JSE Tracks
Principal's Weekly News, December 7, 2020
JSE Monthly Attributes:
Characteristic of a Successful Learner (CSL): Maintain Focus
Bucket-Filling Trait: Giving
#BearcatPride!
Good evening, JSE families,
Our JSE schoolhouse is back to it's "Golden Circle Purpose"...your children! What a wonderful morning we all had welcoming kids back to JSE. We know our kids are definitely feeling the hustle and bustle that is this joyful season...we are feeling the same here at JSE! Our tree is up, our halls are decorated and our cafe is festive thanks to Mr. Joe and staff! We also understand this season can bring stress especially during this year and we will do our best to help your kids feel safe and relaxed with a consistent and typical learning schedule these two weeks until Friday, the 18th.
On Friday, the 18th we will take time to celebrate the season with a visit from Santa Clause and his Elf during lunch, special holiday cookies and milk with craft decorating in each classroom! Mrs. Barnes will also be visiting for her annual snowflake ornament making with each class. This day will take the place of our typical winter parties. We will not need any volunteers or supplies for these classroom winter celebrations.
On the 18th, we will have a winter sprit day to get us excited for the day and winter break. Students may dress up in their favorite holiday outfit, wear their Christmas Jammies, or Ugly Sweater. Anything green and red will do!
The 2nd grading period ends the Friday before winter break and report cards are available the week after our return, please check your child's academic progress in Harmony and let your teacher know if you have any questions.
Proud of our JSE Family,
Leigh Barnes
Principal
Learning Items Needed for RETURN by Grade Level: Double check your child brought everything back!
Kindergarten: QR Codes, Math Book, White Write-on Paddles/Boards, Supply Box, Melton-Marker Folders.
1st Grade: Completed Learning Packets, Wonders Reading Notebook and Textbook, Crayon Boxes, Dry Erase Orange and Green Write in Folders
2nd Grade: Reading Notebook and Textbook, Math Book, Journal, Whiteboards, Crayon Box and other supplies, Take Home Folders.
3rd Grade: Wonders Reading Notebook and Textbook, Math Book, Handwriting Book, Planner, Orange Folder, and Social Studies Book
4th Grade: Wonders Reading Notebook and Textbook, Agenda, Homework Folder, Social Studies Book
5th Grade: Wonders Reading Book, Math Book, and Social Studies Book
Attention Families of Virtual Students NEW: The virtual option continues after Winter Break.
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
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. See more detailed information below.
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.
The virtual option continues after Winter Break: Families are able to continue their child in the virtual learning option or sign their child up for the virtual learning option after winter break. If you do not plan to continue with virtual learning after winter break or plan to switch your child to virtual learning, please let us know as soon as possible.
From the desk of JSE Nurse, Mrs. Maniszko: COVID-19 Positive Cases
Our district office will continue to update our website's COVID-19 dashboard by school. This can be found on the district website at the following link: https://jsimatovich.union.k12.in.us/o/utsc
November 16th, today's Updated Dashboard LINK.
Free Breakfast and Lunch Pick-Up Program: Pick-Up dates 12/7 and 12/14 10-10:30AM car rider door
For Virtual Families, we will have two more pick-up dates before winter break:
- If your children are temporarily virtual, you may pick-up meals as well. Please call the office and let us know.
- If you are already signed up for meals as a permanent remote learner, you will continue to be a part of the program and do not need to call the office.
- Please be reminded that this continues to be a part of the Free Breakfast and Lunch Program provided by the state, and you will not need to add funds to your mealtime account to participate.
- We will only have pick-ups on 12/7 and 12/14 from 10-10:30AM There will be only two pickup days for the next two weeks.
- Pick-up Location: JSE car rider Door G.
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:
December
18th End of 2nd Grading Period
18th Classroom Winter Craft Parties, no visitors
18th Wear your Winter Spirit Gear
21st - January 3rd Winter Break! School resumes January 4th
January
7 Report Card Available
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