Jim Falls Elementary
September 2023
Principal News
I hope this message finds you well and that you and your children are as excited as we are to embark on a new school year of learning and discovery. September brings a fresh start, and I am thrilled to share with you what our students will be exploring during this month.
We are committed to providing a well-rounded education that not only covers core subjects but also fosters character development, creativity, and critical thinking. Here's a glimpse of what our students can look forward to:
1. Reading Adventures: Our students will dive into the world of literature as they explore various genres and engage in independent reading. Our dedicated teachers will guide them in developing strong reading habits and comprehension skills. We encourage you to support your child's reading journey by setting aside time for daily reading at home.
2. Mathematical Explorations: Mathematics will continue to be a focus, with an emphasis on problem-solving, number sense, and mathematical reasoning. Our teachers will use hands-on activities and interactive lessons to make math engaging and accessible to all students.
3. Science Exploration: Our young scientists will begin their journey into the world of science. They will explore topics related to the scientific method, the natural world, and the importance of observation and experimentation.
4. Social Studies Adventures: We'll be delving into our local community and its history, helping students develop a deeper understanding of their surroundings and their role within it. This knowledge will empower our students to become responsible citizens and community members.
5. Character Education: Beyond academics, character education remains a core part of our day. We will continue to emphasize important values such as respect, kindness, responsibility, and empathy. We believe that nurturing strong character traits is essential for our students' success.
6. Enrichment Opportunities: Throughout the month, we will also offer various extracurricular activities and enrichment opportunities to spark your child's interests and passions. Stay tuned for announcements about clubs and special events.
7. Communication: Open lines of communication are vital to your child's success. Please feel free to reach out to your child's teacher or our school office if you have any questions or concerns regarding their education or well-being. We value your feedback and partnership.
We are dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where your child can thrive academically and personally. As we embark on this educational journey together, I encourage you to engage with your child about their daily experiences at school. Your involvement plays a significant role in their success.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education, and I look forward to a month filled with growth, discovery, and memorable moments. Here's to a fantastic September!
Soaring with Eagle Pride,
Mrs. Janet Goodman
Meet our Newest Staff Members
Kelsey Linley & Gus
Kelsey will be our new School Psychologist this year. She is serving both Jim Falls and Parkview. She will also be bringing with her, Gus, who will be another therapy dog this year. Gus will be here on Mondays throughout the year.
Michelle Berrier
Megan Gosian
Kelsey Dutter
Helissa Bell
Angie DeGidio
District Mission Statement
“Together with students, families, and our community; we inspire, support, and learn.”
Schedule & Important Dates
Elementary schedule for 2023-2024:
Start of Day:
- Student Drop Off Begins: 7:20 am
- Student Day Begins: 7:43 am
- Breakfast Served: 7:30 - 7:43 am
- Students arriving after 7:43 am will be marked tardy
End of Day:
- Bus Dismissal - 2:35 pm
- Students getting picked up will be dismissed after busses have left school grounds
Important Dates
September
17th - School Spirit orders due
September 18th-22nd Dress up Days: HomeComing Week
Sept 18: Home Run - Wear your favorite sports wear
- Sept 19: Home away from Home - hats, floral shirts, cargo shorts, cameras, binoculars
- Sept 20: Make yourself at home - PJ day
- Sept 21: Me and my Homies - Dress in twins and triplets
- Sept 22: No place like Home: Dress in Jim Falls or Cardinal Spirit Wear
October
6th - No School (Professional Development)
13th - Picture retakes
November
3rd - No School (staff work day)
6th & 9th - Parent/Teacher Conferences
20th - 24th - No School
29th - 1st & 2nd Grade Music Concert
December
18th - Jim Falls Singers Concert
25th - 29th - No School
January
1st - 2nd - No School
19th - No School (staff work day)
February
23rd - No School (Professional Development)
27th - 3rd & 4th Grade Music Concert
March
5th & 7th - Parent/Teacher Conferences
11th - 15th - No School
29th - No School
April
1st - No School (staff work day)
May
2nd - 5th Grade Music Concert
16th - KG Spring Sing-A-Long
27th - No School
30th - Last Day of School
School Directory
We are creating a school directory for families wanting their information shared with other Jim Falls families. Contact information will be distributed to ALL families at Jim Falls Elementary School (via messenger/newsletter and/or paper copy) for the purposes of inviting friends to parties, play dates, etc. Please fill out the information on this form
For those families responding "no", your information will not be distributed.
Please fill this out by September 22nd .
Reminders
Notes from the Office
If your child is going to be absent or tardy for any reason, please call the office by 8:00 am Instructional time starts at 7:43 am. Any student who arrives after 7:43 am is considered tardy.
If you need to change your child's transportation for the end of the day, please send a note to your child's teacher. Phone calls are discouraged but if a change needs to be called in, PLEASE call the office by 1:30 pm to insure that the message gets delivered to the classroom.
If you need to pick your child up early, please check in at the office. Parents will need to sign their child(ren) out and then we will call your child down to the office. Students will not be waiting in the office so make sure to give yourself enough time prior to appointments.
BUS TRANSPORTATION CHANGES
All student rerouting requests will originate at Chippewa Yellow Bus Company. Student rerouting requests require a 24 hour notice and approval by the bus company. This includes one time and/or occasional rerouting requests. Please call 715-726-2454 if you have any questions or concerns. Please click here for more information regarding rerouting requests.
If a student's afternoon transportation plans vary week to week, please provide the teacher, the office, and the bus company a monthly calendar to insure that your child gets to their intended location.
