Jefferson City Schools _37_.png

October 10, 2022

Principals: Thank You for All You Do!


October is National Principals Month, and we enthusiastically celebrate all four JCS principals for their unwavering commitment to our students. We salute them and are thankful for their top-tier leadership!

 

When we asked each principal what their favorite part of the job was and what led them to become an administrator, here is how they replied:

 

"I don't have one favorite part, but I love seeing children happily learning. I also enjoy supporting teachers because I realize how hard they work to teach our students. I just love JES and being a part of the school. I have a desire to make sure JES continues to pursue excellence for our students. I hope to continue the mission of educating children in a safe and caring environment." 

- Chrissy Joiner, Jefferson Elementary School

 

"I enjoy being around children as well as adults who share my passion. Watching students grow, learn and build relationships is so rewarding. I wanted to not only positively impact students within my classroom, but also on a much larger scale." 

- Chris Whitworth, Jefferson Academy

 

"I absolutely love the opportunity to spend time in classrooms with students and teachers. It is important to me that as we teach academics at JMS, we are also teaching students to be kind and to care about others. I wanted to become a principal because of my love for students and teachers. Becoming a principal has allowed me to encourage and to witness the implementation of excellence at JMS each day." 

- Carol Ann Knight, Jefferson Middle School

 

"The best part of the job is working with and getting to know students while also having the pleasure of seeing students turn a corner and succeed. I wanted to get into administration to be able to work with both faculty and students."

- Rob McFerrin, Jefferson High School

JCS Implements Inaugural

Student Advisory Council


JCS is excited to announce the development of its first Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC). The council is designed to garner insights directly from students to enhance the overall JCS student experience. 

 

Participating on council allows students to serve in a leadership role and to directly impact student life for all students. Three students were selected from each grade and will meet periodically with Superintendent Dr. Donna McMullan and Associate Superintendent Mr. Brian Moore.

  

The initial meetings were held at each school in September where the purpose of the council was explained and introductions were made. The main goals were to help the students understand why their voice matters and how their feedback can help impact decision making for the school system.

 

“The students spoke enthusiastically and candidly at our first meeting,” said Dr. McMullan. “I’m impressed with their ideas, level of participation and passion for their convictions.”

 

Congratulations to the SAC members! We look forward to recognizing you in a future Dragon Digest newsletter.

Congratulations, Ms. Thomas!


Jefferson City Schools honors those teachers who stand out among an exemplary field of educators within our school system. We’re pleased to announce Ms. Lane Thomas, a fifth-grade teacher at Jefferson Academy, as the 2022-2023 JCS Teacher of the Year (TOTY).


Ms. Thomas was selected by a panel of independent judges from neighboring school districts while competing against other JCS school-level Teachers of the Year. As recipient of the system-level honor, Ms. Thomas goes on to compete for Georgia Teacher of the Year.


Each school’s TOTY was chosen by the nominees’ peers in early September and includes Janet Fielding, JES; Lane Thomas, JA; Penny Cain, JMS; and Molly McCarty, JHS.


We are so proud of all of our Teachers of the Year. Thank you for exhibiting excellence in the classroom!


Jefferson School

System Foundation


Alumni Night Moved to October 21


Thanks to Hurricane Ian, the much-anticipated Jefferson School System Foundation's JHS Alumni Night has been moved to Homecoming on Friday, Oct. 21. Your JHS Dragons will play Loganville.


All alumni are welcome! Plan to attend the Alumni Tailgate Party in the End Zone prior to the game with festivities beginning at 6 p.m. There will be food, drinks, fellowship and a trip down memory lane. Response has been strong and numbers indicate this may be our best attendance ever for an alumni night. Alumni, if you plan to attend, please complete this RSVP form.


We also will recognize our 2012 State Championship Football Team prior to the game.

Counselor's Corner

Financial Literacy


News and current events related to student-loan debt indicate that many students are ill-informed about saving costs on college and/or post-secondary training to meet career goals.


As a proactive measure, JCS counselors developed lesson plans for students in grades 6-12 on basic financial literacy. As part of this curriculum, older students learn how to choose careers that match their aptitude and interests, which salaries meet their cost-of-living expectations, and how to save money for college while in high school. Already in implementation, these learning opportunities also incorporate social-emotional development concepts such as distinguishing between a "need" and a "want" and learning to self-regulate when it comes to impulse purchases. For younger students, skills such as self-regulation and goal setting are taught.

 

Thank you, counselors, for helping to develop the whole student at JCS!

 

At JCS, our school counselors provide instruction to students in three primary areas: academics, career readiness and social-emotional development. Learning occurs via classroom guidance, small group instruction and individual advisement, no matter the topic. This month's focus on financial literacy addresses all three primary areas.


JHS Students Chosen for

Junior Leadership Jackson


Jackson County Chamber of Commerce has selected nine JHS students to participate in Junior Leadership Jackson (JLJ), a community-based, eight-month leadership program for high school students who live in Jackson County.


