School Transitions

Important dates for incoming 6th-graders

• Dates for the Connections choice program
• Week of March 8: JLS visits feeder schools
• March 23, 12 p.m. Deadline to submit questions for Parent Q&A Night
• March 24, 5:30 PM: Parent Q&A Night [slides] [video] [FAQ]
• March 26: Parent/Student Input forms due
• April 23: Music Registration forms due

Feb 25: Dear Future JLS Families,

Welcome to the wonderful world of middle school!  While we don’t have all of the details around what we can expect for Fall 2021, know that we are very excited to meet you and work with you as you join the amazing JLS community.  

JLS is an exciting and dynamic school community that believes every student possesses a range of talents and interests.  Our goal is to cultivate these talents by providing an environment where students feel connected, valued and inspired.  Our staff is dedicated to making sure all of our students achieve their fullest potential.

Read more.

Jan 25: Letter to Parents of Incoming PAUSD Middle School 6t​h​ Graders

Welcome to Middle School! In just a few short months, your student will enter the wonderful world of middle school. We are excited to meet our new 6th grade class, and eagerly look forward to welcoming them to middle school in the fall. The purpose of this letter is to give you an overview of the activities, which will take place in the next few months as your child begins their transition to middle school.

Read more.

Dear New JLS Families,

Welcome to JLS middle school!  While we don’t have all of the details around what we can expect for Fall 2021, know that we are very excited to meet you and work with you as you join the amazing JLS community.  

JLS is an exciting and dynamic school community that believes every student possesses a range of talents and interests. Our goal is to cultivate these talents by providing an environment where students feel connected, valued and inspired. Our staff is dedicated to making sure all of our students achieve their fullest potential.  

We are a community of teams. Our teams operate in support of our students.  Our administrative team consists of Principal Chris Grierson, Assistant Principals Adam Nelson and Amy Sheward, and Dean of Students Hanisi Accetta. We are fortunate to also have a dedicated team of school counselors and a devoted staff team to support you at JLS.

Our school website (you are here) contains a lot of information about our community. Please take some time to explore. If you have questions, please email Joan Scherer, JLS Registrar (jscherer@pausd.org) in the JLS Guidance Office. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Warm Regards,

Chris Grierson, M.Ed., M.P.A.

JLS Principal

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New to PAUSD 7th Grade Course Registration Form

New to PAUSD 8th Grade Course Registration Form

Important dates for Current 6th graders in 2021

• Week of March 1: Course selection info distributed. Counselors available at lunch to answer student questions.
• March 12: Teachers will check in with students during Advisory about the course selection process.
• March 22: Parent Info Zoom meeting re 7th grade course selection – “Everything You Need to Know about 7th Grade”
• March 26: Course selection forms due.

Important dates for Current 7th graders in 2021

• Week of March 1: Course selection info distributed. Counselors available at lunch to answer student questions.
• March 12: Teachers will check in with students during Advisory about the course selection process.
• March 26: Course selection forms due.

• 6th- to 7th-Grade Transition Information Evening Slides (March 22, 2021)
• Course Catalog
• 2020 Handout: Requesting electives in Infinite Campus
• 2020 Video: How to choose courses in Infinite Campus

Important dates for 8th Grade Students and Families in 2021:

• January 27 at 6:30 PM: Gunn/Paly Parent Info Nights
  • Gunn Parent Information Night
  • Paly Parent Information Night
• February 3 during Advisory: Gunn/Paly course selection webinars (for students)
• February 5 during Advisory: Gunn/Paly Counselors Q&A during Advisory (for students)
• February 10 at 6:30 PM: Gunn/Paly Course Selection (for parents)
• February 11 at 3:20 PM: Gunn/Paly Drop-in Zoom meetings for student questions 
• February 12 at 3:20 PM: Gunn/Paly Drop-in Zoom meetings for student questions
• February 19 Gunn/Paly: Course Selection Forms DUE! 
• March 1-4: Gunn/Paly counselor selection correction meetings 
• April TBD: High School Transition Panel (for parents)

Please note: Here are flyers from Gunn and Paly High Schools.  

Students will be enrolled at their neighborhood high school for 9th Grade for the 2021-22 school year.  To check your student's neighborhood school, visit PAUSD's school finder website. If, for some reason, you believe your student should attend a different school, please visit the Placement and Transfers Information website (see Transfers Within PAUSD).