Update from Principal Boyd
October 21, 2022
From Principal Boyd
It is a busy time at Esther Jackson right now and I absolutely LOVE it!
Things have settled, Fall is here, and our scholars are GROWING. When you love what you do, it is never a JOB. I love being the principal of Esther Jackson Elementary!
Parent University Recap
Our first Parent University of the 2022-2023 school year was yesterday evening. Our instructional team did a wonderful job of presenting literacy and mathematics information and strategies that parents can use to support students at home.
We had materials available for parents to browse, instructional resources and books for parents to take home, and we served dinner and provided child care. It was an informative night for parents and a FUN night for our scholars who attended. A special thank you to Ms. Angelita Rodriguez (ESOL teacher) who assisted me with our 30+ kids who attended. We had an amazing time playing in the gymnasium while parents met with our instructional team. Thank you, Angelita! (Pictures Below)
If you were unable to attend, I have included links to the presentation here.
Parent University - Math & Literacy
Parent University - Math & Literacy - Spanish
We also need your feedback so that we can evaluate what is working well and what we need to adjust. Your feedback is valuable.
When you open the survey:
- Select Elementary School
- Select our school: Esther Jackson Elementary
- Choose your role: staff, I am both a parent and a teacher at this school
- Select Family Literacy Night/Workshop 1st as the meeting you attended
- Complete the remainder of the survey
https://bit.ly/FCSEvaluation_Survey
Legacy of Excellence Awards
On Friday, October 14, some members of the admin team attended the Legacy of Excellence Awards for Fulton County to honor our Teacher of the Year, Cristy Thomas, and Professional of the Year, Emily Merkle. It was wonderful to spend celebrating them with their families.
We were also able to witness our own, Kelsey Drews (previous overall winner), present the Traveling Trophy to Fulton County's new overall Teacher of the Year
EJ Movie Night - October 28
I hope that you plan to join us on Friday, 10/28, for our EJ Movie Night. Students are voting on what movie they would like to see between Coco and Hotel Transylvania, both rated PG. We will have a dance party outside beginning at 6:00 and will view the movie at dark.
Entry to the event is free. Pizza is available to pre-order using this link https://tinyurl.com/EJMovieNightPizza and additional pizza, snacks, drinks, and glow toys will be available for purchase.
Link to Donate to Concession Stand https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e45afa72fa5ff2-ejes2
Link to Volunteer at Movie Night https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e45afa72fa5ff2-movie
Bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets and join your friends and our EJ families for an evening of FUN. We hope to see you there!
Dress Up Day - October 31st
Dress up day is quickly approaching. Students are allowed to wear costumes on Monday, 10/31, as long as they are appropriate. No costumes with blood, weapons, masks, etc. If you send in a treat for your student's class, please be sure that it is store bought, wrapped and that you have enough for the entire class. Please let your scholar's teacher know if you have any questions.
Multicultural Night - November 3rd
Please join us Thursday, November 3rd 5pm - 7pm for our annual Multi-Cultural Night. We are asking for you to share a delicious cultural dish of your choosing, if possible. It can be an appetizer, entrée or dessert. Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Type your name and what you will be bringing. Thank you in advance!!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C49A5A828A20-esther
If you are unable to make a dish, we still hope to see you there. More information coming soon.
Loved Ones Luncheon
It is so important that our scholars have an attitude of gratitude and that they are not only good students, but good people. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and give thanks and it is one of my favorite times of the year.
Our first Loved Ones Luncheon in two years will be held at EJ on Thursday, November 17th. Parents and loved ones are invited to purchase and each lunch with students in the cafetiera to celebrate the upcoming holiday. The cost of lunch for ALL visitors will be $4.00 and CASH ONLY will be accepted at the register. Because we are not selling tickets in advanced and are only accepting cash, we are adjusting our lunch schedule to allow for more time. More information to come soon.
Quarter 1 Attendance Recognition
Students listed below had perfect attendance for the entire First Quarter of our school year. This means that they have not missed a day of school, come late, or left early since our first day of school, August 8th. I'm so proud of them!
