Jackson eNews
2/16/2024
Hello Jackson Families!
It has been a fun week at Jackson with so many of our Jaguars participating in the theme days of Friendship Week. Even more wonderful was watching our students exhibit acts of kindness and friendship. We hope that all of our students will continue to practice kindness and nurture friendships that will last a lifetime!
Speaking of kindness and patience, we are asking parents to please be cautious and considerate when driving through the carpool lane. We know it can be tempting to speed up when passing cars that are stopped in the carpool lane; but that can be extremely dangerous, especially if a child were to dart around into the passing lane. We have also observed a few close calls with cars pulling out of the carpool lane into street traffic. Unexpected situations can happen when you least expect them. Thank you for being cautious and vigilant in our carpool lane.
Our students were able to experience the wonders of the night sky in the Skydome planetarium at Jackson today! They were taken on a visual tour of the solar system--the stars, the planets and how the seasons affect the night sky. Please see a few pictures below of this "out-of-the world" adventure! Thank you, PTA!
Monday, February 19, and Tuesday, February 20, are student holidays. Jackson staff will enjoy a professional development day on Tuesday. We look forward to welcoming our Jaguars back on Wednesday, February 21. Even though it will be a short week, we have a lot going on!
Class pictures and individual spring pictures are scheduled for Thursday, February 22. Since two different sets of pictures are being taken, two order forms were sent home. If you wish to order online, the codes are below.
Group Pics Code – EVT6FQZ92
Individual Spring Pics Code – EVTSN7Z8R
Thursday, February 22, is also Multicultural Night at Jackson! In addition to the Parade of Nations and cultural displays, Parkland Community Health Partners will also be on site to help families with: applications for Medicaid/Chip; free Medicaid transportation, Texas Health Steps Program, migrant farmworker families services, and the Healthy Texas Women Program. We hope you can join us from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. for this enjoyable and informative evening!
TELPAS testing (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System) will begin at Jackson next week and will continue through March for all students designated as "emergent bilingual." If your student will be participating in this assessment, please read the letter below from Mr. Riggle for more information regarding this test.
Parent TELPAS Letter - English
Parent TELPAS Letter - Spanish
We hope you enjoy the extra time with your family and we will see our Jaguars back at school on Wednesday, February 21!
Crystal Roach, Ed.D
Principal
Jackson Elementary School
Skydome Planetarium at Jackson
PTA Sharing the LOVE with Jackson Staff
Important Dates
FEBRUARY 2024
- Monday, February 19 - Student/Staff Holiday
- Tuesday, February 20 - Student Holiday/Staff Professional Development Day
- February 21 - March 27 - TELPAS Testing Window
- Thursday, February 22 - Spring and Class Pictures
- Thursday, February 22 - Multicultural Night, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.; Parkland Community Health Plan on site
MARCH 2024
- Friday, March 1 - United Way Reading Day, 8:00 - 10:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, March 5 - PTA Spirit Night at Raising Cane's, 7651 Campbell Rd, Dallas, TX 75248, 4-10 p.m.
- Thursday, March 7 - K-2 Awards Assembly, 2:05 p.m.
- Thursday, March 7 - PTA General Meeting, 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, March 7 - Spring Open House, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
- March 11 - March 15: Spring Break! Student/Staff Holiday
- Tuesday, March 19 - Plano Symphony Orchestra Field Trip, 4th grade, 11:00 a.m.
- Thursday, March 21 - Spring Reading Night, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- Friday, March 22 - 3-5 Awards Assembly, 2:05 p.m.
- Friday, March 29 - Student/Staff Holiday
Click HERE for 2023-24 PISD Calendar
Spring Individual Picture and Group Picture Day at Jackson
Smile for the camera! Class pictures and individual spring pictures are scheduled for Thursday, February 22. Since two different sets of pictures are being taken, two separate order forms have been sent home. If you wish to order online, the codes are below.
