Jefferson Elementary
Jaguar Journal Jan. 5th 2024
Principal Message
May your days be merry and bright...
It's truly heartwarming to witness the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers at Jefferson. The special activities planned throughout the day must have added a touch of magic, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. The positive energy and excitement that filled the air, especially during lunch, undoubtedly created a vibrant atmosphere for everyone involved.
Expressing gratitude to the volunteers for their contribution is essential, as they play a crucial role in making such events successful. Their efforts not only enhance the overall experience for students but also highlight the strong partnership between the school and the community. Collaborations like these foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility, creating a nurturing environment for students to thrive.
Thank you to all the volunteers for their time, effort, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of the students. The impact of such collaborations extends beyond the event itself, leaving a lasting impression on the school, the community, and, most importantly, the students who benefit from these special moments.
Updates and Information
STEM ITEMS NEEDED!!!
I hope this message finds you well. As we continue to prioritize STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for our students, we are reaching out to families for support with reusable materials for students to build and construct.
Here is a list of items we are looking for:
- Fabric Scraps
Empty Water Bottles
Plastic Bottles
Tissue Boxes
Small Wood Scraps
If you have any reusable items to spare, please drop them off at our school office by Thursday, Jan 25th Look for the STEM Reusable Box.
Thank you for your support in fostering a love for STEM education among our students!
Cogat Abilities Screener ( Families with students in 2nd-5th grade)
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 31st.
PTO Updates
As we enter into 2024, our Jefferson PTO is working on a better communication method to reach all families. In each SMORE, we will have a short section of upcoming PTO-sponsored events and PTO meetings
Our next PTO meeting is: January 9 at 6:00 p.m. in the Jefferson Media Center. Pizza and childcare will be provided. Here is Tuesday’s PTO Meeting agenda and December’s PTO meeting minutes. Want to learn more about the events at Jefferson? Come to the January meeting! We will also be planning for the Glow Party! Hope you can join us!
Fifth grade parents, please attend this PTO meeting to start discussing the Fifth Grade Graduation Party.
Jake's Pizza Dining for a Cause
Jefferson Elementary School PTO is hosting Dining for a Cause at Jake Stadium Pizza on January 16 from 5-8 pm. *Dine in and pick up orders only. Jake’s will donate 15% of the proceeds to Jefferson Elementary. Invite family and friends to this great cause.
Up Coming Events
Jan 9th - PTO Meeting - Monthly PTO Teacher Reps
Jan 10th - Early release
Jan 15th No School MLK Day
Jan 16th - PTO Dine out Fundraiser at Jake’s Pizza
Jan 19th - School Store
Jan 22 - No School ~ Teacher Workshop
Jan 22- A&I Family Night at Blue Earth County Library from 5:00-6:30 ( More information to come!)