JES Hosts "Reading Rally" with Malcolm Mitchell |
Students at Jefferson Elementary School received quite a treat last Monday, April 18, 2022, when they participated in a Reading Rally led by Malcolm Mitchell, former UGA and NFL football player. This event was held in the Jefferson High School Arena and was sponsored by the Jefferson School System Foundation. Malcolm Mitchell inspires young children across the nation with his “high-energy, innovative reading experience” by focusing on the connection between literacy and life success. At Jefferson Elementary School, there is a strong commitment to providing a literacy-rich environment, which serves as the foundation for high academic achievement. During this event, all JES students were encouraged by Malcolm’s story of growing up and learning to face adversity amidst extreme circumstances. Malcolm Mitchell shared with the students his journey of learning to read, attributing much of his success to the power of reading.
In 2016, Malcolm founded the Share the Magic Foundation to promote book ownership and the long-term benefits of being an active reader. As part of the work of this foundation, Malcolm hosts a global reading competition where students in grades PK through 8 compete to read the most number of minutes, beginning on the day of the American College Football National Championship and ending with the naming of the World Reading Champion on Super Bowl Sunday. One of Jefferson Elementary School’s kindergarten classes taught by Ms. Janet Fielding placed 11th in the world at the end of the 2022 competition. It was so exciting to see her students recognized by Malcolm Mitchell’s team at the Reading Rally. When asked about this experience, Ms. Fielding said, “Malcolm Mitchell’s READBowl has been one of the best challenges because it excites students to read. My class, including students and parents, accepted the challenge in January and now truly have mastered the magical journey of finding joy within the pages of books as a family affair. Meeting Malcolm Mitchell in person and receiving their own copy of his latest book was the perfect ending in helping all students believe they can do anything they set their minds to. This paves the way for reading to help students achieve lifelong successes.”
As part of the Reading Rally, every student at Jefferson Elementary School received a copy of Malcolm Mitchell’s book, My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World, fully funded by the Jefferson School System Foundation. The students and staff of Jefferson Elementary School extend a huge thank you to the Jefferson School System Foundation for the financial support and commitment to helping our youngest students realize their potential through literacy. L’Resu Thompson, chairman of the Jefferson School System Foundation, said, “As a board of directors, we seek to be good stewards of the money given to us. We look for the most impactful way to affect the students of Jefferson City Schools. This program definitely meets, even exceeds that criteria.” According to JES Principal Annette Beckwith, “Students left the Arena with smiles on their faces and books in hands, declaring this the best day ever!”
|
|
|
|
JES "Out of This World" Dragon Dash |
With the help of the Jefferson Elementary School PTO and Coach Mullis, JES hosted its annual Dragon Dash fundraiser on April 20-22, 2022. This year's theme was "Out of This World." Students had a blast running in the gym while it was decorated with black lights and neon paint. Dragon Dash funds will go towards purchasing new Chromebooks and water bottle filling stations. Thank you to Coach Mullis, the PTO, sponsors, and all who donated! |
|
|
JHS Seniors Travel to Europe for World War II Trip |
Thirty seniors from Jefferson High School recently went on the trip of a lifetime. For the past 15 years, JHS has offered a trip to Europe touring WWII sites and other historical places for interested seniors. The trip took place over spring break from March 31st until April 12th. However, this was the first trip in three years due to the pandemic. According to students and chaperones, the ease of travel to another country after the pandemic was shocking. Mr. Bob Pittard, a WWII teacher at JHS and the leading tour guide of the trip, had been to Europe 42 years in a row until the pandemic. Mr. Pittard said, “we kept a long alternate list in case of last-minute sickness or travel restrictions and didn’t have to use one.”
Mr. Pittard is responsible for the trip itinerary and spends considerable time planning each destination that the students will see. Mr. Jamie Chambers, a JHS paraprofessional, is the trip administrator. He booked flights, hotels and transportation, and was instrumental in navigating the pandemic requirements of the different countries. Because Mr. Pittard is familiar with the area and has been to Europe countless times, he has set up a charter bus driver, Mr. Harry, who has been transporting our students for nearly 12 years. Having that personal connection in a foreign country allows our students to feel a sense of security during their travels.
To be eligible to go on the WWII trip, students must meet certain academic requirements. It is only open to seniors who are chosen based on a grading scale, with the top 30 students being selected. Students must receive teacher recommendations, have good attendance, no disciplinary referrals, and interview with a panel of administrators. Students who do not make the top 30 are kept on an alternate list in case of emergencies or last-minute changes.
Cike Jovani was one of the participating seniors on the WWII trip and said, “I have wanted to go on this trip since I was in eighth grade. We got to see places and things that we have seen in textbooks, but to actually be standing in the exact places we have learned about was incredible.” He went on to say, “My favorite part of the trip was meeting Henri Mignon, who was a young boy during the Battle of the Bulge. At only 11 years old, Henri saw firsthand the sacrifices and the extreme conditions that soldiers endured.” Cike concluded his thoughts with, “It is an overwhelming experience. Everywhere we went, we saw American flags. Feeling that support and united pride was chilling.”
The weather conditions for the trip were less than perfect, but that did not stop the crew from exploring! From rain and sleet to wind and fog, they experienced it all. According to Mr. Pittard, “travel is the best way to learn.” It was a full 13 days of learning and seeing firsthand the places our American soldiers once stood. Omaha Beach and the Luxembourg American Cemetery were among the essential stops, where students had the opportunity to take down the American flag and fold it up. Mr. Pittard remarked, “They saw that we have the privilege of living the way we do because of their (the American soldiers) sacrifices.” Other important destinations were the walking tour of Nuremberg, seeing the exact places where Hitler once stood, visiting two different concentration camps, and the Wannsee Vill and Berlin Wall. JHS teacher Fran Doolittle said, “This trip is powerful. Of course, you see it in movies, but until you see it firsthand, it gives a whole new perspective.”
Once students are settled in after arriving back home from the trip, they must write an essay about the trip and their overall experience, including what they learned. Teachers choose the best essay, which is then submitted to the Athens-Banner Herald and published with the student’s name as the author.
The Jefferson City School System is fortunate to have the opportunity to send students overseas for learning experiences. Without the support of our board of education, who provides every student $500 towards the trip, this opportunity would not be made possible. Students look forward to this trip every year, so we are thankful to be able to provide the opportunity once again as a school system.
|
|
|
|
Inspired by the legendary artist Vincent Van Gogh and his famous painting Starry Night, Jefferson Elementary School hosted a Starry Night themed family event. On Thursday, April 28th, JES families gathered at the school for arts and crafts, a bookfair, and fun on the front lawn. For the evening, Mr. Mullis was DJ Van Go and played music for all to enjoy while they picnicked on the lawn with snowcones and Chik-Fil-A. Thank you to Ms. Golding and all who helped make Starry Night enjoyable for everyone.
|
|
|
Varsity Girls Soccer "Spirit Walk" at JES |
On Thursday, April 28th, the varsity girls soccer team traveled to Northwest Whitfield to compete in the Region 8 AAAA Final Four round of the state championships. To send them off properly, JES wanted to host a Spirit Walk. Students and staff lined the halls, lunchroom, and gymnasium of JES, cheering, chanting, high-fiving, and wishing the Lady Dragons the best of luck as they headed into the competition. The Spirit Walk was made even more special by the team ball boys and girls, who are students at JES. Mally Fowler and Will Navas were surprised with special handwritten posters from the team and even got to lead them through the Spirit Walk. What a special day for our girl's soccer team and the students at JES!
|
|
|
Knight and Fowler Retire After Coaching Decades Together |
Two long-time coaches in the Jefferson baseball program recently said their goodbyes. Head coach Tommy Knight and assistant coach Andy Fowler both announced their retirement after coaching together for decades. The coaches were honored at the mound in a ceremony on Friday, April 22nd, where current and former players gathered to bid their farewells to some of the best coaches around.
Coach Knight and his family came to Jefferson in 1993. He was the head baseball coach and also the defensive coordinator for the football team for three years. For the next seven years, he was a head baseball coach at the college level. From 1997 to 1999, he was at LaGrange College, where he was named the 1997 Georgia Alabama Conference Coach of the Year, and from 2000 to 2003 was at Southern Polytechnic State University. Knight returned to Jefferson in 2004 as the head baseball coach. He has been named the GACA Region Baseball Coach of the Year 11 times, Georgia Athletic Conference Conference Coach of the Year at LaGrange College in 1997, and was also named the Georgia Dugout Club AAA Coach of the Year in 2015 and the AAAA Coach of the Year in 2018. In his career, Knight has recorded 446 wins at Jefferson and 585 overall wins, including 11 Region Championships, seven Sweet 16 appearances, two Elite 8 appearances, one Final Four, one State Runner-Up, and one State Championship. Coach Knight said, "We have been very blessed to be at Jefferson all these years. It's a special place!"
Coach Fowler and his family came to Jefferson in 1996, where he has remained on the baseball coaching staff since that time. After 27 seasons with the Dragons, Coach Fowler decided it was also time to hang up the baseball hat. "I am so grateful to the Jefferson City School System and Jefferson baseball community for giving me the opportunity to teach and coach. What a ride!", said Coach Fowler. He continued by stating, "As I reflect on the past 27 years on the Jefferson baseball field, I think of a phrase I would always tell my players when they hit a homerun and rounded first base - “Touch ‘em all!”, I would yell. Now I’m thinking about this phrase a little differently. I hope I have impacted (touched) each and every player in some positive way. I hope in some small way that I helped each player reach their potential and that drive to succeed will continue off the field as well. As a coach and teacher, I hope I always remember to “Touch ‘em all.”
Jefferson is fortunate to have dedicated employees and coaches who spend their entire careers with our school system. These two coaches have left a legacy of excellence in the baseball program, and we are grateful for the impact they have made on the future of Jefferson baseball.
|
|
|
|
College Signing Ceremonies
During the week of April 18-22, 2022, Jefferson High School hosted five college signing ceremonies for athletes committed to continuing their athletic and academic careers at the next level. This year, JHS has had a total of 29 student-athletes sign letters of intent, with more still to sign. Congratulations to all of these student-athletes!
|
|
Girls Basketball
Ellie Kinlaw - Brenau University
Deshona Gaither - Emmanuel College
Natalia Bolden - Georgia College & State University
Hailey Triaga - Toccoa Falls College
|
|
Soccer
Carter Drake - Georgia College
Lanie Elizabeth McCarty - Piedmont College
Abbey Eison - Georgia State University
Jackson Shirley - Piedmont College
|
|
Miscellaneous Male Athletes
JT Fulkrod - Berry College - Basketball
Tanner Bronnum - Birmingham Southern - Golf
Trey Kazienko - Belmont Abbey University - Baseball
Spencer Neese - Middle Georgia State University - Baseball
|
|
Cross Country
Josie Loggins - Berry College
Emily Byrd - Emmanuel College
Sam Wall - Presbyterian College
Nate Ferguson - Oglethorpe University
|
|
Miscellaneous Athletes
Dallas Morse - Brenau University - Volleyball
Reese Johnson - Georgetown College - Football
Kinsie Pugh - East Georgia State College - Softball
|
|
Cheerleading State Champion Ring Ceremony
On Friday, April 15, 2022, the varsity competition cheerleading team celebrated their state championship with a ring ceremony. Receiving their state rings is a moment they will never forget. This team is the ultimate example of the phrase - "hard work pays off." After finishing in second place two years in a row, the team set a goal, and they were not letting anything get in their way of achieving it. Words can not describe how proud we are of them. Congratulations to our 2021 AAAA State Cheerleading Champions!
|
|
Bass Fishing
Our bass team season rankings are in. All seven of our Jefferson bass fishing teams qualified for the 2021-2022 State Classic in June on Lake Hartwell! Great job, Anglers!
High School Division (181 Teams):
Avery Crane/ Kai Latimer - 21st
Cole Griggs/Camden Gunter - 31st
Kaleb DeLisle/JC Acevedo - 107th
JR Division (78 Teams):
Wyatt Dunagan/ Wyatt Clayton - 13th
Brennan Mills/ Barrett Clayton - 23rd
Jacob Janning/Ben Wilson - 26th
Daniel Coker/Tripp Porter - 38th
|
Golf
The boy's golf team finished 2nd in the Valhalla Cup at Chimney Oaks, while the girl's team finished 3rd. Both teams then beat Flowery Branch at Double Oaks. The boys finished 10th out of 17 teams at the North American Junior Tour at Royal Lakes and went on to take 3rd in the Area Tournament in Savannah. The boys will now advance to the state tournament. The girls are gearing up for their area tournament on Monday, May 2nd. Good luck to our golf Dragons!
|
Soccer
The boy's soccer team ended their season after a 1-2 loss to Columbus in the state playoffs. The girls won 10-0 against Luella in the 3rd round of the state playoffs and defeated Northwest Whitfield in the Final Four. Our Lady Dragons will compete for the Region 8 AAAA State Championship on Thursday, May 5th, at Mercer University. Best of luck to our Lady Dragons!
|
|
Baseball
Varsity baseball completed its season after a loss against Druid Hills in the first round of the state playoffs. The Dragons ended the season with a 16-15 overall winning record. Great job, Dragons!
|
Slowpitch Softball
Our slowpitch softball team defeated Kennesaw Mountain and then lost to Haralson County and Cherokee at the state tournament, completing their season. They had a very competitive season, ending as area champions and 9-4 overall in the season. Well done, Lady Dragons!
|
Tennis
Our girl's tennis team ended their season after a loss to Marist in the 1st round of the state playoffs. The boy's team defeated Druid Hills in the 1st round of the state playoffs and defeated Northwest Whitfield in the Elite 8. They will now compete in the Final Four round of the state playoffs.
|
Track and Field
Our boy's and girl's track teams have been on a competitive run! Both teams took 1st place against Chestatee. The boys took home 1st place again at North Oconee, while the girls took home 3rd. We hosted the Region 8 AAAA Track Championships on April 26th and 28th and won 1st place in the meet for the third year in a row. Our track Dragons will now advance to sectionals.
|
|
JHS FFA Wins Gold
We are pleased to announce that our JHS FFA chapter was named a Gold Emblem Chapter for the state of Georgia. To earn this ranking, they had to complete an application based on activities from the past year. JHS student Emma Storey was instrumental in the application process with Ms. Webb. The chapter was recognized at the state convention on April 23rd for this accomplishment. This summer, they will resubmit this application to nationals in hopes of earning a 1, 2, or 3 star ranking. Congratulations to our JHS FFA for this prestigious recognition!
|
FFA State Degree recipients from left to right:
Chloe Padgett, Emma Storey, Abigail Foreman (accepting degree for Josie Loggins), Davis Moak, Madison Stegner
|
Madison Stegner placed 2nd in Small Animal Production and Care Proficiency. |
2021 Graduate, Emily Edwards placed 2nd in Poultry Production Proficiency. |
|
Jefferson Foundation Brick Sales
Click here to access the order form. Bricks will be placed in The Arena courtyard. Personalize your brick to honor a loved one, support your alma mater, or give a unique gift!
|
Dragon's Talon Art Showcase
This year's Dragon's Talon showcased student artwork from nearly 100 JHS students. Both fall and spring semester students are encouraged to display any artwork they have completed within the school year. Over 100 guests visited the showcase over the two days, including many JHS teachers and JCS staff members.
The student art show provides the Jefferson community a chance to see our visual art students' creative talents and gives our students a chance to show off their hard work. Thank you to Ms. Sweeney and the JHS Art Department for their hard work with the Dragon's Talon!
|
JMS Outdoor Classroom Family Day |
Please join JMS for their Outdoor Classroom FAMILY DAY this Saturday, May 7th, from 10:00 am -12:00 pm. Come enjoy the natural learning environment students have worked so hard to create!
- Unveiling of Angie Murrell's beautiful memorial plaque at 10 am
- New geology exhibit in her honor
- New fossil exhibit
- New Little Free Library
- Pond life exploration
- History of the Outdoor Classroom
- Hands-on activities for all ages
|
JMS Facilities Updates
Jefferson Middle School is excited to begin Phase I of its expansion plan to allow growth with the rising number of students entering Jefferson City Schools. Phase I Expansion will begin on May 22, 2022. The initial phase will add eight additional classrooms, one science lab, one agricultural lab with a relocation of the greenhouse, one band room, and additional restroom facilities. This construction will take place between the connections hallway and the gymnasium. It will require minimal site work that would interfere with student learning. The expected date of completion will be during spring break of 2023.
|
|
|
For the second year in a row, Jefferson High School has earned national recognition as one of the 2022 Best High Schools in a U.S. News and World Report. Ranked 40th in the state of Georgia, Jefferson High School earned its spot in the national rankings with an overall score of 89.57 out of 100. According to the U.S. News report, “schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare students for college.” Other contributing accolades to the national ranking include a 40% participation rate in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, an 80% reading proficiency, a graduation rate of 99%, as well as a 22% minority enrollment rate.
|
|
|
Stay connected with us on social media! |
|
Jefferson City Schools | Exposure to Excellence Promotes Excellence
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
