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!
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.
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)
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.
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/
