East Jessamine Middle School

Last year we began an annual tradition of awarding a PTO member with the Crystal Key award (named in part because of Crystal Hamblin) since a key symbolizes the role of a parent as a guide, unlocking opportunities and pathways for their children's growth and learning. Additionally, a key represents access and empowerment, reflecting the parent's pivotal role in shaping their child's education and future. This year’s Crystal Key award goes to Joan Rudolph. Joan has a remarkable gift for connection. She bridges the gap between school and family, creating a supportive network where everyone feels seen and valued. She is a true champion for our school's growth and well-being. Her willingness to roll up her sleeves and write grants demonstrates an unwavering commitment to providing our students with the resources they need to thrive. And then there's Joan's almost magical ability to uncover hidden treasures – those donations that have become the lifeblood of so many of our initiatives. From Basket Bingo, which raised thousands of dollars thanks to her tireless efforts. The Community Partnerships table at Spring Showcase, the heartfelt appreciation shown to our secretaries with gifts lovingly provided through her connections, paraprofessional appreciation lunch, the baskets for our Students of the Month, the sheer abundance of donations that have enriched countless school events. These aren't just random acts of kindness; they are the tangible results of Joan's deep care and her understanding of how even small contributions can make a big difference. She sees opportunities where others might not, and she has an uncanny knack for inspiring generosity in those around her. Joan, your dedication is not just about what you do, but about the spirit in which you do it. You approach every task with enthusiasm, with a genuine desire to make things better, and with a warmth that draws people in. You are a connector, a fundraiser, a support, and most importantly, a true friend to our school and community. Today, as we present you with the Crystal Key award, we want to express our deepest gratitude for all that you do. You have unlocked so much for us – opportunities, resources, and a stronger sense of community. Your heart truly holds the key to making our school a better place for everyone. Thank you, Joan. We are incredibly fortunate to have you.

In the middle of Teacher Appreciation Week, the staff at EJMS wanted to pause and recognize our amazing PTO members for another great year together. We hosted a PTO Appreciation Dinner as a small gesture to show our thanks for the many ways they have poured into the staff and students at East Middle! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l05qMFMR9hXcZYeTqoNa06ZhOU7yJYLJ/view?usp=sharing

Mrs. Harrell’s agriscience students are so excited to announce that the EJMS Annual Greenhouse Sale will be opening soon! On the attached flyer you will see a variety of plants, vegetables, and flowers available. You will also find the date, time and location of the sale. We will have a few limited quantity plants that are not listed on the flyer as well! Each plant comes in a hand painted pot by our students, and they have worked so hard this year caring for the plants from start to finish. Each purchase helps fund the EJMS agriculture & FFA program, and any support is greatly appreciated! See you in the greenhouse!

Happy National School Nurse Day to our very own Nurse Erin! To know her is to love her! She is always smiling, laughing, and is the first to step in to take care of anyone and ensure the safety and health of our campus. Thank you, Nurse Erin, for all you do each and every day here at EJMS! We are beyond thankful for you! When you see her around, give her a huge thank you! #proudtoroar

EJMS is currently accepting nominations to fill four parent members for the 25-26 Site-Based Decision Making Council. Please use the link below for nominations. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUYxs8FruWyVM-FsKLsmWUJM9TYrs7k8OECFamvntX8sERXw/viewform

We kicked off KSA in the best way! What a fun pep rally to get these scholars ready! We also got to recognize some student athletes for all their accomplishments! Congratulations to 6th grade for taking home the spirit stick! #proudtoroar

Hello EJMS Family and Friends - We have made it to our first week of testing. We'll kick off the hard work with some fun in a pep rally today and then cannot wait to see our students shine as they show what they know and what they've learned this year! It's hard to believe that we only have three weeks left of school; this is a great time to be sure that any missing work or library books are taken care of and that all Chromebook repairs have been made and paid for as needed. We look forward to a great week and hope you do too! https://secure.smore.com/n/mrwe2

MONDAY is our pep rally to kick off KSA! 6th grade wear black 7th grade wear blue 8th grade wear green Staff wear grade level color or gray. Let's get this week started right!

