

Dolphin Update
Jones Dolphins Make a SPLASH!
Week of February 17th...
For Translation...
Click on "Translate Newsletter" and select language of choice to translate letter.
*Arriba de esta pagina haga click "Translate Newsletter" y seleccione el idioma "SPANISH"*
*Nhấp vào "dịch Newsletter" và chọn ngôn ngữ của sự lựa chọn để dịch thư "VIETNAMESE"*
*انقر فوق "ترجمة النشرة الإخبارية" وحدد اللغة التي تختارها لترجمة الرسالة. "ARABIC"*
Reminder...
Our Learning Community...
Friendship Grams and Valentines filled our week! As we celebrate this season of love, it is a powerful reminder of the strength we find when we come together as a community. In a time when our nation is seeing an increase in division and hate, love remains our most powerful tool for creating change.
We understand that recent executive orders affecting education policy and the Department of Education have raised questions and concerns for many. As a proud member of San Diego Unified School District, we want to reassure you of our unwavering commitment to providing a high-quality, inclusive education for every student. As public educators, we stand at the heart of a mission that transcends politics, ensuring every child who walks through our doors feels seen, valued, and is celebrated for who they are.
The U.S. Constitution does not explicitly mention education, it is not a federal power by default. Education is already primarily a state responsibility, as outlined in our California Constitution. States have broad authority to create and manage their education systems. States set learning standards, adopt textbooks, make decisions about curriculum, and determine graduation requirements. They decide what students learn and how teachers are certified. The majority of our education funding comes from state and local sources through property taxes, state income taxes, and other revenue streams.
Federal educational funding in the U.S. has historically been targeted to support specific student populations and address disparities in education. The goal has been ensure all students, regardless of their background, have access to quality education and equitable opportunities. Title I aims to close the opportunity gap between low-income families and their more affluent peers. IDEA mandates that students with disabilities receive a free, appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs. Title III funding focuses on helping English Learners achieve proficiency in English while also succeeding academically. The McKinney-Veto Act ensures that homeless students have the same access to education as their peers. Title VI is a key provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibits discrimination. The new executive orders represent a significant shift in federal education policy which will have serious implications across our country and here in California. At a time when we are already facing budgetary challenges an additional loss in funding is worrisome. Regardless of changes at the federal level, San Diego Unified remains dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive environment for all. Our values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence will continue to guide every decision we make.
We will always prioritize the well-being, rights, and opportunities of our students and families. Our district has a strong tradition of supporting all learners, fostering leadership, and promoting growth, and that will not change.
Thank you for trusting us with your child’s education. Thank you for partnering with us in this important work. We hope even during times of uncertainty you find strength in our community and all that unites us.
Coach Jensen's Corner...
In P.E. this month we are beginning to put a little more focus into preparing for the state mandated fitness test coming up in April. Our 5th graders will participate in 5 activities including the pacer, curl ups, flex arm hang, trunk lift, and shoulder stretch. Our IMPACT stations include exercises to help our students practice for these tests and to build strength and confidence. We just completed the Pacer Challenge in P.E. class. Ask your student how they did, many reached or surpassed their grade level goal!
Our dance focus this month is centered around disco and hip hop. Our students are learning how to dance like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever and being introduced to some cool music too. Ask to see their disco finger point. 😊
Stay active – Coach Jensen
Highlights From Last Week...
Goal setting professional collaboration with our early learning team.
Primary team engaged in data analysis conversations.
Student goal setting in small groups.
Looking Ahead...
February
Black History Month
17 - No School: President’s Day
19 - Volunteer Appreciation: 12:15 - 1:15 pm @Jones Library
20 - VAPA: UTK, 3, 2
21 - Science Guys Assembly Sponsored by the PTA
21 - End of the Second Trimester
26 - Student Store
28 - Achievement Awards #2
28 - School Picture Day - Spring
March
6 - Extra Minimum Day (Dismissal for UTK-5th - 11:40 am/11:50 am)
7 - No School: Non-Instructional Day
11 - SSC/SGT
12 - PTA Family Dine Out: Mendocino Farms
13 - VAPA: K, 1, 4, 5
14 - Literacy Family Friday & PTA Association Meeting - 7:45 am - Auditorium
17 - Fire Drill
18 - Cali-Q BBQ (Families can join students for a special Picnic Lunch)
20 - VAPA: UTK, 3, 2
21 - Spotlight Leadership Assembly Habit #6
23 - PTA Family Picnic and Playdate: Snapdragon Thrive Park
24 - 28 - Spring Parent/Guardian & Teacher Conferences (UTK-5th Grade: Minimum Days all week)
26 - Shelter in Place Drill
26 - Student Store
31 - April 4 - No School: Spring Break
April
7 - School Resumes
7 - May 9 - Fitnessgram Assessment (5th grade)
8 - Fire Drill
9 - Student Store
11 - Military Appreciation Ceremony
11 - 5th Grade Panoramic Picture
23 - Student Store
24 - Spring Showcase of Learning (evening event)
25 - Spotlight Leadership Assembly Habit #7
28 - May 9 - SBAC Testing (3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade)
29 - SSC/SGT
May
7 - Student Store
13 - 16 - Scholastic Book Fair
16 - Achievement Awards #3
20 - SSC/SGT
22 - Fire Drill
26 - No School: Memorial Day
27 - UTK & K Promotion
28 - 5th Grade Promotion
29 - Last Day of School - Extra Minimum Day (UTK-5th)
PTA Spotlight...
