Birth Certificates

All new K5 students must have their original birth certificates on file at the school by Friday, August 2. 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 2. The forms can be obtained from the State Department of Health or from your child’s doctor. If you already have a 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 preschool or 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 8. Classes begin at 8:15 a.m.

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 5, at 10 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 6, Middle School 6th-8th grade students and parents are invited to visit their new classrooms from 1–3 p.m. to meet their teachers.

Uniform Updates

Please pay close attention to the uniform updates for 2024–2025 as there have been several updates and changes in an effort to streamline our policies.

Uniform Updates for 2024–2025

Summer Reading

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

Middle School Summer Reading list

Teacher Office Hours

Middle School teachers will 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 to 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

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.

School -Issued Devices

The new iPads are here! Apple’s 10th generation iPad with USB-C and Apple Pencil combined with the Logitech Combo Touch case will further enhance our campus learning environment. Be on the lookout for an email with further details about when and where you can pick up your new school-issued iPad for this school year. You will be required to return your old iPad and accessories in order to pick up your new device. All new students will pick up their iPad and accessories at the new student reception.

First Day of Upper School

First Day of Upper School will be Wednesday, August 7. 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. The first full day of school will be Thursday, August 8.

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 5 from 11 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 accounts and OnCampus access.

Raider Ready

Upper School Back to School Night

Upper School Back to School Night will be held on Tuesday, August 27. Parents will meet in their student’s first period class at 5 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 2024–2025 JA College Fair!  On Tuesday, September 10, from 12:30–2 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. It is never too early to start thinking about the college admissions process!

Uniform Updates

Please pay close attention to the uniform updates for 2024–2025 as there have been several updates and changes in an effort to streamline our policies.

Uniform Updates for 2024–2025

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 Google Form link below.

Click here for parking registration

Once vehicles are registered, student drivers will receive car decals for parking.

Students in the 12th grade will be assigned a parking spot on the main campus, while students in grades 10-11 will be required to park at the East Campus parking lot and will be shuttled to the main campus.

Teacher Office Hours

Upper School teachers will 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 to 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

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 2025

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 2025
June 2- July 11, 2025

Recovery Dates 2025
Any student that does not successfully pass core subjects will recover classes at Jackson Academy. 

• June 9-27 – Language Arts (English and Literature)/Math
• July 7-25 – History/Science

School -Issued Devices

The new iPads are here! Apple’s 10th generation iPad with USB-C and Apple Pencil combined with the Logitech Combo Touch case will further enhance our campus learning environment. Be on the lookout for an email with further details about when and where you can pick up your new school-issued iPad for this school year. You will be required to return your old iPad and accessories in order to pick up your new device. All new students will pick up their iPad and accessories at the new student reception.

Anything Goes

Music, dance, laughs, and the age-old tale of boy meets girl… Anything Goes is delightful, delicious, and de-lovely.  The S. S. American is sailing between New York and England with a comically colorful assemblage of passengers: Reno Sweeney, a popular singer and former evangelist, her pal Billy Crocker, a lovelorn Wall Street broker who has come aboard to try to win the favor of his beloved Hope Harcourt (who is engaged to another passenger, Sir Evelyn Oakleigh), and a second-rate con man named Moonface Martin, aka “Public Enemy #13.” Song, dance, and farcical antics ensue as Reno and Moonface try to help Billy win the love of his life.  Anything Goes is appropriate for ages 10 and older.

Audiences will have three opportunities to enjoy Anything Goes:

• Saturday, October 19 at 7 p.m.
• Sunday, October 20 at 2 p.m.
• Monday, October 21 at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Kerri Sanders at ksanders@jacksonacademy.org.

Staff Updates

We are pleased to announce that Jacob Butzin is joining the Performing Arts Team as Director of Choral Music. Mr. Butzin comes to us having previously served as the Director of Show Choirs at Brandon Middle School. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Director of Ross High School’s show choir, “Legacy,” in Ross, Ohio.  In discussing his new position, Mr. Butzin said, “I am very excited about the opportunity of continuing the tradition of excellence that has flourished in the performing arts at Jackson Academy. I look forward to working with the students and introducing them to a variety of clinicians and choreographers who will provide the necessary resources for them to excel and reach new heights on and off the stage.”

Performing Arts Center Events Schedule

	2024
Sept 18–20	One Act Auditions
Sept 21	Band Marching Contest @ Arlington
Oct 5	Band Marching Contest @ Copiah
Oct 12 or 19	MAIS Band Marching Contest @ JA
Oct 19–21	Anything Goes Performances
Nov 20	One Act Performance
Dec 6–7	Dramafest Theatre Competition @ MSU
Dec 9	Christmas with the Arts
	2025
Jan 9–11	MAIS Band Clinic
Jan 9 or 21	Show Choir Parent Performance
Jan 16–19	MTA Theatre Competition @ Riley Center, Meridian
Jan 24–25	Show Choir Competition @ Jackson Prep
Jan 31–Feb 1	13th Annual Jackson Academy Show Choir Invitational (JASI)
Feb 5–7	Spring Play Auditions
Feb 14–15	Show Choir Competition @ Tupelo
Feb 18	One Act Student Performance
Feb 21–22	ThesCon Theatre Competition @ Meridian
Feb 28–Mar 3	Encore Show Choir Competition @ Glenwood, IL
Mar 7	Showtime Competition @ Biloxi
Mar 27	Show Choir Student Performance
Mar 29	Show Choir Competition @ Brandon
Apr 11–13	Spring Play Performances
Apr 15	Spring Band Concert
Apr 24	Spring Spectacular
Apr 25	Thespian Cabaret
Apr 28–May 1	Show Choir Auditions
May 2–3	Thespian 10-Minute Play Festival and Inductions
May 5–8	2025 Fall Musical Auditions
May 14	Middle School Musical Theatre Class Play

