📢 JMS 6th Grade Parent Update: Understanding Common Disciplinary Infractions
Dear Parents & Guardians,
As we begin the school year, we want to partner with you to ensure that all 6th grade students understand the expectations for respectful and safe behavior at Jackson STEM Magnet Middle School. Two of the most common areas of misunderstanding for our students are Horseplay and Bullying.
Below are clear guidelines—based on the ACPSD Code of Conduct for Middle School 2025–2026—to help you talk with your child about the “do’s” and “don’ts” in these areas.
🚫 Horseplay
Horseplay may seem harmless to students—especially with friends—but any hitting, shoving, slapping, or rough physical contact is strictly prohibited.
Examples of Horseplay:
Hitting, slapping, shoving, kicking—even if “just playing”
Grabbing, tripping, or pushing someone in the hallway
Play-fighting or wrestling
Throwing objects at others, including backpacks, hats, or classroom items
Why it’s not allowed:
It can lead to accidental injuries
It disrupts the learning environment
It can easily be mistaken for aggression
Do’s for Students:
Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
Use friendly words instead of physical gestures to show you’re joking
Respect personal space—yours and others’
Don’ts for Students:
Don’t assume physical play is okay—even with friends
Don’t touch or grab someone without their permission
Don’t engage in any roughhousing on school grounds or buses
🚫 Bullying vs. Conflict
Students sometimes confuse bullying with normal disagreements or conflict.
Bullying is repeated, intentional harm—physical, verbal, or social—targeted at someone who has difficulty defending themselves.
Examples of Bullying:
Repeated name-calling, teasing, or put-downs
Spreading harmful rumors or embarrassing someone online (cyberbullying)
Excluding someone from activities to cause hurt
Persistent threats or intimidation
Conflict is different:
It’s a disagreement or argument between people of relatively equal power
It can often be resolved through communication, compromise, or mediation
Do’s for Students:
Speak up if you feel unsafe or targeted
Report repeated harmful behavior to a teacher, counselor, or administrator
Seek help from an adult when a disagreement is getting out of hand
Don’ts for Students:
Don’t retaliate—get help instead
Don’t minimize bullying as “just joking”
Don’t ignore someone being targeted—support them by speaking up or getting help
✅ Our Commitment:
We are committed to providing a safe, respectful environment where every student can learn and thrive. By working together—school, parents, and students—we can prevent misunderstandings and promote positive behavior.
Thank you for reinforcing these expectations at home. Together, we can help our 6th graders make positive choices every day.
Jackson STEM Magnet Middle School Administration
Dear Parents & Guardians,
As we begin the school year, we want to partner with you to ensure that all 6th grade students understand the expectations for respectful and safe behavior at Jackson STEM Magnet Middle School. Two of the most common areas of misunderstanding for our students are Horseplay and Bullying.
Below are clear guidelines—based on the ACPSD Code of Conduct for Middle School 2025–2026—to help you talk with your child about the “do’s” and “don’ts” in these areas.
🚫 Horseplay
Horseplay may seem harmless to students—especially with friends—but any hitting, shoving, slapping, or rough physical contact is strictly prohibited.
Examples of Horseplay:
Hitting, slapping, shoving, kicking—even if “just playing”
Grabbing, tripping, or pushing someone in the hallway
Play-fighting or wrestling
Throwing objects at others, including backpacks, hats, or classroom items
Why it’s not allowed:
It can lead to accidental injuries
It disrupts the learning environment
It can easily be mistaken for aggression
Do’s for Students:
Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
Use friendly words instead of physical gestures to show you’re joking
Respect personal space—yours and others’
Don’ts for Students:
Don’t assume physical play is okay—even with friends
Don’t touch or grab someone without their permission
Don’t engage in any roughhousing on school grounds or buses
🚫 Bullying vs. Conflict
Students sometimes confuse bullying with normal disagreements or conflict.
Bullying is repeated, intentional harm—physical, verbal, or social—targeted at someone who has difficulty defending themselves.
