Jamison Journal
March 2021
No School on Friday
Classroom Placement
Each year Jamison sends out a Classroom Placement form. If you are interested in providing some input, please read the form that is located on our Jamison website. Classroom Placement form
I often remind families not to assume anything...meaning, just because a teacher currently teaches one grade level doesn't mean that teacher will be teaching the same grade level next year.
Again, if interested, feel free to complete the form and return to Mrs. Bradley by April 30, 2021.
Technology (Smartphones, Smartwatches, and Gaming Systems)
Typically, each school year I remind families about the pros and cons of technology. For this particular school year, technology has assisted our students and staff with virtual learning, allowing staff to keep appropriate distance during instruction, provide asynchronous Snow Days, and making us think differently when it comes to instruction. However, there needs to be a balance. Too much screen time can be hurtful. Staring at a screen all day can cause headaches / eye fatigue, limit socialization with peers, and, at times, dangerous activity with peers and the outside world.
For years, I've spoken to families and students about the dangers of cell phones and gaming systems. While cell phones offer a sense of security to parents for safety reasons, I've learned over time that most children have them for other reasons. The two most popular reasons; interaction with their peers and the gaming features. As for gaming devices, they can provide a lot of entertainment for kids but also be harmful if not properly monitored for time and content.
My years of working with children have taught me many things. One major lesson I've learned/witnessed is the following: if parents aren't actively monitoring their child's cell phone use, kids will experiment. It can lead down a dangerous path. Just as important, gaming systems also need a level of monitoring. Games are "rated" for a reason. Many games are for mature audiences and not for young minds. Additionally, most gaming systems offer the platform of playing online with friends (or strangers) and chatting features.
While in no way whatsoever am I stating what anyone should do as a parent, I want to offer my thoughts based on my experiences.
The elementary-aged student cell phone dilemma has now crossed over to smartwatches. These watches also offer an opportunity for kids to text one another, etc...during school hours. Again, I ask families to consider if they are truly needed to have during elementary school.
If students are interacting on their watches during the school day, we will use the same policy we use for cell phones. We will ask a parent to come to school and pick up the device. If it continues, I will work with the parent and review alternate ways for the household to contact their child. Meaning, I'll ask the student to leave the watch at home.
Again, technology definitely has its pros and cons. Personally, I'm sure many members of the community have benefited from Zoom/TEAMS style events. Also, as a parent, knowing where your children are and having the ability to be in touch with someone in an instant can be very helpful. But, technology can also be a distraction, a platform for inappropriate interaction, and a "device" that can encourage isolation rather than collaboration.
So, parents, think about the following:
- If your child has a smartphone or smartwatch, have you reviewed the appropriateness of its utilization during school hours?
- Do you monitor their usage?
Take some time and discuss as a family...perhaps as you play a board game! Being a parent isn't easy!
Respectfully,
-Mr. Croyle
A Terrific Message...
My wife shared this message with me and our children. I'm passing it along to all of you because it promotes "Being The Good". A great example of being "others-centered".
Many years ago, a 10-year-old boy walked up to the counter of a soda shop and climbed onto a stool. He caught the eye of the waitress and asked, “How much is an ice cream sundae?”
“Fifty cents,” the waitress replied. The boy reached into his pockets, pulled out a handful of change, and began counting. The waitress frowned impatiently. After all, she had other customers to wait on.
The boy squinted up at the waitress. “How much is a dish of plain ice cream?” he asked. The waitress sighed and rolled her eyes. “Thirty-five cents,” she said with a note of irritation.
Again, the boy counted his coins. At last, he said, “I’ll have the plain ice cream, please.” He put a quarter and two nickels on the counter. The waitress took the coins, brought the ice cream, and walked away.
About ten minutes later, she returned and found the ice cream dish empty. The boy was gone. She picked up the empty dish—then swallowed hard.
There on the counter, next to the wet spot where the dish had been, were two nickels and five pennies. The boy had had enough for a sundae, but he had ordered plain ice cream so he could leave her a tip.
In a world that constantly tells us to get all we can, every so often it’s important to be reminded of the power of generosity.
Yearbook Orders Due
You don't want to miss out on your opportunity to order a piece of history! Whether your student was in person with masks or virtual in their home based classrooms, this is a definitely a yearbook you won't want to miss! Both traditional in-person students and virtual students will all be included.
Please be sure to order no later than 4/5/21 as there will be NO EXTRA books purchased this school year. If you don't place an order, you will not be able to purchase at the end of the school year. Each book purchased helps the Jamison HSA purchase yearbooks for the graduating 6th grade class, so please order to support the HSA. 6th grade students DO NOT need to place an order as HSA will be providing these at no cost to 6th grade students.
Step 1: Visit http://www.memorybook.com/online-pay/parent-pay/
Step 2: Enter school code 980026 then click "Go to your school account log in"
Step 3: Click on the link below your school name
Step 4: Register as a "new user"
Step 5: Click the Memorybook Logo at the top and order your yearbook for $25, (you can add multiple students with their teacher names for distribution)
Jamison JETS Artwork on display at the Doylestown Post Office
Awards
We Salute You Award:
This is a monthly award given to a student that a staff member feels is dedicated to being the best person they can be in all that they do. This award can be given to a student that goes out of his/her way to help a friend, is a great classmate, and gives 110% in everything he/she does. This student receives a certificate as well as a Jamison Jet T-Shirt.
February’s Winners:
· Evelyn Damico
· Olivia Damico
February Boomerang Award:
Caring – Young person values service to others, in their family, school, or community. He or she commits to meaningful and caring actions and thinks about ways of helping others and is motivated to initiate kind and thoughtful actions.
Winners: Stephanie Milewski and Nate Pinchuk
Nominees: Trent Cunningham and Mrs. Moelter
January We Salute You Winner
January Boomerang Winner
January Boomerang Nominee
March Boomerang Winners
Olivia D. and Evelyn D.
Boomerang Nominee
JET Ticket Winner - Alex C.
JET Ticket Winner - Athena C.
JET Ticket Winner - Charlie G.
JET Ticket Winner - Connor C.
JET Ticket Winner - Gianna M.
JET Ticket Winner - Jeno K.
JET Ticket Winner - Katelyn W.
JET Ticket Winner - Nicky C.
JET Ticket Winner - Serena B.
Dates That Rate
~March 2021~
March 5th – No school for students / Teacher In-service
March 12th – Early dismissal 11:55 am, (gr. K-6) End of 2nd Trimester
March 12th – Spirit Day – Favorite Number Day
March 25th and 26th – Early dismissal 11:55am (gr. 1-6) Parent conferences, No Kdg.
March 29th – AM Kdg. attends, No PM Kdg. (PM Kdg. Conferences)
March 30th – PM Kdg. attends in AM, No AM Kdg. (AM Kdg. Conferences)
~ Looking Ahead ~
April 1st, 2nd and 5th – No school for students
April 16th – Spirit Day – Crazy Hair Day
April 30th – Early dismissal 11:55am
Jamison Elementary
Email: mcroyle@cbsd.org
Website: cbsd.org/jamison
Location: 2090 Land Road, Jamison, PA, USA
Phone: 267-893-3500
Twitter: @CBJamisonES