Krause Samuel
Williams Wesley
Alfonso Escobar Juan
Denson Raniah
James Melanie
Sanberg Briannah
Torres Pedraza Anthony
Castaneda Macias Daniel
McCann Jacob
Melton Lowry
Remsberg Jackson
Romero Edgar
Amador Rivera Jose
Monroy Geraldine
Duret Micah
Hoschek Leo
Sosa-Sanchez Sherlyn
Tucker Warren
Cordero Merlos Ashley
Martinez Rojas Rebeca
Patino Nava Allison
Ramirez-Quinones Jared
Rossi Junqueira Bueno Marina
Melton Collier
Shurbutt Savannah
Lahey Emily
Lesher Miles
Lopez Resediz Jenni
Cruz Silva Blas
Freeman Naziah
Paz Castillo Esdra
Hurtado Mercado Jesus
Cosio Naomi
Saunders Savannah
Velazco Emmy
Rodriguez Amelia
Villanueva Lizama Valentina
Medina-Santillan Giany
Esquivel-Nieto Daniel
Alvarado Quivera Esteban
Guardado Alvarenga Eden
Lesher Garrett
Bonilla Garcia Camila
Michael Randy
Soto Rivera Monserrath
Williams Bethany
Congratulations to all of our scholars for taking the Attendance Challenge - Less than 5. Be Present. ALL day EVERY day!
Walking the red carpet!
Walking the red carpet!
Walking the red carpet!
Jaguar Spotlight
This week I am highlighting a teacher and several students.
Ms. Kelsey Drews is new to EJ but not to teaching or to Fulton County. She was awarded the honor of being Teacher of the Year for all of Fulton County Schools for the 2019-2020 school year. Due to the pandemic, she did not get the typical celebration when she won, so we were so happy that she could join us along with EJ's winners from last year at this year's Legacy of Excellence Awards. Since coming to EJ, Kelsey has already made an impact not only in her classroom, but the entire school. I'm so happy that Kelsey chose EJ!
Daniel Esquivel-Nieto (3rd) and Geraldine Monroy (2nd) had perfect attendance for Q1 and their names were chosen as the overall winners! All students who earn perfect attendance are entered into a drawing to win a new bike and these two are our Q1winners of our Q1 Attendance Challenge. Congratulations to Daniel and Geraldine! Check out their pictures below.
Kelsey Drews
Winner!
Winner!
Teacher and Staff Recognition
The role of an educator is extremely rewarding and sometimes tough. it is so important that we always show appreciation to our EJ staff. The following have been recognized by parents:
Ms. Fraser - Ms. Fraser has been wonderful in partnering with us to make sure Maya has the support she needs and that we're all aware of what's happening at school and at home while reinforcing as a unit. She is Godsend! 4th grade parent
Ms. Bowie - Wessy moved to Ms. Bowie's new Kindergarten class and we were nervous about the transition, but she's been so warm and welcoming that it's been a really smooth transition. Wessy especially likes that "she gives us candy if we are good:)" Kindergarten parent
If you would like to recognize an EJ staff member, please complete this short form: https://tinyurl.com/StaffRecognitionEJ We would love to hear from you!
Principal Feedback
Parents, please use this link to provide feedback on how we can better serve you. I welcome questions, suggestions, concerns, and of course positive messages about EJ or any staff member. Please do not include questions about your student(s) performance. Instead, contact your student's teacher.
Dates to Remember
October 24 - Start of Red Ribbon Week
October 28 - PTA Movie Night (*Date Change)
October 31 - Dress-Up Day
November 1 - 5th grade trip to Atlanta Symphony
November 3 - Multicultural Night @5:00 pm
November 7-11 - School Psychologists Week
November 8 - Election Day - Remote Day for Students
November 10 - Make-Up Picture Day
November 17 - Loved Ones Luncheon
November 21-25 - Thanksgiving Break, NO SCHOOL