Jim Falls Elementary
March 2024
Dear Jim Falls Families
Spring is on the horizon, and with it comes a sense of renewal and excitement. The various "spring-like" activities planned at our school serve as gentle reminders that warmer days and new adventures are just around the corner. One sure sure sign of spring is our upcoming week of spring break. CFAUSD will have spring break March 11-15. Please take time to enjoy families and friends during this time off from school.
Along with the excitement of spring break comes the anticipation of the Forward Exam state test. Students in grades 3-5 will participate in state testing. State tests are only one way to measure academic achievement. We combine the results of the state tests with our local school measures to create a more complete view of a student's academic growth.
Our testing will begin on April 3rd with 3rd & 4th Grade (see WI Forward Exam section below for more specific dates and information). It is important for students to attend during their testing period so that students feel confident and can do their best work. In addition, during the month of March teachers will be working with students to get them used to the formatting of the state test so that students feel confident in using the tools and technology on testing day.
We look forward to seeing families at Parent Teacher conferences on Tuesday, March 5 and Thursday, March 7. During our Parent Teacher conferences a school board representative will be available on both nights to share information about the upcoming referendum. Your continued support and partnership in your child's education are deeply appreciated, and we look forward to reinforcing our connections during these conferences.
Proud to be a Jim Falls Soaring Eagle,
Mrs. Janet Goodman
If you missed our most recent weekly updates please check them out here:
WI Forward
Families of 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Students:
Wisconsin students in Grades 3-5 will be participating in the Forward Exam assessment during the spring testing window. The Forward Exam assesses students in the areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.
Please click HERE to see your child's testing schedule.
One or more subjects and subtests may be administered daily during the identified testing dates listed in the linked document above. It is very important that your son or daughter be in school during this time. Students not in school on the scheduled testing days will be scheduled for a make-up test prior to close of the testing window.
Attached is an Informational Brochure for Families which gives more information about the assessment including its purpose, what scores will be provided, and how the scores will be used.
If you have any questions, please contact me at goodmaje@chipfalls.org
Schedule & Important Dates
Elementary schedule for 2023-2024:
Start of Day:
- Student Drop Off Begins: 7:20 am
- Student Day Begins: 7:43 am
- Breakfast Served: 7:30 - 7:43 am
- Students arriving after 7:43 am will be marked tardy
End of Day:
- Bus Dismissal - 2:35 pm
- Students getting picked up will be dismissed after busses have left school grounds
Important Dates
March
- 4th - PTO Meeting 6pm (School Board Referendum Presentation during the PTO meeting)
5th & 7th - Parent/Teacher Conferences
11th - 15th - No School
29th - No School
April
1st - No School (staff work day)
May
2nd - 5th Grade Music Concert
16th - KG Spring Sing-A-Long
27th - No School
28th - Anson Park Day
29th - Yearbook Signing Day & Last Day of School
There has been a change in the last day of school for elementary students. The new last day will be on May 29, 2024, instead of the previously scheduled May 30, 2024. Please note that this change is only for our K-5 students. 4K, MS, and HS students will still have school on May 30th.
This adjustment is necessary to provide teachers with dedicated time to begin training as mandated by the state under Act 20 for all public schools. Act 20 initiates a statewide adherence to science-based early literacy instruction to address low reading proficiency across the state.
Your partnership and support in allowing this time for our educators to focus on enhancing their skills in the area of literacy are highly appreciated. We know that the benefits of this training will contribute positively to the learning experience of our students.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.
Dress Up Days
Reminders
Notes from the Office
If your child is going to be absent or tardy for any reason, please call the office by 8:00 am Instructional time starts at 7:43 am. Any student who arrives after 7:43 am is considered tardy.
If you need to change your child's transportation for the end of the day, please send a note to your child's teacher. Phone calls are discouraged but if a change needs to be called in, PLEASE call the office by 1:30 pm to insure that the message gets delivered to the classroom.
If you need to pick your child up early, please check in at the office. Parents will need to sign their child(ren) out and then we will call your child down to the office. Students will not be waiting in the office so make sure to give yourself enough time prior to appointments.
BUS TRANSPORTATION CHANGES
All student rerouting requests will originate at Chippewa Yellow Bus Company. Student rerouting requests require a 24 hour notice and approval by the bus company. This includes one time and/or occasional rerouting requests. Please call 715-726-2454 if you have any questions or concerns. Please click here for more information regarding rerouting requests.
If a student's afternoon transportation plans vary week to week, please provide the teacher, the office, and the bus company a monthly calendar to insure that your child gets to their intended location.
Handle with Care
As always we are a TEAM and we want to help your child thrive in our Jim Falls family.
Weekends Kids Meals
The Jim Falls Community Food Pantry has been providing food assistance to the families of the Jim Falls school for over 15 years. One of the services we provide is "Weekend Kids Meals." Each Friday, we make available an assortment of non-perishable healthy food products geared toward the children to send home with them for the weekend. If this is something you would like to participate in, please enter your information here.