Letter from the JAA President and President Elect

Dear Jackson Academy Families,

On behalf of the Jackson Academy Association, we would like to welcome you as we embark on the 2024–2025 school year! We are looking forward to upcoming activities and can’t wait to see you at the yearly events that have become such an important part of our traditions at JA.  

For those new to JA, the Jackson Academy Association (JAA) is Jackson Academy’s parent organization. Every parent with a student at JA is automatically considered a member of the JAA – our JAA village is strong! The mission of the JAA is to promote unity of spirit and enhance the overall experience for our students. We provide valuable tools and resources for our students and teachers throughout the school year. We welcome you to become involved and visit our website at jacksonacademy.org/jaa.  

We started off the year with one of our most helpful traditions – the summer Uniform Exchange! The Uniform Exchange took place on June 28 from 1–3 p.m. in the Activities Building and was a great success! If you couldn’t make this date, look for other uniform exchange opportunities throughout the year as inventory allows. Feel free to bring any uniforms that your child no longer needs with you to donate at future Uniform Exchanges while you scout gently-used uniform pieces and spirit wear at fabulous prices! All proceeds go to support the JAA and our school.  

On Sunday, August 4 at 2 p.m. in the PAC lobby we welcome you to join us for our annual Prayer Walk. This wonderful tradition provides a firm foundation to begin our school year by praying in numbers over our school, faculty and staff, and students! We will begin with a small welcome and group prayer and then lead into a self-guided walk around campus where each participant is encouraged to be purposeful and diligent in covering our school with prayer. All parents, teachers, students, and community members are encouraged to join us!

Next up is our annual A Blue and White Night on Saturday, August 10, at the Country Club of Jackson. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and a special way for parents and faculty to kick things off!  Expect great food and beverages, entertainment, and enticing auctions. A Blue and White Night is a fun opportunity for parents and JA faculty and staff members to spend time reconnecting and making new connections with one another while supporting the JAA and our school! 

The JA Fall Carnival will take place the evening of Tuesday, October 22 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 great for all ages. Participants can enjoy a variety of dining options as well as entertainment with games, activities, rides, prizes, and more!

Our cookbook, “Always in Season,” is a JA home essential! The featured recipes, which were provided by our JA parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and alumni, have become a staple in so many households. The cookbooks also 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 and school is noticed every day and is immeasurable in making a difference at Jackson Academy!

For more details on the JAA, please visit us at jacksonacademy.org/jaa. Here you can find key JAA information, sign up to volunteer, or purchase a ticket for A Blue and White Night and JA Fall Carnival! 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 you in August and working to serve our school family! Go Raiders!

Rebekah Gregory
JAA President

Morgan Samuels
JAA President Elect

2024–2025 JAA Officers

2024–2025 JAA Board
(back, left) Beebe Garrard, Scanlon Minton, Neeli Graham, Shannon Blanks, Abby James (front, left) Suzanna Rula, Morgan Samuels, Rebekah Gregory, Brandi Stinson, Audrey Rodden; Not Pictured: Melanie Lauderdale, Katie Monsour, Betsey Mosby

JAA Committee Chairmen 2024–2025

JAA Grade Chairs 2024–2025

A Blue & White Night Committee 2024–2025

2024–2025 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) was organized to support and enhance the athletic-centered and extracurricular experience of all JA students – and we continue to embrace that mission.

Over the course of the 2023-2024 school year, the JAABC committed itself to supporting the families that support it – funding facility upgrades, purchasing training and safety equipment, and providing other support for the students on the field and in the stands to maximize opportunities for success and enhance the total athletic experience at JA. The funds you have helped us raise have allowed the continued rejuvenation of Raider Park with a new discus cage, an expanded softball batting cage, and protective baseball dugout fencing – with new baseball and softball scoreboards on the way this year. Through partnership with the JAA, we have enhanced the concessions/dining areas at the Brickyard and committed to additional projects designed to make our sporting events even more fan and family friendly.

For the 2024–2025 school year, JAABC will continue to display our appreciation for the sacrifices of our student athletes and families through the purchase of the senior banners that are displayed around campus (and given to the athletes at the end of the year) and the promotion of our All Stars and Futures selections. And we look forward to continuing our support for student attendance at this year’s championship tournaments and games!

We ask for your continued support as we endeavor to ensure that every Raider sees and feels the support of his and her Booster Club. A family membership is still only $50, and we also have several exciting packages available this year, as listed below:

Booster Club Membership Packages 2024–2025

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, 
Caroline and Brad Blanks
Directors of Membership

Jennifer and Fred Salvo
Directors of Membership-Elect

Email Caroline at carolineblanks@gmail.com and Jennifer at jfsalvo@gmail.com

JA Athletic Booster Club 2024–2025 Board

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.