Jefferson Jotter
January 2021
Letter from Principal
Dear Jefferson Parents,
If you are like me, you are experiencing a sense of grief as you think about how your holiday plans will be different this year due to the global pandemic. Typically, our students would have participated in the annual Jefferson Holiday Sing this week where they get dressed for the holidays, come together to sing a few songs for their families, receive a gift from Santa, and have the opportunity to take a picture with Santa. Unfortunately, we weren't able to have this long-held Jefferson tradition, but we were fortunate to have Santa share a video of him reading "The Night Before Christmas" and singing Jingle Bells to our students. If your child didn't get a chance to see it, the video is posted in Seesaw.
While it is different not having our students at Jefferson for the Holiday Sing and the special activities building up to winter break, I hope you will be able to find special ways to spend the holidays with your family and/or loved ones and maybe even start some new family traditions. Most of us have had our lives "turned upside down" since the pandemic began, but I have been so impressed with the resiliency I've seen from our parents, students, and staff. I know it hasn't been without anguish and/or strong emotions by adults and children alike! No one wants to see a child experience strong emotions, but it is important that we allow them to express them by talking with a trusted adult and allow them to express them through play. I recently read an article, "The Healing Power of Play", which highlights the importance of children engaging in pretend play so they can express strong feelings in a safe environment.
When children feel big emotions they may revert to younger behaviors and/or engage in tantrums. And we all know that tantrums never happen at ideal times! Now that your child will be home for the next two weeks and won't have remote learning to keep them engaged, you may consider implementing Time-Ins. Dr. Harvey Karp wrote a book, titled The Happiest Toddler on the Block. The concept of Time-In works for children of all ages and may be a way to help you manage navigating your family and work responsibilities. The article "Time-Ins Have Changed How I Parent - Here's Why You Should Try Them." provides an overview of the benefits to using this approach (click open news to access the article). Be sure to scroll through the entire article, as the final sentence is very compelling " Most importantly, time-ins give your children the love and care they need while also allowing you to take care of yourself and not feel guilty in the process." Winter break may be the perfect time to start implementing Time Ins with your children. Give it a try and see how it positively impacts your life as well as your child's!
We all long for the day when we can share the holiday with loved ones near and far. But in the meantime, enjoy the time you have with your children, create some new memories, practice self-care, and practice gratitude by noting the things for which you are thankful and/or by giving to those who are less fortunate.
May you have a safe and happy holiday and New Year!
Respectfully,
Lisa Halverson
Principal
Upcoming Events
December 21 - January 1
- No School for Students and Staff - Winter Break
Monday, January 4
- School Resumes
Tuesday, January 12
- Preschool Screenings
Thursday, January 14
- Virtual Board of Education Meeting - 7:00 p.m. - Jefferson School
Monday, January 18
- No School for Students and Staff - Martin Luther King Birthday
Inspire every child to discover, learn, achieve, and care
Jefferson School Information
It's hard to believe that we are already planning for the 2021-22 school year! When we return from winter break, our current families will have an opportunity to "reserve a spot" for their child or sibling for next year. If your child is currently in the morning program and you plan to have your child attend Jefferson again next year, you'll need to complete an electronic form by January 31st in order to reserve a spot (the form will be emailed to you when we return from winter break). Also, if you have a younger child who will be three as of September 1, 2021 you will be able to reserve a spot by completing the same electronic form. Beginning February 9th enrollment will be open to the general public. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.
The district is seeking substitutes to work in the District 64 schools. If you are interested in applying click here or call 847-318-4300 to inquire.
No School
Winter Break begins next week. There will be no school for students and staff December 21 - January 1st. Additionally, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday there will be no school on Monday, January 18th. Please mark your calendars!
See What’s Going on in Our Community!
From the library to the park district, our communities of Park Ridge-Niles have lots to offer. For information on all the latest happenings, be sure to check the Community Info & Events webpage.