October 11: Faculty Senate
2-hour early dismissal K-12 and no school for Pre-K
End of first 9-week grading period
October 14: Professional Learning Day
No school for Pre-K - 12
October 15: Start of second 9-week grading period
Jefferson County Schools
October Calender Reminders
Attendance Procedure Updates
Leave of Educational Value Update
The West Virginia Department of Education has updated the state attendance policy to reduce the chronic absenteeism rate and ensure students are present in the classroom for learning. We understand this is a change from what families are used to and are here to provide support and answer questions.
This change has removed the ability for families to request leave of educational value, calamity, and approved personal circumstances as excused absences. These changes create clearer guidelines, removing any uncertainty in approved excused absences. There are no exceptions for college visits, non-school-sponsored educational experiences, or students who travel as part of non-school organizational activities.
What is Chronically Absent
Chronic Absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the available instructional days for any reason (excused or unexcused). Using a percentage of available instructional days allows students and families to work toward improving absenteeism throughout the year to promote better academic achievement and graduation. Students are considered chronically absent if they miss:
3 or more days by September 30, 2024
8 or more days by the end of the first semester, December 20, 2024
18 or more days by the last day of school, May 30, 2025
*The only exceptions are suspensions and failure of your student’s bus to run.
Family Resources
2024 SCHOOL EXCESS LEVY
The Jefferson County School Excess Levy will be on the ballot this November. To learn more about the levy visit the JCS School Excess Levy Website. The FAQ section will continue to be updated with the latest information. If you have any questions or would like clarification on anything you’ve heard, please reach out to us at info@jcswv.org.
PARENT ENGAGEMENT SESSION: MANAGING ELEMENTARY STUDENT SCREEN TIME
Join us on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 5:30-7:30 PM at Driswood Elementary for a valuable session with Access304 on how to manage screen time for young students. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn best practices and tips for balancing technology use at home. Sign up here!
JCS PROVIDES MEALS TO STUDENTS AT NO COST
We’re excited to offer all JCS students free breakfast and lunch at school through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. This program, part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, ensures that all children in high-poverty areas receive healthy meals at no cost. Click here to learn more.
District Highlights
VIETNAM VETERAN MICHAEL J. BARTLEY RECEIVES HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA THROUGH OPERATION RECOGNITION
JCS recently had the honor of awarding Michael J. Bartley with his high school diploma more than five decades after he left Shepherdstown High School to serve in the Vietnam Conflict. A special ceremony took place at Shepherdstown Middle School, which served as the former Shepherdstown High School before the opening of Jefferson High School. We proudly recognized Mr. Bartley's achievement with the help of the WVDE's Operation Recognition initiative, and congratulate him on this inspiring milestone!
Follow us on Social!
Want to keep up with the incredible achievements of our students and staff? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Interested in job opportunities with JCS? Check out JCS Careers on Facebook! We're currently hiring bus drivers, aides, and other service personnel. Visit www.jcswv.org/careers for a complete list of openings!
The Month Ahead
This October, we’ll be recognizing these important observances in our schools:
Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15)
Filipino Heritage Month
National Principals Month
National Bullying Prevention Month
Learning Disability Month
Fire Prevention Week (October 6-10)
National School Lunch Week (October 14-18)
National School Bus Safety Week (October 21-25)
Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31)