month from 2:30-3:30 p.m. LLT’s mission is to empower Latinas as strong, successful leaders in their chosen path and in their community. Meetings focus on leadership skills, goal setting, career exploration, college prep, community service and pride in cultural heritage. MiKiDo Martial Arts Class MiKiDo Training Centers, Incorporated, sponsors a weekly martial arts class for Jefferson stu-dents. The class meets on Wednesdays from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in room 122 and focuses on con-flict resolution, positive choices and self-discipline. Real Madrid After School Program The Real Madrid Foundation sponsors a weekly after school program designed to teach stu-dents soccer skills as well as character traits such as respect, integrity and responsibility. The program will resume in March.

Minority Achievement Continued

News from the Library

The hashtag “TJMSReads” is holding true! Our circulation statistics for 1st semester is

outstanding. The library checked out 8,467 books. Students are taking advantage of our ebook collection and are also downloading from our digital audio book collection. 1,735 ebooks have been checkout during 1

st semester and 158 audio books were downloaded.

Last semester was the first time Jefferson students had the ability to check out digital magazines, using the app called Flipster. Students downloaded 2,500 magazines! The app allows students to download as many magazines as they would like. Once the magazines are downloaded students no longer need Wi-Fi to read them. New magazine issues are being added every month, so students are able to read the most update issues. In December the library hosted a Bedford Falls book fair. The book fair was a huge success. The proceeds will allow the library to purchase more books and materials for Jefferson students. Every Month the library hosts a program called “Crafting During Lunch,” which gives students opportunities to design and create. For the month of February students created vintage paper flowers, using old book pages and Valentine’s Day cards. We had numerous classes come to the library to learn a new skill or complete research for projects. Below are some of the most recent classes to visit:

All the Reading Classes learned how to use Flipster. All the 8

th grade World Geography classes are researching using databases.

Ms. Fitzpatrick’s classes learned to use NoodleTools and Flipster. Ms. Hooper’s classes are doing research for their Black History Month Project. Ms. Limo’s students learned how to use some of our Spanish-language databases and resources.

Orchestra

Page 13 A MESSAGE FROM COUNSELING

A Message From Counseling

The school year is off to a flying start! We have had a busy 2nd

quarter and would like to take a moment to share a few highlights. Our work is focused on strengthening the Whole Child through academic, career and social-emotional development. This quarter we hosted our annual Career Day with community partners who joined our 8

th graders for a day of exploration and

discussion around topics such as: employability skills, educational training and community and service opportunities in preparation for post-secondary options. Students engaged directly with presenters who represented each of the sixteen career clusters.

Results from a recent TJMS student needs survey suggested students feel varying degrees of stress related to academics. Mindfulness is globally highlighted for its effectiveness in decreasing anxiousness and stress-levels in students and adults. TJMS has inserted mindfulness moments into our school week to support students in exploring healthy ways to de-stress. Each Tuesday, during lunch, students have the opportunity to join our counseling staff in Tranquil Tuesdays. During this time they are able to listen to quiet music, draw, read or participate in a small group activity. See you there!

Last but not least, our Thomas Jefferson Counseling Team was just awarded Distinguished Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation. This honor is given to school counseling departments that demonstrate alignment with national standards of the American School Counseling Association (ASCA). The TJMS school counseling program was also highlighted as one of three schools to earn “Distinguished” level (a near perfect application)! Way to go team!

Our Counseling Staff: Susan Holland: Director of Counseling 703-228-2907/ Susan.Holland@apsva.us

Amelia Black: 6th grade Counselor 703-228-5897/ Amelia.Black@apsva.us

Erin Pennington: 8th grade Counselor 703-228-5864/ Erin.Pennington@apsva.us

Susan Russo: 7th grade Counselor 703-228-8779/ Susan.Russo@apsva.us

Tiffini Woody-Pope: Projects Counselor 703-228-5899/ Tiffinia.WoodyPope@apsva.us

Ana Rodriguez: HILT Counselor 703-228-5911/ Ana.Rodriguez2@apsva.us

Kim Chisolm: Substance Abuse Counselor 703-228-5873/ kim.chisolm@apsva.us