Online Registration & Classroom Fees
All families need to complete the annual online registration process. If you have not done this yet, please do so now. This will ensure that we have the most up to date emergency contact information for your child(ren) and will also give them permission to participate in field trips. Click here to access the Parent Portal.
Classroom fees and lunch account payments can also be made on the parent portal.
Please call the office if you have any questions.
Handle with Care
As always we are a TEAM and we want to help your child thrive in our Jim Falls family.
Medical Absences
Food Service Payments and Menus
Payments can be made on the Infinite Campus portal under the food service tab. The free and reduced lunch application is also located on your Infinite Campus parent portal by selecting "more" then "meal benefits". Here is a list of the CFAUSD Meal Prices.
Bright Smiles
Once again, our district is working alongside the Bright Smiles Oral Health Program to provide dental care to our students in Kindergarten-5th Grade. Each student will receive an oral screening by a registered dental hygienist, have their teeth cleaned, and receive an application of dental sealants if necessary to protect their teeth from cavities. This year, the program will be back for 2 visits of fluoride and 1 visit of sealants and fluoride. This is offered at NO CHARGE to you.
Please see the link below for the Bright Smiles Oral Health Program. If you are NOT interested in having your student participate in this program, simply click on the 'No Thanks" on the form as you complete it. In answering these questions, it helps us receive grants to continue providing these services. Otherwise, fully complete the form to have your child eligible for the program.
https://sealasmile.wisconsin.gov/Consent
The consent will be good for the 2023-24 school year. We will need to have enough responses from students wanting this service in order to run the program, so please take advantage of this great service. If you have any questions, please call Carol at 715-933-0065
Picture Retakes
Chiropractic Care at school
Back to school days can be stressful on the entire family. It is a big change in routine for everyone and one that may not be easy. Chiropractic care can be a great resource in assisting these challenges for your family.
Chiropractic helps the body to adapt to changes & new environments by calming the nervous system. Benefits of chiropractic care for children include helping to strengthen the immune system, maximize brain, nerve & spine development, improve the ability to concentrate, assist with sleep issues, and assist with behavioral issues. It also benefits children that play sports and improves spinal posture, which is important when sitting for long periods of time at their desks.
Did you know that Chippewa Falls School District students can receive chiropractic care right at school during their school day? On-Site Chiropractic has been providing care to the students in the CFASD since 2017. The adjustments are quick and parents love the convenience. Teachers have reported great changes in their students' school day when their students are well adjusted.
Chiropractic care is a great tool to help kids thrive in their environments and adapt to their surroundings. What better place to thrive than at school?
For more information, contact us today at onsitechiroinfo@gmail.com.
Volunteers/Chaperones
All parents/guardians that would like to volunteer at school or chaperone a field trip, need to fill out the background check and volunteer forms. Please click here for more information.
Classroom Treats
The health office requests that any treats brought in to school for birthdays, parties, or any other special occasions should be store bought with a clear nutrition label.
There are certain students and staff members with health conditions that may require certain dietary accommodations and it's important that they are able to review a food's nutrition label before choosing to omit or consume certain foods.
Please also be mindful about choosing treats that may contain tree nuts and/or peanuts for your student's classroom. There may be other students in your child's classroom who may have a severe nut allergy. If you are wondering whether your child is in a nut free classroom, please inquire with your student's classroom teacher or the school's health office.
Weekends Kids Meals
The Jim Falls Community Food Pantry has been providing food assistance to the families of the Jim Falls school for over 15 years. One of the services we provide is "Weekend Kids Meals." Each Friday, we make available an assortment of non-perishable healthy food products geared toward the children to send home with them for the weekend. If this is something you would like to participate in, please enter your information here.
CFAUSD is Hiring!
SUSO
Students, parents, school staff, or community members can submit a school safety concern or threat via the Speak Up Speak Out WI website, mobile phone app, or toll-free number. For More information, click here!
Speech & Language Screening
Jim Falls PTO
Spirit Wear Orders
Spirit Wear FUNDRAISER sponsored by the Jim Falls PTO!
Below are the details for the 2023 On-line Store.
Link to the store:
www.storessimple.com/deanandassociates/groups.php
Code to get into the store:
JFELE2023
Notes:
-If anyone has issues getting into the store they should contact 715-835-5555 or 715-894-1405.
-All orders get delivered to Badgerland Promotions where it will be packed and a packing list enclosed so as to identify the purchaser.
-All orders will be via the on-line store and credit card purchase. Pricing is all inclusive but tax to the customer purchase will be added.
-All sales are final and items are not returnable unless they are defective for some reason.
-Once the store closes at the end of day on 9/17/23 the order for the goods will be placed so as to ensure that we get them to you as quickly as possible.
-If for some reason there is an inventory issue at the time the order is placed you will be contacted other available options will be discussed.
-Sizing information is included on the site but if someone has a question or concern they can contact Wayne Franz @ 715-894-1405 or our office at 7158-835-5555.
From the Nurse
Useful Links
Elementary Student/Parent Handbook
Strengthening Families Program
The Cardinal Feeder Newsletter
Cardinal Community Learning Center
Facilities Calendar & Information
Annual Notice of Special education Referral and Evaluation Procedures
Monthly Update on CFAUSD Board of Education Activities
District Notice
Upon request to the building administrator, submitted twenty-four (24) hours in advance, the District shall make reasonable accommodation including the provision of informational material in an alternative format as necessary for a disabled person to be able to participate select activities
Jim Falls Elementary
Email: wilsonsm@chipfalls.org
Website: https://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/jimfalls/
Location: 13643 198th Street, Jim Falls, WI, USA
Phone: 715-720-3260