Group Pictures Code - EVT6FQZ92
Individual Spring Pictures Code - EVTSN7Z8R
Multicultural Night - Thursday, February 22
Parkland Community Health Plan Onsite During Multicultural Night
Kids Heart Challenge
On Wednesday, February 21, Jackson will kick off the Kids Heart Challenge sponsored by the American Heart Association. Students will view a introductory video in their P.E. class from 2/21 - 2/27. More information regarding this challenge will be sent home with school specific goals and incentives. You can read a little more about the program below and even get a head-start for a chance to win 2 tickets to the 2025 Super Bowl! We are so excited to bring this program to Jackson!
Thanks!
Coach Stelling and Coach McMillan
Ready for a life-changing mission Jackson Elementary School? Starting next week, we will begin Kids Heart Challenge during PE, where we will be learning all about how to keep our hearts healthy while helping others!
Why does it matter?
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in America and is 80% preventable. We want to empower families to take charge of their heart health.
Want to get a head start? Grab your family and join us in learning Hands-Only CPR through the Kids Heart Challenge and crush our goal for the American Heart Association! How to get started: Download the app for iPhone or Android, or register online http://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=9733&pg=company&company_id=456690! From there, AHA Ambassador Finn will be your guide. Conquer Finn's Mission with your family!
EXCITING NEWS: NFL and AHA have teamed up, offering a chance to WIN TICKETS TO SUPERBOWL 2025! EVERY FAMILY who completes Finn's Mission will be entered into a regional sweepstakes to win TWO SUPERBOWL 2025 TICKETS! Click here to learn more (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r3qsVxvL2Y).
Classroom Lessons
Welcome to the Counselors’ Corner! We will use this section of the eNews to inform you all of topics we will be covering in our Counselor lessons and any other important or useful information! Students come with their class to the counselor bi-weekly to receive lessons. We absolutely love this time with them!
For our next lesson, the weeks of 02/21 & 02/26, we will focus on Bullying/Empathy. This will be our last bully prevention lesson of the year! Students will understand their responsibility when it comes to bully prevention and understand what empathy is. During these lessons, students will be reminded of the characteristics of a friend, bully, target, upstander, and bystander. We will reiterate effective strategies for upstanders and differentiate the differences between rude, mean, and bullying. Students will strengthen their understanding of what empathy is and how it can impact behavior. Empathy is extremely important because it helps students build connections, regulate emotions, and promote helping behaviors. Students will learn how empathy can prevent bullying, help them make meaningful relationships, and help them receive help from others when needed. Empathy is the key ingredient to successful relationships in school and beyond!
Jaguar of the Month Program
Jaguar of the Month is a student reward program (Grades K-5) that incorporates character traits from the program, CharacterStrong. A new character trait is introduced every month and students will engage in classroom discussions and activities to reinforce the trait. At the end of the month, each teacher will identify a student who consistently demonstrated the targeted trait. These students will be recognized on JagTube, receive a certificate, wristband, and a Jackson Jaguar pencil. Grade level group photos will be displayed on the bulletin board near the front office AND Jaguars of the Month will attend a popsicle party with Dr. Roach, our principal, and Mr. Riggle, our assistant principal!
Our Jaguar of the Month Trait is Honesty! Our definition of Honesty is being truthful in what you say and do. Check out the CharacterStrong Family Letter (English) / CharacterStrong Family Letter (Spanish) for more information about PurposeFull People and some fun ways you can join us in teaching and reinforcing Responsibility! Monthly Family Newsletters will be sent home that outline the CharacterStrong skills students are learning in class and provide fun ideas to grow as a family at home.
Thank you!
