Jones Middle School
Principal: Lin Wilkins Thornton
3575 Ridge Road, Buford, GA 30519
School Highlights
The following school highlights showcase how Jones Middle School is fulfilling Gwinnett County Public School's four strategic priorities of Empathy, Equity, Effectiveness, and Excellence. Visit the School Profile Dashboard to find more detailed data on our school.
- The Seckinger Cluster, a beacon of global leadership in future readiness, is paving the way for our students at Jones MS. Here, our students are not just learning, but applying their understanding of programming, data science, mathematical reasoning, creative problem solving, ethics, and applied experiences to a variety of unknown problems. This approach instills confidence and reassurance, as our students are well-prepared to develop solutions and explore AI readiness at various levels.
- The Jones Middle School Robotics teams completed the Middle School Mayhem Competition at Brookwood High School. Three of our four teams advanced to the semi-finals. One team and their alliance won the tournament, triple-qualifying them for the State Competition.
- Jones Middle School's commitment to fostering a positive learning environment has been acknowledged by the Georgia Department of Education. We have been awarded Operational status for our successful implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). This recognition is a testament to our collective efforts in encouraging positive behaviors and acknowledging students who exhibit appropriate school conduct. It's a moment of pride and acknowledgment for our entire school community.
- Jones Middle School is the recipient of a NewSchools Venture Fund grant, which supports schools and educators with bold visions that will improve the odds for students in communities across America.
- Based on Jones Middle School's iReady stretch goal data, the median student has made 70% progress toward their typical growth goal in reading and 75% progress toward their typical growth goal in math, demonstrating that our students are making academic progress. This is compared to national averages of 65% in Reading and 60% in Math.
- Jones MS students can engage in various extracurricular activities in over 40 clubs, including Anime Club, Belonging Club, Buddies Club, Girls Who Code, robotics, mentoring programs, and intramurals.
- Our middle school athletics program includes Girls' and boys' Basketball, Cheerleading, Girls' Volleyball, Girls' and boys' Cross Country, and Girls' and boys' Soccer.
- This year's Reach Higher Week included a visit from YA author, Nic Stone and a Career Cafe with videos created by community members about various career opportunities based on students' interests.
- Jones MS had 31 projects that competed in the JMS local fair hosted by Seckinger High School. Twenty-one projects advanced and competed at the 2023-2024 Gwinnett Regional Science, Engineering, and Innovation Fair in Athens, GA. We had five projects place first and advanced to the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair. 9 projects placed 2nd, and seven placed 4th. Jones Middle School had the top-scoring middle school project, earning a $500 award from sponsors to help fund their future STEM endeavors.
- 60 of the Chorus 7th and 8th Grade Boys performed at the annual Georgia Music Educators Conference in Athens in January 2024. Jones Middle School was one of the few middle school choirs invited from the entire state.
- All 6 Jones Middle School 7th and 8th-grade chorus groups, 7th and 8th-grade orchestras, and our 7th and 8th-grade Symphonic Band received straight Superior ratings in performance and sight reading at LGPE. Our 7th and 8th-grade Concert Band and Guitar Ensemble received an overall Excellent rating.