Jackson eNews
2/02/2024
Hello Jackson Families!
Happy Groundhog Day! Did you know that since 1887, Groundhog Day has been celebrated at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, every February 2nd? At that time, a Punxsutawney groundhog named Phil was declared America’s official weather-forecasting groundhog. Since then Phil has become quite a celebrity and thousands gather to see his prediction about our winter weather--all based on whether or not he sees his shadow. According to Punxsutawney Phil, who did NOT see his shadow this morning, we are in for an early Spring! Don't get too excited--Phil only has about a 40% accuracy rating, but we can HOPE!
What a wonderful turnout for Jackson's Family C.A.R.E. Night! The presentation was very informative and presented calming strategies that can be used at home as well as suggestions for establishing routines that will help your child's emotional regulation at home and school. For our families who were not able to attend, we have included links to the presentations below.
English Family CARE Night Presentation
Spanish Family CARE Night Presentation
Today was our K-5 Spirit Assembly and two students from each grade level were recognized for exemplifying one or more components of the Jackson Motto: Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Respectful, Be Responsible. It was a great time for Jackson Jaguars to support their friends, build camaraderie and show their school spirit! A big Jackson shout-out to the following students:
Kindergarten - Crislaury Carrascal, Gregory Zambrano
1st Grade - Sage Marabella, Sienna McAndrews
2nd Grade - Sarahi Cerda, Mayameen Saleh
3rd Grade - Niayesh Ahmadi, Abel Martinez
4th Grade - Henry Castillo, Yoandry Silva
5th Grade - Yusra Abdullah, Turner Wooten
Next Tuesday, February 6, PTA has coordinated another delicious Spirit Event at Little Rome Italian Restaurant, 2707 W. 15th St., Unit B, Plano, TX 75075. Order anytime from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm, mention Jackson Elementary, and a portion of the sales will be donated back to us! An evening to relax and get out of the kitchen--sounds perfect to me!
Jackson's Lost & Found is overflowing and we need students and parents to look for lost jackets, sweaters, hats, water bottles, lunch boxes, & gloves. All items left will be donated at the end of the semester. No matter what Phil the groundhog predicts, we could still have some cold weather ahead of us!
Thanks and have a great weekend!
Crystal Roach, Ed.D
Principal
Jackson Elementary School
Jackson Family C.A.R.E. Night
Jackson Family C.A.R.E. Night
Jackson Family C.A.R.E. Night
Jackson Family C.A.R.E. Night
Jackson Family C.A.R.E. Night
Jackson Family C.A.R.E. Night
Jackson Family C.A.R.E. Night
Jackson Family C.A.R.E. Night
Jackson Family C.A.R.E. Night
Jackson Family C.A.R.E. Night
STAAR Field Test - Tuesday, February 6
Hello Jackson Families,
Jackson Elementary was selected by TEA (Texas Education Agency) to participate in the February 2024 STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Stand-Alone Field Test. Field Test data from a sample of students who are representative of the state are critical to the state’s ability to build high-quality assessments. The Stand-Alone Field Test at Jackson is scheduled for Tuesday, February 6, and will include the following grades/subjects:
3rd Grade - Reading Test, English and Spanish
4th Grade - Reading Test, Spanish only
5th Grade - Reading Test, Spanish only
In addition to assisting the State with developing future assessments, it also gives our students a chance to develop their test-taking skills. All tests will be administered online and results from the February Field Test will not be shared with campuses or parents/guardians as this is for redesign purposes only. The Field Test will not affect/take the place of the Spring STAAR testing schedule.
To ensure a successful testing experience for your child, please make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep, eats a nutritious breakfast, and arrives at school on time. Our campus will also be closed to visitors on this day.
As always, we wish to keep parents involved and informed about student programs. Please contact me or Scott Riggle if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Crystal Roach
Principal
Jackson Elementary
2022-2023 Federal Report Card for Jackson Elementary
The 2022-2023 Federal Report Card for Jackson Elementary has now been released, and posted to the Jackson Elementary website www.pisd.edu/Jackson_ar. The report provides information concerning student performance on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), as well as information on student enrollment, class size averages, and financial expenditures. The information contained in the School Report Card is described in the “School Report Card Definitions.” The Federal Report Card is also available at https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/accountability/academic-accountability/performance-reporting/federal-report-cards.
If you have any questions concerning the School Report Cards, please let us know. Thank you for your continued support of Jackson Elementary.
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El boletines de informe federal del 2022-2023 para la escuela Jackson Elementary han sido publicados en el sitio de internet Jackson Elementary www.pisd.edu/jackson_ar. El reporte proporciona información sobre el rendimiento de los estudiantes en la prueba STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) que es el nombre del programa de evaluación académica para los estudiantes en las escuelas públicas de Texas, así como información sobre estudiantes inscritos, tamaño promedio de la clase y gastos financieros. La información contenida en el reporte de progreso de la escuela es requerida por la ley estatal y se describe en las "definiciones del boletín de informe de la escuela". El boletín del informe del gobierno de los Estados Unidos se encuentra disponible también en https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/accountability/academic-accountability/performance-reporting/federal-report-cards.
