This Week at Jackson
August 20th
Pictures from Jackson
Jackson School Rules
Because of the disruption of the pandemic, this is the first time in a long time (or perhaps ever for our younger students) that students have been consistently in a classroom environment for a full week. Last year, you'll remember, we had a delayed start and experienced a variety of instructional models, from hybrid to a fully remote reset. Many of the students--and their teachers--are likely exhausted by this time on Friday.
We continue to discuss the school rules regularly as every reacclimates to school. It can take time for everyone to get used to being in school, so we try to make a special effort of using our video announcements to address relevant issues. As a reminder, our school rules are:
- Follow directions quickly
- Raise your hand to speak
- Make safe and smart choices
- Be kind and positive
This morning, for example, we addressed a series of messes left in one of our boys' bathrooms, explaining that intentionally creating messes is not a smart choice, nor is it being kind to others, as no one is paid to clean up messes students intentionally create.
We also read a story together over the video announcements, The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig, which helps to reinforce the need to be kind to others, especially when students are trying to make friends at school.
Beginning of the Year Testing
The mCLASS test consists of a battery of short assessments, most of which are delivered one-on-one with a Jackson staff member, that look at various components of a child's ability to read, from recognizing letters to a student's oral reading fluency. These assessments help our teachers to know what specifically a child needs to focus on in order to improve their reading abilities.
The TRC portion of the test assesses a student's Text Reading Comprehension. Students will be presented with a variety of texts of varying difficulties that they will be asked to read. After reading, the student will be orally asked several questions about what they have read. If students can successfully read the text and respond to the questions correctly, they move to the next text of increasing difficulty. The process repeats until a child can advance no further. A student's final result on the TRC assessment will be reported to you on a scale that runs from PC (print concepts) to RB (reading behaviors), then from A to Z.
Once we have these results, it becomes much easier for our teachers to know, roughly, what texts a student will have success reading. We also use the results to help with our guided reading instruction.
There is no need for you to stress about these tests with your child. For returning students, they are used to the rhythms of the testing and the new students will quickly get used to it. Please encourage your student to do their best.
Birthday Party Invitations
"Birthday & Other Celebrations--The elementary schools do not allow food-related treats (e.g. cupcakes, cookies, brownies, Rice Krispies treats, fruit snacks, pretzels, etc.) to be distributed at school for children’s birthdays and other celebrations. The elementary schools will continue to welcome the enjoyment of celebrating birthdays and other special events just without food. Families are not obligated or expected to provide items for birthday celebrations. However, if you wish to do so we suggest items such as pencils, stickers, or school supplies. Some families may choose to donate a book to the class that can be shared and kept in the classroom library or in the school’s Media Center. Any food items brought into school will be returned with the student to be sent home. Individual building personnel may send home additional guidelines and opportunities for celebrations that are building specific. Party invitations may not be distributed at school."
In our staff meeting on Monday, we discussed this policy. Please assist us in this by not sending invitations to school. If you would like to gather contact information of other parents, we encourage families to participate in the PTO directory (linked below).
Congratulations to Mrs. Caudle and Mr. Conway!
Help us Nominate DSC Teachers of Excellence today!
View DSC Teachers of Excellence on our website.
Display Honoring Jackson Veterans
High Ability Services at Jackson
Jackson is a PLTW Distinguished School
In June, Project Lead the Way (PLTW) recognized Jackson Elementary as being a 2020-2021PLTW Launch Distinguished School. Way to go students and staff!
Ready, Set, Kindergarten of Duneland
Parents As Teachers of Porter County is currently enrolling for Ready, Set, Kindergarten!!!
Ready, Set, Kindergarten is a program developed by Parents as Teachers of Porter County to provide school readiness skills to children who have had limited preschool experiences. RSK Duneland is being offered at all elementary schools within DSC.
RSK is a free kindergarten readiness class held once a week inside the elementary schools.
Please email rskclassroom@gmail.com for more information to enroll.
PTO Directory
Jackson Spirit Wear Sale
Pack 924 is holding an Open House
2021-2022 Related Arts Rotation Calendars
Lunch Menu
Relocating: Used Paper Retriever at CHS
Girls on the Run at the YMCA
Jackson Elementary School
Email: smarshall@duneland.k12.in.us
Website: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/Domain/10
Location: 811 N 400 E, Valparaiso, IN 46383, USA
Phone: (219) 983-3680
Facebook: facebook.com/JacksonElementaryDSC