

Dolphin Update
Jones Dolphins Make a SPLASH!
Week of February 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 past week we created space for students and families to explore and share their own connections to history and culture as we launched Black History Month. Thank you to all of the families that were able to make it to Friday morning's event. Below you will find ideas for extending our learning at home as well as links to additional resources.
Here are Some Ways to Continue the Conversation at Home...
- Ask Thoughtful Questions
- What’s something new you learned about Black history today?
- How do the lessons from history connect to today?
- Who is an inspiring Black leader you want to learn more about?
- Read Books Together
- Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed (Inspired by astronaut Mae Jemison)
- The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander (Celebrates Black resilience and excellence)
- Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly (STEM contributions of Black women)
- Visit your local library for more books by Black authors!
Explore Black Cultural Contributions
- Listen to music from jazz legends like Duke Ellington or modern artists like Beyoncé.
- Watch documentaries like Ruby Bridges (civil rights) or Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History (kid-friendly).
- Visit museums, historical sites, or virtual exhibitions on Black history.
Support & Celebrate Black Voices
- Support Black-owned businesses and authors.
- Attend community events celebrating Black culture and history.
- Encourage children to share what they learn at school with family and friends.
Highlights From Last Week...
A much needed rainy day!
Buddy classroom activity for Black History Month!
Ms. Vu attended the California Association of Asian & Pasifika Leaders in Education conference in San Jose!
Black History Month & Family Heritage Event
PTA Sweetheart Dance
Thank you to our PTA for hosting such an amazing Sweetheart Dance! The time, effort, and creativity you poured into this event truly made it a magical evening for our students and families.
From the beautiful decorations to the fun music the yummy food and thoughtful details, everything came together perfectly to create a special night filled with excitement and wonderful memories. Your dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful to have such a caring and committed PTA supporting our school.
Looking Ahead...
February
Black History Month
11 - Fire Drill
11 - 12 - PTA Dine Out: Mr. Moto Pizza (Two Days!)
12 - Student Store
13 - VAPA: K,1, 4, 5
14 - No School: President’s Day
17 - No School: President’s Day
19 - Volunteer Appreciation: 12:15 - 1:15 pm @Jones Library
20 - VAPA: UTK, 3, 2
21 - Science Guys Assembly Sponsored by the PTA
21 - End of the Second Trimester
26 - Student Store
28 - Achievement Awards #2
28 - School Picture Day - Spring
March
6 - Extra Minimum Day (Dismissal for UTK-5th - 11:40 am/11:50 am)
7 - No School: Non-Instructional Day
11 - SSC/SGT
12 - PTA Family Dine Out: Mendocino Farms
13 - VAPA: K, 1, 4, 5
14 - Literacy Family Friday & PTA Association Meeting - 7:45 am - Auditorium
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
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...
Enrollment Updates...
Enrollment for next school year is open! If you have children going into Kindergarten through 5th Grade, that do not already attend Jones, you may start the enrollment process now. Reach out to our Enrollment Clerk Tiffani Barthelmes at 619-605-8800 or tbarthelmes@sandi.net
If you have children going into Transitional Kindergarten, their enrollment process will begin in March. More details to come!
Summer Programs...
Dear San Diego Unified Families,
San Diego Unified’s Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) department would like to share information about the district’s 2025 summer programs, available to eligible students currently enrolled in San Diego Unified. Programs include Summer Academic, PrimeTime Summer program, Summer Enrichment opportunities and Extended School Year (ESY). Below are important key dates, program details and information. Families may view summer school site locations by clicking here, 2025 Summer Programming Information.
When planning this year’s summer programming, the district carefully considered several factors, including reduced funding, grant requirements, attendance data, and school site facility availability due to scheduled construction projects. In previous years, summer programs were offered for “UTK-8” students. However, due to low middle school participation in past Summer Academic and Primetime programs and fiscal challenges, we made a data-driven decision to focus programming for TK-6 students.
Summer 2025 Program Dates and Times:
Grades TK - 6th
The following summer programs are funded by the California Department of Education ELOP Grant and our district will offer priority enrollment to eligible TK-6 students who meet any of the following criteria:
- Homeless and/or foster youth
- Low income (eligible for free/reduced meals under LCFF)
- English Learners
- Siblings of the above
- Students with disabilities (IEP or 504)
Eligible families will receive an email and text notification sent to the primary contact information on file with PowerSchool. The priority enrollment window opens on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. and closes on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 9:59 p.m.
Summer Academic:
Wednesday, June 4 - Thursday, July 3
Program closed Thursday, June 19 & Friday, June 20
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Enrollment Opens: Monday, February 10, 2025
Enrollment Closes: Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 9:59 p.m.
Summer PrimeTime:
Wednesday, June 4 - Thursday, July 3
Program closed Thursday, June 19 & Friday, June 20
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Enrollment Opens: Monday, February 10, 2025
Enrollment Closes: Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 9:59 p.m.
Summer Enrichment:
Monday, July 7 - Friday, July 18
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Enrollment Opens: Late April 2025
*We anticipate the demand for summer programs may surpass capacity once the priority enrollment application window closes. We will notify families if space becomes available for general enrollment.
Extended School Year (ESY) Special Education Program: Services provided to eligible students who have unique needs and require special education and related services in excess of the regular academic year. Families with questions regarding ESY eligibility should reach out to their student’s case manager.
Wednesday, June 4 - Thursday, July 3
Program closed Thursday, June 19 & Friday, June 20
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Registration is done by students’ case managers and based on the IEP’s team decision.
We encourage families to explore the FAQ and visit the Extended Learning Opportunities website for additional detailed information about the summer programs and guidance on accessing applications and enrollment forms.
Join us for parent office hours every Tuesday, February 4 - June 3, from 4 - 4:30 p.m. via zoom for support!
We look forward to supporting your child’s learning this summer!
Sincerely,
Extended Learning Opportunities Department
San Diego Unified School District
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/