September 28, 2026
SCHOOL NEWS
Make attendance a priority during October Count! Jeffco’s October Count window is September 24–October 8. Student attendance during this important time helps ensure our school receives accurate state funding to support students, staff, and programs throughout the year.
Showing up is one simple way your family can make a difference. Thank you for helping every student and every school day count!
PARENT SQUARE Update
Jeffco’s new mass communication platform, ParentSquare, will officially roll out across all Jeffco schools on Wednesday, October 21. This new platform delivers messages in families' preferred languages via email, app, voice, or text. This system is used for school wide, community wide communications. No action is required to receive messages. An account is automatically created for each parent or guardian using the contact information you submit via Campus Parent Portal during registration and the Annual Update.
An important reminder for all parents: When parents need to send messages or contact the school, Admin or teachers directly, please JA staff members' jajags email or Canvas unless teachers have said to communicate through parentsquare.
COMPLETE YOUR STUDENT BENEFITS APPLICATION TODAY!
If you haven't completed your Student Benefits Application yet, now is the time! Submitting your application ensures your family has access to important benefits throughout the school year. Completing this application offers various benefits to all JA families and all Jeffco schools — fee waivers for your student, access to free district programs, and additional funding for Jefferson Academy!
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, October 15th. If you have concerns about your student that can be addressed in a quick conference, please make plans to attend the open house hours from 3:30pm to 5:30pm or 6:15pm to 7:30pm. If your student is doing well and you have no concerns, we encourage you to spend an evening celebrating their success. If you have concerns that will take longer to discuss, please contact the teacher to set up an appointment. Friday, October 16th are invite only conferences. Invitations will be emailed out by Ms. Adams or individual teachers.
One of JA's fantastic traditions is providing dinner for the staff during Parent/Teacher Conferences. Donations help Boosters put together a really nice dinner break in the midst of a long day. Donations are accepted via CheddarUp at: https://share.google/vk7oQ2feLS4pqJxv8 or drop off an envelope in the office indicating "Parent Teacher Conference Staff Dinner."
FALL SUPER TESTING DAY IS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15TH
On Thursday, October 15, all 10th & 11th grade JA students will be taking the PSAT/NMSQT exam. The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a standardized practice test that measures college and career readiness and serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The PSAT/NMSQT is a different exam from the SAT 11 and PSAT 10 that students will be taking in April.
Testing will begin promptly at 8:30am and will conclude at approximately 11:15am.
THERE WILL BE NO SCHOOL FOR 7, 8, 9 & 12 GRADE STUDENTS
10TH & 11TH GRADE STUDENTS WILL BE RELEASED AT THE COMPLETION OF THE EXAM
SENIOR SEMINAR PRESENTATION REVIEWERS NEEDED!
Each of the 110 members of the Class of 2027 will be presenting their Senior Seminar capstone projects on October 13, 14, and 15. We are looking for volunteers to evaluate and provide feedback on the students’ presentations. Each student will present for 13-20 minutes on a topic within their chosen career field. Your time, attention, and feedback are greatly appreciated. Please click on the link to sign up: Senior Sem Volunteer Link
ATTENTION CURRENT 7TH GRADE FAMILIES We’re going to Washington, D.C. and New York City in Spring 2028, and we’d love for your student to join us! We’re excited to tell you more about the trip we’re planning with EF Explore America, our educational travel partner. Please be sure to register for this zoom info session to be considered for this opportunity:7th GRADE DC NEW YORK TRIP
There are limited spots on this trip, and those at the meeting will have first access.Please contact Mrs. Porreco at mporreco@jajags.com with any questions.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
COLLEGE VISITS - Each year, JA welcomes a variety of colleges and other post-graduation opportunities to campus. These visits are a great chance for our students to hear what different programs have to offer, learn about college admissions, and ask any questions they may have. First semester’s college visits are open to juniors and seniors only.
Upcoming College Visits: Registration is encouraged to ensure we have enough seats, but it is not required. Registration links were sent to students.
Western Colorado University, Gunnison, CO, Monday, September 28, 2026 in the Library at 9:15 am.
Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, Wednesday, September 30, 2026 in the Library at 8:30 am.
University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, Wednesday, October 21, 2026 in the Library at 8:45 am.
Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, Thursday October 22, 2026 in the Library at 1:15 pm.
TEACHER OFFICE HOURS - October tends to be a student slump. If you are interested in your student attending extra help time with teachers, please refer to the Teacher Office Hours, also located on the secondary.jajags.com website under Resources.
PANORAMA SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL) STUDENT SURVEY - October 6th
One tool we will utilize this year to ensure that all students feel supported as individuals will be the Panorama Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Student Survey. As a school we will provide time on October 6th during the school day for students to complete this survey. Click HERE for more information, including survey questions, SEL competencies and an opt out link should your wish for your child not to participate.
PARENT WORKSHOP - The Parent Dance: Understanding the Developing Brain and Building Executive Function
Thank you to those families who attended our first Parent Workshop. Our speaker, Roxanne Turner, has provided notes & resources to help all of our families.
In addition, we are seeking parent input for future workshops. Please complete this survey.
ATHLETICS
CONCESSION STAND SIGN-UPS WANTED Support our school and your student's club, team or school activity at the same time by volunteering to run the JA Boosters Concession Stand at an upcoming game! We have the Fall Sports Season schedule open for you and your crew to sign up now! All groups running the concession stand receive 50% of the concession sales for their club, team or activity! CONCESSION VOLUNTEER SIGN UP