The JagWire
Jackson Middle School Newsletter - Sept. 25, 2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The countdown is on for the RAT Race! Friday, October 3 is the day of the event and it is one of our larger fundraisers over the course of the school year so we would appreciate your help in pumping it up and helping to raise funds for technology for Jackson.
The RAT Race will happen during your child’s PE or Health class next Friday. We highly encourage parents to volunteer for the event to help mark laps for students. It is a great way to meet other parents as well as be involved in our school community. You can find the sign for this event in the PTA section below.
Volunteers
I would like to thank the parent volunteers who have been helping out at lunch time since the first of the year. Some folks were a little nervous to start but once they are here they are finding it is not too bad and it is fun to see their child in their natural environment. When we have the extra help we are able to open up the track for student use. If you can help out please head to the PTA website where you will find the sign up sheet.
"Smart" Watch
One final note, we are having more students wearing Smart watches to school. Smart watches are on the list as an electronic device which is not allowed at school. Students are saying that their watch is set on “School Mode” so that makes it okay. Unfortunately, we do not have the time or the people power to check every watch to ensure that information is true. So we are reiterating the fact that Smart Watches are not to be worn during the school day. They are either to be left at home or stored in their locker for the day. Thank you for your support!
That is it for this week! Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
John Ferraro
We appreciate everyone who has worked to reestablish consistent routines that support student attendance and well-being at the start of the year.
As you look ahead to the rest of the school year, we encourage families to be thoughtful when planning vacations or extended time away. Please do your best to schedule travel during school breaks so students don’t miss valuable instructional time. Consistent attendance helps students stay on track, feel connected, and be successful.
Please also continue to send your child to school unless they are truly sick (stay home if they have a fever or are vomiting please). Every day counts!
Nicole Ayala
Assistant Principal
RAT Race for Arts & Technology
Friday, October 3rd 09:30am-12:00pm and 1:30pm-4:00pm
Our biggest student-led PTA fundraiser of the year, the RAT Race for Arts & Technology, is coming up in just 2 weeks and the PTA needs your help to make it a success! Sponsor forms went home with your student last week. Students will see how many laps they can complete during their P.E. and health classes and are encouraged to collect race sponsors with either a one-time or a per-lap donation. Prizes are available for students who complete the most laps or who earn the most donations, including a grand prize of 2 tickets to the Trail Blazers game on “Jackson’s Night at the Trail Blazers” on February 1st!
We are also looking for volunteers to manage the race day recording. In addition to having fun and cheering on your students, your only “job” is to punch the students' wristbands as they add up the laps, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to stay involved. It’s a fast paced day, so we ask that volunteers stay for the entire morning or afternoon shift, either 9:30-12:00 or 1:30-4:00. We’ll have snacks and everything you need to support our teachers on the track. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up today!
Sign up here:
Becoming a PTA member helps strengthen the PTA at not only the local level, but at the state and federal level too. It is an important way to use our collective voice and strength in numbers to improve education for all children.
Even if you are not an official member, you can always help by sharing your time, talent, and presence! Several of our school day events happen right out of the gate in September and October and we really need your help!
LUNCH DUTY
We are looking for some committed volunteers who have the flexibility to be present at lunch on a more regular basis. The sign-up this year is for a monthly slot (e.g. 3rd Monday of the month; 2nd Tuesday, etc.) The dates are listed for you, including the no school days. It's anywhere from 2-10 days of commitment, so pick a slot that works for you! 2 people per day, so bring a friend and come walk the track with your kids! Your presence helps keep things running smoothly.
Sign up here:
https://tinyurl.com/JMSPTALunchsignup
Fred Meyer Rewards Card Designation
All Year Long, zero time commitment
Link your Fred Meyers Rewards Card to Jackson Middle School PTA to raise money for the PTA whenever you shop with the card. Fred Meyer donates a portion of every dollar spent while you still enjoy your usual reward card benefits. Ask grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors and friends to also designate JMS and maximize your family’s automatic donation.
Search for your organization (Jackson Middle School PTA)
Click “SAVE”.
You’re done!
