Jerry Ross Rocket News 1-15-21
Work Hard, Play Hard but WORK COMES FIRST!
From Ms. Linsley
Who Doesn't LOVE a Fresh Start?
I remember teachers telling me and my classmates that on the first day of a new semester, every student has an A+. That optimism spoke to me, and still does to this day. We start a brand new semester on January 19th. There are no missing assignments, no missed zoom classes, no low grades. Every student gets a brand new start, a fresh clean slate, or from my days in Latin class a Tabula Rasa. Talk to your student this weekend about what he or she thought went well first semester and what they would like to improve. Help your child set reasonable goals. The past 10 months have been some of the most challenging I have ever experienced as an educator; I can only imagine how difficult it has been for our children. Would I have attended all of my zoom classes and completed all of my assignments as an 8 year old without an adult standing over me? I doubt it . Our children have overcome so much and have achieved beyond my expectations. We can not expect perfection; we can expect effort and growth. I am hopeful that we will have more consistency during second semester. However, I am realistic and know that with quarantines and close contact tracing, we will all need to be flexible and supportive of our students. Please join me in ringing in the new semester with a sense of optimism and hope. I have a sign in my house that reads" Each new morning is a chance to start over." This message helps me greet every challenge and obstacle with strength and determination. I am looking forward to a successful new semester with our children. Have a peaceful weekend.
Ms. Linsley
From Mrs. Maynor
Hello Families!
This week, I set up a Self Care Challenge for all the teachers and staff here at Jerry Ross! I provided them with a massive list of activities that could be done in various areas (physical, spiritual, emotional, etc.). Everyone was tasked to make purposeful time for themselves and pick at least one activity each day. I want to challenge our families to do the same on this extended weekend!
From Mrs. Pape
Hello Jerry Ross Families:
We are moving past the holidays and all trying to get back into a routine both at school, work, and home which can be very challenging. With that being said, I wanted to provide some reminder information on what the PBIS program is and what the acronym stands for which is: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.
PBIS is a proactive approach that schools use to improve school safety and promote positive behavior. The focus of PBIS is prevention, not punishment. At its heart, PBIS calls on schools to teach students positive behavior strategies, just as they would teach about any other subject — like reading or math. I work very closely with Ms. Linsley, Mrs. Maynor (our school counselor) and the teachers on providing the best support possible for all students and their needs here at Jerry Ross. It has been a roller coaster of a school year with both In-person and Distance Learning as we are all learning new things this year during the Pandemic and are continuing to provide support for students and their families through it all. If you have any questions or would like more information about PBIS, feel free to contact me.
Have a healthy and safe weekend!
Tina Pape
PBIS Coach
Jerry Ross Elementary
(219) 663-3010 x 18010
Think Positive, Be Positive, & Positive Things will Happen! J
From the Nurse
Monitor and check for COVID-19 symptoms daily.
- Keep your student at home if they have COVID-like symptoms, and notify your school.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Wear a mask when social distancing cannot be achieved.
- Notify your school nurse ASAP if your student has been identified as a close contact or has tested positive.
- If your child or someone in your household is waiting for COVID test results, keep your child at home.
If your child is not feeling well please do not send them to school. If you are unsure if it is safe to send your child to school please call me for guidance. Also, if your family has been exposed to COVID please call for guidance on quarantine requirements.
Club Corner
Math Bowl Tryouts- Friday, January 22nd after school until 4:30pm in Mrs. Bunch's Room(4th and 5th Grade only)
Food Service/Food Pick Up
· Pick up day will change to Wednesdays beginning January 13th. It will still be from 9-10 a.m. All students will receive meals on Wednesdays.
If you have any questions about food service, please contact pmaloney@cps.k12.in.us. You can also find more information at www.cps.k12.in.us/covid.
Understanding the Lunch Line: A Parent's Guide
Weekly Breakfast- SERVED DAILY
Includes 100% Juice, Fruit and Milk
Monday- Breakfast Muffin/ 1 Breakfast Bar
Tuesday- Pop tarts/Oatmeal Bar
Wednesday- Banana Bread
Thursday- Pop tarts/ Whole Grain Donuts
Friday- Breakfast Muffin/1 Breakfast Bar
Breakfast- $1.50/ Lunch- $2.45
Parents may fund their children's lunch accounts by sending in cash/check in a clearly labeled/sealed envelope, or by using the MealTime application to add funds electronically with a credit card. You cannot add funds/create an account until you have your Student ID number after registration is complete.
Upcoming Events/Dates to Remember
January
18- No School; Dr. MLK Jr. Day
20- E-Learning Day
27- E-Learning Day
Child Care
Red Status Latch Key Child Care Applications
Fee-based child care opportunities are available for children in grades K-5 while the corporation is in “red” status.
Applications are at the links below.
Community & Extracurricular Information
Crown Point Youth Soccer is now open for registration at www.crownpointsoccer.org. The overriding mission of CPYS is to improve overall development of both individual and team skills, while providing a positive, recreational environment in which to compete. Trainers will be provided to work with teams throughout the season.
Travel: Registration includes four home games (U8-U19) and four away games. Registration is open 1/1 - 1/31. Registration fee is $140 and does not include team uniforms.
Inhouse: Registration is open 1/1-2/19.
Registration fee is $100 and includes a team jersey.
Leagues are U5, U6, U7, U8 and U10.
Birthday Celebrations
As a school we believe it is important to recognize students on their birthdays. To protect instructional time in the classroom and manage student health needs, we do not allow edible birthday treats in the classroom (this includes CANDY in treat bags). Your child is invited to the office for a small birthday treat.
If you choose, non-food items may be substituted your child may commemorate their special day by bringing a small treat for their classmates (pencil, bookmark, sticker, etc.) or dedicating a book to the classroom (and placing a special birthday bookplate inside).
OPTIONAL: Families wishing to celebrate their child's birthdays at lunch may purchase Ice Cream Tickets for each child in the class. Tickets are $0.75 each. Please complete an order form in the office 1 week prior to birthday.
Textbook Rental Payment Reminders
** COLLECTION REMINDER – OVERDUE TEXTBOOK RENTAL PAYMENTS**
All outstanding Textbook Rental Payments are now overdue. Textbook rental fees were due September 30, 2020 for parents or guardians who are not eligible for assistance and have not completed a book rental payment agreement. Final installment payments were due on November 30th for any students that were enrolled in our payment plan. Please note, that any outstanding accounts, and accounts that fail to make scheduled payments, according to your agreement, will be referred to Kinum for collections in March.
PLEASE NOTE - If you believe you may be eligible for Textbook Assistance (income dependent) or if you need to make payment arrangements, please contact Mrs. Lukas at 219-663-3010 ex 18000
CAFE News
APPLES FOR THE STUDENTS
Keep collecting those Strack & Van Til receipts to turn into both Winfield and Jerry Ross! Each dollar spent earns our schools points to redeem for school supplies. Any questions? Contact Amy Schaafsma at 219-306-3654 or aschaafs@gmail.com