The Jaguar Journal
April 2024
James Sales Elementary
Email: jamessales@fpschools.org
Website: jamessales.fpschools.org
Location: 1301 113th St S, Tacoma, WA, USA
Phone: 253-298-4200
FAX: 253-298-4215
Brandy Nelson - Principal
Ryan Moore - Assistant Principal
Office Hours - 8:30 to 3:30
Dates to Remember
April 2 ~ Girls on the Run - 4-5:30
April 3 ~ EARLY RELEASE - 1:55
April 4 ~ 3rd Grade Field Trip - Pacific Science Center
April 4 ~ Girls on the Run - 4-5:30
April 4 ~ Treat money due - 50¢
April 5 ~ Treat Friday - Popcorn
April 8-12 ~ Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
April 16 ~ Girls on the Run - 4-5:30
April 17 ~ EARLY RELEASE - 1:55
April 18~ Girls on the Run - 4-5:30
April 18 ~ Treat money due - 50¢
April 19 ~ Treat Friday - Gummies
April 19 ~ Coin Drive - Penny Day
April 22 ~ Coin Drive - Nickel Day
April 23 ~ Coin Drive - Dime Day
April 23 ~ Girls on the Run - 4-5:30
April 23 ~ Kindergarten Field Trip - Point Defiance Zoo
April 24 ~ Coin Drive - Quarter Day
April 24 ~ EARLY RELEASE - 1:55
April 25 ~ Girls on the Run - 4-5:30
April 25 ~ Coin Drive - Dollar Day and all change
April 26 ~ Snow Make-up Day - NO SCHOOL
April 27 ~ Junior Adventure Club - Little Mashel Falls
April 27 ~ Rainiers Game at Cheney Stadium
April 30 ~ Girls on the Run - 4-5:30
May 1 ~ EARLY RELEASE - 1:55
May 2 ~ Treat money due - 50¢
May 3 ~ Treat Friday - Popcorn
May 3 ~ Last day to order 23-24 yearbooks!
From the Principal's Office
Hello James Sales families,
Our state test, The Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) will start at the beginning of May. Third, fourth, and fifth grade students will be taking the Smarter Balanced English Language Arts (ELA) and Math Assessments this spring. Students are encouraged read the tests carefully and to focus on reading and math skills.
Please make sure your students are here on the following testing days:
Third graders will be tested on May 7th through May 10th and May 14th through May 17th.
Fourth graders will test on May 8th, May 9th, May 14th, May 15th, and May 20th through May 23rd.
Fifth graders will test on May 8th, May 9th, May 14th, May 15th, May 17th, May 20th through May 22nd, and June 4th and 5th.
Families can support their students during testing time by:
- Making sure your child gets a good night sleep the night before testing.
- Making sure your child attends school on testing day. Please avoid scheduling appointments on testing day.
We appreciate your help and support during this important time!
Please continue to make sure your student is at school everyday and on time. During our 2nd trimester of school our regular student attendance rate increased from 31% to 41%! Thank you for making school attendance a priority!
Sincerely,
Brandy Nelson
Principal
James Sales Elementary
Attendance is Important!
2024-25 School Year New Student Enrollment is Open
We are preparing for the 2024-25 school year! Enrollment for new kindergarten through grade 5 students who live within our attendance boundaries is open now. A child must be five years of age on or before August 31, 2024 to be eligible to enroll. Please prepare to register by obtaining medically verified immunization records, birth certificate, and a proof of residence (utility bill, lease/rental agreement, or mortgage papers). All enrollment is done online. Click here to access the enrollment application or go to fpschools.org and click on enrollment.
Current students who live within James Sales boundaries are automatically enrolled at James Sales for next year. Students who were overloaded to James Sales for the 23-24 school year will return to their home schools for 2024-25. Students living within our district but outside of James Sales boundaries who want to attend James Sales must complete a within-district transfer form online. Click on the Transfers and Homeschool link to access the correct form. Out-of-district students who wish to attend James Sales must complete a new out-of-district transfer (Choice Transfer) from their home district to be considered for enrollment at James Sales.
Lost and Found
Our lost and found is overflowing with nice jackets, hats, and gloves. If your child is missing any of their outerwear, please have them check with the office. We can help them look for their lost items. All left over lost and found items will be donated during Spring Break which starts April 8th.
Facts About Lice
If you have questions about head lice identification, prevention and treatment, please visit this website. Click here.
March Students of the Month
Congratulations to March’s students of the month who were honored at an assembly on March 29th!
These students were selected by their teachers for showing kindness:
Lilliana M., Nercy U., Zelma T., Jay'Leah R., Rosie M., Keisha M., Pharaoh M., Hope B., Isiah V., Daniel G., Terry W., Selena S., Armelo S., Malika M., Luna L., Sophie S., Ella R., Syndal S., Zamaya T., Tydus M., Karli F., Margaret T., Adrianna G., Yaretzi J., Ari G., Carter D., Kailani K., Thomas M., Angelina V., Mathias L., Ashton C., Savannah L., Natalie P., Noah A., Aaron F., Ammika T., Malakai S., Ariabella C., Bennett H., and Darius H.
