Update from Principal Boyd
August 17, 2022
From Principal Boyd
The first two weeks of school have been wonderful. I am so proud of our scholars for learning procedures and getting settled into their new routines after summer break. As I visit classrooms, it brings me so much joy to see our school community establishing relationships and actively engaged. I absolutely LOVE leading our school!
Communication
Please remember that your scholar's teacher is your first line of communication when you have questions or concerns about your student. I am always available to speak and/or meet with you after you have spoken to the teacher. The relationship between parents and students is the most important one. We value your input and feedback. It helps us continue to GROW!
Attendance
Our school doors open at 7:05 am each day. The early morning is a great time for students to eat breakfast, see their friends, participate in morning program, and/or prepare for the instructional day. It is imperative that when well, students are in school ALL Day, EVERY Day. Please help us achieve our Attendance Challenge, "Less Than Five!"
If your student must miss school, please remember to send a note to school within 5 days of returning in order for the absence to be excused.
Discipline
Important Reminder about Code of Conduct
Students ages 10 years and older and all parent/guardians who have a student attending Fulton County Schools should sign to indicate that they have reviewed the Code of Conduct through the parent portal. Step by step instructions on how to sign the Code of Conduct can be found at this link: How to sign the Code of Conduct
Bus Expectations
Futon County is really trying to support our bus drivers with student behaviors. If your student is a bus rider, please speak with them about expected bus behaviors. Students who do not adhere, will be subject to discipline as outlined in the Code of Conduct, This can include bus suspension and/or permanent removal. A copy of the school bus expectations matrix is below for your convenience when speaking with your student.
Enrollment
Our current enrollment is higher than projected in grades Kindergarten and Second. Because of this, we will have to make changes to class placement in those two grade levels within the next few weeks. Once we receive confirmation that the changes need to occur, we will follow up directly with impacted families.
Curriculum Night, September 1, 2023
Curriculum Night will be held on Thursday, September 1 at the times below:
- 5:00 - Title I Meeting for ALL Stakeholders in cafeteria
- 5:30 - Pre-K - Second
- 6:30 - 3rd - 5th
Title I Annual Parent Meeting, September 1, 2023
All parents and families are welcome to attend our Title I Annual Parent Meeting on Thursday, September 9th at 5:00. This meeting will review information about Title I and how our school benefits from this National program.
Device Shortage
Due to a device shortage, students in grades 2-5 have not been issued laptops. Once they are issued, we will communicate with parents prior to students bringing issued devices home.
Lunch Applications
Parents, we need YOU! Esther Jackson is in danger of losing our Title I status due to the lack of enrollment in the Free and Reduced Meal Program. If you believe that you may qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch for your student(s), please complete an application as soon as possible. We are required to feed students who have a negative account a cheese sandwich and milk after one charge. I have never adhered to this in the past, but may be required to do so if our account continues to accrue charges. Please see www.fulton.schollunchapp.com to apply for free and reduced meal benefits.
Lunch Visitation
We will begin receiving lunch visitors on Monday, August 22nd. If you would like to have lunch with your student, please follow visitor check in/out procedures in the office upon arrival. Please do not bring fast food into the school for lunch. This policy will be strictly enforced. Parents MAY NOT give any food to children other than their own. While the gesture is appreciated, many children have documented food allergies and dietary restrictions.
When having lunch at school, please follow our “Greet and Good-bye” procedures. Check in at the office and obtain a visitor badge. “Greet” your child at the cafeteria and say “good-bye” at the cafeteria door. In no case are visitors to go to the classroom to wait for the child or return to the classroom after lunch unless prearranged with the teacher. This constitutes an interruption to the instructional day of all students in the class.
Snack
Students may bring a healthy snack such as fruit, vegetables, or cereal bars. The classroom teacher will schedule a time for the daily snack to be consumed. Candy is not appropriate as a snack. Please save candy to be enjoyed at home. We receive donations for students who are unable to bring a snack. We ask that you please send one in with your child if you are able, so that we can save the donations for students in need.
Drop Off Cart
Parents – if you are dropping off items for your student, please follow our drop off system procedure. There will be a cart in the entrance area between the 2 sets of doors. Once you indicate the reason for your visit, you will enter the front door and follow the instructions on the cart to drop off item(s). All items (lunches, snacks, jackets, water bottles, etc.) must be labeled and dropped off by 10:00 a.m.
PTA Membership
Please consider joining our PTA to support events and activities throughout the year. We have membership levels as low as $8 in addition to various PTA Levels. Our current president for the 2022-2023 school year is Margaret Gunter (Margaret.g@gmail.com). If you would like information about how to get involved, please reach out to Margaret and review the PTA page on our school website. You can purchase spirit wear and join the PTA using the link below.
https://estherjackson.memberhub.com/store
A copy of PTA Sponsored events is linked below.
Jaguar Spotlight
Our first spotlight of the 2022-2023 school year goes to Lindsey Walker, our Curriculum Support Teacher. Lindsey transitioned from a classroom teaching position to our Curriculum Administrator position in June of this year. Lindsey has done an amazing job helping to support our new and returning staff with curriculum implementation. She is a wealth of knowledge and goes above and beyond to support staff and students. If you have questions related to Curriculum, Instructional implementation, and/or curriculum resources, Lindsey is your person!
She was a ROCK STAR teacher and is now serving as a ROCK STAR administrator!
Teacher and Staff Recognition
I have received so many positive emails from parents this week. We will continue with our Strategic Plan Goal which is to Increase the opportunities for positive recognition for teachers and staff. If you would like to recognize an EJ staff member, please complete this short form: https://tinyurl.com/StaffRecognitionEJ We would love to hear from you!
Principal Feedback
Parents, please use this link to provide feedback on how we can better serve you. I welcome questions, suggestions, concerns, and of course positive messages about EJ or any staff member. Please do not include questions about your student(s) performance. Instead, contact your student's teacher.
Dates to Remember
September 1 - Title I Annual Input Meeting for ALL Stakeholders @5:00
September 1 - Curriculum Night - (PreK-2 @5:30 and 3-5 @6:30)
September 5 - Labor Day - (NO SCHOOL)
September 6 - Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS)
September 14 - College and Career Day
September 15 - Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
September 16 - Progress Reports in Parent Portal
September 21 - Katha Stuart Community Meeting at Esther Jackson @9:30
September 23 - Donuts With Grown-Ups
September 28 - Fall Picture Day
October 2 - Custodian Appreciation Day