Jackson eNews

Hello Jackson Families!

It was wonderful to see so many of our families at the grade level information nights! For our families who were not able to attend these informational meetings, we have included links to the presentations in the eNews (see below).

This Friday, September 1, we have our first Spirit Assembly of the school year and we are ready to "raise the roof!" We are feeling the excitement of this new instructional year as we move past the first few weeks of getting acquainted and learning procedures. Our MAP testing results are helping our teachers form the perfect educational plan for each child and we are ready to groove!

September 1 is also the kick-off of our Jaguar of the Month Program. Jaguar of the Month is a student reward program (students grades K-5 only) that incorporates character traits from the website/program CharacterStrong. This program has proven to be very effective at Jackson and we are excited to participate again this year. The character trait for September is Respect. Teachers will be discussing the trait in class and watching for Jaguars that exhibit respect throughout the month of September. Students will be recognized monthly for their efforts. For more information regarding this program, please see Counselor's Corner below. We are looking forward to seeing some respectful students during September!

Our Jackson PTA has some exciting things happening now too! Don't miss the chance to order this year's Jackson Spiritwear--the deadline is this Friday, September 1. Please see the Jackson PTA section of the eNews below for the Spiritwear Order Form (can be returned to school on Tuesday, 9/5) and online ordering information. While you are purchasing your Spiritwear, don't forget to order some Mabel's Labels to keep your family organized! If you haven't already done so, please take this opportunity to join our amazing PTA. Your PTA membership helps to provide programs such as: field trips, Field Day refreshments and games, Book Fairs, school supplies, author visits and other enrichment programs for our students. By supporting our PTA, you are giving back to the students at Jackson.

Monday, September 4, is a student/teacher holiday and Jackson will be closed. We hope you and your family enjoy the long weekend. Be safe and stay cool!

Thank you!

Crystal Roach, Ed.D

Principal

Jackson Elementary School

SEPTEMBER 2023

• Friday, September 1 - Spirit Assembly (K-5), 2:05 pm
• Monday, September 4 - Student/Teacher Holiday - NO SCHOOL!
• Monday, September 11 - Progress Reports
• Tuesday, September 12 - Fall Pictures
• 9/19 - 9/29: CogAT Testing Window, 1st, 3rd, 5th grades
• Thursday, September 21 - STEM Night, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, September 21 - PTA General Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Click HERE for 2023-24 PISD Calendar

Kinder Information Night 2023
Video - A Day in the Life of a Kindergartener at Jackson Elementary

1st Grade Parent Information Night Presentation - English

1st Grade Parent Information Night Presentation - Spanish

2nd Grade Parent Information Night Presentation - English

2nd Grade Parent Information Night Presentation - Spanish

3rd Grade Parent Information Night Presentation – English

3rd Grade Parent Information Night Presentation - Spanish

4th Grade Parent Information Night Presentation – English

4th Grade Parent Information Night Presentation – Spanish

5th Grade Parent Information Night Presentation – English

5th Grade Parent Information Night Presentation – Spanish

Jackson Elementary will be utilizing Seesaw to communicate with our families this year. Please watch for an invitation link or QR code from your child's teacher.

Tuesday, September 12, is Fall picture day! Order forms are being sent home this week. You can also order online at mylifetouch.com using our Picture Day ID - EVT7SPMG3

Dress nicely and wear your best smile!

¡El martes 12 de septiembre es el día de las fotografías de otoño! Los formularios de pedido se enviarán a casa esta semana. También puede realizar pedidos en línea en mylifetouch.com utilizando nuestro ID del día de la foto: EVT7SPMG3.

¡Vístete bien y luce tu mejor sonrisa!

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Spring 2023 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Grades 3-8 results will be available for Plano ISD students beginning August 16. For more details about the STAAR and how to access your student's results, please click the link for the parent letter below.

Parent Communication - Spring 2023 STAAR Results - English

Parent Communication - Spring 2023 STAAR Results _Spanish

Classroom Lessons

Welcome to the Counselors’ Corner! We will use this section of the eNews to inform you all of topics we will be covering in our Counselor lessons and any other important or useful information! Students come with their class to the counselor bi-weekly to receive lessons. We absolutely love this time with them!

For our very first lesson, the weeks of 08/28 and 09/05, we will be focusing on the Role of the Counselor! During these lessons, students will learn the roles and responsibilities of the school counselor. We will discuss how school counselors teach students about feelings, friendships, conflict resolution, coping skills, careers, stress, goal-setting, and so much more! Students will learn how school counselors help to create an atmosphere for respect and safety, guide students to be successful in the way that is best for them, and help students with tough feelings or situations. Students will also learn how they can meet with the counselor if ever needed!

