JSE Tracks
Principal's Weekly News, March 1, 2021
JSE Monthly Attributes:
Characteristic of a Successful Learner (CSL): Act Responsibly
Bucket-Filling Trait: Acceptance
#BearcatPride!
Greetings, JSE Families,
The snow is melting and we are starting to see spring in our future!
This week, the first week of March brings our Literacy Celebration during Read Across America Week. Although we will not be able to have our annual Dr. Seuss family night, we are excited that our Student Council has organized a Dr. Seuss Spirit Week for Riley Children's Hospital. Please see the flyer below.
Our third graders prepare this week for IREAD-3 testing next week and we begin discussions with our fourth and fifth graders about the upcoming ILEARN standardized assessment. More information will come home in this week's Thursday Folder.
The end of the third grade quarter is next Friday. Students are working hard to reach their reading and math goals. We appreciate you encouraging them to read nightly and practice their math facts for at least twenty minutes.
Enjoy our newest publication: the monthly Library News by Mrs. Kegebein. Our students and staff are enjoying the new open space for learning, encouraging quotes, and creative seating!
Have a great week,
Leigh Barnes
Principal
PTO NEWS: Our PTO is still in action!
- Stay tuned for information to order JSE spirit wear!
- Did you know you can email the PTO at johnsimatovichpto@gmail.com with any questions or volunteering information you need?
- Open Board Position-Please email if interested!
- PTO Meetings are virtual with our PTO board this year.
2021-2022 Kindergarten Round-Up April 5th-9th
Stay tuned for more information!
In early August, we will host a Kindergarten Open House for students and their families to meet their teacher, visit their classroom, and tour the school.
Attention Grades 3-5: IREAD/ILEARN Information
ILEARN/IREAD-3 Information: Our 3rd-5th grade teachers have started to discuss the assessments with our students, when they occur, and what they can expect. With that, please view the dates and resources below for you as a parent. We will begin practicing through the practice website next month. The short practice times will help our students become familiar with the online platform and technology embedded questions. As always, please let me know if you have any questions regarding the assessments.
ILEARN (3rd-5th)will take the place of the previous standardized assessment ISTEP+
The testing window: April 26th - May 7th, we will update you with our specific testing dates.
https://www.doe.in.gov/assessment/ilearn
IREAD-3 Only 3rd Graders
The testing window: March 8th, 9th and 10th , we will update you with our specific testing dates.
https://www.doe.in.gov/assessment/iread-3
VIRTUAL STUDENTS: Students learning from home will have to be brought to school to take the state standardized testing. This will be arranged with Mrs. Barnes.
Art to Remember is back by popular demand!
Join our UTSC Team: Job Opportunities
Want to work at Union Township Schools? If so, please take a look at the below postings or click the UTSC Corporation website HERE:
- Bus Aide/Bus Substitute Driver- Interested applicants should email Superintendent John Hunter at jhunter@union.k12.in.us
- UTSC Kitchen- Interested applicants should email Superintendent John Hunter at jhunter@union.k12.in.us
- Substitute Nurse- Interested applicants should email Leigh Barnes at lbarnes@union.k12.in.us
- Substitute Custodian- Interested applicants should email Leigh Barnes at lbarnes@union.k12.in.us
Important Dates:
March 8-10 IREAD-3 3rd Graders Only Assessment
March 18 Report Card
March 22-26 Spring Break
April 2 No School/Snow Make-Up Day
April 5-9 Kindergarten Round-Up Week
April 26-May 7 ILEARN State Testing for 3rd-5th graders
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!
Repeat: Kindergarten and 1st Grade Families: Promise Porter County
Greetings, Parents!
Promise Porter County will include the names of all families who establish a college savings account for their children during the February enrollment period in a drawing for a $250 bonus! This is in addition to the $25 we will give each family that enrolls.
Visit: www.promiseportercounty.org
to sign up. Questions? Email or call the number below.
Remember, the money can be used for college, trade school, apprenticeship programs, and most post-high school career programs. Sign up today!
Susie Hord
Promise Porter County Coordinator
VALPARAISO FAMILY YMCA
1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive, Valparaiso IN 46383
(P) 219 462 4185 ext 226 (F) 219 477 4720
(E) promiseportercounty529@gmail.com
(W) www.promiseportercounty.org
If you have questions, please feel free to email me.
Sincerely,
Susie Hord
Promise Porter County Coordinator
VALPARAISO FAMILY YMCA
1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive, Valparaiso IN 46383
(P) 219 462 4185 ext 226 (F) 219 477 4720
(E) promiseportercounty529@gmail.com
(W) www.promiseportercounty.org
Repeat: Union Township Sports Sign-Up!
If your child is interested in participating in Wheeler Little League, please click HERE for more information! **BASEBALL REGISTRATION ONLINE IS OPEN. LIVE SIGN UPS THURSDAY 2/6, AND 2/13. NEW PLAYERS NEED TO BRING A COPY OF CHILD'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND INSURANCE INFORMATION.
If your child is interested in participating in Union Township Softball, please click HERE for more information!
If your child is interested in participating in Union Township Soccer, registration is happening NOW! Please click HERE to register your child!
Repeat: From the desk of JSE Nurse, Mrs. Maniszko: COVID-19 Positive Cases
Repeat: Attention Families of Virtual Students
Families of virtual students are encouraged to return to in-person learning when they feel comfortable this semester. Second semester is a vital learning period of preparation for the next grade level. Your child's teacher will communicate with you if they have concerns about your child's academic progress and/or virtual learning performance.
LIBRARY: Virtual students can check out books from our library too! Check out what books we have,at this LINK and then let Mrs. Kegebein, akegebein@union.k12.in.us, know of the book you would like to check-out and we will put the book in your teacher's pick-up bin at our main entrance.
ATTENDANCE: What should I do if my child can not attend virtual school due to an illness, doctor appointment, or other absence?
The same hand-book guidelines for students learning virtually apply. Parents should call the school and report their child's absence for the day and the reason for the absence. The office will inform your child's classroom teacher. We appreciate the consistency for all student absences as this communication will support teachers in preparing for both in-person and virtual instruction.
How do I arrange for my child's learning if they are quarantined and temporarily virtual?
The nurse will work with you to determine your child's return day and then your child's teacher will work with you to develop a plan to continue their learning from home. This may include learning packets, virtual lessons, and activities on Canvas. Please email both the nurse and your child's teacher directly as well as call the main JSE office to report their absence. It is not necessary to report their absence each day after a return date is determined with our nurse. Please remember the return date may change based on symptoms or future exposure.
How can I sign up my child to read with Mrs. Barnes? Mrs. Barnes would like to read to, with, or listen to your child read through a google meet! Please email Mrs. Barnes directly to sign up for a time. lbarnes@union.k12.in.us
Continued until June, Free Breakfast/Lunch Curbside Pick-up at JSE: If you would like breakfast/lunch but were not able to sign up through the form, please let us know and we will add you to our pick-up list. Pick-up will now be at the car rider door on Mondays between 10-10:30AM.
Front Office Vestibule Pick-up/Drop-off: Parents may use this to pick up learning packets as directed by your child's classroom teacher or drop-off completed work. Please communication with your child's teacher if you have questions.
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