JSE Tracks
Principal's Weekly News, November 30, 2020
JSE Monthly Attributes:
Characteristic of a Successful Learner (CSL): Think Interdependently
Bucket-Filling Trait: Gratitude
#BearcatPride!
Good afternoon, JSE families,
We hope you all had a nice, long weekend enjoying close family. These next three weeks will fly by and as I am sure you feel the same, we have A LOT on our "To Do" list of learning between now and then!
We realize this is not our usual start to December and we are hopeful to reschedule our annual Winter Cookies and Milk with Crafts to start the month! This week, will have it's challenges, as they say, "don't sweat the small stuff" and "celebrate the little moments" to stay positive. Our kids need us, we are thankful to be able to see their faces and your holiday decorating:) in our daily zooms. Please check out our daily news to start the day smiling!
In planning for next week, "UTSC will continue to closely monitor the spread of COVID-19 in our county and how this affects our students and staff. We will reassess the numbers and provide families with further direction on December 2 with the hope that we can return to in-person learning on Monday, December 7." (From Mr. Hunter's Communication on 11/16) As we begin to prepare for our return, please remember to call the office if someone in your home tests positive so that we may help you discern your child's date of return. If you already plan for your child to stay virtual these next two weeks, please let us know. Your partnership and communication with us supports us in preparing for both virtual and in-person teaching.
We are here for you. Please don't hesitate to call the main office if you need support with virtual learning, technology or other areas we can be of assistance. Today, we provided over 125 free meals for the week to families for our students. If you were not able to sign up and are in need of meals, please let us know. Mrs. Morton, our home-school advisor, has already sent a letter home regarding the cancelation of the Lunch with Santa Program for families in need. If you have any additional questions, please let us know.
Please check your email regularly this week for communication from your child's teacher, the JSE main office, and UTSC Central Office Administration.
We are here for you,
Leigh Barnes
Principal
Fri"YaY" Highlight our JSE News
From the desk of JSE Nurse, Mrs. Maniszko: COVID-19 Positive Cases
Our district office will continue to update our website's COVID-19 dashboard by school. This can be found on the district website at the following link: https://jsimatovich.union.k12.in.us/o/utsc
November 16th, today's Updated Dashboard LINK.
Chromebooks:
- This will be the only time to pick-up a Chromebook and charger from the school.
- Students will be expected to return on he 7th with their chrome book and charger.
Attendance:
- Work will need to be submitted as required by your teacher and will be entered into the Harmony grade book accordingly. For grades 2-5, you may check for missing assignments in your child's Harmony grade book.
- Specials teachers will also have specific directions for submitting activities.
Virtual Learning Format:
- Teachers will be meeting with students virtually via Google Meet, which means your child will have *face-to-face* instruction with their teacher each day at different designated times per the classroom teacher.
Student Learning Packet Pick-Up *as needed
For the week of the 30th, your child's teacher will communicate with you should you need to pick-up a learning packet for the week.
If you do need to pick up a learning packet for your child, we will have the gym open for you on the 30th from 7:30am to 8:30am to easily find your child's teacher and pick up any needed materials for that week. Staff will also be present to help you.
Free Breakfast and Lunch Pick-Up Program:
- Please be reminded that this continues to be a part of the Free Breakfast and Lunch Program provided by the state, and you will not need to add funds to your mealtime account to participate.
- Remote learners who have already registered for this program do not need to complete the form. Remote learner pick up will also be on 11/18 and 11/30 from 11:00-12:00 PM.
- Directions for Curbside Pickup:
- We will only have pick-ups on 11/18 and 11/30.
- UTSC will have two curbside pickup locations, Wheeler High School and John Simatovich Elementary. WHS will be at the Grand Entrance and JSE car rider Door G.
- You will choose to pick up from either JSE or WHS between 11:00-12:00 PM on 11/18 and 11/30: There will be only two pickup days for the week.
Kid-Stop Program/Child Care Option:
For elementary students, Kidstop will not be in the UCE or JSE Buildings starting Wednesday, November 18th. Kidstop will continue to offer a program for daily childcare at both the Portage and South Haven Boys and Girls Club: This will not be offered at the Valparaiso location at this time.
The South Haven and Portage Boys and Girls Club are running a 12-hour virtual learning program.
- Children in this program will receive breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack at no additional cost. They will also receive guidance with their virtual assignments from trained staff members.
- Parents will need to contact Shelly Price to register. She can be reached at 219-759-2565 x152 or sprice@bgcgreaternwi.org
- The pricing is as follows: $70 for the first child and $20 for each additional child, for the week. There is a sliding fee scale available for those who qualify.
PTO NEWS: Our PTO is still in action!
- Did you know you can email the PTO at johnsimatovichpto@gmail.com with any questions or volunteering information you need?
- PTO Meetings are virtual with our PTO board this year.
Important Dates:
December
7th Return to In-Person Learning at JSE
18th End of 2nd Grading Period
18th Classroom Winter Craft Parties, no visitors
21st - January 3rd Winter Break! School resumes January 4th
January
7 Report Card Available
Wear your Bearcat Spirit Wear on Fridays!
Harmony Parent Portal LINK: https://sis.union.k12.in.us/familyaccess.nsf/hello.xsp
With our current situation, please be reminded all dates, events, and information is subject to change. We appreciate you working together with us by checking your email regularly and reaching out to us with questions and concerns. Our partnership will remain strong for our children and community!
You are always welcome at JSE!
Please let us know how we can strengthen our partnership with you!
Feel free to contact me anytime! Very Sincerely, Mrs. Barnes
Leigh Barnes, Principal ext 3001
Barb Rittel, Secretary ext 3000
Lisa Morton, Home School Advisor ext 3003
Kathy Maniszko, School Nurse ext 3002
Email: lbarnes@union.k12.in.us
Website: http://jsimatovich.union.k12.in.us/
Location: 424 West 500 North, Valparaiso, IN, United States
Phone: (219)759-2508
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/JSEPTO/
Twitter: @JSimatovichElem