Jackson eNews
2/23/2024
Hello Jackson Families!
I cannot believe it is already March 1st! I always get excited because I know Spring is just around the corner! Daylight is already lasting longer, we are having more days of warm weather AND our Spring Break is just one week away!
United Way Reading Day was a big success today at Jackson! This United Way initiative was developed as an opportunity to share the joy of reading, encourage early literacy and inspire children to dream big. United Way volunteers read a book to students in all classrooms and then lead the students in a fun activity. We were thrilled to have two volunteers at Jackson today that are very well known in Plano as education advocates---Plano Mayor, John Muns, and Plano ISD Superintendent, Dr. Teresa Williams! Our students really enjoyed this special treat and the Mayor, Superintendent and volunteers were very impressed with our students' attentiveness and behavior during the activities. Special thanks to Nichelle Pappas for coordinating this event, PTA for helping with reception decorations and everyone who brought food for the reception or assisted with the setup and cleanup.
Get ready for some more fun and good food during PTA Spirit Night at Raising Cane's on Tuesday, March 5, from 4:00 - 10:00 p.m. What a great way to get out of the kitchen and unwind with the family! Mention the Jackson fundraiser at the register and Cane's will donate 15% of the sales to Jackson PTA! Visit the Raising Cane's location at 7651 Campbell Road, Dallas, TX 75248, to take part in this fundraiser!
Mark your calendars for Jackson's Open House on Thursday, March 7, from 5:30-6:30 pm. Our students are looking forward to showing off their hard work this year! What a great time to see what your child has been learning at school.
Spring Break is quickly approaching, March 11-15. It is a much anticipated break for our students and staff! We look forward to a renewed focus on our academic goals when students return to school on Monday, March 18!
Thank you and have a great weekend!
Crystal Roach, Ed.D
Principal
Jackson Elementary School
United Way Reading Day - Friday, March 1
United Way Reading Day
The Hungry Caterpillar Theme
United Way Reading Day
The Hungry Caterpillar Theme
United Way Reading Day
Dr. Roach, Superintendent Williams, Mr. Riggle and United Way coordinators with Mayor Muns
United Way Reading Day
Ms. Pappas with Mayor Muns
United Way Reading Day
United Way Volunteers
United Way Reading Day
Love that Hat!
United Way Reading Day
Student Council Greets Volunteers
United Way Reading Day
Volunteers in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Volunteers in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Mayor Muns in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Mayor Muns in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Mayor Muns in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Superintendent Williams in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Superintendent Williams in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Superintendent Williams in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Volunteers in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Volunteers in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Volunteers in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Volunteers in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Volunteers in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Volunteers in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Volunteers in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Volunteers in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Volunteers in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Volunteers in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Volunteers in the Classroom
United Way Reading Day
Important Dates
MARCH 2024
- Tuesday, March 5 - PTA Spirit Night at Raising Cane's, 7651 Campbell Rd, Dallas, TX 75248, 4-10 p.m.
- Thursday, March 7 - K-2 Awards Assembly, 2:05 p.m.
- Thursday, March 7 - Spring Open House, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
- March 11 - March 15: Spring Break! Student/Staff Holiday
- Tuesday, March 19 - Plano Symphony Orchestra Field Trip, 4th grade, 11:00 a.m.
- Thursday, March 21 - Spring Reading Night, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- Friday, March 22 - 3-5 Awards Assembly, 2:05 p.m.
- Friday, March 29 - Student/Staff Holiday
Click HERE for 2023-24 PISD Calendar
PTA Spirit Night at Raising Cane's - Tuesday, March 5
Jackson Elementary Open House - Thursday, March 7
TELPAS Testing at Jackson
TELPAS testing (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System) began at Jackson this week and will continue through March for all students designated as "emergent bilingual." If your student will be participating in this assessment, please read the letter below from Mr. Riggle for more information regarding this test.
Kids Heart Challenge
On Wednesday, February 21, Jackson kicked off the Kids Heart Challenge sponsored by the American Heart Association. Students viewed an introductory video in their P.E. class and more information regarding this challenge was sent home with school specific goals and incentives. You can read a little more about the program below and even get a head-start for a chance to win 2 tickets to the 2025 Super Bowl! We are so excited to bring this program to Jackson!
Thanks!
Coach Stelling and Coach McMillan
Ready for a life-changing mission Jackson Elementary School? Starting next week, we will begin Kids Heart Challenge during PE, where we will be learning all about how to keep our hearts healthy while helping others!
Why does it matter?
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in America and is 80% preventable. We want to empower families to take charge of their heart health.
