Jaguar News Journal

November 11th - November 15th

From Our Principal

Dear JWE Families,

Hello and happy Sunday! I hope this week's edition of our newsletter finds you well and looking forward to the week ahead! As a reminder - this week, as part of our focus on Digital Citizenship, is a Spirit Week for us! We encouarage students to dress according to our daily themes - details are below!

We look forward to our Fourth Grade Music Program this week! That's on Thursday the 21st. Fourth graders will perform for the school at 2pm and then for families and community members at 6:30pm. If you cannot make the evening program you are welcome to come for the afternoon performance but please understand seating will be limited for the afternoon show as our students will fill most of the gymnasium.

Also on Thursday evening this week - our PTO has set up a JWES Spirit Night at Smiley's Ice Cream! Families are invited to go to Smiley's for a treat anytime between 5-9pm. Please be sure you mention John Wayland so we get credit for your purchase - a portion of sales linked to our school will be given to our awesome PTO!

As we get closer to the winter season we're seeing an uptick in student (and staff) illness in the building. This is typical this time of year for sure. We ask that you encourage good handwashing, and hygene (covering coughs and sneezes in the elbow, etc.) with your students as these good habits can go a long way in preventing the spread of illness. Please also keep your students home if they have a fever or any significant gastrointenstonal issues. Thanks for your help in keeping us all as healthy as possible during this cold & flu season!

Also this week, we continue our Spirit Wear sale for students and families! Orders will be accepted between now and November 26th (the day we leave for the Thanksgiving holiday). Order forms were sent home with all students on Friday, 11/8. Our vendor assures me items will be delivered to us in time to be sent home ahead of the winter break! As you place orders, please note that checks need to be made out to our vendor - Valley Sports Connection. If you prefer to place a credit card order, you can do so by calling them directly. Their number is on the order form. I've shared an image of it further down in this newsletter for your reference. You can of course send cash for your order as well but please send exact change if you do so.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and thank you for your continued partnership and support!

Sincerely,

Sara Hammill

Principal

Spirit Wear Sale!

Items are on sale now and all orders are due in by November 26th. Items will be in before our winter break! As you place orders, please note that checks need to be made out to our vendor - Valley Sports Connection. If you prefer to place a credit card order, you can do so by calling them directly. Their number is on the order form. I've shared an image of it below. You can of course send cash for your order as well but please send exact change if you do so.

Order forms were sent home with all students Friday, November 8th!

Scooters and Pathways - P.E

This Week is Our Fall Spirit Week!

Counselor Corner

We are looking forward to our digital citizenship spirit week! Digital citizenship is the practice of using technology and the internet responsibly, safely, and respectfully. Digital citizenship includes:

Respect and Etiquette: Treating others with kindness and respect online, just as we would treat them in person.
Safety and Privacy: Understanding the importance of keeping personal information private and being cautious about what is being shared online. We encourage you to check your child's privacy settings across their online platforms.
Critical Thinking: Knowing how to identify reliable information online, recognize false or misleading content, and make thoughtful choices about what to believe and share.
Responsibility: Knowing how to use digital tools in a balanced way that supports overall health and well-being, such as managing screen time and using devices purposefully.
Digital Footprint Awareness: Recognizing that actions online create a “digital footprint” that can have lasting impacts.

Monitoring your child’s online usage is an important part of teaching digital citizenship. By keeping an eye on the sites they visit, the apps they use, and the people they interact with, you can help them develop safe and responsible online habits. Regular monitoring also allows you to spot potential risks early on, such as inappropriate content or cyberbullying. We will continue to discuss digital citizenship in classroom guidance lessons throughout the school year. Please let us know if you have a concern that you are worried will affect your student at school or with their peers.

For more information on digital citizenship, see: Family Guide to Digital Citizenship

5th Grade Spelling Bee!

Congratulations to all our 5th Graders who qualified to participate in our Annual 5th Grade Spelling Bee - all students worked hard and represented themselves and our school well during the Bee! Contratulations to our Bee Champion - Eli Malca and to our Runner Up - Bobby Whitney! Eli will represent JWES in the Rockingham County Spelling Bee in January!

Mrs. Lewellen's Class Talked Turkey Last Week!

Fall Running Opportunity for JWE Students & Families

Are you interested in running a Turkey Trot but Thanksgiving morning is too hectic? Join Mrs. Sanders and the Shenandoah Valley Track Club on Sunday, November 24th at 2pm for a preThanksgiving 5k and Kids 1 mile. The race is held in Bridgewater at the Town Hall. This is the race many students participated in last year with Jaguar Joggers. If we get a big turnout, Mrs. Sanders will lead a warm up for all students that attend.

Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Bridgewater/ShenandoahValleyTrackClubTurkeyRunWalk5kand1Mile

Once you've registered, please complete this Google Form so Mrs. Sanders knows how many students to expect. There will also be race day registration in case you're unsure of your plans for the day. If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Sanders at csanders@rockingham.k12.va.us.