Jane Addams Middle School
Week of February 21, 2021
Dear Families,
Remember to restart those laptops at least 30 minutes before class tomorrow. There were updates over break.
It’s been nearly a year since we heard of COVID. It was this time last year that we began to realize the seriousness of this virus, and our young people began to rally to support each other, our custodial staff in their cleaning efforts, and to remain focused on middle school.
We’ve learned quite a bit since then and while I cannot predict what the spring and the fall will bring, I can say that the educators of Jane Addams are constantly working hard to improve education for your child.
Let’s continue to recognize how much both educators and students have grown during the past 12 months. We are constantly learning and adapting. With that in mind, we have two big
changes starting this week.
New Wednesday Schedule
This is the week we are changing our Wednesday schedule to better support individual groups of students while most students work independently. This will be the schedule for the rest of the year on Wednesdays.
All students will meet in advisory from 9:00-9:35. After advisory, students should check each class’s Schoology page for the asynchronous/independent work for the day. Advisers are available to help students develop a plan for the day.
Teachers will be available from 10:40-12:35 to support students with independent work. Wednesday links will be on Schoology pages. There will not be whole class instruction, and teachers will be working with small groups of students on specific skills. Teachers will prioritize time with students who are earning a C- or an Incomplete in their class. Counselors are holding their Why Try Groups during this time, and our Reading/Math Specialists will also work with students. If your child is scheduled for small group time, you will receive a text message and an email with details.
Any student can attend the Wednesday small group session if they are in need of extra support by joining the class during the designated time. However, the focus on the time will be centered on specific skills development needed by students earning a C- or below in classes.
If your child has an IEP (Special Education) or ELL services, they will spend most of their Wednesday time with their IEP and ELL teacher. Teachers will reach out to students and families with specific plans.
The small group times will be as follows:
10:40-11:15 (Periods 1 & 2)
11:20-11:55 (Periods 3 & 4)
12:00-12:35 (Periods 5 & 6)
All students will be done with school at 12:35 on Wednesdays.
New Attendance Code
This week you may notice that a few of your child’s teachers are using a “Pending” for attendance. You may also receive a phone call/email that says, “We are not sure if your child participated in class today.” This means that your child logged into class, but did not respond in any way during class time. There are many ways that teachers monitor student learning (voice, video, chat, work submitted), and the “Pending” attendance means that the teacher did not see or hear any student evidence of learning for that day’s lesson. We will explain this to students. Please talk to your child if you receive this email/phone call and encourage your child to work with their teacher to demonstrate their participation in class. We hope that this new change increases family/teacher communication about learning. Please feel free to reach out to any educator if you have questions.
Family Support
We can still help families with emergency food, rent, bill and clothing assistance. Reach out to myself or your child’s counselor for support. Many thanks to the Jane Addams PTSA, the Alliance for Education, Invest Ed, and the Lake City Rotary.
Special Education In-Person Services
We realize that there has been confusion about a return to school on March 1 for students with Special Education Services while other students are currently receiving limited in-person school. As soon as we learn more, we will hold a family meeting to share details. If you have not received communication about in-person services options, reach out to Principal Montgomery (via email, phone or text). We are happy to answer questions so that each family can make the best choice for their child.
With our new Wednesday schedule, our hope is that families find that educators are more available for individualized support, that more students can attend Library on the Lawn and Music Instrument tune up and that all students grow in their independence.
Take care,
Paula
Paula Montgomery, Principal
Jane Addams Middle School
Get Books From the Jane Addams Library (at school and delivered)
LIBRARY ON THE LAWN: Every Wednesday, from 12:30-2:30 students can come to Jane Addams and pick up the books they’ve put on hold through our online catalog. You can access the online catalog here: https://search.follettsoftware.com/metasearch/ui/113116
BOOK TALKS AND TRAILERS: Every Tuesday during enrichment time (3:30-3:50), Ms. Christiansen introduces two new books coming to the JAMS library. Students also have a chance to share what they’re reading and give/get recommendations for next reads.
FIRST CHAPTER FRIDAY: Students can tune in and listen to me read the first chapter of a new book at lunch (1:10-1:40).
BOOK CLUBS: This year we are running two book clubs each month, usually a middle grade book and a Young Adult (YA) book. Book clubs start at the beginning of the month, and students can sign up by sending MS. Christiansen a Schoology message after the titles are revealed on the 1st. (Students can only pick one book.
Need Delivery?
Can't make it to library on the lawn but still want books? We deliver! Please contact Ms. Christiansen through schoology, teams, or email at emchristiansen@seattleschools.org
Hey, Jaguars! You asked and we listened. Here are the enrichment offerings for February... No sign up required unless specified, just join the links you’re interested in. If you have any questions or are interested in a different club, let us know! All links are on Counselor's Schoology Pages
Need help with technology?
Mondays & Wednesday at Nathan Hale,
9am-6:00pm, closed for lunch at 11:00-11:30
Technology specialists will be at Nathan Hale High School every Monday and Wednesday until further notice. Specialists can help with all technology issues.
Not getting emails and phone calls?
Email jams@seattleschools.org or call the main office at 206-252-4500 between 9am-3pm. We will help you get connected.
Attendance
Students should also message or email their teachers for classwork.
Jane Addams Middle School
Email: jams@seattleschools.org
Website: www.addamsms.seattleschools.org
Location: 11051 34th Avenue Northeast, Seattle, WA, USA
Phone: 206-252-4500
Twitter: @JAMS_Seattle