JCSS Family Engagement Newsletter
February 2021
Black History Month
Let's celebrate Black History all month long!
Valentine's Day
Love is in the air!
Presidents' Day
"The best thing about our future is that it comes one day at a time." -Abraham Lincoln
Matters of the Heart
February brings a focus on all things heart-related! In this issue, you will find tips for promoting heart-healthy choices within your family, information about discovering your child's love language, and other resources for helping your child to grow emotionally and academically. Additionally, you can celebrate February by engaging your children in acts of love, kindness, and appreciation throughout the month.
We think the activities listed below will get you off to a great start!
14 Days of Love and Appreciation: Countdown to Valentine’s Day Activities
1 – Home of Hearts
Fill your house with hearts. Cut hearts out of pink and red paper. Ask children to write something they admire about each family member on a heart. Choose a wall, door, or cabinet to decorate with the hearts.
2 – Bake for Family Month
Celebrate by making heart-shaped sugar cookies. Have the children decorate the cookies with frosting or pink and red sprinkles. Pack the cookies in a decorated tin. Create homemade cards to include with the baked goods. Deliver the treats to an elderly family member, friend, or neighbor.
3 – Family Movie Night
Serve pink popcorn while the family enjoys a movie with a love-related theme.
4 – Share the Love
Ask the children to think of a family member or friend they miss. Write a funny poem with rhyming words. Record the poem on a mobile phone, and then text or email to the lucky person.
5 – Create a Work of Love
Buy colored paper, crayons, glitter, and markers. Help the children make cards for their classmates to deliver on Valentine’s Day.
6 – Mini Date Night
Take your children ice skating, out for ice cream, or even stargazing on a clear night.
7– Family Hug Day
During an evening when everyone is home, stop what you are doing every hour for group hugs.
8 – Appreciative Crafts
Buy white canvas from a dollar or craft store. Make a handprint mural out of family members’
handprints.
9 – Love your Teeth
Celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month with puzzles and coloring pages. Download this fun and engaging way for children to keep track of their healthy brushing habits.
10 –Family Game Night
Have everyone dress up in red or pink for a fun family night of Valentine Bingo.
11 –Heart-Healthy Exercises
Get your family moving and their hearts pumping with some physical activity such as a brisk walk around the neighborhood or dancing at home.
12 – A Sweet Tradition
Start a new family tradition with a Valentine tree. Find some small branches and arrange them in a vase. Make yarn hearts to decorate the branches. Save the hearts to make a tree each year.
13- Random Acts of Kindness Day
In preparation for Random Acts of Kindness Day, which is Feb. 17, ask the children what kindness means to them. Then ask them to select a family member, friend, or teacher who they think deserves an act of kindness. Help them brainstorm ideas for showing their appreciation.
14 – Red and Pink Dinner Night
Try new recipes that the family can prepare together. Use food coloring to color dishes pink or red. For added fun, cut garlic toast, dinner rolls, cheese, or vegetables into heart shapes.
~marylandfamiliesengage.org
“The most important thing in the world is family and love.”
–John Wooden
If you have a question or concern, we'd LOVE to help. Don't hesitate to contact us!
Shelley Dunlap: sdunlap@jones.k12.ga.us or 478-986-3032 Ext. 1284
Melody Nebel: mnebel@jones.k12.ga.us or 478-986-3032 Ext. 1285
Helping Your Child to Develop Heart-Healthy Habits
Making Fitness a Family Affair
8 Secrets to Keeping Your Family Healthy This Winter
5 Dos and Don'ts for Raising a Healthy Eater
Parent Resources
Everyday Active Learning
Active learning is learning that engages a child in the learning process (e.g., exploring personal interests, problem solving, asking and answering questions). This month’s active learning tip is to turn grocery shopping into a fun learning experience. Grocery shopping, which is an everyday chore for adults, can provide valuable learning opportunities for our students.
- Point out the prices of foods, especially foods that are priced per pound.
- Have your child watch as you pay for groceries, or let him/her pay for small items at the self-checkout.
- Go online and search “Grocery Store Bingo Card.” You’ll find numerous examples. Choose one that’s appropriate for your child’s ability level.
-Woodburn Press
Conversation Prompts
Here are some questions to ask your child this month.
- How much do you use computers at school?
- What’s your favorite subject?
- If you were an animal, what animal would you like to be?
- Why do you think teachers give homework?
Tip of the Month
Confident children are more independent and less afraid of challenges and new situations. Here’s how you can help your child build confidence.
- Give your child a small job to do each day, such as setting the table or putting clothes away, and make sure the task is completed. It’s important for children to learn to finish what they start.
- Help your child discover and pursue his/her interests, and provide opportunities for your child to develop his/her talents.
- Consider your child’s interests and look for groups and activities he/she might enjoy. Also look for social opportunities with family and friends.
Save the Date: Title I Virtual Family Science Nights for Middle School Students & Families
FREE WIFI at the following locations across Jones County:
-All JCSS School Parking Lots
-Baker's Acres Office Parking Lot
-Parking Lot between Carol's Park and Knox Center
-East Juliette Church
-Immanuel Baptist Church
-JC Animal Services
-Joycliff UMC
-Sawmill Restaurant
-Griswoldville Firestation #9
-Griswoldville Industrial Park
-Haddock Park
-HWY 18 Recreation Complex
-Liberty Park
-Hardies Chapel Church of Christ
-Christ Community Church
-James Fire Station #4
SSID: JCSS-Public-Access-Wifi
Password: JCSSWifi2020
Please view the following presentations if you haven't already.
Jones County Schools Family Engagement
Shelley Dunlap sdunlap@jones.k12.ga.us or 478-986-3032
ext. 1284
Melody Nebel mnebel@jones.k12.ga.us or 478-986-3032
ext. 1285
Email: cfoskey@jones.k12.ga.us
Website: https://www.jonescntysd.ga.schools.bz/
Location: 125 Stewart Ave, Gray, GA, USA
Phone: 478-986-3032
Facebook: facebook.com/jcssfamilyengagementteam