Jefferson Elementary

Our Dreaming Team had the opportunity to learn from and engage with experts from Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center on Thursday, January 30, 2025. This was a valuable experience, as we had the chance to ask questions and gain insights from educators who have been doing this work since 1971. Be sure to check out the pictures below!

During the training, we explored how nature can serve as a powerful vessel for learning—shifting instruction from a teacher-led model to one driven by students' questions and curiosities. We also examined our own physical spaces, envisioning how they can become future outdoor learning environments. Teachers experienced firsthand how to deliver instruction through an outdoor lens, deepening their understanding of nature-based education.

Our lottery window closed on Friday, January 24. We are excited to now begin looking at all applications and what that means for enrollment numbers here at Jefferson. Families will be notified on February 14th on wether they were accepted or placed on a waitlist for next year. Families will then have the opportunity to accept or decline their seat up until March 1.

Here are some things that we do know right now:

• Our start time will be 8:05 with an end time of 2:35. As we have worked with transportation they have communicated the need to not adjust start and end times too much to make secondary routes possible. As we learn more specifics with transportation we will share those details. Look for information to come out about transportation needs in March.
• We will still follow all reading and math standards and guidelines for reaching those subjects. Across grade levels we will start integrating our new learning and instruction with our science standards as our focus. The content of what we are teaching will remain the same, how we teach the content is what will change.
• We know that enrollment continues to draw staffing needs and will know more information after all seats in the lottery have been awarded and accepted on March 1. Continue to look for more information in the months ahead.
• We are working on logistics of what outdoor exploratory education will look like next year with the collaboration of our Physical Education teacher. This will be an opportunity for teachers to co-teach with our PE at least once a week on bringing the learning to life through hands on opportunities connected to our outdoor and nature based teaching.

Students go outside for recess daily, weather permitting. Please ensure your child is dressed properly for the weather: snow boots, snow pants, winter jacket, winter hat and snow gloves. If your student is in need of winter gear please fill out this form.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOeFrQvoqZq2BAv-sDN_pBAANeypHiD6Wua4woGl_QamPkSA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

We are currently accepting new or gently used donations winter clothing, including coats, snow pants, boots, winter hats, and snow gloves or mittens.

We especially need boys’ and girls’ jackets in sizes 6 and up, as well as boots in all sizes. While gently used boots are welcome, new boots are preferred.

Please note: we are completely out of winter snow gloves and would greatly appreciate donations of this item.

Donations can be dropped off at the office. Thank you for your support!

Winter weather will be here soon, so it’s a good idea to have a plan for your family in case of school closings, early dismissals, or late starts.

Notices for school closings and early dismissals will be posted on the following websites, radio, and television stations. You can also hear a recorded message on the District Notification Line at 507-387-6046.

Other ways to track school closing delays/dismissals/closures:

● www.isd77.org ● katoinfo.com ● mankatofreepress.com ● southernminnesotanews.com ● keyc.com ● KEYC 12 - TV AND MANY MORE.

Please Note: Blue Earth Area Schools is a smaller school district south of us. When you hear or see this, IT IS NOT Mankato Area Public Schools. Winter Closings are listed as Mankato Area Public Schools.

Click HERE for a copy of the Winter Weather Information.

The Cognitive Abilities (CogAt) Screener testing window will be open from February 1st thru the 15th. The CogAt will be given to all 2nd grade students and new-to-district students in grades 3-5 who have not yet taken the CogAt.

The CogAt provides insight into students’ abilities and guides educators in making appropriate educational decisions for students. Mankato Area Public Schools use the CogAt in the following ways:

• to help educators differentiate instruction for the needs and abilities of a student;

• to understand discrepancies between a student’s ability and achievement; and

• to use as a measure in identifying students for placement in Talent Development Services, including cluster and Rising Scholar classrooms.

In grade 2, the CogAt is untimed. Students in a typical 2nd grade class generally take less than one hour to complete the CogAt, In grades 3-5, the CogAt will take approximately 45 minutes. The CogAt has three sections: verbal analogies, quantitative analogies, and nonverbal matrices. There will be short breaks between sections.

If you do NOT want your child to take the Cognitive Abilities Screening Form, please contact your school no later than Wednesday, January 29th.

Students attending morning ACES have a spot for non-school day ACES care.

We have a opening for position for a Student Success Coach here at Jefferson. If you are interested in applying for this opportunity please click on the link below to see more details around the position as well as what qualifications are needed.

https://www.applitrack.com/isd77/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?category=Support+Staff&AppliTrackJobId=4303&AppliTrackLayoutMode=detail&AppliTrackViewPosting=1

We’re gearing up for our next PTO event, Neon Night on Thursday, February 27th, from 6:00–7:30 pm, and we need YOUR help to make it a success! We’re looking for volunteers for the following roles:

• Event Set-Up: Help get everything ready before the event starts.

• Dance Monitors: Keep the energy high and make sure everyone is safe and having fun on the dance floor.

• DJ Needed: We’re looking for a DJ to get the crowd moving with some tunes!

• Prize Table Attendant: Help manage prizes for Bingo winners.

• Face Paint Artists: Add some glow and creativity with neon face paint!

• Clean-Up Crew: Help us wrap up the night and clean up after the fun.

If you’re interested in volunteering please sign up by https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45ABAE2AA4FB6-54698295-neon

Thank you for your support!

Get your Neon Night adult t-shirt for just $10 from January 31 – February 21! Fill out our T-Shirt Sign Up - Google Forms to lock in this special price, and we’ll deliver your shirt before the big event. After February 21, prices go back up to $15—don’t miss out!

The PTO is seeking a Treasurer for the next school year! If you’re organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about supporting our school, we’d love to have you on our team. Please email jeffersonjagspto@gmail.com if interested or have questions.

February 11 - PTO Meeting at 6 pm

February 27 - Neon Night

• Sign up for Remind app: https://www.remind.com/join/jefpto