January 20, 2023
Work Hard, Play Hard
FROM THE PRINCIPAL & ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Today is Colonel Jerry Ross’ birthday!
Colonel Jerry Ross is a former NASA astronaut whom we are fortunate to call our namesake. I had the pleasure of meeting Colonel Ross last fall when he came to visit our school. In honor of his birthday today, we decided to learn more about him and additionally asked some of our fourth-grade students what they wanted to know. Here are some of the questions and corresponding answers we were able to find:
- How old is Colonel Ross and where is he from? Jerry Ross was born in Crown Point, Indiana on January 20, 1948. He is 75 years old!
- Is Colonel Ross married? Colonel Ross has been married to his wife, Karen, for most of his life!
- How many times did Colonel Ross go to space? Colonel Ross was the first human to launch into space seven times.
- Why did Colonel Ross want to be an astronaut? When Colonel Ross was nine years old, the Soviet Union sent the world’s first satellite (Sputnik) into space. Colonel Ross was very interested in the Sputnik orbit. By fourth grade, he knew that one day he would become an astronaut. He never gave up on this goal, and he worked very hard to achieve it.
Colonel Ross stays connected with Ms. Linsley and sends updates and photos of his travels with his wife, Karen. Colonel Ross reminds us to never give up on our dreams.
Next year, each learning pod at Jerry Ross Elementary will be named after Colonel Ross’ space missions. And of course, each day at Jerry Ross, we continue to work on our S.P.A.C.E. (Social, Physical, Academic, Cultural, and Emotional) fitness. We are fortunate to have our school named after an inspirational and highly decorated former astronaut!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Ms. Linsley & Mrs. Reeder
FROM THE COUNSELOR'S CORNER
Hello Jerry Ross Families,
Congratulations to Miss Sekuloski’s 4th grade class for earning their 15 Stars for their SPACE Shield. They won our last bi-weekly raffle drawing and chose to play Dodgeball in the gym this past Friday the 13th. It is always the highlight of my week to see the kids having such a great time, getting their energy out, and really appreciating their positive behavior rewards. Please enjoy the pictures I have included of these amazing students. I am really looking forward to them earning more SPACE rewards.
Have a great weekend and stay warm,
Mrs. Pape- PBIS Coach
FUN FACTS
Miss Buelow, 3rd Grade Teacher
* I went on a month long road trip to six National Parks by myself
* Shark Week was my favorite week growing up
Mrs. Akers, 3rd Grade Teacher
* When I traveled to Europe for a month, I ate gelato for 30 out of 31 days
* I played soccer, was in competitive dance, and did yoga when I was younger
Miss Martinek, 3rd Grade Teacher
* I was a gymnast for eight years
* I am a lefty
FROM THE TREASURER
*** RDS PARENT ACCESS IS NOW AVAILABLE ***
Reminder: All School Fees Were Due November 30
Any outstanding balances are now overdue. Unpaid accounts will be turned in to Kinum, Inc. collection agency. In addition, a collection fee will be assigned to your account.
Credit card payments are taken online at www.cps.k12.in.us using your RDS Parent Access account. Payments of cash or check are accepted in the school office.
Please contact Mrs. Lukas, School Treasurer, at 219-663-3010 with any questions.
FROM THE NURSE
January is ONE HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
What is that? It is an official office in the CDC that focuses on the health between people, animals, and the environment in which they call One Health. It is the first formal office dedicated to One Health established in a US federal agency. Just an FYI.
Sleep we can’t seem to get enough of and it is an important part of good health. Sleep is one to of the three pillars of good health along with good nutrition and exercise. The term “sleep hygiene” refers to healthy sleep habits that can improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. These habits can help improve your sleep health. Please check in with your child’s sleep hygiene and make sure all tech devices are turn off 30 minutes before sleep. Encourage good sleep habits with your children.
You can order more COVID test kits. Each American household can get an additional four rapid COVID tests at this website: www.covid.gov/tests.
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If you have any gently used L pants, please donate them. Thank you!
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Have a good weekend,
Mrs.Horst, RN
CLUB SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING WEEK
Week of January 23rd
Monday: Math Bowl at 8:10 am
Tuesday: Math Bowl Try until 5 pm
Wednesday: Math Bowl at 8:10 am; Science Olympiad until 5 pm
Thursday: Art Club until 4:45; Science Olympiad until 5 pm
Friday: Student of the Month breakfast at 8 am; Science Fair Set-up until 5 pm
Saturday: Science Fair at 9 am
Week of January 30th
Monday: Math Bowl at 8:10 am
Tuesday: Math Bowl Try until 5 pm; Science Fair Party until 5 pm
Wednesday: E-Learning Day
Friday: Rocket Boosters at 8:15 am
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS
January
24-27th: 3rd Grade NWEA
February
1st: E-learning day; Teacher Professional Development
14th - 20th: National Random Acts of Kindness Week
20th: President's Day; NO school
March
7th - E-Learning Day; Teacher Professional Development
10th - End of 3rd Nine Weeks
27th -31st - Spring Break
Volunteers needed for CAFE
WATER BOTTLES
Please remember to bring in water bottles that can be refilled at our water filling stations. Thank you for your cooperation.
Jerry Ross Elementary School
Jenn Linsley, Principal ext. 18001
Kate Reeder, Assistant Principal ext. 18003
Karie Lukas, Treasurer ext. 18000
Cindy Dissette, Secretary ext. 18002
Karen Horst, Nurse ext. 18081
11319 Randolph Dr., Crown Point, IN
219-663-3010; jerryross.cps.k12.in.us