

Dragon Digest

A Letter from Dr. Ortiz
February 14, 2025
Dear Dragon Families,
I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you for welcoming me into your Jarrettown family. Thank you for being so supportive of our staff and school efforts. And most of all, thank you for sharing your fantastic children with us every single day. While it began as a unique week, it was truly an energizing one, and one for which I am grateful. I was able to meet all of your children on Monday by spending time in every class - and the kids could not have been more welcoming and receptive. The high fives and smiles continued throughout the week, and I cannot wait to get to know your children and your families better.
Throughout the week, the best of what makes Jarrettown special was on full display - starting with the PTO Bingo Night on Friday night where so many families came together for a night of fun and unity (see the picture below). Our day on Monday began with Mr. Stoudt and our student singers serenading our full staff with our Jarrettown alma mater and a very special rendition of the Eagles Fight Song! We were excited that our Art Goes to School volunteers were able to provide an extra boost to our students' experience in class. On Wednesday, we had a very special guest in school as President Abraham Lincoln made his annual visit to JTES to celebrate his 216th birthday (see the picture below)! Our honors orchestra students also joined with classmates from across the District to put on a wonderful concert at Sandy Run Wednesday evening. On Thursday, staff and students celebrated the 100th day of school in some very creative and exciting ways (see the picture below)! And we closed out the week by celebrating with our classmates in Valentine's Day parties in our classrooms - and I even was able to join the kids for recess! All week long, strong student connections, staff commitments and family partnerships were highlighted for all to enjoy. Jarrettown is truly a special school community, and one that I am proud to be a part of.
Over the next few months, we will continue to grow and build together - keeping all of the great Dragon traditions from the past while making new memories with each other. I am excited to work with all of our Dragon students and see the great things that are in store for the future. Take care, and I hope you and your family have a nice (long) weekend. Please see the updates below for upcoming news and events across the school and District community.
Sincerely,
Dan Ortiz
Teachers and Students Dress Up for the 100th Day of School
A few of our 2nd and 3rd grade teachers joined the fun with the rest of the school in celebrating the 100th day of school by dressing like they are 100 years old!
President Lincoln Celebrates his Birthday
President Lincoln spent the day in Mr. Goldberg's 4th grade class to celebrate his 216th birthday and the upcoming Presidents' Weekend holiday!
JTES Bingo Night Hosted by the PTO
Thanks to all of our parent and staff volunteers who made Bingo night a great hit once again! Here, some lucky students call out the winning Bingo numbers!
Upcoming Events & Announcements
AABSF Black History is World History
Join us for Black History is World History, a celebration of culture, music, and community! Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 20 at Sandy Run Middle School—the doors will open at 5 PM. Enjoy an evening of entertainment, food, and inspiring presentations!
PBIS Update
Our students' great citizenship has been on full display lately with dozens and dozens of students earning SOAR wings throughout the week for showing great character and what it truly means to SOAR as a Jarrettown Dragon. Next week, our student council will lead our upcoming assembly about spreading kindness to our community. We're proud of all of our students' hard work and strong character!
UDSD Summer Stem Academy
ART CONTEST: Join Us in Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with Art!
The Asian-American Students and Families Committee (AASF) invites all K-12 students to submit artwork that honors AAPI culture, history, or contributions. Your creativity could be displayed at the Upper Dublin Public Library, with prizes awarded at the ceremony on May 3, 2025. Submit your entry by April 4, 2025, and let your art shine! Please see this flyer for details.
Nurse's Office Annoucements
Please click on this link for a number of important announcements from our Health Office. We thank our school nurses for all of their hard work keeping our students healthy during these winter months!
Music in our Schools Concerts
We are excited to announce our annual Music-In-Our-Schools celebration concerts! Purchase tickets at udefoundation.org or using the poster QR code. The concerts are expected to sell out! Our vocal groups will perform a Broadway-themed concert, and band students in grades 5-12 will perform movie favorites. Proceeds support the UDSD Music Department.
February Events
February 17 - Schools & Offices Closed for Presidents' Day
February 20 - PTO All Day Dine & Donate @ Paris Baguette
February 21 - PBIS/Kindness SOAR Assembly 9:30 am
*See more dates in our full JTES Calendar via the button below
From the PTO
Book Fair
The Book Fair is coming to JTES! Click the 2025 Book Fair link for more information about this year's Fair!
Science Fair
Join us for an exciting evening of discovery at the Jarrettown Science Fair on February 27 from 5-7 PM! We invite all students to participate—by showcasing your own project or just coming to explore the incredible ideas on display. Registration info can be found on our website—don’t miss out on this!
Yearbook Sales
Order your yearbook now and capture the memories of this unforgettable school year! Don't miss out—orders are due by May 1, so reserve your copy today!
More PTO Information
Please click on this link for more information and opportunities from the PTO. You can also read their newsletter here. We thank all of the families who volunteer their time and energy to supporting our Jarrettown students and staff members.
Community Happenings
Go “All In” for Upper Dublin: Winning Cards Casino Night
Don't miss a night of fundraising and fun, hosted by the Upper Dublin Education Foundation and Upper Dublin Township, at the Manor House at Commonwealth. Winning "Cards" Casino Night supports our community, directly benefiting our schools and local charities. Join us Saturday, March 15 for casino gaming with professional dealers, delicious food and drinks, and incredible prizes and auction items. Register now! Interested in sponsorships? Contact mboas@udsd.org.
BSA Troop 541 Open House
BSA Troop 541 invites girls ages 11-17 to an Open House on Thursday, February 20 to learn more about their programs. *Snow date is Wednesday, February 26. See this flyer for details.
Great Backyard Bird Count
Girl Scout Troops 7092 and 71947 are hosting the Great Backyard Bird Count - a great citizen science event!
**Disclaimer Statement: The information provided in the segments above is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement or recommendation of any specific individual or organization. We offer this platform as a resource for community organizations but cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the details provided.**
UDSD Quick Links:
Check out the new Quick Links section below. Quick Links will provide parents with easy access to important district information!
Jarrettown Elementary Contact Information
Email: dortiz@udsd.org
Website: https://www.udsd.org/
Phone: (215) 643-8951