JLJ is meant to support the development of young leaders through structured events and educational programs in partnership with the Chamber’s Leadership Jackson program, which is geared toward adult business leaders in the community.


The JLJ curriculum consists of a summer retreat and four community-focused field trips teamed with leadership-based learning sessions. Students were nominated by faculty members and community leaders. Upon graduating from the JLJ program, participants will have acquired important skills to use toward helping the community, their future employers and themselves. It's a tremendous opportunity for our students!


Congratulations to the following students chosen to represent JHS at Junior Leadership Jackson!


Lanier Ashley

Makaylee Cain

Jake Dorough

Abigail Foreman

Krystal Gaines

Megan Jacobs

Christopher Law

Kiley Powell

Zoey Short

Popular Children's Book Author

and Illustrator Visits JES


Nationally-renowned author and illustrator David Biedrzycki recently visited aspiring young writers and readers at Jefferson Elementary School. Known as an “Authorator," Mr. Biedrzycki read to all classes over the course of four days and explained the writing process to them. His award-winning Ace Lacewing: Bug Detective is a popular book among elementary-age readers, along with many others.


During his visit, all Pre-K through second-grade students got to experience his enthusiastic nature and love for creative literature. This experience engaged students and had them eager to learn more as he illustrated stories on his computer and showed how his ideas came to fruition using technology. Students were shocked to learn it took over 300 drawings to finalize one of his books!


Mr. Biedrzycki also explained how books are edited and published. He brought visual props to help explain how books are printed and folded to make a finished product. Students were amazed at his ability to bring pictures and drawings to life as he created stories from his broad imagination. Students were able to order one of his 32 books prior to the event to be signed during his visit. 


At the conclusion of each presentation, Mr. Biedrzycki asked the students to choose colors. He then drew and autographed unique illustrations to be sent home.


It was an exciting week for our JES students! 

JCS Students Win Art in the Park Awards


Jefferson City Schools recently had several students publicly recognized for their creativity at the annual Art in the Park contests held at Hurricane Shoals. In addition to art competitions, JCS students also submitted entries for the essay contest. 


Thank you to our art and music teachers for helping our students enter the competition and congratulations to all Art in the Park participants and award winners!

JES Art in the Park Winners

Carter Cadwell, Abby White, Colton Leet



  • Kindergarten, First Place - Colton Leet
  • Kindergarten, Second Place - Carter Cadwell
  • 2nd Grade, Second Place - Abby White

JMS Art in the Park Winner

Emmie Reed



  • 8th Grade, Essay Winner - Emmie Reed 


JA Art in the Park Winners

Makinley Thomas, Spencer Cain, Tessa Aldentaler, Jazmine Medina, Kayley Piche


Chloe Boyd, Julia Guiler, Brooke Boswell



  • 3rd Grade, Second Place - Tessa Aldentaler
  • 3rd Grade, Honorable Mention - Chloe Boyd
  • 4th Grade, Grand Prize - Brooke Boswell
  • 4th Grade, First Place - Julia Guiler
  • 4th Grade, Second Place - Brooke Boswell
  • 4th Grade, Third Place - Jazmine Medina
  • 5th Grade, First Place - Makinley Thomas
  • 5th Grade, Third Place - Spencer Cain
  • 5th Grade, Honorable Mention - Kayley Piche


Fifth-Grade Band Off to Strong Start


The future is bright for our fifth-grade band program led by Mr. Jerry Pharr. This impressive group has over 70 students, resulting in 25% growth compared to last year!


Mr. Pharr kicked off the season by meeting with all fifth-grade classrooms to introduce the program and generate interest. Enrolling students then attended an Instrument Testing Night to help students determine which instrument was the best fit.


"We have been thrilled with the interest in the program and are excited for the possibilities that this group will open up for our JMS Band program and the JHS Band in the future," said Mr. Pharr. "The students are excited and eager to learn, and I am honored to have the opportunity to work with them in this capacity."


Formal instruction began on Sept. 8. with students meeting twice a week after school. Students are focusing on how to properly assemble, hold and care for the instruments, as well as producing first sounds. They also have been working on reading music notation and clapping and counting rhythms. Participants will continue learning more notes and rhythms, gradually progressing to simple tunes and melodies.


We look forward to their first performance in December! A second performance is being planned for the spring semester in conjunction with the Jefferson Middle School Band. 



 Jr. Beta Club Launched at JA & JMS


Jr. Beta Club recognizes high academic achievement and is now offered at JA and JMS.


Students who have maintained an overall average of 95 or above in the previous school year are eligible and have been invited to join. Meetings began in September with much enthusiasm. 


During their first meeting, students from both schools spent time brainstorming and sharing ways the club can serve the school. At JA, some of the first ideas included picking up trash, raising money for children's hospitals, building bat boxes, and maintaining the Little Free Library. Students at JMS picked out various community service and school events where they will volunteer their time throughout the school year. 


