Dear Jemtegaard Families and Community,

I have been a middle school principal for twenty years, including twelve at Jemtegaard, and can’t imagine doing anything else. Many of the Jemtegaard staff have also been middle school teachers. Parents and community members often ask me, “Why would an educator choose the middle school?” The answer is simple: it is the most challenging and rewarding work. We love being a part of our student’s journey and growth.  Our collective staff mindset is evident as we support our middle school students on their journey. Our students are just trying to ‘work it out,’ and we are there to help them.

So what are they trying to ‘work out.’? The middle school years are such critical years. Decisions, experiences, and relationships can set a student’s chances for success for a lifetime. We aim to guide and support our students in navigating and thriving during this physical, mental, and social change. We are there to help them find their identity as learners and citizens. We help them navigate relationships and esteem issues and find self-worth. We are there in their best moments and their most challenging days. We are there.

We also want you to be on this journey with us. Your child’s success at middle school is significantly increased when there is a strong partnership between the school staff, student, and caring adult. It is like the three legs of a stool. It is hard to support when one of the legs is not there. We all want the same thing for our students: to help them become happy and prosperous learners and human beings. Your student needs you more than ever at this age. Let’s work together. Our commitment to your child’s success is unwavering, and we are confident that together, we can help them thrive.

We want our students to enjoy each class as they explore, are challenged, collaborate, debate, assess their growth, and learn. Our staff is focused on their professional learning communities and classrooms to meet our goal of ensuring that all students can master grade-level learning standards. Finally, we want our students to be successful scholars and have the skills to succeed no matter the learning challenge.

Thank you for entrusting your student with us. We take this responsibility seriously as we know the significant impact that Jemtegaard Middle School can have on your child. Welcome aboard the 2024-25 school year. It’s going to be an exciting ride. 

Sincerely,

David Cooke

Principal

Jemtegaard Middle School