Coin Drive
Our classes are collecting coins for classroom libraries. By donating loose change, you help us purchase books for classroom libraries AND give more children access to books. All change collected will go directly to purchase books for your child's classroom at the upcoming Book Fair.
We will collect coins April 19th - 25th. Please send coins in a baggie with your child.
Friday, April 19 - Pennies
Monday, April 22 - Nickels
Tuesday, April 23 - Dimes
Wednesday, April 24 - Quarters
Thursday, April 25 - Dollars and any coins that may have been forgotten
Thank you for your support!
The 2024-2025 School Year Calendar is Out Now!
Treat Fridays
We have started Treat Fridays again after a long hiatus that began during the pandemic. Treats will alternate Fridays between popcorn and gummies. The cost is 50¢ per treat - exact change. Money for treat day will be collected on Thursdays, the day before the treat day, in the morning when teachers are taking roll. If your student is late, they will not be able to turn in treat money. All treat money must be turned in during the first five minutes of class. No late money will be accepted.
The PTO is looking for volunteers to help with treat Fridays. We need volunteers to help with popping popcorn, bagging popcorn, and other related jobs. Children of volunteers who help with treat Friday will receive a free treat! The time frame would be from 8 AM to about 10 AM. If you are interested in helping, please let the front office know and complete a volunteer application. Click here for the volunteer application.
From the Handbook
Appropriate clothing and shoes are required for all students to ensure a safe learning environment, free of distractions. Please follow the below guidelines:
- Hats, hoods, headgear and gloves will be worn outside only. (except for religious head-wear)
- Clothing cannot have profanity or promote/advertise drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products.
- Appearance cannot imply gang membership or affiliation.
- Shoulder straps are at least 2-finger widths wide.
- Transparent clothing, strapless tops, bare midriff tops cannot be worn.
- Skirts and shorts need to be longer than your fingertips or have leggings underneath.
- Shoes should be appropriate for PE and recess. These must be closed-toed for safety. If you wear shoes that are not appropriate for PE and recess, you must bring shoes to wear for those activities.
If inappropriate clothing is worn to school, students will be sent to the health room to find a solution. A solution may be a call home so that clothes/shoes can be brought to school or alternative clothing/shoes may be provided by the health room.
Do You Want to Volunteer?
Do the volunteer application now! Click here to access the application link. It takes up to two weeks to process an application - possibly even longer the closer we get to field trip season. If you need assistance with the application, please call the office. Don't be left out of the field trip fun!
Important Information!
From the Health Room
May 3rd Last Day to Order Yearbooks
Don't miss out on the memories! Order your 23-24 yearbook today! This year's yearbook will feature cover art by a James Sales student once again! Yearbooks are $15 each and are only available while supplies last. Ordering deadline is May 3rd. Click here to order. For questions please email ecordell@fpschools.org.
Attendance Matters!
We hope you make every effort to encourage consistent and on-time attendance at school. Did you know if your child is tardy or leaves school early, it will show on their attendance record? Please make appointments outside of school hours whenever possible. Make sure you call the school office at 253-298-4200 if your student is absent for any reason. You may leave a message if you need to call before or after school hours.
Reminders From the Office
Please read these important reminders from the office!
- If you need to come into the building, please press the intercom button on your right as you look at the front door. This will enable the office to see you and to buzz you into the entry if needed.
- Please notify the office of any changes in the way your child will go home at the end of the day. We need this information before 2:45 so we have time to get a note to the teacher.
- Call the office (253-298-4200) if your child will be absent. If they have an appointment, please ask the doctor, dentist, counselor, etc. for a note for school. Offices that treat children are used to giving notes to students for excuses! Tardies and leaving school early shows on your child's attendance record. Please make appointments outside of school hours when possible.
- If you need to take your child out of school before the end of the school day, please come before 2:45 so we can easily locate your child and you won't be stuck in the end-of-the-day pick-up line! You will need to sign your child out and wait for them to come from their classroom or wherever they are in the building, so allow plenty of time for us to find them and have them get their belongings and come to the office.
- If your phone number, email address, or home address changes, please let us know so we have the most up-to-date contact information for you. If students become ill, or otherwise need your help, we need a way to contact you! Thank you.
School Store Fundraiser
We are partnering with SchoolStore to raise funds for essential tools our students and teachers need to succeed. Participation is easy through our 100% online email campaign, and your child can earn points towards great prizes.
Here's what you need to do:
1. Go to SchoolStore.net and sign up using our School ID: 195626
2. Send the provided emails inviting family, friends, and co-workers to support your student. Every email sent helps your student's school meet its fundraising goal, so if you have a phone contact, asking to use their email can help boost your student's SchoolStore program.
3. If your student has not already done so, return the envelope that was sent home with the Student Prize Code for your child to get their awesome participation prize.
Here are three ways your family, friends, and co-workers can help our school:
1. Support your child's classroom with a 100% tax-deductible donation by purchasing a Caring for Classrooms gift card for your child's teacher to acquire classroom supplies and equipment.
