Jefferson Elementary Newsletter
"We Can Do Hard Things"
A Message from Mr. Kuch!
Well, that summer (as always) went pretty quickly! We are excited about what the 2024-2025 school year has in store for everyone at Jefferson. We are looking to capitalize on our successes last year regarding student's academic and social achievements and push even further. As our school mantra states, "We Can Do Hard Things!" we know that working with our caregivers makes anything possible!
Our mission statement is rooted in the belief that every student has the potential to grow academically and socially a year or more. We aim to achieve this by challenging our students to set high goals and providing them with the necessary support to achieve them. We want to create an environment where every student and staff member feels valued and supported and where everyone can thrive.
As we begin this academic year, we remain committed to upholding these values! We will continue to prioritize safety to ensure that our school is a secure place for everyone to learn and grow. Once again, welcome to another great school year at Jefferson Elementary!
JR Kuch
Principal
WE CAN DO HARD THINGS!
Attendance Expectations
The following exerpt is pulled from the updated 2024-2025 Elementary Caregiver Handbook. What is below is standard, across the State of Iowa. School districts, nor buildings, have discretion over absences that are not as described below. Please continue to call Madison in the Main Office to report absences to continue the flow of communication.
Tardy and Absent: Definitions
Tardy: A student who misses less than an hour of school for the day will be considered tardy.
Absent: A student who misses more than an hour of school for any reason will be considered absent for all or part of that day. Doctors' notes for absences are highly encouraged.
Excused vs. Unexcused Absences:
Due to changes in Iowa law in 2024, absences that do not count against a student are for documented medical reasons, religious exemptions, excusals by a court of record or judge, or students with an individualized education plan or 504 plan that affects the child’s attendance.
Truancy and Chronic Absenteeism: Definitions
Chronically Absent: By Iowa Code, a student is chronically absent if absent from school for more than 10% (6 days) of a grading period for any reason outside of a documented reason as described above.
Truant: According to the Iowa Code, students are truant if they are absent for at least 20% (12 days) of a grading period for any reason other than the documented reason described above.
Communication of Absences from the School:
Each day a student is absent from school unless called in by a caregiver, the school will call to understand why the student is absent.
After five days of absence in a grading period, the school will send a letter by certified mail indicating that the student is at risk of becoming chronically absent for that grading period and outlining the next steps for future absences. The school also must notify the County Attorney’s Office of the student’s absences.
Outcomes for Students Who Are Chronically Absent and Truant
For caregivers whose students miss more than six days within a grading period for any documented reason as described above, a School Engagement Meeting must take place between a school’s attendance officer and the family to understand the barriers to attendance and to engage in an Absentee Prevention Plan to improve attendance for the rest of the year. A certified letter will be mailed to the caregiver’s residence indicating the need for the School Engagement Meeting. Other components of this meeting may include:
The student will participate in at least a part of the meeting.
The caregiver will be asked to sign the plan.
Referrals to outside services that assist with attendance may occur during this meeting.
A school employee will monitor the student’s attendance and update the caregiver weekly on the student’s attendance. This update may be made by phone, text, email, or school messenger.
If a student does not follow the Absentee Prevention Plan and reaches over 20% of absences, they will be deemed truant, and the County Attorney’s Office will be contacted for possible charges.
The CCSD elementary schools (Bluff, Eagle Heights, Jefferson, and Whittier) welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year! We had great feedback on our Welcome Back Day 2023, so we are going to run that back this year. Remember, this takes the place of the traditional "Back to School Night". This is a chance where caregivers have 15 minutes to meet with classroom teachers and to get some one-on-one time, as well as do some goal setting for the year.
Thursday, August 15th, 2:00 pm: Class rosters will be emailed/texted to individual caregivers. We will not be posting the class lists on the exterior doors. You will also receive a link to set up your 15-minute "Meet Your Teacher." All you need to do is click the link that is provided. If you have any questions, please call us!
Friday, August 23rd, 10:00-6:00: Welcome Day (No school for elementary kids, and they should attend your meeting with his/her teacher.)
Monday, August 26th, 7:45: First day of school for elementary students
**Please note that middle and high school students begin school on 8/23.
We look forward to seeing you and your children on August 23rd!
Clinton Elementary Principals
Kristi Cooley, Bluff 242-1606
Dan Boyd, Eagle Heights 243-4288
JR Kuch, Jefferson 243-0479
Brian Kenney, Whittier 243-3230
JEFFERSON CHORUS!
We will meet EVERY Monday and Thursday.
Please click on the link to register! Chorus Permission Slip 2024
We have para-educator opportunities available for you!
Click here to view our current district job vacancies!