Examples of Bullying:
Repeated name-calling, teasing, or put-downs
Spreading harmful rumors or embarrassing someone online (cyberbullying)
Excluding someone from activities to cause hurt
Persistent threats or intimidation
Conflict is different:
It’s a disagreement or argument between people of relatively equal power
It can often be resolved through communication, compromise, or mediation
Do’s for Students:
Speak up if you feel unsafe or targeted
Report repeated harmful behavior to a teacher, counselor, or administrator
Seek help from an adult when a disagreement is getting out of hand
Don’ts for Students:
Don’t retaliate—get help instead
Don’t minimize bullying as “just joking”
Don’t ignore someone being targeted—support them by speaking up or getting help
✅ Our Commitment:
We are committed to providing a safe, respectful environment where every student can learn and thrive. By working together—school, parents, and students—we can prevent misunderstandings and promote positive behavior.
Thank you for reinforcing these expectations at home. Together, we can help our 6th graders make positive choices every day.
Jackson STEM Magnet Middle School Administration
🚀 8th Grade Scientists in Action! 🧪
A huge shoutout to our incredible 8th grade students diving into the world of forces and motion through our exciting Stomp Bottle Rocket Lab! This hands-on STEM experience brought science to life as students explored how mass and force directly impact an object’s motion—and they got to see it in action!
At our STEM-focused school, we believe in learning by doing, and today’s lab was a perfect example of how curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking launch learning to new heights. 🌟
We’re so proud of our young scientists and can’t wait to see where their discoveries take them next!
A huge shoutout to our incredible 8th grade students diving into the world of forces and motion through our exciting Stomp Bottle Rocket Lab! This hands-on STEM experience brought science to life as students explored how mass and force directly impact an object’s motion—and they got to see it in action!
At our STEM-focused school, we believe in learning by doing, and today’s lab was a perfect example of how curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking launch learning to new heights. 🌟
We’re so proud of our young scientists and can’t wait to see where their discoveries take them next!
🌟 Thank You, AVID Families! 🌟
We are incredibly grateful to all the amazing parents who joined us for today’s AVID Parent Information Meeting! Your presence and enthusiasm made it a truly special event, and we’re thrilled about the incredible turnout.
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college and career readiness program designed to help students develop the skills they need to be successful in school and beyond. It focuses on academic strategies, leadership, and building a strong support system to help students achieve their goals.
We’re so excited for the journey ahead and can’t wait to see all the growth and success this year will bring. Thank you for being such an important part of our AVID community!
We are incredibly grateful to all the amazing parents who joined us for today’s AVID Parent Information Meeting! Your presence and enthusiasm made it a truly special event, and we’re thrilled about the incredible turnout.
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college and career readiness program designed to help students develop the skills they need to be successful in school and beyond. It focuses on academic strategies, leadership, and building a strong support system to help students achieve their goals.
We’re so excited for the journey ahead and can’t wait to see all the growth and success this year will bring. Thank you for being such an important part of our AVID community!
📣 ATTENTION JMS FAMILIES: OPEN HOUSE RESCHEDULED!
We want to let you know that Jackson Middle School's Open House has been rescheduled to Thursday, August 14th. We apologize for the short notice and appreciate your understanding — we believe this change will allow for a better experience for everyone.
📅 New Date: Thursday, August 14th
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Jackson Middle School Cafeteria (starting point)
We’re excited to welcome you and look forward to connecting with our JMS families!
Congratulations to our 2025 Lady Indians volleyball team!!
Congratulations to our 2025 Bullpups!!
JMS would like to welcome and introduce our new bookkeeper, Mrs. Rhonda Hawes.
My name is Rhonda Hawes and I’m excited to start a new adventure this year at JMS. I’ve worked for ACPSD for 21 years, starting at Hammond Hill, then Redcliffe and, for the past 17 years, at Silver Bluff; as a SPED aide, Lab Proctor and Bookkeeper.
I grew up in the New Ellenton/Jackson area and graduated from SBHS, as did my son and siblings. I live in Jackson with my husband of 33 years, Mike, and our spoiled but adorable rescue puppy, Sox.
I enjoy camping, reading, and cheering on the Auburn tigers when I have the time. But my favorite “to do” is spending time with our son, Chase, when he comes home from Colorado.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns about school fees, which can be paid on the Parent Portal, and now by phone at 803-471-2237. I’m here to help!
