Seventh grader Ben Sigler initiated a drive to collect facial tissue for the Mississippi Children's Cancer Center at Blair E. Batson after he learned the children's hospital was in need. The MCCC had completely run out of tissue and needed help restocking for their patients and families, so Ben, an avid supporter of the center, gained approval to organize a drive to collect tissue. Students in fifth through eighth grades collected enough tissue to completely pack a cargo van from floor to ceiling. Thanks to seventh grade history teacher Sydney Pinnen for helping with the drive.

The JA Band heads to the Edward Jones Dome Friday for the St. Louis Bands of America Super Regional Marching Competition October 16-17. Considered one of the premier events for marching bands in the nation, the St. Louis Bands of America Regional offers JA students a chance to shine on the regional and national stage. Sixty five bands from 15 states will meet for two days of marching band excellence, performing for crowds of up to 15,000 fans.

Live streaming information is available through this link: BOA UPDATE. For those who plan to watch online, the JA Band's preliminary performance time is 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Streaming information will also be posted to Twitter (@BANDSOFAMERICA). You can also keep up with the JA Band through its blog at jaband.blogspot.com.

Jackson Academy is accepting applications for 2016-17 Jernberg Scholars from now until December 5. Visit the Jernberg Scholars section of the website to learn more about becoming a Jernberg Scholar at jacksonacademy.org/jernbergscholars.

The Jernberg Scholarship, created in honor of former Headmaster and President Peter Jernberg, is a competitive scholarship that provides full tuition and fees (includes select fees in school sponsored clubs, activities, and sports) to exceptionally gifted students who have some demonstrated financial need. The scholarship will help students entering fifth through eleventh grade, who demonstrate outstanding academic success and motivation to excel in a challenging, innovative environment, obtain a Jackson Academy education.

Back by popular demand: Students will be immersed in Maker's Station using old toys that will be reconstructed to create a new toy using their imagination. Students will learn the structure behind patenting a product and how to create a novel invention. Students will also create a board game that has never been on the market, complete with instructions, materials, and marketing strategies. Part of the creative process will include naming their product, deciding the target age for the game, and researching an appropriate price. Students will leave the exploration understanding what it takes to be in the toy business and how to attempt patenting a new invention.

Place: Jackson Academy Cafeteria
Time: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Cost: $75 per Saturday (made payable to JA)
Ages: Students in grade first-sixth

To register for a Gifted Exploration Simulation Saturday, email Beth Murray-Wilson at bmurray@jacksonacademy.org.

View the future Simulation Saturdays here.