It's been an amazing start to the school year! Our teachers and staff worked tirelessly to ensure that students had a positive start to the school year. We're so grateful to them. We've enjoyed smiles and laughter as our Catena Colts acclimated to new classroom communities and learned what's expected. Getting to know one another (again) allowed us to experience so much joy here in the school building over these opening days. With the first full week of school behind us we're "kind" of excited to see what's next. Together, we can do amazing things Catena!

We are grateful we had the opportunity to see so many parents at Back to School Night last evening. We take pride in our school community and value the relationship between home and school. Hopefully you all feel a bit more connected. Families and teachers alike play critical roles in the education of our students. We invite and encourage families to get involved right from the start.

We hope you will join us in committing to a partnership where our goal is always what is best for students and our school community--every child, every day. Together we will continue to work toward the mission of JJCS: In cooperation with dedicated staff, parents and students we establish high expectations that enhance self esteem, develop creativity and individuality, build responsibility for self and others, accentuate respect, inspire thought and optimize each child’s potential.

TEAM Catena, we're "kind" of excited for what's to come in 2023-2024!

Don't hesitate to contact us directly with any questions or concerns. We're always here to support your family.

Warmly,

Ms. Shaw & Mrs. Fern

In a world where you can be anything, be KIND

See below for more information about PBS and how you can support our school !

Donate to the PBS School Store here. How much cash has your Catena Colt earned?

Do you ever struggle to get an answer from your child about their day? As parents, we don’t have windows into classrooms so we are often relying on one word answers and shoulder shrugs. Our children are adults now and we are still trying to figure this out!

Here are few alternatives to asking “how was your day”. This is a win-win for our Catena school community as these examples will also help to reinforce our PBS language and expectations for being respectful, responsible, safe, and kind.

**Please do not send students to school in Crocs!**

The school dress code guidelines include:

1. Sleeveless shirts are permitted as long as they extend to the shoulder. Tank tops, tube tops, crop tops, belly shirts and halter tops, including “spaghetti” straps are not permitted.

2. Tasteful shorts (for students only) are permitted during the school hours.

3. Dresses, skirts and shorts shall be a length of at least mid-thigh (finger-tip length).

4. Graphics or text on apparel that state or suggest obscene or offensive messages are prohibited.

5. Students are not permitted to wear hats in the building; however, they may bring them to school to wear during outside activities. Other inappropriate head coverings such as bandanas, sweatbands, caps, do-rags and any other headwear deemed inappropriate are not to be worn during the school day or school functions, except for medical and/or religious purposes, and/or as approved by a staff member.

6. Flip-flops, open backed, open toed or platform sandals and Crocs are not considered acceptable footwear for active outside play, and a student will be asked to sit out. In addition, “Heelys” or sneakers with wheels are not considered appropriate footwear for school.

***If a student’s dress is deemed inappropriate while attending the school day or other school related events, the parent or guardian will be contacted to bring their child a change of clothes.

**Honoraria Drop Off & Pick Up**

It is important that there is only one line of traffic for drop off and pick up. Please do not park along the grass where there are orange cones and cross the driveway with your children. We ask that families park and walk up if not waiting along the sidewalk closest to the school building. Thank you for your cooperation going forward.

*Students should not exit the car in the morning drop-off line until staff are present to receive them, at 8:45am. Thank you for helping us to ensure the safety of all of our Catena Colts*

*If you are expecting someone to take your "car rider" home, please be sure they are on your contact list in Genesis and email your child's teacher & the office.*

Parents should be sure their Mealtime Online accounts are set up for students. See the attached letter for steps in doing so. Menus are posted to the district and school websites.

When students are given money to purchase snack, we ask that parents discuss the number and type of snacks students are permitted to select. While staff encourage students to make responsible choices, it is not possible for us to monitor all of their purchases. So, for example, if you do not want your child to purchase multiple snacks on one day please set this expectation with them at home.