Rhonda Hawes, Bookkeeper
The graphic design of Mrs. Hawes' introduction letter was created by the 6th period Media Arts students.
JMS Parents/Guardians can now pay school fees by phone, as well as through the Parent Portal.
Contact Mrs. Hawes, the JMS bookkeeper, at 803-471-2237
Contact Mrs. Hawes, the JMS bookkeeper, at 803-471-2237
Drum roll pleeeeeeeeeease! We are happy to announce that Jackson's Canteen will officially open on Wednesday, August 6th! All items are $1!
When middle school students stay organized, they’re not just keeping their binders neat—they’re building habits that lay the foundation for academic success and lifelong responsibility.
Ms. Neville’s AVID binder spot checks yielded amazing results! Great job, kiddos—keep it up!
Ms. Neville’s AVID binder spot checks yielded amazing results! Great job, kiddos—keep it up!
AVID Elective students had an amazing week getting to know each other with relational capacity activities.
Jackson's STEM students are hard at work!
#6CsofEngineering
#Collaborationiskey
#thinkingtoday
#leadingtomorrow
#6CsofEngineering
#Collaborationiskey
#thinkingtoday
#leadingtomorrow
Volleyball tryouts will be July 31st and August 1st from 3:30-5:00pm. Physical paperwork must be turned in to Coach Mckie by July 29th.
This summer, Aiken County’s most talented young artists immersed themselves in the acGATEWAY experience, which is an intensive, high-level arts program designed to challenge and inspire! From vibrant visual art displays to moving theatrical performances, students demonstrated what passion, focus, and creativity can achieve in just a few short weeks! Want to see what makes acGATEWAY so special? Watch our behind-the-scenes student videos and discover why this program has been a beloved part of Aiken County since 1992 and keep an eye out for 2026 acGATEWAY audition information for our summer 2026 opportunity. #acGATEWAY #AikenArts #GiftedAndTalented #ArtsEducation #StudentShowcase #VisualAndPerformingArts #ACPSD https://www.acpsd.net/page/gateway
Football Tryouts will be Thursday July 31st and Friday August 1st from 3:30-5:45pm at SBHS. All athletes must ride the transportation bus over to SBHS. Physical paperwork must be submitted to Coach Mckie by Tuesday July 29th.
🎒✨
Come one, come all, to Jackson’s big night,
Meet your teachers and start the year right!
With door prizes waiting and snacks to share,
We hope to see every family there!
📚🍎
Come one, come all, to Jackson’s big night,
Meet your teachers and start the year right!
With door prizes waiting and snacks to share,
We hope to see every family there!
📚🍎
Welcome back to school! The first day of school is Monday, July 21, 2025. Attached are copies of regular bell schedule and activity/bell schedule.
We are thrilled to welcome you and your students to a brand-new school year at Jackson Middle! As we prepare for an exciting start on Monday, July 21, we want to ensure you feel informed and ready for a smooth transition.
JOIN PROTEAM TODAY!
The ProTeam Program aims to interest middle school students in the education profession and build positive learning experiences through leadership skill building.
To join ProTeam, you should:
a. Be an 8th grade student
b. Want to be a good or strong leader in your school
c. Be able to maintain an overall average of C in all classes
d. Have no more than two (2) disciplinary actions/referrals (lunch detention included)
e. Maintain good attendance at school for the year
If you are interested in joining ProTeam, get an application from the front office.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE TO MS. HOLLOWAY OR MRS. AKINS
BEFORE FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025
The ProTeam Program aims to interest middle school students in the education profession and build positive learning experiences through leadership skill building.
To join ProTeam, you should:
a. Be an 8th grade student
b. Want to be a good or strong leader in your school
c. Be able to maintain an overall average of C in all classes
d. Have no more than two (2) disciplinary actions/referrals (lunch detention included)
e. Maintain good attendance at school for the year
If you are interested in joining ProTeam, get an application from the front office.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE TO MS. HOLLOWAY OR MRS. AKINS
BEFORE FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025
We enjoyed seeing all the smiling faces of new and returning students and their families tonight as they followed school schedules to meet teachers and staff members.
