JCSS Family Engagement Newsletter
September 2021
September: A month of remembrance
The JCSS Family Engagement Team would like to thank our families for an amazing start to the 2021-2022 school year! We have so enjoyed seeing students in the building, learning and growing. We believe that most students learn best in an "in-person" setting through direct instruction and hands-on learning. And while COVID-19 continues to make our lives challenging, we are adapting and finding ways to persevere. As a community, we are working together to improve the safety of our school system for everyone involved; and for that, we cannot thank you enough!
We begin September by honoring the contributions of American workers through celebrating Labor Day. Later in September, we remember those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 by observing Patriot Day. In this and every month, let us not forget those whose sacrifices, past and present, make our freedoms and American way of life possible.
September is also National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This year, we are greatly saddened by the recent loss of one of our own, Emma Moseley, to this devestating disease. Let us honor her memory as we show support, increase awareness, and make an impact for children who contact the courageious battle against this horrific disease.
"Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it." ~ Marian Wright Edelman
If you have a question or concern, please contact us.
Shelley Dunlap sdunlap@jones.k12.ga.us or (478) 986-3032 Ext. 1284
Leslie Poythress lpoythress@jones.k12.ga.us or (478) 986-3032 Ext. 1282
Q & A: Family Quality Time
Q: During the school year, weekdays at our house are really hectic. Between work, homework, and activities, I feel like it’s hard to spend quality time together as a family. How can I make the most of the time we spend together?
A: When life is hectic and everyone is busy, focus on making the time you spend together meaningful. The best way to do this is to turn things you’re already doing into quality time that you spend together. Here are some ideas.
- Have your child help you prepare dinner. (Even young children can complete simple kitchen tasks like setting the table or measuring ingredients.)
- Have conversations while driving to and from places. Talk about your day while driving your child home from school or to after school activities.
- Build quality time into your routine, such as a bedtime book at the same time every night, or always playing a board game after dinner.
Conversation Prompts
- What is the best part of your school day?
- What are you learning in math now?
- What new friends have you made?
- Is there anything you’d like some extra help with?
Tip of the Month: Model Calm Behavior
~ Woodburn Press
We worked with the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence to bring you the answers you need.
Spotlight on Healthy Lifestyles
Spotlight on Healthy Eating
Involve your child in meal planning. Your child may be more likely to try the veggies at dinner if he/she had a hand in choosing and preparing them. Have your child choose which veggie side he/she wants, and let him/her help with the preparation – chopping (with your supervision), adding seasonings, etc.
Get creative. Don't think of healthy foods just as side dishes. Help your child make smoothies with different combinations of fruits and veggies, make homemade popsicles with fruit and vegetable juice, or try different kinds of soups.
Discuss the benefits. Talk to your child about the benefits of eating healthy—you feel better, look better, sleep better, have more energy, and you are less likely to get sick.
Healthy Habits
Develop a good nighttime routine. Institute a rule that all technology (video games, TV, tablets, phones, etc.) must be turned off an hour before bedtime. This will give your child’s mind and body time to wind down. Have a regular nighttime routine that includes reading or quiet conversation—and ensures that your child gets 9-12 hours of sleep each night.
Build physical activity into your routine. Being more physically active doesn’t have to be a huge lifestyle overhaul. Include small physical activities every day as part of your everyday routine. Take nightly family walks, play catch, go for hikes on weekends, or do a little yoga or stretching before bed.
Jones County Schools Family Engagement
If you have a question or concern, please contact us.
Ms. Shelley Dunlap, Family Engagement Coordinator
sdunlap@jones.k12.ga.us or (478) 986-3032 Ext. 1284
Mrs. Charlotte Foskey, Executive Director of Federal Programs cfoskey@jones.k12.ga.us or (478) 986-3032 Ext. 1233
Mrs. Leslie Poythress, Executive Director of Family Engagement lpoythress@jones.k12.ga.us or (478) 986-3032 Ext. 1282
Mr. Charles Lundy, Superintendent of Schools
clundy@jones.k12.ga.us or (478) 986-3032
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