07/30/2026
From the Jr High this morning. Info is on Parent Square:
Dear Clarkston Junior High School Families,
As we prepare for another school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to our returning families and a special greeting to those joining the CJHS community for the first time.
My name is John Bennink, and it is a tremendous privilege to serve as principal of Clarkston Junior High School. I am also excited to welcome Mr. Gary Bigger as our new assistant principal, while Mr. Mark Magni returns in his important role as our dean of students. Together, we look forward to supporting our students, families, and staff throughout the year ahead.
With the building closed this summer due to ongoing construction, CJHS has been unusually quiet. However, there has been a great deal of progress taking place behind the scenes. Last fall, we celebrated the opening of our new gymnasium and indoor track. In the coming days, our new parking lots and student drop-off area are also expected to be completed. Improved traffic flow and additional parking may seem like small changes, but they represent another exciting step forward for our school community.
We are also eagerly anticipating our move into the new academic wing following spring break. It will be an incredible space designed to support collaboration and creativity for our staff and students. We are building something truly special at CJHS, and we cannot wait to share it with you.
While our building continues to change, our mission remains clear: to build and nurture meaningful relationships with our students and families while helping our young people develop kindness, grit, and responsibility.
As summer winds down, we have two important events that will help us kick off the school year:
Event #1: Walk Your Schedule & Open House
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Reconnect with classmates, explore the building, take your school photo, and meet your teachers in the afternoon and evening!
12:00 - 2:30 PM - Meet the Teachers, Walk Schedule & Photos also available!
2:30 - 3:30 PM - Closed for Staff Break
3:30 - 6:00 PM - Meet the Teachers, Walk Schedule & Photos also available!
Photos will be taken in the cafeteria.
Student schedules will be available on ParentVUE/StudentVUE after 5:00 PM on Tuesday, August 18.
If you cannot attend on August 19, CJHS will be open for self-guided visits on August 21 until 3:00 PM.
Picture retakes will be scheduled during the school day at a later date.
Event #2: 8th Grade Orientation - Link Crew Event
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the CJHS Gymnasium
This special event is for all incoming 8th grade students, and led by our enthusiastic 9th grade Link Crew mentors. It's a fun, interactive experience designed to help students:
Connect with peers and mentors
Learn what makes CJHS a great place to grow
Tour the school
Get helpful tips for a successful transition into junior high school life
More detailed information will be sent to 8th grade students and families as the date approaches.
To all our incredible students: I hope you've had a refreshing summer and are ready for a fantastic year ahead! To our families and community members: your involvement is vital to our success. Your support and partnership are deeply appreciated.
Let's make 2026-2027 the best year ever!
Sincerely,
John Bennink
CJHS Principal
