The Jaguar Journal
December 2022
James Sales Elementary
Brandy Nelson - Principal
Joy Sims - Assistant Principal
Office Hours - 8:15 to 3:30
253-298-4200 / FAX 253-298-4215
Website - jamessales.fpschools.org
Dates to Remember
November 30 ~ End 1st Trimester - Early Release - 11:55
December 7 ~ EARLY RELEASE - 1:55
December 9 ~ Report cards go home
December 8-16 ~ Book Fair
December 14 ~ EARLY RELEASE - 1:55
December 19 - January 2 ~ NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
January 1 ~ Happy New Year!
January 3 ~ First Day Back at School
January 4 ~ FULL DAY OF SCHOOL
From the Principal's Office
Hello James Sales Families,
Wow! Can you believe that we are one month away from celebrating the new year, 2023? Where has 2022 gone? We have had a great start to the year here at James Sales. Thank you families for partnering with us. Please know, we love every opportunity you have to meet or chat with us about how we can best collaborate together as a school and home to meet the needs of students. Mrs. Sims and I are always open to having conversations as we join together to support our students.
This year we are continuing our Principal's Fab 50 club. Students who are 'caught' by a staff member being helpful in some way, having especially good behavior, or exceeding behavior expectations in some way will call home with a principal and also receive a 'Teachermon' card to collect and trade with other students. Ask your child if they have received a Teachermon card to show it to you.
Another way we are encouraging good behaviors is to reward classrooms with a Badge of the Week. Classes have the opportunity to earn badges for keeping their classroom clean, raising their hands to speak, walking in the hallways quietly, and many others!
Next Wednesday, November 30 we will dismiss students at 11:55 so that teachers can work on student report cards. Scores will reflect students’ progress toward end of the year grade level standards. If a student receives a / or X in a standard it means that the teacher doesn’t have enough information to give a score (/) or has not introduced the standard yet (X). Report cards will be going home on Friday, December 9. Please take time to review your child’s report card with them and don’t hesitate to contact the teacher if you have any questions.
Please remember to take time as a family to remember the things we are grateful for. This time of year can be stressful for a variety of reasons. We look forward to continuing our partnerships with students and families.
Sincerely,
Brandy Nelson
Principal
James Sales Elementary
An Important Health Message from the District
IMPORTANT FPS HEALTH UPDATE (November 21, 2022):
Franklin Pierce Schools is experiencing an increase in circulating respiratory viruses in our community, as well as in our schools. There has been an increase in influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and other common colds. Please do your part to help keep our community well!
Prevent illness
Get Vaccinated: The best way to prevent the flu or covid is to get vaccinated. Vaccines are available in our community. Please check with TPCHD to find a clinic near you: https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/immunizations
Wash your hands: Handwashing, especially after sneezing, coughing, or nose wiping, can help prevent infections. Always wash your hands before eating, and after using the restroom. Clean surfaces with soap and water, or disinfect as needed.
If you get sick
Stay home when you are sick to help prevent germs from spreading to others. If you or your child experiences difficulty breathing, difficulty drinking enough fluids, or symptoms of severe illness, please seek medical assistance from your health provider, or emergency services as needed. Please wear a mask if you must go out while still experiencing symptoms of illness.
Thank you and Stay Well!
Winter Art Family Night
Our next family night is a Winter Art Night! Come to the school with your family on December 15 from 4:30-6 to have fun with face painting and crafts. You will also be able to vote on this year's yearbook cover designs submitted by James Sales students! The book fair will be open in the library for shopping and we will end the night with milk and cookies. Hope to see you there!
Important Information!
Book Fair Update
Our librarian, Mrs. Bruce, has scheduled a Book Fair just before our Winter break begins! From December 8th through December 16th, students may shop at the Book Fair during their library time. Your child should know which day they have library specialist so you can send them with money on the correct day. Parents may also set up an E-Wallet so you don't need to send money to school. Families can shop online. Click here to see what is available! The proceeds from this book fair will be used to purchase a book for every student in the spring.
Attendance Matters!
Did you know if your child is tardy or leaves school early, it will show on their attendance record? Please make appointments outside of school hours whenever possible. If your child must miss school for an appointment, please ask for an excuse note for your child. Doctors, dentists, and therapist offices who serve children are set up to provide you with a note to excuse absences! Make sure you call the school office at 253-298-4200 if your student is absent for any reason. You may leave a message if you need to call before or after school hours.
From the Health Room
Please make sure your child comes to school dressed for the weather! Students are outside every day for recess and need warm jackets, hats, and proper footwear. It is getting cold and wet outside and we want our students coming back to class refreshed and ready to learn, not damp and shivering for the remainder of the day.
It is a good idea for younger students to bring a change of clothes in their backpacks just in case of a bathroom accident or a particularly wet day outside. Put the clothing in a plastic bag into their backpack, then when the clothing is needed, they can put the wet clothing into the plastic bag and bring it home to be laundered. If we have lent your child clothes, please wash them and return them to the health room. Thank you!
From the Health Department
Lost and Found
Is your child missing a coat or jacket? Our lost and found has many coats that we would like to return to the proper owners! Please have your child check our lost and found items. (They can come to the office and we will show them where it is.) Anything that is left by the last day of school before Winter break will be donated.
October Students of the Month
Congratulations to the October students of the month who were honored at an assembly on October 28th.
These students were selected by their teachers for showing Responsibility:
Zoey B., Jeremy B., Elliott C., Zaya M., Remi M., Josh G., Abigail B., Liliuokalani K., Bobby B., Raquel G., Lucas A., Jilliana K., Grace W., Ian H., Amariah R., Salvador M., Lokadah G., Justin C., Diana C., Johannes F., Ameria L., Genesis M., David W., Anthony G., Angelica T., Thania S., Porter S., Ammika T., Ariany R., Ezra R., Jada R., Max N., Timothy C., Serenity V., Lizbeth U., and Eason S.,
Hewins Early Learning Center Enrollment
Please scan this QR code for information about enrolling at the Hewins Early Learning Center, an income based program for preschool aged students in the Franklin Pierce School District.
Franklin Pierce Community Action Group
The Franklin Pierce Community Action Group meets once a month. The group consists of parents, students, and district staff who are striving to help improve the culture of our schools and district. Please come share your experience with us in the FPSD. Everyone is welcome!
School Delays and Closures
As the weather becomes colder, it is important that you have a plan for emergency school closures and limited or delayed bus runs. School may be delayed or canceled in the case of bad weather or an emergency. If the regular school schedule is changed, local radio and television stations will be notified.
"School Closed" means that all schools will be closed for that one day only. All school related activities will be canceled. If schools close early, parents are asked to make arrangements for their child's care.
"Late Start" means that all schools will start late and transportation will be delayed by the amount of time specified for that one day only. Breakfast will not be served on late start days. School related activities may or may not be altered.
Families can expect to receive information about school closures and delays in the following ways:
- Recorded Telephone Message contact the main office at your child's school to ensure your contact information is up to date
- SMS Message for families/staff who have opted-in, click here if you would like to opt-in
- Email from info@fpschools.org
- Website www.fpschools.org
- Flash Alert Notification sign up to receive email notifications and download the Flash Alert App, click here.
- Local Media including KIRO 97.3 FM, KOMO 1000 AM, KIRO TV Channel 7, KOMO TV Channel 4, and KING TV Channel 5
- Social Media Facebook and Twitter
Winter Break
School will dismiss at the regular time, 3:25, on Friday, December 16th for Winter Break. School will resume on Tuesday, January 3rd. We will see you in 2023!
From Our Handbook
Homework
Homework provides practice on important skills and is valuable to student learning. It is important to practice basic skills and concepts taught in class. Completing homework is also an important skill you will need in middle school and high school. At James Sales, we ask that you practice reading and math daily.
- Read for 20 minutes
- Practice math facts
- Teachers may send home any work that was not completed during the day or any work that is independent practice.
Reminders from the Office
Please read these important reminders from the office!
- If you need to come into the building, please press the intercom button on your right as you look at the front door. This will enable the office to see you and to buzz you into the entry if needed.
- Please notify the office of any changes in the way your child will go home at the end of the day. We need this information before 2:45 so we have time to get a note to the teacher.
- Call the office (253-298-4200) if your child will be absent. If they have an appointment, please ask the doctor, dentist, counselor, etc. for a note for school. Offices that treat children are used to giving notes to students for excuses! Tardies and leaving school early shows on your child's attendance record. Please make appointments outside of school hours when possible.
- If you need to take your child out of school before the end of the school day, please come before 2:45 so we can easily locate your child and you won't be stuck in the end-of-the-day pick-up line! You will need to sign your child out and wait for them to come from their classroom, so allow plenty of time.
- If your phone number, email address, or home address changes, please let us know so we have the most up-to-date contact information for you. If students become ill, or otherwise need your help, we need a way to contact you! Thank you.
Current COVID Procedures
If a person has one or more of these symptoms they should isolate at home and test for Covid-19:
❑ Fever (≥100.4°F) or chills
❑ Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
❑ Muscle or body aches
❑ New loss of taste or smell
❑ Cough (new, changed, or worsening)
❑ Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
❑ Fatigue
❑ Sore throat
❑ Congestion or runny nose*
Before and After School Care with Right at School
James Sales hosts a before and after school care program on-site for our students this year. The care is provided by Right at School. Right at School provides a safe environment to learn, to play, and to grow. Click here for more information and to register. Enter WASAVE50 for a $50 discount!
Franklin Pierce Schools has a resource center for our families. You will find information and help for all sorts of situations and needs - food, diapers, formula, community referrals, and more. Click here to access the Family Resource Center website.
Nutrition Services
PTO Fundraiser News
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Fall Fundraiser! PTO is excited to announce that we raised $6,712.60!!
We would like to recognize our Top Sellers:
1st Leland W., 63 items sold
2nd Harry B., 50 items sold
3rd Izellah S., 42 items sold
Top Participating Class: Four Way Tie!! Ms. Harro, Mrs. Stover, Ms. Gott, and Mrs. Gillon!!
Please be sure to check your student's backpacks for notification regarding when the fundraiser items will be delivered to the school. This information will also be posted on our Facebook page.
Join the James Sales PTO!
Because we are a PTO, not a PTA, we are able to put 100% of our membership dues right back into our school! We provide classroom enrichment, and raise funds to provide our students and staff with items an activities not funded by the district. Volunteering and attending meetings is encouraged, but not requires. A family membership (for adults living in the same household) is $10.00. PTO membership forms are in the office. Cash or checks are accepted. Make checks to James Sales PTO.
Volunteers
At the end of last year we were finally able to have volunteers help with field trips! Hooray!! We anticipate the need for volunteers this year as well. If you are interested in volunteering as a chaperone for field trips or in any other capacity that may come up, please complete the volunteer application as soon as possible. It may take up to two weeks to process an application and we don't want you to be left out of a volunteer opportunity because you are not approved yet! Click here to begin your volunteer application. If you were cleared as a volunteer last year you will need complete an application again. Volunteer applications must be completed every year.
James Sales PTO is on Facebook
Franklin Pierce Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to Brandy Marshall, Compliance Coordinator for State and Civil Rights Laws; Wendy Malich, Title IX Officer; or John Sander, 504/ADA Coordinator at 315 129th ST S, Tacoma, WA 98444-5099 or at (253)298-3000. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to Human Resources.