We See Every Child Learning Every Day
JHS A Cappella Adapts to COVID-19 Restrictions
Even though COVID-19 restrictions have prevented Jamestown High School’s A Cappella Choir and Madrigal Singers from performing their seasonal concert schedule this year, new director Lauren Scharf, is determined to find a way to celebrate the season with hopes that by next year, the annual Vespers can continue.
“It is a great disappointment that the A Cappella Choir will be unable to perform their annual Vespers services this December at First Lutheran Church, however, myself and the students felt very strongly that the A Cappella Vespers is especially needed this year, so we came up with some new ways to spread joy to our local community,” said Ms. Scharf.
The A Cappella Choir will be releasing a recorded performance of some of their Vespers songs, including the traditional processional Kyrie Eleison, which will be available at www.jpsny.org and on JPS’ Facebook (@JamestownPublicSchools) and Twitter (@JamestownSchool) beginning on December 21st. Ms. Scharf, along with former directors Norman Lydell and Brian Bogey, will also host two radio programs with Dennis Webster on Media One that will highlight music compiled from past A Cappella Vespers. The shows will give insight into the history of Vespers, and have the directors tell stories about the beloved, annual tradition. The shows will air on Sunday, December 13th and Sunday, December 20th at 4 p.m. on WJTN AM 1240.
“We are so thankful to Media One for airing these shows featuring the music of the A Cappella Vespers,” said Ms. Scharf. “Dennis Webster is such an avid supporter of all JPS music programs and we are so appreciative of Media One’s willingness to share A Cappella Vespers’ story with the community in this challenging year.”
The SAT being offered at JHS this Saturday, 12/5, has been cancelled. The CollegeBoard will be contacting all registered testers through their email in the next few days or you can contact your JHS Counselor for more information!
Elementary Schools 11:30 to 12:30Middle Schools 1:00 to 2:00High School & Tech Academy 12:30 to 1:30
JPS Releases Preventive Measures for COVID-19 Community Spread
Jamestown Public Schools is planning to take proactive and preventive measures to help lessen the community spread of COVID-19 during the holiday season. All schools will shift to fully remote learning for one week after Thanksgiving break from November 30 to December 4. After returning to the hybrid schedule from December 7 through 22, the district plans a second week of remote learning following Winter recess from January 4 through 8.
Dr. Whitaker confirmed the district’s plans with Chautauqua County Department of Health Commissioner, Christine Schuyler.
“These measures are a collaborative effort between our school board, the Chautauqua County Department of Health and JPS personnel,” said JPS Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker. “We know the holidays will be a time that families may gather. We want to ensure the health and safety of our students, staff and community by providing additional time at home in hopes of keeping a COVID-19 surge from happening in our schools. We want our schools to remain safe and to be open as much as possible for our students. Please be aware that these measures will be dependent on the guidance of the Health Department and New York State. Circumstances regarding how instruction is delivered, in school or remotely, are always subject to change. However, we want to give our families and staff as much notice as possible to prepare for this change.”
During fully remote instruction weeks for the district, teaching and learning will continue as regularly scheduled for each student. If students have concerns about internet access during the fully remote weeks, families should contact their school principal for help and information. The district will continue to provide childcare for students in kindergarten through sixth grades through the YMCA and YWCA. Grab and Go school meals will continue to be available for free to all students. More detailed information on childcare and school meals will be forthcoming.
In addition to proactively helping the spread of COVID-19 in our community, the fully remote instructions weeks after Thanksgiving and Christmas will give JPS students, staff and families an opportunity to practice in the case that the district must go fully remote in the future by state health department metrics, or by Executive Order.
“We very much want to bring back our JHS 10th through 12th graders in December,” said Dr. Whitaker. “Whether we can do this depends on our ability to limit the spread of the virus in our community. This plan will allow us to open up a period between Thanksgiving and winter recess to slowly bring them back to in-person instruction, while keeping them safe. We know this has been an important concern for our JHS students and families, and we hope to start this transition in December, depending on health metrics and guidance from New York State and the Health Department.”
Important Information from NYS on Upcoming Flu Season
Important info from NYS on the upcoming flu season & the importance of getting a flu vaccine especially this year!
Información importate del estado de Nueva York sobre la próxima temporada de influenza y la importancia de vacunarse contra la influenza ¡especialmente este año
Physical Therapy Department collaborates with families, healthcare providers & educators to provide for every child.
Students were moving and grooving to Earth, Wind & Fire’s September during a recent class with teachers Greg Jackson and Kevin Emley.
Mr. Burton told students his story and how to set goals for life after high school.
JPS Science teachers find new ways to engage students in Science.
JPS are keeping kids healthy both virtually & in person!
Keeping art instruction alive both in person and virtually!
Jamestown Public School has many extracurricular activities & clubs to join!
JPS approved to serve breakfast and lunch at no charge to students in all Jamestown Public Schools through the Universal Free Meal Programs.
Consider enrolling your child in JPS After School Programming! Lots of fun & educational activities!
Any JHS student is eligible to enroll in the School-Based Health Center - Enroll now!