Medical Absences
Food Service Payments and Menus
Payments can be made on the Infinite Campus portal under the food service tab. The free and reduced lunch application is also located on your Infinite Campus parent portal by selecting "more" then "meal benefits". Here is a list of the CFAUSD Meal Prices.
Classroom Treats
The health office requests that any treats brought in to school for birthdays, parties, or any other special occasions should be store bought with a clear nutrition label.
There are certain students and staff members with health conditions that may require certain dietary accommodations and it's important that they are able to review a food's nutrition label before choosing to omit or consume certain foods.
Please also be mindful about choosing treats that may contain tree nuts and/or peanuts for your student's classroom. There may be other students in your child's classroom who may have a severe nut allergy. If you are wondering whether your child is in a nut free classroom, please inquire with your student's classroom teacher or the school's health office.
HIGH SCHOOL GAME ATTENDANCE RULE
The Chippewa Falls High School would like to remind you of our game attendance rule.
In order to enter any high school game/event, all middle school and elementary students must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
Thank you for helping all of our fans stay safe at our home sporting events!
Chiropractic Care at school
We have luckily had a very mild winter so far this year, but we still may have spent more time indoors than we do in the warmer months.
Being outside in the fresh air is SO GOOD for everybody! It energizes our bodies, boosts our mood, improves our immune system, increases vitamin D levels, improves sleep, and reduces stress.
Paired with outdoor time, healthy food and restful sleep, chiropractic may be the piece you’re missing in your child’s health care. Email us at onsitechiroinfo@gmail.com for more information.
Online Yearbook Orders
Place your order now! Please use this Strawbridge link to order a 23-24 Jim Falls Yearbook. Ordering deadline is March 15th! Cost is $10 however they do charge $1.99 credit card processing fee for online orders. Paper order forms will be sent home soon if you would like to order using cash or check.
February Attendance Winners!
In order to encourage healthy and well students to attend school each day, Jim Falls Elementary will have a monthly drawing for a $20 Kwik Trip gift card or a Free Culver's Kids Meal. All students who have no unexcused tardies or unexcused absences will be entered into the monthly drawing.
February Winners: Jase, Sawyer, Jaxson, Maxwell, and Eva.
SEB (Social/Emotional Behavior Focus)
Happy spring! This month in SEB, we will continue to focus on the message in "Oh the Places You'll Go" and will complete an activity with our guidance counselors to go with it. We have worked very hard school-wide on having positive behaviors and it shows in our school environment and when we are on field trips. Keep up the great work, Jim Falls!
February SOARing Eagles
The students below showed exemplary leadership in the areas of safety, offering kindness, acting responsibility, and respecting others! They truly SOAR!
Jim Falls SOARing Eagles are honored with a special lunch in the SOARing with Kindess Cafe, their pictures are displayed on the hallway bulletin board and on the hallway TV, and they also receive a Jim Falls SOARing Eagles pin and certificate. Thank you for being great role models!
News from Nurse Caitlin
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As we enter the peak season for illnesses, I wanted to take a moment to remind you of
some important steps you can take to help prevent the spread of illness among our
students. As the school nurse, ensuring the health and well-being of our students is my
top priority, and your partnership in this effort is invaluable.
1. Hand Hygiene: Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently with soap
and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the
restroom, and after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available,
alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a good alternative.
2. Respiratory Hygiene: Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose with a
tissue or their elbow when they cough or sneeze. Discourage them from using
their hands, as this can spread germs. Proper disposal of used tissues is also
essential.
3. Stay Home When Sick: If your child is experiencing symptoms such as fever,
cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue, or vomiting, please
keep them home from school. Returning to school too soon can prolong illness
and increase the risk of spreading it to others.
4. Rest and Hydration: Ensure your child gets plenty of rest and stays hydrated, as
these are crucial for supporting the immune system and aiding in recovery from
illness.
5. Healthy Habits: Encourage your child to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating
nutritious foods, getting regular exercise, and managing stress. A healthy body is
better equipped to fight off infections.
6. Vaccinations: Ensure your child is up to date on all recommended vaccinations.
Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious
diseases.
7. Clean and Disinfect: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
at home, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and electronic devices.
By following these simple steps, we can work together to create a healthier environment
for our students and reduce the risk of illness spreading throughout our school
community. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued support.
Sincerely,
Caitlin Maranell BSN, RN
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District
District Wide Registered Nurse
715-738-2660 ext. 3543
POISON PREVENTION AND TREATMENT TIPS
March 17 – 23 is Poison Prevention Week. Over 2 million potential poisonings are reported in the U.S. every year, with over 90% of these occurring in the home and the majority of them being young children. The majority of poisonings that occur in the home are accidental. Among children, these things often can cause poisonings:
Medicines
Pain killers
Household cleaners
Hydrocarbons (such as lamp oil, kerosene, gasoline, lighter fluid)
Plants
While children younger than 6 years old make up a larger percentage of cases, poisoning can affect all age groups-infants to seniors.
