Jefferson Elementary

Car pick up, to ensure our line moves quickly please display your car pick up number in your window.

During our Early Release day Students worked with their Phenology Friends to complete seasonal picture puzzles, grouped by season, and discussed phenology—the study of how plants and animals respond to seasonal changes. They identified natural events tied to each season and reflected on why these changes occur.

Students mapped their birthdays to seasons and created detailed drawings showing themselves in nature during that time. They tallied birthdays by season and discussed how seasons impact nature and daily life.

Our 2nd graders made meaningful connections between literacy and STEM this week! After reading The Three Little Pigs, students worked in teams to design and build structures that could withstand the "wolf’s" huff and puff—played by the classroom teacher.

This hands-on activity encouraged collaboration, problem-solving, and engineering skills while reinforcing the story’s themes. Students tested their creations and reflected on how their designs could be improved, making this a fun and educational experience. It was wonderful to see STEM concepts come to life through a beloved story!

Students go outside for recess daily, weather permitting. Please ensure your child is dressed properly for the weather: snow boots, snow pants, winter jacket, winter hat and snow gloves. If your student is in need of winter gear please fill out this form.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOeFrQvoqZq2BAv-sDN_pBAANeypHiD6Wua4woGl_QamPkSA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

We are currently accepting new or gently used donations winter clothing, including coats, snow pants, boots, winter hats, and snow gloves or mittens.

We especially need boys’ and girls’ jackets in sizes 6 and up, as well as boots in all sizes. While gently used boots are welcome, new boots are preferred.

Please note: we are completely out of winter snow gloves and would greatly appreciate donations of this item.

Donations can be dropped off at the office. Thank you for your support!

Winter weather will be here soon, so it’s a good idea to have a plan for your family in case of school closings, early dismissals, or late starts.

Notices for school closings and early dismissals will be posted on the following websites, radio, and television stations. You can also hear a recorded message on the District Notification Line at 507-387-6046.

Other ways to track school closing delays/dismissals/closures:

● www.isd77.org ● katoinfo.com ● mankatofreepress.com ● southernminnesotanews.com ● keyc.com ● KEYC 12 - TV AND MANY MORE.

Please Note: Blue Earth Area Schools is a smaller school district south of us. When you hear or see this, IT IS NOT Mankato Area Public Schools. Winter Closings are listed as Mankato Area Public Schools.

Click HERE for a copy of the Winter Weather Information.

Students attending morning ACES have a spot for non-school day ACES care.

On December 12th, we hosted an informational session about what Jefferson will look, sound, and feel like next school year as a Focus School with a nature-based outdoor learning platform. It was wonderful to see everyone who attended and to address the curiosities and questions you had.

Linked below is the presentation I shared during the session. Within the presentation, you’ll find a link and QR code to submit any future questions you may have.

We plan to host additional informational sessions in the future to keep everyone updated as we continue on this exciting journey together.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/15HUtoSoowFk1_ly4QAM--GBC53LxylT4dMALyjM1SPY/edit?usp=sharing

We are thrilled that we have had so much interest to learning more about Jefferson and what it will look like in the Fall of 2025. We recognize that there are still many more questions you may have. We encourage you to visit the Focus School Webpage on our District Webpage. This will be able to provide more clarity and answers to the many questions still out there. A great resource is our Frequently Asked Questions Document were we will add more questions and answers, so check back often.

At our recent PTO meeting, I shared a presentation designed to update parents and teachers about our work on the World’s Best Workforce (WBWF) initiative. These informational sessions will play a vital role in advising the school board on budget priorities and improvement plans to ensure student success. Please reach out to me if you have any questions at mbrues1@isd77.org

Presentation link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1cCiWfYxYkp1ceA5R23ZsHj3_93p96CHeZDFwQTLUUO8/edit#slide=id.p

We have a opening for position for a Student Success Coach here at Jefferson. If you are interested in applying for this opportunity please click on the link below to see more details around the position as well as what qualifications are needed.

https://www.applitrack.com/isd77/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?category=Support+Staff&AppliTrackJobId=4303&AppliTrackLayoutMode=detail&AppliTrackViewPosting=1

Show your Jefferson pride! Adult T-shirts are still available—don’t miss out! Fill out the order form here.

Join us for the January PTO Meeting on January 7 at 6 PM in the Media Center! Enjoy free pizza and childcare while staying connected with our school community. Linked here is the Minutes from the December 10 PTO meeting.

Don’t feel like cooking? Treat your family to Jefferson's Night at Ummies on January 21 from 4–8 PM—great food, school spirit, and special treats for kids in Jefferson swag!

The PTO is seeking a Treasurer for the next school year! If you’re organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about supporting our school, we’d love to have you on our team. Please email jeffersonjagspto@gmail.com if interested or have questions.

January 7 - PTO Meeting at 6 pm

January 21 - Jefferson Night at Ummies 4-8 pm

February 11 - PTO Meeting at 6 pm

February 27 - Neon Night

• Sign up for Remind app: https://www.remind.com/join/jefpto