In This Issue
Letter from Dr. Powers
My Voice My School Survey
Cupcake Day
Annual Fund
5K Eagle Walk-Run-Fun
Parent Information Session
TEDx at Jones
Counselor Updates
From Freshmen Counselors
Sports New
More in Sports
Used Books Wanted
JCP Community News
Joneswear
Freshman Connection
Diverse Learners
This Week's Schedule
FOJ Meeting
News for the Newsletter
Social FOJ
Upcoming Events

May 1
Cupcake Day
AP Exams Commence

May 3
Mock College Application Workshop for Sophomore Parents 6pm-8pm

May 5
ALAS Fest 2017 3:30pm

May 6 
Math & Language Benchmark 8am
rising freshmen A-L

May 12
Asian Pacific American Heritage Showcase 6pm-8pm

May 13
Math & Language Benchmark 8am
rising freshman M-Z

May 18
Spring Dance Concert 7pm

May 19
Junior Prom 7pm

May 27
Senior Prom 7pm

May 29
Memorial Day - No School
  
 

Friends of Jones 
Board Members

Double Blue Ribbon Recipient!

 


 

 

April 30, 2017
From Dr. Powers
  Dr Powers Photo








"America's Best High Schools" - Another Gold Medal win for Jones!

Dear Jones Family,

We all have much to be happy about at Jones College Prep. Our students continue to make us proud with their academic, athletic, leadership, and creative achievements. It is also gratifying when our school's achievements are recognized nationally.

In its annual "America's Best High Schools," US News and World Report ranks JCP #3 in Illinois and #110 nationally out of 22,000 American public high schools. This represents an improvement from last year's ranking of #4 in the state and #130 nationally. In addition, Jones is ranked #31 nationally among magnet/selective high schools, and #210 nationally for our STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs.  

While this is very exciting, it is also a challenge to all of us to keep JCP moving forward as a learning community. We must not rest on our laurels, but instead continue to strive for even greater opportunities for our kids to build and demonstrate their knowledge and skills as scholars and as citizens of our great nation. 

Other recent and upcoming highlights:
  • Spanish Honor Society: Our Spanish Honor Society inducted 29 new members on April 27.  The organization now has a total membership of 104.
  • TEDx: JCP students presented our first TEDx event on April 25.  Nine student speakers presented ideas from art to capturing the little moments of our lives.
  • "Cupcake Day": May 1, is "Cupcake Day" at JCP, the day when students report their college decisions for the fall. All of us will be decked out in our college gear to celebrate this great milestone for the Class of 2017.  Kudos to our terrific counselors for all they do in guiding our graduates toward this important goal.
  • AP Exams: May 1 is also the beginning of Advanced Placement (AP) testing, and we will have a record number of students in all four grade levels taking on these challenging exams that are such great preparation for college success.  AP exams continue until May 12.
  • ALAS Fest (May 5) and Asian Showcase (May 12) are just around the corner.  These cultural showcases are always a big hit with students and parents. Please see the school website for details.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time at  pjpowers@cps.edu  or 773-534-8606 (direct office line).   You can f ollow me on Twitter @PJOSEPHPOWERS.

Best Wishes,

P. Joseph Powers, Ph.D.
Principal
Jones College Prep
700 South State Street
Chicago, IL 60605
773-534-8606

2017 My Voice My School

LAST CHANCE - ACT TODAY

Please take a few minutes to complete the 2017 My Voice My School Parent Survey. 

  • The survey takes about 10 minutes and provides the school with valuable feedback.
  • No names are required, responses are anonymous.
  • Last day to complete the survey is TODAY, April 30th.
Click here now to take the survey.


Senior Cupcake Day


College Decisions and Cupcakes!

The counseling department is hosting Cupcake Day tomorrow, May 1st, during all lunch periods in the south lobby for seniors to celebrate their college decisions! Seniors are encouraged to wear their chosen college gear. Students will complete their final transcript request forms on this day.  They should update their application results on Naviance PRIOR to Cupcake Day. Gluten-free cupcakes are available.

Congratulations JCP senior class!

Annual Fund 

There is still time to make a gift to the FOJ Annual Fund. Help us make our $200,000 goal! 

Your donations are used to bridge the gap between what CPS allocates to run the school, and what it really takes. This year alone FOJ has funded a myriad of grants for clubs, classrooms, teams and campus productions. These are the opportunities for our students that set Jones apart. FOJ funds are also used to help maintain staffing and programming during these challenging times facing the district.

Make your contribution go even farther. Nearly 20% of funds raised this year are attributable to matching donations from corporations and other businesses. Be sure to check if your employer will match your 2016/17 contribution. 

Thank  you for helping to make JCP an exceptional school.
   
  To make your contribution, please  click here.

If you have questions or need more information contact:  

5K Eagle Walk-Run-Fun

Mock College Application  Workshop  for Current Sophomore Parents

 
Mock College Application Session for Parents on May 3rd from 6-8 pm in the South Auditorium. 