The PTA plays a crucial role in fostering strong family engagement at Jones Elementary. By organizing activities that bring families, students, and staff together, the PTA helps grow a stronger sense of belonging within our school community. These events not only strengthen relationships but also empower families to be active participants in their children's education, enhancing student success and building a supportive, collaborative school environment. Thank you for the leadership of our PTA Executive Board members, the volunteers that plan and execute PTA events, and all of you who participate. Check out what our PTA is up to...
Additional Resources for Families...
Enrollment Updates...
Enrollment for next school year is open! If you have children going into Kindergarten through 5th Grade, that do not already attend Jones, you may start the enrollment process now. Reach out to our Enrollment Clerk Tiffani Barthelmes at 619-605-8800 or tbarthelmes@sandi.net
If you have children going into Transitional Kindergarten, their enrollment process will begin in March. More details to come!
Summer Programs...
Dear San Diego Unified Families,
San Diego Unified’s Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) department would like to share information about the district’s 2025 summer programs, available to eligible students currently enrolled in San Diego Unified. Programs include Summer Academic, PrimeTime Summer program, Summer Enrichment opportunities and Extended School Year (ESY). Below are important key dates, program details and information. Families may view summer school site locations by clicking here, 2025 Summer Programming Information.
When planning this year’s summer programming, the district carefully considered several factors, including reduced funding, grant requirements, attendance data, and school site facility availability due to scheduled construction projects. In previous years, summer programs were offered for “UTK-8” students. However, due to low middle school participation in past Summer Academic and Primetime programs and fiscal challenges, we made a data-driven decision to focus programming for TK-6 students.
Summer 2025 Program Dates and Times:
Grades TK - 6th
The following summer programs are funded by the California Department of Education ELOP Grant and our district will offer priority enrollment to eligible TK-6 students who meet any of the following criteria:
- Homeless and/or foster youth
- Low income (eligible for free/reduced meals under LCFF)
- English Learners
- Siblings of the above
- Students with disabilities (IEP or 504)
Eligible families will receive an email and text notification sent to the primary contact information on file with PowerSchool. The priority enrollment window opens on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. and closes on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 9:59 p.m.
Summer Academic:
Wednesday, June 4 - Thursday, July 3
Program closed Thursday, June 19 & Friday, June 20
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Enrollment Opens: Monday, February 10, 2025
Enrollment Closes: Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 9:59 p.m.
Summer PrimeTime:
Wednesday, June 4 - Thursday, July 3
Program closed Thursday, June 19 & Friday, June 20
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Enrollment Opens: Monday, February 10, 2025
Enrollment Closes: Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 9:59 p.m.
Summer Enrichment:
Monday, July 7 - Friday, July 18
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Enrollment Opens: Late April 2025
*We anticipate the demand for summer programs may surpass capacity once the priority enrollment application window closes. We will notify families if space becomes available for general enrollment.
Extended School Year (ESY) Special Education Program: Services provided to eligible students who have unique needs and require special education and related services in excess of the regular academic year. Families with questions regarding ESY eligibility should reach out to their student’s case manager.
Wednesday, June 4 - Thursday, July 3
Program closed Thursday, June 19 & Friday, June 20
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Registration is done by students’ case managers and based on the IEP’s team decision.
We encourage families to explore the FAQ and visit the Extended Learning Opportunities website for additional detailed information about the summer programs and guidance on accessing applications and enrollment forms.
Join us for parent office hours every Tuesday, February 4 - June 3, from 4 - 4:30 p.m. via zoom for support!
We look forward to supporting your child’s learning this summer!
Sincerely,
Extended Learning Opportunities Department
San Diego Unified School District
Non District Community Organization Summer Camps...
Due to reduced grant funding space is extremely limited and priority has been given to eligible students per the ELOP grant for District Summer Programs. Below please find resources for additional summer programs. These camps are not associated with Level Up Enrichment in partnership with the San Diego Foundation.
*The linked website is provided for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by us. We recommend reviewing the website's content, privacy policy, and terms of service before proceeding.
Immigration & Customs Information...
We want to ensure our Dolphin community is aware of the policies and practices within San Diego Unified School District regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in our schools. We want to clearly communicate our school's policies and the legal protections in place for our students and families.
Our school is, and will remain, a safe space for all students regardless of immigration status. Under California law (AB 699), all students have the right to a public education regardless of immigration status. On December 17, 2024 the SDUSD School Board passed a resolution reaffirming the values of the District as a welcoming district for all students, stating that District staff will support our community by, “not assisting the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the enforcement of federal civil immigration law, and not permitting access to district facilities or personnel, except in instances in which the district is provided with a warrant.”