Want to get a head start? Grab your family and join us in learning Hands-Only CPR through the Kids Heart Challenge and crush our goal for the American Heart Association! How to get started: Download the app for iPhone or Android, or register online http://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=9733&pg=company&company_id=456690! From there, AHA Ambassador Finn will be your guide. Conquer Finn's Mission with your family!
EXCITING NEWS: NFL and AHA have teamed up, offering a chance to WIN TICKETS TO SUPERBOWL 2025! EVERY FAMILY who completes Finn's Mission will be entered into a regional sweepstakes to win TWO SUPERBOWL 2025 TICKETS! Click here to learn more (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r3qsVxvL2Y).
Classroom Lessons
Welcome to the Counselors’ Corner! We will use this section of the eNews to inform you all of topics we will be covering in our Counselor lessons and any other important or useful information! Students come with their class to the counselor bi-weekly to receive lessons. We absolutely love this time with them!
For our next lesson, the weeks of 03/04 & 03/18, we will focus on Mental Health. Students will understand that taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health! We will discuss the negative and positive effects of prioritizing our mental health. Students will strengthen their belief in their whole self-development, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional, and physical well-being. Students will learn that big feelings are okay and that there are healthy and unhealthy ways to cope! In our lessons, students will also learn and identify effective coping strategies. Students will be able to comprehend how self-care can positively affect their mental health and how it is a healthy coping strategy. Additionally, students will learn how to have a positive attitude toward work and learning and how to increase their self-confidence in the ability to succeed! We will make connections between how a positive, growth mindset can impact academic achievement. Our goal is to empower and build resiliency in students! We hope students will see mistakes as a chance to grow while seeking out challenges as a way to build their brain power!
Jaguar of the Month Program
Jaguar of the Month is a student reward program (Grades K-5) that incorporates character traits from the program, CharacterStrong. A new character trait is introduced every month and students will engage in classroom discussions and activities to reinforce the trait. At the end of the month, each teacher will identify a student who consistently demonstrated the targeted trait. These students will be recognized on JagTube, receive a certificate, wristband, and a Jackson Jaguar pencil. Grade level group photos will be displayed on the bulletin board near the front office AND Jaguars of the Month will attend a popsicle party with Dr. Roach, our principal, and Mr. Riggle, our assistant principal!
Our Jaguar of the Month Trait is Cooperation! Our definition of Cooperation is working together to reach shared goals. Check out the CharacterStrong Family Letter (English) / CharacterStrong Family Letter (Spanish) for more information about PurposeFull People and some fun ways you can join us in teaching and reinforcing Cooperation! Monthly Family Newsletters will be sent home that outline the CharacterStrong skills students are learning in class and provide fun ideas to grow as a family at home.
Thank you!
Michelle Hardy (Grades PK, 1, 3, 5)
(469) 752-2115
Nicole Sollie (Grades K, 2, 4)
(469) 752-2116
February Fitness Calendar
Our awesome P.E. coaches are sharing a monthly calendar with fitness challenges and other activities that promote the development of motor skills, physical fitness, and social skills. These activities can be done at home with family or friends. Have fun with fitness!
Drama Kids Enrolling for Spring Classes at Jackson!
World Wear Project
You can also support our PTA by bringing any household donations (clothes, shoes, etc.) to the donation bin in the back parking lot. You will be helping our PTA and the environment by recycling!
Volunteering
Whether giving of your time, your resources, or just providing a little encouragement to those in our Jackson Community, we LOVE our volunteers!
Jackson teachers and staff are looking for family volunteers to help during all Jackson lunch and recess periods. Beginning this school year, Plano ISD is requiring Cafeteria doors to remain locked during all lunch periods. This means a staff member has to supervise the cafeteria doors for students needing to step out for water or restroom breaks.
Your help will allow us to provide enough supervision to keep our students safe! Volunteer time slots are in 30 minute to 1 hour increments. Volunteers have the opportunity to monitor students for a 30 minute lunch and/or a 30 minute recess. While volunteering, you will not be able to eat with the children, but you will likely be helping with opening food/drink items & assisting in the lunch line.
All volunteers will need to create an account and complete an application, online orientation and background check through the Plano ISD volunteer management system, VOLY, to be eligible for district/school volunteer opportunities. Please visit plano.voly.org to create a volunteer account and begin this process. These items will need to be completed by volunteers each school year.
An email will be sent to the volunteer applicant communicating the status of their application and criminal history search within 3-5 business days of completing these steps. Volunteer approval status can also be viewed by the volunteer by logging into their account. Volunteers will need to complete the online orientation as well to be eligible to volunteer.