Jaguar of the Month Program

Jaguar of the Month is a student reward program (Grades K-5) that incorporates character traits from the program, CharacterStrong. A new character trait is introduced every month and students will engage in classroom discussions and activities to reinforce the trait. At the end of the month, each teacher will identify a student who consistently demonstrated the targeted trait. These students will be recognized on JagTube, receive a certificate, wristband, and a Jackson Jaguar pencil. Grade level group photos will be displayed on the bulletin board near the front office AND Jaguars of the Month will attend a popsicle party with Dr. Roach, our principal!

We’re excited to kick off the new school year by talking about Kindness! Our definition of Kindness is acting with understanding, generosity, and care. We believe developing skills around Kindness will help us build a strong foundation for a great year of learning, connecting, and growing together. Be sure to check out the CharacterStrong Family Letter that was sent home with your student for more information about PurposeFull People and some fun ways you can join us in kicking off our most kind year yet! Monthly Family Newsletters will be sent home that outline the CharacterStrong skills students are learning in class and provide fun ideas to grow as a family at home.

We hope you find this Counselors’ Corner helpful! Please never hesitate to reach out for anything! We are always here to support you and your students!

Thank you!

Michelle Hardy (Grades PK, 1, 3, 5)

Michelle.hardy@pisd.edu

(469) 752-2115

Nicole Sollie (Grades K, 2, 4)

Nicole.sollie@pisd.edu

(469) 752-2116

Welcome back to school! I wanted to share the Back to School Checklist below and a few reminders on ways we can keep our students healthy all year.

Back-to-School Checklist

• All controlled substances must be brought in by the parent or guardian.
• Advise the nurse of your child's health concerns.

• Make sure all immunizations are up-to-date.
• Complete and return all required medical paperwork.
• Review hygiene tips to prevent the spread of infection.
• Establish a bedtime and wake-up routine to ensure adequate and consistent sleep.
• Develop a routine for homework and after school activities.
• Eat breakfast every morning. Do not forget to send a snack and water bottle.
• Help make appropriate clothing choices (for example, wear safe and comfortable shoes).

Talk to your children about covering their mouths with a tissue when they cough or sneeze. We encourage coughing and sneezing into our elbows at school.

When should you keep your child home from school?

• If your child has a temperature over 100 degrees, keep them home until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication.
• If your child is vomiting or having diarrhea, they should remain home until they are symptom free for 24 hours without the use of medication and they are able to successfully eat 2 meals.
• If you do not think your child is sick, but may be acting a little "off", please let me and the teacher know. Once I am aware, I will be able to more closely monitor your child throughout the day.

Let's make this a safe and healthy school year!

Thank you,

Jill Wheeler, Nurse

Jackson Elementary

Plano Academic and Creative Education (PACE) is a program for students who require academically gifted enrichment services and have demonstrated the need for advanced, differentiated instruction. PACE at the elementary level is a weekly pull-out program that removes students from the general education classroom to work under the guidance of a gifted specialist. If you have a child you believe may need PACE services, please click on the links below for more information, or contact Jackson’s Advanced Academics/PACE Specialist: Betty Fancher at Betty.fancher@pisd.edu.

PACE Program - English

PACE Program - Spanish

PISD PACE Website

K-5 PACE Referrals are due online by October 20, 2023, at 5:00 PM

In partnership with the City of Plano, it's time for the 2023 Fire Prevention Poster Contest! The purpose of this contest is to help children become aware of fire safety practices, to provide motivation for this awareness, and to promote application of these practices in real-life situations. This year's theme is “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention”

Posters are due at school on Wednesday, October 4. Please click on the link below for contest rules and entry form.

2023 Fire Prevention Poster Contest - English and Spanish Flyers

If you missed ordering EPI school supply packs or just love the excitement of back-to-school shopping and the Texas Sales Tax Holiday, click on the link below for a list of Jackson's teacher-preferred school supplies by grade level.

2023-2024 Jackson Elementary School Supply List_All Grades

2023-2024 Jackson Elementary School Supply List_All Grades_Spanish

Hi Jackson Families!
Don't miss your chance to order 2023-2024 Jackson Spiritwear! The deadline is this Friday, September 1. There are two ways to order:

1. Fill out and send in the paper order form (can be returned to school on Tuesday, 9/5)

OR

2. Order your Spiritwear online at https://jackson23.itemorder.com/

Please forward this email to any family or friends you think would like to help support Jackson Elementary and show their School Spirit!

Once this sale ends, it’s over and you will NOT be able to order again this year. Order TODAY!

Thank you & have a great day!

Jackson PTA

We are excited to announce that PTA is partnering again with Mabel's Labels for our first fundraiser of the 2023-2024 school year! You can purchase personalized labels, name stamps, tags and more to label clothing, school supplies, backpacks, lunch containers, water bottles, etc. What a great way to get everyone in your house organized and help your student keep track of their belongings! The best thing---20% of all purchases will come straight back to Jackson! Please see the flyer below for more details.

Whether giving of your time, your resources, or just providing a little encouragement to those in our Jackson Community, we LOVE our volunteers!

Jackson teachers and staff are looking for family volunteers to help during all Jackson lunch and recess periods. Beginning this school year, Plano ISD is requiring Cafeteria doors to remain locked during all lunch periods. This means a staff member has to supervise the cafeteria doors for students needing to step out for water or restroom breaks.

Your help will allow us to provide enough supervision to keep our students safe! Volunteer time slots are in 30 minute to 1 hour increments. Volunteers have the opportunity to monitor students for a 30 minute lunch and/or a 30 minute recess. While volunteering, you will not be able to eat with the children, but you will likely be helping with opening food/drink items & assisting in the lunch line.

All volunteers will need to create an account and complete an application, online orientation and background check through the Plano ISD volunteer management system, VOLY, to be eligible for district/school volunteer opportunities. Please visit plano.voly.org to create a volunteer account and begin this process. These items will need to be completed by volunteers each school year.

An email will be sent to the volunteer applicant communicating the status of their application and criminal history search within 3-5 business days of completing these steps. Volunteer approval status can also be viewed by the volunteer by logging into their account. Volunteers will need to complete the online orientation as well to be eligible to volunteer.

Once approved through VOLY, please sign-up at the link below.

2023 - 2024 Lunch Duty Volunteer signup:

We greatly appreciate your willingness to invest your time and efforts into supporting Jackson students, families and staff.

Thank you,

Brenda Arcibar

VP of Volunteers

Jackson Elementary PTA

Hello Jackson Families,

Support our students by joining the Jackson PTA! Your PTA membership helps to provide various programs such as: field trips, Bookfairs, school supplies, author visits and other educational programs for next year. We can't do this without your support! Please visit our website to become a member of the Jackson PTA.

The Jackson PTA website is also a great resource for you to find out about updated PISD, Jackson, and PTA events on the calendar, find ongoing and new volunteer opportunities, how you can help raise money for Jackson, and much more! Visit www.jacksonpta.com to explore our site!

Be sure you are also following us on social media for reminders of upcoming events! We are on Facebook "Jackson Elementary School PTA" and Instagram at "ptajacksonelem."

Thank you!

Your Jackson PTA Executive Board

You can also support our PTA by bringing any household donations (clothes, shoes, etc.) to the donation bin in the back parking lot. You will be helping our PTA and the environment by recycling!

The City of Plano Police School Crossing Guard Program is seeking 2 crossing guards for the Jackson attendance zone--one at Jackson/Jamar and one at Jackson/Forester. Please see the details of the flyer below if you are interested in learning more or would like to apply.

Plano ISD participates in the federal meal program, which provides free and reduced-price meals to students who qualify. Families who may qualify for meal benefits should complete a meal application for the 2023-2024 school year, available through Parent Portal or via the website at www.pisd.edu/mealprogram.

Families who already have a SchoolCafé account can sign in to complete the meal application. Families who do not have an account can create a new one by selecting that option on the SchoolCafé page. View this SchoolCafé information video for instructions on how to complete the meal application.

Applications will be processed within 10 business days. Eligibility notification letters will be sent via email. If you have not received the letter in your inbox, please check your junk and spam folders.

Plano ISD has unveiled the District's theme for the 2023-2024 school year--Level Up! This year's theme is meant to advance our future by spurring students on to greater heights. Just as in Super Mario Brothers, Pac-Man, The Legend of Zelda, The Sims, Minecraft, etc., leveling up means dreaming big, forging new paths, and using innovation to achieve at the highest levels. Below is a teaser video for the new 2023-24 theme! Our staff is already busy planning new ways to engage our students in the upcoming school year!

Make Sure Your Communication Preferences Are Up To Date!

Visit www.pisd.edu/schoolmessenger to choose how you prefer to receive communications from Jackson and Plano ISD.

Website: http://pisd.edu/jackson
Location: 1101 Jackson Drive, Plano, TX, United States
Phone: 469-752-2100
Twitter: @JacksonPlano