Key points our community should know:
Federal & State Law and District Policy Protections:
- Policy 10029.2 of the US Department of Homeland Security-The DHS guidelines have been rescinded, however, District policy and CA state law also prohibit immigration enforcement on our campuses except in very limited circumstances and our school sites are aware not to allow ICE to enter a campus until and unless the agents present a judicial warrant. Read more on the National Immigration Law Center’s factsheet here.
- The California Values Act (SB 54) strictly limits assistance with immigration enforcement at CA public schools
- Assembly Bill 699 requires our school to implement additional protections for immigrant students
- San Diego Unified Board Policy 5145.13 prohibits the collection of information about students' immigration status and outlines specific steps we must take if immigration enforcement officers request campus access
Our School's Response Protocol:
- Upon receiving any verbal or written request for information related to a student’s or family’s immigration or citizenship status, district staff shall: Notify the Superintendent or designee about the information request.
- Document any request for information by immigration authorities.
- Except when the subpoena served on the local educational agency expressly prohibits disclosure, the district shall provide parental or guardian notification of any court orders, warrants, or subpoenas before responding to such requests.
Practical Steps for Families:
- Update your emergency contact information with the school immediately if you haven't recently
- Ensure we have current phone numbers for multiple trusted emergency contacts
- Make sure your children know who can pick them up if you are unavailable
- Keep a copy of important documents in a safe place and with a trusted person
- Carry a "Know Your Rights" card (available in our front office)
Support Resources:
- Ms. Vu, our school counselor, is available to support students & families (nvu@sandi.net)
- CA DOJ Immigration-Enforcement Actions at California Schools-Guide for Students and Families (en español)
- CA Immigration Resource Hub
- SDUSD Protecting Staff & Students Website with resources for staff, students, & families
- SDUSD’s Online Reporting Form for equity, civil rights, or safety concerns
- SDUSD Family Engagement Department: (619) 293-4431
- SDUSD Multilingual Education Department: (619) 725-7264
- Alliance San Diego: (619) 269-1823
Additional Resources:
- Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan/Plan de Preparación Familiar (Download Here/Descarga Aqui)
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) Immigrant Rights Two-Pager
- Immigration Advocates Network’s national directory of free or lowcost,nonprofit immigration legal services providers
- ICE Detainee Locator
- ¡Entérate de tus derechos! Home Raid Poster (en español)
- We Have Rights/Tenemos Derechos with videos
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) Red Cards/Tarjetas Rojas
We are committed to protecting every student's right to learn in a safe and supportive environment. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office directly at 619-605-8800 or email Principal Buell at abuell@sandi.net
Our school community is strongest when we support one another. Thank you for your trust and partnership in ensuring all our students can learn and thrive.
Dolphin Pride Yard Signs
We are so proud of the incredible community here at Jones and we want to spread our Dolphin pride far and wide! To celebrate our school spirit and the amazing things happening here, we are offering free Dolphin Pride Yard Signs to families who are willing to display one in their yard.
This is a wonderful way to share our school’s positivity and excitement with neighbors. Together, we can show everyone how much we love being part of our learning community.
If you are interested in receiving a yard sign, please let come to the front office to get while supplies last (our office is open 7:00 am - 3:00 pm). Thank you for your continued support and for being such an important part of our Dolphin family. Let’s share our pride with the whole community!
Help Support Our 5th Graders...
San Diego Unified Food Services
Breakfast & Lunch Menus...
Here is a link to the San Diego Unified Food Services Website where you can find allergy and nutritional information on foods served at schools. Foods not found on our regular school site menu will be listed individually under the "Alternate Menu Items" section.
If you ever have general questions about the food services at school sites you can reach out to foodandnutritionservices@sandi.net. To connect directly with the Jones Cafe Manager you can email Elena Nieto at enieto@sandi.net.
Yearbooks...
This year you can also personalize two pages of your child's yearbook for free!
Check out the flyer below...
Jones Elementary
Check out our school website for PeachJar Flyers, Counseling Resources, Family Handbook, Staff Contact Lists, After School Programs, Enrollment Information and so much more!
Email: contact@sandi.net
Website: https://jones.sandiegounified.org/
Location: 2751 Greyling Drive, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: (619) 605-8800
Facebook: facebook.com/JonesElementary
Instagram: @jonesdolphins
Jones Elementary PTA
Our Parent Teacher Association works with Jones Elementary to provide programs and support to benefit the students, their families, teachers, school administration and the community. Run entirely by volunteers, the PTA raises money to support enrichment programs, program instructors, educational assemblies and field trips, family events, and special classroom supplies.
As always, we need your membership, support and ability to volunteer. You can become a member using Totem, a respected membership management service. Please contact us with other thoughts on how we are doing, and your ideas on how you can become involved. We look forward to hearing from you.
Email: jonesdolphinspta@gmail.com
Website: https://jpjonespta.org/
Location: 2751 Greyling Drive, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: (619)605-8800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonesPTA/