Jefferson Press
February 2020
Principal News
February 2020 Newsletter
In the education world, January and February are probably our most productive months. Students and teachers hunker down, routines become paramount and learning really soars. We test in reading and math to help us set new trajectories for individual student learning and place students in targeted groupings to ensure that their knowledge is being extended. I am proud of our staff at Jefferson and am confident that we address all student growth effectively. As for our character traits, in January, we focused on Positive Attitude and in February we focus on compassion. Our definition of compassion is basically to “feel others pain” and we address this with our Tool Box “Empathy” tool. Our goal is to help students understand that life is full of ups and downs but we always have a choice in how we respond to those times.
We are especially proud of our Kindergarten through Third Grade classrooms. For the first time in decades, we at Jefferson now have over 70% of our students reading at a proficient level. This is a HUGE feat and one that we are all very proud of. Jefferson is now firmly established in the middle of all Boise Elementary school and even performed better than many non Title One schools. Our community rocks and we are capable of great things
January is the month for “New Years Resolutions” and I know that many of our resolutions have already deteriorated if not disappeared! :) This Love and Logic Center thought made me feel a little better and I hope it speaks to you as well.
Many of us do it every year. We make a firm decision to turn over a new leaf. We are going to cut junk food, cut carbs, cut spending… you know the deal.
And, if you’re like me, you resolve to ‘be a better parent’ and cut down on yelling at your kids. Maybe increase the quality time you spend with them?
I’m always amazed how packed the gym is just after New Year’s Day. But you know how it goes: after a few weeks, the crowd is mostly gone and it’s back to the same dedicated souls.
I’m so hoping that is not me this year! With the kid stuff, I mean (the gym is a lost cause). But it usually is. I joke that I speak all over the country, teaching people how NOT to yell at kids – and then I go home and yell at my kids. Embarrassing.
The hard reality is that we will never be perfect. Personally, I will never even be close. I can accept that but I don’t want to be one of those people who flakes on my commitment after just a short period of being fired up. I don’t want to lose hope.
So, how can we take good care of ourselves in this area and not feel guilty when the inevitable ‘skill slippage’ occurs?
One thing that has helped me is to remember that Love and Logic is a very forgiving philosophy. Kids make mistakes, they take responsibility, they learn and we all move on – often in relatively short order. It is essential that we show that same grace with ourselves. The way we look forward, not backward and avoid dwelling, beating up and ‘I-told-you-so’, can be a wonderful way to treat ourselves. Just as we don’t want to dwell on our kids’ worst moments, we can let go of ours and focus on doing better going forward.
We are going to blow it at times. We are going to forget to use our skills in the heat of the moment. We are going to say things in very unloving and illogical ways. It’s just reality.
In those times, we need to give ourselves a break. We need to remind ourselves that modeling our human imperfection is part of raising great kids. We need to breathe and start again with a positive and hopeful attitude.
Remember:
The most wonderful human beings you know were raised by imperfect parents!
Jefferson Inclement Weather Reminders
- Please use the crosswalk on Latah and the crosswalk in the parking lot. With so many cars and buses, we have crossing guards set up at those 2 locations to help with safety.
- Company provided crossing guards at the corner of Latah and Rosehill along with Roosevelt and Rosehill
- Drop off - especially with the colder temperatures, try not to have your kids here until maybe 8:30 am. Bus students will still get here based on their time schedule.
- Pick up - All students need to be picked up by 3:30 pm.
Weather Reminders
The district looks at a 20 degree mark on whether the students are inside or outside. Therefore, even at a chilly 30 degrees, the students are outside in the morning and at recess times. Please make sure they are dressed appropriately.
Rain: If it is pouring rain - the students will be inside. If it is a sprinkle - the students will be outside.
Snow: If it is just snowing - the students will be outside as long as it is above 20 degrees.
Mindful Jefferson
Check out this great article from our Counselor.
https://www.mindful.org/7-things-mindful-families-do-differently/
Kindergarten Registration in March
Must be 5 years old by September 1, 2020.
Complete the Online Registration NOW in order to save time on registration night.
Go to the district web site.... www.boiseschools.org---> Our District---> How to Enroll. You will find the Online Enrollment link and the 2020-21 Kindergarten Registration link on that page.
Laptops will be available that night at Jefferson for those that do not have internet access at home. You can upload the documents to your online registration or we will make the photo copies and have any other forms available that night. We will also be processing registration up to 5:30, since we know many of you might work, but please try to be here early so you have time to complete registration and are not rushed.
We look forward to meeting all of you that night.
Jefferson Reading Night - make sure to put on your calendar
Jefferson Bingo could use your help
We are starting to collect craft items, gently used toys, business items, and such.
If you need to clean out the closet, have a great crafty talent you would like to make something, own a business and would like to donate gift cards or items, etc. you can start thinking about things and drop them off at Jefferson any time. We will need prize items for all (boys, girls, men, and women)
We also will be hoping for donations of baked goods and soda to be able to sell that night as well so get your baking hats ready and have some fun.
Bingo Night is scheduled for Friday, April 17th
6th Grade Year Book Orders
PTA is working on yearbooks for the 6th graders.
Please click on this link for details.
Pre-orders are due Monday, March 2nd.
Read Across America Week, March 2 - March 6
We will be celebrating reading this week. If you would like to come in and read to your students class or know of someone (maybe a celebrity) that you could invite to read with your students class, please contact your students teacher to schedule a time.
Fliers will be sent home to let you know about the activities for that week.