Sophomore Parents  are invited to a Mock College Application Session at Jones College Prep on May 3rd from 6-8pm.
An admissions director from the University of Chicago will facilitate an admissions committee simulation. The facilitator will speak generally about college admissions and what it takes for a student to be an ideal college applicant.   Even if U of C is not your child's school of choice, the information from this workshop will be enlightening! 

There are still spots available so please RSVP as soon as possible! 
 
Click HERE to contact Ms. Syed to sign up or  for more information.

TEDx at Jones

First Ever TEDx Talks at Jones 


On April 25th, JCP student and faculty organizers hosted the school's first-ever TEDx event. A TEDx event is a local gathering featuring live TED-like talks as well as videos of previously recorded TED talks. The mission of the TEDx program is to effectively communicate ideas worth spreading. While TEDx events are independently coordinated, the community facilitators of the event are required to follow a set protocol. 

See the list below of the talented students and dedicated faculty advisors who worked hard to produce an inspiring and impressive evening of talks. The coordinators, Abby Barton and Olivia Landgraff, introduced the eloquent and moving talks created and delivered by the five JCP student speakers as well as the two TED videos they chose to include in the program. 

The Jones TEDx event will be held annually. Student auditions for next year's program will take place in the fall. Videos of the first TEDx event will be available shortly on the JCP website and a future FOJ newsletter. 

Organizers: Abby Barton '18 and Olivia Landgraff '18
Speakers: Carly Klein '17, Michael Murray '18, Zaid Abdullah '18, Ellie Sharp '18, and Laura Davalos '19
Stage Crew: McKenna Meskan '18, Chloe Hancock '18, Kai Wright '18, Hannah Barton '18, Sophie Keller '18, Ruben Coronel '18
Teacher Sponsors: Caitlin Miller, Julie Achettu, Fran Feeley, Brady Gunnink, Ebikepreye Ogundipe
Teacher Tech Support: Jake Myers and Charlie Mills

From the Counselors
Congratulations! Your Student was Accepted to College! Now What?
Join us for a Parents Guide to Successfully Transitioning Out of High School and Into College
(for parents of Junior and Senior students attending Jones College Prep)

TUESDAY, May 16, 2017
6-7:30 pm
JCP Auditorium

This informative program will feature panelists from  Northwestern, DePaul and Marquette  to address the social,  emotional and academic transitions our incoming college students will face this coming fall

Among the topics to be discussed:
      
From Jones College Counselors Perspective:
  • We helped transition your students as freshman to Jones College Prep and now have suggestions for what YOU can do today to help transition your child to college
  • Beyond the question: "Do they know how to do their own laundry?" A check list of how to set your student up for successfully living on their own
  • How to utilize the Jones counseling department after your student graduates from high school; transcripts, teacher recommendation letters, etc. 
 

From the Physician's perspective: 

  • Alcohol/Drugs/Safe Sex: Advice on helping your student make wise choices... 
 

From the College Counselor Perspective:

  • The how, where and why of counseling services on campus
  • Helping your student adjust to college away from home
 

From the Current College Parent's Perspective:

  • What I wish I had known before I sent my child to college
  • My best advice is...
 
 The event is designed for parents sending students to college for the first time, and parents with more experience who welcome a fresh perspective on college transitions. 

Please mark your calendars. 

From the Freshman Counselors

Counseling 301 for Freshman Parents Helpful Resources Handout

Thank you to everyone who attended our Counseling 301 sessions at report card pickup. A lot of information was covered, and so we put together a handout for freshman parents to reference. Currently this is posted on the Freshman Parents/Students Page of the Counselor's Corner website. Or click here for a printable download of the handout

Thanks again!


Sports News

Boys JV Volleyball Scores Big at Tournament 


JCP JV boys  volleyball took 2nd out of 12 in Saturday's tournament at little village. The Eagles split 2 games with Lane Tech, beat Lincoln Park in 2 games, beat Little Village in 2 games (sweet revenge), beat Curie in 2 games (semi finals), and lost to Wheaton Academy in 2 games (finals).

The season record stands at 9-3 while conference record is 4-1. Congratulations and keep  up  the good work!

More Sports News

Boys Baseball Enjoying a Winning Season


JCP  Boys Baseball is off to its best season since 2011. Currently, the season record stands at  13-3.  

Plus, 5 seniors have committed to play collegiately next year: 

Will Oppenhiem - Middlebury College
Seth Bartusek - Grinnell College
Ethan Soderna - Ohio Wesleyan University 
Joseph Kelleher -  Depauw University
Elias Kuhns - Union College

Way to go, Eagles!

Book Fair
Donate Your Used Books
 
Jones College Prep will host a used book sale in the north parking lot on Saturday, June 10, during Chicago's annual 
Printers Row Lit Festival in the South Loop. We need books, boxes, and disposable bags.

 Please drop off donations at the south security desk or in the school library. We welcome all sorts of books - fiction and nonfiction of all shapes and sizes for children, teens, and adults. 

