TJ's February Newsletter
Together We Have the Power To Do This! WE are TJ STRONG
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Principal Message:
TJ Families:
I cannot believe February is right around the corner. This past week, we recognized how great our students are doing with meeting our expectations by holding a "Movie Day". On January 27th, the classrooms watched different age-appropriate movies depending on their grade level in their classrooms. The movie day was part of our Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) all school celebration.
In past years, these monthly celebrations would have occurred with everyone in the school coming together for a special event. Unfortunately, with the safety precautions put in place, we will not be planning events like that this school year. However, whether it is a PBIS celebration, Halloween or Valentine's Day parties or some other event, we are still trying to find ways to make TJ feel special.
Although helping students grow academically is our ultimate goal, we also believe in the importance of creating special activities for your children. We believe TJ continues to be a great place for students to learn and grow, and we hope you do as well. Years from now, when your children think back about their time at TJ, I am confident they will remember some of the special activities they participated in even this school year with all the restrictions.
I am very proud of the commitment the TJ staff have with making this year as normal as possible for every child at TJ.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sasso
Would You Like to Thank a Teacher or Staff Member?
Valentine's Day
World Read Aloud Day: Celebrate Reading Aloud at Home!
World Read Aloud Day is coming up on 2/3/21. Here is a link for families to check out. D15 Follett eBook Fair is open 2/2 - 2/12! Follett eBook Fair
Why is it important?
● Supports Language Development
● Encourages a love for reading
● Builds relationship development skills
How can you celebrate at home?
● Read aloud your child’s favorite story to them!
● Facetime a family member or friend who is in need of a story being read to them!
● Host a Zoom/Google Meeting and have a few family members take turns reading a part
of their favorite story! Have a discussion!
● Take a picture of your family reading together!
Tips for Reading Aloud at Home:
● Ask your child questions about the story!
● Make a list of your child’s favorite books and read them!
● Act out stories with your family!
● Listen to audiobooks!
● Make a “reading space” that promotes a relaxed and engaging environment.
School Picture Day-February 24th
More information about picture ordering and scheduling is coming soon.
Employment Opportunity - Special Education Program Assistants
Have you ever considered working for School District 15? The hours are parent friendly, benefits are included, and most importantly, the work is rewarding. Several schools including Thomas Jefferson are seeking individuals to join our Special Education Program Assistant team. Special Education Program Assistants support teachers, students, and instruction throughout the school day.
We are looking for energetic people willing to work with students with different needs. Students in our self -contained program learn and communicate in unique and special ways. The requirements for the position can be found here. Applications can be submitted via our online system. I would be happy to discuss this opportunity in greater detail with you, feel free to contact me at 847-963-5400. Thanks for considering this opportunity and we look forward to hearing from you.
Cold Weather Expectations
As a reminder, students generally go outside for recess every day, so they should be dressed appropriately. Exceptions are made only when a child brings a doctor's note excusing him/her from outdoor recess.
If it is too cold outside, we will keep the students inside the classroom for recess. Below are the guidelines our school district uses to determine if we will send the students outside.
- If the temperature outside, together with the wind chill, is below 0°F, all students will remain inside for the entire lunch hour.
- If the temperature outside, together with the wind chill, is between 0°-10°F, the preferred procedure is a rotation of 20 minutes for lunch, a 20-minute outdoor recess, and a 20-minute indoor recess. However, at the principal's discretion, students may be kept inside for the entire lunch hour.
- If the temperature outside, together with the wind chill, is above 10°F, students will have regular outdoor recess.
- Other considerations in which indoor recess is allowed include the condition of the playground and the presence of precipitation.
For indoor recess, students are supervised in their classrooms.
PTA News
Stay informed about the great things our PTA does for all the students at TJ by clicking on the links below.
Find us on Facebook @ Thomas Jefferson Elementary PTA
To see what Committees we still have open, or sign up for one CLICK HERE
To read what each committee is and does, CLICK HERE.
Reminders Regarding Some of Our School Procedures
Upcoming Events
Friday, 2/5: Kindergarten Report cards available on Infinite Campus
Tuesday, 2/9: PTA meeting @7:15pm
Wednesday, 2/10: BOE 7:00pm
Monday. 2/15: No School Presidents' Day Holiday
Wednesday, 2/17 Virtual student supply pick up
Thursday, 2/18: Kindergarten Dual Language Info Webinar (English) 6:00pm
Monday, 2/22: SPARK Meeting-Click here for more information
Tuesday, 2/23: Kindergarten Dual Language Info Webinar (Spanish) 6:00pm
Wednesday 2/24: TJ Picture Day (In person and virtual)
Friday, 2/26: Grades 1-6 Report cards available on Infinite Campus