Jaguar Tracks
September 26th
Dear JE families,
It is hard to believe that we are in our last full week of September. Our students are now in the full swing of curriculum and working towards mastery of grade level standards.
- We have officially launched our new math curriculum, Illustrative Mathematics in grades 3-5 and our teachers will participate in training this week.
- Our readers and writers workshops are under way.
- In all classes, your students are problem solving in groups, engaging in whole class discussions and working independently.
Every morning, your students are greeted over the intercom by a 5th grader who reads our morning announcements. Our fifth graders are doing a tremendous job with this! The announcements include the day's birthdays, the Core Value of the week, Spectacular Spots, and the Pledge of Allegiance. For this month, students are acknowledging Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing fun facts about Hispanic Heritage and playing music. It is a great way to begin the day! I continue to be impressed by our students for showing PAWsitive Behavior and earning spots for demonstrating the Core Values! Please see the picture of our spectacular spots board below.. So far, grade 2 has received the most Spectacular Spots!
In this newsletter, you will find information about upcoming events, information for families on our new 3-5 math curriculum, Illustrative Math as well as more resources to celebrate and recognize Hispanic Heritage month at home.
In community,
Caitlin Shelburne
Student Council
Is your child looking for an opportunity to be a student leader? The JE Student Council is looking for fourth and fifth grade members! Student Council is an important part of our school as members help with charity drives and community service projects. We are looking for children who demonstrate strong leadership skills, keep up with their school work and consistently show PAWS behaviors! Meetings will be held once a month on a Tuesday from 7:40 AM-8:10 AM. Joining Student Council is a big commitment, but it is a great experience for the kids to practice their leadership skills within the JE community. If your child is interested, please have them fill out the green form they were given yesterday at school or print out a copy HERE and send it back in with your child by September 27th. Returning Student Council members are welcome to apply again. All applications will be reviewed and acknowledged no later than October 1st.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Student Council advisors Ms. McQuillin (kelley.mcquillin@reading.k12.ma.us) or Miss Lewis (miriam.lewis@reading.k12.ma.us)!
JE Quick Reminders:
Reporting Student Tardies & Absences: If your student will be be tardy or absent, this information MUST be reported to the school before 8:30 a.m. You can call our absentee phone line at 781-942-9161 and press “1” or email us at jeeabsences@reading.k12.ma.us. Please include your child’s name, teacher name, reason for absence and expected date of return. It is extremely important that we account for every child in a timely manner each day and your consistency is greatly appreciated.
- Portal Forms 21-22 ALL forms were due last Friday, SEPTEMBER 24TH. If you you have not submitted your form, you must do so ASAP! It is very important that we receive this information in a timely manner.
- Forms are available in the portal for parents to view and update pupil and contact information. This information needs to be completed updated EVERY year. Here is a link for parent directions: How To Access and Fill out Portal Forms. FYI: There are two forms: Pupil Information Form -sent to the primary contact only to update any student information, including medical info, student permissions -including photos, Acceptable Use Policy, etc., emergency childcare and Connect Ed emergency notification info. Contact Update Form – each contact associated with a student will see this form. It includes, name, address, home/mobile/office phone, primary and alternate email address. Contacts are instructed to notify the office with changes to primary email addresses because this will impact your portal login and will have to be sent another activation code. You are not able to change this on the form, it is read only. Each contact will need to log into the portal to see this form.
Interested in learning more about math instruction in Grades 3-5?
Interested in substituting at JE?
Are you looking for a way to support our school? We have a great opportunity. From time to time, teachers attend important trainings during the school day. Usually, we hire substitutes to cover classrooms, but given the current staffing shortage we are having difficulty finding qualified substitutes. We know most parents/guardians are not able to commit to substituting regularly, but we want to offer an option for those who might want to substitute occasionally. Below is some information:
- Pay rate has increased - the NEW rate will be increased to $105/day for certified teachers, and the uncertified daily substitute rate will be increased to $100/day!
- Substitutes need to have a CORI and fingerprinting check
- Teachers leave detailed plans for substitutes to follow
- Parents/guardians will not be allowed to substitute in their child's class
From the Desk of the PTO
Room Parents Needed
We are still in need of a few more parent volunteers. Typically, there are two room parents per classroom who serve as communication liaison between teachers, parents and the PTO. They also organize special classroom celebrations and arrange for donations from families, if needed. Please take a look at the classes that are in need and email interest to jevolunteers@gmail.com
Classes in need of 2 room parents:
Smith
Nazzaro
Donlon
Callan
Hardiman
Classes in need of 1 room parent:
Meagher
Manna
Quinn
Lewis
Johnston
Derosier
Calling all Kindergarten and 1st Grade Parents!
The Enrichment Team is looking for a few volunteers to work with the grade level teacher and help plan enrichment programs for the year. This is a great opportunity to assist with in school programs and field trips. Email jevolunteers@gmail.com with interest or any questions about this position.
Calling all Kindergarten and 1st Grade Parents!
The Enrichment Team is looking for a few volunteers to work with the grade level teacher and help plan enrichment programs for the year. This is a great opportunity to assist with in school programs and field trips. Email jevolunteers@gmail.com with interest or any questions about this position.
Halloween Howl
~~~SAVE THE DATE!~~~
2021 Halloween Howl
Joshua Eaton Halloween Howl Kids Social
Friday, October 29th on the Back Lot
Gr. K-2 from 3-4:30, Gr. 3-5 from 4:30-6 pm
*DJ Monster mash *Spooktacular Activities *Spine-Tingling Games
*Ghostly Dance Party **Snacks
*COSTUMES OPTIONAL
*Children must be accompanied by an adult
*Questions? - Please contact Jessica Lynch at
PTO Fundraising
*BoxTops are a great way to raise funds for our school. There’s no clipping needed, just download the mobile app and scan your receipts. More information can be found at boxtops4education.com. Our School ID is 132195.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is unique as it doesn't start and end within the same month. Instead, it starts on September 15th to honor the independence days of several Latin American countries and ends on October 15th. Consider ways to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. At JE, we will do so by sharing contributions of Latino & Hispanic Americans and tidbits about culture during morning announcements.
Who is Lisa Fernandez ?
Lisa Fernandez
Lisa Fernandez will surely inspire the aspiring athlete in your household! A Puerto Rican-American, she started her softball career as a right-handed pitcher for the UCLA Bruins, where she won two National Championships and was selected as a four-time, first-team All-American. Fernandez also received the Pan American Gold medal three times, and she won three Olympic gold medals for softball (in addition to breaking several Olympic records, such as the most strikeouts by a pitcher in one game). She's often touted as one of the greatest female athletes of all time.
Hispanic Heritage Month Resources
Consider watching a video about Hispanic Heritage with your students at home.
PBS Latino Americans