Principal's Message
JES Families,
It is crazy to think that we are almost three quarters of the way through the school year and to Spring Break already. This a busy time of year for all of us. Instruction is getting more rigorous and teachers are always looking at and evaluating data to ensure student progress toward mastery of grade level standards. Attendance can definitely impact a student's ability to master grade level content. If a student is not in the classroom, they are not learning. Post-pandemic, while there might be a few assignments here and there that are posted online by the child's teacher, it in no way replaces the teacher's instruction. We are only in school 180 out of 365 days a year. Remember we are focused on attendance this year as well, passing out weekly and monthly banners for the classes with the best overall attendance. While we don't want students to attend if they are sick, we do want them here all day, the rest of the time. We ask that appointments and trips be planned for non-student days or outside of school hours whenever possible.
The last Friday before Spring Break, any students who are considered to be at risk learners will be bringing home a progress report from their teacher. If a student is actually at risk of being retained, they will be receiving an "at risk" letter from the office informing you of this situation. Our intent is not to retain children; however, legally, if a student is not meeting the district's grade level criteria, we have to recommend it. We will be conducting meetings later in the year with parents of students who continue to meet retention criteria. If your child does receive either a progress report or at risk of retention letter, please reach out to your child's teacher about how you can work together to help your child succeed.
Warmly,
Ms. Harman and Ms. Greer
