

Dolphin Update
Jones Dolphins Make a SPLASH!
Week of February 3rd...
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 celebrated Lunar New Year, a time of renewal, family, and good fortune! Students engaged in learning about traditions, storytelling, and the significance of this special holiday for many cultures. Thank you to the students and families who shared their own traditions with our school community!
As we step into February, we recognize and celebrate Black History Month, a time to honor the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history and in our world today.
In an era where conversations about history, identity, and inclusion can sometimes feel divisive, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a school community where all voices are valued, and all students feel seen, heard, and celebrated. Acknowledging and uplifting historically marginalized voices is not about exclusion of others, it is about expanding our collective understanding and ensuring that every child can see themselves reflected in the stories we tell and the lessons we share.
Throughout this month, our students will engage in meaningful learning experiences that highlight the rich history, culture, and accomplishments of inspirational Black figures. We encourage families to join us in these conversations at home, embracing curiosity, empathy, and a spirit of unity.
Thank you for being partners in fostering a school environment that embraces diversity, deepens understanding, and strengthens our shared community.
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.
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!
Highlights From Last Week...
The Lion Dance brings good luck and prosperity to the community!
Student Council running the Student Store
Student Council helping during the Spotlight Leadership Ceremony
Recognizing students and classrooms for their inspirational leadership!
Looking Ahead...
February
Black History Month
3 - 7 - Heritage Week
3 - 7 - PTA Friendship Gram Sales (See Flyer Below)
7 - Heritage Family Friday: 7:45 am - Auditorium (See Flyer Below)
7 - PTA Family Sweetheart Dance: 5:00 pm - Auditorium (See Flyer Below)
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
20 - VAPA: UTK, 3, 2
21 - Science Guys Assembly Sponsored by the PTA
21 - End of the Second Trimester
25 - SSC/SGT
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
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
Family Event...
3rd Grade Families...
Save the date! Our 3rd grade students will have to opportunity to perform with the La Jolla Symphony on Saturday, April 26th at 2:00 pm. The concert will be at First United Methodist Church of San Diego in Mission Valley. We hope to see you there!
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...
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
Additional Resources for Families...
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/