As a Jr. Beta Club member, students are expected to maintain high academic standards throughout the school year, as well as exhibit positive behavior and character. 


Thank you to our JA Jr. Beta Club Sponsors:

Sherry Booth, Amber Marlowe, Donna Whitfield


Thank you to our JMS Jr. Beta Club Sponsors:

Lyndsay Hardy and Sarah Kennedy

Fall Sports Spotlight: Volleyball


Prior to fall break, the varsity volleyball team concluded their regular season and will now focus on the region tournament as the first-place seed. The mission is to defend the Region Championship title and strive for a fourth-year-in-a-row victory, as well as make a strong run in the GHSA State Playoffs. As the girls like to say, "we are ring chasing!" 


The team’s overall record is currently 26-7, with the region record measuring at 5-1. The ultimate “aha” moment thus far was competing at the Florida/USA Volleyball Challenge at Panama City Beach. Varsity battled against prestigious high schools from Alabama, Florida and Mississippi, such as Thompson, Booker T. Washington and Bartram Trails. The team brought home an undefeated title! One of the players said "everyone was driven to do more than just their job; all were hungry to win and proud to fight." Morgan Hicks and Kaytlin Johnson were nominated for the All-Tournament Team and will receive an award for this accomplishment. The team also will receive a plaque for going undefeated. 


Statistically speaking, the team has accumulated 271 aces, 822 kills, 77 total blocks, 756 assists and 967 digs.


"With the goal of a fourth region championship in a row, we know exactly what we need to do technically and tactically to get there, but our biggest game plan is to execute every opportunity," said Head Coach Brittani Lawrence. "In our practices throughout the season and leading up to the tournament, consistency, discipline, positive energy, snapped focus, fun, love and commitment drive us to be better than what we were yesterday, especially in tough times. We apply the same methods to our competitive play; mental toughness has been evident this season too." 


The JV volleyball team had a spectacular season as well, ending with an overall record of 17-2. Under the direction of the incredible coaches Stephanie Price and Taylor Martin, the young team was molded to embrace the following values: togetherness, doing your job, energy, communication and passion. They defeated Buford in addition to Dacula, Mountain View, Cherokee Bluff, Hart County and Morgan County.


The JMS volleyball team also made their winning reputation known, thanks to the leadership of Coach Amber Gauthier and Coach Jessica Bunn! They were promoted to a different league this season and handled the pressure flawlessly. The A team concluded the regular season with an overall record of 11-5, and the B team went undefeated (9-0). The A team advanced to the GAMSVL West Division End-of-Season Tournament and placed third. Additionally, JMS advanced to the North Georgia Middle School Volleyball Championship Tournament on Saturday, Oct 1. They placed third out of eight teams, defeating Banks County and Hebron in three tight sets and falling to Buford in two nail-biter sets.


"From a varsity coach perspective, these young ladies have a passion for the sport, for the team and for the community," said Coach Lawrence. "I am thrilled that they are the future of our program as they will continue to make Dragon Nation proud! Thank you to all our families and friends, community members, educators, and fellow coaches for instilling pride and excellence into this program." #WeAreJeffersonVolleyball

Upcoming Events

Get your glow on at the JMS Glow Run on Friday, Oct. 14. You can sign up for both the 5K and Fun Run 1K here

2012 State Football

Championship Recognition Night


Jefferson Athletics will honor the achievements of the 2012 State Championship football team prior to the varsity football game on Friday, Oct. 21, at Jefferson Memorial Stadium. JHS Dragons play Loganville.

In Case You Missed It

JES Named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School


The Jefferson City School System is proud to announce that Jefferson Elementary School has been recognized as a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. All schools, both public and private, are eligible for this prestigious award based on outstanding school performance and may only be nominated once every five years.


Congratulations JES Faculty and Staff! What you do matters!!



Read the full press release. 

JHS 2022 SAT Results Surpass State and National Averages


The Georgia Department of Education recently released the school, district, and state SAT scores for the Class of 2022. Jefferson High School earned a mean SAT composite score of 1102, which surpasses both state and national averages. The Jefferson City School System ranks 9th in the state based on these results. JHS outscored the national public school average by 74 points and the state public school average by 50 points. According to the Georgia Department of Education, this is the fifth year in a row that Georgia public schools have outperformed the national SAT score average.


One of many examples of excellence throughout our school system. Well done, teachers and students!


Read the full press release. 

Stay Connected with JCS


Dragon Digest newsletters are emailed each month through Infinite Campus to the parent email designated during registration. Have other family members who would like to receive this newsletter? Subscribe below.

Subscribe Here

Upcoming Events



  • The next BOE meeting will be on Oct. 13 at 4 p.m. in the board room located at the JHS Performing Arts Center.
  • Homecoming, JHS Alumni Night and 2012 State Football Championship Recognition Night is Oct. 21 at Jefferson Memorial Stadium.



JCS Events Calendar

Visit our Website

School Menus

IC Parent Portal

Community Resource Guide

Follow us on social media!

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram