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John Wallace Middle School

Preparation. Respect. Integrity. Determination. Excellence.

JWMS Weekly Update #18 (01-09-26)

Posted Date: 01/09/26 (12:08 PM)


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JWMS Weekly Update #18

January 9, 2026
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JWMS Master Calendar

Please view the JWMS Master Calendar for all upcoming events. This will be updated throughout the school year. If you need access or need assistance in how to add to your current calendar, please reach out to me or Stephanie.
 

Staff Updates

Please join me in welcoming Betsy Ruiz, who joins the Connections Program as our new RBT on January 20. Welcome to the team, Betsy!

As Betsy joins us, Stephanie Bentley will be transitioning to the Martin Kellogg Life Skills/ABA program on January 22. We want to share a huge thank you with Stephanie for her incredible support of the JWMS students and staff. We wish her the very best in her new role!

 

New Year "Reboot" Folders, Forms, Attendance and Voicemail

As we settle into the new year, we want to share some reminders to keep our school running smoothly and our records accurate.

1. Folder Updates
Please update the class lists in your Sub Folders and Fire Drill Folders. With student additions and withdrawals since the beginning of the year, it’s important that these lists are up to date. Please include full first and last names.

  • Please complete by Friday, Jan. 23
  • Note: Encore teachers are exempt as they update lists each cycle.

2. PPT/504 Reporting Forms
  • Deadline: These are to be completed 48 hours prior to a PPT/504.
  • Responsible Parties: Staff that receive the form fill out their section of the form. The teacher attending the PPT/504 ensures the form is completed by all teachers.

3. Daily Attendance & Homeroom Timing
  • Deadline: Please have your daily attendance sent to the office by 8:20 AM.
  • Parent Alerts: PowerSchool sends immediate notifications for homeroom absences. To avoid unnecessary calls to parents, please ensure your count is as accurate as possible!
  • State Reporting: Remember that homeroom data is used for state reporting regarding truancy and chronic absenteeism.

4. Handling Tardy Students
  • Before 8:05: If a student arrives in your homeroom without a pass, please update their status to "Present" in the system.
  • After 8:05: Students arriving after this time should go through the main office to be marked "Tardy" and receive a pass. If they show up to your room without a pass, please send them to the office so we can update their status for you.

☎️ Voicemail Setup for New Locations
If you have moved to a new room or wing, please set up your new voice message on your room extension by the end of this week.

  • Instructions: Follow the steps [linked below] or find them in the Staff Handbook under "General Information."
  • Login: The default password is 2580. Once entered, you can record your greeting and set a custom password.
  • Support: Please submit a HelpDesk ticket for any technical issues.

Thank you for your diligence and for everything you do to keep our students safe and accounted for and our families informed!
 
Voicemail Set-Up
 

Final Phase II Transition – Tuesday, January 13

As we prepare for our upcoming Professional Learning day on Tuesday, January 13, I want to remind staff that we are dedicating our time to finalizing our transition to Phase II. Our goal is to ensure everyone feels settled and tech-ready as we move into this next chapter.

Focus Areas for the Day
The session is designed to give you the space to complete all Phase II move-in tasks, including:
  • Unpacking & Organizing: Finalizing un- boxing and set-up of instructional materials.
  • Room Design: Completing your physical classroom set-up and layout.
  • Tech Integration: Reviewing and experimenting with Vivi training site to become familiar with our new ViewSonic and Vivi technology.
Collaboration & Support
  • Buddy Check-In: If you are part of a buddy pair, please check in with your assigned partner to see if they need an extra hand or need assistance.
  • Faculty Meeting: We will gather for a brief, staff faculty meeting at 3:30 PM in the auditorium.
  • Sign-Up: The session is now in Frontline titled "Phase II Building Renovation-JWMS"

If you have specific needs or questions regarding the January 13 session, please reach out so we can support you. Thank you for your hard work in making this transition successful!
 
Ed Tech Vivi Training Site
 

Certified Staff Midyear Meetings & Review of Practice Memo

As we begin to approach the middle school year, I wanted to provide a friendly reminder regarding mid-year meetings for certified staff. These meetings will begin in January and must be completed by February, 28, 2028.

Please see below for the Midyear information memo.
 
Mid-Year Meeting Memo