JSE Tracks
Principal's Weekly News, December 14, 2020
JSE Monthly Attributes:
Characteristic of a Successful Learner (CSL): Maintain Focus
Bucket-Filling Trait: Giving
#BearcatPride!
On behalf of all JSE staff, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I will enjoy my annual snowflake making activity with each class, relating the unique qualities of a snowflake to the unique qualities in each and everyone of us! I am grateful for the opportunity to spread the joy to each of our JSE kids.
Have a wonderful break! Here's to more learning endeavors to s-t-r-e-t-c-h every one of our children's academic achievement goals in 2020! As you spend time with your child this break, know that this special time together is also very impactful to their development and learning. Remember it's not about how much time you have, rather it's the quality of the time you spend together that really counts!
Thank you for your partnership, as always, to make your child's learning experience the best it can be. We are so very fortunate to be a part of a schoolhouse that works together on behalf of children!
Don't forget Friday is "We're in the holiday spirit!" Children are invited to wear their holiday best, holiday jammies, or holiday sweaters for our holiday lunch in the cafe!
Very Sincerely,
Leigh Barnes
Principal
Cookies and Milk with a Craft to Celebrate JSE Memories and Friendship!
Our kids look forward to Friday celebrating their accomplishments and friendships they have made in their classrooms! Our cafe will treat our students to cookies and milk while students enjoy crafting together. This year we are not asking for volunteers or donations, if you do intend to send something in, please make sure it is store bought with a nutrition label. Consider other non-food little classroom gifts such as holiday pencils or erasers.
Giving is what this season is all about at JSE❤️ Mrs.Stokes’ and Mr.Dobitz’s 3rd graders share joy with Rittenhouse of Portage. Pure and sweet, heartfelt giving moments captured!
Our Third graders were not able to take their annual field trip to Rittenhouse Village Senior Living Center this year but with the help of a Service Learning Grant, they were able to still spread joy and cheer to the residents of the center. They sent a winter themed picture book that they wrote and illustrated. They also presented them with needed goodies.
Learning Items Needed for RETURN by Grade Level: Double check your child brought everything back!
Kindergarten: QR Codes, Math Book, White Write-on Paddles/Boards, Supply Box, Melton-Marker Folders.
1st Grade: Completed Learning Packets, Wonders Reading Notebook and Textbook, Crayon Boxes, Dry Erase Orange and Green Write in Folders
2nd Grade: Reading Notebook and Textbook, Math Book, Journal, Whiteboards, Crayon Box and other supplies, Take Home Folders.
3rd Grade: Wonders Reading Notebook and Textbook, Math Book, Handwriting Book, Planner, Orange Folder, and Social Studies Book
4th Grade: Wonders Reading Notebook and Textbook, Agenda, Homework Folder, Social Studies Book
5th Grade: Wonders Reading Book, Math Book, and Social Studies Book
One of the best gifts you can ever give a child "The Gift of Time" AND Resources for "I'm bored" over break...
A favorite way to spend break...READ, READ, READ! This is truly one of the best long-term gifts we can give a child's future!
Have you checked out your child's CANVAS page? Have them log-in, explore interactive links, and let them tell you how they use CANVAS in their classroom! Math Facts, Coding, Reading, and creative STEM links are just a few to keep them engaged over break! LINK to CANVAS Access Directions
Start with a very small reading or math practice goal each day and increase it as your child achieves it, this will build your child's stamina for working hard!
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.
Attention Families of Virtual Students NEW: The virtual option continues after Winter Break and FREE breakfast/lunch Program extended to June.
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.
The virtual option continues after Winter Break: Families are able to continue their child in the virtual learning option or sign their child up for the virtual learning option after winter break. If you do not plan to continue with virtual learning after winter break or plan to switch your child to virtual learning, please let us know as soon as possible.
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
18th End of 2nd Grading Period
18th Classroom Winter Craft Parties, no visitors
18th Wear your Winter Holiday Spirit Gear
21st - January 3rd Winter Break! School resumes January 4th
January
4th Students Return, Virtual Lunch/Breakfast Pick-Up
7th Report Card Available
18th Snow Make-Up Day, Martin Luther King Day
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