Ways to prevent accidental poisoning:
Store medicine, cleaners, paints/varnishes and pesticides in their original packaging in locked cabinets or containers, out of sight and reach of children
Install a safety latch that locks when you close the door on child accessible cabinets containing harmful products
Purchase and keep all medicines in containers with safety caps. Discard unused or expired medication
Check the label each time you give a child medicine to ensure proper dose
Never tell a child that medicine tastes like candy
Never place poisonous products in food or drink containers
Keep coal, wood, or kerosene stoves in safe working order
Maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Treatment
If your child is unconscious, not breathing or having seizures due to poison contact or ingestion, call 911. If your child has come in contact with poison and has mild or no symptoms, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222
Immediate treatment tips:
Swallowed poison: Remove anything remaining in the child’s mouth. If the suspected poison is a household cleaner or other chemical, read the container’s label and follow instructions for accidental poisoning.
Poison on the skin: Remove any contaminated clothing using gloves. Rinse the skin for 15-20 minutes in a shower or with a hose.
Poison in the eye: Gently flush the eye with cool or lukewarm water for 20 minutes or until help arrives.
Inhaled Poison: Take the child outside into fresh air immediately. If the child has stopped breathing, start CPR and do not stop until the child breathes or help arrives.
**If the child vomits, turn their head to the side to prevent choking**
Jim Falls PTO
Information from the Technology Dept
Empowering Digital Citizens: Essential Tips for Kids' Online Safety
In today's digital age, the internet is a vital part of a child's life, whether they're at school, home, or anywhere else. While internet-connected devices can enhance learning and social interactions, they also pose risks that concern both parents and educators.
Protecting children from online dangers such as inappropriate content and contact is crucial. But when should we start teaching them about security awareness?
Ideally, children should be introduced to these concepts as soon as they begin using the internet, even under supervision. With children spending an average of four to six hours daily on screens by the age of eight, and more than half of teenagers dedicating at least four hours a day to social media, the need for early education on online safety is evident.
Who takes on the responsibility of educating children about online security? Initially, parents or guardians play a significant role, followed by educators once children enter school. However, not all adults are proficient in security awareness, making it essential to know where to begin.
Keatron Evans from Infosec suggests tailoring security education based on age groups:
For grade school children: Establishing good habits like not sharing personal information and being cautious with links and downloads.
For middle school children: Teaching them to separate school and personal accounts, and educating them about email safety and phishing attempts.
For teenagers: Focusing on privacy settings, using unique login credentials, and implementing multi-factor authentication.
Parents play a crucial role in fostering security awareness in their children. Numerous resources, such as cybersecurity-themed books and educational videos, are available to aid parents in this endeavor. Additionally, parental control features in apps can be effective for younger children, although older ones may find ways to bypass them.
Modeling good security behavior is essential, as children often mimic the actions of those around them. Ultimately, both parents and educators must work together to equip children with the skills and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely.
By instilling security awareness in kids, we empower them to take control of their online privacy and security. For additional resources, visit Infosec’s Security Awareness and Training Resource Center or Common Sense Media’s Parenting, Media, and Everything in Between website.
Information taken from "Security Awareness for Kids: Tips for Safe Internet Use" (Video)
Kindergarten Registration
The public elementary schools in Chippewa Falls are beginning to plan for kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year.
Students who presently attend one of the Chippewa Falls School District’s 4-year-old Kindergarten programs do not need to re-enroll. Students are automatically enrolled in Kindergarten. More information will be provided from your child’s elementary school about Kindergarten registration and how to update information into Infinite Campus.
Children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2024, and who will be entering Kindergarten in the Chippewa Falls School District for the 2024-2025 school year, and are not enrolled in the Chippewa Falls 4-year old Kindergarten program, need to enroll. Those students who attended a 4K program in the 2022-23 school year, but were not in school this past year will need to enroll as well.
To enroll your child, please visit the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District website. If you do not have internet access, please contact Tami at (715) 720-1850 or visit the Administration Office located at 1130 Miles Street, Chippewa Falls, WI. You may also visit your child’s elementary school for assistance in registering.
CFAUSD Summer Programming Guides
Useful Links
Elementary Student/Parent Handbook
Strengthening Families Program
The Cardinal Feeder Newsletter
Winter/Spring Community Education Brochure
Cardinal Community Learning Center
Facilities Calendar & Information
Community Education Jan-May 2024
Annual Notice of Special education Referral and Evaluation Procedures
District Mission Statement
“Together with students, families, and our community; we inspire, support, and learn.”
District Notice
Upon request to the building administrator, submitted twenty-four (24) hours in advance, the District shall make reasonable accommodation including the provision of informational material in an alternative format as necessary for a disabled person to be able to participate select activities
Jim Falls Elementary
Email: wilsonsm@chipfalls.org
Website: https://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/jimfalls/
Location: 13643 198th Street, Jim Falls, WI, USA
Phone: 715-720-3260