Michelle Hardy (Grades PK, 1, 3, 5)
(469) 752-2115
Nicole Sollie (Grades K, 2, 4)
(469) 752-2116
2022-2023 Federal Report Card for Jackson Elementary
The 2022-2023 Federal Report Card for Jackson Elementary has now been released, and posted to the Jackson Elementary website www.pisd.edu/Jackson_ar. The report provides information concerning student performance on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), as well as information on student enrollment, class size averages, and financial expenditures. The information contained in the School Report Card is described in the “School Report Card Definitions.” The Federal Report Card is also available at https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/accountability/academic-accountability/performance-reporting/federal-report-cards.
If you have any questions concerning the School Report Cards, please let us know. Thank you for your continued support of Jackson Elementary.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
El boletines de informe federal del 2022-2023 para la escuela Jackson Elementary han sido publicados en el sitio de internet Jackson Elementary www.pisd.edu/jackson_ar. El reporte proporciona información sobre el rendimiento de los estudiantes en la prueba STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) que es el nombre del programa de evaluación académica para los estudiantes en las escuelas públicas de Texas, así como información sobre estudiantes inscritos, tamaño promedio de la clase y gastos financieros. La información contenida en el reporte de progreso de la escuela es requerida por la ley estatal y se describe en las "definiciones del boletín de informe de la escuela". El boletín del informe del gobierno de los Estados Unidos se encuentra disponible también en https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/accountability/academic-accountability/performance-reporting/federal-report-cards.
Si usted tiene alguna pregunta acerca del boletín de informe de la escuela, por favor háganoslo saber. Gracias por su apoyo continúo en la escuela Jackson Elementary.
We are excited to partner with United Way for Reading Day at Jackson on Friday, March 1. Reading Day volunteers will read to students in every grade level, sharing stories that inspire children to dream big. Jackson is in need of 15 volunteers for Reading Day. If you are interested in participating in this rewarding event, please see the flyer below. Books will be provided on site. You must register with United Way and select your volunteer location. You will then be directed to VOLY. All volunteers must be cleared through VOLY to participate. Volunteer registration with United Way closes on February 25. United Way Volunteer Registration
United Way Flyer - English and Spanish
Jackson's Clothes Closet
Jackson's "Clothes Closet" is in need of new or gently used clothing for students in grades K-5. The most needed clothing items include: sweatpants, jeans, shorts, and leggings. All sizes and all seasons of clothing would be appreciated! Donations can be dropped off in the Front Office.
Thank you for your help!
Library Volunteers Needed
Jackson's librarian, Ms. Kincaid, is looking for one helper per week to assist with reshelving books. The commitment is only 30-45 minutes, and you can choose any day between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
If you can help, please sign up using the link here.
https://plano.voly.org/opportunity/view.html?id=91641
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Kincaid at amy.kincaid@pisd.edu.
Your support makes a difference and we truly appreciate your help!
February Fitness Calendar
Our awesome P.E. coaches are sharing a monthly calendar with fitness challenges and other activities that promote the development of motor skills, physical fitness, and social skills. These activities can be done at home with family or friends. Have fun with fitness!
Drama Kids Enrolling for Spring Classes at Jackson!
World Wear Project
You can also support our PTA by bringing any household donations (clothes, shoes, etc.) to the donation bin in the back parking lot. You will be helping our PTA and the environment by recycling!
Volunteering
Whether giving of your time, your resources, or just providing a little encouragement to those in our Jackson Community, we LOVE our volunteers!
Jackson teachers and staff are looking for family volunteers to help during all Jackson lunch and recess periods. Beginning this school year, Plano ISD is requiring Cafeteria doors to remain locked during all lunch periods. This means a staff member has to supervise the cafeteria doors for students needing to step out for water or restroom breaks.
Your help will allow us to provide enough supervision to keep our students safe! Volunteer time slots are in 30 minute to 1 hour increments. Volunteers have the opportunity to monitor students for a 30 minute lunch and/or a 30 minute recess. While volunteering, you will not be able to eat with the children, but you will likely be helping with opening food/drink items & assisting in the lunch line.