2. Shop online at The Family Book Store for wrapping paper, magazines, popcorn, cookbooks, and more. Our school receives up to 50% from each purchase.
3. Shop online with over 400 major merchants like Walmart, Kohls, Best Buy, Disney, and more. Our school earns a percentage of these sales also.
With only a few minutes of your time, SchoolStore offers a safe and easy way for our teachers and school to raise money for materials that enhance your child's education.
Thank you for your participation!
* Please confirm that your supporter's emails are correct. Your student only gets credit for valid emails.
Parks and Rec Opportunities for Kids
Pierce County Parks Launches New Scholarship Program
Pierce County Parks now offers scholarships to residents of Pierce County participating in recreational programs.
Scholarships are awarded based on income and family size. Eligible individuals or families may receive a credit of up to $300 per household per scholarship type. Financial assistance is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as funds are available.
Three scholarship programs are being offered:
- General youth scholarships (ages 3-21): 50% off registration fees for youth programs like sports camps, arts, nature camps and more.
- Summer LIFE Scholarship (ages 13-17): Free weekly field trips for the Summer LIFE experiential learning program series.
- Specialized Recreation Scholarship (all ages with disabilities): 100% off fees for any specialized recreation programs offered through the Adventure within Reach.
“At Pierce County Parks, we believe that everyone should have access to affordable recreation in the community, especially activities that promote wellness and community connection,” said Roxanne Miles, Pierce County Parks Director. “Through this initiative, we are committed to breaking down financial barriers so more youth and persons with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in our programs.”
The application is available online. The application is available online. Awarded funds expire by December 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST, and scholarships are renewable annually.
April Junior Adventure Club Activity
The James Sales Junior Adventure Club (for 4th and 5th grade students and their parents) will go to Little Mashel Falls in Eatonville on Saturday, April 27th. The bus will depart James Sales at 10:00 am and arrive back at the school around 4:00 pm. All attendees should dress for the weather and bring snacks, water, and a lunch. Click here for more information about the hike!
Please make sure your student lets Mr. Horak know they will be going by turning in the permission slip for the trip. Don't forget to check the box if it is OK to post pictures of your student on our website, yearbook, newsletter, etc. Students must have an parent/guardian attend with them. Any adult accompanying a student on the activity must complete a volunteer application (https://www.fpschools.org/get-involved/volunteer) and pass the background check to attend. Please let Mr. Horak (chorak@fpschools.org) know if you have any questions!
March's Adventure Club Activity
Hike on Little Si
Students, parents, and teachers tested their stamina on a hike at Little Si. The biggest group of Adventurers yet climbed to the summit of Little Si with a 1300 foot elevation gain. The weather was perfect and everyone made it up and down the mountain adding another great accomplishment to their memories. Thank you Mr. Horak for organizing our Junior Adventure Club activities!
Employee Appreciation
We are grateful for our PTO board who keep the PTO organization going for us. We want to express our appreciation for them especially during volunteer appreciation week – April 22-26. We also appreciate all those who volunteer in any capacity in our classrooms and for future field trips. We couldn't do these things without them!
Also, please join us in recognizing our hard-working clerical staff during the week of April 22-26. Ms. Morrison – Office Manager, Mrs. Stocking – Office Assistant and Library Clerk, work closely with staff, students, and families to make their experience here the best possible and keep James Sales running smoothly.
SPYA Baseball Sign-up
FPS Board of Directors District 2 Vacancy
Franklin Pierce Schools is seeking applicants (or nominations for those that should be encouraged to apply) for Board of Directors District 2 position. District 2 consists mainly of the Elmhurst, Brookdale elementary areas as well as significant parts of Keithley Middle School and Washington High School.
Applicants are encouraged www.fpschools.org/boardvacancy to learn more and must apply by Friday, April 19 at 4pm. We hope that you will consider this opportunity or share this opportunity with someone you believe would be interested in supporting our schools and community in this way!
Free Developmental Screening For Children 3-5 Years Old
Hewins Early Learning Center Enrollment
Tutoring at PLU
Parkland Literacy Center
Before and After School Care with Right at School
James Sales hosts a before and after school care program on-site for our students this year. The care is provided by Right at School. Right at School provides a safe environment to learn, to play, and to grow. Click here for more information and to register.
Franklin Pierce Schools has a resource center for our families. You will find information and help for all sorts of situations and needs - food, diapers, formula, community referrals, and more. Click here to access the Family Resource Center website.
Nutrition Services
Volunteers
Join the James Sales PTO!
Because we are a PTO, not a PTA, we are able to put 100% of our membership dues right back into our school! We provide classroom enrichment, and raise funds to provide our students and staff with items and activities not funded by the district. Volunteering and attending meetings is encouraged, but not required. A family membership (for adults living in the same household) is $10.00. PTO membership forms are in the office. Cash or checks are accepted. Make checks to James Sales PTO.
Franklin Pierce Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to Brandy Marshall, Compliance Coordinator for State and Civil Rights Laws; Wendy Malich, Title IX Officer; or John Sander, 504/ADA Coordinator at 315 129th ST S, Tacoma, WA 98444-5099 or at (253)298-3000. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to Human Resources.