First Day of Preschool

Preschool, as well as After School, begins on Thursday, August 10.

Preschool Hours

K2 Students

• Drop Off: 7:30 a.m.-8:10 a.m.
• Full Day: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

K3 Students

• Drop Off: 7:30 a.m.-8:10 a.m.
• Full Day: 8:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
• Lunch Bunch: 11:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
• After School: 11:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

K4 Students

• Drop Off: 7:30 a.m.-8:10 a.m.
• Full Day: 8:15 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
  Half Day: 8:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
• After School: 3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Class Lists

On Friday, August 4, Preschool class lists will be emailed to parents. We cannot wait for you to meet your new class!

Meet the Teacher

On Tuesday, August 8, all students and parents are invited to visit their new classrooms to meet their teachers. In addition to meeting teachers, pertinent information about the start of school will be given. Carpool numbers will be distributed on this day to the youngest student of the family. Families will visit their new classroom in alphabetical order at a designated time from 9:00 a.m.-noon. More details about the visit will be emailed at the end of July.

• Last names A-G: 9:00-9:45 a.m.
• Last names H-N: 10:00-10:45 a.m.
• Last names O-Z: 11:00-11:45 a.m.

Conference Day

Preschool parent conferences will be held on Monday, October 23. No school or After School for Preschool students on this day.

Birth Certificates

All new K2, K3, and K4 students must have their original birth certificates on file at the school by Friday, August 4. The birth certificates will be returned.

Certificate of Immunization Compliance

ALL students must have the Certificate of Immunization Compliance Form (form 121) on file with the school by Friday, August 4. The forms can be obtained from the State Department of Health or from your child’s doctor. If you already have the current form on file, you do not need to do anything. If you do not have a current form on file, please make sure that your child’s immunization record is up to date and bring it to the appropriate Lower School office. If you have any questions, please email Kathy Sheffield at ksheffield@jacksonacademy.org.

First Day of Lower School

Lower School, as well as After School, begins on Thursday, August 10.

Lower School Hours

K5 Students

• Drop off: 7:30 a.m.-8:00 a.m.
• Full Day: 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
  Half Day: 8:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
• After School: 3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

1st-5th Grade Students

• Drop off: 7:30 a.m.-8:00 a.m.
• Full Day: 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
• After School: 3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Class Lists

On Friday, August 4, class lists will be emailed to parents. We cannot wait for you to meet your new class!

Lower School New Students and Parents Reception (1st-5th)

All newly enrolled Lower School students and parents are invited to a reception on Monday, August 7, at 9:00 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center. New students and parents will meet JA teachers and faculty and tour the Lower School with their host family. Please note: New kindergarten students and parents do not attend this Lower School event.

Parent Meetings

Kindergarten and 1st grade parents only will have a parent meeting with their child’s homeroom teacher at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 8. This meeting will be approximately 30 minutes long where the parents will be given pertinent information regarding their child’s upcoming school year.

Meet the Teacher

On Tuesday, August 8, all students and parents are invited to visit their new classrooms to meet their teachers. In addition to meeting teachers, pertinent information about the start of school will be given. Carpool numbers will be distributed on this day to the youngest student of the family. Families will visit their new classroom in alphabetical order at a designated time from 9:00 a.m.-noon. More details about the visit will be emailed at the end of July.

• Last names A-G: 9:00-9:45 a.m.
• Last names H-N: 10:00-10:45 a.m.
• Last names O-Z: 11:00-11:45 a.m.

Back to School Night

Lower School Back to School Night for grades 1st-5th will be held on Tuesday, August 22.

• 1st grade: 5:30 p.m.
• 2nd and 4th grade: 6:00 p.m.
• 3rd and 5th grade: 6:30 p.m.

Summer Reading

Be sure to check the summer reading information for 5th grade.

Lower School Summer Reading list

Conference Day

Lower School parent conferences will be held on Monday, October 23. No school or After School for Preschool students on this day.

School Supplies

• 1st Grade School Supply List
• 2nd Grade School Supply List
• 3rd Grade School Supply List
• 4th Grade School Supply List
• 5th Grade School Supply List

School supply lists are also available on the Parents Information page under the Resources heading.

Birth Certificates

All new K5 students must have their original birth certificates on file at the school by Friday, August 4. The birth certificates will be returned.

Certificate of Immunization Compliance

ALL students must have the Certificate of Immunization Compliance Form (form 121) on file with the school by Friday, August 4. The forms can be obtained from the State Department of Health or from your child’s doctor. If you already have the current form on file, you do not need to do anything. If you do not have a current form on file, please make sure that your child’s immunization record is up to date and bring it to the appropriate Lower School office. If you have any questions, please email Kathy Sheffield at ksheffield@jacksonacademy.org.

