The JagWire Jackson Middle School Newsletter - June 5, 2026 | | |
 | |
|  | | | Aug 26 - Jump Start Day (6th graders ONLY) Aug 27 - First Day for 7th and 8th Sept 1 - Late Start (First Tuesday of the Month) Sept 16 - Early Release (Third Wednesday of the Month)
2026-27 District Calendar | | | | | |  | | From everyone on the PTA board, THANK YOU for making this school year so special. Together, we accomplished so much! You showed up for our students, community, and teachers with your time, talents, ideas, and yes, your checkbooks. The work that we do may not always be big and flashy, but all the little things together make a big impact on our school. Thank you for your contribution!
We wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and safe summer-
Renee, Jamila, Jill, Charles, and Millz |  | And please welcome our incoming 26-27 board and committee members. I know that they are excited to make next year even better!
President: Jill Morgan Vice President: Chelsie Kuebler Secretary: Michelle Campbell Treasurer: Charles Radosta Membership: MIllz Poland Communications: Blair Barberis
Teacher Grants: Kate Gigler, Charis Peters, Chelsie Kuebler Jacksons 4 Jackson: Blair Barberis, Katie Maasen RAT Race: Rachel Wells, Nora Blackwell, Kristin Bailie Teacher Appreciation: Kimberley Hebdon, Carrie Pierce Restaurant & Partner Fundraisers: Kelly Vanderzanden Awesome Fun Night: Michelle Stevens, Nicole Crown, Carrie Pierce | | |  | |  | |  | | | | | Rising 6th Graders are Welcome to Register |  | Summer Registration: | |  | | Click above for information
| | | "Get ready for an unforgettable learning adventure! Next June, after the 2026–2027 school year, students will have the exciting opportunity to participate in an East Coast “History Tour” through ETSI Educational Tours. This educational travel experience is designed to bring history to life through immersive, hands-on learning opportunities at some of our nation’s most historic sites.
ETSI is known for its exceptional service, customizable educational programs, and strong commitment to student safety. Accredited through AdvancED, ETSI provides high-quality, all-inclusive travel experiences with no hidden fees. Their programs include professionally trained staff, 24/7 on-site coordinators, licensed security at hotels, comprehensive emergency planning, and comfortable transportation with licensed guides. Students and families can feel confident knowing safety and student success are top priorities.
More information will be shared at the beginning of next school year, including finalized trip details, destinations, and itinerary information. Attached are brochures featuring possible tour options and sample itineraries.
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact program leaders Megan Palmer or Kristin Brown."
Example Tour Below |  | | |  | | | |  | |  | | Send us your brag! If your student accomplishes something this summer that deserves to be in the spotlight, let us know! Send an email/picture (JPG/PNG) HERE! We'll publish it in the next JagWire. | |  | Kandice Abney (kaabney@pps.net) - 6th grade (I thru Z) Maleka Allen (mallen1@pps.net) - 6th grade (A thru H) Chandler Deming (cdeming@pps.net) - 7th grade Pam Dysinger (pdysinger@pps.net) - 8th grade | | From Ms. Chandler Dear JMS guardians,
Unfortunately, due to district budget cuts, I won't be returning to Jackson next school year.
I don't know where I'll be landing yet, but I will be placed at another PPS school so feel free to reach out to me if you need anything - cdeming@pps.net
On a personal note, I'm deeply saddened that I won't be able to continue on with my current caseload of incredible 7th graders and see them off to high school. But, they will be in talented hands with my co-counselors Ms. Pam, Ms. Kandice, and Ms. Allen.
It's been an honor and privilege serving your students, and working so closely with the Jackson community. I'm so grateful I was able to start my counseling career at such a strong, welcoming school.
You've raised truly amazing kiddos - they've brought me so much joy, purpose, laughter, growth, inspiration, and deeply meaningful relationships that I will cherish for a lifetime.
It's been a blast! Please keep in touch.
Thank you! -- Chandler Deming, MEd School Counselor (7th grade) | | |  |
We recently took advantage of an exciting opportunity and applied to a YouthLine Grant to support youth suicide prevention, particularly among LGBTQ2SIA+ youth. We were awarded a grant to provide caregiver resources, as well as to help pay for our Pride Month GSA field trip to Oaks Park on May 29th.
As part of our prevention work, we have been talking with our GSA members about how to recognize when they or someone in their life may be struggling with their mental health, and how to ask for help. We guided students to identify sources of strength that they can lean on in hard times. Our trip to Oaks Park is also suicide prevention, as it is a time for our LGBTQ2SIA+ students and allies to come together in celebration and affirmation of themselves and one another. For the remainder of the school year, we will have a table set up outside the counseling office with printed resources about suicide prevention. You can also access resources on our school counseling website. Please reach out if you have any questions.
In community, Ms Pam and Ms. Chandler | Fast Facts and Resources: According to research from The Trevor Project, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young people aged 10-14, and the third-leading cause of death for youth aged 15-24. For many LGBTQ+ youth, what leads to depression and thoughts of suicide is not their identity itself, but rather how others may react negatively or stigmatize their identity (Source). LGBTQ+ youth are more than 4 times as likely to attempt suicide as their peers. Transgender and nonbinary youth are 2 to 2.5 times more likely to attempt than their cisgender LGBQ peers. Risk factors increase for LGBTQ+ students of color (Source). Positive events and connections are shown to lower instances of depression and anxiety among LGBTQ+ youth (Source), and for transgender and nonbinary youth, support from others, particularly caregivers, is a major protective factor against suicide (Source). The data is clear that loving our kids as they are, and affirming who they are, is suicide prevention.
The Trevor Project is a suicide prevention and research nonprofit providing 24/7 support to LGBTQ2SIA+ children and their families.
YouthLine is a service of Lines for Life. Kids can text, call, chat, or email other kids and teens for support.
PPS has a Caregiver Support Guide for families of LGBTQIA+ youth, in English and Spanish. This can be found on the LGBTQ2SIA+ Supports page. | | | Are you or someone you know looking for housing/rental assistance? This updated, local family resource guide is loaded with information compiled by a social worker at Franklin High School. 👏
Click HERE for information including PGE, NW Natural Gas, rental deposit and mental health assistance. | | |  | For more information or to register, families can visit theblossercenter.org, call 503-234-4060, or email information@theblossercenter.org. | | | Registration is Open! | | | CampOUT's Summer Session Lottery is now OPEN! CampOUT is an LGBTQIA+ empowerment camp for Middle Schoolers, offering a variety of creative activities, guest artists & performers, and community building games, balanced with hanging out in Laurelhurst Park and socializing.
Come learn from a diverse group of Queer & Trans artists and activists who have found hope and community in their own way. Each session is unique and campers are welcome to enter the lottery for one or both sessions. CAMPOUT SUMMER 2026 Sessions: Session 1: June 15th - June 19th Session 2: June 22nd - June 26th 9am - 3pm, daily
Each session costs $480, includes a journal, daily snack, all activities & supplies and lunch on the last day. Scholarships can be request on the website. Lottery Open until March 16th
For more info: www.campoutportland.org |  | | |  |  | Jackson Middle School JMS is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters |
|
|
|
|
|
 | |
|