Once approved through VOLY, please sign-up at the link below.
2023 - 2024 Lunch Duty Volunteer signup:
We greatly appreciate your willingness to invest your time and efforts into supporting Jackson students, families and staff.
Thank you,
Brenda Arcibar
VP of Volunteers
Jackson Elementary PTA
Jackson PTA
Hello Jackson Families,
Support our students by joining the Jackson PTA! Your PTA membership helps to provide various programs such as: field trips, Bookfairs, school supplies, author visits and other educational programs for next year. We can't do this without your support! Please visit our website to become a member of the Jackson PTA.
The Jackson PTA website is also a great resource for you to find out about updated PISD, Jackson, and PTA events on the calendar, find ongoing and new volunteer opportunities, how you can help raise money for Jackson, and much more! Visit www.jacksonpta.com to explore our site!
Be sure you are also following us on social media for reminders of upcoming events! We are on Facebook "Jackson Elementary School PTA" and Instagram at "ptajacksonelem."
Thank you!
Your Jackson PTA Executive Board
Plano ISD's Counseling Services would like to share some facts about Fentanyl at the link below:
English and Spanish link: Facts About Fentanyl
- What is it?
- What Does it Look Like?
- Overdose Signs
- What Can You Do?
New Kinder-12th Grade Student Enrollment Begins Monday, February 26
Online enrollment for new students to Plano ISD begins on Monday February 26. Enrollment is for the 2024-25 school year and is for all grade levels, except Pre-K, which begins registration on March 4. For more information, visit Plano ISD's enrollment page.
Please contact Karina Trotter with any questions.
PISD Mobile Services on the Go Program
Information about Mobile Services on the Go - English
Information about Mobile Services on the Go - Spanish
Westside Carnival - Saturday, March 23
The Westside Carnival will feature numerous booths and games, activities, prizes, food trucks, and more! It's a fantastic opportunity for students and families to come together, enjoy themselves, and support a worthy cause.
By participating in the carnival, you'll not only have a blast, but you'll also be contributing to the Solomon Adult Transition Center, making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals in our community.
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at the Westside Carnival!
Plano Senior High School Summer Camps
Save the dates for these fun PSHS summer camps. Registration information coming soon!
Plano Senior H.S. Softball - Future Wildcat Night, 3/19
Plano Sr. High School Girls' Soccer Season Has Begun!
Plano Sr. High School Girls' Soccer Season has begun! Youth Night is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20, and all youth players will get in free with a soccer jersey! The team is also looking for ball girls to help with JV games, Varsity games, or both. If you are interested, please sign up at the link below. We hope to see our future Wildcats in the stands!
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/5080A4EAFAD28A0FD0-46208977-plano
Helpful Links
District Updates for Plano ISD Families
Annual Registration for Existing and Newly Enrolled PISD Students
New Student Online Enrollment and Annual Registration
District Safety and Security Procedures
Transportation Services - Bus Route Finder
School Meal Application
Plano ISD participates in the federal meal program, which provides free and reduced-price meals to students who qualify. Families who may qualify for meal benefits should complete a meal application for the 2023-2024 school year, available through Parent Portal or via the website at www.pisd.edu/mealprogram.
Families who already have a SchoolCafé account can sign in to complete the meal application. Families who do not have an account can create a new one by selecting that option on the SchoolCafé page. View this SchoolCafé information video for instructions on how to complete the meal application.
Applications will be processed within 10 business days. Eligibility notification letters will be sent via email. If you have not received the letter in your inbox, please check your junk and spam folders.
Presentations from Grade Level Parent Information Nights
Kinder Information Night 2023
Video - A Day in the Life of a Kindergartener at Jackson Elementary
1st Grade Parent Information Night Presentation - English
1st Grade Parent Information Night Presentation - Spanish
2nd Grade Parent Information Night Presentation - English
2nd Grade Parent Information Night Presentation - Spanish
3rd Grade Parent Information Night Presentation – English
3rd Grade Parent Information Night Presentation - Spanish
4th Grade Parent Information Night Presentation – English
4th Grade Parent Information Night Presentation – Spanish
Stay Connected!
Make Sure Your Communication Preferences Are Up To Date!
Visit www.pisd.edu/schoolmessenger to choose how you prefer to receive communications from Jackson and Plano ISD.
Jackson Elementary
Website: http://pisd.edu/jackson
Location: 1101 Jackson Drive, Plano, TX, United States
Phone: 469-752-2100
Twitter: @JacksonPlano