Principal's Welcome

Dear Eagles,

Welcome to a new school year at JEDIS and JEMS! As we open our doors for another exciting year of learning and growth, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to our returning families and a warm greeting to those who are new to our community. 

This year, our building-wide focus is anchored in the powerful belief that "All Means All." Every student matters, and every student will be held to high expectations not only academically, but also in the development of essential life skills that will serve them well beyond middle school. We are committed to supporting and challenging every learner to grow in every way.

We’re especially excited to launch several new learning adventures that will enhance our school culture. After reflecting as a staff last year, we identified two critical areas for student growth: engagement in learning and respect for self and others. This year, we’ve built a school-wide program to explicitly teach these skills and celebrate their progress through regular assemblies, events, and fun recognitions throughout the year.

In that spirit, we’re also thrilled to be extending the teaching of Wit & Wisdom for English Language Arts and Eureka Math² (Eureka Squared) to our middle school classrooms this year. These research-based, highly effective programs have already been in use at Elbridge Elementary and JEDIS, and we’re proud to now offer a cohesive, high-quality curriculum for all students through grade 8. This alignment ensures that our students are building deep knowledge, critical thinking skills, and strong academic habits at every grade level.

In addition, we continue to grow our International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and we look forward to celebrating students as lifelong learners through meaningful service projects that foster global thinking, creativity, and involvement with the JE community.

It’s going to be a year of adventure, growth, and celebration—a year where every student will be seen, challenged, and supported, because at JEDIS and JEMS, all means all.

With excitement and gratitude,
Alexis Ridlon
Principal