First Day of Middle School

The first day of Middle School is Thursday, August 10.

Middle School New Students and Parents Reception (6th-8th)

All newly enrolled Middle School students and parents are invited to a reception on Monday, August 7, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center. New students and parents will meet JA teachers and faculty and tour the Middle School with their host family. New students will also pick up their school-issued iPads at this time.

Raider Ready

Welcome Back Open House for Middle School

On Tuesday, August 8, Middle School 6th-8th grade students and parents are invited to visit their new classrooms from 1:00-3:00 p.m. to meet their teachers.

Back to School Night

Middle School Back to School Night will be held on Tuesday, August 29, at 5:30 p.m. Parents are encouraged to attend!

Uniform Updates

Please pay close attention to the uniform guidelines as there have been several updates in an effort to streamline our policies regarding shoes and outerwear.

Uniform Guidelines & Requirements

Summer Reading

Be sure to check the summer reading information for grades 6-8.

Middle School Summer Reading list

Calculator Requirements

This year, the Jackson Academy math department will require each 7th and 8th grade student to have the TI-30X IIS calculator. No other brands or models should be purchased.

School Supplies

• 6th Grade School Supply List
• 7th Grade School Supply List
• 8th Grade School Supply List

School supply lists are also available on the Parents Information page under the Resources heading.

First Day of Upper School

The first day of Upper School will be Wednesday, August 9. All students in grades 9-12 will meet in the PAC at 8:30 a.m. After the Upper School assembly, students will meet with all classes in an abbreviated schedule to gather books, assignments and instructions for the new year. Each student should bring his or her iPad to school. The school day is complete by 11:45 a.m. All new students will pick up their device on Wednesday from noon-1:30 p.m in the JA Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Upper School New Students and Parents Reception (9th-12th)

All newly enrolled Upper School students and parents are invited to a reception on Monday, August 7, from 11:00 a.m.-noon in the Performing Arts Center. New students and parents will meet JA teachers and faculty and tour the Upper School with their host family. All new students in grades 9-12 are strongly encouraged to attend as pertinent information will be shared including, but not limited to setting up JA email and OnCampus.

Raider Ready

Upper School Back to School Night

Upper School Back to School Night will be held on Tuesday, August 29. Parents will meet in their student’s first period class at 5:00 p.m and will run through all seven periods to meet their student’s teachers. Parents are encouraged to attend.

College Fair

Save the date for the 2023-2024 JA College Fair! On Tuesday, September 12, from 12:30-2:00 p.m. college admissions representatives will meet with JA students in the lobby of the PAC. Representatives from various colleges and universities will share topics such as navigating the admissions process, pursuing scholarships, and selecting a field of study. All JA students in grades 10-12 will have the opportunity to attend during the school day. Parents are also encouraged to attend. It is never too early to start thinking about the college admissions process!

Uniform Updates

Please pay close attention to the uniform guidelines as there have been several updates in an effort to streamline our policies regarding shoes and outerwear.

Uniform Guidelines & Requirements

Summer Reading

Be sure to check the summer reading information for grades 9-12!

Upper School Summer Reading list

Student Parking Information

All student drivers must register their vehicles with the Upper School Office. Parking registration will take place online using the registration form below. 

Click here for parking registration

Once vehicles are registered, student drivers will receive car decals for parking from the Upper School Office. All seniors have completed their registration and will not need to re-register.

Teacher Office Hours

Upper School teachers hold office hours from 7:45-8:15 a.m. each morning. Office hours are designed to allow students the opportunity for additional help, clarification, and turn in or collect work from absences. All students are encouraged to use office hours as this is designed to prevent students from needing additional tutoring.

Chapel Dates

• August 15, 2023
• October 3, 2023
• November 7, 2023
• December 5, 2023
• January 9, 2024
• February 13, 2024
• March 26, 2024
• May 7, 2024

Calculator Requirements

Students taking Algebra I, Geometry, and Honors Geometry will be required to have the TI-30X IIS calculator. Students enrolled in Algebra II or higher will be required to have a TI 84 Plus, TI 84 Plus SE, or TI 84 Plus CE calculator. No other brands should be purchased.

Summer School and Academic Recovery Dates for 2024

Please note the dates below as you and your family plan ahead for summer vacations and activities. More information for both programs is available in the JA Parent and Student Handbook.

Summer School 2024
June 3-July 12, 2024 

Recovery Dates 2023
Any student that does not successfully pass core subjects will recover classes at Jackson Academy. 

• June 10-28 – Language Arts (English and Literature)/Math
• July 8-26 – History/Science

Competitive Sports

Click the tabs below for social media accounts to follow for individual sport coverage, scores, photos, and more!

Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure

The legend of Peter Pan has been delighting children for over 100 years and this faithful new version is a festive adventure, perfect for the whole family. Featuring music and lyrics by the award-winning duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, we join Peter and the Darling family as they are whisked away to the famous Neverland full of colorful characters including the Lost Boys, Tinker Bell, and of course, the dastardly Captain Hook. With a spectacular mix of swashbuckling adventure, jaw dropping flying, and an infectious score, Peter Pan is guaranteed to bring forth one’s inner child, and send you reeling “Just Beyond the Stars.”

Audiences will have three opportunities to enjoy Peter Pan:

• Saturday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 22 at 2:00 p.m.
• Monday, October 23 at 7:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Kerri Sanders at ksanders@jacksonacademy.org or Garrett Lindsey at glindsey@jacksonacademy.org.

Staff Updates

Jackson Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Kerri Sanders as Director of Performing Arts. In this new role, she will work to enhance continuity in the arts programs across campus. Sanders will be engaged with our entire student body in developing talent and a love of music, dance, acting, singing, and all the backstage art it takes to make each of our performances possible.

Caroline Stewart has been chosen as JA’s new Lower School Choral Music Director. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Stewart moved to Mississippi in 2018 to attend Mississippi College where she earned a degree in Music Education (Voice K-12). Stewart says she is most excited about becoming a part of the JA family, getting to know all of her students, and playing a lot of music games in the classroom. It’s going to be a fun year!

Christopher Lloyd has joined the performing arts staff as the Assistant Technical Director. He will be instrumental in designing, creating, and fabricating sets and other production pieces for JA’s theatre and show choir performances.

Lower School Art Competition

This year’s Lower School Art Competition is scheduled to be held during the fall semester and entry will be open to all young Raiders in 1st-5th grades. Registration forms and contest rules will be made available once the competition date has been set.

Performing Arts Center Events Schedule

	2023
Sept 13-15	One Act Auditions
Sept 23	Band Marching Contest @ Arlington
Sept 30	Band Marching Contest @ Copiah
Oct 21	Band Marching Contest @ JA
Oct 21-23	Peter Pan Performances
Nov 3	Riverland Choral Festival @ Pearl
Nov 15	One Act Performance
Dec 1-2	Theatre Competition @ MSU
Dec 5	Christmas with the Arts
	2024
Jan 4-6	MAIS Band Clinic
Jan 11-14	Theatre Competition @ MGCCC
Jan 20	Show Choir Competition @ NWR
Jan 26-27	Show Choir competition @ Jackson Prep
Feb 2-3	12th Annual JASI
Feb 6-8	Spring Play Auditions
Feb 15	Showtime Student Performance
Feb 16-17	Show Choir Competition @ Tupelo
Feb 21	One Act Student Performance
Feb 23-24	Theatre Competition @ Meridian
Mar 1-2	Show Choir Competition @ Madison Central
Mar 21-24	Encore Show Choir Nationals @ Nashville
Mar 28	Encore Student performance
Apr 9	Spring Band Concert
Apr 19-21	Spring Play Performances
Apr 25	Spring Spectacular
Apr 26	Thespian Cabaret
Apr 29-May 2	Show Choir Auditions
May 3-4	Thespian 10-Minute Play Festival and Inductions
May 6-9	2024 Fall Musical Auditions

Letter from the JAA President and President Elect

Dear JA Families,

On behalf of the Jackson Academy Association, we would like to extend a very warm welcome to all JA families as we begin the 2023-2024 school year! We are excited about the upcoming activities this year and are looking forward to seeing you at the annual events that have become such an important part of our traditions at Jackson Academy.  

For those new to our school, the Jackson Academy Association (JAA) is the parent association of Jackson Academy. The mission of the JAA is to promote unity of spirit and enhance the overall education experience for our students. The JAA provides valuable tools and resources for our students and teachers throughout the school year. As a JA parent, you are automatically a member of the JAA. We welcome you to become involved and visit our website at jacksonacademy.org/jaa.  

The 2023-2024 school year is going to be a special one as we welcome ALL of our families, whether new or established, and continue our traditions as a JA family. Our summer Uniform Exchange took place on July 14. If you couldn’t make this date, look for other uniform exchange opportunities throughout the year to purchase gently-used uniform pieces and spirit wear at fabulous prices. Please consider donating any uniforms that your child no longer needs to the Uniform Exchange. All proceeds go to supporting the JAA and our school.  

We will begin the school year on Sunday, August 6 at 2:00 p.m., in the PAC lobby for our annual Prayer Walk. What a firm foundation to begin our school year by praying over our school, faculty/staff, and students! This is a self-guided walk around the property to be purposeful and diligent to cover our school with prayer. All parents, teachers, students, and community members are encouraged to participate!

