JSE Tracks
Principal's Weekly News, November 23, 2020
JSE Monthly Attributes:
Characteristic of a Successful Learner (CSL): Think Interdependently
Bucket-Filling Trait: Gratitude
#BearcatPride!
Good afternoon, JSE families,
We are thankful for a school community who believes in working together to meet the needs of the whole child to ensure each child reaches their fullest potential. We thank you for your increased efforts and daily hands-on co-teaching partnership these two weeks!
Last week, we celebrated our Spell Bowl Team, we are proud of them! Thank you Mrs. Koch for leading the way! And Mrs. Goodwin is already preparing our Robotics Team. JSE pushes ahead, adjusting to the changes of the year while still making sure we provide opportunities to our students. All of the experiences we provide our children pushes them to want to know more and encourages them to take new risks. This is incredible preparation for the next level; research informs that student involvement in extra-curriculars at the middle and high school level increases the likelihood of academic success. Thank you for the role you play in encouraging and supporting your children in activities!
Please see detailed information below for our current remote learning status including learning packet pick up, free meal pick up, and attendance. UTSC will be back to in-person learning on December 7th. It is important you continue to inform us of positive cases within your home or close contact concerns. Don't hesitate to reach out to our nurse. We appreciate your communication to ensure we return to school safely.
On behalf of the staff at JSE, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
With gratitude,
Mrs. Barnes
From the desk of JSE Nurse, Mrs. Maniszko: COVID-19 Positive Cases
Our district office will continue to update our website's COVID-19 dashboard by school. This can be found on the district website at the following link: https://jsimatovich.union.k12.in.us/o/utsc
November 16th, today's Updated Dashboard LINK.
Chromebooks:
- This will be the only time to pick-up a Chromebook and charger from the school.
- Students will be expected to return on he 7th with their chrome book and charger.
Attendance:
- Work will need to be submitted as required by your teacher and will be entered into the Harmony grade book accordingly. For grades 2-5, you may check for missing assignments in your child's Harmony grade book.
- Specials teachers will also have specific directions for submitting activities.
Virtual Learning Format:
- Teachers will be meeting with students virtually via Google Meet, which means your child will have *face-to-face* instruction with their teacher each day at different designated times per the classroom teacher.
Student Learning Packet Pick-Up *as needed
For the week of the 30th, your child's teacher will communicate with you should you need to pick-up a learning packet for the week.
If you do need to pick up a learning packet for your child, we will have the gym open for you on the 30th from 7:30am to 8:30am to easily find your child's teacher and pick up any needed materials for that week. Staff will also be present to help you.
Free Breakfast and Lunch Pick-Up Program:
- Please be reminded that this continues to be a part of the Free Breakfast and Lunch Program provided by the state, and you will not need to add funds to your mealtime account to participate.
- Remote learners who have already registered for this program do not need to complete the form. Remote learner pick up will also be on 11/18 and 11/30 from 11:00-12:00 PM.
- Directions for Curbside Pickup:
- We will only have pick-ups on 11/18 and 11/30.
- UTSC will have two curbside pickup locations, Wheeler High School and John Simatovich Elementary. WHS will be at the Grand Entrance and JSE car rider Door G.
- You will choose to pick up from either JSE or WHS between 11:00-12:00 PM on 11/18 and 11/30: There will be only two pickup days for the week.
Kid-Stop Program/Child Care Option:
For elementary students, Kidstop will not be in the UCE or JSE Buildings starting Wednesday, November 18th. Kidstop will continue to offer a program for daily childcare at both the Portage and South Haven Boys and Girls Club: This will not be offered at the Valparaiso location at this time.
The South Haven and Portage Boys and Girls Club are running a 12-hour virtual learning program.
- Children in this program will receive breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack at no additional cost. They will also receive guidance with their virtual assignments from trained staff members.
- Parents will need to contact Shelly Price to register. She can be reached at 219-759-2565 x152 or sprice@bgcgreaternwi.org
- The pricing is as follows: $70 for the first child and $20 for each additional child, for the week. There is a sliding fee scale available for those who qualify.
Fri"YaY" Highlight in 5th grade!
PTO NEWS: Our PTO is still in action!
- Did you know you can email the PTO at johnsimatovichpto@gmail.com with any questions or volunteering information you need?
- PTO Meetings are virtual with our PTO board this year.
Important Dates:
November
30th Learning Packet Pick-Up 7:30am to 8:30am in the JSE Gymnasium *only if your child's
teacher communicates the need for pick-up.
30th 11-12pm Breakfast/Lunch Pick-up Car Rider Door
December
7th Return to In-Person Learning at JSE
18th End of 2nd Grading Period
18th Classroom Winter Craft Parties, no visitors
21st - January 3rd Winter Break! School resumes January 4th
January
7 Report Card Available
Wear your Bearcat Spirit Wear on Fridays!
Harmony Parent Portal LINK: https://sis.union.k12.in.us/familyaccess.nsf/hello.xsp
With our current situation, please be reminded all dates, events, and information is subject to change. We appreciate you working together with us by checking your email regularly and reaching out to us with questions and concerns. Our partnership will remain strong for our children and community!
You are always welcome at JSE!
Please let us know how we can strengthen our partnership with you!
Feel free to contact me anytime! Very Sincerely, Mrs. Barnes
Leigh Barnes, Principal ext 3001
Barb Rittel, Secretary ext 3000
Lisa Morton, Home School Advisor ext 3003
Kathy Maniszko, School Nurse ext 3002
Email: lbarnes@union.k12.in.us
Website: http://jsimatovich.union.k12.in.us/
Location: 424 West 500 North, Valparaiso, IN, United States
Phone: (219)759-2508
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/JSEPTO/
Twitter: @JSimatovichElem