

Dolphin Update
Jones Dolphins Make a SPLASH!
Week of March 10th...
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"*
Our Learning Community...
This week is Literacy Week at Jones! Reading is the foundation of all learning, it is truly a gateway to success in every subject, from math and science to social studies and beyond. Strong literacy skills open doors for students, helping them build critical thinking, creativity, and confidence. At Jones, we are committed to fostering a love of reading, and we know that families play a key role in this journey.
This Friday, we invite you to join us for a Literacy Family Workshop, where you will hear about the exciting literacy work happening at Jones. Join us first thing in the auditorium for coffee and collaboration with our PTA before heading to classrooms to see learning in action. Check out the flyer below for more details!
While we cannot wait to share our efforts with you, there are also many ways you can support your child’s literacy journey at home. Here are some simple but powerful tips to help foster a love of reading and strengthen skills outside of school:
- Read together daily – Even just 15-20 minutes a day makes a huge impact!
- Make reading interactive – Ask your child questions about the story, make predictions, and talk about their favorite parts.
- Let them choose – Giving kids a say in what they read helps develop a love for books.
- Reread favorite books – Repetition helps with fluency, comprehension, and confidence.
- Encourage writing – Have them write stories, shopping lists, or even letters to family members.
- Model a love of reading – Let your child see you enjoying books, magazines, or newspapers.
We look forward to seeing you Friday and partnering with you to support our readers!
TK Enrollment Updates...
UTK will return to being referred to as "TK" beginning in 2025-26. Enrollment into TK will begin on March 15, 2025, and will be an online process. Parents will be able to enroll in their school of residence, and upload required documentation. If Jones becomes full, the staff in the Neighborhood Schools Enrollment Options office will offer seats to the next closest school with space available. Jones will receive TK Choice seats after resident enrollment begins where space is available.
If you would like more information, there is a TK Parent Workshop hosted by San Diego Unified...
- Wednesday, March 12, 2025
- 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (if interpretation services are needed log in at 5:15 p.m.)
- Zoom Link for the presentation: https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/81378374938
Highlights from Last Week...
Last week, Principal Buell had the opportunity to attend SXSW EDU alongside fellow leaders from SDUSD. This dynamic conference brought together educators, innovators, and thought leaders from around the country to explore the future of education. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, from AI and equity to student empowerment and leadership development. Engaging in professional learning like this is essential for school leaders, as it fosters growth, collaboration, and fresh ideas that directly impact our students and school communities. Investing in continuous learning ensures we stay ahead of emerging trends and create the best possible environments for our students to thrive! Below are just a few of the sessions Principal Buell attended with links to audio and video if you are interested in checking them out!
Sinead Bovell, futurist and WAYE founder, presented a discussion that explored how artificial intelligence is poised to transform education and the workforce. She addressed the challenges of preparing students for a rapidly evolving technological landscape and delved into the ethical considerations surrounding AI integration in classrooms and the broader societal implications of these advancements. Bovell's insights shed light on the uncertainties of an AI-driven future and the pivotal role education plays in navigating this transformation.
Beneath the Mask: Autism in Education
A panel discussion shared a mix of first-hand experience and clinical expertise regarding ways to disrupt systems that may perpetuate the pressure to mask as well as highlighting the importance of goals that align with neurodiversity principles and leverage strengths and interests of autistic individuals.
Turning Conflict into Progress in Our Divided Times
Shamil Idriss, CEO of Search for Common Ground, addressed the pervasive issue of polarization and escalating conflicts affecting leaders across various sectors, from student activists to corporate executives. Drawing from his extensive experience in conflict resolution both in the U.S. and internationally, he challenged conventional notions of strength in opposition, advocating for a shift towards cooperation and mutual understanding. He emphasized that by reimagining our approach to conflicts, we can transform them into opportunities for progress, fostering a more collaborative and inclusive future.
Screening Bias: Breaking Down Barriers for Women in STEM
Emily Calandrelli, an aerospace engineer, science communicator, and Emmy-nominated TV host known for making STEM accessible through shows like Emily's Wonder Lab and Xploration Outer Space, shared an overview of the inefficiencies that exist in science television for adults and for children, the problems that arise from it, and potential solutions for breaking these barriers.
Learning How to Work with Your Enemies
Shaniqua McClendon and Sharon McMahon addressed the challenges of engaging with individuals holding opposing viewpoints in today's polarized society. Drawing inspiration from activist Septima Clark's advocacy for collaborating with adversaries to foster mutual understanding, the presenters emphasized the importance of sharing ideas and learning from one another both inside and outside the classroom. They discussed strategies for teaching students to connect across differences and highlighted how small actions can lead to significant historical changes. The session underscored the necessity of embracing diverse perspectives to build a more inclusive and empathetic society.
What We Make Visible to Children: Art, Storytelling, & Picture Books
Jasmin Rubero and Simran Jeet Singh presented a session that explored the critical choices involved in creating children's books and how these decisions shape children's understanding of the world. They discussed the importance of broadening the range of stories in children's literature to nurture empathy and encourage new perspectives. They highlighted works like "Fauja Singh Keeps Going" and "A Vaisakhi to Remember" as examples of stories that expand representation and visibility in children's publishing.
Looking Ahead...
March
11 - SSC/SGT - Virtual
12 - PTA Family Dine Out: Mendocino Farms
13 - VAPA: K, 1, 4, 5
14 - Literacy Family Friday & PTA Association Meeting - 7:45 am - Auditorium (See Flyer Below)
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...
Summer School...
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/