We are looking forward to hosting you at our annual A Blue and White Night on Saturday, August 12, at the Country Club of Jackson. This is our biggest fundraiser and a special way for parents and faculty to kick off the school year! A Blue and White Night is an opportunity for parents to spend some time reconnecting and making new connections with one another in a fun-filled environment! The JA Fall Carnival will take place on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, on Raider Field at The Brickyard and is always a family favorite! This is one of the most beloved events at Jackson Academy and is so much fun for all ages and an event that can be enjoyed by the entire family!

Our cookbook, Always in Season, is always available for purchase. These recipes, which were provided by our JA parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and alumni, have become a staple in so many households. The cookbooks make great gifts! What a special present for graduation, weddings, birthdays or even a keepsake for your children to use forever! Copies are available in the JA Campus Store or you may contact any member of the JAA Board to purchase your copy!

Jackson Academy is truly a special place! We have an amazing community of students, parents, teachers, and staff! Contributing to the JAA only enhances and strengthens these relationships and our school. We will continue to achieve great things on our campus and for our students thanks to the overwhelming support of our families, staff, and community partners. Your volunteer time, financial contributions, and advocacy for our students is noticed every day and is immeasurable in making a difference at Jackson Academy!

To access additional information on the JAA, please visit us at jacksonacademy.org/jaa, sign up to volunteer, purchase a ticket for A Blue and White Night and JA Fall Carnival,  and purchase a copy of Always in Season for you or someone else! You can also follow the JAA on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with us and see all of the exciting events and happenings of the Jackson Academy Association!

We look forward to seeing all of you in August and working to serve our school family! Go Raiders!

Neeli Graham
JAA President  

Rebekah Gregory
JAA President Elect

2023-2024 JAA Officers

JAA Committee Chairmen 2023-2024

JAA Grade Chairs 2023-2024

A Blue & White Night Committee 2023-2024

2023-2024 Athletic Booster Club Membership

Dear Raider Family and Friends,

Jackson Academy is poised for another great year on and off the field. We are excited to work together for another year of supporting our Raiders and can’t wait to see what the future holds for our community and our student athletes.  

The Jackson Academy Athletic Booster Club (JAABC) is organized and operated to support and enhance the athletic-centered and extracurricular experience of all JA students. As you may remember, in 2021, we purchased portable soccer goals, helped resurface the track, and purchased an inflatable run-through tunnel for sporting events. For 2022, we refurbished the softball dugout and added new home plates for softball and baseball, purchased a new pole vault pad, and replaced golf bags for both boys’ and girls’ teams. 

For 2023, we have approved funds to make repairs to the fencing around the baseball field as well as the floor in the gym lobby. We also have agreed to purchase additional storage for track and sports equipment as well as other improvements to our weight room. Additionally, in an effort to show our appreciation for the sacrifices of our student athletes, we are excited to announce we are purchasing the senior banners that are displayed around campus and are given to the athletes at the end of the year. We love our Raiders!

We would love to have your support of the Booster Club. A family membership is only $50.  We also have several exciting new packages available this year listed below:

Booster Club Membership Packages 2023-2024

All purchases can be made online by clicking the button below.

Please consider supporting your Raider Booster Club.  If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.

Sincerely, 
Deidre and Austin Barbour
Directors of Membership
Text Deidre at 601-624-0065/Text Austin at 601-624-2562

JA Athletic Booster Club 2023-2024 Board

Mark Your Calendars

JA Prayer Walk

This year the JA Prayer Walk will be Sunday, August 6, at 2 p.m. in the PAC lobby.

Fall Carnival

The JA Fall Carnival will take place on Tuesday, October 17, on Raider Field. Our Carnival is the perfect family-filled night for children of all ages, so come and celebrate!

Homecoming

*Attention classes of 1988, 1993, 2003, and 2008! If you are interested in helping plan your reunion during Homecoming Weekend, please reach out to fbussey@jacksonacademy.org.

Campus Store

Come grab all of your back-to-school gear! Spirit wear, outerwear, backpacks, and so much more are available at the Jackson Academy Campus Store!

• Summer: Open Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
• School Year: Open Monday-Friday from 7:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. starting Monday, July 31.

Technology Tips for Parents

The new school year is almost here which means JA will soon be distributing Apple devices to all students in grades 1-12. To help our families promote safe and productive use of their devices, the JA Tech Center has written the following article to cover some practical and effective technology tips for parents in navigating the digital landscape. From setting screen time boundaries to discussing online safety, these suggestions provide a jumping-off point for a healthy discussion on fostering responsible and balanced technology use.

Connect with JA

Our families and friends can stay connected to events around campus without pause, because JA stays active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This is your child’s story, and we’re here to tell you about it.

Below are links to the official JA social media accounts. Check with academic divisions, teams, and extracurricular programs for specific social media accounts.