JJIS News

In math, students wrapped up our second unit on multiplication and have begun one of our geometry. Using blocks, rulers, and arrays, students are exploring the area of a model as the multiplication of side lengths.

In science, third graders are examining the weather and climate. They learned how to identify clouds, how storms are created and more.

Hot Schools in our Classrooms - Students are in the final stages of their shadow plays working with artists Derron Wood and Victor C. They have learned the process of writing a script, creating/building shadow puppets, and cooperating together with their classmates to produce a shadow play that will include a night performance for families. Each class focused on an innovative idea/inventor and are beyond excited to share their knowledge! Students made inferences and learned what common characteristics these inventors have in common.

Writing/Social Studies- Students are researching a region of the United States and gathering information as to why people might visit/migrate to that specific region.

Math- Students are learning about fractions such as finding equivalent fractions using area models, comparing fractions, as well as adding and subtracting fractions. Students continue to work on Exemplars, persevering through complex story problems, and showing their understanding by using various representations.

ELA- Students are reading non fiction texts to determine the main idea and finding supporting details to write a fully developed paragraph.

Fifth grade has been hard at work!

Writing - Students have been working on their informational research unit. Classes are researching many topics and learning how to create solid paragraphs with headings. Students are learning about introductions and conclusions, as well as how to add in text features like photos, captions, maps and glossaries.

ELA/Social Studies - Students have moved on to our 3rd unit. They are reading a graphic novel called Around the World. This unit is about exploration and we are reading about how 3 people traveled around the world in very different ways. This ties in with our current social studies work around explorers of long ago.

Math - Students have finished their unit on multi-digit multiplication with whole numbers and decimals. They are now working on multiplying and dividing fractions.

Hot Schools in our Classrooms - Students finished their work with artist Carol Glynn. This year, that work centered around our Native American unit of study, and she helped infuse the arts in many fun ways with the kids.

JJIS students created abstract paintings using tempera paint and fun texture tools. Sharing all of the painted paper from the whole school, students then cut up the paintings to create an image of their liking. Artists made sunsets, soccer players, fruit bowls, animals, insects and creatures of all sorts. This colorful collage art was inspired by Eric Carle and his one-of-a-kind art making process. Family members will be able to buy products with the art on it through the Square 1 Art fundraiser.

In third grade Health students are covering the connections between the Circulatory System and the Respiratory system. Within the unit students did many activities that allows for children to relate the parts of their body to things they are familiar with. .

In fourth grade health we have been covering the use of tobacco and it's harmful effects on your health.

In fifth grade the students are have finished their unit on social and emotional learning and will be beginning their unit on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

All three grades have begun their unit on volleyball with a large inflatable ball. Third and fourth graders are working on their basic skills, while fifth graders have learned rotations, serving skills, and how to keep score.

Each year our fourth and fifth graders have the opportunity to submit a poster for the Fire Prevention Poster Contest. This year Jack Jackter's winners were Lucas LaBarre from Mrs. Scibek's fourth grade class and Sophia Sherry from Mrs. Totten's fifth grade class.

Sophia's poster was also chosen as a county winner and will be featured in next year's Fire Prevention Calendar.

Jackter's 2023-2024 Zaner-Bloser Handwriting contest are:

4th Grade - Caroline Frasier

5th Grade - Olive Boyd-Bingham

They now move on to the regional level to compete against other states!

We recently were able to hold a Rocks Rally for all the students of Jack Jackter. Students enjoyed an interactive and engaging performance by Iddrisu Saaka.

We are proud to announce that many Jack Jackter teachers have been awarded grants through the Donors Choose program:

Alex Johnston's project: "Accessible Books for Aspiring Readers"

Shay Aragundi's project: "Race to the Floor in Fourth Grade"

Barbara Johnson's project: "Viral Videos and Events at JJIS"

Allison Dalton: "Alternative Seating/Materials for OT/PT"

Additionally Tammie Bakaj was awarded a grant through the CT Office for the Arts! The awarded funds will be used to help provide all of the third grade students with an exceptional art experience through a field trip to the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, including an art history tour and a landscaping painting activity.

Congrats and a huge thank you to all of our teachers for always going above and beyond for our students.

Our student senate organized a whole school food drive to benefit the Colchester Food Bank. The "SOUPER" Bowl food drive was held the week before the Super Bowl. Students were able to put their non-perishable food item in whichever team's box they hoped would win the Super Bowl. The food drive collected over 150 non-perishable items that were then delivered to the Colchester Food Bank.

The PTO will be holding their spring book fair from March 11 - March 15. All students will have a chance to shop once during the week with their classes. The book fair will also be open Thursday night March 14th during our schools Family Fun Math and Literacy night.

• March 5 - School Store grade 3
• March 6 - Wacky Wednesday
• March 7 - Full day of school for students (calendar change)
• March 8 - No school for students
• March 14 - Family Fun Night
• March 15 - JJIS Town Meeting
• March 19-School Store Grades 4 & 5
• March 20 - 2pm - Solo Ensemble
• March 28-29 No School for Students
• April 8-12 No School for Students