JSE Tracks
Principal's Weekly News, January 11, 2021
JSE Monthly Attributes:
Characteristic of a Successful Learner (CSL): Demonstrating Perseverance
Bucket-Filling Trait: Forgiveness
#BearcatPride!
Greetings, JSE Families,
Last week was a great week of learning for our kids and we will make this week one as well! This week we are all about continuous improvement in our discussions on the news and in our classrooms. Students have created goals for the 3rd quarter and will begin taking our NWEA winter benchmark to realize their personal growth from the beginning of the year.
NWEA: Students will take a Math and Reading Winter Benchmark assessment over the next two weeks. We remind students NWEA is a benchmark assessment to check what they know now compared to the beginning of the year, that there will be problems they do not know, and this assessment will not affect their grades. With this being our second experience utilizing NWEA, we will now have data to analyze trends in our student academic growth areas. We will send home parent reports for your review on the 21st. Virtual students will take NWEA from home with their class.
A reminder we have no school Monday the 18th, MLK Day, unless we have a make-up day scheduled this week.
This Wednesday, our schoolhouse looks forward to hosting the Union Township School Board meeting in our cafeteria at 7PM.
Have a great week!
Leigh Barnes
Principal
Winter Reminders:
Delays and School Closures: You will receive an email and text from UTSC indicating a school delay or closure plan. Make sure we have updated contact information in our system. You may also check our website in the morning for a school closure announcement as well as follow the UTSC twitter account. A reminder we do not serve breakfast during 2hr. delays.
From the desk of JSE Nurse, Mrs. Maniszko: COVID-19 Positive Cases
Attention Families of Virtual Students:
Families of virtual students are encouraged to return to in-person learning when they feel comfortable this semester. Second semester is a vital learning period of preparation for the next grade level. Your child's teacher will communicate with you if they have concerns about your child's academic progress and/or virtual learning performance.
LIBRARY: Virtual students can check out books from our library too! Check out what books we have,at this LINK and then let Mrs. Kegebein, akegebein@union.k12.in.us, know of the book you would like to check-out and we will put the book in your teacher's pick-up bin at our main entrance.
ATTENDANCE: What should I do if my child can not attend virtual school due to an illness, doctor appointment, or other absence?
The same hand-book guidelines for students learning virtually apply. Parents should call the school and report their child's absence for the day and the reason for the absence. The office will inform your child's classroom teacher. We appreciate the consistency for all student absences as this communication will support teachers in preparing for both in-person and virtual instruction.
How do I arrange for my child's learning if they are quarantined and temporarily virtual?
The nurse will work with you to determine your child's return day and then your child's teacher will work with you to develop a plan to continue their learning from home. This may include learning packets, virtual lessons, and activities on Canvas. Please email both the nurse and your child's teacher directly as well as call the main JSE office to report their absence. It is not necessary to report their absence each day after a return date is determined with our nurse. Please remember the return date may change based on symptoms or future exposure.
How can I sign up my child to read with Mrs. Barnes? Mrs. Barnes would like to read to, with, or listen to your child read through a google meet! Please email Mrs. Barnes directly to sign up for a time. lbarnes@union.k12.in.us
Continued until June, Free Breakfast/Lunch Curbside Pick-up at JSE: If you would like breakfast/lunch but were not able to sign up through the form, please let us know and we will add you to our pick-up list. Pick-up will now be at the car rider door on Mondays between 10-10:30AM.
Front Office Vestibule Pick-up/Drop-off: Parents may use this to pick up learning packets as directed by your child's classroom teacher or drop-off completed work. Please communication with your child's teacher if you have questions.
PTO NEWS: Our PTO is still in action!
- Did you know you can email the PTO at johnsimatovichpto@gmail.com with any questions or volunteering information you need?
- PTO Meetings are virtual with our PTO board this year.
Important Dates:
January 7 Report Card Available
January 18 MLK Day No School/Snow Make-Up Day if needed
February 4 Progress Report
February 12-15 President's Day No school/Snow Make-Up Day if needed
Wear your Bearcat Spirit Wear on Fridays!
Harmony Parent Portal LINK: https://sis.union.k12.in.us/familyaccess.nsf/hello.xsp
With our current situation, please be reminded all dates, events, and information is subject to change. We appreciate you working together with us by checking your email regularly and reaching out to us with questions and concerns. Our partnership will remain strong for our children and community!
You are always welcome at JSE!
Please let us know how we can strengthen our partnership with you!
Feel free to contact me anytime! Very Sincerely, Mrs. Barnes
Leigh Barnes, Principal ext 3001
Barb Rittel, Secretary ext 3000
Lisa Morton, Home School Advisor ext 3003
Kathy Maniszko, School Nurse ext 3002
Email: lbarnes@union.k12.in.us
Website: http://jsimatovich.union.k12.in.us/
Location: 424 West 500 North, Valparaiso, IN, United States
Phone: (219)759-2508
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/JSEPTO/
Twitter: @JSimatovichElem