JKES Cardinal Chronicle

Calling all 3rd and 4th grade girls! Girls on the Run is a dynamic program empowering girls to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of achievement through running. Participants engage in fun, interactive lessons that foster self-esteem and teamwork, culminating in a celebratory 5K race. By joining, girls not only enhance their physical fitness but also gain valuable life skills and form lasting friendships. Discover the joy of running and personal growth with Girls on the Run!

The program will take place this fall season at JKES every Tuesday and Thursday 3:00-4:30 PM. To register, please visit the following link: https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/FALL-24-Prog-Reg

We know that many of our students have long bus rides and safety is paramount for us and the driver. If your child rides a bus we ask that you partner with us and the driver to ensure that the ride to and from school is safe for everyone. All students need reminders to sit in the seat appropriately (no moving seats, up walking the aisle or crawling on the floor, etc.) and keep hands and feet to themselves (no hitting, kicking, swinging backpack, etc.). It is also important that students keep their voices at a reasonable talking level- there is no reason to scream and/or yell. We appreciate your support and helping keep all of our Cardinals safe.

The Winchester Public Schools report card was updated with new Standards of Learning for the 2024-2025 school year. Standards-based report cards communicate student progress in grades K-4.

What is Standards-Based Grading? Students’ most recent work is used to determine the level on their report card. This level reflects what they know or are able to do rather than an average of their performance throughout the quarter. Students’ performance can be measured in many ways such as assessments, student writings, and teacher observations. Student work that is sent home may be only a portion of the evidence that teachers use to determine students’ performance levels.

What are the Benefits of Standards-Based Grading? Subject areas are broken down by skills/standards providing a more detailed and complete representation of what students can do at the time of reporting. The report card levels focus on individual student progress within the standards and assist the teachers with adjusting instruction for all students based on individual progress.

How are standards-based report cards different from traditional report cards?

Standards-based report cards:

• One mark for each standard within a subject area, providing specific indicators of student performance within a standard.

Traditional report cards:

• One mark for all standards within a subject area, providing general indicators of student performance.

How will behavior be measured? Behavior will be measured through Profile of a Graduate Skills. The term Profile of a Graduate refers to a broad set of knowledge, skills, work habits, and character traits that are critically important to success in today’s world. Generally speaking, Skills can be applied in all academic subject areas, and in all educational, career, and civic settings throughout a student’s life.

How will academic progress be measured? Student progress will be reported in relation to the grade level expectations for the standard at that quarter. The following key will be used to report progress:

1 - Developing Proficiency - Student demonstrates progress toward initial foundational skills of the standard.

2 - Approaching Proficiency - Student demonstrates proficiency on foundational skills of the standard.

3 - Meets Grade Level Standards - Student demonstrates proficiency on all grade level skills of the standard.

4 - Exceeds Grade Level Standards - Student demonstrates understanding and performance beyond proficiency and has exceeded the standard.

A key component of standards- based reporting is that students have the opportunity to demonstrate mastery through re-teaching.

K-4 Standards-Based Grading Family Guide (English)

K-4 Standards-Based Grading Family Guide (Spanish)

The Winchester Public Schools 2024-2025 PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK is a valuable resource to know and understand all things Winchester Public Schools, to include K-12 standards and instruction, the yearly calendar, discipline policies and more.

Hello Cardinal families,

This year our Friday Food Bags will begin during the week of September 16th-20th. Food Bag forms were sent home on Tuesday (August 13th). If you are in need of another form, please let your students' classroom teacher know. If you are in need of emergency food assistance, please contact one of our school counselors. Listed below is a link that is available for volunteers to help with Friday Food Bags. This includes coming into JKES on Fridays and delivering Food Bags to classrooms. Dates and times are included in the link below. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Davis, JKES School Counselor.

Sign-Up Genius

John Kerr is always looking for volunteers. There are opportunities throughout the building to include support in lunch, at recess, in the library and other areas of the school. If interested, please reach out to our principal, Kim Pryor, at pryork@wps.k12.va.us and she can provide information on next steps.

Ice Cream Social on Friday, September 20th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It will on the playground blacktop. Come enjoy a sweet treat and play with friends.

Friday Food Bags: Share the link to volunteer to help with Friday Food Bags: JKES: Friday Food Bags 2024-2025 Sign Up Sheet (signupgenius.com)

If you have any questions, please email the PTO at jkespto@@gmail.com.

Annual Verification Forms MUST be completed for each WPS student using the PowerSchool Parent Portal prior to the first day of school.

Use this step-by-step guide for completing the online process: https://bit.ly/WPSAnnualFormGuide (English and Spanish)

Any change in a student's regular means of transportation in the afternoon must be by a written note from a parent/guardian or by email to mcnamara@wps.k12.va.us AND armistead@wps.k12.va.us by 1:30 PM Monday through Friday if there is a last minute change. We ask that you call the school to notify the office of your incoming email. Student safety is very important to us!

Between 2:15 PM and 2:40 PM, the office is open only to school personnel and volunteers. Students who are picked up by car will be dismissed to the car pick up line ONLY during dismissal.

Any questions, please call the school office.

No more waiting for a bus, transferring routes, or long walks to bus stops. WinReady is a point-to-point service that will pick you up when you need to be picked up and take you where you need to go within the City of Winchester within 30 minutes. You can request or schedule a ride directly from your phone, and WinReady will get you there. (click the link for additional information)

Not receiving school-related text messages? You must OPT-IN to receive messages. Text "Subscribe" to 67587. You should receive confirmation that you are registered. Don't forget to ensure all of your contact information is correct at your student's school, too!