

Dolphin Update
Jones Dolphins Make a SPLASH!
Week of March 17th...
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...
What an incredible Literacy Week we had! Our days were filled with engaging read-alouds, connecting with our cross classroom Buddies, dressing up as our favorite characters and numerous fun activities that sparked a love for reading.
If you were not able to make it to the Family Workshop on Friday, a link to Principal Buell's presentation is below with information about the science behind learning how to read and helpful hints for supporting your reader at home. Reading is a complex and multifaceted skill that develops over time, and every child is on their own unique learning journey. Some children pick up reading quickly, while others need more time and practice. No matter where your child is on this continuum, one of the most powerful ways you can support them is simply by engaging with books together.
You do not need to be an expert in reading instruction to make a difference. Research shows that children who are read to regularly develop stronger language skills, a richer vocabulary, and better comprehension. In fact, a landmark study by the National Institute for Literacy found that children who are read to at least three times a week are twice as likely to score in the top 25% in reading assessments compared to those who are read to less often.
Every book, every conversation, and every moment spent reading together lays the foundation for lifelong literacy. While Literacy Week may be over, the love of reading continues at school and at home. We encourage you to keep the momentum going! Below are a few collections that have special connections to the month of March by highlighting Women's History Month, National Disability Awareness Month, and Ramadan. You can search online for "read alouds" of these titles or check them out at your local library. Happy Reading! Thank you for being an essential partner in your child’s literacy journey!
This coming week we have a few more family events happening! All week a 5th grade fundraiser will be happening at Lazy Dog Restaurant. Tuesday is the Cali-Q BBQ (weather permitting) where families can join us for lunch and Sunday is a PTA Park Day. We hope you can make it!
Join us for a BBQ...
The San Diego Unified Food Services team will be bringing their BBQ's to Jones for a special lunch! Join us and eat with your child at the tables under the lunch arbor or bring a blanket and eat together on the lawn. Students are always welcome to bring their own lunch, but all Jones students eat free! See the flyer below for all the details!
Support our 5th Grade Fundraiser...
PTA Park Day Next Weekend...
TK Enrollment is Open for 2025-2026...
The TK application process for the 2025-2026 school year has started and will remain open throughout the year.
Key aspects of the enrollment process include:
- No application deadline - Applications accepted year-round starting March 15
- Streamlined notification process - Placement offers will be communicated in 2-3 week cycles
- Expanded access - Every eligible child will be offered enrollment at an available site
Highlights from Last Week...
Captivated by the Big Bear Bald Eagle Live Nest Cam!
Buddy Reading with Kindergarten and 3rd graders!
Principal Buell was a special guest reader in Room 3!
Thank you to all the families that showed up for our Reading Family Workshop followed by a Family Read-In in classrooms!
Lots of literacy supplies were shared with families to take home!
Looking Ahead...
March
17 - 21 - 5th Grade Fundraiser: Lazy Dog Restaurant
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)
25 - Shelter in Place Drill
26 - Student Store
31 - April 4 - No School: Spring Break
April
7 - School Resumes
7 - May 9 - Fitnessgram Assessment (5th grade)
8 - Fire Drill
9 - Student Store
11 - Military Appreciation Ceremony
11 - 5th Grade Panoramic Picture
23 - Student Store
24 - Spring Showcase of Learning (evening event)
25 - Spotlight Leadership Assembly Habit #7
28 - May 9 - SBAC Testing (3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade)
29 - SSC/SGT
May
7 - Student Store
13 - 16 - Scholastic Book Fair
16 - Achievement Awards #3
20 - SSC/SGT
22 - Fire Drill
26 - No School: Memorial Day
27 - UTK & K Promotion
28 - 5th Grade Promotion
29 - Last Day of School - Extra Minimum Day (UTK-5th)
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...
Additional Resources for Families...
Summer School...
Non District Community Organization Summer Camps...
Due to reduced grant funding space is extremely limited and priority has been given to eligible students per the ELOP grant for District Summer Programs. Below please find resources for additional summer programs. These camps are not associated with Level Up Enrichment in partnership with the San Diego Foundation.
*The linked website is provided for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by us. We recommend reviewing the website's content, privacy policy, and terms of service before proceeding.
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.
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/