Jenks Freshman Academy
The holiday hustle is here!
Season’s Greetings from Jenks Freshman Academy! With the beginning of November brings a brief moment for fall decorations as well as a rush of winter holiday madness! We have some great things to talk about that are happening here at the Freshman Academy.
Luke Gray
Principal, Jenks Freshman Academy
Help us tell our story...
We want to recognize your students for the great things they do! We often know about the great school accomplishments that happen, but not always what happens outside of school.
We want your feedback to know what your student(s) are doing with excellence inside and outside of JFA. We plan on sharing these recognitions through Canvas and daily announcements.
Please see the feedback form attached here: JFA Student Recognition Form
Attendance Matters
Please be sure to reinforce the importance of good attendance to your students, there has been an abundance of studies that show a correlation between good attendance and higher academic outcomes (better grades!). Please be sure to call in within 24 hours of your student’s absence and provide any doctor’s notes as well.
Please be sure to call our attendance administrative assistant Jennifer Ward at extension 2278. You can also reach out by email: jennifer.ward@jenksps.org
October Superintendent Site Visit
Last month, Dr. Stacy Butterfield came by the FA and visited Ms. Giddens' Leadership class and took part in an engaging lesson on collaboration and effective communication.
We also visited Mrs. Garvin's class and watched some high-powered ELA lesson.
Final Exams
We will be having final exams on Thursday December 18 and Friday December 19.
Students are required to take finals and if a student is gone during final exams, they will be required to take the exams upon their return to school in January.
If your student will be gone for final exams, please make sure you contact our Attendance office at 2278. Mrs. Jennifer Ward will relay the information to our assistant principals.
What goes on during Collaboration Days?
Last week, we had one of our four district collaboration days. While we recognize that these days may present some challenges to families, the work being done at school with our teachers and staff is critical. Working within a secondary school, finding meaning collaborative time is a challenge, since we do not have our departments set up with a common planning. We kicked off the morning with a combined all-staff meeting with JHS and JFA had a morning PD session for all of our teachers to learn more about an authentic PLC (Professional Learning Community).
This work will allow our teachers to focus on essential skills needed for student success as they work in departments to center their instruction on student learning and student performance. Our teachers were able to meet as departments in the afternoon and work through preparations for final exams and collaborate on other student needs.
Collaborative time allows teachers to share effective practices, analyze student data, and align instruction, leading to more consistent and targeted support for all learners. Providing professional development that strengthens collaboration skills and focuses on collective problem-solving helps teachers refine their practice and directly improves student engagement and achievement. We appreciate your understanding and support of this and next year, there will not be any distance learning/Collaboration days for JPS.
2025-26 JFA Site Teacher of the Year
Jenks Freshman Academy named Amy Sunday as the 2025-26 Jenks Freshman Academy Teacher of the Year! Amy teaches Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and some virtual math sections. She serves as one of our Math Interventionists during Advisory, active member of our Safe and Healthy Schools Committee and will represent JFA in the JPS District Teacher of the Year process! Congratulations Mrs. Sunday!
2025-26 JFA Site Classified Employee of the Year
JFA voted and named Miranda Garrigus as our 2025-26 Classified Employee of the Year!
Mrs. Garrigus is our Site Administrative Assistant and helps organize our school and keep all of us sane! Thank you for all that you do Mrs. Garrigus!
Staff Spotlight
Lisa Rowland is our Library Media Specialist and we would like to spotlight her and have you all get to know one of our wonderful staff members who supports our staff and students through the love of reading and literacy! Thank you Ms. Rowland for the work you do for our students and school!
October Students of the Month
The following students have been recognized for exhibiting the attributes of the Portrait of a Graduate over the past few weeks. These attributes include being effective communicators, displaying empathy, solving problems, advocating for themselves and others, and/or demonstrating resilience.
Adam Herlin
Murillo Viana
Dario Nevarez Sanchez
Max Stone
Gabriel Ribas
Hayden York
Intza Matute Rebollo
Congratulations Trojans!
Finance Park Field Trips
Some of our Freshmen students took their field trips to Finance Park. Previously, this opportunity was only offered to those students who are taking Financial Literacy during the school year. Now, all of our Freshman students will have an opportunity to go through this simulation in personal financial planning. We will have another round of field trips in the Spring as well. Junior Achievement and Tulsa Community College offer our students a simulation through personal finance. Thank you to Junior Achievement for this experience!
PTAG Fundraiser
Helpful links for Parents
Stay up-to-date with your students’ academics through being a Canvas Observer:
A change in practice from the past two years: families will be responsible for paying for their student’s meals. Please follow the link below to see if your family qualifies for free or reduced meal prices:
Important Dates
Wednesday 11/19 - School picture retakes
Monday 11/24 - Friday 11/28 - Thanksgiving break - No School
Monday 12/15 - Wednesday 12/17 Final Exam Prep
Thursday December 18 - Final Exams (Hours 0,1,3,5)
Friday December 19 - Final Exams (Hours 0,2,4,6)
Monday 12/22- Monday 1/5 - Winter Break
Tuesday January 6, 2026 - School reopens and second semester begins
We will send out more reminders for the upcoming days out of school and reminders for final exams as well. Thank you all and happy holidays from all of us at Jenks Freshman Academy!
Reach out to us with questions or good news to share!
Luke Gray
Site Principal
Jenks Freshman Academy
(918) 299-4415 x2270