Jefferson Elementary

Linked here is the flier and sign up for this event. Please fill it out by Jan. 27th. Hope to see you there!!! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eGxkm8Yg1NguAa_jdoKgGV8X-cxFNEu32-rRncjSpaE/edit?tab=t.0

In STEM, students were given challenge cards and tasked with working with a partner or team to build what the card described. Teams worked under a time limit, using their creativity and the available LEGO materials. They were encouraged to listen to each other's ideas and collaborate to innovate solutions. It was exciting to watch the teams problem-solve together as they built a variety of projects, from marble runs to towers, pyramids, and even things that move!

Winter Tracks Learning Activity

Students explored animal tracks in the winter environment through a hands-on activity. After a read-aloud, they were divided into groups to identify and discuss various animal tracks, sharing their thoughts on which animals the tracks might belong to and why.

Next, students made their own tracks by creating crayon rubbings of animal tracks in their journals. They also engaged in discussions about signs animals leave behind, why mammals move differently, and how tails or wings affect movement.

Writing Extension: Students journaled or wrote stories based on the tracks they studied, describing why they think the tracks were made. Younger students used track stencils to draw and label tracks in their journals.

The following day, after a fresh snowfall, some students ventured outside to search for real animal tracks around the school grounds, recording their observations in their journals and comparing them to a class set of bandanas with examples of tracks.

Background Knowledge: This activity helped students understand animal behavior through tracks, such as what animals are doing, where they’re going, and how fast they’re moving. Students learned about different types of animal movement (e.g., "Perfect Walkers," "Waddlers," "Bounders," and "Gallopers") and which animals leave specific tracks in the snow.

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.

The Cognitive Abilities (CogAt) Screener testing window will be open from February 1st thru the 15th. The CogAt will be given to all 2nd grade students and new-to-district students in grades 3-5 who have not yet taken the CogAt.

The CogAt provides insight into students’ abilities and guides educators in making appropriate educational decisions for students. Mankato Area Public Schools use the CogAt in the following ways:

• to help educators differentiate instruction for the needs and abilities of a student;

• to understand discrepancies between a student’s ability and achievement; and

• to use as a measure in identifying students for placement in Talent Development Services, including cluster and Rising Scholar classrooms.

In grade 2, the CogAt is untimed. Students in a typical 2nd grade class generally take less than one hour to complete the CogAt, In grades 3-5, the CogAt will take approximately 45 minutes. The CogAt has three sections: verbal analogies, quantitative analogies, and nonverbal matrices. There will be short breaks between sections.

If you do NOT want your child to take the Cognitive Abilities Screening Form, please contact your school no later than Wednesday, January 29th.

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

Focus School Update

As we continue the transition to our focus school model, we are committed to keeping families informed and addressing their questions. Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document is a valuable resource that will be updated regularly as new questions arise.

Here are a few key items to keep in mind:

If your student currently attends Jefferson Elementary, you do not need to apply to stay at Jefferson.

Who Needs to Apply or Enroll:

• All incoming kindergarten students
• Students wishing to transfer to a Focus School (Bridges Community School, Jefferson Elementary, and Rosa Parks) for the 2025-26 school year
• Students living outside the MAPS district boundaries

Transportation is available for students living within the MAPS boundaries and residing one mile or more from their assigned focus school. Transportation is not provided for students living within one mile of their school or for families residing outside the MAPS boundaries.

What opportunities are there to attend another school?

• You can apply to another focus school through the lottery process. If your child is selected, they will have the option to attend that focus school.
• Families may also complete and submit an attendance exception request as outlined in School Board Policy 622.

Note: Middle school attendance will remain determined by residence. For example:

• Students living on the East side of town and attending Jefferson Focus School will continue to attend Prairie Winds Middle School.
• Students living on the West side of town and attending Rosa Parks Focus School will continue to attend Dakota Meadows Middle School.

We appreciate your patience and engagement during this transition. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the FAQ document or reach out with additional questions.

*Please see the Informational Session below if you missed our sessions in December.

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

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! 30% of all food orders (Dine in or Take out) goes back to Jefferson Elementary.

Thursday, February 27th | 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Join us for an evening of Bingo, Dance, and an Outer Space themed Art Gallery featuring student creations from each grade level. Please note that students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Link to Neon Night Interest survey https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOjw60NdnYHaXz5z0rugH6SwHKellv0mJ_ln4i6lZAgTXWqA/viewform?usp=header

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 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