Any questions? Contact Ms. McClory or Mr. Feeley 
 


More  Jones  Community Accomplishments
Father of Jones sophomore publishes book of fiction Pale Yellow Moon

Antonio Zavala, father of Jones College Prep sophomore Tonantzin Zavala, has just published his first book of fiction titled Pale Yellow Moon. The book is now available from Amazon.com.
The author is a journalist and writes for several publications including Spain's international news wire, EFE. His news stories go throughout the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean and Spain.
The book consists of 15 short stories, some of which take place in Chicago neighborhoods such as Pilsen, Chinatown and Wicker Park.  The Pale Yellow Moon explores genres with creativity and passion and makes for a fascinating read makes for everyone.
"I'm very happy with the book and I hope many people get a chance to read it, including the fantastic Jones College Prep community," said the new author.
 

Joneswear

Shop Joneswear for your spring celebrations! 

 
The Jones Store, located on the third floor of the South Building, is open:
Every Tuesday & Thursday during Lunch (11:10 - 1:45)
and "B" day ACLab (1:45 - 3:15)

Visit our Pop-Up Store on Parent/Teacher Conference day, April 20th, in the lobby of the south building.

For more details including pictures of many Joneswear items, check out the webpage  here.
Freshman Connection
 
Register for the  Class of 2021 Freshman Connection  
  
The  two-week orientation program for rising freshmen will take place weekday mornings, 8am to noon, from July 10 through July 21, at the JCP campus.
 
Freshman Connection is your student's introduction to the culture of inclusion, curiosity and academic excellence that characterizes Jones College Prep. In addition to getting a vital orientation to the campus, freshmen routinely make friends during the program that they keep throughout high school.
 
Registration for Freshman Connection is now open at the Jones College Prep website. Please click HERE for a direct link.

Diverse Learners

Diverse Learners Meeting May 10th:
Transition Planning for 504s and IEPs

 The Diverse Learners Parent Support meeting on Wednesday, May 10, features Mariel Hamer, Transition Manager for CPS. Ms. Hamer will discuss the kinds of transition goals high school students should include in their IEPs with an eye toward college and the kinds of accommodations to include in 504s and IEPs in order to lay the groundwork for college. Parents and students are invited. We meet for conversation in the JCP library at 5:30 and Ms. Hamer's presentation follows from 6:00-7:15. 
Please contact parent Barb Cohen at barbcohen60615@yahoo.com for further information. 


This Week

Monday 5/1
B Day
8am AP Chemistry Exam
8am AP Environmental Science Exam
12 noon AP Psychology Exam
4:30pm Girls Softball at Chicago Academy
4:45pm Boys Baseball at Morgan Park HS
5pm Boys Volleyball vs. Farragut
7pm Boys Baseball vs. Solario

Tuesday 5/2
A Day
8am AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam  
4:30pm Girls  Softball  at DeLaSalle
4:30pm Boys Baseball at Simeon
6pm Sports Booster Meeting

Wednesday 5/3
B Day
8am AP English Literature and Composition Exam
4:30pm Girls Softball at Young
6pm Mock College Application Workshop for Sophomore Parents

Thursday 5/4
A Day
8am AP US Government and Politics Exam
12 noon AP Chinese Language and Culture Exam
12 noon AP Seminar Exam
5pm Boys Lacrosse at Mt. Carmel HS

Friday 5/5
B Day 
(Early Release)
8am AP US History Exam
12 noon AP Computer Science Principles Exam
3:30 ALAS Fest 2017 HUEHUECOYOTL - Our Resilience
4:30pm Girls Softball vs. Northside Prep 
 4:30pm Boys Baseball vs. Simeon

Saturday 5/6
10am Boys Lacrosse at Highland Park HS
11am Girls Softball at West Chicago HS
7pm Boys Baseball at Lane Tech

See future events at the Jones College Prep calendar.
Friends of Jones

 
Join us!  The next FOJ Board meeting will be held on Thursday, May 11, 8 am, in the school library.

 
Friends of Jones is the parent-led non-profit that raises money, volunteers and enthusiasm for the school. Last year we raised over $500,000 to go toward JCP school expenses not funded by Chicago Public Schools. These include iPads, research subscriptions, sports teams and band transportation and much more.
 
 
FOJ Newsletter

  
 
Remember to submit text and photos of interest and importance to the JCP community for possible inclusion in future editions of this newsletter.

Please let us know what other information you would like to see in the newsletter.

Email us with your submissions at  FOJ newsletter. The newsletter is published every other week.
  
FOJ 24/7
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Breaking news that falls between the biweekly newsletter is posted on FOJ's Facebook page. Don't miss out!
 

https://www.facebook.com/friendsofjones/ 


 

Please visit FriendsofJones.com for more information on FOJ, volunteer opportunities and more.


 

PS. Jones parents, if you or someone you know would like to receive our bi-weekly newsletter (the very one you're reading now), please visit FriendsofJones.com/newsletter and fill our our contact form, or email Elaine.Glusac@friendsofjones.com with your name, email and student's name and grade. 

For information on how you can help enrich your student's experience at Jones, please contact Friends of Jones