Dear Jackson Community,

 

My name is John Ferraro and I am honored to have been selected as the interim principal at Jackson Middle School.  For some of you my name may seem familiar, and if so, you have a great memory!  I was also privileged to be the principal at Jackson Middle School for the  2008-2013 school years.

 

I am very excited to be returning to Jackson on many levels.  I am looking forward to getting reacquainted with staff and parents who were here during my first run as well as getting to meet and greet all of the new faces who have arrived since I have been gone.

 

I would like to take a moment and address the word interim.  I want to assure each and every one of you that I intend to bring my full focus, every day, to ensure that each and every child has the opportunity to demonstrate academic success.  Our job as educators is to provide students with academic and organizational skills so they can be successful not only in middle school, but high school, college and beyond.

 

I will take the time to look at current school systems and work with the community to determine what is working well and what adjustments need to be made for student success.  That is my commitment to you as a community.

 

One thing that I learned after working at many schools throughout my career is that there are two things that ensure the success of a school:  strong relationships and collaborative partnerships.  I am looking forward to developing both of those areas with you and enhancing the already strong program that Jackson Middle School provides our students.

 

I look forward to beginning my second tenure with the community of Jackson Middle School!

 

Sincerely,

 

John Ferraro

 

Important Dates:

8/29 Schedule and Chromebook Pick up (see below for details)

8/30 First day for 6th graders only 9:15-3:45 (new 7th and 8th graders are also welcome, but must have a ride home at 12:45pm)

8/31 First day for all students

9/5 Labor Day, No School

9/21 Picture Day

9/23 No School for Students

9/29 Back to School Night

Schedule and Chromebook Pick-up AUGUST 29th, 10am-1pm

If you have time, please come to Jackson Middle School on Monday to pick up your child’s schedule and Chromebook.  Schedules that aren’t printed will be available to 6th grade students on Tuesday morning and 7th/8th grade students on Wednesday morning. 

***6th graders will get their Chromebooks later, but should still come for a schedule.  

 

Student Schedules

Here are some essential things to know regarding class schedules: 

Elective Choices: Forecasting happened in the spring.  We do our best to make sure students get their choices, but it is not always possible.  

Schedule Requests: We cannot take requests for having a particular teacher, for getting a class for a specific period, or with specific friends.  With over 800 students and the many unique class offerings, our schedule is very complex and we do not have the capacity to meet requests like these.  We believe strongly in the opportunity to make new friends.  Thank you for honoring this.  

 

ONLY for elective choice changes, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/vVULQjWFcN2yPU2BA

 

Meals No Longer Free this School Year 

To apply for free and reduced price meals, go here: https://www.pps.net/Page/2464

To pay for school meals go here: https://www.pps.net/Page/18300

 

Bus Information

Check your child's bus/bus stop in advance.  Buses are not run through our school, so you will need to call transportation with questions.  

Here is the site: https://www.pps.net/bus

Drop off and Pick Up

PLEASE DO NOT use the parking lot in front of the school for drop off or pick up.  It is reserved for our buses from 8:30-9:15am and 3:20-4:15pm.  Families use the upper parking lot, on the north side of the school (closest to 35th).

 

Supply Lists

Find our supply list here: 2022-23  

Students should bring all communal supplies to the office.  

 

Locating Information

We have a lot of digital resources for families, where you can find information on our schedule, programs, contact information, and much more.  

 

School Website: https://www.pps.net/jackson

• school events calendar, schedules and district information

• teachers and staff contact info.

• school rules and policies

• anonymously report bullying and social concerns

• learn about electives, clubs, and after school activities

 

Canvas: https://lms.pps.net/login/ldap

• You will find grades on both ParentVue and Canvas.  We strongly encourage you to make a routine at home to check your child’s binder and planner, and online grades.  

 

ParentVue Login: 

 https://parent-portland.cascadetech.org/portland/PXP2_Login.aspx

You should receive an activation letter this week. (call our main office if you haven’t received it by Friday).  

For further directions on how to log in go here:  https://www.pps.net/Page/2341