JCUE Monday Memo
January 18, 2021
Mission and Vision Statement
The mission of Jefferson County Upper Elementary School is to provide a 21st century learning environment that produces civically, responsible scholars that are college and career ready.
The vision of Jefferson County Upper Elementary School is to foster an enthusiastic, creative community of scholars ready to influence change in the world.
Dear Families and Community Members:
Happy New Year and welcome to 2021! Virtual classes will resume on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Scholars will follow the schedule below Monday through Thursday. Official report cards were available January 14, 2021. Hard copies available upon request.
Last Names A-J
8:00 Science
9:00 Social Studies
10:00 ELA
11:00 Math
Last Names K-Z
8:00 Social Studies
9:00 Science
10:00 Math
11:00 ELA
Lunch for All- 12:00 to 12:30
12:35
A-J Log in to Health.PE
K-Z Log in to Art
OR
Complete Assignment for Computer Lab in Canvas
1:35- Last Names A-Z
iReady Reading/Math or Brainchild Intervention
Inclusion Tutorial M-Th
2:25
A-J Log in to Art
K-Z Log in to Health.PE
OR
Complete Assignment for Computer Lab in Canvas
A survey for hybrid learning enrollment will be released to parents by the end of this week. Hybrid learning will resume February 1, 2021. It is important that students attend tutorial and intervention courses. Thank you parents for all you do for the scholars of Jefferson County Upper Elementary!
Sincerely,
Principal Carter
Observance of MLK Day
Monday, Jan 18, 2021, 09:00 PM
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Teacher of the Month- Mrs. Sandy Smith, 5th Grade Math
Mrs. Sandy Smith is the 5th grade Math teacher this year at Jefferson County Upper Elementary School. She entered her twentieth year in education this school year. Mrs. Smith attributes her passion for Mathematics and educating our youth from two generations of math teachers in her family, her father and grandmother. She is a graduate of Mississippi College and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. She also has a Master's degree in Information Systems.
Student of the Month- Ms. Jaydah Ellis, 5th Grade
She enjoys reading, playing games, drawing, art and is the "queen" of TikTok. Jaydah loves fashion and watching anime. She loves animals, mostly dogs, which is why she owns fourteen of them. Her life's motto is "Believe it and I Will Achieve it." This motto drives Jaydah to put her best effort into everything she does to be successful.
STUDENT MOTIVATION: REFRAMING OUR THINKING
It’s a difficult time of year for students to conjure motivation. They’re just back to school after a long break and are staring at a long second semester. It’s cold outside, it gets dark early, and we’re in the midst of a pandemic that limits students’ ability to let off steam. Many demotivating factors are at play at this time of year — and especially this year.
Motivating students is an age-old question. In his book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, Daniel Pink interestingly explains that research has shown that extrinsic rewards aren’t as effective as we’ve been conditioned to believe. Try as we might, money, XBox consoles, iPhones, special dinners, etc., aren’t lasting motivators. Rather, he goes on to explain, it’s autonomy, mastery, and a sense of purpose that get our motivational juices flowing.
So how do parents and educators help students find that internal drive? It’s not a simple proposition! However, following Pink’s hypothesis, if we focus on teaching students how to learn and achieve and guide them to set short, attainable goals along the journey, we will be providing them with the foundational tools they need to gain autonomy and mastery, and find a deeper purpose to their schoolwork. In time, our students will become intrinsically motivated students. It starts with a willingness to reframe our thinking on what truly motivates students and follows with a commitment to strengthen executive function skills.
Daniel Pink’s book is written about business models, yet his hypotheses are relevant to education. If the topic interests you and you’d like to delve deeper, here’s a short, animated summary of Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us.
Helpful Information/Tips for Parents
- Excuses for missed days should be emailed to the school secretary within three days of the absence by the parent or guardian.
- A maximum of two (2) days for illness/injury per nine weeks can be recognized as excused when a note has been signed by a parent/guardian. A student absent in excess of two (2) days per nine weeks must provide school officials with a written explanation from a health provider. These medical notes must be submitted within three (3) days following the student’s return to school.
- Any technical issues with scholars logging into class which may cause a day of missed instruction should be emailed to the teacher and school secretary by the parent or guardian.
- When students miss instruction due to internet connectivity, they must complete and submit the assignment in the instructional packet by Monday of the following week to remove the absent mark. Instructional packets are posted in Canvas weekly and available on the district website. A printed copy can be requested by calling the school office.
- Teacher meeting IDS, passwords, and links are the same (no changes). Call the front office or email the school secretary if you need the information again.
- Students should log in or attend all required classes daily for the entire period.
Student District Email
The students' district email accounts are Google (Gmail) accounts. Parents you are encouraged to add your child's account to your personal device to keep up with all information between the student and school.
Communication
Jefferson County Upper Elementary School communicates with parents and students through the following means-
- Parent Phone Calls through School Status (may show as SPAM).
- Parent Texts through School Status
- Student District Email
- Monday Memo
- Active Parent
- Remind- https://www.remind.com/join/kcf362
- Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson-County-Upper-Elementary-458910737630216/
- School Website- www.jcpsd.net/upperelementary
The Upper Elementary team is here for support and you are encouraged to contact us for assistance as we work together this school year.
Teamwork, Collaboration, and Success
Jefferson County Upper Elementary School
Ms. Ophelia Rowan, Secretary | Ext. 301 | orowan@jcpsd.net
Mrs. Gretchen Carter, Counselor | Ext. 302 | gstampley@jcpsd.net
Email: cacarter@jcpsd.net
Website: www.jcpsd.net/upperelementary
Location: 442 Highway 33, Fayette, MS 39069, USA
Phone: 601-786-8510
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson-County-Upper-Elementary-458910737630216/