All volunteers will need to create an account and complete an application, online orientation and background check through the Plano ISD volunteer management system, VOLY, to be eligible for district/school volunteer opportunities. Please visit plano.voly.org to create a volunteer account and begin this process. These items will need to be completed by volunteers each school year.
An email will be sent to the volunteer applicant communicating the status of their application and criminal history search within 3-5 business days of completing these steps. Volunteer approval status can also be viewed by the volunteer by logging into their account. Volunteers will need to complete the online orientation as well to be eligible to volunteer.
Once approved through VOLY, please sign-up at the link below.
2023 - 2024 Lunch Duty Volunteer signup:
We greatly appreciate your willingness to invest your time and efforts into supporting Jackson students, families and staff.
Thank you,
Brenda Arcibar
VP of Volunteers
Jackson Elementary PTA
Jackson PTA
Hello Jackson Families,
Support our students by joining the Jackson PTA! Your PTA membership helps to provide various programs such as: field trips, Bookfairs, school supplies, author visits and other educational programs for next year. We can't do this without your support! Please visit our website to become a member of the Jackson PTA.
The Jackson PTA website is also a great resource for you to find out about updated PISD, Jackson, and PTA events on the calendar, find ongoing and new volunteer opportunities, how you can help raise money for Jackson, and much more! Visit www.jacksonpta.com to explore our site!
Be sure you are also following us on social media for reminders of upcoming events! We are on Facebook "Jackson Elementary School PTA" and Instagram at "ptajacksonelem."
Thank you!
Your Jackson PTA Executive Board
Plano Senior H.S. Softball - Future Wildcat Night, 3/19
Plano Sr. High School Girls' Soccer Season Has Begun!
Plano Sr. High School Girls' Soccer Season has begun! Youth Night is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20, and all youth players will get in free with a soccer jersey! The team is also looking for ball girls to help with JV games, Varsity games, or both. If you are interested, please sign up at the link below. We hope to see our future Wildcats in the stands!
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/5080A4EAFAD28A0FD0-46208977-plano
Plano Senior HS Men's Soccer - Future Wildcat Clinic
Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP)
Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP)
Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP)
Helpful Links
District Updates for Plano ISD Families
Annual Registration for Existing and Newly Enrolled PISD Students
New Student Online Enrollment and Annual Registration
District Safety and Security Procedures
Transportation Services - Bus Route Finder
School Meal Application
Plano ISD participates in the federal meal program, which provides free and reduced-price meals to students who qualify. Families who may qualify for meal benefits should complete a meal application for the 2023-2024 school year, available through Parent Portal or via the website at www.pisd.edu/mealprogram.
Families who already have a SchoolCafé account can sign in to complete the meal application. Families who do not have an account can create a new one by selecting that option on the SchoolCafé page. View this SchoolCafé information video for instructions on how to complete the meal application.
Applications will be processed within 10 business days. Eligibility notification letters will be sent via email. If you have not received the letter in your inbox, please check your junk and spam folders.
Presentations from Grade Level Parent Information Nights
Kinder Information Night 2023
Video - A Day in the Life of a Kindergartener at Jackson Elementary
1st Grade Parent Information Night Presentation - English
1st Grade Parent Information Night Presentation - Spanish
2nd Grade Parent Information Night Presentation - English
2nd Grade Parent Information Night Presentation - Spanish
3rd Grade Parent Information Night Presentation – English
3rd Grade Parent Information Night Presentation - Spanish
4th Grade Parent Information Night Presentation – English
4th Grade Parent Information Night Presentation – Spanish
Stay Connected!
Make Sure Your Communication Preferences Are Up To Date!
Visit www.pisd.edu/schoolmessenger to choose how you prefer to receive communications from Jackson and Plano ISD.
Jackson Elementary
Website: http://pisd.edu/jackson
Location: 1101 Jackson Drive, Plano, TX, United States
Phone: 469-752-2100
Twitter: @JacksonPlano