Jackson Jaguars ROAR!

Spring is finally here! As we approach the last 8 weeks of school, I look ahead to the warm weather, blooming flowers, and blue skies. While 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders are busy taking their state tests during April, we know that they will all try to do their best and to "show what they know"!

Students taking state tests should...

• Eat a healthy breakfast
• Get to sleep at an early time
• Come to school every day and on time
• Relax & remain positive

May will bring many fun and wonderful events (listed below). Parents/guardians are welcome to attend Field Day on May 3rd. This is always an exciting event and this year we will be dedicating our Field Day to Mr. Robert K. Morris, our late PE teacher. Please join us!

Please read below for all upcoming events!

Thank you for being a part of what makes it so special! As always, please feel free to reach out via ClassDojo, by phone, email, or stop by if you have any questions, needs, comments, etc.! Together, we will make a difference!

Thank you,

Sara Miller, Principal

April 1-5: CMAS Motivation Week

• April 1-Jersey Day
• April 2-Decades Day
• April 3-Favorite Sweatshirt/Hoodie
• April 4-Hat Day
• April 5-3rd,4th, 5th grade students will dress in a class color

April 5: 2:00 CMAS Pep Rally

April 8-24: CMAS for 3rd, 4th, 5th grade

April 11: 5:00-7:00 Multilingual Family Night

April 19: 6:00-7:00 Recorders Concert (3rd grade)

April 26: 5:00-7:00 CMAS Dance (Students will earn their invitation.)

May 2: Annie Kids Musical

May 3: Field Day

May 6-10: Staff Appreciation Week

May 9: 6:00-7:00 Open House & Band/Orchestra Concert

May 21: Last Day of School

Congratulations, Jaguars. We reached our goal of selling over $2,000 worth of Butterbraids.

Our top 3 classes were:

3rd place – Mrs. Bowman’s class: sold $615 worth of Butterbraids.

2nd place – Mrs. Ingram’s class: sold $840 worth of Butterbraids.

1st place and winner of the pizza party – Mrs. Noll’s class: sold $915 worth of Butterbraids.

Thank you for all of your hard work to help raise money for our school.

Colorado Measures of Academic Progress (CMAS) testing is coming for grades 3-5. It’s important for students to be at school on time and present EVERY day during April.

Testing will be on Tuesdays-Friday April 8th-23rd.

April 9: 3rd, 4th, & 5th Reading CMAS

April 10: 3rd, 4th, & 5th Reading CMAS

April 11: 3rd, 4th, & 5th Reading CMAS

April 16: 3rd, 4th, & 5th Math CMAS

April 17: 3rd, 4th, & 5th Math CMAS

April 18: 3rd, 4th, & 5th Math CMAS

April 19: 5th Science CMAS

April 23: 5th Science CMAS

April 24: 5th Science CMAS

If you have specific questions about testing, please contact your child’s teacher or Kyla Kahrs.

Have your students mentioned doing Rhythm Ninja in music class? Rhythm Ninja is a program I created to help students become better at performing the rhythms that they are responsible for learning in each grade. We work on Rhythm Ninja regularly throughout the year. Several years ago, I made videos to accompany Rhythm Ninja practices so that I could check student progress without having to lead the practices. Some students have asked if they can have access to those videos to practice at home. I am happy to share those videos with you here. In class we use rhythm sticks to play the rhythms, but at home they can use pencils, their hands , or any percussion instrument they can imagine. Feel free to sit down with your child and learn the ways of the Rhythm Ninja!

Rhythm Ninja Level 1 Practice (Kindergarten) https://youtu.be/Q1JGSlO4WXU

Rhythm Ninja Level 2 Practice (1st Grade) https://youtu.be/3MWkTzbZaY8

Rhythm Ninja Level 3 Practice (2nd Grade) https://youtu.be/2zDkTMRINUc

Rhythm Ninja Level 4 Practice (3rd Grade) https://youtu.be/2X7UFx6lKr4

Rhythm Ninja Level 5 Practice (4th Grade) https://youtu.be/qLQt5w1O-mI

Rhythm Ninja Level 6 Practice (5th Grade) https://youtu.be/m9qXoZAhb9I

Important Dates:

• Friday, April 19th – 3rd Grade Recorder Concert (Gardner & Morton)

The program will have a performance during the day (TBA) and an evening performance at 6:00 pm.

• Thursday, May 9th - The Band/Orchestra spring concert will be a part of the School-wide open house that evening. There will also be a daytime performance (TBA)

Thank you all for the encouragement you give your students in appreciating music.

Mr. Miller

**All library books need to be returned by Monday, May 6th. **

Read Across America

We had fun Read Across America with many people coming to Jackson to share with us. One of our special guests was the Challenger Space Center Portable Planetarium where all grades PreK-5 were able to visit outer space while still inside the Jackson gymnasium!

Helping Your Kids and Teens Online

Hi Jackson Families,

April is Stress Awareness Month, and I wanted to share some reminders from one of our D11 partners, Care Solace.

Ways to prioritize your mental health and well-being:

-take breaks (Do something fun that can get you out of your head.)

-get outside (Go for a 10-15 minute walk.)

-talk with loved ones (Call someone you haven't spoken with recently.)

-take some deep breaths (Breathe in while counting to 4, hold for 3, slowly breathe out while counting to 4; repeat 3-5 times or until your body has started to relax)

NOTE about Deep Breaths: This allows your body and brain to slow everything down and calm your body.

State Testing in April for Third-Fifth Grade Students

With state testing coming up for our third-fifth grade students, they will need reminders on how to take healthy breaks and to get good sleep in the midst of all the thinking their brains will be doing. Please encourage them to find ways to rest and recharge.

Mental Health Resource

Remember, your mental health matters, and taking proactive steps to manage stress is a sign of strength. If you or someone you know needs support, Care Solace is available 24/7/365 for confidential mental health care coordination:

Call: 888-515-0595 (Multilingual support available)

Visit: www.caresolace.com/d11

Take the time you need, practice mindfulness, and thrive.

Please remember to reach out any time you have questions or concerns. I am here to support you and your child(ren).

Warmly,

Mrs. Jan Kisler

School Counselor

Jackson Elementary School

719-328-5806

Email: sara.miller@d11.org
Website: https://www.d11.org/Domain/37
Location: 4340 Edwinstowe Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Phone: 719-328-5800