Jefferson Elementary

We are off to a great start! Lots of smiles, laughs and learning! Check out some of the pics from the first few days!!!

A BIG THANK YOU to two fantastic volunteers Jordan HAUGUM and John SOWDERS for donating their time, talents and materials to add paint lines for our hoops! They look great...there is no doubt that lots of games of horse, lightening and and around the world will be played with this new addition!!!

Mankato Area Public Schools uses a variety of digital tools to support student learning. Technology vendors and software is utilized to support work as we help all students develop the skills necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world.

We have an inventory of our curriculum, testing, and assessment tools posted on our district website at bit.ly/4835DET (or directly to our Learn Platform page bit.ly/3R9xvRB). This list is maintained and communicated annually to all families at the start of the school year.

Please reach out to your building principal for additional questions regarding the use of the specific digital tools in classrooms. Please reach out to MAPS technology department regarding data, privacy, and vendor inquiries of the specific digital tools.

Melissa Brueske Principal

Angie Potts, Director of Educational Technology

2024-2025 Educational Benefits Application is HERE.

Even though Minnesota Public Schools provide breakfast and lunch at NO COST to its students, filling out the Education Benefits Application is important because it may have HUGE benefits for your family and school. Applications for Educational Benefits determine how much funding your child’s school receives for educational programs and supports.

Additionally, eligible families may qualify for other benefits, such as:

• WIC benefits
• Reduced or free athletic or activity fees
• Reduced fees for in-home internet
• Community Education classes offer scholarships and discounts

School Breakfast and Lunch Menus can be found on Schoolcafe.

1. Click on the Schoolcafe Menus.
2. Click on "View Menus (as a guest)."
3. Select Daily, Weekly or Monthly along the top header
4. Select the School and Meal Type from the drop-down options.

Student Assurance Services is offering student accident insurance to MAPS families again this year. In the past, there have been flyers to distribute. This year, all communication will be paperless. Please click on the link below to review how to access this coverage.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1it0Dw62gryC-8DpFgLfCsLtHcpV90IkEGxgXIib3OF8/edit

We held our first Task Force Meeting on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. We are so grateful for the expressed interest in serving on the team. We have a great group of parents and staff members. Thank you for your commitment to Jefferson.

During the meeting, the team reviewed survey results from both staff and families and identified key priorities for the school model choices, including:

• Critical thinking
• Hands On Learning
• Growth Mindset
• Productive Struggle
• Intentional Integrating technology (so it does not have a hyper focus)

We also began the process of looking at some choice school models and what this transition could mean at Jefferson. Our next Task Force Meeting will be Monday, September 23rd. Continue to read the Newsletters for more information and opportunities to provide feedback and input as we continue on this exciting opportunity for our families and staff.

September PTO Meeting

Join us for the first PTO meeting of the school year on this Tuesday, September 17 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the Media Center! It's a great opportunity to connect with fellow parents, discuss upcoming events, and contribute your ideas for the year ahead. We’ll have child care and pizza provided, so bring the whole family and help us kick off the school year with enthusiasm and community spirit. We look forward to seeing you there!

Jefferson Jog Kickoff – September 16!
Get ready for this year’s Jefferson Jog! We’re excited to announce that registration will be open on Monday - look out for information from your student’s teacher. Families can register online and help spread the word by sharing their participation on social media. Over half of our donations come from these posts, so your support makes a big difference! Also, be on the lookout for the Sign-Up Genius link to help volunteer for the event. We’d love your help! Mark your calendars for October 4 for the Jefferson Jog! Let’s make this year our best one yet!

Looking for a Co-Chair for Jefferson Jog

We’re looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to co-chair this year’s Jefferson Jog fundraiser! This is a great opportunity to get involved and make a difference in our school community. Our current chair is phasing out and would love to show you the ropes. We're hoping to find someone who can step in and help lead the event both this year and in the future. If you’re interested in helping to organize this fun and important event, please reach out—we’d love to have you on board!

Jefferson Apparel

The Jefferson Apparel Web Store is open for our families and staff to place orders until September 16th. Orders will be ready for pickup approximately 2-3 weeks after the store closes, and you'll receive an email notification when your order is available. Visit www.unitedteamelite.com to explore the options. Here are the instructions for the website. Password in all CAPS: JE2024 Check it out!

PTO Communication

Have you signed up for the Remind app and Jefferson Elementary PTO Facebook page? Stay connected and informed with our school community! Here are two easy ways to keep up with important updates and events:

1. **Remind App**: Sign up for the Remind app to receive quick notifications and reminders straight to your phone. It's the best way to stay in the loop about school activities, deadlines, and announcements. Scan the QR code or click https://www.remind.com/join/jefpto to join the app!

2. **Facebook - Jefferson Elementary PTO**: Follow our PTO on Facebook for regular updates, event information, and opportunities to get involved. It's a great place to connect with other parents and stay engaged with what's happening at school. Subscribe/follow by following this link: https://www.facebook.com/jeffersonjagspto

Make sure to join both to never miss a beat!

Your student(s) in grades K-8 are eligible for this program if you find it difficult to provide enough food and nutrition on weekends and school breaks. The BackPack and Power Pack Food Program discreetly provides packs of youth-friendly food to elementary and middle school students to sustain them on the weekends and school breaks when access to adequate food may be limited. *This is not a school-operated program, is not federally funded, and has no income requirements* To unenroll: Call (507) 385-3627 or email layne@feedingourcommunitiespartners.org If you would like to enroll in this program, here is the online google enrollment form for 2023-24.

https://www.isd77.org/calendar