Si usted tiene alguna pregunta acerca del boletín de informe de la escuela, por favor háganoslo saber. Gracias por su apoyo continúo en la escuela Jackson Elementary.
Jackson's Clothes Closet
Jackson's "Clothes Closet" is in need of new or gently used clothing for students in grades K-5. The most needed clothing items include: sweatpants, jeans, shorts, and leggings. All sizes and all seasons of clothing would be appreciated! Donations can be dropped off in the Front Office.
Thank you for your help!
Library Volunteers Needed
Jackson's librarian, Ms. Kincaid, is looking for one helper per week to assist with reshelving books. The commitment is only 30-45 minutes, and you can choose any day between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
If you can help, please sign up using the link here.
https://plano.voly.org/opportunity/view.html?id=91641
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Kincaid at amy.kincaid@pisd.edu.
Your support makes a difference and we truly appreciate your help!
Important Dates
FEBRUARY 2024
- Tuesday, February 6 - STAAR Field Test, campus closed to visitors
- Tuesday, February 6 - Jackson Spirit Day at Little Rome Italian Restaurant, 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
- Wednesday, February 7 - 3rd Grade Field Trip to Outdoor Learning Center
- Friday, February 9 - Colgate Dental Van comes to Jackson! Permission slips will be sent home and must be returned to school by January 19.
- February 12-16: Friendship Week at Jackson! See flyer below for theme days.
- Wednesday, February 14 - Friendship Parties, 2:00 - 2:30 p.m.
- Monday, February 19 - Student/Staff Holiday
- Tuesday, February 20 - Student Holiday/Staff Professional Development Day
- Thursday, February 22 - Spring and Class Pictures
- Thursday, February 22 - Multicultural Night, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Click HERE for 2023-24 PISD Calendar
Spirit Day at Little Rome Italian Restaurant - Tuesday, February 6
Friendship Week at Jackson, February 12 - 16
Multicultural Night - Thursday, February 22
Drama Kids Enrolling for Spring Classes at Jackson!
Spring Individual Picture and Group Picture Day at Jackson
February Fitness Calendar
Our awesome P.E. coaches are sharing a monthly calendar with fitness challenges and other activities that promote the development of motor skills, physical fitness, and social skills. These activities can be done at home with family or friends. Have fun with fitness!
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 next lesson, the weeks of 02/05 & 02/12, we will focus on Friendship and Kindness. During these lessons, students will learn how to create positive, respectful, and supportive relationships with students who are similar to and different from them. We will discuss what a good friend is, how to create and maintain meaningful connections, how to get along with others, and ways to show kindness. We will also focus on creating a sense of acceptance, respect, support, and inclusion for others. Students will feel empowered to be their best selves through kindness! Kindness is a powerful tool for nurturing the well-being of everyone! Our goal is for students to understand the importance of demonstrating kindness and compassion so they can be citizens that positively impact the world around them! This will directly tie in with our Friendship Week!
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, and Mr. Riggle, our assistant principal!
Our Jaguar of the Month Trait is Honesty! Our definition of Honesty is being truthful in what you say and do. Check out the CharacterStrong Family Letter (English) / CharacterStrong Family Letter (Spanish) for more information about PurposeFull People and some fun ways you can join us in teaching and reinforcing Responsibility! 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)
(469) 752-2115
Nicole Sollie (Grades K, 2, 4)
(469) 752-2116
World Wear Project
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!
Volunteering
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
Jackson 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
Make a Difference in Your Neighborhood as a Paid School Crossing Guard!
We are looking for a School Crossing Guard for Jackson Elementary to help keep students safe on their way to and from school each day. This part-time position is fun, keeps you active while enjoying the outdoors and provides great pay - $35 per daily assignment! Work is performed from 7:05-7:40 am and 2:50-3:25 pm each school day — NO nights, weekends or holidays required! Apply online at Plano.gov/jobs. After completing the online application, please call School Crossing Guard Program Manager Bill Sommermeyer, 972-941-2283, for a telephone interview. Drug Screen and Criminal background check will be conducted pre-hire. Have questions? Email bsommermeyer@plano.
Plano Sr. High School Girls' Soccer Season Has Begun!
Plano Sr. High School Girls' Soccer Season has begun! Youth Night is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20, and all youth players will get in free with a soccer jersey! The team is also looking for ball girls to help with JV games, Varsity games, or both. If you are interested, please sign up at the link below. We hope to see our future Wildcats in the stands!
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/5080A4EAFAD28A0FD0-46208977-plano
Plano Senior HS Men's Soccer - Future Wildcat Clinic
Helpful Links
District Updates for Plano ISD Families
Annual Registration for Existing and Newly Enrolled PISD Students
New Student Online Enrollment and Annual Registration
District Safety and Security Procedures
Transportation Services - Bus Route Finder
School Meal Application
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.
Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP)
Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP)
Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP)
Presentations from Grade Level Parent Information Nights
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
Stay Connected!
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.
Jackson Elementary
Website: http://pisd.edu/jackson
Location: 1101 Jackson Drive, Plano, TX, United States
Phone: 469-752-2100
Twitter: @JacksonPlano