Joining the Jaguars
Your Guide to Jefferson Intermediate School
This guide is designed to help fourth grade families prepare for the exciting transition to Jefferson Intermediate School. At Jefferson, students begin developing greater independence, responsibility, and confidence as they take the next step in their academic journey. They begin to take ownership of their own success. This means students are more responsible for their personal items, their learning, and their behavior.
Open House
We strongly encourage you to attend our Open House Night in August to ask all your questions and get to know Jefferson’s building and staff. At Open House, your child will be able to:
- Walk through their new schedule and locate all of their classrooms.
- Meet their teachers for the upcoming school year.
- Practice opening their locker, which is always helpful before the first day!
While you're here, please bring any school supplies your student has purchased. Teachers will have a designated drop-off spot for these items so your child doesn't have to carry them on the first day.
Passing Time: Independent Transitions
Students are responsible for their own transitions. Teachers will help students transition around the building the first week of school and after the first week students are expected to walk themselves. Mostly, to and from special classes. Most transitions are between the two classrooms next to each other. There will be staff in the hallways to help students who need assistance and directions.
PBIS: Supporting Positive Behavior at Jefferson
On each early release day, we celebrate student success and positive behavior with our Jaguar Pride Party. Students who meet academic, behavior, and attendance expectations are invited to participate in this fun event. During the celebration, students get to choose from a variety of enjoyable activities for about 40 minutes. If a student has not yet met the criteria to attend the Jaguar Pride Party, they will stay with their teachers to reflect and set goals that will help them work toward joining the next celebration.
Preparing for Special Classes
Physical Education
Students at our school participate in PE every day and must wear tennis shoes in order to take part safely. Please note that not all teachers allow students to change shoes throughout the day, so it’s best for students to wear appropriate footwear in the morning. Water bottles are encouraged, but they must have a completely closed, leak-proof lid.
Music Class
Water bottles are encouraged, but they must have a completely closed, leak-proof lid.
Art and Computer Classes
Art and Computer classes are split throughout the year, with students transitioning from one to the other in January. These classes also follow an A/B schedule, alternating each day.
Homework Expectations
Homework expectations vary depending on the team, but students generally spend less than one hour per night on assignments, with a focus on core classes. In both 5th and 6th grades, students are expected to read for 30 minutes at least five nights a week to build literacy skills and develop a love for reading. Additionally, 6th graders receive a math packet to reinforce key concepts and practice problem-solving strategies outside the classroom. This balanced approach helps students manage their time effectively while strengthening essential academic skills.
Opportunities to Connect
Students have many opportunities to get involved and connect with others beyond the classroom through a variety of after-school activities and social events.
After-school activities allow students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and make friends with peers who share similar passions.
During the school day, socializing happens naturally at lunch, in the Breezeway, and during specials, where students can relax and interact in a more casual setting.
Fun school-wide events like Jaguar Pride parties celebrate positive behavior and school spirit. These experiences help students build friendships, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.
Understanding Teams
Moving up to Jefferson Intermediate introduces your child to the Team Model. Your student will be a part of a smaller, supportive learning community within the larger school, which helps them transition smoothly and build strong relationships.
What is a Team?
- Each fifth and sixth grader is assigned to a specific Team, which is identified by a unique name and color.
- All students on a team share the same pair of core teachers (math, science, and ELA) throughout the school year.
This structure helps teachers collaborate easily on your child's success and behavior, and allows students to build close bonds with a smaller group of peers.
Lockers
Each locker is shared by two students, and partners are assigned rather than chosen. Boys are paired with boys and girls with girls. To help students get comfortable, there are apps available to practice using their lockers.
Understanding Student Discipline
At Jefferson, our behavior system is structured around minor and major referrals. Students can receive up to three minor referrals per class before a fourth minor results in an after-school detention. Any major referral, however, immediately results in at least a half-day of RISS (Restorative ISS), which could extend to a full day or more depending on how severe or frequent the behavior is (see our Code of Conduct found in the Student Handbook).
Student Chromebooks
Each student will receive a district-provided Chromebook that comes with a charger, a hard shell case, and a soft carrying case. These Chromebooks will be used from 5th through 8th grade, so students should take good care of them. While the devices are provided by the district, families are responsible for any repair costs that may occur. Students will take their Chromebooks to all classes each day, but chargers should be kept at home to avoid losing them or damaging them at school. Students use their Chromebooks every day, so it is very important that students bring their Chromebooks charged and ready to go each day.
Recharge and Connect: Lunch & Breezeway
Lunch and Breezeway time lasts for 28 minutes and gives students the opportunity to eat, play, and socialize outside. Pizza is an option that is available every day, and students can choose between the lunch line and the snack line for their meal options.
Purchasing School Supplies
At the end of the school year, families will receive a school supply list, which will also be available on the school website throughout the summer. Please note that supply needs may vary—some teachers may request a few additional items, while others may not need everything listed. However, all teachers appreciate having tissues, pencils, and Expo markers replenished throughout the year, as these are used frequently. Donations of Clorox wipes and paper towels are also always welcome and greatly appreciated, as they help keep classrooms clean and ready for learning.
Preparing Your Child for a Successful Year
Starting at Jefferson is like getting a brand-new notebook—it’s a fresh start where you can write a great new chapter! Here, you'll be given much bigger tasks and more important things to take care of, which shows everyone they trust you a lot. This is your chance to show how responsible and capable you are!
Enrollment and Reverification
Are you a Returning Student or New to the District?
Returning Students
- If your child attended 4th grade at any St. Charles School District elementary school (Lincoln, Monroe, Coverdell, Null, Harris, Blackhurst), they are already enrolled at Jefferson for 5th grade.
- Parents DO need to complete Re-Verification in the Parent Portal to confirm contact information and upload 2 proofs of residency by August 1st.
New to the District Students
- If your child did not attend a St. Charles school in 4th grade, they must Enroll Online through Central Enrollment (not the Parent Portal).
- After Central Enrollment is complete, your student will be added to Jefferson and the school will reach out.
Doing this early makes Open House smooth and stress-free!
About Tours
- We do not give individual tours because all 5th graders are new to the building.
- Students will visit during Transition Day (or learn everything with their teachers during the first week if they miss it).