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2024-2025 JPS Back to School Guide

July 22, 2024

Jackson Public Schools is excited about the upcoming school year. As we prepare for a fresh new start, here's what you need to know for a successful first few days of school and beyond.

Each year, we offer the Superintendent’s Hotline to answer students' and parents' questions or concerns on the first two days of school. Hotline operators will be answering calls from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, August 5 & Tuesday, August 6. The number to call for assistance is (601) 960-2781. Get help with everything from registration to transportation.

District Calendar At-A-Glance

The first day of school for JPS students is Monday, August 5. Use our District Calendar At-A-Glance to save important dates, such as scheduled closures, early dismissals, and conference days throughout the year: www.jackson.k12.ms.us/DistrictCalendar.

Safety Measures & Procedures

  • We will provide opportunities for eligible scholars and staff to obtain vaccinations.
  • Custodians will clean buildings daily, and restrooms will be disinfected throughout the day.
  • Parents are encouraged to check your child’s temperature before they leave for school, keep them at home if they have symptoms, and inform the school.

Regular Bell Schedule

School Event Elementary Middle High
School Opens 7–7:24 a.m. 7:20 a.m. 7:45 a.m.
Instruction Ends/Dismissal Time 2:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:05 p.m.

Get complete bell schedules for regular school days as well as early dismissal days at: www.jackson.k12.ms.us/BellSchedules.

Code of Conduct & Student Handbook

Each school year, we update the Code of Conduct & Student Handbook with updated policies, procedures, and practices. The 2024-2025 handbook includes all necessary forms to be completed at home and returned to your child's school. We ask that families go over the expectations set forth in this book to help us maintain joyful and respectful learning communities in every school and classroom across the District: www.jackson.k12.ms.us/StudentHandbook.

District Directory

The District Directory available online is a comprehensive list of contacts at JPS schools and administrative offices. Locations, programs and services are listed alphabetically for convenience. Below the list of the most frequently called numbers. Additional quick contacts are available as a convenient document that can be downloaded or saved: www.jackson.k12.ms.us/DistrictDirectory.

Deputy Superintendent – (601) 960-8738

Enrollment – (601) 960-8852

Elementary Schools – (601) 960-8874

Exceptional Education – (601) 960-8868

Middle Schools – (601) 960-8869

Parent & Family Engagement – (601) 960-8945

High Schools – (601) 960-8730

Child Nutrition – (601) 960-8911

Counseling – (601) 960-8353

Transportation – (601) 960-8919

Free School Meals

JPS students will receive free school meals for the 2024-2025 school year as part of the Community Eligibility Provision that allows us to serve nutritious meals to scholars at no cost: www.jackson.k12.ms.us/ChildNutrition.

School Registration

All students, NEW and RETURNING, must enroll through the PowerSchool Enrollment Portal. Enrollment can be completed at any time, day or night, at your convenience. PowerSchool allows parents to easily enroll multiple students without having to repeat the entire process for each child. Returning students must have a SNAPCODE to complete registration. 

Registration for new students can be completed at your child’s school. You will need to have the following documentation:

  • Parent’s Government-Issued Photo ID or Driver’s License
  • Student’s Original, Long-Form, Certified Birth Certificate
  • Student’s Mississippi Immunization Form 121/122
  • Two Proofs of Residency

Get details at www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Registration.

School Supplies

Basic school supplies for elementary scholars are listed below. Contact your child’s school and/or teacher for specific items needed. Middle and high school teachers will provide scholars with a list of the school supplies they need to be successful in their classes.

  • Crayons
  • #2 Pencils
  • Washable Markers
  • Manuscript Tablets
  • School Glue
  • Erasers
  • Glue Sticks
  • Pocket Folders
  • Manila Paper (12” X 18”)
  • 12” Plastic Ruler
  • Scissors

www.jackson.k12.ms.us/SchoolSupplies

School-to-Home Communication

To maintain a strong connection between home and school, our District uses a variety of notification systems to keep JPS students, families, and communities informed. Our Jackson Public Schools MS mobile app offers a feature-rich experience providing access to news, coming events, lunch menus, app-specific notifications, and content from most of our other communications channels. You can customize it to include messages from your school. Here are all the ways you can connect with us to receive emergency and time-sensitive notifications.

System

How to Connect

SchoolStatus Phone Alerts

Automatically enrolled at registration. Keep your contact information up to date with the school.

SchoolStatus Text Alerts

Automatically enrolled at registration. Keep your contact information up to date with the school.

Websites

Visit www.jackson.k12.ms.us.

Key Communicator

Visit www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Subscribe.

Facebook

Like facebook.com/JacksonPublicSchools.

Twitter

Follow x.com/JPSDistrict.

YouTube

Subscribe at youtube.com/JPSITV.

Mobile App

Search for Jackson Public Schools MS in the Apple Store on iPhones or the Google Play Store on android phones.

Student Devices

Schools will issue an internet-ready device for all JPS scholars as well as provide technical support to parents and scholars. Check with your child’s school for their device distribution schedule. Students will be required to bring their devices to school every day. They will be trained on how to access and navigate their online class environment as well as how to disinfect and maintain their devices.

Student Dress Code

Students in every JPS elementary school and middle school will be required to wear uniforms. In general, this is navy blue or white tops with navy blue or khaki bottoms. Details are posted on our website and included in the Code of Conduct and Student Handbook. Ask your school about the Uniform Assistance program if you have a need. Learn more at: www.jackson.k12.ms.us/DressCode.

Summer Reading

All JPS scholars are responsible for reading three books and completing reading logs for each of the books before school starts. One of these books must come from the required reading list for their grade and/or special program. The grade level required books and reading lists can be found online at: www.jackson.k12.ms.us/SummerReading.