Incoming 5th-8th grade girls: Girls Basketball open gyms and tryouts are coming! Details in the flyer:

Thank you to Miranda and the Dairy Queen team at S Main in Nicholasville for donating ice cream cakes to the staff at East Middle! @dairyqueen

Happy School Lunch Hero Day! These ladies are ALWAYS on top of their game! They always have a smile on their face and a heart that is ready to serve the students of East Middle. Thank you to these absolute HEROES! We appreciate you today and every day! #proudtoroar

Happy National School Principal Day to the best in the game! Thank you, Mr. Pickerill, for all you do each day. You go above and beyond to make sure that EJMS is successful, safe, and a place of community that places student and teacher success at the very center. This campus and the East side is so thankful for your leadership each and every day. You make each day a great day to be a Jaguar! When you see him around today, give him a huge THANK YOU for all he does! #proudtoroar

EJMS Shout Out - One of our favorite past times at EJMS is celebrating our students and staff. We have heard from several families looking for the best way to highlight staff members in the building in light of Monday's events. Please use this form to write a kind word or share a positive story to thank a staff member(s) in our building. Your feedback helps us recognize and appreciate their contributions! Teacher Appreciation week begins next Monday, May 5-9th. This is a great way to lead into a week dedicated in celebration of their service to our school community! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0sa4Lc-X0CAroQZkXyV2sQADFj2UqRTNQEzhQXKIsNvEMKw/viewform?usp=dialog

Today Mr. Pickerill shared the attached video message with our student body during Morning News. Our heartfelt thanks to Officer Kemp, teachers and staff, the Nicholasville Police Department and Sheriff's Office, and our families for their support and cooperation yesterday. https://youtu.be/e5QG2u4vrA0

Have you taken this survey? We are working on strengthening our family engagement efforts! We appreciate your feedback, as it helps us create a more connected and supportive school community! Here is the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdU13bT8I01dnU2mxOlAaopPtDKGJj_JRybpoeT25fdJTPfPg/viewform

Sources of Strength Peer Leaders from across the district were recognized tonight at the JCS Board Meeting. These leaders represent themselves and so many more who foster kindness, compassion, and trustworthiness in their schools and among their peers. They are true leaders, and have a special skill of advocating for others. Our very own East Middle leaders present at the meeting tonight were 7th grade students, Tiffany Long and Lee Williams. We are so proud of all of our Peer Leaders for the work they do to make our schools a kinder place ♥️

Dear EJMS Family and Friends - We hope that you enjoyed the weekend. We are down to the last four weeks of school and they will be packed! This week will include the spring band concert and our EJMS Annual Matball Tournament on Friday, so we hope that we'll see you and your families here then. Spring sports are still going strong and there are several try out opportunities as well. Have a great week! https://secure.smore.com/n/07tnhs

Happy Administrative Professionals Day to the best three in the business! Thank you to Mrs. Thomasina, Mrs. Hager, and Mrs. Wallace for keeping EJMS afloat every day! We appreciate all you do each day to make our community here at East stronger, to serve the students of EJMS, and for always having a smile on your face! We appreciate you all so much! Thank you! #proudtoroar

Did you know that EJMS iReady Reading was 5th in the state for highest median growth at mid-year? What an amazing accomplishment for our scholars! Our teachers and students have worked so hard this year and we are beyond proud and excited to celebrate this amazing accomplishment! #proudtoroar 💙💚

Look what our students have built together! The Trusted Adult Wall in front of our school is now filled with names of the caring adults our students identified that they can count on — from parents and family members to teachers, coaches, and neighbors. This powerful visual shows just how important connection and trust are in their lives. As parents and caregivers, you play a huge role in helping kids feel supported, seen, and safe. Take a moment today to ask your child: “Who are the trusted adults in your life?” It’s a great way to open the door for meaningful conversations and strengthen those vital connections.